Functional Benefits Research Articles

Seaweed soluble dietary fibre replacement modulates the metabolite release of cakes after in vitro digestion

Soluble dietary fibre (SDF) has gained growing interest because of its multiple functional and nutritional benefits. In the current study, the effect of SDF extracted from eucheuma seaweed on both the physicochemical properties and the released metabolites of yellow cakes was evaluated systematically. The results revealed that the addition of SDF induced increases in specific gravity, specific volume and water content of yellow cakes, and caused a decrease in weight loss and changes in texture and colour. In addition, sensory evaluation showed that up to 10 % substitution of flour with SDF was acceptable. In vitro digestion of cakes demonstrated that flour substitution with SDF at different levels (8 %–14 %) significantly reduced the release of glucose, ranging from 11.24 % to 29.12 %. In addition to the increased apparent viscosity of the cake digesta, the metabolite analysis based on nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy identified a total of 29 metabolites, including amino acids, fatty acids and sugars. Notably, the addition of SDF reduced the release of amino acids and fatty acids after digestion. These findings suggested that seaweed SDF was a potential substitute for some food components, which would provide functional benefits to the digestive characteristics.

Characterization of hemp seed oil emulsion stabilized by soap nuts (Sapindus mukorossi) extract

In the past years, plant-based surfactants such as plant proteins, hydrocolloids, and extracts have intrigued scientific studies of food formulations for usage in emulsion, nanoemulsion as well as microemulsion systems, mainly due to their functional benefits and low toxicity levels. In this work, a hemp seed oil-containing (HSO) emulsion system was stabilized using soap nuts (SN), also known as Sapindus mukorossi. In order to determine the formulation requirements and the optimal emulsion composition including oil and surfactant content, a Box-Behnken experimental design was applied. The compositions were evaluated in terms of their particle size distribution, stability, visual quality, turbidity, and zeta potential. Moreover, to describe the physicochemical characteristics of the emulsions, rheological tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses, and refractive index parameters were also studied. The average particle size of the emulsions (particle distribution by number) was recorded between 51 and 103 nm, and z-ave parameter reached values between 227 nm and 311 nm. The zeta potential increased when the proportion of HSO increased, and reached its highest value (−23.5 mV) when HSO was 5% v/v. Microscopic investigations confirmed the polydispersity of the prepared emulsions. Furthermore, due to further applications of the emulsions i.e. packing and delivery, wetting properties were evaluated. The wetting angle values reached maximum approx. 30° with an HSO content of 1%. However, the wetting angle values were lower with increasing HSO content. Presented results revealed that Sapindus mukorossi is indeed a good stabilizer for hemp seed oil and water emulsions.

Twenty Years of Existence of Damar Kurung Gresik: Analysis Of Tajfel&Turner's Identity Theory

Damar Kurung is a Gresik Visual cultural heritage popularised by Masmundari since it was raised by cultural experts and exhibited in national galleries. In 2017, Damar Kurung was officially recognised by the government as an intangible visual culture. This will allow the research to study Damar Kurung further, which is now used as one of Gersik's cultural identities. The research method used is a case study that focuses on journal outputs and social media track records as the primary data and an interview method to confirm the analysis results; the research object is a journal with the theme of Damar Kurung from 2004-2024. The theory used in dissecting the data is the Tajfel and Turner identity theory, studied from the employer branding perspective. This research will find cultural value for psychological, functional, and economic benefits. In addition, it also explains how commodities help to raise their self-esteem. The usefulness of the commodity to the environment. Community acceptance in the damar kurung and the last. Moreover, the evaluation of the group tries to determine and use it as a reference material for other groups, specifically through social comparisons in the form of attribute values or characteristics. This research will improve understanding of how cultural heritage can be preserved and promoted as an important part of regional identity.

Heat-driven all-weather oil spill cleanup by a multifunctional superhydrophobic carbonized sponge

Cleanup of crude oil spills generally faces challenge of high viscosity. Reducing it by virtue of photo-thermal or electro-thermal effect is considered promising to resolve this worldwide issue. However, constructing the photo-thermal or electro-thermal materials requires corresponding agents, leading to high cost and complex preparation process. Herein, a versatile, superhydrophobic, and magnetically responsive carbonized sponge (P-Fe3O4@CMS) is designed by pyrolysis and modification with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs). This sponge owns selective oil absorption with the capacity of 45.3 to 88.5 g/g. Its surface temperature can rise to 247 °C with 8 V voltage and to 92 °C under 1.0 kW/m2 irradiation, respectively. The self-heating function benefits from electro-thermal and photo-thermal conversion of CMS itself, enabling declined crude oil viscosity and thus enhanced absorption speed. Besides, P-Fe3O4@CMS has brilliant compressibility, allowing oil recovery via extrusion. Pump-assisted continuous oil recovery is feasible to favor a high flux of 785 kg m−2h−1 under the synergistic effect of 8 V voltage and 0.5 kW/m2 irradiation, making it viable for saving energy and efficient oil recovery despite weather conditions. Given the simple fabrication process and cost-effectiveness with 24/7 accessible work, P-Fe3O4@CMS exhibits great potential for oil spill remediation.

Enhancing the internal auditors' effectiveness in jordanian companies: The impact of cloud-based accounting usage and the moderating role of digital proficiency

The main aim of this research was to explore how the digital proficiency of internal auditors impact the relationship between adopting cloud-based accounting and the digital efficiency of internal auditors in Jordanian-listed industrial firms. 98 questionnaires, gathered from internal audit managers in these companies, underwent analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) using descriptive-analytical methods. Results indicated that adopting cloud-based accounting significantly influences the effectiveness of internal auditors in these Jordanian-listed industrial companies. Moreover, the study found that the digital proficiency of internal auditors positively affects how much cloud-based accounting adoption impacts their effectiveness. These findings hold importance for regulators and decision-makers, offering insights to shape potential new regulations aimed at enhancing the use of cloud-based accounting in internal audit departments within Jordan's industrial sector. This could ultimately help internal auditors in overseeing public funds. Given the extensive impact of cloud technology on modern business, it's crucial to understand how these innovations can improve the precision and benefits of internal audit functions. Exploring the factors that drive the implementation of cloud technologies in internal audit is also essential. Notably, this study represents the initial attempt to examine existing research on the role of cloud-based accounting in enhancing internal audit effectiveness concerning the digital proficiency of auditors within Jordan's industrial sector.

Stepwise Protonation of Three-Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhancing Hydrogen Peroxide Photosynthesis.

Three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (3D COFs), recognized for their tailorable structures and accessible active sites, offer a promising platform for developing advanced photocatalysts. However, the difficulty in the synthesis and functionalization of 3D COFs hinders their further development. In this study, we present a series of 3D-bcu-COFs with 8 connected porphyrin units linked by linear linkers through imine bonds as a versatile platform for photocatalyst design. The photoresponse of 3D-bcu-COFs was initially modulated by functionalizing linear linkers with benzo-thiadiazole or benzo-selenadiazole groups. Furthermore, taking advantage of the well-exposed porphyrin and imine sites in 3D-bcu-COFs, their photocatalytic activity was optimized by stepwise protonation of imine bonds and porphyrin centers. The dual protonated COF with benzo-selenadiazole groups exhibited enhanced charge separation, leading to an increased photocatalytic H2O2 production under visible light. This enhancement demonstrates the combined benefits of linker functionalization and stepwise protonation on photocatalytic efficiency.

Stepwise Protonation of Three‐Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhancing Hydrogen Peroxide Photosynthesis

AbstractThree‐dimensional covalent organic frameworks (3D COFs), recognized for their tailorable structures and accessible active sites, offer a promising platform for developing advanced photocatalysts. However, the difficulty in the synthesis and functionalization of 3D COFs hinders their further development. In this study, we present a series of 3D‐bcu‐COFs with 8 connected porphyrin units linked by linear linkers through imine bonds as a versatile platform for photocatalyst design. The photoresponse of 3D‐bcu‐COFs was initially modulated by functionalizing linear linkers with benzo‐thiadiazole or benzo‐selenadiazole groups. Furthermore, taking advantage of the well‐exposed porphyrin and imine sites in 3D‐bcu‐COFs, their photocatalytic activity was optimized by stepwise protonation of imine bonds and porphyrin centers. The dual protonated COF with benzo‐selenadiazole groups exhibited enhanced charge separation, leading to an increased photocatalytic H2O2 production under visible light. This enhancement demonstrates the combined benefits of linker functionalization and stepwise protonation on photocatalytic efficiency.

WITHDRAWAL: Quantitative modeling of approved and emerging therapeutics for modifying TTR levels in patients with Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy.

Withdrawal: McGirr, K., Sarkar, S., Subramanian, K. (2023) "Quantitative modeling of approved and emerging therapeutics for modifying TTR levels in patients with Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy" CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1002/psp4.13078. The above article, published online on November 6, 2023, in Wiley Online Library (http://wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been withdrawn by agreement between the authors, journal Editor-in-Chief, France Mentré, the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (ASCPT), and Wiley Periodicals LLC. The withdrawal has been agreed to at the authors' request due to a disagreement over the ownership of some data contained therein.

Knee braces and foot orthoses multimodal 3-month treatment of medial knee osteoarthritis in a randomised crossover trial.

Immediate biomechanical and functional benefits of knee braces and lateral wedge foot orthoses (FO) are often reported on patients with medial knee osteoarthritis. However, the effectiveness of their combined use in a longer-term orthotic treatment remains unclear. The aim was to evaluate pain, function, comfort and knee adduction moment (KAM) during the stance phase of gait with three modalities of orthotic treatment. Twenty-two patients with knee osteoarthritis were analysed in a randomised crossover trial including a knee brace with valgus and external rotation functions (VER), FO and their combined use (VER + FO). Western Ontario and McMaster Universities scale (WOMAC) and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores and KAM during gait were obtained before and after each orthotic treatment of 3 months. Repeated measures analyses of variance contrasted the factors orthosis (VER, FO, VER + FO), treatment (pre and post) and wear (without and with) on pain, function, comfort and KAM. An interaction between orthosis and treatment on the WOMAC pain (effect size [ES] = 0.17) and a main effect on the pain visual analogue score (ES = 0.24) indicated that VER and VER + FO were more alleviating than FO. The three modalities of orthotic treatment significantly improved functional scores (ES > 0.2) and reduced discomfort (ES = 0.25). A significant multivariate interaction between orthosis and wear (ES = 0.73) showed that the KAM reduction while wearing the orthoses was more pronounced with the VER and VER + FO than the FO. The VER-brace obtained more effectiveness than FO on pain and KAM after 3 months for medial knee osteoarthritis and the combined treatment did not substantially improve biomechanical and functional outcomes. Therapeutic study level I randomised crossover trial.

Total joint arthroplasty for thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis (OA) is increasingly treated with total joint arthroplasty (TJA). We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the benefits and harms of the TJA for thumb CMC OA compared with other treatment strategies. We performed a systematic search on MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases on August 2, 2023. We included randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of TJA in people with thumb CMC joint OA regardless of the stage or etiology of the disease or comparator. The outcomes were pooled with a random effect meta-analysis. We identified 4 studies randomizing 420 participants to TJA or trapeziectomy. At 3 months, TJA's benefits for pain may exceed the clinically important difference. However, after 1-year follow-up TJA does not improve pain compared with trapeziectomy (mean difference 0.53 points on a 0 to 10 scale; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26-0.81). Furthermore, it provides a transient benefit in hand function at 3 months (measured with Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, scale 0-100, lower is better) compared with trapeziectomy with or without ligament reconstruction tendon interposition. The benefit in function diminished to a clinically unimportant level at 1-year follow-up (4.4 points better; CI 0.42-8.4). Transient benefit in hand function for TJA implies that it could be a preferable option over trapeziectomy for people who consider fast postoperative recovery important. However, current evidence fails to inform us if TJA carries long-term higher risks of revisions compared with trapeziectomy.

Characteristics of Wet Noodles from Mixed Flour (Wheat and MOCAF) and Butterfly Pea Flower Powder

Modified cassava flour (MOCAF) is a potential ingredient that can be applied to various products, especially when combined with wheat flour. However, previous research has shown that the combination of MOCAF and wheat flour produces low-quality noodle products. Adding polyphenol compounds from butterfly pea flowers will improve wet noodles' functional and nutritional properties. This study aimed to determine the effect of adding butterfly pea flower powder on the wheat flour and MOCAF mixture and its characteristics in wet noodles with varying percentages of butterfly pea flower powder. The method used in this research is a laboratory experiment. In this study, adding butterfly pea powder was 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. Modified cassava flour characteristics studied included thermal, rheological, and functional properties. The results showed that the percentage of butterfly pea flower powder affected the rheological and thermal properties of the flour mixture. The addition of 5% butterfly pea flower powder was the best treatment, with a cooking shrinkage value of 1.97%, water absorption of 20.79%, chewiness of 9.81%, total polyphenols of 0.26 mg/g, antioxidant activity of 26.15%, level of preference for color 5.23, level of choice for aroma 4.97, level of choice for texture 3.97, level of choice for taste 4.8, and level of preference for overall 4.8. The use of butterfly pea flower powder in wheat flour and its application in wet noodles has been proven to improve functional properties and health benefits for consumers.

Functional benefit of CRISPR-Cas9-induced allele deletion for RYR1 dominant mutation

More than 700 pathogenic or probably pathogenic variations have been identified in the RYR1 gene causing various myopathies collectively known as "RYR1-related myopathies”. There is no treatment for these myopathies, and gene therapy stands out as one of the most promising approaches. In the context of a dominant form of Central Core Disease due to a RYR1 mutation, we aimed at showing the functional benefit of inactivating specifically the mutated RYR1 allele by guiding CRISPR/Cas9 cleavages onto frequent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) segregating on the same chromosome. Whole-genome sequencing was used to pinpoint SNPs localized on the mutant RYR1 allele and identified specific CRISPR/Cas9 guide-RNAs. Lentiviruses encoding these guide-RNAs and the SpCas9 nuclease were used to transduce immortalized patient myoblasts, inducing the specific deletion of the mutant RYR1 allele. The efficiency of the deletion was assessed at DNA and RNA levels, and at the functional level after monitoring calcium release induced by the stimulation of the RyR1-channel. This study provides in-cellulo proof of concept regarding the benefits of mutant RYR1 allele deletion, in the case of a dominant RYR1 mutation, from both a molecular and functional perspective, and could apply potentially to 20% of all patients with a RYR1 mutation.

Fitness consequences of variation in social group size are not population‐specific but are associated with access to food in the communally breeding rodent, Octodon degus

AbstractStudies that concurrently investigate the functional benefits of group living in multiple populations of the same species are rare. Over a 3‐year period (2014–2016), we examined two ecologically contrasting populations to test multiple hypotheses for the adaptive significance of group living in the communally breeding rodent Octodon degus. We quantified the size of social units (number of adults, number of adult females), edible vegetation at burrow systems, and per capita offspring weaned (PCOW) in each population. Contrary to expectations, we did not observe population‐specific associations between group size and edible vegetation or PCOW nor universal benefits of group living. In one population, PCOW increased in mid‐sized groups with more edible vegetation. However, this trend was not consistent across years. Notably, we observed a complete reproductive failure in one population during the first year of study, one that was characterized by low rainfall and no detectable edible vegetation. This result is important because reproductive failure occurred regardless of group size, suggesting that communal living may not buffer degus against the harshest of environmental conditions. Examining how social organization shapes individual reproductive success under extreme variation in food availability is an important step towards understanding how populations will respond to a changing climate.

Menstrual cycle status does not impact exercise-based changes in cerebral blood flow or executive function benefits

ABSTRACT A single bout of exercise enhances executive function (EF) and may relate to an increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF). A limitation in the current literature is that biologically female participants are underrepresented given some evidence that changes in hormone levels across the menstrual cycle impact physiological and psychological variables. Here, biologically female participants completed separate single bouts of moderate intensity exercise (80% of estimated lactate threshold) during the follicular (FOL) and luteal (LUT) phases of their menstrual cycle. In addition, biologically male participants completed a same duration/intensity exercise session. Middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv) was used to estimate CBF and pre- and postexercise EF was assessed via the antisaccade task. Results showed that resting MCAv was larger in the LUT than FOL phase; however, the exercise-mediated increase in MCAv was equivalent between menstrual cycle phases, and between female and male participants. Antisaccade reaction times reliably decreased from pre- to postexercise and frequentist and non-frequentist statistics demonstrated that the magnitude of the decrease was equivalent across FOL and LUT phases, and between female and male participants. Thus, results evince that menstrual cycle status should not serve as a basis limiting biologically female participants’ inclusion in research examining exercise and EF.

(053) THE CONSORTIUM FOR THE STUDY OF WOMEN’S SEXUAL WELLNESS: RATIONAL, MISSION AND CALL TO ACTION

Abstract Introduction Female sexual wellness products have been growing and this growth was accelerated during the pandemic and the increased interest in self-care. While trying to find a place in beauty, sexual wellness really is only slightly beauty-adjacent. The beauty industry is built on delivering many products based solely on a promise. Little science is applied in this field to show any MOA or clinical efficacy. However, even in this sector the status quo is being disrupted by the FDAs Modernization of Cosmetic Regulations Act of 2022 (MoCRA). However, sexual wellness products are really more pharma-adjacent, even while using non-pharmaceuticals (nutraceuticals) ingredients. We reviewed all non-device based sexual wellness products that claimed functional benefit and based on these results, we make some recommendations. Objective To challenge the female sexual wellness industry to adopt basic and clinical science in the development and marketing of female sexual wellness products. Methods Over a three-year span, we reviewed the ingredients and claims as well as any clinical trial data on products claiming a functional benefit in sexual desire, arousal and/or orgasm. Following the unsurprising findings, we propose a number of solutions. Results Without naming the companies or products, we found an abundance of unusual products that did not seem to have a scientific rationale for ingredients and virtually all claims were unsubstantiated. Two entities have performed clinical studies. The first is a cannabis company which performed a study without a validated instruments and soft-endpoints, and as expected, there was a 100% response rate. The second entity has performed pre-clinical studies (organ bath and MOA studies) and an open-label pilot study employing a modified FSFI and diary data and efficacy and safety output. However, this was not a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Conclusions Seismic changes are happening in the beauty and wellness industry. Female sexual wellness is closely pharma-adjacent and, as such, should adopt the preclinical and clinical trial approach that has already been developed for the evaluation of drugs in female sexual dysfunction. While these agents may only enhance normal function and don’t treat diseases or disorders, the learnings from the last half century in sexual pharmacotherapy are readily adapted to the development and evaluation of sexual wellness products. Vella Bioscience is rapidly moving to follow these principles, as follows: 1. We are performing a three-month RCT with liposomal cannabidiol vs placebo that has been powered to demonstrate statistical and clinical significance. The outcome instruments include both the PROMIS database and diary data. 2. The establishment of the Consortium for the Study of Women’s Sexual Wellness, with the following mission: Bring scientific rigor to the basic science and clinical science research of sexual wellness products, including the utilization of double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials. Support research, education, and public awareness of female sexual health and wellness. Enable healthcare providers and customers to directly access research protocols and validated products for the management of sexual wellness. Critical to this mission are the members of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Consortium, including Alan Altman, MD, FACOG, Anita Clayton, MD, Peter Fodor, MD, FACS, Sheryl Kingsberg, PhD, Cindy Meston, PhD, James Pfaus, PhD, Nicole Prause, PhD, Raymond Rosen, PhD, and James Simon, MD, FACOG. We invite other corporate entities to utilize the consortium and we hope that ISSWSH will adopt these principles as well. Women deserve data and not a promise. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Vella Bioscience, Inc. Clarification: Industry initiated, executed and funded study. Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Vella Bioscience, Inc.

Assessment of functional benefits of kaalan-A traditional food of Kerala

Assessment of functional benefits of kaalan-A traditional food of Kerala

Safety and Outcomes of Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke Attributable to Cardiological Diseases: AScoping Review.

There is limited evidence on the outcomes and safety of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) among patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in the context of cardiac diseases. Our study reviews MT in AIS within the context of cardiac diseases, aiming to identify existing and emerging needs and gaps. PubMed and Scopus were searched until December 31, 2023, using a combination of cardiological diseases and "mechanical thrombectomy" or "endovascular treatment" as keywords. Study design included case reports/series, observational studies, randomized clinical trials, and meta-analyses/systematic reviews. We identified 943 articles, of which 130 were included in the review. Results were categorized according to the cardiac conditions. MT shows significant benefits in patients with atrial fibrillation (n=139) but lacks data for stroke occurring after percutaneous coronary intervention (n=2) or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (n=5). MT is beneficial in AIS attributable to infective endocarditis (n=34), although functional benefit may be limited. Controversy surrounds the functional outcomes and mortality of patients with AIS with heart failure undergoing MT (n=11). Despite technical challenges, MT appears feasible in aortic dissection cases (n=4), and in patients with left ventricular assist device or total artificial heart (n=10). Data on AIS attributable to congenital heart disease (n=4) primarily focus on pediatric cases requiring technical modifications. Treatment outcomes of MT in patients with cardiac tumors (n=8) vary because of clot consistency differences. After cardiac surgery stroke, MT may improve outcomes with early intervention (n=13). Available data outline the feasibility of MT in patients with AIS attributable to large-vessel occlusion in the context of cardiac diseases.

Barriers to and enablers of physical activity participation in lung cancer survivors.

Although physical activity physical activity has been shown to have significant benefits for individuals living with cancer, engaging lung cancer survivors (LCS) in increasing routine physical activity participation has been particularly challenging. To describe enablers of, barriers to, and patterns of physical activity among LCS and to characterize interest in a physical activity program as a first step to improving physical activity engagement. The study consisted of a cross-sectional survey (n = 100) of adult LCS recruited from a thoracic oncology clinic assessing multiple domains of physical activity (engagement, perceived barriers, benefits, physical function, psychosocial factors, self-efficacy, and programmatic preferences). Only 12% of LCS in our cohort (average age 67 years, 54% male, 81% with stage III or IV disease) met American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) physical activity guidelines. Participants engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, with an average (SD) of 48.4 (91.8) minutes per week. The most commonly reported barriers to physical activity were fatigue (49%), dyspnea (39%), and difficulty with daily activities (34%). Regression analysis demonstrated a positive association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and higher income (r = 0.241, p = .016), physical function (r = 0.281, p = .005), and physical activity self-efficacy (r = 0.270, p = .007). Qualitative results demonstrated a strong interest in physical activity programming that is lung-cancer specific with a high level of support and guidance. This study identified that LCS had low levels of physical activity with fatigue, dyspnea, socioeconomic, and functional limitations contributing. The majority of LCS are interested in an exercise program and believe that exercise engagement will produce functional benefits. The present study presents a framework to guide development of community-based interventions to increase LCS physical activity participation among LCS.

Egr1 regulates regenerative senescence and cardiac repair.

Senescence plays a key role in various physiological and pathological processes. We reported that injury-induced transient senescence correlates with heart regeneration, yet the multi-omics profile and molecular underpinnings of regenerative senescence remain obscure. Using proteomics and single-cell RNA sequencing, here we report the regenerative senescence multi-omic signature in the adult mouse heart and establish its role in neonatal heart regeneration and agrin-mediated cardiac repair in adult mice. We identified early growth response protein 1 (Egr1) as a regulator of regenerative senescence in both models. In the neonatal heart, Egr1 facilitates angiogenesis and cardiomyocyte proliferation. In adult hearts, agrin-induced senescence and repair require Egr1, activated by the integrin-FAK-ERK-Akt1 axis in cardiac fibroblasts. We also identified cathepsins as injury-induced senescence-associated secretory phenotype components that promote extracellular matrix degradation and potentially assist in reducing fibrosis. Altogether, we uncovered the molecular signature and functional benefits of regenerative senescence during heart regeneration, with Egr1 orchestrating the process.

MES-FES Interface Enhances Quadriceps Muscle Response in Sitting Position in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Pilot Study

Purpose: In incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), there is a partial decrease in motor or sensory or autonomic function. Mainly due to the motor impairment in SCI, a muscle–machine interface is a tool that can bring functional benefits to this population. Objective: To investigate the feasibility of the non-invasive myoelectric signal–functional electrical stimulation (MES-FES) interface on the response of the quadriceps muscle in an individual with incomplete SCI. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental, uncontrolled, longitudinal case report study carried out with an individual with incomplete SCI in the chronic phase. The assessments performed before (pre) and after eight (post8) interventions were neuromuscular assessment (surface electromyography (EMG) in rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles); muscle strength (load cell); knee extension range of motion (goniometry); spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale); and quality of life (Spinal Cord Injury Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (SCI-QoL.Br)). The MES-FES interface was associated with physical therapy exercises on the extension knee joint muscle group. Results: Improvement in neuromuscular activation (normalized increase in EMGRMS of 2% (RF) and 3.3% (VL)) and synchronism of the motor units (normalized reduction in EMGMDF of 22.8% (RF) and 5.9% (VL)); 1.4 kgf increase in quadriceps strength; 10.6° increase in knee joint extension amplitude; 1 point spasticity reduction; improved quality of life, confirmed by a 12-point reduction in the SCI-QoL.Br score. Moreover, along with interventions, the participant increased the correct FES activation rate, indicating a user learning curve (ρ = 0.78, p-value = 0.04). Conclusions: The MES-FES interface associated with physical therapy promotes neuromuscular and quality of life improvements in the SCI participant.