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Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal... Mar 2024The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a six-month interval rehabilitation treatment on motor function of children with PMM2-CDG syndrome (#212065 Congenital...
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a six-month interval rehabilitation treatment on motor function of children with PMM2-CDG syndrome (#212065 Congenital disorder of glycosylation, Type Ia; CDG1A, OMIM catalogue number).
METHODS
The concept 'Auf die Beine' (Center for Prevention and Rehabilitation of the University of Cologne, Germany) combines two short inpatient stays (1 to 2 weeks) with a six-month whole-body vibration (WBV) home-training program. 13 patients with PMM2-CDG syndrome participated in this concept from 2006 until 2015. Assessments at start, six months and 12 months (follow-up): Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), One-Minute Walk Test (1MWT) and instrumented gait analyses.
RESULTS
The GMFM-66 (9 of 13 children) improved by 5.3 (mean) points (SD 3.2) at 12 months (p=0.0039). The 1MWT (6 of 13 children) improved by 19.17 meter (SD 16.51) after 12 months (p=0.0313). Gait analysis (9 of 13 children) measured by pathlength/distance ratio improved by -0.8 (SD 1.9) at 12 months (p=0.0195).
CONCLUSION
Patients with PMM2-CDG syndrome benefit from the interval rehabilitation program 'Auf die Beine' including WBV.
Topics: Child; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Vibration; Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation; Phosphotransferases (Phosphomutases); Syndrome
PubMed: 38427364
DOI: No ID Found -
Nature Communications Feb 2024Poplar trees use photoperiod as a precise seasonal indicator, synchronizing plant phenology with the environment. Daylength cue determines FLOWERING LOCUS T 2 (FT2)...
Poplar trees use photoperiod as a precise seasonal indicator, synchronizing plant phenology with the environment. Daylength cue determines FLOWERING LOCUS T 2 (FT2) daily expression, crucial for shoot apex development and establishment of the annual growing period. However, limited evidence exists for the molecular factors controlling FT2 transcription and the conservation with the photoperiodic control of Arabidopsis flowering. We demonstrate that FT2 expression mediates growth cessation response quantitatively, and we provide a minimal data-driven model linking core clock genes to FT2 daily levels. GIGANTEA (GI) emerges as a critical inducer of the FT2 activation window, time-bound by TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION (TOC1) and LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY2) repressions. CRISPR/Cas9 loss-of-function lines validate these roles, identifying TOC1 as a long-sought FT2 repressor. Additionally, model simulations predict that FT2 downregulation upon daylength shortening results from a progressive narrowing of this activation window, driven by the phase shift observed in the preceding clock genes. This circadian-mediated mechanism enables poplar to exploit FT2 levels as an accurate daylength-meter.
Topics: Arabidopsis Proteins; Circadian Rhythm; Photoperiod; Arabidopsis; Hypocotyl; Populus; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Flowers
PubMed: 38413620
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46081-6 -
Translational Animal Science 2024This experiment aimed to assess the impact of virginiamycin on in vitro gas production dynamics, rumen kinetics, and nutrient digestibility in beef steers fed a...
This experiment aimed to assess the impact of virginiamycin on in vitro gas production dynamics, rumen kinetics, and nutrient digestibility in beef steers fed a grain-based diet. Nine ruminally cannulated British-crossbred steers (596 ± 49 kg) were assigned to this experiment. Animals were housed in three pens ( = 3/pen) equipped with a Calan gate feed system and water troughs. Pens were enrolled in a 3 × 3 Latin square design containing three periods of 16 d, and a 5-d washout interval between periods. Dietary treatments consisted of virginiamycin () administration at 0 (VM0), 180 (VM180), or 240 mg/d (VM240). During days 15 and 16 of each period, about 600 mL of rumen fluid and urine samples were collected before (0 h), and at 4, 8, 12, and 16 h after the morning feed (0730 hours), rumen inoculum was used to take pH and redox potential measurements immediately after collection using a portable pH and redox meter, and subsamples were taken for volatile fatty acids () and NH-N analyses, and urine samples were composited daily and analyzed for creatinine and purine derivatives () content to estimate microbial crude protein flow. During the 4-h post-morning feed rumen collection, rumen inoculum was utilized to perform in vitro gas production measurements. Fecal samples were collected on day 16 of each period to estimate nutrient digestibility using acid detergent insoluble ash as an internal marker. Animals were considered the experimental unit for the statistical analyses, and periods and squares were included as random variables. The total and rate of gas production were similar among treatments ( ≥ 0.17). The second-pool (i.e., fiber) gas production increased linearly as VM inclusion increased ( = 0.01), with VM240 being greater compared to VM180 and VM0 (7.84, 6.94, and 6.89 mL, respectively). Ruminal pH linearly increased as VM increased, with VM240 being greater than VM0 and VM180 intermediate (5.90, 5.82, and 5.86, respectively; = 0.03). The VFA concentrations did not differ ( ≥ 0.13), but the acetate-to-propionate ratio was the highest in VM240 ( = 0.005). Branched-chain VFA increased ( ≤ 0.03) while lactate concentrations decreased ( = 0.005) linearly with VM. The ruminal NH-N concentration was the lowest in the VM0 ( = 0.006). The estimated absorbed PD, purine derivative to creatinine index, and microbial N flow increased linearly with VM ( ≤ 0.07). The provision of VM influenced rumen dynamics in a dose-dependent manner.
PubMed: 38406320
DOI: 10.1093/tas/txae019 -
Heliyon Feb 2024The Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a simple, non-invasive, well-validated test that assesses cardiorespiratory fitness however is rarely used in pregnant people. It may...
BACKGROUND
The Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a simple, non-invasive, well-validated test that assesses cardiorespiratory fitness however is rarely used in pregnant people. It may have clinical utilization to assess fitness, breathing and exertion in pregnancy however no reference intervals exist for people 14 to 35 weeks gestation. We determined the reference intervals for distance walked for the 6MWT, including exertional and breathlessness ratings for this group.
METHOD
We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of 196 healthy nulliparous pregnant people in earlier pregnancy (EP) 14 to 23 weeks, and middle pregnancy (MP) 24 to 35 gestation, who performed a standardized 6MWT protocol including rating exertion and breathlessness (Rating Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale (1 none -15 maximal) and Modified Borg Dyspnea (MBD) scale (0 none - 10 maximal)).
RESULTS
The mean ± SD distance walked was 548 ± 80.9 (EP) versus 547 ± 87.3 (MP) meters (m) P = 0.928. 6MWT reference intervals for the distance walked for the 6MWT were 392-704 m (EP) and 376-718 m (MP). Median (IQR) exertion and breathlessness ratings with exercise for the EP and MP group were 6 (4,7) and 0.5 (0,1) and 6 (4,8) and 0.5 (0,1) respectively. There were no adverse events.
CONCLUSION
The 6MWT is safe, feasible and acceptable in pregnant people. The reference intervals for the 6MWT are 392-704 m in people 14 to 23 weeks gestation and 376-718 m for people 24 to 35 weeks gestation. Exertion was light and breathlessness was just noticeable with the 6MWT.
PubMed: 38404878
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25863 -
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport May 2024We explored the latent profiles based on locomotor skills and cardiorespiratory fitness in Finnish schoolchildren and examined their associations with latent growth...
OBJECTIVES
We explored the latent profiles based on locomotor skills and cardiorespiratory fitness in Finnish schoolchildren and examined their associations with latent growth curves of osteogenic physical activity (PA) over three years.
DESIGN
Prospective cohort study.
METHODS
Altogether 1147 Finnish adolescents aged 11-13 years participated in the study. Osteogenic PA in terms of osteogenic index (OI) was calculated based on acceleration peak histograms using all of the peaks with acceleration >1.3 g. Locomotor skills were assessed using the five-leap and side-to-side jumping tests and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) using 20-metre shuttle run test. The latent growth curve models for the locomotor skills and cardiorespiratory fitness profiles were tested to examine the longitudinal development of OI scores over time three years (from T0 to T3).
RESULTS
OI scores were lower amongst children in the "Low locomotor profile" compared with "Moderate" and "High locomotor" profiles. The OI scores linearly decreased from T0 to T3 in each locomotor profile and the decrease was similar in all the profiles. Moreover, OI scores were lower in the "Low CRF profile" compared with "Moderate" and "High CRF" profiles. The OI scores decreased in each profile over time, but the decrease was steepest in the "Low CRF profile", whereas "Moderate" and "High CRF profiles" had similar developmental trajectories.
CONCLUSIONS
Children with the highest locomotor skills and higher CRF accumulate more osteogenic PA than their least skilful and fit peers, which can have important implications on bone health in this critical period for bone growth.
Topics: Humans; Child; Adolescent; Male; Female; Exercise; Prospective Studies; Cardiorespiratory Fitness; Osteogenesis; Finland; Exercise Test
PubMed: 38403504
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2024.02.005 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024To enhance the bioavailability and antihypertensive effect of the anti-depressant drug citalopram hydrobromide (CTH) we developed a sustained-release transdermal...
To enhance the bioavailability and antihypertensive effect of the anti-depressant drug citalopram hydrobromide (CTH) we developed a sustained-release transdermal delivery system containing CTH. A transdermal diffusion meter was first used to determine the optimal formulation of the CTH transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS). Then, based on the determined formulation, a sustained-release patch was prepared; its physical characteristics, including quality, stickiness, and appearance, were evaluated, and its pharmacokinetics and irritation to the skin were evaluated by applying it to rabbits and rats. The optimal formulation of the CTH TDDS was 49.2% hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose K, 32.8% polyvinylpyrrolidone K30, 16% oleic acid-azone, and 2% polyacrylic acid resin II. The system continuously released an effective dose of CTH for 24 h and significantly enhanced its bioavailability, with a higher area under the curve, good stability, and no skin irritation. The developed CTH TDDS possessed a sustained-release effect and good characteristics and pharmacokinetics; therefore, it has the potential for clinical application as an antidepressant.
Topics: Rats; Rabbits; Animals; Skin Absorption; Citalopram; Delayed-Action Preparations; Administration, Cutaneous; Skin; Drug Delivery Systems; Transdermal Patch
PubMed: 38398519
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29040767 -
Genes Feb 2024Rapid climate changes, with higher warming rates during winter and spring seasons, dramatically affect the vernalization requirements, one of the most critical processes... (Review)
Review
Rapid climate changes, with higher warming rates during winter and spring seasons, dramatically affect the vernalization requirements, one of the most critical processes for the induction of wheat reproductive growth, with severe consequences on flowering time, grain filling, and grain yield. Specifically, the genes play a major role in the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth in wheat. Recent advances in wheat genomics have significantly improved the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of genes (, , , and ), unveiling a diverse array of natural allelic variations. In this review, we have examined the current knowledge of genes from a functional and structural point of view, considering the studies conducted on alleles at different ploidy levels (diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid). The molecular characterization of alleles has been a focal point, revealing a diverse array of allelic forms with implications for flowering time. We have highlighted the structural complexity of the different allelic forms and the problems linked to the different nomenclature of some alleles. Addressing these issues will be crucial for harmonizing research efforts and enhancing our understanding of gene function and evolution. The increasing availability of genome and transcriptome sequences, along with the improvements in bioinformatics and computational biology, offers a versatile range of possibilities for enriching genomic regions surrounding the target sites of genes, paving the way for innovative approaches to manipulate flowering time and improve wheat productivity.
Topics: Triticum; Alleles; Vernalization; Tetraploidy; Phenotype
PubMed: 38397240
DOI: 10.3390/genes15020251 -
Scientific Reports Feb 2024This study investigates whether simultaneous high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) enhances the effects of robot-assisted gait training in... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
This study investigates whether simultaneous high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) enhances the effects of robot-assisted gait training in stroke patients. Twenty-four participants were randomly allocated to either the robot-assisted gait training with real HD-tDCS group (real HD-tDCS group) or robot-assisted gait training with sham HD-tDCS group (sham HD-tDCS group). Over four weeks, both groups completed 10 sessions. The 10 Meter Walk Test, Timed Up and Go, Functional Ambulation Category, Functional Reach Test, Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index were conducted before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. The real HD-tDCS group showed significant improvements in the 10 Meter Walk Test, Timed Up and Go, Functional Reach Test, and Berg Balance Scale immediately and one month after the intervention, compared with before the intervention. Significant improvements in the Dynamic Gait Index and Fugl-Meyer Assessment were also observed immediately after the intervention. The sham HD-tDCS group showed no significant improvements in any of the tests. Application of HD-tDCS during robot-assisted gait training has a positive effect on gait and physical function in chronic stroke patients, ensuring long-term training effects. Our results suggest the effectiveness of HD-tDCS as a complementary tool to enhance robotic gait rehabilitation therapy in chronic stroke patients.
Topics: Humans; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Robotics; Stroke Rehabilitation; Stroke; Gait; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38396060
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53482-6 -
Nature Communications Feb 2024Tumor immunosurveillance plays a major role in melanoma, prompting the development of immunotherapy strategies. The gut microbiota composition, influencing peripheral...
Tumor immunosurveillance plays a major role in melanoma, prompting the development of immunotherapy strategies. The gut microbiota composition, influencing peripheral and tumoral immune tonus, earned its credentials among predictors of survival in melanoma. The MIND-DC phase III trial (NCT02993315) randomized (2:1 ratio) 148 patients with stage IIIB/C melanoma to adjuvant treatment with autologous natural dendritic cell (nDC) or placebo (PL). Overall, 144 patients collected serum and stool samples before and after 2 bimonthly injections to perform metabolomics (MB) and metagenomics (MG) as prespecified exploratory analysis. Clinical outcomes are reported separately. Here we show that different microbes were associated with prognosis, with the health-related Faecalibacterium prausnitzii standing out as the main beneficial taxon for no recurrence at 2 years (p = 0.008 at baseline, nDC arm). Therapy coincided with major MB perturbations (acylcarnitines, carboxylic and fatty acids). Despite randomization, nDC arm exhibited MG and MB bias at baseline: relative under-representation of F. prausnitzii, and perturbations of primary biliary acids (BA). F. prausnitzii anticorrelated with BA, medium- and long-chain acylcarnitines. Combined, these MG and MB biomarkers markedly determined prognosis. Altogether, the host-microbial interaction may play a role in localized melanoma. We value systematic MG and MB profiling in randomized trials to avoid baseline differences attributed to host-microbe interactions.
Topics: Humans; Melanoma; Metabolic Reprogramming; Microbiota; Dendritic Cells
PubMed: 38395948
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45357-1 -
Heliyon Feb 2024The high alkaline condition of concrete naturally protects embedded steel bars from corrosion by forming a passive protective film. The pH of concrete is generally high,...
The high alkaline condition of concrete naturally protects embedded steel bars from corrosion by forming a passive protective film. The pH of concrete is generally high, but concrete with different mix compositions may have various pH values. The pH of concrete may decrease over time due to long-term mechanical, chemical, biological and physical factors. Therefore, monitoring the pH value of concrete is crucial to checking if its alkalinity is within an acceptable range and ensuring that the concrete structure is in good health condition. However, the pH measurement for cement-based materials is not standardised. Ex-situ leaching, one of the recommended methods for pH measurement, is simple and practical. In this method, the sample will be crushed, leached and tested using a pH electrode probe. The lifespan of the pH electrode probe may decrease due to the existing suspended particles in the solution. Therefore, one recommendation is to filter the solution before using the probe. In this study, the effect of different filtering setups on the pH value of a cement mortar with a cement-to-sand ratio of 1:3 was evaluated. pH test results showed that filtering can produce similar outcomes to those without filtering, regardless of the type of filter paper and its pore size. However, filtering is strongly recommended for electrode protection of the pH meter. As an innovative filtering setup for cement-based materials, syringe filtering was introduced in this study because it is more economical and its operation is simpler compared to the other methods.
PubMed: 38390157
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25859