The effect of a daytime 60-min nap opportunity on postural control in highly active individuals

Although napping is commonly used as a strategy to improve numerous physical and cognitive performances, the efficacy of this strategy for improving postural balance has not yet been elucidated. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive examination of the effect of a 60 min nap opportunity (N60) on different components of postural control. Ten highly active individuals (age = 27 ± 3.5 y, height = 1.75 ± 0.52 m, weight = 66.02 ± 8.63 kg) performed, in a randomized order, two afternoon test sessions following no nap (NN) and N60. Postural balance was assessed using the sensory organisation test (SOT), the unilateral stance test (UST), and the limits of Stability Test performed on NeuroCom^® Smart Balance Master. The subjective rating of sleepiness before and after the nap conditions was also assessed. Compared to NN, N60 improved the composite balance score (p < 0.05, ES = 0.75, Δ = 5.3%) and the average and maximum percentage balance in the most challenging postural conditions of the SOT (p < 0.05 for SOT-4 and 5 and p < 0.0005 for SOT-6; ES range between 0.58 and 1.1). This enhanced postural balance in N60 was accompanied with improved visual (p < 0.05; ES = 0.93; Δ = 8.9%) and vestibular (p < 0.05; ES = 0.81; Δ = 10.5%) ratios and a reduced level of sleepiness perception (p < 0.001, ES = 0.87). However, no significant differences were found in any of the UST and LOS components’ scores (p > 0.05). Overall, a 60 min post lunch nap opportunity may be viable for improving static balance, although further work, involving larger samples and more complex motor activities, is warranted.     

Matrix Metalloproteinases -8 and -9 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 in Burn Patients. A Prospective Observational Study

IntroductionMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -8 and -9 are released from neutrophils in acute inflammation and may contribute to permeability changes in burn injury. In retrospective studies on sepsis, levels of MMP-8, MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) differed from those of healthy controls, and TIMP-1 showed an association with outcome. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between these proteins and disease severity and outcome in burn patients.MethodsIn this prospective, observational, two-center study, we collected plasma samples from admission to day 21 post-burn, and burn blister fluid samples on admission. We compared MMP-8, -9, and TIMP-1 levels between TBSA<20% (N = 19) and TBSA>20% (N = 30) injured patients and healthy controls, and between 90-day survivors and non-survivors. MMP-8, -9, and TIMP-1 levels at 24-48 hours from injury, their maximal levels, and their time-adjusted means were compared between groups. Correlations with clinical parameters and the extent of burn were analyzed. MMP-8, -9, and TIMP-1 levels in burn blister fluids were also studied.ResultsPlasma MMP-8 and -9 were higher in patients than in healthy controls (P<0.001 and P = 0.016), but only MMP-8 differed between the TBSA<20% and TBSA>20% groups. MMP-8 and -9 were not associated with clinical severity or outcome measures. TIMP-1 differed significantly between patients and controls (P<0.001) and between TBSA<20% and TBSA>20% groups (P<0.002). TIMP-1 was associated with 90-day mortality and correlated with the extent of injury and clinical measures of disease severity. TIMP-1 may serve as a new biomarker in outcome prognostication of burn patients.     

Determination of major UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes and their genotypes responsible for 20-HETE glucuronidation

The compound 20-HETE is involved in numerous physiological functions, including blood pressure and platelet aggregation. Glucuronidation of 20-HETE by UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) is thought to be a primary pathway of 20-HETE elimination in humans. The present study identified major UGT enzymes responsible for 20-HETE glucuronidation and investigated their genetic influence on the glucuronidation reaction using human livers (n = 44). Twelve recombinant UGTs were screened to identify major contributors to 20-HETE glucuronidation. Based on these results, UGT2B7, UGT1A9, and UGT1A3 exhibited as major contributors to 20-HETE glucuronidation. The K_m values of 20-HETE glucuronidation by UGT1A3, UGT1A9, and UGT2B7 were 78.4, 22.2, and 14.8 μM, respectively, while V_max values were 1.33, 1.78, and 1.62 nmol/min/mg protein, respectively. Protein expression levels and genetic variants of UGT1A3, UGT1A9, and UGT2B7 were analyzed in human livers using Western blotting and genotyping, respectively. Glucuronidation of 20-HETE was significantly correlated with the protein levels of UGT2B7 (r² = 0.33, P < 0.001) and UGT1A9 (r² = 0.31, P < 0.001), but not UGT1A3 (r² = 0.02, P > 0.05). A correlation between genotype and 20-HETE glucuronidation revealed that UGT2B7 802C>T, UGT1A9 −118T₉>T₁₀, and UGT1A9 1399T>C significantly altered 20-HETE glucuronide formation (P < 0.05–0.001). Increased levels of 20-HETE comprise a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and the present data may increase our understanding of 20-HETE metabolism and cardiovascular complications.     

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 Protects against Macrophage-Induced Activation of NFκB and MAPK Signalling and Chemokine Release in Human Adipocytes

Increased accumulation of macrophages in adipose tissue in obesity is linked to low-grade chronic inflammation, and associated with features of metabolic syndrome. Vitamin D₃ may have immunoregulatory effects and reduce adipose tissue inflammation, although the molecular mechanisms remain to be established. This study investigated the effects of vitamin D₃ on macrophage-elicited inflammatory responses in cultured human adipocytes, particularly the signalling pathways involved. Macrophage-conditioned (MC) medium (25% with adipocyte maintenance media) markedly inhibited protein expression of the nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) subunit inhibitor κBα (IκBα) (71%, P<0.001) and increased NFκB p65 (1.5-fold, P = 0.026) compared with controls. Treatment with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃) abolished macrophage-induced activation of NFκB signalling by increasing IκBα expression (2.7-fold, P = 0.005) and reducing NFκB p65 phosphorylation (68%; P<0.001). The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling was activated by MC medium, which was also blunted by 1,25(OH)₂D₃ with a downregulation of phosphorylated p38 MAPK (32%, P = 0.005) and phosphorylated Erk1/2 (49%, P = 0.001). Furthermore, MC medium (12.5% or 25%) dose-dependently upregulated secretion of key proinflammatory chemokines/cytokines (22-368-fold; all P<0.001) and this was significantly decreased by 1,25(OH)₂D₃: IL-8 (61% and 31%, P<0.001), MCP-1 (37%, P<0.001 and 36%, P = 0.002), RANTES (78% and 62%, P<0.001) and IL-6 (29%, P<0.001 and 34%, P = 0.019). Monocyte migration-elicited by adipocytes treated with 1,25(OH)₂D₃ was also reduced (up to 25%, P<0.001). In conclusion, vitamin D₃ could be anti-inflammatory in adipose tissue, decreasing macrophage-induced release of chemokines and cytokines by adipocytes and the chemotaxis of monocytes. Our data suggests these effects are mediated by inhibition of the NFκB and MAPK signalling pathways.     

New Insights in Abdominal Pain in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): A MRI Study

Introduction

Abdominal pain in PNH has never been investigated by in-vivo imaging studies. With MRI, we aimed to assess mesenteric vessels flow and small bowel wall perfusion to investigate the ischemic origin of abdominal pain.

Materials and Methods

Six PNH patients with (AP) and six without (NOP) abdominal pain underwent MRI. In a blinded fashion, mean flow (MF, quantity of blood moving through a vessel within a second, in mL·s^-1) and stroke volume (SV, volume of blood pumped out at each heart contraction, in mL) of Superior Mesenteric Vein (SMV) and Artery (SMA), areas under the curve at 60 (AUC₆₀) and 90 seconds (AUC₉₀) and K^trans were assessed by two operators.

Results

Mean total perfusion and flow parameters were lower in AP than in NOP group. AUC₆₀: 84.81 ± 11.75 vs. 131.73 ± 18.89 (P < 0.001); AUC₉₀: 102.33 ± 14.16 vs. 152.58 ± 22.70 (P < 0.001); K^trans: 0.0346 min^-1 ± 0.0019 vs. 0.0521 ± 0.0015 (P = 0.093 duodenum, 0.009 jejunum/ileum). SMV: MF 4.67 ml/s ± 0.85 vs. 8.32 ± 2.14 (P = 0.002); SV 3.85 ml ± 0.76 vs. 6.55 ± 1.57 (P = 0.02). SMA: MF 6.95 ± 2.61 vs. 11.2 ± 2.32 (P = 0.07); SV 6.52 ± 2.19 vs. 8.78 ± 1.63 (P = 0.07). We found a significant correlation between MF and SV of SMV and AUC₆₀ (MF:ρ = 0.88, P < 0.001; SV: ρ = 0.644, P = 0.024), AUC₉₀ (MF: ρ = 0.874, P < 0.001; SV:ρ = 0.774, P = 0.003) and K^trans (MF:ρ = 0.734, P = 0.007; SV:ρ = 0.581, P = 0.047).

Conclusions

Perfusion and flow MRI findings suggest that the impairment of small bowel blood supply is significantly associated with abdominal pain in PNH.     

Acute and long-term effects of two different static stretching training protocols on range of motion and vertical jump in preadolescent athletes

This study examined the acute and long-term effects of two static stretching protocols of equal duration, performed either as a single stretch or multiple shorter duration repetitions on hip hyperextension range of motion (ROM) and single leg countermovement jump height (CMJ). Thirty female gymnasts were randomly assigned to stretching (SG) or control groups (CG). The SG performed two different protocols of static stretching, three times per week for 9 weeks. One leg performed repeated stretching (3 × 30 s with 30 s rest) while the other leg performed a single stretch (90 s). The CG continued regular training. ROM and CMJ were measured pre- and 2 min post-stretching on weeks 0, 3, 6, 9, and 3 weeks into detraining. CMJ height increased over time irrespective of group (main effect time, p = 0.001), with no statistical difference between groups (main effect group, p = 0.272). Three-way ANOVA showed that, CMJ height after stretching was not affected by either stretching protocol at any time point (p = 0.503 to 0.996). Both stretching protocols equally increased ROM on weeks 6 (10.9 ± 13.4%, p < 0.001, d = 0.42), and 9 (21.5 ± 13.4%, p < 0.001, d = 0.78), and this increase was maintained during detraining (17.0 ± 15.0%, p < 0.001, d = 0.68). No increase in ROM was observed in the CG (p > 0.874). Static stretching of long duration applied either as single or multiple bouts of equal duration, results in similar acute and long-term improvements in ROM. Furthermore, both stretching protocols do not acutely affect subsequent CMJ performance, and this effect is not influenced by the large increase in ROM and CMJ overtime.     

High Temperature and Salinity Enhance Soil Nitrogen Mineralization in a Tidal Freshwater Marsh

Soil nitrogen (N) mineralization in wetlands is sensitive to various environmental factors. To compare the effects of salinity and temperature on N mineralization, wetland soils from a tidal freshwater marsh locating in the Yellow River Delta was incubated over a 48-d anaerobic incubation period under four salinity concentrations (0, 10, 20 and 35‰) and four temperature levels (10, 20, 30 and 40°C). The results suggested that accumulated ammonium nitrogen (NH₄ ⁺-N) increased with increasing incubation time under all salinity concentrations. Higher temperatures and salinities significantly enhanced soil N mineralization except for a short-term (≈10 days) inhibiting effect found under 35‰ salinity. The incubation time, temperature, salinity and their interactions exhibited significant effects on N mineralization (P<0.001) except the interactive effect of salinity and temperature (P>0.05), while temperature exhibited the greatest effect (P<0.001). Meanwhile, N mineralization processes were simulated using both an effective accumulated temperature model and a one-pool model. Both models fit well with the simulation of soil N mineralization process in the coastal freshwater wetlands under a range of 30 to 40°C (R² = 0.88–0.99, P<0.01). Our results indicated that an enhanced NH₄ ⁺-N release with increasing temperature and salinity deriving from the projected global warming could have profound effects on nutrient cycling in coastal wetland ecosystems.     

Acute effect of a static- and dynamic-based stretching warm-up on standing long jump performance in primary schoolchildren

The aim of the present study was to compare the acute effect of a static- vs dynamic-based stretching warm-up on standing long jump (SLJ) performance in primary schoolchildren. The sample was composed of 76 schoolchildren, 43 girls and 33 boys, aged 9–10 years old from three fourth-grade classes of Primary Education. The three groups were cluster-randomly assigned to the control (CG), static (SG) or dynamic (DG) groups. All the schoolchildren performed a standardized warm-up consisting of mobility exercises (five minutes), jogging (five minutes) and the SLJ test. Afterwards the CG schoolchildren received jump theory (eight minutes), the SG performed static stretching (eight minutes) and the DG performed dynamic-bounces stretching (eight minutes). Afterwards, all of them performed the SLJ test again. The results of the one-way ANOVA (F_2,73 = 34.184; p < 0.001; η²p = 0.484), followed by the pairwise comparisons with the Bonferroni adjustment, showed that the DG students (M_Δ = 11.07, SE = 1.42) made a significant statistical improvement in their SJL levels compared with the CG (M_Δ = -3.00, SE = 1.89; p < 0.001, d = 1.51) and SG students (M_Δ = -1.85, SE = 0.67; p < 0.001, d = 1.38). However, statistically significant differences between the CG and SG students were not found (p > 0.05, d = 0.12). The dynamic-bouncing stretch as a final part of a warm-up improves explosive strength performance in primary schoolchildren, and seems to be a good option before carrying out explosive strength activities of the lower body.     

Hydroxyurea affects in vitro porcine oocyte maturation through increased apoptosis and oxidative stress

Hydroxyurea (HU) is an FDA-approved drug used to treat a variety of diseases, especially malignancies, but is harmful to fertility. We used porcine oocytes as an experimental model to study the effect of HU during oocyte maturation. Exposure of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) to 20 µM (P<0.01) and 50 µM (P<0.001) HU reduced oocyte maturation. Exposure to 20 µM HU induced approximately 1.5- and 2-fold increases in Caspase-3 (P<0.001) and P53 (P<0.01) gene expression levels in cumulus cells, respectively, increased Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and P53 (P<0.001) protein expression levels in metaphase II (MII) oocytes and increased the percentage of apoptotic cumulus cells (P<0.001). In addition, HU decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δφm) (P<0.01 and P<0.001) and glutathione (GSH) levels (P<0.01 and P<0.001) of both cumulus cells and MII oocytes, while increasing their reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (P<0.001). Following parthenogenetic activation of embryos derived from MII oocytes, exposure to 20 µM HU significantly reduced total blastocyst cell numbers (P<0.001) and increased apoptosis of blastocyst cells (P<0.001). Moreover, HU exposure reduced the rate of development of two-celled, four- to eight-celled, blastocyst, and hatching stages after parthenogenetic activation (P<0.05). Our findings indicate that exposure to 20 µM HU caused significant oxidative stress and apoptosis of MII oocytes during maturation, which affected their developmental ability. These results provide valuable information for safety assessments of HU.     

Personality,Perceived Environment,and Behavior Systems Related to Future Smoking Intentions among Youths: An Application of Problem-Behavior Theory in Shanghai,China

Background

Smoking among youths is a worldwide problem, particularly in China. Many endogenous and environmental factors influence smokers’ intentions to smoke; therefore, a comprehensive model is needed to understand the significance and relationship of predictors. This study aimed to develop a prediction model based on problem-behavior theory (PBT) to interpret intentions to smoke among Chinese youths.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 26,675 adolescents from junior, senior, and vocational high schools in Shanghai, China. Data on smoking status, smoking knowledge, attitude toward smoking, parents’ and peers’ smoking, and media exposure to smoking were collected from students. A structural equation model was used to assess the developed prediction model.

Results

The experimental smoking rate and current smoking rate among the students were 11.0% and 3%, respectively. Our constructed model showed an acceptable fit to the data (comparative fit index = 0.987, root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.034). Intention to smoke was predicted by perceived environment (β = 0.455, P < 0.001) system consisting of peer smoking (β = 0.599, P < 0.001), parent smoking (β = 0.152, P < 0.001), and media exposure to smoking (β = 0.226, P < 0.001), and behavior system (β = 0.487, P < 0.001) consisting of tobacco experimentation (β = 0.663, P < 0.001) and current smoking (β = 0.755, P < 0.001). Smoking intention was irrelevant for personality system in students (β = -0.113, P>0.05) which consisted of acceptance of tobacco use (β = 0.668, P < 0.001) and academic performance (β = 0.171, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The PBT-based model we developed provides a good understanding of the predictors of intentions to smoke and it suggests future interventions among youths should focus on components in perceived environment and behavior systems, and take into account the moderating effects of personality system.     

The Biomarkers Changes in Serum and the Correlation with Quantitative MRI Markers by Histopathologic Evaluation of the Cartilage in Surgically-Induced Osteoarthritis Rabbit Model

Purpose

To investigate the biomarkers change in serum and the correlation with quantitative MRI markers by histopathologic evaluation of the cartilage in surgically-induced osteoarthritis(OA) rabbit model.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-six mature New Zealand rabbits were used. Eighteen rabbits were divided into six groups randomly and equally and subjected to surgery using the improved Hulth method. The other eighteen rabbits were also allocated into six groups randomly and equally which served as the control. At multiple time points after surgery, the BMP-2, CTX-II and COMP levels in the serum were analyzed by ELISA, and quantitative MRI was performed. Histopathology was examined with HE, and Mankin scores were assessed. The changes in the biochemical biomarkers and imaging markers in the OA groups were compared with those in the control groups using paired-samples T tests. The correlation of quantitative MRI markers with biomarkers and Mankin scores were analyzed. The analysis of Mankin scores was conducted with non-parametric wilcoxon signed rank tests.

Results

The BMP-2 levels were increased at various times after surgery, and significant differences were observed between the OA and control groups(all the P values <0.001). CTX-II levels were significantly elevated at several intervals after surgery, including W2, W8, W12, W16 and W20(P=0.019, 0.004, 0.007, <0.001 and 0.016 respectively), but not at W4(P=0.764). Significant differences in the COMP levels from W2 to W20 were observed between the OA and the control groups(P<0.001, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001,=0.002 and =0.004 respectively). The T2 values increased at W8 post-surgery and were significantly different between the OA and control groups(P=0.001, <0.001, <0.001 and <0.001 respectively). T2* values increased from W2 to W20 and were significantly different between the control and OA groups(P=0.002, =0.001, <0.001, <0.001, =0.001 and <0.001 respectively). T2 values had significant correlation with BMP-2 and CTX-II(P<0.001 and =0.014), except COMP(P=0.305)., while the correlation of T2* values with BMP-2, CTX-II and COMP was significant(P=0.043, 0.005 and 0.025 respectively). In addition, a positive correlation of T2 values and Mankin scores was observed(P<0.001).

Conclusion

With the relevance of the multiple time point analysis of the serum biomarkers and imaging markers compared with histological findings, BMP-2, CTX-II and COMP combined with T2 and T2* can be used to reflect and monitor OA progression potentially.     

High Expression of Heat Shock Protein 90 Is Associated with Tumor Aggressiveness and Poor Prognosis in Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer

The heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is overexpressed and highly associated with poor prognosis in many malignancies. However, the role of HSP90 in gastric cancer has not been thoroughly elucidated. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of HSP90 expression with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis in advanced gastric cancer, and estimate the alteration of HSP90 expression after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. HSP90 and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) antigen expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 322 advanced gastric carcinoma samples. The relationships between HSP90 and clinicopathological parameters and prognosis were analyzed. The response of HSP90 level was assessed in chemotherapeutic effect in 54 patients received 1–2 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The positive expression of HSP90 was found to be 69.6% in 322 advanced gastric carcinoma samples. HSP90 protein expression was significantly associated with depth invasion (P<0.001), lymph node metastasis (P<0.001) and stage of disease (P<0.001). The positive rates of HSP90 expression were higher in both prominent serosal invasion group (P<0.001) and lymph node metastasis group (P<0.001). Moreover, HSP90 was significantly correlated with MMP-9 among 322 gastric cancer tissues (P<0.001). In univariate and multivariate analyses, HSP90 was an independent prognostic factor for both recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). These results suggested that HSP90 may play an important role on tumor invasion, metastasis and prognosis, and might act as a promising target for prognostic prediction.     

Bone microarchitecture in ankylosing spondylitis and the association with bone mineral density,fractures, and syndesmophytes

Introduction

Osteoporosis of the axial skeleton is a known complication of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but bone loss affecting the peripheral skeleton is less studied. This study on volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and bone microarchitecture in AS was conducted to compare peripheral vBMD in AS patients with that in healthy controls, to study vBMD in axial compared with peripheral bone, and to explore the relation between vertebral fractures, spinal osteoproliferation, and peripheral bone microarchitecture and density.

Methods

High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) of ultradistal radius and tibia and QCT and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of lumbar spine were performed in 69 male AS patients (NY criteria). Spinal radiographs were assessed for vertebral fractures and syndesmophyte formation (mSASSS). The HRpQCT measurements were compared with the measurements of healthy controls.

Results

The AS patients had lower cortical vBMD in radius (P = 0.004) and lower trabecular vBMD in tibia (P = 0.033), than did the controls. Strong correlations were found between trabecular vBMD in lumbar spine, radius (r_S = 0.762; P < 0.001), and tibia (r_S = 0.712; P < 0.001).When compared with age-matched AS controls, patients with vertebral fractures had lower lumbar cortical vBMD (-22%; P = 0.019), lower cortical cross-sectional area in radius (-28.3%; P = 0.001) and tibia (-24.0%; P = 0.013), and thinner cortical bone in radius (-28.3%; P = 0.001) and tibia (-26.9%; P = 0.016).mSASSS correlated negatively with trabecular vBMD in lumbar spine (r_S = -0.620; P < 0.001), radius (r_S = -0.400; p = 0.001) and tibia (r_S = -0.475; p < 0.001) and also with trabecular thickness in radius (r_S = -0.528; P < 0.001) and tibia (r_S = -0.488; P < 0.001).Adjusted for age, syndesmophytes were significantly associated with decreasing trabecular vBMD, but increasing cortical vBMD in lumbar spine, but not with increasing cortical thickness or density in peripheral bone. Estimated lumbar vBMD by DXA correlated with trabecular vBMD measured by QCT (r_S = 0.636; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Lumbar osteoporosis, syndesmophytes, and vertebral fractures were associated with both lower vBMD and deteriorated microarchitecture in peripheral bone. The results indicate that trabecular bone loss is general, whereas osteoproliferation is local in AS.     

Effects of Heavy-Resistance Strength and Balance Training on Unilateral and Bilateral Leg Strength Performance in Old Adults

The term “bilateral deficit” (BLD) has been used to describe a reduction in performance during bilateral contractions when compared to the sum of identical unilateral contractions. In old age, maximal isometric force production (MIF) decreases and BLD increases indicating the need for training interventions to mitigate this impact in seniors. In a cross-sectional approach, we examined age-related differences in MIF and BLD in young (age: 20–30 years) and old adults (age: >65 years). In addition, a randomized-controlled trial was conducted to investigate training-specific effects of resistance vs. balance training on MIF and BLD of the leg extensors in old adults. Subjects were randomly assigned to resistance training (n = 19), balance training (n = 14), or a control group (n = 20). Bilateral heavy-resistance training for the lower extremities was performed for 13 weeks (3 × / week) at 80% of the one repetition maximum. Balance training was conducted using predominately unilateral exercises on wobble boards, soft mats, and uneven surfaces for the same duration. Pre- and post-tests included uni- and bilateral measurements of maximal isometric leg extension force. At baseline, young subjects outperformed older adults in uni- and bilateral MIF (all p < .001; d = 2.61–3.37) and in measures of BLD (p < .001; d = 2.04). We also found significant increases in uni- and bilateral MIF after resistance training (all p < .001, d = 1.8-5.7) and balance training (all p < .05, d = 1.3-3.2). In addition, BLD decreased following resistance (p < .001, d = 3.4) and balance training (p < .001, d = 2.6). It can be concluded that both training regimens resulted in increased MIF and decreased BLD of the leg extensors (HRT-group more than BAL-group), almost reaching the levels of young adults.     

Personality and Dietary Intake – Findings in the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study

Background

Personality traits are associated with health outcomes including non-communicable diseases. This could be partly explained by lifestyle related factors including diet. The personality traits neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness are linked with resilience, meaning adaptability in challenging situations. Resilient people usually comply with favorable health behaviors.

Objective

Our objective was to explore the associations between food and nutrient intake, personality traits and resilience.

Design

A validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to measure diet and the NEO-personality inventory to assess personality in 1681 subjects. Linear regression analysis was used to explore diet-personality associations and cluster analysis to define resilient and non-resilient personality profiles.

Results

Adjusting for age, education and energy intake, and applying Bonferroni corrections, openness in men was associated with higher vegetable (14.9 g/d for 1 SD increase in the personality score, P_Bonf <0.01) and lower confectionery and chocolate (−2.8 g/d, P_Bonf <0.01) intakes. In women, neuroticism was associated with lower fish (−4.9 g/d, P_Bonf <0.001) and vegetable (−18.9 g/d, P_Bonf <0.01) and higher soft drink (19.9 g/d, P_Bonf <0.001) intakes. Extraversion, in women, associated with higher meat (5.9 g/d, P_Bonf <0.05) and vegetable (24.8 g/d, P_Bonf<0.001) intakes, openness with higher vegetable (23.4 g/d, P_Bonf <0.001) and fruit (29.5 g/d, P_Bonf <0.01) intakes. Agreeableness was associated with a lower soft drink (−16.2 g/d, P_Bonf <0.01) and conscientiousness with a higher fruit (32.9 g/d, P_Bonf<0.01) intake in women. Comparing resilient and non-resilient subjects, we found resilience in women to be associated with higher intakes of vegetables (52.0 g/d, P<0.001), fruits (58.3 g/d, P<0.01), fish (8.6 g/d, P<0.01) and dietary fiber (1.6 g/d, P<0.01).

Conclusion

Personality traits are associated with dietary intake and especially subjects with resilient personality profiles had healthier dietary intakes. These associations were stronger in women than in men.     

Mitochondrial Regulation of NADPH Oxidase in Hindlimb Unweighting Rat Cerebral Arteries

Exposure to microgravity results in post-flight cardiovascular deconditioning and orthostatic intolerance in astronauts. Vascular oxidative stress injury and mitochondrial dysfunction have been indicated in this process. To elucidate the mechanism for this condition, we investigated whether mitochondria regulated NADPH oxidase in hindlimb unweighting (HU) rat cerebral and mesenteric arteries. Four-week HU was used to simulate microgravity in rats. Vascular superoxide generation, protein and mRNA levels of Nox2/Nox4, and the activity of NADPH oxidase were examined in the present study. Compared with control rats, the levels of superoxide increased in cerebral (P<0.001) but not in mesenteric vascular smooth muscle cells. The protein and mRNA levels of Nox2 and Nox4 were upregulated significantly (P<0.001 and P<0.001 for Nox2, respectively; P<0.001 and P<0.001 for Nox4, respectively) in HU rat cerebral arteries but not in mesenteric arteries. NADPH oxidases were activated significantly by HU (P<0.001) in cerebral arteries but not in mesenteric arteries. Chronic treatment with mitochondria-targeted antioxidant mitoTEMPO attenuated superoxide levels (P<0.001), decreased the protein and mRNA expression levels of Nox2/Nox4 (P<0.01 and P<0.05 for Nox2, respectively; P<0.001 and P<0.001 for Nox4, respectively) and the activity of NADPH oxidase (P<0.001) in HU rat cerebral arteries, but exerted no effects on HU rat mesenteric arteries. Therefore, mitochondria regulated the expression and activity of NADPH oxidases during simulated microgravity. Both mitochondria and NADPH oxidase participated in vascular redox status regulation.     

Predictors of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Patients with Paraquat Intoxication

Introduction

Paraquat poisoning is characterized by acute lung injury, pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory failure, and multi-organ failure, resulting in a high rate of mortality and morbidity. The objectives of this study were to identify predictors of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in cases of paraquat poisoning and determine the association between these parameters.

Materials and Methods

In total, 187 patients were referred for management of intentional paraquat ingestion between 2000 and 2010. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were recorded. Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) scores were collected, and predictors of ARDS were analyzed.

Results

The overall mortality rate for the entire population was 54% (101/187). Furthermore, the mortality rate was higher in the ARDS patients than in the non-ARDS patients (80% vs. 43.80%, P<0.001). Additionally, the ARDS patients not only had higher AKIN_48-h scores (P<0.009), SOFA_48-h scores (P<0.001), and time to ARDS/nadir PaO₂ (P=0.008) but also suffered from lower nadir PaO₂ (P<0.001), nadir AaDO₂ (P<0.001), and nadir eGFR (P=0.001) compared to those in the non-ARDS patients. Moreover, pneumomediastinum episodes were more frequent in the ARDS patients than in the non-ARDS patients (P<0.001). A multivariate Cox regression model revealed that blood paraquat concentrations (P<0.001), SOFA_48-h scores (P=0.001), and steroid and cyclophosphamide pulse therapies (P=0.024) were significant predictors of ARDS. The cumulative survival rates differed significantly (P<0.001) between patients with SOFA_48-h scores <3 and SOFA_48-h scores ≥3, with a sensitivity of 95.8%, specificity of 58.4%, and overall correctness of 67.6%. Finally, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) analysis showed that SOFA_48-h scores (P<0.001) had a better discriminatory power than blood paraquat concentrations (P=0.01) for predicting ARDS.

Conclusions

The analytical results indicate that SOFA_48-h scores, blood paraquat concentrations, and steroid and cyclophosphamide pulse therapies are significantly associated with ARDS complications after paraquat intoxication.     

Khat Chewing Habits in the Population of the Jazan Region,Saudi Arabia: Prevalence and Associated Factors

The use of khat (Catha edulis) is a major public health and social problem that is believed to be growing globally. The khat chewing habit is prevalent in all areas of the Jazan region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). However, few studies have been conducted at the community level to investigate the khat chewing habits in this area. This study was conducted with the aim of assessing the prevalence and predictors of khat chewing among the Jazan community population. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample (n = 4,500) of the Jizani population who attended primary heath care centers in Jazan region. The participants were selected using a two-stage cluster random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The overall lifetime prevalence of khat chewing was 33.2% (95% CI 31.8–34.7) and was significantly higher for males 42.2% (95% CI 40.4–43.9) than for females 11.3% (95% CI 9.6–13.1) (P < 0.001). Current khat chewers accounted for 28.7% (95% CI 27.4–30.1) of the population sampled; 36.9% (95% CI 35.2–38.6) of whom were males, which is a significantly higher percentage than the 8.7% (95% CI 7.3–10.4) of current khat chewers who were females (P < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis suggests that the most important independent predictors of khat chewing were having a friend who chewed khat (OR = 20.1, P < 0.001), participant''s smoking status (OR) = 3.9, P < 0.001), friend''s smoking status (OR = 2.2, P < 0.001), gender (OR = 2.2, P < 0.001) and educational level (OR = 1.5, P < 0.05). A large proportion of the Jizani populations chew khat. Government and non-governmental organizations NGOs should design and strengthen community prevention programs to curb the high prevalence of khat use.     

Increased Circulating Cathepsin K in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Cysteinyl cathepsin K (CatK) is one of the most potent mammalian collagenases involved in cardiovascular disease. Here, we investigated the clinical predictive value of serum CatK levels in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). We examined 134 patients with CHF, measuring their serum CatK, troponin I, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, and pre-operative N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels. The patients were divided into two groups: the 44 patients who showed a left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40% (the “lowLVEF” group) and the 90 patients showing LVEF values ≥ 40% (the “highLVEF” group). The lowLVEF patients had significantly higher serum CatK levels compared to the highLVEF patients (58.4 ± 12.2 vs. 44.7 ± 16.4, P < 0.001). Overall, a linear regression analysis showed that CatK levels correlated negatively with LVEF (r = −0.4, P < 0.001) and positively with LV end-diastolic dimensions (r = 0.2, P < 0.01), LV end-systolic dimensions (r = 0.3, P < 0.001), and left atrial diameters (r = 0.3, P < 0.01). A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that CatK levels were independent predictors of CHF (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.84–0.95; P < 0.01). These data indicate that elevated levels of CatK are closely associated with the presence of CHF and that the measurement of circulating CatK provides a noninvasive method of documenting and monitoring the extent of cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in patients with CHF.     

The Association of Platelet Count with Clinicopathological Significance and Prognosis in Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ObjectiveElevated platelet count (PC), a measure of systemic inflammatory response, is inconsistently reported to be associated with poor prognosis in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the significance of PC in RCC prognosis.MethodsPubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify eligible studies to evaluate the associations of PC with patient survival and clinicopathological features of RCC.ResultsWe analyzed 25 studies including 11,458 patients in the meta-analysis and categorized the included articles into three groups based on RCC stage. An elevated PC level was associated with poor overall survival (OS, hazard ratio [HR] 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.87-2.67, P<0.001) and cancer-specific survival (CSS, HR 2.59, 95% CI 1.92-3.48, P<0.001) when all stages were examined together; with poor CSS (HR 5.09, 95% CI 2.41-10.73, P<0.001) and recurrence-free survival (HR 6.68, 95% CI 3.35-13.34, P<0.001) for localized RCC; with poor OS (HR 2.00, 95% CI 1.75-2.28, P<0.001) for metastatic RCC; and with poor OS (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.04-4.03, P = 0.038), CSS (HR 3.38, 95% CI 1.86-6.15, P<0.001), and PFS (HR 2.97, 95% CI 1.47-6.00, P = 0.002) for clear cell RCC. Furthermore, an elevated PC level was significantly associated with TNM stage (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.59-6.06, P = 0.001), pathological T stage (OR 3.13, 95% CI 2.60-3.77, P<0.001), lymph node metastasis (OR 4.01, 95% CI 2.99-5.37, P<0.001), distant metastasis (OR 3.85, 95% CI 2.46-6.04, P<0.001), Fuhrman grade (OR 3.70, 95% CI 3.00-4.56, P<0.001), tumor size (OR 4.69, 95% CI 2.78-7.91, P<0.001) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score (OR 5.50, 95% CI 3.26-9.28, P<0.001).ConclusionAn elevated PC level implied poor prognosis in patients with RCC and could serve as a readily available biomarker for managing this disease.