bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caveolin-1 accelerates hypoxia-induced endothelial dysfunction in high-altitude cerebral edema
Authors: Xue Yan , Wang Xueting , Wan Baolan , Wang Dongzhi , Li Meiqi , Cheng Kang , Luo Qianqian , Wang Dan , Lu Yapeng , Zhu Li
Published: October 2022

Background

High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is a serious and potentially fatal brain injury that is caused by acute hypobaric hypoxia (HH) exposure. Vasogenic edema is the main pathological factor of this condition. Hypoxia-induced disruptions of tight junctions in the endothelium trigger blood‒brain barrier (BBB) damage and induce vasogenic edema. Nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) acts as a major regulator of hypoxia-induced endothelial cell injury, and caveolin-1 (CAV-1) is upregulated as its downstream gene in hypoxic endothelial cells. This study aimed to investigate whether CAV-1 is involved in HACE progression and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were exposed to HH (7600 m above sea level) for 24 h, and BBB injury was assessed by brain water content, Evans blue staining and FITC-dextran leakage. Immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscope, transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), transcytosis assays, and western blotting were performed to confirm the role and underlying mechanism of CAV-1 in the disruption of tight junctions and BBB permeability. Mice or bEnd.3 cells were pretreated with MβCD, a specific blocker of CAV-1, and the effect of CAV-1 on claudin-5 internalization under hypoxic conditions was detected by immunofluorescence, western blotting, and TEER. The expression of NRF1 was knocked down, and the regulation of CAV-1 by NRF1 under hypoxic conditions was examined by qPCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence.

Results

The BBB was severely damaged and was accompanied by a significant loss of vascular tight junction proteins in HACE mice. CAV-1 was significantly upregulated in endothelial cells, and claudin-5 explicitly colocalized with CAV-1. During the in vitro experiments, hypoxia increased cell permeability, CAV-1 expression, and claudin-5 internalization and downregulated tight junction proteins. Simultaneously, hypoxia induced the upregulation of CAV-1 by activating NRF1. Blocking CAV-1-mediated intracellular transport improved the integrity of TJs in hypoxic endothelial cells and effectively inhibited the increase in BBB permeability and brain water content in HH animals.

Conclusions

Hypoxia upregulated CAV-1 transcription via the activation of NRF1 in endothelial cells, thus inducing the internalization and autophagic degradation of claudin-5. These effects lead to the destruction of the BBB and trigger HACE. Therefore, CAV-1 may be a potential therapeutic target for HACE.
Impact of personal and environmental factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding practices in the first six months during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand: a mixed-methods approach
Authors: Nuampa Sasitara , Ratinthorn Ameporn , Patil Crystal L. , Kuesakul Kornkanok , Prasong Sudhathai , Sudphet Metpapha
Published: October 2022

Background

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for six months is recommended as one of the most important ways to support child health and survival, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, breastfeeding women encountered several obstacles during the pandemic. The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey to document breastfeeding practices, EBF rates and associated factors with six month exclusive breastfeeding during the second wave of the coronavirus outbreak in Thailand.

Methods

A mixed-methods design that included a cross-sectional survey (n = 390) and semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 15) was carried out between August and November 2021. Participants were women aged ≥ 15 years who had given birth within 6–12 months before data collection and delivered in three public hospitals in the top three provinces with the most severe COVID-19 outbreaks.

Results

The median duration of EBF was four months (interquartile range, IQR: 1–6 months) and 37.4% of women exclusively breastfed for six months. From binary logistic regression models, several personal factors were associated with exclusive breastfeeding for six months including being a housewife (AOR 2.848; 95% CI 1.512, 5.367), perceived sufficiency of family income (AOR 2.502; 95% CI 1.362, 4.594), working from home/business (AOR 2.071; 95% CI 1.074, 3.995), breastfeeding intention (AOR 1.162; 95% CI 1.116, 1.210), and maternal age (AOR 0.932; 95% CI 0.882, 0.986). From qualitative interviews, women who were able to exclusively breastfed during the outbreak explained five themes that were a protective shield; I have to save money, I could spend all my time with my baby and breastfeed, spousal support is valuable, and opportunity to avoid the obstructed beliefs about exclusive breastfeeding.

Conclusions

Mothers with higher socioeconomic status and who were unemployed/worked from home and had support structures in place were able to successfully EBF during the COVID-19 outbreak. Healthcare providers can better support breastfeeding if they provide informational support and allow family members to participate in breastfeeding programs, especially spouses who provided key emotional and tangible support during pandemic.
scGWAS: landscape of trait-cell type associations by integrating single-cell transcriptomics-wide and genome-wide association studies
Authors: Jia Peilin , Hu Ruifeng , Yan Fangfang , Dai Yulin , Zhao Zhongming
Published: October 2022

Background

The rapid accumulation of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data presents unique opportunities to decode the genetically mediated cell-type specificity in complex diseases. Here, we develop a new method, scGWAS, which effectively leverages scRNA-seq data to achieve two goals: (1) to infer the cell types in which the disease-associated genes manifest and (2) to construct cellular modules which imply disease-specific activation of different processes.

Results

scGWAS only utilizes the average gene expression for each cell type followed by virtual search processes to construct the null distributions of module scores, making it scalable to large scRNA-seq datasets. We demonstrated scGWAS in 40 genome-wide association studies (GWAS) datasets (average sample sizeN≈ 154,000) using 18 scRNA-seq datasets from nine major human/mouse tissues (totaling 1.08 million cells) and identified 2533 trait and cell-type associations, each with significant modules for further investigation. The module genes were validated using disease or clinically annotated references from ClinVar, OMIM, and pLI variants.

Conclusions

We showed that the trait-cell type associations identified by scGWAS, while generally constrained to trait-tissue associations, could recapitulate many well-studied relationships and also reveal novel relationships, providing insights into the unsolved trait-tissue associations. Moreover, in each specific cell type, the associations with different traits were often mediated by different sets of risk genes, implying disease-specific activation of driving processes. In summary, scGWAS is a powerful tool for exploring the genetic basis of complex diseases at the cell type level using single-cell expression data.
Icariin alleviates osteoarthritis through PI3K/Akt/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Yan , Pan Xiaoli , Zhao Jing , Li Chunyan , Lin Yupei , Wang Yu , Liu Xu , Tian Mei
Published: October 2022

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the effects of Icariin (ICA) on interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced osteoarthritis (OA) and its potential mechanism of action.

Methods

SW1353 chondrocytes were pretreated with ICA for 2 h, followed by stimulation with IL-1β to mimic OA. Expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-3) and collagen II were determined using real-time PCR and Western blot assays. Autophagy activation (by ICA) or inhibition (by shRNA) was determined based on the expression levels of ULK1, Beclin-1, LC3-II/I, and p62, using Western blot analysis. The phosphorylation levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and ULK1 were also detected using Western blot analysis.

Results

IL-1β increased MMP-3 overproduction, induced collagen II degradation, and reduced the level of autophagy-associated proteins, including ULK1, Beclin-1, and LC3-II/I. In contrast, ICA pretreatment attenuated IL-1β-induced MMP-3 overproduction, increased collagen II expression, and induced expression of autophagy-related proteins. ICA also decreased PI3K, Akt, and mTOR phosphorylation, increased the production of ULK1, and induced autophagy. Short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of ULK1 led to activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, which reversed the protective effects of ICA.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that ICA can induce autophagy by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway. This study suggests that ICA may be effective for treating OA.
Study on the sleep quality of women pregnant with a second child and the influencing factors
Authors: Cai Yi-Min , Zheng Xia-Li , Shen Zhou-Min , Zhou Bi-Fang , Liu Yu-Ming , Yang Jia-Yu , Xie Nian
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To investigate the sleep quality of women pregnant with a second child and the influencing factors and provide a scientific basis for health care guidance to clinically improve the sleep quality of pregnant women.

Methods

A total of 162 women pregnant with a second child at a first-class tertiary hospital in Changsha from January to August 2018 were selected as the research subjects. General demographic characteristics were collected, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale was used to assess their sleep quality. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of the sleep quality of women pregnant with a second child.

Results

The PSQI score (except hypnotic drugs) and total score of pregnant women with second birth were higher than those of normal female population, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in sleep quality among women pregnant with a second child of different ages, marital relationships, gender expectations, education levels, monthly family incomes, planned or unplanned pregnancy, and gestational weeks (P < 0.05). The results of the multi-factor analysis showed that the low education level (OR = 0.224, P = 0.001), low family monthly income (OR = 3.035, P = 0.014), expectation of gender (OR = 0.065, P = 0.038), and dissatisfaction with marital relationship (OR = 0.275, P = 0.001) were the primary risk factors of poor sleep quality of in women with second pregnant.

Conclusions

The overall sleep quality of women pregnant with a second child is poor, and 37.65% have sleep quality problems. Low education levels, low family monthly incomes, fetal gender expectations, and poor relationship between husband and wife are the main factors affecting the sleep quality of women pregnant with a second child. Pregnant women with the above factors should pay attention to their sleep quality and take necessary measures for intervention and guidance to improve the level of health care during pregnancy.
IPSS-M has greater survival predictive accuracy compared with IPSS-R in persons ≥ 60 years with myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Wu Junying , Zhang Yudi , Qin Tiejun , Xu Zefeng , Qu Shiqiang , Pan Lijuan , Li Bing , Jia Yujiao , Li Chengwen , Wang Huijun , Gao Qingyan , Cai Wenyu , Gong Jingye , Zhao Songyang , Li Fuhui , Gale Robert Peter , Xiao Zhijian
Published: October 2022

There are considerable new data on mutation topography in persons with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). These data have been used to update conventional risk models such as the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R). Whether the molecular IPSS (IPSS-M) which includes these data improves survival prediction accuracy is untested. To answer this question, we compared survival prediction accuracies of the IPSS-R and IPSS-M in 852 consecutive subjects with de novo MDS. Concordance statistics (C-statistics) of the IPSS-R and IPSS-M in the entire cohort were similar, 0.67 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.64, 0.71) and 0.68 (0.64, 0.71). Average numbers of mutations and of IPSS-M related mutations were greater in persons ≥ 60 years (2.0 [Interquartile Range [IQR], 1, 3] vs. 1.6 [0, 2], P = 0.003; 1.6 [0, 2] vs. 1.3 [0, 2], P = 0.006). Subjects ≥ 60 years had a higher incidence of mutations in RUNX1, TP53, TET2, SRSF2, DNMT3A, STAG2, EZH2 and DDX41. In contrast, mutations in U2AF1 were more common in persons < 60 years. Next we tested survival prediction accuracy based on age < or ≥ 60 years. C-statistics of the IPSS-R and IPSS-M in subjects ≥ 60 years were 0.66 (0.61, 0.71) and 0.69 (0.64, 0.73) whereas in subjects < 60 years they were 0.67 (0.61, 0.72) and 0.65 (0.59, 0.71). These data indicate an advantage for the IPSS-M over the IPSS-R in subjects ≥ 60 years but not in those < 60 years probably because of a great frequency of mutations correlated with survival in those ≥ 60 years.
Analysis on in vitro effect of lithium on telomere length in lymphoblastoid cell lines from bipolar disorder patients with different clinical response to long-term lithium treatment
Authors: Squassina Alessio , Meloni Anna , Congiu Donatella , Bosganas Panagiotis , Patrinos George P. , Lin Rixing , Turecki Gustavo , Severino Giovanni , Ardau Raffaella , Chillotti Caterina , Pisanu Claudia
Published: October 2022

Background

It has been suggested that bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with clinical and biological features of accelerated aging. In our previous studies, we showed that long-term lithium treatment was correlated with longer leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in BD patients. A recent study explored the role of TL in BD using patients-derived lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), showing that baseline TL was shorter in BD compared to controls and that lithium in vitro increased TL but only in BD. Here, we used the same cell system (LCLs) to explore if a 7-day treatment protocol with lithium chloride (LiCl) 1 mM was able to highlight differences in TL between BD patients clinically responders (Li-R; n = 15) or non-responders (Li-NR; n = 15) to lithium, and if BD differed from non-psychiatric controls (HC; n = 15).

Results

There was no difference in TL between BD patients and HC. Moreover, LiCl did not influence TL in the overall sample, and there was no difference between diagnostic or clinical response groups. Likewise, LiCl did not affect TL in neural precursor cells from healthy donors.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a 7-day lithium treatment protocol and the use of LCLs might not represent a suitable approach to deepen our understanding on the role of altered telomere dynamics in BD as previously suggested by studies in vivo.
Responsiveness of the German version of the Neck Disability Index in chronic neck pain patients: a prospective cohort study with a seven-week follow-up
Authors: Langenfeld Anke , Gassner Antonia Pia , Wirth Brigitte , Mühlemann Malin Beth , Nyirö Luana , Bastiaenen Caroline , Swanenburg Jaap
Published: October 2022

Background

The need for an efficient and feasible strategy to deal with neck pain has a high priority for many countries. Validated assessment tools like the Neck Disability Index (NDI) to evaluate the functional status of a neck pain patient are urgently needed to treat and to follow-up patients purposefully. A German version (NDI-G) was shown to be valid and reliable, but has so far not been tested for responsiveness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the NDI-G`s responsiveness.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study with a seven-week follow-up. Fifty chronic neck pain patients filled out NDI-G twice. Additionally, the Patients’ Global Impression of Change score (PGIC) was assessed at follow-up. Wilcoxon and Spearman tests were used to assess direction and strength of the association between the change in NDI-G and PGIC. The receiver operating characteristics method and the area under the curve (AUC) were calculated to assess sensitivity and specificity of the NDI-G change over time.

Results

The Wilcoxon test showed statistically significant differences for NDI-G at baseline and follow-up in the total sample, the “clinically improved” and “clinically not improved” subgroups as indicated in the PGIC. Spearman test resulted in a moderate correlation between the NDI-G and the PGIC (rS = -0.53, p = 0.01) at follow-up. AUC showed an acceptable discrimination [AUC = 0.78 (95% confidence interval 0.64 – 0.91)] of the NDI-G, with a cutoff score of 1.5, between clinically improved and clinically not improved patients, based on the PGIC.

Conclusions

The NDI-G is responsive to change in chronic neck pain. Together with the results of a previous study on its validity and reliability, the NDI-G can be recommended for research and clinical settings in patients with neck pain in German speaking countries.

Trial registration

NCT02676141. February 8, 2016.
A case study investigating the effects of emergency vaccination with Brucella abortus A19 vaccine on a dairy farm undergoing an abortion outbreak in China
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Yan , Peng Qingjie , Xiang Zhijie , Chen Yingyu , Wang Guiqiang , Wu Xijuan , Guo Aizhen , Robertson Ian D.
Published: October 2022

Brucellosis is an important zoonosis that results in substantial economic losses to the livestock industry through abortions and reduced milk yield. This study investigated an abortion outbreak in a dairy herd and then explored the effects of emergency vaccination with Brucella abortus A19 vaccine on the incidence of abortion and milk yield. A full dose of vaccine (6 × 1010—12 × 1010 colony forming units, CFU) was administered subcutaneously to calves and non-pregnant heifers, and a reduced dose (6 × 108—12 × 108 CFU) to adult cows and pregnant replacement heifers. Rose Bengal Test was used to screen Brucella infection status and then positive samples were tested with a C-ELISA. Animals that tested positive for both tests were considered positive to Brucella spp. The animal-level seroprevalence of brucellosis was 23.1% (95% CI: 17.0, 30.2), and the attributable fraction of abortions in seropositive animals was 89.1% (95% CI: 64.3, 96.7). The odds of seropositivity were significantly higher in cows that aborted compared to cows that calved normally (OR = 21.4, 95% CI: 4.4, 168.4). Cows in sheds A2 and C1 were 10.2 (95% CI: 1.4, 128.0) and 17.0 (95% CI: 2.8, 190.3) times more likely to be seropositive than cows in shed B1. Antibodies were not detectable in most heifers 12 months post-vaccination. The effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing abortions was estimated to be 56.8% (95% CI: 15.8, 77.8) for the entire herd, but increased to 86.7% (95% CI: 4.4, 98.1) when only primiparous heifers were considered. Furthermore, a significant increase in the average herd 305-day milk yield one-year after vaccination was also observed relative to that in the previous three years. It is concluded that emergency vaccination of a dairy herd undergoing an abortion outbreak with the A19 vaccine effectively reduced the incidence of abortion and indirectly increased milk yield one-year after vaccination.
Innovative Methodology for Strengthening a Multidisciplinary Team Approach in Cities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Eaton Vanessa , Zambrano Angela , Sanabria Valeria , Lopez Roberto , Kyei Ishmael , Mra Rai , Sarchet Vanessa , Kremzier Megan , Borras Josep , Aung Thet Ko , Morton Doherty Rebecca , Henshall Susan , Camacho Rolando
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE

Delivering high-quality cancer care to patients through a multidisciplinary team (MDT) care approach remains a challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries characterized by fragmented health systems and limited human resources for cancer care. City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) is supporting cities in low- and middle-income countries as they work to improve access to equitable quality cancer care. C/Can has developed an innovative methodology to address the MDT gap, piloted in four cities—Asunciòn, Cali, Kumasi, and Yangon.

METHODS

Collaborating with a network of partners, C/Can and ASCO have developed a package of technical cooperation support focusing on two priority areas that have emerged as core needs: first developing consensus-based, city-wide patient management guidelines for the most common cancers and second, building capacity for the implementation of MDTs in institutions providing cancer care in the city.

RESULTS

The real-time application of C/Can's MDT approach in Cali and Asuncion underlined the importance of engaging the right stakeholders early on and embedding MDT guidelines in local and national regulatory frameworks to achieve their sustainable uptake. The results in Cali and Asuncion were essential for informing the process in Yangon, asserting the clear benefits of city-to-city knowledge exchange. Finally, the global COVID-19 pandemic prompted a rapid adaptation of the methodology from an in-person to virtual format; the unexpected success of the virtual program in Kumasi has led to its application in subsequent C/Can cities.

CONCLUSION

The application of C/Can's methodology in this first set of cities has reinforced not only the importance of both resource appropriate guidelines and a highly trained health workforce but also the need for commitment to work across institutions and disciplines.
Comparison of Atlantoaxial Intra-Articular Fusion and Posterior Structural Bone Grafting Techniques for Treating Atlantoaxial Dislocation
Authors: Guo Qunfeng , Zhu Jingyu , Yang Jun , Chen Fei , Wu Lecheng , Zhou Xin , Ni Bin
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND:

The structural bone grafting (SBG) technique provided high fusion rate and satisfied outcomes for treating atlantoaxial dislocation, but it is unclear whether the atlantoaxial intra-articular cage (AIC) technique can provide clinical results comparable with SBG technique.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the outcomes of 2 bone graft techniques applied in posterior C1-C2 screw-rod fixation and fusion surgery for treating atlantoaxial dislocation.

METHODS:

The data from 55 patients with atlantoaxial dislocation were retrospectively reviewed. The SBG technique had been used in 29 patients and the AIC technique in 26 patients. The outcomes were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopedic Association scale score, Neck Disability Index, and visual analog scale score for neck pain and compared between the 2 groups. The donor site complications were also recorded in SBG group, and donor site pain was assessed using a visual analog scale.

RESULTS:

In the final follow-up, the bone fusion rate was 100% in both groups. No significant differences were found in the bone fusion time between the 2 groups (P > .05). Postoperatively, the Japanese Orthopedic Association, Neck Disability Index, and visual analog scale score for neck pain indexes improved significantly within both SBG (all P < .05) and AIC groups (all P < .05). Nevertheless, there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups (all P > .05).

CONCLUSION:

The SBG and AIC techniques were both effective for achieving atlantoaxial arthrodesis, and the AIC technique is a perfect alternative to the SBG technique when the posterior arch of C1 is incompetent.
Animals, quality and the pursuit of relevance
Authors: Svenson Karen L. , Krasinski Stephen D. , Ellis Michael , Rosenthal Nadia , Liu Edison T. , Fasman Kenneth H.
Published: October 2022

In 2021, the National Institutes of Health Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD) announced recommendations to improve the reproducibility of biomedical research using animals. In response, The Jackson Laboratory faculty and institutional leaders identified key strategies to further address this important issue. Taking inspiration from the evolution of clinical trials over recent decades in response to similar challenges, we identified opportunities for improvement, including establishment of common standards, use of genetically diverse populations, requirement for robust study design with appropriate statistical methods, and improvement in public databases to facilitate meta-analyses. In this Perspective, we share our response to ACD recommendations, with a specific focus on mouse models, with the aim of promoting continued active dialogue among researchers, using any animal system, worldwide. Such discussion will help to inform the biomedical community about these recommendations and further support their much-needed implementation.
Reduced dynamin-1 levels in neurons lacking MUNC18-1
Authors: Lammertse Hanna C. A. , Moro Alessandro , Saarloos Ingrid , Toonen Ruud F. , Verhage Matthijs
Published: October 2022

MUNC18-1 (also known as syntaxin-binding protein-1, encoded by Stxbp1) binds to syntaxin-1. Together, these proteins regulate synaptic vesicle exocytosis and have a separate role in neuronal viability. In Stxbp1 null mutant neurons, syntaxin-1 protein levels are reduced by 70%. Here, we show that dynamin-1 protein levels are reduced at least to the same extent, and transcript levels of Dnm1 (which encodes dynamin-1) are reduced by 50% in Stxbp1 null mutant brain. Several, but not all, other endocytic proteins were also found to be reduced, but to a lesser extent. The reduced dynamin-1 expression was not observed in SNAP25 null mutants or in double-null mutants of MUNC13-1 and -2 (also known as Unc13a and Unc13b, respectively), in which synaptic vesicle exocytosis is also blocked. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that dynamin-1 and MUNC18-1 do not bind directly. Furthermore, MUNC18-1 levels were unaltered in neurons lacking all three dynamin paralogues. Finally, overexpression of dynamin-1 was not sufficient to rescue neuronal viability in Stxbp1 null mutant neurons; thus, the reduction in dynamin-1 is not the single cause of neurodegeneration of these neurons. The reduction in levels of dynamin-1 protein and mRNA, as well as of other endocytosis proteins, in Stxbp1 null mutant neurons suggests that MUNC18-1 directly or indirectly controls expression of other presynaptic genes.
Go with the flow – bulk transport by molecular motors
Authors: Lu Wen , Gelfand Vladimir I.
Published: October 2022

Cells are the smallest building blocks of all living eukaryotic organisms, usually ranging from a couple of micrometers (for example, platelets) to hundreds of micrometers (for example, neurons and oocytes) in size. In eukaryotic cells that are more than 100 µm in diameter, very often a self-organized large-scale movement of cytoplasmic contents, known as cytoplasmic streaming, occurs to compensate for the physical constraints of large cells. In this Review, we discuss cytoplasmic streaming in multiple cell types and the mechanisms driving this event. We particularly focus on the molecular motors responsible for cytoplasmic movements and the biological roles of cytoplasmic streaming in cells. Finally, we describe bulk intercellular flow that transports cytoplasmic materials to the oocyte from its sister germline cells to drive rapid oocyte growth.
Acute Effect of Caffeine Supplementation on 100-m Sprint Running Performance: A Field Test
Authors: MATSUMURA TEPPEI , TOMOO KEIGO , SUGIMOTO TAKESHI , TSUKAMOTO HAYATO , SHINOHARA YASUSHI , OTSUKA MITSUO , HASHIMOTO TAKESHI
Published: October 2022

Purpose

No study has assessed the acute effect of caffeine supplementation on 100-m sprint running in athletics and caffeine’s net ergogenicity on 100-m sprint running remains unclear. We investigated the acute effects of caffeine supplementation on 100-m sprint running performance in a field test.

Methods

Thirteen male collegiate sprinters were subjected to 100-m sprint running time trials (TT) after the ingestion of 6 mg·kg−1 body weight caffeine or placebo supplementation in a double-blind, counterbalanced, randomized, and crossover design. Sprint velocity was measured with a laser system, and sprint time was calculated from the data in which the effects of environmental factors that would act as confounding factors on sprint time during TT were eliminated.

Results

The corrected 100-m sprint time was significantly shortened by 0.14 s with caffeine supplementation compared with placebo (placebo: 11.40 ± 0.39 s, caffeine: 11.26 ± 0.33 s; P = 0.007, g = −0.33). The corrected sprint time up to 60 m during TT was also significantly shorter with caffeine supplementation than with placebo (P = 0.002). Furthermore, the mean sprint velocity for splits of 0–10 and 10–20 m was significantly increased by caffeine supplementation (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Acute caffeine supplementation enhanced the corrected 100-m sprint time by improving the sprint performance in the first 60 m after more explosive acceleration in the early stage of the acceleration phase. Thus, for the first time, we directly demonstrated caffeine’s ergogenicity on 100-m sprint performance in athletics.
Exercise-Induced Antisenescence and Autophagy Restoration Mitigate Metabolic Disorder–Induced Cardiac Disruption in Mice
Authors: KO JOUNGBO , JANG YOUNG C. , QUINDRY JOHN , GUTTMANN RODNEY , COSIO-LIMA LUDMILA , POWERS SCOTT K. , LEE YOUNGIL
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Metabolic disorder promotes premature senescence and poses more severe cardiac dysfunction in females than males. Although endurance exercise (EXE) has been known to confer cardioprotection against metabolic diseases, whether EXE-induced cardioprotection is associated with mitigating senescence in females remains unknown. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine metabolic disorder–induced cardiac anomalies (cellular senescence, metabolic signaling, and autophagy) using a mouse model of obese/type 2 diabetes induced by a high-fat/high-fructose (HFD/HF) diet.

Methods

Female C57BL/6 mice (10 wk old) were assigned to three groups (n = 11/group): normal diet group (CON), HFD/HF group, and HFD/HF diet + endurance exercise (HFD/HF + EXE) group. Upon confirmation of hyperglycemia and overweight after 12 wk of HFD/HF diet, mice assigned to HFD/HF + EXE group started treadmill running exercise (60 min·d−1, 5 d·wk−1 for 12 wk), with HFD/HF diet continued.

Results

EXE ameliorated HFD/HF-induced body weight gain and hyperglycemia, improved insulin signaling and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) levels, and counteracted cardiac disruption. EXE reversed HFD/HF-induced myocyte premature senescence (e.g., prevention of p53, p21, p16, and lipofuscin accumulation), resulting in suppression of a senescence-associated secretory phenotype such as inflammation (tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-1β) and oxidative stress (protein carbonylation). Moreover, EXE restored HFD/HF-induced autophagy flux deficiency, evidenced by increased LC3-II concomitant with p62 reduction and restoration of lysosome function-related proteins (LAMP2, CATHEPSIN L, TFEB, and SIRT1). More importantly, EXE retrieved HFD/HF-induced apoptosis arrest (e.g., increased cleaved CASPASE3, PARP, and TUNEL-positive cells).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that EXE-induced antisenescence phenotypes, autophagy restoration, and promotion of propitiatory cell removal by apoptosis play a crucial role in cardiac protection against metabolic distress–induced cardiac disruption.
The Characteristic Response of the Human Leukocyte Transcriptome to 60 Days of Bed Rest and to Reambulation
Authors: STRATIS DANIEL , TRUDEL GUY , ROCHELEAU LYNDA , PELCHAT MARTIN , LANEUVILLE ODETTE
Published: October 2022

Introduction

We sought to isolate the microgravity effect of spaceflight from other space stressors by characterizing the leukocytes’ transcriptome of participants to a 60-d bed rest study; an Earth model of microgravity.

Methods

Twenty healthy men received a nutritional supplement or not and 10 blood samples were collected throughout three study phases: baseline data collection (BDC) (BDC-12, BDC-11), head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest (HDT1, HDT2, HDT30, HDT60), and reambulation (R1, R2, R12, R30). We measured gene expression through RNA sequencing of leukocytes, applied generalized linear models to assess differential expression followed by enrichment analysis to identify temporal changes (model 1) and to measure the impact of a nutritional supplement (model 2).

Results

Baseline transcriptomes included 14,624 protein-coding transcripts and showed both high intraindividual correlations (mean Kendall coefficient, 0.91 ± 0.04) and interindividual homogeneity (0.89 ± 0.03). We identified 2415 differentially expressed protein-coding transcripts grouping into six clusters (C1–C6). At phase transitions, clusters showed either a decrease-then-increase (C3 and C5) or an increase-then-decrease (C1, C2, C6) pattern. All six clusters converged toward average expression at HDT30 and HDT60. Gene ontology terms at baseline related to immune functions while in bed rest and reambulation related to sequestration of ions, immune response, cellular stress, and mineralization. The nutritional intervention had no effect.

Conclusions

The temporal profiles of leukocytes’ transcriptomes emphasized the dynamic nature of gene expression occurring during and after bed rest. Enriched biological processes among the differentially expressed genes included immune related and unrelated responses. The convergence toward no differential expression at days 30 and 60 of bed rest suggests a hypometabolic state. Current findings can guide future work on the complex responses and adaptation mechanisms to microgravity.
An exploration of prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy: a scoping review protocol
Authors: McGovern Liz , Geraghty Aisling , McAuliffe Fionnuala , O'Reilly Sharleen
Published: October 2022

Objective: To synthesise the evidence on prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy, including identifying concepts and theoretical frameworks that underpin its development, the evidence on its measurement, interventions used to improve it, and association with breastfeeding outcomes.

Background: Breastfeeding self-efficacy is described as a woman’s self-belief and confidence in her perceived ability to breastfeed. It is a modifiable measure that is strongly associated with breastfeeding outcomes such as initiation, exclusivity, and duration. Interventions aimed at increasing self-efficacy are often in the postnatal period and have been shown to be effective at improving breastfeeding outcomes. The prenatal period appears to be underexplored in the literature and yet focusing on enhancing it may have the potential for further improvements in self-efficacy and on subsequent breastfeeding outcomes. A comprehensive knowledge synthesis on prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy is lacking.

Methods: The search will include databases across health, psychology, sociology, and the grey literature on breastfeeding guidance. Once the PCC framework (Problem: breastfeeding, Concept: self-efficacy, Context: prenatal period) is met, sources of evidence from any contextual setting will be eligible for inclusion. Limits will not be applied on geographic location or year of publication. The PRISMA-ScR flow diagram of search and study selection will be used to report final figures. Two independent reviewers will perform title and abstract screening, full-text review, and data extraction. Data will be charted to provide a logical and descriptive summary of the results that align with the objectives.

Conclusion: The results will provide an understanding of what has been done in the space and what gaps exist, informing recommendations for the timing of measurement and the design of prenatal interventions.
The role of the dietitian in the hospital team. The current situation in Poland in relation to the needs of society
Authors: Helisz Paulina , Gwioździk Weronika , Kaczmarczyk Natalia , Całyniuk Beata , Kujawińska Maria , Grajek Mateusz , Krupa-Kotara Karolina
Published: October 2022

Background: Nutrition that is adequate to the patient’s health status is a component of co-determining factors in improving the patient’s health. Moreover, appropriate activities of a dietician, such as assessing the nutritional status or educating patients, are counted among the determinants conditioning the effectiveness of the conducted treatment. The number of employed dietitians in hospitals is low, which results in 76-740 patients per one specialist, which in turn makes effective education impossible. The aim of this study was to compare the duties of dietitians working in Polish hospitals in relation to the needs of the society. Material and methods: The research tool consisted of two original, anonymous questionnaires, addressed to the Polish public and to active dietitians. The analysis of results was based on 595 questionnaire results, including 93 from nutritionists. Results: Of the respondents who were admitted to the hospital ward, 83.3% had no contact with a nutritionist (N=347). The surveyed dietitians most often declared that there were two dietitians working at the health care provider employing them, with the smallest number being 1 and the largest number being 55. Only one in three respondents received dietary recommendations upon discharge from the hospital (N=133; 32.1%). Nearly half of dietitians do not prepare menus (48.4%). According to the public, a dietitian should be involved in nutritional counseling, developing menus for the hospital kitchen or catering, and nutritional recommendations for patients discharged from the hospital. Conclusions: Dietitians with the right qualifications and specialties, integrated into the health care workforce, can have a huge impact on the proper dietary therapy of patients. As a result, there is a high probability of increasing the effectiveness of treatment, resulting in health service savings and support for the medical community.
Analysis of selected methods of diagnostics and physiotherapy of pes plano-valgus in children
Authors: Pardus Kamila , Stencel-Gabriel Krystyna , Kurdyś Paulina , Konwant Dawid , Nowak Urszula
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Flat feet is one of the most common posture defects among children and it usually co-occurs with valgus of the heels, which is called pes plano-valgus. There are many diagnostic methods and physiotherapeutic activities that allow for early detection and appropriate correction of the defect. The use of non-surgical methods may allow the child to avoid surgery in the future.
Aim and Methods: Review and analysis of the current scientific literature on the diagnosis and physiotherapy of plano-valgus feet in children.
Conclusions: In the diagnostic process, there are many static and dynamic methods for the assessment of plano-valgus foot among children. Special devices such as plantoconturograph, podoscope, and pedobarographic mat are used in the diagnosis of feet in children and have proven to be helpful in the detailed analysis of foot defects. However, an extensive range of physiotherapeutic methods allows for comprehensive treatment using not only corrective exercises, but also physical therapy treatments in order to relieve pain and accelerate recovery. Orthopedic appliances, such as supination insoles, also play an important role in the treatment. The best results were seen in the use of comprehensive treatment and multiple terapeutic methods. Early detection and correct diagnosis of foot abnormalities allow for appropriate treatment with the use of a wide range of physiotherapy methods. This increases the chances of restoring normal foot functions among children and reducing pain with other abnormal symptoms.
Héctor Rojas Herazo, un periodismo intemporal.
Authors: Lara Ramos David , Esquiaqui Buelvas Jair
Published: October 2022

Héctor Rojas Herazo (1921-2002) se alza como una de las figuras más representativas de las letras y las artes colombianas del siglo XX. Su legado en el periodismo, así como su amplia obra narrativa, poética y pictórica le posicionan en un lugar destacado dentro de los referentes que marcaron toda una generación de librepensadores entre los que vale la pena mencionar, entre otros, a Gabriel García Márquez. Con un estilo único, en los que eran palpables elementos existencialistas, pero también ideológicos, su paso por el periodismo en diferentes diarios colombianos ha sido motivo de innumerables estudios y trabajos académicos. Este artículo busca realizar una aproximación a la idea de periodismo presente en Rojas Herazo, y el papel de la cultura en esa idea, por medio de una minuciosa recolección de fuentes primarias como entrevistas concedidas en vida, así como de referencias de autores, teniendo como guía metodológica el caso de estudio. Es posible determinar, pues, que las características de su estilo y su legado para las letras iberoamericanas lo convierten en un referente de gran valor para las futuras generaciones de periodistas culturales.
Las peticiones en línea como forma de participación ciudadana en la industria cultural. Estudio de caso: Netflix y Change.org.
Authors: Salazar Martínez Rafael Ángel , Pérez Escolar Marta
Published: October 2022

Durante la última década, se advierte un incremento de la participación ciudadana en torno a Netflix desde el sitio de peticiones en línea Change.org. La relevancia que, en tal sentido, esta industrial cultural ha adquirido para su masiva audiencia, se manifiesta con particular énfasis en la América Latina de habla hispana. De ello dan cuenta las 683 iniciativas que se examinan en el presente trabajo, mediante el análisis de contenido facilitado por el programa NVivo 11, la observación directa y la revisión bibliográfica y documental. Se persigue un objetivo encaminado a identificar los rasgos y productos de la plataforma de streaming que se expresan, interpelan e impactan a través de tales iniciativas. Los principales hallazgos demuestran una correlación entre el número de peticiones y el de los suscriptores de Netflix, así como entre su crecimiento y el número de iniciativas impulsadas durante el encuadre temporal del estudio, en los países que forman parte de él. Se verifica, asimismo, una cifra numéricamente representativa de suscriptores que, mediante sus firmas, se han venido pronunciando durante el sexenio anterior. Se determinan, igualmente, ciertas preferencias de los suscriptores latinoamericanos, evidenciadas en los audiovisuales objetos de demanda. Se concluye que, a pesar del bajo impacto constatado, las peticiones en línea constituyen una forma de participación ciudadana que satisface necesidades expresivas clausuradas por Netflix, con el potencial de incidir en los productos de su catálogo audiovisual.
"Zur Beute den Hunden und den Vögeln zum Mahl": Zu den iliadischen Implikationen in Aesch. Supp. 800-801.
Authors: Bär Silvio
Published: October 2022

Im letzten Stasimon von Aischylos’ Hiketiden singen die Danaiden ein Lied der Angst und Verzweiflung angesichts der Ankunft ihrer Verfolger, der Söhne des Aigyptos, wobei sie Suizid in Erwägung ziehen und anmerken, dass es ihnen nichts ausmachen würde, wenn ihre Leichen den Hunden und Vögeln zur Beute vorgeworfen würden. Dieser Hinweis auf das Proömium der Ilias löst verschiedene Assoziationen aus. Erstens suggeriert er die groteske Möglichkeit einer Leichenschändung der Danaiden. Zweitens verstärkt er die Abscheu der Danaiden vor den Söhnen des Aigyptos infolge ihrer Gleichgültigkeit gegenüber der Horrorvorstellung dessen, was mit ihren Leichen passieren könnte. Schließlich evoziert er auch die iliadische Διὸς βουλή und impliziert damit, dass das Schicksal der Danaiden Bestandteil vom Plane des Zeus sei
FESTVS, VIBIORVM LIBERTVS.
Authors: Caballos Rufino Antonio F.
Published: October 2022

Edición de una inscripción de comienzos del Imperio de cuidada labra, protagonizada por Festus, liberto de unos Vibii, que destaca por los taladros de su perímetro, destinados a la fijación de un marco superpuesto, actualmente perdido.
El tesoro de áureos hallado en Itálica.
Authors: Chaves Tristán Francisca
Published: October 2022

Se actualiza la clasificación del tesoro de “El Pajar de Artillo” (Itálica, Sevilla), con 144 áureos, una barra de oro y otra de plata. Su hallazgo es conocido desde 1898 pero nunca se ha estudiado con detenimiento. A pesar de que las piezas no se conservaron, sí se hizo una detallada descripción no solo de ellas sino de interesantes datos acerca de su descubrimiento que hasta ahora no se han valorado. Teniendo estos en cuenta y también las aportaciones de la investigación arqueológica en la zona donde se produjo el hallazgo, planteamos nuevas hipótesis sobre la entidad del mismo.
Frederico: un miembro de la dinastía visigoda de los Baltingos.
Authors: Serrano Madroñal Raúl
Published: October 2022

: En la actualidad, no existe ningún trabajo monográfico de investigación dedicado en exclusividad al hermano de Teodorico II. Empero, fuentes tardo-antiguas tan esenciales como Hidacio, Sidonio Apolinar, la Chronica Gallica del 511, la correspondencia del papa Hilario o Jordanes han legado informaciones sustanciales sobre el artífice de la derrota de los bagaudas tarraconenses. Teniendo en cuenta el notorio vacío bibliográfico, el presente artículo persigue dilucidar los aspectos más significativos de su biografía, haciendo especial hincapié en la conspiración contra Turismundo, en su victoria contra los bagaudas y en su fallecimiento en combate frente a Egidio y los francos.
Szanse i zagrożenia polityki kosmicznej Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Smolik Bartosz
Published: October 2022

The author presents elements of the European Union space policy and analyses them,
considering the opportunities that they offer and threats that they may pose. In this
context, however, the reader will first be introduced to the Space Strategy for Europe,
as well as the EU Space Program established for 2021-2027 as pivotal documents at the
current stage of the development of the EU space policy. Then, elements of this policy
were analysed, i.e. EU flagship programmes such as the geolocation system Galileo,
together with EGNOS, the Copernicus Earth observation programme, programmes for the
advancement of space security, including in particular the already functioning EU Space
Surveillance and Tracking (EUSST) support framework which is considered a sub-component
of the Space Situational Awareness programme, and finally, GOVSATCOM, an extensive
programme of secure government and institutional satellite communications.
Obszar „Przestrzeń kosmiczna” w programach ramowych Unii Europejskiej od 7PR do
programu Horyzont Europa (2007-2021)
Authors: Świerczyński Piotr
Published: October 2022

Funding for space research and innovation in the framework programmes dates back
to the EU’s Sixth Framework Programme (FP6-2002-2006). In parallel to the framework
programme, the European Union began to develop the European Space Policy mainly based on
Copernicus, i.e. the EU’s Earth observation programme, and on the Satellite Navigation
Programme Galileo, both of which are referred to as EU space flagship programmes.
According to the current financial plan for 2021–2027, European Union expenditure on the
European Space Programme and outer space supports the development of space technologies
in the EU framework programme Horizon Europe. It will exceed EUR 16 billion. This is a
great opportunity for the development of the Polish and European space sector.