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Frontiers in Physiology 2024The purpose of this study was to compare acute responses between manual and automated blood flow restriction (BFR) systems.
UNLABELLED
The purpose of this study was to compare acute responses between manual and automated blood flow restriction (BFR) systems.
METHODS
A total of 33 individuals completed this study. On visit 1, arterial occlusion pressure (AOP, mm Hg), cardiovascular responses, and discomfort (RPE-D) were measured with each BFR system at rest. On visit 2, unilateral bicep curls were completed [30% one-repetition maximum; 50% AOP] with one system per arm. Muscle thickness (MT, cm) and maximal force (N) were assessed before (pre), immediately (post-0), 5 min (post-5), and 10 min (post-10) post-exercise. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE-E) and ratings of perceived discomfort (RPE-D) were assessed throughout the exercise. AOP and repetitions were compared with Bayesian paired t-tests. Other outcomes were compared with Bayesian RMANOVAs. BF represents the likelihood of the best model vs. the null. The results are presented as mean ± SD.
RESULTS
Supine cardiovascular responses and RPE-D were similar for manual and automated (all BF ≤ 0.2). Supine AOP for manual (157 ± 20) was higher than that of automated (142 ± 17; BF = 44496.0), but similar while standing (manual: 141 ± 17; automated: 141 ± 22; BF = 0.2). MT (time, BF = 6.047e + 40) increased from Pre (3.9 ± 0.7) to Post-0 (4.4 ± 0.8; BF = 2.969e + 28), with Post-0 higher than Post-5 (4.3 ± 0.8) and Post-10 (4.3 ± 0.8; both BF ≥ 275.2). Force (time, BF = 1.246e + 29) decreased from Pre (234.5 ± 79.2) to Post-0 (149.8 ± 52.3; BF = 2.720e + 22) and increased from Post-0 to Post-5 (193.3 ± 72.7; BF = 1.744e + 13), with Post-5 to Post-10 (194.0 ± 70.6; BF = 0.2) being similar. RPE-E increased over sets. RPE-D was lower for manual than automated. Repetitions per set were higher for manual (Set 1: 37 ± 18; Set 4: 9 ± 5) than automated (Set 1: 30 ± 7; Set 4: 7 ± 3; all BF ≥ 9.7).
CONCLUSION
Under the same relative pressure, responses are mostly similar between BFR systems, although a manual system led to lower exercise discomfort and more repetitions.
PubMed: 38948082
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1409702 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2024Long-duration spaceflight poses a variety of health risks to astronauts, largely resulting from extended exposure to microgravity and radiation. Here, we assessed the...
Long-duration spaceflight poses a variety of health risks to astronauts, largely resulting from extended exposure to microgravity and radiation. Here, we assessed the prevalence and incidence of cerebral microbleeds in sixteen astronauts before and after a typical 6-month mission on board the International Space Station Cerebral microbleeds are microhemorrhages in the brain, which are typically interpreted as early evidence of small vessel disease and have been associated with cognitive impairment. We identified evidence of higher-than-expected microbleed prevalence in astronauts with prior spaceflight experience. However, we did not identify a statistically significant increase in microbleed burden up to 7 months after spaceflight. Altogether, these preliminary findings suggest that spaceflight exposure may increase microbleed burden, but this influence may be indirect or occur over time courses that exceed 1 year. For health monitoring purposes, it may be valuable to acquire neuroimaging data that are able to detect the occurrence of microbleeds in astronauts following their spaceflight missions.
PubMed: 38948081
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1360353 -
BMC Global and Public Health 2024Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people face significant challenges in accessing timely, culturally competent, and adequate healthcare due to structural and systemic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people face significant challenges in accessing timely, culturally competent, and adequate healthcare due to structural and systemic barriers, yet there is a lack of research exploring the access and utilization of healthcare services within African TGD communities. To address this gap, this systematic review explored: (1) barriers to accessing healthcare services and gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) faced by TGD people, (2) demographic and societal factors correlated with the utilization of healthcare services and GAHT, (3) common healthcare and support services utilized by TGD people, and (4) patterns of accessing healthcare services and GAHT within TGD communities.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus in September 2023. Eligible studies included peer-reviewed original research, reports, and summaries published in the English language assessing health service accessibility and utilization of TGD people in Africa between January 2016 and December 2023.
RESULTS
From 2072 potentially relevant articles, 159 were assessed for eligibility following duplicate removal, and 49 were included for analysis. Forty-five articles addressed barriers to accessing healthcare services and GAHT, seven focused on demographic and societal factors correlated with the utilization of healthcare services and GAHT, 16 covered common healthcare and support services utilized by TGD people, and seven examined patterns of accessing healthcare services and GAHT. Findings suggested a limited availability of health services, inadequate knowledge of TGD healthcare needs among healthcare providers, a lack of recognition of TGD people in healthcare settings, healthcare-related stigma, and financial constraints within African TGD communities. An absence of studies conducted in Northern and Central Africa was identified.
CONCLUSIONS
TGD people in Africa encounter significant barriers when seeking healthcare services, leading to disparity in the utilization of healthcare and resulting in a disproportionate burden of health risks. The implications of these barriers highlight the urgent need for more high-quality evidence to promote health equity for African TGD people.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42024532405.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s44263-024-00073-2.
PubMed: 38948028
DOI: 10.1186/s44263-024-00073-2 -
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience 2024Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) resulting from low-intensity blast (LIB) exposure in military and civilian individuals is linked to enduring behavioral and cognitive...
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) resulting from low-intensity blast (LIB) exposure in military and civilian individuals is linked to enduring behavioral and cognitive abnormalities. These injuries can serve as confounding risk factors for the development of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (ADRD). Recent animal studies have demonstrated LIB-induced brain damage at the molecular and nanoscale levels. Nevertheless, the mechanisms linking these damages to cognitive abnormalities are unresolved. Challenges preventing the translation of preclinical studies into meaningful findings in "real-world clinics" encompass the heterogeneity observed between different species and strains, variable time durations of the tests, quantification of dosing effects and differing approaches to data analysis. Moreover, while behavioral tests in most pre-clinical studies are conducted at the group level, clinical tests are predominantly assessed on an individual basis. In this investigation, we advanced a high-resolution and sensitive method utilizing the CognitionWall test system and applying reversal learning data to the Boltzmann fitting curves. A flow chart was developed that enable categorizing individual mouse to different levels of learning deficits and patterns. In this study, rTg4510 mice, which represent a neuropathology model due to elevated levels of tau P301L, together with the non-carrier genotype were exposed to LIB. Results revealed distinct and intricate patterns of learning deficits and patterns within each group and in relation to blast exposure. With the current findings, it is possible to establish connections between mice with specific cognitive deficits to molecular changes. This approach can enhance the translational value of preclinical findings and also allow for future development of a precision clinical treatment plan for ameliorating neurologic damage of individuals with mTBI.
PubMed: 38948027
DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1397046 -
World Journal of Transplantation Jun 2024Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have tantalized regenerative medicine with their therapeutic potential, yet a cloud of controversies looms over their clinical... (Review)
Review
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have tantalized regenerative medicine with their therapeutic potential, yet a cloud of controversies looms over their clinical transplantation. This comprehensive review navigates the intricate landscape of MSC controversies, drawing upon 15 years of clinical experience and research. We delve into the fundamental properties of MSCs, exploring their unique immunomodulatory capabilities and surface markers. The heart of our inquiry lies in the controversial applications of MSC transplantation, including the perennial debate between autologous and allogeneic sources, concerns about efficacy, and lingering safety apprehensions. Moreover, we unravel the enigmatic mechanisms surrounding MSC transplantation, such as homing, integration, and the delicate balance between differentiation and paracrine effects. We also assess the current status of clinical trials and the ever-evolving regulatory landscape. As we peer into the future, we examine emerging trends, envisioning personalized medicine and innovative delivery methods. Our review provides a balanced and informed perspective on the controversies, offering readers a clear understanding of the complexities, challenges, and potential solutions in MSC transplantation.
PubMed: 38947963
DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v14.i2.90554 -
Frontiers in Chemistry 2024The deterioration of mild steel in an acidic environment poses a significant challenge in various industries. The emergence of effective corrosion inhibitors has drawn...
Unraveling the corrosion inhibition behavior of prinivil drug on mild steel in 1M HCl corrosive solution: insights from density functional theory, molecular dynamics, and experimental approaches.
The deterioration of mild steel in an acidic environment poses a significant challenge in various industries. The emergence of effective corrosion inhibitors has drawn attention to studies aimed at reducing the harmful consequences of corrosion. In this study, the corrosion inhibition efficiency of Prinivil in a 1M HCl solution through various electrochemical and gravimetric techniques has been investigated for the first time. The results demonstrated that the inhibition efficiency of Prinivil expanded from 61.37% at 50 ppm to 97.35% at 500 ppm concentration at 298 K. With a regression coefficient ( ) of 0.987, K value of 0.935 and E value of 43.024 kJ/mol at 500 ppm concentration of inhibitor, a strong affinity of Prinivil for adsorption onto the metal surface has been significantly found. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle measurement analyses further support the inhibitory behavior of Prinivil, demonstrating the production of a defensive layer on the surface of mild steel. Additionally, molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo simulations were employed to investigate the stability and interactions between Prinivil and the metallic surface (Fe (1 1 0)) at the atomic level. The computed results reveal strong adsorption of Prinivil upon the steel surface, confirming its viability as a corrosion inhibitor.
PubMed: 38947959
DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1403118 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2024subsp. Scop. (sea rocket) is a succulent halophyte with significant potential as a nutritious food source, being rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins,...
subsp. Scop. (sea rocket) is a succulent halophyte with significant potential as a nutritious food source, being rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This annual species exhibits two distinct leaf morphotypes: entire lamina (EL) and pinnatifid lamina (PL). Our understanding of their ecophysiological and nutritional profiles is still limited. The present study investigated the wild EL and PL sea rocket plants from southern Italy during their vegetative stage. The bio-morphological traits (leaf mass area-LMA, dry matter and chlorophyll concentrations), main inorganic ions, key antioxidants (carotenoids, anthocyanins, phenols, flavonoids, glucosinolates, vitamin C as ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acid), and antioxidant activity (by FRAP, DPPH, ABTS assays) were analyzed. Additionally, photosynthetic gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured. PL plants showed thicker leaves (higher LMA) and greater accumulation of photo-protective pigments (carotenoids and anthocyanins), despite similar chlorophyll levels. The PL plants also demonstrated higher photosynthetic activity, transpiration rates, and stomatal conductance, with reduced non-photochemical quenching. The EL morphotype had higher cation (K, Mg, Ca, Na) and vitamin C (135.3 mg 100 g FW) concentrations, while no significant disparities were observed between the morphotypes in phenolic concentration (208.5 mg g.a.e. 100 g FW), flavonoids (71.5 mg q.e. 100 g FW), or glucosinolates (61 mg g FW). Interestingly, while the EL type had higher vitamin C, the PL morphotype showed superior antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH) and seems to be better adapted to water/nutrient scarcity typical of southern Italy. Both morphotypes offer potential as high-nutritional foods, however, future research should investigate the genotype-specific production of antioxidant compounds in EL and PL plants in response to environmental stresses, including salinity for potential exploitation as a new crop.
PubMed: 38947950
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1397852 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2024Reconstructing evolutionary trajectories and transitions that have shaped floral diversity relies heavily on the phylogenetic framework on which traits are modelled. In...
Reconstructing evolutionary trajectories and transitions that have shaped floral diversity relies heavily on the phylogenetic framework on which traits are modelled. In this study, we focus on the angiosperm order Ranunculales, sister to all other eudicots, to unravel higher-level relationships, especially those tied to evolutionary transitions in flower symmetry within the family Papaveraceae. This family presents an astonishing array of floral diversity, with actinomorphic, disymmetric (two perpendicular symmetry axes), and zygomorphic flowers. We generated nuclear and plastid datasets using the Angiosperms353 universal probe set for target capture sequencing (of 353 single-copy nuclear ortholog genes), together with publicly available transcriptome and plastome data mined from open-access online repositories. We relied on the fossil record of the order Ranunculales to date our phylogenies and to establish a timeline of events. Our phylogenomic workflow shows that nuclear-plastid incongruence accompanies topological uncertainties in Ranunculales. A cocktail of incomplete lineage sorting, post-hybridization introgression, and extinction following rapid speciation most likely explain the observed knots in the topology. These knots coincide with major floral symmetry transitions and thus obscure the order of evolutionary events.
PubMed: 38947944
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1340056 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024
PubMed: 38947910
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1437320 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024
PubMed: 38947909
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1439041