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Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Diabetic cheiroarthropathies limit hand mobility due to fibrosis and could be markers of a global profibrotic trajectory. Heterogeneity in definitions and lack of a...
AIMS
Diabetic cheiroarthropathies limit hand mobility due to fibrosis and could be markers of a global profibrotic trajectory. Heterogeneity in definitions and lack of a method to measure it complicate studying associations with organ involvement and treatment outcomes. We measured metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint extension as a metric and describe magnetic resonance (MR) imaging determinants of MCP restriction.
METHODS
Adults with type 1 diabetes were screened for hand manifestations using a symptom questionnaire, clinical examination, and function [Duruoz hand index (DHI) and grip strength]. Patients were segregated by mean MCP extension (<20°, 20°-40°, 40°-60°, and >60°) for MR imaging (MRI) scanning. Patients in the four groups were compared using ANOVA for clinical features and MRI tissue measurements (tenosynovial, skin, and fascia thickness). We performed multiple linear regression for determinants of MCP extension.
RESULTS
Of the 237 patients (90 men), 79 (33.8%) with cheiroarthropathy had MCP extension limitation (39° versus 61°, p < 0.01). Groups with limited MCP extension had higher DHI (1.9 vs. 0.2) but few (7%) had pain. Height, systolic blood pressure, and nephropathy were associated with mean MCP extension. Hand MRI (n = 61) showed flexor tenosynovitis in four patients and median neuritis in one patient. Groups with MCP mobility restriction had the thickest palmar skin; tendon thickness or median nerve area did not differ. Only mean palmar skin thickness was associated with MCP extension angle on multiple linear regression.
CONCLUSION
Joint mobility limitation was quantified by restricted mean MCP extension and had structural correlates on MRI. These can serve as quantitative measures for future associative and interventional studies.
Topics: Male; Humans; Adult; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Mobility Limitation; Joint Diseases; Diabetes Complications; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 38027132
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1238825 -
PLoS Computational Biology Apr 2024The role of the cortex in shaping automatic whole-body motor behaviors such as walking and balance is poorly understood. Gait and balance are typically mediated through...
The role of the cortex in shaping automatic whole-body motor behaviors such as walking and balance is poorly understood. Gait and balance are typically mediated through subcortical circuits, with the cortex becoming engaged as needed on an individual basis by task difficulty and complexity. However, we lack a mechanistic understanding of how increased cortical contribution to whole-body movements shapes motor output. Here we use reactive balance recovery as a paradigm to identify relationships between hierarchical control mechanisms and their engagement across balance tasks of increasing difficulty in young adults. We hypothesize that parallel sensorimotor feedback loops engaging subcortical and cortical circuits contribute to balance-correcting muscle activity, and that the involvement of cortical circuits increases with balance challenge. We decomposed balance-correcting muscle activity based on hypothesized subcortically- and cortically-mediated feedback components driven by similar sensory information, but with different loop delays. The initial balance-correcting muscle activity was engaged at all levels of balance difficulty. Its onset latency was consistent with subcortical sensorimotor loops observed in the lower limb. An even later, presumed, cortically-mediated burst of muscle activity became additionally engaged as balance task difficulty increased, at latencies consistent with longer transcortical sensorimotor loops. We further demonstrate that evoked cortical activity in central midline areas measured using electroencephalography (EEG) can be explained by a similar sensory transformation as muscle activity but at a delay consistent with its role in a transcortical loop driving later cortical contributions to balance-correcting muscle activity. These results demonstrate that a neuromechanical model of muscle activity can be used to infer cortical contributions to muscle activity without recording brain activity. Our model may provide a useful framework for evaluating changes in cortical contributions to balance that are associated with falls in older adults and in neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
Topics: Humans; Postural Balance; Feedback, Sensory; Male; Young Adult; Adult; Female; Electroencephalography; Muscle, Skeletal; Sensorimotor Cortex; Cerebral Cortex; Computational Biology; Electromyography
PubMed: 38630803
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011562 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2023Diffusion and mobility are essential for cellular functions, as molecules are usually distributed throughout the cell and have to meet to interact and perform their...
Diffusion and mobility are essential for cellular functions, as molecules are usually distributed throughout the cell and have to meet to interact and perform their function. This also involves the cytosolic migration of cellular organelles. However, observing such diffusion and interaction dynamics is challenging due to the high spatial and temporal resolution required and the accurate analysis of the diffusional tracks. The latter is especially important when identifying anomalous diffusion events, such as directed motions, which are often rare. Here, we investigate the migration modes of peroxisome organelles in the cytosol of living cells. Peroxisomes predominantly migrate randomly, but occasionally they bind to the cell's microtubular network and perform directed migration, which is difficult to quantify, and so far, accurate analysis of switching between these migration modes is missing. We set out to solve this limitation by experiments and analysis with high statistical accuracy. Specifically, we collect temporal diffusion tracks of thousands of individual peroxisomes in the HEK 293 cell line using two-dimensional spinning disc fluorescence microscopy at a high acquisition rate of 10 frames/s. We use a Hidden Markov Model with two hidden states to (1) automatically identify directed migration segments of the tracks and (2) quantify the migration properties for comparison between states and between different experimental conditions. Comparing different cellular conditions, we show that the knockout of the peroxisomal membrane protein PEX14 leads to a decrease in the directed movement due to a lowered binding probability to the microtubule. However, it does not eradicate binding, highlighting further microtubule-binding mechanisms of peroxisomes than via PEX14. In contrast, structural changes of the microtubular network explain perceived eradication of directed movement by disassembly of microtubules by Nocodazole-treatment.
Topics: Humans; Peroxisomes; HEK293 Cells; Microtubules; Intracellular Membranes; Microscopy, Fluorescence
PubMed: 37951993
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46812-7 -
Indian Journal of Pathology &... Apr 2024Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs) are rare mesenchymal tumors, associated with long-standing, non-specific but often debilitating symptoms in the affected patients.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs) are rare mesenchymal tumors, associated with long-standing, non-specific but often debilitating symptoms in the affected patients. These tumors display characteristic histopathological features and in case, identified timely, can be a boon for patients, given an excision is completely curative.
AIMS
To evaluate the clinical and histopathological features of 10 PMTs, diagnosed at our institution, along with clinical outcomes in those patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This was a retrospective study, wherein 10 PMTs, diagnosed from January 2013 to July 2022, were included.
RESULTS
The average age at the time of diagnosis was 40 years with an M:F ratio of 4:1. Clinical features included lumps, weakness, bone pain, difficulty in moving and walking, and pathologic fractures. The biochemical analysis showed normal serum calcium levels (average = 9.5 mg/dL), with low serum phosphorus (average = 2.2 mg/dL) and raised serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels, in all the cases, wherever available. On histopathology, all tumors showed cells arranged in a hemangiopericytomatous pattern, including oval to short spindle forms. Multinucleate giant cells were present in nine tumors, and characteristic "grungy calcifications" was observed in eight tumors. Prominent pseudo cystic spaces were seen in eight tumors. A significant number of mitotic figures and tumor necrosis were not seen in any tumor. In five cases where follow-up was available, there was complete resolution of symptoms post-resection with no recurrence or metastasis. All those patients were free of disease until the last follow-up.
CONCLUSION
This constitutes the first largest comprehensive study on these rare tumors from our country. PMTs can be diagnosed based on certain histopathological features and correlation with clinicoradiological and biochemical findings. These are invariably benign neoplasms. Patients are relieved of their debilitating symptoms after adequate surgical tumor resection. Therefore, their correct and timely diagnosis is crucial.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Fibroblast Growth Factor-23; Fibroblast Growth Factors; Hypophosphatemia; Mesenchymoma; Phosphorus; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38394416
DOI: 10.4103/ijpm.ijpm_295_23 -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023Two-dimensional (2D) transitional metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have garnered remarkable attention in electronics, optoelectronics, and hydrogen precipitation catalysis... (Review)
Review
Two-dimensional (2D) transitional metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have garnered remarkable attention in electronics, optoelectronics, and hydrogen precipitation catalysis due to their exceptional physicochemical properties. Their utilisation in optoelectronic devices is especially notable for overcoming graphene's zero-band gap limitation. Moreover, TMDs offer advantages such as direct band gap transitions, high carrier mobility, and efficient switching ratios. Achieving precise adjustments to the electronic properties and band gap of 2D semiconductor materials is crucial for enhancing their capabilities. Researchers have explored the creation of 2D alloy phases through heteroatom doping, a strategy employed to fine-tune the band structure of these materials. Current research on 2D alloy materials encompasses diverse aspects like synthesis methods, catalytic reactions, energy band modulation, high-voltage phase transitions, and potential applications in electronics and optoelectronics. This paper comprehensively analyses 2D TMD alloy materials, covering their growth, preparation, optoelectronic properties, and various applications including hydrogen evolution reaction catalysis, field-effect transistors, lithium-sulphur battery catalysts, and lasers. The growth process and characterisation techniques are introduced, followed by a summary of the optoelectronic properties of these materials.
PubMed: 37947689
DOI: 10.3390/nano13212843 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Home-based rehabilitation programs for older adults have demonstrated effectiveness, desirability, and reduced burden. However, the feasibility and effectiveness of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Home-based rehabilitation programs for older adults have demonstrated effectiveness, desirability, and reduced burden. However, the feasibility and effectiveness of balance-intervention training delivered through traditional paper-versus novel smartphone-based methods is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate if a home-based balance-intervention program could equally improve balance performance when delivered via smartphone or paper among adults over the age of 65. A total of 31 older adults were randomized into either a paper or phone group and completed a 4-week asynchronous self-guided balance intervention across 12 sessions for approximately 30 min per session. Baseline, 4-week, and 8-week walking and standing balance evaluations were performed, with exercise duration and adherence recorded. Additional self-reported measures were collected regarding the enjoyment, usability, difficulty, and length of the exercise program. Twenty-nine participants completed the balance program and three assessments, with no group differences found for any outcome measure. Older adults demonstrated an approximately 0.06 m/s faster gait velocity and modified balance strategies during walking and standing conditions following the intervention protocol. Participants further self-reported similar enjoyment, difficulty, and exercise effectiveness. Results of this study demonstrated the potential to safely deliver home-based interventions as well as the feasibility and effectiveness of delivering balance intervention through a smartphone-based application.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Smartphone; Mobile Applications; Exercise; Gait; Records
PubMed: 37687907
DOI: 10.3390/s23177451 -
IBRO Neuroscience Reports Jun 2024Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating mechanical trauma. Although locomotion of model animals that mimic contusion SCI was actively examined, locomotion after...
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating mechanical trauma. Although locomotion of model animals that mimic contusion SCI was actively examined, locomotion after penetrating SCI caused by sharp objects was not extensively studied. Severity of walking difficulty after partial transection of the spinal cord including penetrating SCI likely depends on the regions affected. Therefore, we compared beam walking and overground walking between mice after penetrating SCI at inner spinal cord region and mice with the injury at the outer region. Mice with the both penetrating SCIs did not display changes in beam walking. When appearance and movements of hindlimbs during overground walking was rated using Basso Mouse Scale for locomotion (BMS), however, mice with inner penetrating SCI showed low score shortly after the SCI. However, the score became high at later time points, as seen in contusion SCI mice. By contrast, BMS score did not decrease shortly after the outer penetrating SCI. However, the score became low 3 weeks after the SCI. As quantitative values during overground walking, movement duration in an open field were shorter at 1 day after the two penetrating SCIs. However, slower moving speed and fewer number of movement at 1 day were specific to mice with inner and outer penetrating SCIs, respectively. Moreover, BMS score was correlated with walking distance in open field only in mice with inner penetrating SCI. Thus, inner and outer penetrating SCI cause difficulty in overground walking with different severity and progress.
PubMed: 38415183
DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.02.005 -
Journal of Research in Health Sciences Sep 2023After the difficulty of the pandemic process, managing the long-term effects that may occur after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is among the biggest concerns...
BACKGROUND
After the difficulty of the pandemic process, managing the long-term effects that may occur after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is among the biggest concerns in the present era. This study aimed to explore factors affecting the physical activity level and investigate the relationship between physical activity level and stress perception of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study.
METHODS
Study data were collected via online survey, and volunteer participants completed the survey through the survey link between October 21 and December 31, 2021. Physical activity level was evaluated by "The International Physical Activity Questionnaire- Short Form" (IPAQ-SF), and stress level was evaluated by "Perceived Stress Scale" (PSS). The participants were asked questions about barriers and motivators for physical activity before and during the pandemic.
RESULTS
The study included 444 participants (81.3% female and 18.7% male) with an average age of 21±2.95 years. The results showed a negative-significant linear relationship between perceived stress score and total physical activity, vigorous-intensity physical activity, and walking scores (r=-0.157, <0.01; r=-0.16, <0.01; r=-0.13, <0.05 respectively). During the pandemic, the perception of insufficient finance became less important as a barrier (=0.029), and healthcare professional (HCP) recommendation became more important as a motivator for physical activity than the pre-pandemic conditions (=0.035).
CONCLUSION
The findings indicated that it is possible to reduce the level of perceived stress by increasing the level of physical activity. Current research will be a key for increasing and maintaining physical activity and reducing perceived stress.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Pandemics; Exercise; Perception
PubMed: 38315900
DOI: 10.34172/jrhs.2023.120 -
Nutrients Sep 2023Frailty is a biological syndrome that leads to a loss of physiological reserve, increasing susceptibility to adverse health events. In the Peruvian Amazon, the elderly... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Frailty is a biological syndrome that leads to a loss of physiological reserve, increasing susceptibility to adverse health events. In the Peruvian Amazon, the elderly live with hardly any economic resources, presenting a caloric deficit that is related to functional and cognitive deterioration. Our objective was to identify the health needs of elderly people living in extreme poverty in Requena (Peru) by means of a geriatric assessment of the nutritional and functional spheres to design, in the future, a cooperation project appropriate to the needs detected. This is an observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. Sixty participants were included, and sociodemographic and functional status variables were analyzed using the MNA and Barthel scales and the Get Up and Go test. The mean age of the participants was 79 ± 6.67 (women 55% and men 45%), where 60% had frailty. A statistically significant relationship was found between the MNA scores and Barthel test. Eighty-five percent were malnourished or at risk and thirteen percent had total or moderate dependence. We conclude that the nutritional status of the elderly was deficient. The high degree of living alone in which they live forces them to maintain their independence and their walking stability is normal. The situation of frailty exceeds the national average, a situation that has repercussions for their quality of life. We found a statistically significant association between nutritional status, dependence, and frailty. The better-nourished elderly are less frail and less dependent.
Topics: Aged; Male; Humans; Female; Frailty; Nutritional Status; Cross-Sectional Studies; Peru; Quality of Life
PubMed: 37686872
DOI: 10.3390/nu15173840 -
The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine Sep 2023Spondylocarpotarsal synostosis (SCT) syndrome is a very rare and severe form of skeletal dysplasia. The hallmark features of SCT are disproportionate short stature,... (Review)
Review
Spondylocarpotarsal synostosis (SCT) syndrome is a very rare and severe form of skeletal dysplasia. The hallmark features of SCT are disproportionate short stature, scoliosis, fusion of carpal and tarsal bones, and clubfoot. Other common manifestations are cleft palate, conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, joint stiffness, and dental enamel hypoplasia. Homozygous variants in are known to cause SCT. This study was aimed to investigate the phenotypic and genetic basis of unique presentation of SCT syndrome segregating in a consanguineous Pakistani family. Three of the four affected siblings evaluated had severe short stature, short trunk, short neck, kyphoscoliosis, pectus carinatum, and winged scapula. The subjects had difficulty in walking and gait problems and complained of knee pain and backache. Roentgenographic examination of the eldest patient revealed gross anomalies in the axial skeleton including thoracolumbar and cervical fusion of ribs, severe kyphoscoliosis, thoracic and lumbar lordosis, coxa valga, fusion of certain carpals and tarsals, and clinodactyly. The patients had normal faces and lacked other typical features of SCT like cleft palate, conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, joint stiffness, and dental enamel hypoplasia. Whole exome sequencing (WES) of two affected siblings led to the discovery of a rare stop-gain variant c.220C>T (p.(Gln74*)) in exon 1 of the gene. The variant was homozygous and segregated with the malformation in this family. This study reports extensive phenotypic variability in SCT and expands the mutation spectrum of .
Topics: Animals; Humans; Scoliosis; Cleft Palate; Consanguinity; Dental Enamel Hypoplasia; Phenotype; Filamins
PubMed: 37781000
DOI: 10.59249/UTCP9818