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BMC Geriatrics Apr 2024Older people with hip fracture are often medically frail, and many do not regain their walking ability and level of physical activity. The aim of this study was to...
BACKGROUND
Older people with hip fracture are often medically frail, and many do not regain their walking ability and level of physical activity. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between pre-fracture recalled mobility, fear of falling, physical activity, walking habits and walking speed one year after hip fracture.
METHODS
The study had a longitudinal design. Measurements were performed 3-5 days postoperatively (baseline) and at one year after the hip fracture. The measurements at baseline were all subjective outcome measures recalled from pre-fracture: The New Mobility Scale (NMS), the 'Walking Habits' questionnaire, The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity Scale, Fear of Falling International (FES-I) and demographic variables. At one year 4-meter walking speed, which was a part of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was assessed.
RESULTS
At baseline 207 participants were included and 151 were assessed after one year. Their age was mean (SD) 82.7 (8.3) years (range 65-99 years). Those with the fastest walking speed at one year had a pre-fracture habit of regular walks with a duration of ≥ 30 min and/or a frequency of regular walks of 5-7 days a week. Age (p =.020), number of comorbidities (p <.001), recalled NMS (p <.001), and recalled UCLA Activity Scale (p =.007) were identified as predictors of walking speed at one year. The total model explained 54% of the variance in walking speed.
CONCLUSIONS
Duration and frequency of regular walks before the hip fracture play a role in walking speed recovery one year following the fracture. Subjective outcome measures of mobility and physical activity, recalled from pre-fracture can predict walking speed at one year. They are gentle on the old and medically frail patients in the acute phase after hip fracture, as well as clinically less time consuming.
Topics: Humans; Hip Fractures; Male; Aged; Female; Aged, 80 and over; Walking Speed; Exercise; Longitudinal Studies; Predictive Value of Tests; Time Factors; Walking; Geriatric Assessment; Mobility Limitation; Accidental Falls
PubMed: 38649830
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04926-1 -
Journal of Conservative Dentistry and... Mar 2024External inflammatory root resorption has rapid onset and progresses aggressively. It leads to cementum loss, which allows communication between the infected pulp and...
CONTEXT
External inflammatory root resorption has rapid onset and progresses aggressively. It leads to cementum loss, which allows communication between the infected pulp and the periodontium through the denuded dentinal tubules. Primary management strategy includes adequate chemomechanical debridement and lesion arrest for which maintaining alkaline pH and aerobic conditions is essential for healing and repair of the resorption defect.
AIMS
The aim of this study is to evaluate rise in pH and oxygen release at the site of simulated external root resorption cavities using different oxygen-releasing biomaterials.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In 40 extracted single-rooted teeth access opening and chemomechanical debridement were done. Cavities simulating resorption defect are prepared on the roots. The samples are divided into four groups ( = 10) based on the biomaterial used. After placing the biomaterial, the root apices were sealed. Half of the samples from each group were tested for oxygen release using dissolved oxygen meter and the other half for rise in pH using pH meter at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
The pH values were analyzed using Friedman 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis test. Oxygen release was measured using the two-way and repeated-measures ANOVA.
RESULTS
Calcium peroxide group showed the highest mean pH and oxygen release than other groups at any given point of time.
CONCLUSIONS
Incorporating oxygen-releasing biomaterials such as calcium peroxide and perfluorodecalin into intracanal medicaments, such as calcium hydroxide, creates an alkaline and oxygen-enriched milieu in the periapical tissues.
PubMed: 38634020
DOI: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_39_24 -
FEMS Microbiology Ecology Apr 2024Dissolved inorganic carbon has been hypothesized to stimulate microbial chemoautotrophic activity as a biological sink in the carbon cycle of deep subsurface...
Dissolved inorganic carbon has been hypothesized to stimulate microbial chemoautotrophic activity as a biological sink in the carbon cycle of deep subsurface environments. Here, we tested this hypothesis using quantitative DNA stable isotope probing of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) at multiple 13C-labeled bicarbonate concentrations in hydrothermal fluids from a 750-m deep subsurface aquifer in the Biga Peninsula (Turkey). The diversity of microbial populations assimilating 13C-labeled bicarbonate was significantly different at higher bicarbonate concentrations, and could be linked to four separate carbon-fixation pathways encoded within 13C-labeled MAGs. Microbial populations encoding the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle had the highest contribution to carbon fixation across all bicarbonate concentrations tested, spanning 1-10 mM. However, out of all the active carbon-fixation pathways detected, MAGs affiliated with the phylum Aquificae encoding the reverse tricarboxylic acid (rTCA) pathway were the only microbial populations that exhibited an increased 13C-bicarbonate assimilation under increasing bicarbonate concentrations. Our study provides the first experimental data supporting predictions that increased bicarbonate concentrations may promote chemoautotrophy via the rTCA cycle and its biological sink for deep subsurface inorganic carbon.
Topics: Carbon Cycle; Bicarbonates; Microbiota; Carbon Isotopes; Metagenome; Bacteria; Carbon; Hydrothermal Vents; Groundwater; Chemoautotrophic Growth; Archaea
PubMed: 38632042
DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiae062 -
PloS One 2024In Nepal, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been targeted for elimination as a public health problem by 2026. Recently, increasing numbers of VL cases have been reported...
In Nepal, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been targeted for elimination as a public health problem by 2026. Recently, increasing numbers of VL cases have been reported from districts of doubtful endemicity including hills and mountains, threatening the ongoing VL elimination program in Nepal. We conducted a multi-disciplinary, descriptive cross-sectional survey to assess the local transmission of Leishmania donovani in seven such districts situated at altitudes of up to 1,764 meters in western Nepal from March to December 2019. House-to-house surveys were performed for socio-demographic data and data on past and current VL cases. Venous blood was collected from all consenting individuals aged ≥2 years and tested with the rK39 RDT. Blood samples were also tested with direct agglutination test, and a titer of ≥1:1600 was taken as a marker of infection. A Leishmania donovani species-specific PCR (SSU-rDNA) was performed for parasite species confirmation. We also captured sand flies using CDC light traps and mouth aspirators. The house-to-house surveys documented 28 past and six new VL cases of which 82% (28/34) were without travel exposure. Overall, 4.1% (54/1320) of healthy participants tested positive for L. donovani on at least one serological or molecular test. Among asymptomatic individuals, 17% (9/54) were household contacts of past VL cases, compared to 0.5% (6/1266) among non-infected individuals. Phlebotomus argentipes, the vector of L. donovani, was found in all districts except in Bajura. L. donovani was confirmed in two asymptomatic individuals and one pool of sand flies of Phlebotomus (Adlerius) sp. We found epidemiological and entomological evidence for local transmission of L. donovani in areas previously considered as non-endemic for VL. The national VL elimination program should revise the endemicity status of these districts and extend surveillance and control activities to curb further transmission of the disease.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Leishmaniasis, Visceral; Nepal; Cross-Sectional Studies; Leishmania donovani; Phlebotomus; Psychodidae
PubMed: 38630746
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289578 -
Genetics, Selection, Evolution : GSE Apr 2024With the introduction of digital phenotyping and high-throughput data, traits that were previously difficult or impossible to measure directly have become easily...
BACKGROUND
With the introduction of digital phenotyping and high-throughput data, traits that were previously difficult or impossible to measure directly have become easily accessible, offering the opportunity to enhance the efficiency and rate of genetic gain in animal production. It is of interest to assess how behavioral traits are indirectly related to the production traits during the performance testing period. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of behavior data extracted from day-wise video recordings and estimate the genetic parameters of behavior traits and their phenotypic and genetic correlations with production traits in pigs. Behavior was recorded for 70 days after on-test at about 10 weeks of age and ended at off-test for 2008 female purebred pigs, totaling 119,812 day-wise records. Behavior traits included time spent eating, drinking, laterally lying, sternally lying, sitting, standing, and meters of distance traveled. A quality control procedure was created for algorithm training and adjustment, standardizing recording hours, removing culled animals, and filtering unrealistic records.
RESULTS
Production traits included average daily gain (ADG), back fat thickness (BF), and loin depth (LD). Single-trait linear models were used to estimate heritabilities of the behavior traits and two-trait linear models were used to estimate genetic correlations between behavior and production traits. The results indicated that all behavior traits are heritable, with heritability estimates ranging from 0.19 to 0.57, and showed low-to-moderate phenotypic and genetic correlations with production traits. Two-trait linear models were also used to compare traits at different intervals of the recording period. To analyze the redundancies in behavior data during the recording period, the averages of various recording time intervals for the behavior and production traits were compared. Overall, the average of the 55- to 68-day recording interval had the strongest phenotypic and genetic correlation estimates with the production traits.
CONCLUSIONS
Digital phenotyping is a new and low-cost method to record behavior phenotypes, but thorough data cleaning procedures are needed. Evaluating behavioral traits at different time intervals offers a deeper insight into their changes throughout the growth periods and their relationship with production traits, which may be recorded at a less frequent basis.
Topics: Swine; Female; Animals; Phenotype; Feeding Behavior; Linear Models
PubMed: 38627636
DOI: 10.1186/s12711-024-00902-w -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024The global aging population faces significant health challenges, including an increasing vulnerability to disability due to natural aging processes. Wearable lower limb... (Review)
Review
The global aging population faces significant health challenges, including an increasing vulnerability to disability due to natural aging processes. Wearable lower limb exoskeletons (LLEs) have emerged as a promising solution to enhance physical function in older individuals. This systematic review synthesizes the use of LLEs in alignment with the WHO's healthy aging vision, examining their impact on intrinsic capacities and functional abilities. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in six databases, yielding 36 relevant articles covering older adults (65+) with various health conditions, including sarcopenia, stroke, Parkinson's Disease, osteoarthritis, and more. The interventions, spanning one to forty sessions, utilized a range of LLE technologies such as Ekso, HAL, Stride Management Assist, Honda Walking Assist, Lokomat, Walkbot, Healbot, Keeogo Rehab, EX1, overground wearable exoskeletons, Eksoband, powered ankle-foot orthoses, HAL lumbar type, Human Body Posturizer, Gait Enhancing and Motivation System, soft robotic suits, and active pelvis orthoses. The findings revealed substantial positive outcomes across diverse health conditions. LLE training led to improvements in key performance indicators, such as the 10 Meter Walk Test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand test, Timed Up and Go test, and more. Additionally, enhancements were observed in gait quality, joint mobility, muscle strength, and balance. These improvements were accompanied by reductions in sedentary behavior, pain perception, muscle exertion, and metabolic cost while walking. While longer intervention durations can aid in the rehabilitation of intrinsic capacities, even the instantaneous augmentation of functional abilities can be observed in a single session. In summary, this review demonstrates consistent and significant enhancements in critical parameters across a broad spectrum of health conditions following LLE interventions in older adults. These findings underscore the potential of LLE in promoting healthy aging and enhancing the well-being of older adults.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Exoskeleton Device; Healthy Aging; Postural Balance; Time and Motion Studies; World Health Organization
PubMed: 38610440
DOI: 10.3390/s24072230 -
Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases 2024Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating X-linked muscle disease. Clinical evaluation of DMD uses patient-intensive motor function tests, and the recent...
The Association Between Physical Activity/Heart Rate Variability Data Obtained Using a Wearable Device and Timed Motor Functional Tests in Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Pilot Study.
BACKGROUND
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating X-linked muscle disease. Clinical evaluation of DMD uses patient-intensive motor function tests, and the recent development of wearable devices allows the collection of a variety of biometric information, including physical activity.
OBJECTIVE
In this study, we examined differences in physical activity and heart rate variability (HRV) between patients with DMD and healthy subjects using a wearable device, and investigated any association between these parameters and motor function in patients with DMD.
METHODS
Participants were 7 patients with DMD and 8 healthy males, whose physical activity and HRV were provided by a wearable device. These data were used to investigate the relationship between both physical activity and HRV parameters and timed motor functional tests [Time to stand from supine, 10-meter walking time (10MWT), North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA), and 6-minute walking test (6MWT)] in patients with DMD.
RESULTS
Results of 24-hours physical activity, fat burning, total number of steps and active distance, average step rate, average exercise intensity during walking, exercise, degree of forward lean during walking, maximum heart rate, normalized low frequency power (LF norm), and maximum exercise intensity in patients with DMD were lower than those in control subjects. Physical activity and HRV parameters did not correlate with the time to stand from supine. The 10MWT positively correlated with average heart rate, while NSAA negatively correlated with average heart rate, total frequency power (TF), and very low frequency power (VLF) during arousal. The 6MWT negatively correlated with ratio LF/high frequency power (HF).
CONCLUSIONS
Physical activity and HRV indices that differ from those of normal children and that correlate with motor function assessment may serve as digital biomarkers.
Topics: Humans; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne; Heart Rate; Male; Pilot Projects; Wearable Electronic Devices; Child; Exercise; Adolescent; Walk Test; Walking; Exercise Test; Young Adult
PubMed: 38607760
DOI: 10.3233/JND-230142 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2024Rhizosphere pH determines nutrient bioavailability, but this pH is difficult to measure. Standard pH tests require adding water to growth media. This dilutes hydrogen...
Rhizosphere pH determines nutrient bioavailability, but this pH is difficult to measure. Standard pH tests require adding water to growth media. This dilutes hydrogen ion activity and increases pH. We used a novel, , pointed-tip electrode to estimate rhizosphere pH without dilution. Measurements from this electrode matched a research-grade pH meter in hydroponic nutrient solutions. We then compared measurements from this electrode to saturated paste and pour-through methods in peat moss, coconut coir, and pine bark. The pointed-tip electrode was unable to accurately measure pH in the highly-porous pine bark media. Adding deionized water to the other media at container capacity using the saturated paste method resulted in a pH that was 0.59 ± 0.30 units higher than the initial measurement at the top of the container. This increase aligns with established solution chemistry principles. Measurements of pH using the pour-through method were 0.38 ± 0.24 pH units higher than measurements at the bottom of the container. We conclude that pH measurements are not subject to dilution and are thus more representative of the rhizosphere pH than the saturated paste and pour-through techniques.
PubMed: 38601303
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1334328 -
Mitochondrion May 2024Thymidine kinase 2 deficiency (TK2d) is a rare autosomal recessive mitochondrial disorder. It manifests as a continuous clinical spectrum, from fatal infantile...
OBJECTIVES
Thymidine kinase 2 deficiency (TK2d) is a rare autosomal recessive mitochondrial disorder. It manifests as a continuous clinical spectrum, from fatal infantile mitochondrial DNA depletion syndromes to adult-onset mitochondrial myopathies characterized by ophthalmoplegia-plus phenotypes with early respiratory involvement. Treatment with pyrimidine nucleosides has recently shown striking effects on survival and motor outcomes in the more severe infantile-onset clinical forms. We present the response to treatment in a patient with adult-onset TK2d.
METHODS
An adult with ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, facial, neck, and proximal muscle weakness, non-invasive nocturnal mechanical ventilation, and dysphagia due to biallelic pathogenic variants in TK2 received treatment with 260 mg/kg/day of deoxycytidine (dC) and deoxythymidine (dT) under a Compassionate Use Program. Prospective motor and respiratory assessments are presented.
RESULTS
After 27 months of follow-up, the North Star Ambulatory Assessment improved by 11 points, he walked 195 m more in the 6 Minute-Walking-Test, ran 10 s faster in the 100-meter time velocity test, and the Forced Vital Capacity stabilized. Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF15) levels, a biomarker of respiratory chain dysfunction, normalized. The only reported side effect was dose-dependent diarrhea.
DISCUSSION
Treatment with dC and dT can significantly improve motor performance and stabilize respiratory function safely in patients with adult-onset TK2d.
Topics: Humans; Male; Thymidine Kinase; Administration, Oral; Adult; Treatment Outcome; Mitochondrial Diseases; Nucleosides
PubMed: 38599303
DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2024.101879 -
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Jun 2024Inter-individual developmental differences confound the capability to accurately evaluate youth athletic performance, highlighting the need for considerate methodology...
OBJECTIVES
Inter-individual developmental differences confound the capability to accurately evaluate youth athletic performance, highlighting the need for considerate methodology and analytical approaches. The present study demonstrated how Percentile Comparison Methods (PCMs) were developed, tested, and applied to identify athlete developmental profiles in Australian youth swimming.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional.
METHODS
Participants were N = 866 female 100-metre (m) Front-Crawl swimmers, aged 9-15 years, competing at 36 Australian regional-national level long course events. At respective events, swim performance time was collated alongside, age, date of birth, and anthropometric measures to identify age group, relative age, and maturity status. Quadratic relative age and maturity status with 100-m performance regression trendlines were generated. Then, individual swim performances at a given relative age or maturity status were converted into percentile rank distributions and compared with raw (unadjusted) annual age-group performance percentile ranks.
RESULTS
At a cohort level, initial testing confirmed relative age and maturity-adjusted percentile rankings were associated with general rank improvements for relatively younger and later maturing swimmers compared to raw ranks (and vice versa). When assessing individual swimmer plots, where three percentile rank scores were compared and rank change threshold criteria applied, five Percentile Comparison Method profile types were identified, namely: 'Early Developing' (19 %); 'Later Developing' (18 %); 'Consistent' (15 %); 'Mixed' (38 %) and 'Counteracting' (10 %). Percentile Comparison Method plots helped identify developmentally (dis-)advantaged swimmers; specific factors leading to (dis-)advantage, and likely onward development trajectories.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall and with practical considerations, Percentile Comparison Methods can improve the validity of youth athletic performance evaluation as well as inform athlete development programming.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Child; Swimming; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Athletic Performance; Australia; Athletes; Adolescent Development; Age Factors; Child Development; Anthropometry
PubMed: 38594115
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2024.03.004