Basic Body Research Articles

Geochemistry and tectonic setting for the deposition of IOG siliciclastics at the western margin of Bonai Granite, Singhbhum-Orissa Craton, India

Bagiyabahal and Birtola areas are located in the south-western extension of the Noamundi-Koira Iron Ore Group (IOG) basin. Rock types exposed in the area comprises of siliciclastics and volcanics which occurs unconformably over the basement tonalite-trondhjemite granite-gneiss (Bonai Granite Phase-I). The cover rocks show sheared contact with the porphyritic Bonai Granite Phase-II. The IOG basin margin is suggested to be a part of a ‘volcanic passive margin’ as indicated by the geochemical behaviour of the siliciclastics as well as massive emplacements of mafic intrusives (doleritic sill, dyke and gabbro) and extrusives (basaltic lava flow) along faulted continental blocks. The siliciclastics comprise of U and Au bearing quartz-pebble conglomerate (QPC) and quartzite succession. It was deposited along the western margin of the Bonai granite (phase I) in anoxic conditions as indicated by their low Th/U ratios and presence of detrital uraninite grains. Repeated cycles of sedimentation and volcanism led to the formation of alternate layers of siliciclastics and basic bodies in the area. Major, trace and rare earth elements (REE) geochemical data suggests a semi-humid to humid palaeo-climatic environment of during the deposition in the passive continental margin setting characterized by fault-controlled sedimentation over a rift related faulted continental crust and shelf. Geochemical data suggests chemically weathered provenance dominated by clay minerals. Higher content of U, Th, Au, Cr, REE, platinum group of elements (PGE) and other geochemical ratios suggest a mixed provenance for the deposition of the siliciclastics comprising a predominantly acidic/granitic source possibly from the Bonai Granitic Complex (BGC) along with granite derived reworked quartzose sediments, minor basic and ultrabasic sources of Older Metamorphic Group (OMG). This paper attempts to characterize the geochemical behaviour, tectonic setting and provenance of the siliciclastics of Birtola and Bagiyabahal areas by analyzing drill core and surface samples.

Bmp Signal Gradient Modulates Convergent Cell Movement via Xarhgef3.2 during Gastrulation of Xenopus Embryos.

Gastrulation is a critical step in the establishment of a basic body plan during development. Convergence and extension (CE) cell movements organize germ layers during gastrulation. Noncanonical Wnt signaling has been known as major signaling that regulates CE cell movement by activating Rho and Rac. In addition, Bmp molecules are expressed in the ventral side of a developing embryo, and the ventral mesoderm region undergoes minimal CE cell movement while the dorsal mesoderm undergoes dynamic cell movements. This suggests that Bmp signal gradient may affect CE cell movement. To investigate whether Bmp signaling negatively regulates CE cell movements, we performed microarray-based screening and found that the transcription of Xenopus Arhgef3.2 (Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor) was negatively regulated by Bmp signaling. We also showed that overexpression or knockdown of Xarhgef3.2 caused gastrulation defects. Interestingly, Xarhgef3.2 controlled gastrulation cell movements through interacting with Disheveled (Dsh2) and Dsh2-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (Daam1). Our results suggest that Bmp gradient affects gastrulation cell movement (CE) via negative regulation of Xarhgef3.2 expression.

BMP Signaling: Lighting up the Way for Embryonic Dorsoventral Patterning.

One of the most significant events during early embryonic development is the establishment of a basic embryonic body plan, which is defined by anteroposterior, dorsoventral (DV), and left-right axes. It is well-known that the morphogen gradient created by BMP signaling activity is crucial for DV axis patterning across a diverse set of vertebrates. The regulation of BMP signaling during DV patterning has been strongly conserved across evolution. This is a remarkable regulatory and evolutionary feat, as the BMP gradient has been maintained despite the tremendous variation in embryonic size and shape across species. Interestingly, the embryonic DV axis exhibits robust stability, even in face of variations in BMP signaling. Multiple lines of genetic, molecular, and embryological evidence have suggested that numerous BMP signaling components and their attendant regulators act in concert to shape the developing DV axis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the function and regulation of BMP signaling in DV patterning. Throughout, we focus specifically on popular model animals, such as Xenopus and zebrafish, highlighting the similarities and differences of the regulatory networks between species. We also review recent advances regarding the molecular nature of DV patterning, including the initiation of the DV axis, the formation of the BMP gradient, and the regulatory molecular mechanisms behind BMP signaling during the establishment of the DV axis. Collectively, this review will help clarify our current understanding of the molecular nature of DV axis formation.

Austronesians in the Northern Waters?

Abstract The following lines are inspired by John Kupchik’s seminal article ‘Austronesian Lights the Way’ that appears in this volume of JEAL. It demonstrated beyond any reasonable doubt for the first time that there are reliable Austronesian loanwords in Japonic that reveal quite ancient and profound contacts, because without these profound contacts the borrowing of the names of the most basic celestial bodies, such as the sun and the moon, would not be possible. In my opinion, his article opened a new and an exciting direction in the Japonic historical linguistics. There are, however, two important differences between Kupchik’s article and the present one. First, while Kupchik mostly concentrated on the Amis language from Taiwan, and to a less extent on the languages of Philippines and other Western Malayo- Polynesian, my major focus is on the Philippines languages as potential donors, and much less on other Austronesian languages of the region. Second, while Kupchik looked mostly on mysterious words in the Omoro Sōshi, a collection of Old Okinawan and Amami sacred and folk poems (1531–1623 AD), this article focuses more on Old Japanese in particular and Japonic in general.

Skeletal muscle quality in 6- and 7-y-old children assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis

ObjectivesThe condition of skeletal muscles is a key marker of the nutritional status and function of an organism. It is necessary to monitor muscle quality in basic pediatric preventive health care, especially due to the increase in negative health behaviors during a pandemic. The aims of this study were to assess body composition and muscle strength as well as to analyze the relationship between muscle functional quality and impedance parameters in 6- and 7-y-old children. MethodsThe study involved 292 healthy 6- and 7-y-old children. Handgrip strength and bioimpedance parameters were measured. Body composition components, including appendicular skeletal muscle mass, were estimated. Handgrip strength in relation to the appendicular skeletal muscles mass was adopted as an indicator of the muscle functional quality. The relationship between the muscle quality index and impedance parameters was assessed by multiple regression. ResultsA 1-y age difference between the children differentiated not only basic somatic parameters, body composition, and handgrip strength, but also the electrical properties of the tissues. The relative difference in muscle mass between younger and older children was twice that of the muscle strength. A significant regression model of the muscle quality index was obtained, in which reactance and impedance phase angle were strong positive predictors. Adjusted fat mass negatively correlated with the muscle quality. ConclusionsReactance and phase angle are good indicators of the quality of appendicular skeletal muscle in healthy children and can be potentially used in pediatric preventive health care and screening.

FEATURES OF MORPHOLOGICAL REARRANGEMENTS OF STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS IN THE RAT PINEAL GLAND UNDER THE IMPACT OF HEAVY METAL SALTS

The development of the pathology of individual organs and systems undoubtedly depends on adverse environmental factors. Particular attention of researchers attracts heavy metal salts. Epiphyseal hormones play a key role in regulating and maintaining basic body functions. The article presents the results of the study on morphological and morphometric rearrangements of structural changes in the rat pineal gland influence for 30 days of heavy metal salts (sulfates of zinc, copper, iron, manganese, plumbers’ nitrite and chrome oxide). The selected concentration of salts in the mixture was due to the presence of similar concentrations of these salts in the soil and drinking water in some regions of Ukraine according to literature sources. General morphological and statistical research methods were used (histological, morphometric and variational statistics methods). The 30-days impact of the heavy metal salts combination on the rat body caused in the pineal gland morphological changes of nonspecific polymorphic nature, which were expressed in the increased vascular area, active glial response, hypertrophy of pinealocyte nuclei and increase of their optical density. Cytological signs in most pinealocytes indicated the predominance of indolamine synthesis over polypeptides. The main pathogenetic mechanisms of the influence of heavy metal salts on the organ have been established: change in the vascular lumen area, blood rheological properties impairment, tissue hypoxia, nucleus hypertrophy and change in their optical density. Morphological changes in the gland comply with the stress phase of the general adaptation syndrome. The above morphological changes negatively affected the processes of hormones evacuation into the blood, the course of the general adaptation syndrome and the homeostasis restoration in the organ.

Basic Body Awareness Therapy versus standard care in hip osteoarthritis. A randomized controlled trial.

Compensational movement patterns in hip osteoarthritis (HOA) are associated with hip dysfunction. Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) promotes functional movement quality and might, accordingly, be beneficial in HOA. To examine the outcomes of BBAT compared to standard care in people with HOA after first receiving patient education (PE). A prospective, assessor-blinded, and block-randomized controlled trial. Community-living adults with HOA participating in PE were randomly allocated to an intervention group receiving BBAT in groups (12 sessions offered once a week), or a comparison group. Data at baseline (pretest) and at 6 months (posttest) were analyzed. Primary outcomes were pain during walking assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and function by the Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, subscale ADL (HOOS A). Secondary outcomes addressed physical capacity, movement quality, and self-reported aspects of function and health. At pretest, there were no significant differences in demographic and test data between the intervention (n=51) and the comparison (n=50) group. Forty-one intervention and 45 comparison participants completed the posttest. At posttest, no significant differences in change between groups were found on NRS (p=0.694, effect size (ES)=0.02) or HOOS A (p=0.783, ES=0.07). Among secondary outcomes, movement quality improved significantly more (p<0.001, ES=0.84) in the intervention group. Compliance with BBAT varied substantially. Per-protocol analysis showed changes in favor of the intervention group for self-efficacy (p=0.049, ES=0.36), health (p=0.037, ES=0.44), and function (p=0.029, ES=0.53) when only intervention participants who completed at least 10 sessions of BBAT were included. BBAT was not found to be a more effective treatment modality than self-initiated standard care to reduce pain during walking and improve daily functioning in people with HOA. Movement quality was significantly more improved in participants receiving BBAT, and improvement in other health aspects was associated with sufficient therapy compliance.

Single-cell transcriptomic characterization of a gastrulating human embryo.

Gastrulation is the fundamental process in all multicellular animals through which the basic body plan is first laid down1-4. It is pivotal in generating cellular diversity coordinated with spatial patterning. In humans, gastrulation occurs in the third week after fertilization. Our understanding of this process in humans is relatively limited and based primarily on historical specimens5-8, experimental models9-12 or, more recently, in vitro cultured samples13-16. Here we characterize in a spatially resolved manner the single-cell transcriptional profile of an entire gastrulating human embryo, staged to be between 16 and 19 days after fertilization. We use these data to analyse the cell types present and to make comparisons with other model systems. In addition to pluripotent epiblast, we identified primordial germ cells, red blood cells and various mesodermal and endodermal cell types. This dataset offers a unique glimpse into a central but inaccessible stage of our development. This characterization provides new context for interpreting experiments in other model systems and represents a valuable resource for guiding directed differentiation of human cells in vitro.

New insights on the Alboran Sea basin extension and continental collision from magnetic anomalies related to magmatism (western Mediterranean)

In the Alboran Sea there are a few well exposed Neogene and Quaternary volcanic zones, often geographic highs, that are generally associated with magnetic anomalies. In this paper, we present a characterization of these magnetic anomalies based on a recent and accurate magnetic data compilation for the Abloran Sea area. The anomalies reveal the distribution of magmatism and shed light into the discussion about the origin and evolution of the westernmost Mediterranean. One of the most relevant magnetic anomalies is the Nador dipole, which extends from the Gourougou volcano to the Chafarinas Islands, and is related to an E-W crustal scale intrusion. However, the main NE-SW elongated continuous dipoles of the central Alboran Sea are not related to any surface structure, but they are parallel to the Alboran Ridge, which is the main volcanic high in the Alboran Sea, and are located to the north of it. These anomalies extend discontinuously eastward along the NW-SE dipoles located along the Yusuf fault zone. The results of our 2D magnetic forward modeling suggest that the causative bodies of these main magnetic dipoles are deep igneous bodies. According to the tectonic evolution of the region, and the high magnetic susceptibility values obtained, these igneous bodies probably are made of a basic igneous rocks. Their emplacement may represent the westward tip of the rift axis of the AlKaPeCa Domain, which is related to the Oligocene-Miocene NW-SE extension, and associated with the southern slab retreat stage and oceanic spreading of the Algerian basin. Afterwards, these bodies were displaced toward the west, together with the Alboran Domain, and affected by the STEP fault located at its southern limit. Since the Late Miocene, the north Alboran Ridge elongated intrusions acted as a backstop that conditioned the folding and uplift of the Alboran Ridge in a tectonic indentation setting. In this setting, the STEP fault is deformed and the eastern part of the bodies were segmented along the Yusuf transtensional fault system. Simultaneously, the E-W crustal body related to the Nador magnetic dipole was emplaced, possibly evidencing a slab tearing process. The deep seated basic igneous bodies constitute main crustal heterogeneities that reveal and drive the Alboran Sea tectonic inversion.

Effect of maturity timing on the physical performance of male Polish basketball players aged 13 to 15\xa0years

The aims of this study were (i) to identify the motor potential and basic anthropometric characteristics of Polish basketball players aged 13 to 15 years, (ii) to demonstrate the effect of maturity timing on the results achieved in motor tests and basic body composition parameters, and (iii) to determine which index contributes most to the prediction of performance in the individual tests of speed, jumping ability, agility, and endurance. The sample included 818 male Polish players. Analysis of values related to age-adjusted characteristics showed that in the under 13-year-old group, early maturers had significantly better results (except for stage 1 in the agility test) than average maturers. However, in the endurance test in the under 14- and 15-year-old groups (both distance covered and VO2max), the average maturers obtained higher values. Furthermore, maturity differentiation in the under 14- and 15-year-old groups significantly affected body size, 20-m sprinting time (under 14-year-old group only), and the results of all jumping tests. ANCOVA results (age, body height, and body mass as covariates) showed better results of early maturers in the under 13-year-old group. The opposite trend was observed in the under 14- to 15-year-old groups, where early maturing individuals performed worse in the running vertical jump (VJ) and endurance tests (both distances covered and VO2max). Maturity timing (VJ and VO2max), chronological age (5 m, 10 m, 20 m, agility, and VO2max tests), body height (all tests), body mass (5 m), and the interaction between body mass and height (10 m, 20 m, agility, standing vertical jump, vertical jump) were significant (adjusted R2 = 0.08–0.25; p < 0.001) predictors of motor skills. These findings can be helpful in quantifying and controlling the results of youth sports programs adjusted to biological requirements used in the training process.

Investigation of Some Biochemistry Markers in COVID-19 Vaccinated Iraqi Individuals

Background: Serious intense respiratory disorder Covid-19 is a causing respiratory infection known as Corona virus. This novel corona virus transmits from one human to another and has caused significant mortality overall prompting the continuous pandemic. Also, illness seriousness varies extensively from one person to another. Subjects: fifty individuals (n = 50) with age ranged (20-65 years) were enrolled in this study. Laboratory parameters were performed of baseline and 14 days after first dose and 14 days after second dose from covid-19 vaccination. Results: All people in this study received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and none systematic side effects were observed in vaccinated subjects during the study period. Conclusions: From the results of present study, conclusions could be that all parameters non-significant and not presence of abnormal biochemical signs or increase in coagulation or changes in basic body functions following the received of the Pfizer vaccine.

Research Progress of Springback in Multi-Point Forming of Sheet Metal

In the manufacturing of sheet metal, multi-point forming replaces the traditional integral die with discrete basic body groups to adjust the height of each basic body and form the required three-dimensional curved surface, thereby facilitating flexible processing. Multi-point forming is the most common approaches for the manufacturing of sheet metal but can cause serious shape distortion due to springback phenomena. In this paper, key research on springback is categorized and analyzed from three aspects: springback theory, springback numerical simulation analysis, and springback control, followed by summary of the current research status and outlook on promising future research directions of springback in multi-point forming springback. And the conclusion is drawn: in the future, multi-point forming of sheet metal using high-frequency ultrasonic excitation for springback control during the forming process coupled with artificial intelligence for springback compensation control will be a promising research direction for controlling springback in the multi-point forming of sheet metal.

Electrochemical and Fluorescent Properties of Crown Ether Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots for Potassium and Sodium Ions Detection.

The concentration of sodium and potassium ions in biological fluids, such as blood, urine and sweat, is indicative of several basic body function conditions. Therefore, the development of simple methods able to detect these alkaline ions is of outmost importance. In this study, we explored the electrochemical and optical properties of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) combined with the selective chelating ability of the crown ethers 15-crown-5 and 18-crown-6, with the final aim to propose novel composites for the effective detection of these ions. The results obtained comparing the performances of the single GQDs and crown ethers with those of the GQDs-15-crown-5 and GQDs-18-crown-6 composites, have demonstrated the superior properties of these latter. Electrochemical investigation showed that the GQDs based composites can be exploited for the potentiometric detection of Na+ and K+ ions, but selectivity still remains a concern. The nanocomposites showed the characteristic fluorescence emissions of GQDs and crown ethers. The GQDs-18-crown-6 composite exhibited ratiometric fluorescence emission behavior with the variation of K+ concentration, demonstrating its promising properties for the development of a selective fluorescent method for potassium determination.

Growth of Biological Complexity from Prokaryotes to Hominids Reflected in the Human Genome.

The growth of complexity in evolution is a most intriguing phenomenon. Using gene phylostratigraphy, we showed this growth (as reflected in regulatory mechanisms) in the human genome, tracing the path from prokaryotes to hominids. Generally, the different regulatory gene families expanded at different times, yet only up to the Euteleostomi (bony vertebrates). The only exception was the expansion of transcription factors (TF) in placentals; however, we argue that this was not related to increase in general complexity. Surprisingly, although TF originated in the Prokaryota while chromatin appeared only in the Eukaryota, the expansion of epigenetic factors predated the expansion of TF. Signaling receptors, tumor suppressors, oncogenes, and aging- and disease-associated genes (indicating vulnerabilities in terms of complex organization and strongly enrichment in regulatory genes) also expanded only up to the Euteleostomi. The complexity-related gene properties (protein size, number of alternative splicing mRNA, length of untranslated mRNA, number of biological processes per gene, number of disordered regions in a protein, and density of TF–TF interactions) rose in multicellular organisms and declined after the Euteleostomi, and possibly earlier. At the same time, the speed of protein sequence evolution sharply increased in the genes that originated after the Euteleostomi. Thus, several lines of evidence indicate that molecular mechanisms of complexity growth were changing with time, and in the phyletic lineage leading to humans, the most salient shift occurred after the basic vertebrate body plan was fixed with bony skeleton. The obtained results can be useful for evolutionary medicine.

Special fitness level of combat sports athletes: mixed martial arts (MMA) and thai boxing (muay thai) in the aspect of training experience

Introduction: The best test of the technical skills and special physical fitness of the combat sports athlete is his or her response to the specific effort that occurs in a sports fight during tournaments. The aim of the study was to assess the variation in the level of special fitness and technical skills of modern combat sports athletes from the Legion Team Tarnów sports club. Material and Method: The research was conducted in a group of 30 athletes of two different fighting styles in terms of techniques and tactics: mixed martial arts (MMA, group 1, N=15) and Thai boxing (group 2, N=15). Measurements of basic somatic body build characteristics were performed. The fitness of the participants was measured using the special kickboxing fitness test (SKFT). The strength of the correlation between special fitness level and training experience was also evaluated. Results: The analyses revealed that the body build of the athletes of different combat sports does not significantly differ between each other. The athletes of both groups (MMA and Thai boxing) presented similar levels of basic somatotype characteristics. The level of special fitness in the MMA and Thai boxing groups significantly differed between the athletes of these sports in terms of the second series of punches (p = 0.030) and the second series of kicks (p = 0.011). A higher level of these elements of special fitness was displayed by Thai boxing athletes. The MMA group showed a very high strength of correlation that was statistically significant between training experience and first series of punches, second series of punches, and final HR. Furthermore, the first series of kicks and the second series of kicks showed high and significant strength of correlation. In the Thai boxing group, statistically significant relationships were found, with very high strength of correlation, in the first series of punches, first series of kicks, second series of punches, second series of kicks, and HR measured after one minute. Conclusions: The results allow for the initial diagnosis and interpretation of special fitness competencies along with the level of technical skills in the application of basic striking techniques in MMA and Thai boxing, which promotes optimization and enhances the quality of coaching control.

Modelling the dynamics of change in the technical skills of young basketball players: The INEX study.

Although technical skills are a prerequisite for success in basketball, little is known about how they develop over time. In this study, we model the trajectories of technical skill development in young basketball players and investigate the effects of training experience, training volume, body composition, maturity status, physical performance, and club characteristics on skill development. A total of 264 male basketballers from five age-cohorts (11 to 15 years of age) were followed consecutively over three years using a mixed-longitudinal design. Technical skills, training experience and volume, basic anthropometrics, body composition, biological maturation and physical performance were assessed bi-annually. A multilevel hierarchical linear model was used for trajectory analysis. Non-linear trends (p < 0.01) were observed in speed shot shooting, control dribble, defensive movement, slalom sprint, and slalom dribble. Being more experienced and physically fitter had a significant (p < 0.05) positive effect on technical skill development; greater fat-free mass negatively affected skills demanding quick running and rapid changes of direction with or without the ball (p < 0.05). Training volume and biological age did not explain differences in technical skill development (p > 0.05). Moreover, belonging to different clubs had no significant influence on the technical skills trajectories of players. Our findings highlight the important role that individual differences play, over and beyond club structure, in developing skills. Findings improve our understanding on how technical skills develop during adolescence through training, growth, and biological maturation.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ КОНСТРУКЦИИ УНИВЕРСАЛЬНОГО КУЗОВА ДЛЯ ИННОВАЦИОННЫХ ИЗОТЕРМИЧЕСКИХ ВАГОНОВ

There are considered analysis results of stress-strain state in the load-bearing structure of three versions of refrigerator cars with different arrangement solutions of refrigerating-heating plants (RHP) and a thermos car at its cooling with liquid nitrogen. &#x0D; By means of the “APM WinMachine” application there are presented model parameters of a basic universal body. The analysis of calculation results has shown sufficient strength and potentialities for updating an available car metal structure for the application as a universal body of a refrigerator car. &#x0D; Work purpose: the estimation of a stress-strain state in the load-bearing structure of a basic body for insulated cars of different types of refrigerator- and thermos cars. &#x0D; Investigation methods: for the analysis of the stress-strain state in a load-bearing structure in three versions of the bodies of refrigerator- and thermos cars under loads with “Normal” modes there was used the “APM WinMachine” software complex realizing a finite element method. &#x0D; Results and novelty: for the first time there are offered arrangement solutions for the location of refrigeration-heating plants earlier not used for refrigeration rolling-stock (RRS). A stress-strain state of the body of the thermos car at the impact of overpressure upon it of gaseous nitrogen evaporated in cargo compartment is estimated. &#x0D; Conclusions: the analysis of calculation results for all three versions of the RHP arrangement and a solid body of a thermos car has shown sufficient strength and possibility regarding simple updating an available body metal structure which may be used as a universal car set.

Association of X-ray Absorptiometry Body Composition Measurements with Basic Anthropometrics and Mortality Hazard.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is a non-invasive imaging modality that can estimate whole-body and regional composition in terms of fat, lean, and bone mass. We examined the ability of DEXA body composition measures (whole-body, trunk, and limb fat mass and fat-free mass) to predict mortality in conjunction with basic body measures (anthropometrics), expressed using body mass index (BMI) and a body shape index (ABSI). We used data from the 1999–2006 United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), with mortality follow-up to 2015. We found that all DEXA-measured masses were highly correlated with each other and with ABSI and that adjustment for BMI and ABSI reduced these dependencies. Whole-body composition did not substantially improve mortality prediction compared to basic anthropometrics alone, but regional composition did, with high trunk fat-free mass and low limb fat-free mass both associated with elevated mortality risk. These findings illustrate how DEXA body composition could guide health assessment in conjunction with the more widely employed simple anthropometrics.

Effects of low intensity pulsed ultrasound on expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 and BCL2-Associated X in premature ovarian failure mice induced by 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide

BackgroundPremature ovarian failure (POF) is a common disease in the field of Gynecology. Low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) can promote tissue repair and improve function. This study was performed to determine the effects of LIPUS on granulosa cells (GCs) apoptosis and protein expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and BCL2-Associated X (Bax) in 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD)-induced POF mice and investigate the mechanisms of LIPUS on ovarian function and reserve capacity.MethodsThe current POF mice model was administrated with VCD (160 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection for 15 consecutive days. The mice were divided into the POF group, LIPUS group and control group. In the LIPUS group, the right ovary of mice was treated by LIPUS (acoustic intensity was 200 mW/cm2, frequency was 0.3 MHz, and duty cycle was 20%) for 20 min, 15 consecutive days from day 16. The mice of the POF group and control group were treated without ultrasonic output. The basic observation and body weight were recorded. Hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E staining) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect ovarian follicle development, ovarian morphology and sex hormone secretion. Ovarian GCs apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay and immunohistochemistry.ResultsThe results showed that VCD can induce estrus cycle disorder, follicular atresia, sex hormone secretion decreased and GCs apoptosis in mice to establish POF model successfully. LIPUS significantly promoted follicular development, increased sex hormone secretion, inhibited excessive follicular atresia and GCs apoptosis. The mechanism might be achieved by increasing the protein expression of Bcl-2 and decreasing the expression of Bax in ovaries.ConclusionsLIPUS can improve the POF induced by VCD. These findings have the potential to provide novel methodological foundation for the future research, which help treat POF patients in the clinic.

The experience of Basic Body Awareness Therapy and its transfer to daily life amongst Danish military veterans with PTSD

IntroductionThe prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among Danish military veterans is estimated to be around 10%, and treatment primarily consists of recommended psychological trauma-focused therapy. AimThe aim of the study was to explore veterans’ experiences of their body and its potential transfer of that experience in their daily life after BBAT. MethodsA hermeneutic-phenomenological qualitative study using semi-structured individual interviews was used. A slightly modified Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was applied in the data analysis. The participants were four Danish military veterans with PTSD who had completed 12 individual sessions of BBAT in addition to psychological trauma-focused therapy. ResultsAll participants found the BBAT treatment sessions calming and reported the overall treatment was a positive experience. Three participants experienced increased body awareness and were able to apply the exercises and principles of BBAT in their daily lives to varying degrees. All participants estimated the benefits would have been greater with more sessions. ConclusionBBAT showed potential for enhancing the bodily awareness of military veterans with PTSD experience and their ability to apply that awareness in their daily life. The degree of transfer of this skill to everyday life appeared to be dependent on the participants’ mentalizing capacity. Implications of this studyThe results indicate a benefit in using body-oriented therapies such as BBAT in the treatment of military veterans with PTSD, as a supplement to trauma-focused treatment although it is hard to distinguish which treatment had which effect or if the combination of psychotherapy and BBAT had a joint effect. Future studies are needed due to the limited research in this field.