bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morpho-textural changes of the patellar tendon in professional volleyball players: a six month longitudinal study
Authors: A. de Groot Ferrando
Published: December 2019

Introduction Tendinopathy is a term used to describe a clinical presentation of pain and dysfunction, which, at times, is accompanied by pathologic structural changes in the tendon matrix. Jumper's knee has been studied for some time, however the etiology is still unknown. The deep fibers of the proximal region are the most affected area in tendinopathies affecting the patellar tendon. Ultrasound (US) scanning may have the greatest sensitivity for confirming clinically diagnosed patellar tendinopathy compared with other imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance. Some studies have found that a minimum of six months is required to observe significant structural changes, although other studies reveal that structural changes can be visible in a shorter period of time. Thus, sonography has been used to evaluate quantitative variables such as thickness, echogenicity, texture measures and the internal tendon matrix.

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sonographic behavior of morpho-textural changes of the patellar tendon in professional male volleyball players over a one year season.

Material and Methods This is an observational, longitudinal and analytical study. A sample of 66 patellar tendons from 33 volleyball players of the Spanish super league was recruited, with an average of: 28 years, 86kg and 192cm. An ultrasound scan was performed using the Sonosite Titan ultrasound system, L38, 5–10 MHz, with a cross section of 5mm from the lower pole of the patella. Two depths were analyzed: a.39mm: echogenicity, echogenicity variation, circularity, width and thickness. b.24mm: entropy and contrast. Statistical analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for repeated measures and, in addition, the effect size was calculated with Cohen's d. The confidence interval was 95%. SPSS Statistics software was used.

Results For textural variables: contrast increased significantly with an average effect size, and entropy showed no significant difference. Circularity was significantly lower. Width was shown to be significantly greater, with an average effect size, while thickness was reduced significantly. Regarding echogenicity, no significant changes were detected and variation in echogenicity did not show significant changes.

Conclusions Imaging analysis could be a potential tool to detect changes in the pattern of patellar tendons. Some morpho-textural changes were found in male volleyball players: the textural contrast variable increases significantly throughout the annual season, meaning that the tendon becomes slightly flatter and loses circularity in its transverse section. The entropy and echogenic parameters obtained from the gray-scale histogram did not reveal any significant changes.
Effect of MoS2 film on memristor characteristics of ZnO film
Authors: Jagannadham K.
Published: December 2019

Memory resistive devices using a ZnO dielectric layer are promising due to the transparent nature, lower operating voltage, synthesis compatible with semiconductor processing, and ability to control using magnetic fields. In the present work, niobium incorporated MoS2 films in combination with ZnO are used to form diode-resistor devices with memory. The two device structures p-Si-SiO2/Pt/MoS2(Nb)/ZnO/Ag and p-Si-SiO2/Pt/ZnO/Ag are grown using laser physical vapor deposition. The resistive characteristics are investigated as a function of temperature for comparison. The unipolar I-V characteristics of Pt/ZnO/Ag device films were found to be nonreproducible, and the temperature dependence was irregular for negative polarity. The unipolar I-V characteristics of Pt/MoS2(Nb)/ZnO/Ag device films were found to be reproducible. The temperature dependence of the I-V characteristics was regular for both polarities. The presence of a MoS2 film is found to improve and distinguish the effect of the polarity of the applied field on the unipolar device characteristics by the formation of a p-n device configuration. The conductance in the transition from a low resistance state to a high resistance state was found to follow the Schottky emission with the apparent barrier height being influenced by the p-n junction.
Review of high intensity ion source development and operation
Authors: Pardo Richard
Published: December 2019

The Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Source (ECRIS) has transformed the nuclear physics research field over the last 47 years. Today, the performance of ion sources is the first parameter that defines the design performance of existing facilities as well as the design approach and performance of new facilities. In this paper, I will review the current “state of the art” performance capabilities for ECRISs as well as other ion sources and how those current capabilities form the primary design criteria for new nuclear physics facilities and set the limiting performance for existing facilities. I will close with a short-term look into the future for these ion sources and other competing types.
Low-magnetic field effect and electrically detected magnetic resonance measurements of photocurrent in vacuum vapor deposition films of weak charge-transfer pyrene/dimethylpyromellitdiimide (Py/DMPI) complex
Authors: Hagi Shogo , Kato Ken , Hinoshita Masumi , Yoshino Harukazu , Shikoh Eiji , Teki Yoshio
Published: December 2019

Magnetic field effect (MFE) and electrically detected magnetic resonance (EDMR) measurements of photocurrent have been conducted to clarify the excited-state dynamics in films of an organic weak charge-transfer (CT) complex, Pyrene/Dimethylpyromellitdiimide (Py/DMPI), fabricated by vacuum vapor deposition. Low-field MFE measurements of the photocurrent were carried out using an interdigitated platinum electrode made on a quartz substrate as well as the re-examination of the photocurrent and MFE in the range of 3–200 mT. The spin-dependent carrier dynamics leading to the low-field MFE are reasonably simulated as the low-field effect due to the hyperfine mechanism in the radical-pair intersystem crossing, which was solved through the Liouville equations of the density matrix for the stepwise hopping model in the doublet electron-hole pair (DD pair mechanism). Single-crystal time-resolved electron spin resonance measurement was also carried out to justify the MFE mechanism. The averaged trap depth (Etrap) of the triplet exciton was estimated to be +640 ± 89 cm−1 (Etrap/kB = +921 ± 128 K) by the temperature dependence of the signal intensity. This finding gave confidential experimental evidence for the majority of the trapped triplet exciton (3ext). The EDMR experiment directly revealed the evidence of the weakly coupled electron-hole pairs. The effective activation energies (ΔE) for the separation from the photoinduced CT state to the mobile carries are 1200–1900 cm−1 (ΔE/kB = 1700–2700 K). A systematic protocol to clarify the photo-generated carrier dynamics in weak CT complexes is demonstrated, and our findings from this method give not only further support for the two types of collision mechanisms assumed in our previous work but also the detailed information of the carrier dynamics of the weak CT complex, including the activation energy and trapping/detrapping process, which have significant influence on the performance of the organic devices.
Generalized quantum cumulant dynamics
Authors: Bowen J. J. , Everitt M. J. , Phillips I. W. , Dwyer V. M.
Published: December 2019

A means of unifying some semiclassical models of computational chemistry is presented; these include quantized Hamiltonian dynamics, quantal cumulant dynamics, and semiclassical Moyal dynamics (SMD). A general method for creating the infinite hierarchy of operator dynamics in the Heisenberg picture is derived together with a general method for truncation (or closure) of that series, and in addition, we provide a simple link to the phase space methods of SMD. Operator equations of arbitrary order may be created readily, avoiding the tedious algebra identified previously. Truncation is based on a simple recurrence formula which is related to, but avoids the more complex contractions of, Wick’s theorem. This generalized method is validated against a number of trial problems considered using the previous methods. We also touch on some of the limitations involved using such methods, noting, in particular, that any truncation will lead to a state which is in some sense unphysical. Finally, we briefly introduce our quantum algebra package QuantAL which provides an automated method for the generation of the required equation set, the initial conditions for all variables from any start, and all the higher order approximations necessary for truncation of the series, at essentially arbitrary order.
Translational implications of the anatomical nonequivalence of functionally equivalent cholinergic circuit motifs
Authors: Disney Anita A. , Robert Jason S.
Published: December 2019

Biomedical research is at a critical juncture, with an aging population increasingly beset by chronic illness and prominent failures to translate research from “bench to bedside.” These challenges emerge on a background of increasing “silo-ing” of experiments (and experimenters)—many investigators produce and consume research conducted in 1, perhaps 2, species—and increasing pressure to reduce or eliminate research on so-called “higher” mammals. Such decisions to restrict species diversity in biomedical research have not been data-driven and increase the risk of translational failure. To illustrate this problem, we present a case study from neuroscience: cholinergic suppression in the cortex. In all mammals studied so far, acetylcholine reduces activity in some cortical neurons. Comparative anatomical studies have shown that the mechanism behind this suppression differs between species in a manner that would render drug treatments developed in nonprimate species entirely ineffective if applied to primates (including humans). Developing clinical interventions from basic research will always require translation, either between species (e.g., using a mouse model of a human disease) or within a species (using a subset of humans as a representative sample for all humans). We argue that successful translation will require that we 1) be data-driven in our selection of species for study; 2) use (with careful attention to welfare) animals that minimize the translation gap to humans; and 3) become agile at translation, by resisting the pressures to narrow our focus to a small number of organisms, instead using species diversity as an opportunity to practice translation.
Understanding the development of amblyopia using macaque monkey models
Authors: Kiorpes Lynne
Published: December 2019

Amblyopia is a sensory developmental disorder affecting as many as 4% of children around the world. While clinically identified as a reduction in visual acuity and disrupted binocular function, amblyopia affects many low- and high-level perceptual abilities. Research with nonhuman primate models has provided much needed insight into the natural history of amblyopia, its origins and sensitive periods, and the brain mechanisms that underly this disorder. Amblyopia results from abnormal binocular visual experience and impacts the structure and function of the visual pathways beginning at the level of the primary visual cortex (V1). However, there are multiple instances of abnormalities in areas beyond V1 that are not simply inherited from earlier stages of processing. The full constellation of deficits must be taken into consideration in order to understand the broad impact of amblyopia on visual and visual–motor function. The data generated from studies of animal models of the most common forms of amblyopia have provided indispensable insight into the disorder, which has significantly impacted clinical practice. It is expected that this translational impact will continue as ongoing research into the neural correlates of amblyopia provides guidance for novel therapeutic approaches.
The primate model for understanding and restoring vision
Authors: Picaud Serge , Dalkara Deniz , Marazova Katia , Goureau Olivier , Roska Botond , Sahel José-Alain
Published: December 2019

Retinal degenerative diseases caused by photoreceptor cell death are major causes of irreversible vision loss. As only primates have a macula, the nonhuman primate (NHP) models have a crucial role not only in revealing biological mechanisms underlying high-acuity vision but also in the development of therapies. Successful translation of basic research findings into clinical trials and, moreover, approval of the first therapies for blinding inherited and age-related retinal dystrophies has been reported in recent years. This article explores the value of the NHP models in understanding human vision and reviews their contribution to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to save and restore vision.
Cerebral cortical folding, parcellation, and connectivity in humans, nonhuman primates, and mice
Authors: Van Essen David C. , Donahue Chad J. , Coalson Timothy S. , Kennedy Henry , Hayashi Takuya , Glasser Matthew F.
Published: December 2019

Advances in neuroimaging and neuroanatomy have yielded major insights concerning fundamental principles of cortical organization and evolution, thus speaking to how well different species serve as models for human brain function in health and disease. Here, we focus on cortical folding, parcellation, and connectivity in mice, marmosets, macaques, and humans. Cortical folding patterns vary dramatically across species, and individual variability in cortical folding increases with cortical surface area. Such issues are best analyzed using surface-based approaches that respect the topology of the cortical sheet. Many aspects of cortical organization can be revealed using 1 type of information (modality) at a time, such as maps of cortical myelin content. However, accurate delineation of the entire mosaic of cortical areas requires a multimodal approach using information about function, architecture, connectivity, and topographic organization. Comparisons across the 4 aforementioned species reveal dramatic differences in the total number and arrangement of cortical areas, particularly between rodents and primates. Hemispheric variability and bilateral asymmetry are most pronounced in humans, which we evaluated using a high-quality multimodal parcellation of hundreds of individuals. Asymmetries include modest differences in areal size but not in areal identity. Analyses of cortical connectivity using anatomical tracers reveal highly distributed connectivity and a wide range of connection weights in monkeys and mice; indirect measures using functional MRI suggest a similar pattern in humans. Altogether, a multifaceted but integrated approach to exploring cortical organization in primate and nonprimate species provides complementary advantages and perspectives.
Understanding Parkinson’s disease and deep brain stimulation: Role of monkey models
Authors: Vitek Jerrold L. , Johnson Luke A.
Published: December 2019

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder affecting over 10 million people worldwide. In the 1930s and 1940s there was little understanding regarding what caused PD or how to treat it. In a desperate attempt to improve patients’ lives different regions of the neuraxis were ablated. Morbidity and mortality were common, but some patients’ motor signs improved with lesions involving the basal ganglia or thalamus. With the discovery of
l
-dopa the advent of medical therapy began and surgical approaches became less frequent. It soon became apparent, however, that medical therapy was associated with side effects in the form of drug-induced dyskinesia and motor fluctuations and surgical therapies reemerged. Fortunately, during this time studies in monkeys had begun to lay the groundwork to understand the functional organization of the basal ganglia, and with the discovery of the neurotoxin MPTP a monkey model of PD had been developed. Using this model scientists were characterizing the physiological changes that occurred in the basal ganglia in PD and models of basal ganglia function and dysfunction were proposed. This work provided the rationale for the return of pallidotomy, and subsequently deep brain stimulation procedures. In this paper we describe the evolution of these monkey studies, how they provided a greater understanding of the pathophysiology underlying the development of PD and provided the rationale for surgical procedures, the search to understand mechanisms of DBS, and how these studies have been instrumental in understanding PD and advancing the development of surgical therapies for its treatment.
HLAand autoantibodies define scleroderma subtypes and risk in African and European Americans and suggest a role for molecular mimicry
Authors: Gourh Pravitt , Safran Sarah A. , Alexander Theresa , Boyden Steven E. , Morgan Nadia D. , Shah Ami A. , Mayes Maureen D. , Doumatey Ayo , Bentley Amy R. , Shriner Daniel , Domsic Robyn T. , Medsger Thomas A. , Ramos Paula S. , Silver Richard M. , Steen Virginia D. , Varga John , Hsu Vivien , Saketkoo Lesley Ann , Schiopu Elena , Khanna Dinesh , Gordon Jessica K. , Kron Brynn , Criswell Lindsey A. , Gladue Heather , Derk Chris T. , Bernstein Elana J. , Bridges S. Louis , Shanmugam Victoria K. , Kolstad Kathleen D. , Chung Lorinda , Kafaja Suzanne , Jan Reem , Trojanowski Marcin , Goldberg Avram , Korman Benjamin D. , Steinbach Peter J. , Chandrasekharappa Settara C. , Mullikin James C. , Adeyemo Adebowale , Rotimi Charles , Wigley Fredrick M. , Kastner Daniel L. , Boin Francesco , Remmers Elaine F.
Published: December 2019

Significance

HLAalleles have previously been implicated with scleroderma risk, but, in this study, using a European American ancestral cohort and a newly recruited large cohort of African Americans, we comprehensively define theHLAalleles and amino acid residues associated with scleroderma. Scleroderma is characterized by mutually exclusive and specific autoantibodies. We demonstrated ancestry-predominantHLAalleles that were much more strongly associated with autoantibody subsets of scleroderma than with the overall risk of SSc. We bioinformatically predicted immunodominant peptides of self-antigens and demonstrated homology of these peptides with viral protein sequences from Mimiviridae and Phycodnaviridae families. Our findings suggest the hypothesis that scleroderma-specific autoantibodies may arise through molecular mimicry, driven by the interaction of specific viral antigens with corresponding HLAα/βheterodimers.
Mycobacterial HflX is a ribosome splitting factor that mediates antibiotic resistance
Authors: Rudra Paulami , Hurst-Hess Kelley R. , Cotten Katherine L. , Partida-Miranda Andrea , Ghosh Pallavi
Published: December 2019

Significance

Theerm41gene is considered the primary mechanism of intrinsic resistance to macrolides inMycobacterium abscessus. Here we demonstrate that thehflXgene plays a significant and equally important role aserm41. We further describe an unusual mechanism of resistance to macrolide-lincosamide antibiotics mediated by the mycobacterial HflX that likely involves the dissociation of antibiotic-stalled ribosomes. An understanding of the various mechanisms employed by bacteria for resistance to an antibiotic is critical in predicting an effective therapeutic regimen against a pathogenic isolate, and can also inform the development of novel drugs.
An ortholog of the Vasa intronic gene is required for small RNA-mediated translation repression in
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Ma Xinrong , Ibrahim Fadia , Kim Eun-Jeong , Shaver Scott , Becker James , Razvi Fareha , Cerny Ronald L. , Cerutti Heriberto
Published: December 2019

Significance

Small RNAs (sRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs that regulate complementary mRNAs, by triggering translation repression and/or transcript decay, and influence multiple biological processes. In animals, land plants, and some protists like the alga
Chlamydomonas
, sRNAs can repress translation of polyribosome-associated mRNAs, without or with only minimal transcript destabilization. However, the precise silencing mechanism is poorly understood. We found that
Chlamydomonas
VIG1, a homolog of the
Drosophila melanogaster
Vasa intronic gene and a member of a widely conserved protein family in eukaryotes, is involved in this process. VIG1 appears to be an ancillary ribosomal constituent. Additionally, VIG1 copurifies with core components of sRNA effector complexes and plays a key role in the sRNA-mediated translation repression of polyribosomal transcripts.
Rhythmic swaying induced by sound in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Hattori Yuko , Tomonaga Masaki
Published: December 2019

Significance

In humans, listening to music induces rhythmic movement, suggesting a close connection between the auditory and motor areas in the brain. Sound also induces rhythmic swaying in chimpanzees. Male chimpanzees are more responsive to sound than female chimpanzees, consistent with previous research on acoustic communication in their patriarchal societies. We also found an effect of beat tempo on movement periodicity and tendency to seek the sound. These results suggest that prerequisites for music and dance are deeply rooted and existed in the common ancestor shared by humans and chimpanzees, approximately 6 million years ago.
Biodegradable nanofiber-based piezoelectric transducer
Authors: Curry Eli J. , Le Thinh T. , Das Ritopa , Ke Kai , Santorella Elise M. , Paul Debayon , Chorsi Meysam T. , Tran Khanh T. M. , Baroody Jeffrey , Borges Emily R. , Ko Brian , Golabchi Asiyeh , Xin Xiaonan , Rowe David , Yue Lixia , Feng Jianlin , Morales-Acosta M. Daniela , Wu Qian , Chen I-Ping , Cui X. Tracy , Pachter Joel , Nguyen Thanh D.
Published: December 2019

Significance

This paper describes a powerful biodegradable and biocompatible piezoelectric nanofiber platform for significant medical implant applications, including a highly sensitive, wireless, biodegradable force sensor for the monitoring of physiological pressures, and a biodegradable ultrasonic transducer for the delivery of drugs across the blood–brain barrier. Built upon materials commonly utilized in medical implants, the devices can self-degrade, causing no harm to the body, and avoid any invasive removal surgeries.
Growth-rate dependent resource investment in bacterial motile behavior quantitatively follows potential benefit of chemotaxis
Authors: Ni Bin , Colin Remy , Link Hannes , Endres Robert G. , Sourjik Victor
Published: December 2019

Significance

To which extent gene regulatory programs are optimized by evolution is one of the fundamental biological questions. Swimming motility is one of the costliest bacterial behaviors, but expression of motility genes nevertheless increases when bacteria grow slower on poor carbon sources. Here, we show that competitive fitness benefit provided by the ability of motile bacteria to follow gradients of secondary nutrients shows similar negative dependence on the growth rate as the investment in motility. Thus, bacteria appear to pre-invest into the motile behavior in proportion to the anticipated benefit that can be provided by chemotaxis when nutrient gradients become available in their environment.
Hidden similarities in the dynamics of a weakly synchronous marine metapopulation
Authors: Rogers Tanya L. , Munch Stephan B.
Published: December 2019

Significance

Our ability to predict and manage metapopulations depends on our understanding of their underlying population dynamics. Differences in local dynamics and environmental stochasticity can result in independent population fluctuations but have vastly different implications for population management and predicting how populations will respond to environmental change. Quantifying heterogeneity in local dynamics is particularly challenging because many factors can contribute to differences in local dynamics. Using blue crabs as a case study, we present an approach which can differentiate dissimilar local dynamics from similar local dynamics driven by disparate environmental conditions. This methodology can help us differentiate among mechanisms that decorrelate population trajectories and provide insight into the spatial structure of population dynamics.
Distinct effects of reward and navigation history on hippocampal forward and reverse replays
Authors: Bhattarai Baburam , Lee Jong Won , Jung Min Whan
Published: December 2019

To better understand the functional roles of hippocampal forward and reverse replays, we trained rats in a spatial sequence memory task and examined how these replays are modulated by reward and navigation history. We found that reward enhances both forward and reverse replays during the awake state, but in different ways. Reward enhances the rate of reverse replays, but it increases the fidelity of forward replays for recently traveled as well as other alternative trajectories heading toward a rewarding location. This suggests roles for forward and reverse replays in reinforcing representations for all potential rewarding trajectories. We also found more faithful reactivation of upcoming than already rewarded trajectories in forward replays. This suggests a role for forward replays in preferentially reinforcing representations for high-value trajectories. We propose that hippocampal forward and reverse replays might contribute to constructing a map of potential navigation trajectories and their associated values (a “value map”) via distinct mechanisms.
Immunity against cancer cells may promote their proliferation and metastasis
Authors: Lin Chih-Wei , Xie Jia , Zhang Ding , Han Kyung Ho , Grande Geramie , Wu Nicholas C. , Yang Zhuo , Yea Kyungmoo , Lerner Richard A.
Published: December 2019

Herein we present a concept in cancer where an immune response is detrimental rather than helpful. In the cancer setting, the immune system is generally considered to be helpful in curtailing the initiation and progression of tumors. In this work we show that a patient’s immune response to their tumor can, in fact, either enhance or inhibit tumor cell growth. Two closely related autoantibodies to the growth factor receptor TrkB were isolated from cancer patients’ B cells. Although highly similar in sequence, one antibody was an agonist while the other was an antagonist. The agonist antibody was shown to increase breast cancer cell growth both in vitro and in vivo, whereas the antagonist antibody inhibited growth. From a mechanistic point of view, we showed that binding of the agonist antibody to the TrkB receptor was functional in that it initiated downstream signaling identical to its natural growth factor ligand, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Our study shows that individual autoantibodies may play a role in cancer patients.
Taxonomic contribution on the Andean species of Aegognathus (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) with two new species from Colombia and Peru
Authors: Cáceres  , Ríos-Málaver  , Grossi
Published: December 2019

The Andes represent one of the most important eco-regions of the world, fostering an enormous number of taxa associated with different altitudinal gradients. In the past two decades, there has been an increase in the description of different groups of insects, as in the case of the
Lucanidae whose number of described species significantly rose in countries such as Peru and Bolivia. Aegognathus, a genus described originally from Peru, gained four new species during the last decade. Since then, the genus has not received proper taxonomic treatment, lacking updated
information such as the actual distribution of some species, genitalic descriptions, female descriptions and identification keys. This paper aims to offer new taxonomic knowledge for the Andean species of Aegognathus, with a redescription of the type species, A. waterhousei Leuthner,
the description of two new species and an identification key for the Andean taxa, as well as, the discussion of some possible implications in future conservation studies related to the distribution data of the studied taxa.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D7A3FB96-F47D-4420-97BB-FFC399649564
Mapping and targeting of the leukemic microenvironment
Authors: Witkowski Matthew T. , Kousteni Stavroula , Aifantis Iannis
Published: December 2019

Numerous studies support a role of the microenvironment in maintenance of the leukemic clone, as well as in treatment resistance. It is clear that disruption of the normal bone marrow microenvironment is sufficient to promote leukemic transformation and survival in both a cell autonomous and non–cell autonomous manner. In this review, we provide a snapshot of the various cell types shown to contribute to the leukemic microenvironment as well as treatment resistance. Several of these studies suggest that leukemic blasts occupy specific cellular and biochemical “niches.” Effective dissection of critical leukemic niche components using single-cell approaches has allowed a more precise and extensive characterization of complexity that underpins both the healthy and malignant bone marrow microenvironment. Knowledge gained from these observations can have an important impact in the development of microenvironment-directed targeted approaches aimed at mitigating disease relapse.
Syk degradation restrains plasma cell formation and promotes zonal transitions in germinal centers
Authors: Davidzohn Natalia , Biram Adi , Stoler-Barak Liat , Grenov Amalie , Dassa Bareket , Shulman Ziv
Published: December 2019

Germinal centers (GCs) are sites at which B cells proliferate and mutate their antibody-encoding genes in the dark zone (DZ), followed by affinity-based selection in the light zone (LZ). B cell antigen receptor (BCR) signals induce Syk activation followed by rapid phosphatase-mediated desensitization; however, how degradation events regulate BCR functions in GCs is unclear. Here, we found that Syk degradation restrains plasma cell (PC) formation in GCs and promotes B cell LZ to DZ transition. Using a mouse model defective in Cbl-mediated Syk degradation, we demonstrate that this machinery attenuates BCR signaling intensity by mitigating the Kras/Erk and PI3K/Foxo1 pathways, and restricting the expression of PC transcription factors in GC B cells. Inhibition of Syk degradation perturbed gene expression, specifically in the LZ, and enhanced the generation of PCs without affecting B cell proliferation. These findings reveal how long-lasting attenuation of signal transduction by degradation events regulates cell fate within specialized microanatomical sites.
02 Which of the Acceleration value and a Performance Test is more Likely to Predict the Fall History of the Elderly?
Authors: Kimura Akira , Koyama Masaru , Tanabe Masaya
Published: December 2019

Backgrounds

The Berg Balance score and others are used internationally to assess fall risk, but there are few reports of performance tests based on objective biomechanical data.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine if acceleration values can be used to predict falls in elderly people compared to the results of performance tests.

Subjective and Methods

The subjects were 10 people. The age was 70 to 80 years. The male-female ratio was 3 to 7. A target is a group of at-home elderly people near Japan. The selection criterion was to be able to stand up without speech operation support understanding/ support. The study design was a cross-sectional study. The main evaluation item is the presence or absence of a fall history. The result is a composite vector of 3D accelerations at the center of the body using BBS and steps (28 cm long, 40 cm wide, 7 cm high). The acceleration was calculated by Kinect (Microsoft), Pi Recorder 4.1.0.69. Statistical analysis used IBM-SPSS. The effect of BBS and 3D acceleration data on the fall history estimation was evaluated with C statistics.

Results

The effect of the composite vector of the three-dimensional acceleration data on the estimation of the fall history showed a C statistic of 0.82, and significant relevance was recognized. The influence of BBS was C statistic 0.64.

Conclusion

By using the absolute value of the three-dimensional synthetic vector at the time of the vertical load of the elderly, it is considered that the probability of estimating the fall history may be higher than the existing performance test.
04 Verification of Balance Function on Exercise using a New Wearable Device with Pneumatic Gel Muscles
Authors: Yamamoto Masataka , Kishishita Yusuke , Shimatani Koji , Tadayon Ramin , Kurita Yuichi
Published: December 2019

Brief Introduction

Decrease in the ability to control posture correlates with the risk of falls in the elderly. Exercises for reactive postural control and dynamic stability can improve postural control ability. However, balance exercises for reactive postural control are difficult because they require expensive therapeutic instruments or an expert skill level to generate the proper disturbance. The purpose of this study is to design a new wearable device using pneumatic artificial muscles for balance exercises. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of using this device on balance function.

Methods Used

We used a pneumatic gel muscle (PGM) for the wearable balance exercise device. The balance exercise device consists of two PGMs, a soft supporter, a small air tank, and a hand switch. The PGMs were attached to both sides of the acromion processes and pointed vertically down to the height of the iliac crest. Therefore, these PGMs generated a force in the direction of lateral trunk bending. Eight healthy adult males participated in this study. The participants received balance exercise using this device. We compared center of pressure (COP) data between the pre-test and post-test of exercise.

Key Results

Using this device, the rectangle area, boundary length, and medio-lateral length of COP significantly decreased in the post-test, compared to the pre-test (p = 0.031, p = 0.031, and p = 0.049, respectively).

Brief Discussion and Conclusion

The balance exercises with disturbances have the effect of improving balance function. This device was able to add unexpected medio-lateral disturbances during balance exercises. Therefore, participants were able to learn reactive postural control and stability more effectively. Our results suggest that this device could immediately improve postural control by creating small disturbances.

Funding

This research was based on results obtained from a project commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
10 Quality of Live and Muscle Strength in Adults with Low and Moderate to High Risk of Osteoporotic Fracture
Authors: Chua Siew Kuan , Singh Devinder K A , Rajaratnam Bala S , Mokhtar Sabarul Afian , Raymond Lee Y W
Published: December 2019

Osteoporotic fracture is known contributor to decline quality of life (QoL) and muscle strength. We aimed to examine the association between quality of life and muscle strength in adults at risk of osteoporotic fracture. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 adults aged 50 years and above (69.3 ± 8.5 years) at a spine orthopaedic clinic. Upper and lower limb muscle strength were measured using dominant hand grip strength test (HGS) and 5-sit to stand test (5STS). Quality of life and osteoporotic fracture risk were assessed using EQ5DVAS questionnaire and fracture risk calculator (FRAX®). Approximately 38% of the participants had moderate to high risk of major osteoporotic fracture. Although lower, the total mean score of EQ5DVAS in adults with low (80.54 ± 13.20) and moderate to high (76.88 ± 16.90) risk of osteoporotic fracture was not significantly different (p = 0.77). Adults with risk of osteoporotic fracture had slight to severe problems in EQ5D subdomains (mobility: 30%, self-care:10%, usual activities: 14%, pain discomfort: 60%, anxiety/depression: 46%). After adjusting for femoral neck bone mineral density and education level, higher HGS score (ß = 0.79, 95% C.I: 0.07-1.52, p < 0.05) and shorter time to complete 5STS (ß =-1.02, 95% C.I:-1.86 - -0.19, p < 0.05) were associated with higher QoL scores. Our study results suggest that muscle strength is positively associated with QoL among adults at risk of osteoporotic fracture. Muscle strength training should be emphasised among adults with risk of osteoporotic fracture in view of improving QOL.
102 Why Aren’t Malaysian Elderly Attending a Falls Prevention Education Intervention (FPEI)? An Exploratory Study.
Authors: Loganathan Annaletchumy , Low Wah Yun , Ng Chirk Jenn
Published: December 2019

Background

Recent studies on barriers and facilitators to implementation of falls prevention education interventions (FPEIs) are conducted in the developed countries. Hence, the findings may limit its transferability when implementing FPEI for elderlies in countries of different culture and healthcare systems. This study explored barriers and facilitators which have impacted the elderlies who have attended a locally developed FPEI.

Methods

A qualitative methodology was adopted. Seventeen individuals aged 60 years and over with at least one fall in the preceding 12 months and have attended FPEI were recruited. Three focus group discussions were conducted at the Primary Care Clinic, University Malaya Medical Center (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur. With the aid of a semi-structured interview guide, interviews were conducted immediately after attending the FPEI. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic approach using the Weft QDA software.

Results

Participants were predominantly females (n=12) in their mid-70s, consisting of seven Indians, four Malays and six Chinese. Five themes emerged, and they were the accessibility of the infrastructures, favorable timing, the involvement of interprofessional, FPEI content, and stretching and balance exercises. The FPEI attendees interviewed did not prefer the venue which was located far from the hospital entrance, some claimed that the FPEI should be held together with their hospital consultation visit, while others felt that the involvement of interprofessional improved their engagement with the FPEI. Some elderlies felt that the information on falls risks, falls preventions, and stretching and balance exercises informed by the FPEI imparted new knowledge; however, others perceived that they already undertake strenuous exercises.

Conclusions

When implementing FPEI, it is crucial to consider the elderlies’ logistics and the existence of falls knowledge particularly in developing countries such as Malaysia where concepts of FPEI are still novel.
105 Physical Activity Level and its Association with Risk of Fall and Fear of Fall among the Elderly
Authors: Osundiya Oladunni , Adeagbo Caleb , Giwa Toyosi , Adepoju Faderera , Oyedemi Jeremiah
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Falls are major public health concern and the leading cause of non-fatal injuries among community-dwelling older adults. Though exercise has been identified as a single intervention, and potentially most cost-effective for fall prevention, the role of physical activity is less clear. This study was aimed at finding the association between physical activity, risk of fall and fear of fall in the elderly.

Methods

Three hundred and ten apparently healthy community dwelling elderly (202 females and 118 males) aged 60 years and above participated in this study. Physical activity was assessed with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, Fear of fall with Fall Efficacy Scale while Risk of fall was determined with Morse fall scale. Chi-square test was used to find the association between physical activity and risk of fall.

Results

Most participants 241(77.7%) had normal physical activity and only 3.5% had high physical activity. There was a significant association among physical activity and risk of fall in the elderly. Fifteen (4.8%) participants had a high risk of fall. All participants had no fear of falling.

Discussion

This study showed physical activity level increased with age until a certain age during which it starts to spiral down. A significant association was found in between age groups and level of Physical Activity. Most of the participants in this study had normal physical activity in line with previous opinion that participants over 60 years spend more time engaging in more overall physical activity. Elderly females were found to be more active than men.

Conclusion

There is a significant association between among physical activity and risk of fall in the elderly. Hence, the more physically active elderly are, the less their likelihood to a fall.
107 Falls among Middle-Aged Community Dwelling Women in a Rural Territory of Sri Lanka
Authors: Rathnayake Nirmala , Lekamwasam Sarath , Alwis Gayani , Lenora Janaka
Published: December 2019

Fall among middle-aged women is an understudied area worldwide including Sri Lanka. This study evaluated the prevalence and associated clinical risk factors of falls among middle-aged community dwelling women in a rural area of Southern Sri Lanka. A community based cross-sectional study was carried out with the participation of randomly selected 285 middle-aged women (age range; 40-60 years) in Galle district, Sri Lanka. History of non-accidental falls within the previous 12 months was inquired and those who reported two or more falls were considered as recurrent fallers. Clinical factors including age, menopausal status, weight (kg), height (m), waist-circumference (WC, cm), appendicular-skeletal-muscle-mass (ASMM, kg by DEXA), hand-grip-strength (HGS, kg) and gait-speed (GS, m/s) were evaluated. Body-mass-index (BMI, kg/m2) and relative ASMM index (RSMI, kg/m2) were calculated. Chi-square test and Multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. The risk was expressed as adjusted Odds Ratios (OR). The Mean±SD age of participants was 51.7±6.1years. The prevalence of recurrent falls was 13% (95%CI; 9.4%-17.5%) (n=37). Number of women according to number of falls were; two falls (n=25, 8.8%), three falls (n=6, 2.1%), four falls (n=4, 1.4%) and five falls (n=2, 0.7%). The recurrent falls were higher among postmenopausal women (p<0.001) compared to premenopausal women, advanced age (51-60years) (p<0.001) compared to young age (40-50years), low RSMI (p=0.002) compared to normal RSMI, low HGS (p<0.001) compared to normal HGS and low GS (p=0.001) compared to normal GS. BMI and WC did not show significant associations with recurrent falls. Clinical risk factors associated with recurrent falls were age (OR; 7.41, 95%CI; 1.23-44.43, p=0.02), RSMI (OR; 3.21, 95%CI; 1.00-10.32, p=0.04) and HGS (OR; 3.19, 95%CI; 1.26-8.09, p=0.01). The prevalence of falls among middle-aged women was considerably high. Falls were associated with advanced age, low muscle mass and muscle strength.
108 Factors Associated with Hand Grip Strength of a Group of Pre and Postmenopausal Women from Sri Lanka
Authors: Rathnayake Nirmala , Lekamwasam Sarath , Alwis Gayani , Lenora Janaka
Published: December 2019

Hand grip strength (HGS) is a component of sarcopenia and provides an estimate on muscle strength and overall health status. This cross-sectional study examined the factors associated with HGS in community dwelling healthy premenopausal women (PrMW) and postmenopausal women (PMW). Randomly selected 184 PrMW (42.4±6.0years) and 166 PMW (55.8±3.8years) from Galle, Sri Lanka were studied. HGS (kg) of dominant side was evaluated using a hand-held-dynamometer. Body composition; Appendicular-skeletal-muscle-mass (ASMM, kg), total-body-fat-mass (TBFM, kg), total body bone-mineral-density (TBBMD, g/cm3) and total-body-bone mineral-content (TBBMC, g) were measured with DXA. Anthropometry indices; weight (kg), height (m), waist-circumference (WC, cm) and hip-circumference (HC, cm) were measured. Body-mass-index (BMI, kg/m2) and waist-to-hip-ratio (WHR) were calculated. Gait speed (GS, m/s) was evaluated. Consumption of nutrients; carbohydrate, protein, fats and total energy and physical activity (PA) pattern; walking, moderate, vigorous and total PA score were evaluated. Serum sample was analyzed for 25-hydroxy-vitamin-D (n/mol), estradiol (mlU/L), fasting insulin (μU/mL). Variables significantly correlated with HGS of PrMW and PMW were separately entered in to multiple linear regression models to extract the associated factors. Mean±SD HGS of PrMW and PMW were 19.06±6.06 kg and 15.27±4.86 kg (p<0.001) respectively. In multiple regression analysis, factors that showed significant association with HGS in PrMW were ASMM (β=0.57), TBBMC (β=0.31), vigorous PA score (β=0.12), age (β=-0.19) and weight (β=0.42) (R=0.58, adjusted R2=0.33). In the same analysis, the factors associated with HGS in PMW were ASMM (β=0.31) and height (β=0.22) (R=0.48, adjusted R2=0.22). The most significant factor associated with HGS was ASMM in both PrMW (R=0.44, R2=0.20) and PMW (R=0.44, R2=0.19). Age, anthropometry indices, PA and ASMM showed significant associations with HGS among middle-aged women, while ASMM was the main predictor of HGS irrespective of menopausal status.
11 What Physiotherapists do in Rehabilitation of Degenerative Arthropathies: A Focus Group Discussion
Authors: Adepoju Faderera A , Kehinde Oyinlola F , Osundiya Oladunni C
Published: December 2019

Background

Degenerative arthropathies (DA) are pathological changes in joints mainly due to wear and tear. These often affect weight bearing joints and are commoner in the elderly (American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation AAPMR, 2019). More than 50% of adults above 65 years suffer from DA (AAPMR, 2019) with a large number presenting with combination of lumbar spondylosis (LS) and knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Physiotherapists in Nigeria use various management approaches which results in variable efficacy; standardised protocols are rarely used.

Objectives

This study was aimed at evaluating knowledge and rehabilitation approaches of Physiotherapists (PTs) working at a Geriatric Centre in Nigeria in managing LS and KOA.

Method

A focused group discussion (FGD) was carried out among the ten Physiotherapists working at the geriatric center of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria using a questionnaire specifically designed for the purpose.

Results

All PTs had basic qualifications; four had postgraduate degrees in Physiotherapy. Five Physiotherapists had worked for at least two and half years at the center, while the work experience of the remaining five ranged between two and eleven weeks. Each PT demonstrated adequate knowledge of DA. They used combination of techniques to improve functional outcomes. Each PT listed precautions in management of DA but the more experienced PTs (≥ 2.5 years) were more specific. They all opined that standards operating protocols (SOPs) that allows for flexibility would enhance management but none is presently in use. Better efficacy was reported when rehabilitation is combined with medications such as chondroitin sulphate, diclofenac sodium, and potassium chloride. Continuous rehabilitation with reducing frequency as symptoms subsided was unanimously advocated.

Conclusion

Techniques employed by Physiotherapists in rehabilitation of DA though evidence-based, vary depending on individual preferences and experience. Standardised, culture-specific protocols to enhance uniformity of care should be developed.

Reference

1. American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR) 2019: Degenerative Joint Disease. https://www.aapmr.org/about-physiatry/ assessed on 29/07/2019; 10.30pm.