Body Density Research Articles

Paediatric cancer survivors: lean mass attenuates negative impact of watching television on bone.

To investigate the associations of television (TV) watching time with bone parameters and to examine whether high lean mass attenuates the negative impact of watching TV more than one hour per day on bone parameters. This cross-sectional study comprised 116 young paediatric cancer survivors. Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry was used to obtain total body and regional areal bone mineral density (g/cm2), and lean mass (kg) outcomes. Hip Structural Analysis was performed at the narrowest point of the femoral neck. Trabecular Bone Score was obtained in the lumbar spine. TV watching time was obtained using the "Youth Activity Profile" questionnaire. Multiple linear regression models showed negative associations of watching TV more than one hour with bone parameters in peri/post pubertal survivors (β = -0.359 to -0.614, P < 0.001 to 0.047). Those survivors watching TV more than one hour per day and with high lean mass presented higher bone parameter Z-score than those with low lean mass. These findings underline the necessity of identifying strategies that promote musculoskeletal development while reducing TV watching time in young paediatric cancer survivors to maximise bone regeneration. The results indicate that watching television (TV) more than one hour (compared to not watching TV) is negatively associated with bone parameters in peri/post pubertal survivors. Survivors with high lean mass counteract these negative associations of watching TV with bone parameters. It is important to promote musculoskeletal development in this vulnerable population to maximise bone regeneration.

Enhanced density and microstructural integrity of binder jetting manufactured ceramics through cold isostatic pressing

Binder jetting (BJ) is a type of additive manufacturing (AM) process that enables fabrication of complex zirconia (ZrO2) ceramic components. However, there are significant challenges in fabricating ceramic parts with high relative density and superior performance. In this study, cold isostatic pressing (CIP) process was integrated into BJ, successfully producing high-performance ZrO2 ceramics. Comprehensive study was conducted on ZrO2 granules, binder, and their interactions. In addition, effects of CIP process on relative density and mechanical properties of sintered samples were investigated. Results indicate that CIP process significantly enhances green body density and reduces spacing between particles, thereby facilitating subsequent densification during ceramic sintering. Moreover, debinding followed by CIP treatment yields superior mechanical properties compared to the methods where CIP was performed prior to debinding, as it prevents defect formation during debinding. Subsequently, differences in performance between ZrO2 ceramics treated with and without CIP were compared at various sintering temperatures. After sintering at 1400 °C, relative density and flexural strength of ZrO2 ceramics reached 98.75 ± 0.19 % and 1047.80 ± 88.45 MPa, representing significant improvements of 53.24 % and 100-fold increase compared to those without CIP treatment, respectively. These findings indicate that proposed method is highly promising for fabrication of high-density and high-performance ZrO2 components.

Clinical and morphometric features in cervical spine pathology in humans and animals

Background. The neck, its bone-cartilaginous and muscle apparatus, etc. high activity is well known. Cervical spine degenerative-dystrophic processes are considered to be an urgent problem. The purpose of the study was to determine the clinical and morphometric changes of the cervical spine in humans and animals with neck pain based on a clinical and neurological examination, determination of the vertebral body density, their configuration, and ratio for timely correction and prognosis of this patho­logy. Materials and methods. Pain intensity was studied in humans and animals using the adapted visual-analogue scale. The inde­xes of computer tomography with measurement of vertebral body density, and morphometric indexes with an emphasis on C5-C7 le­vel were also studied. All studies were conducted following existing bioethical standards. Results. The pathology of spine configuration was registered in 84.6 % of the examined patients in the form of angular kyphosis or straightened lordosis, more often in women. It was observed in 34.7 % of cases in dogs and cats. The normal configuration is more common: in cats — 78.6 % and in dogs of small breeds — 78.5 %, in large breed dogs — only 26.3 %, and deformations were more frequent than in cats and small dogs (2.7 times more). The cervical vertebrae bodies density in all groups decreased toward the caudal direction with a difference of 18.1 % in humans. In cats — 2.7 %, in dogs of small breeds, it was higher (7.5 %), and in large breed dogs, it reached 14.3 %. The maximum deviations of the studied indicators were found in humans and maximally coincided with those in dogs of large breeds. Conclusions. Thus, animals, especially dogs of large breeds, can serve as a model for studying etiopathogenetic factors, the course, prognosis of degeneration of the bone-cartilage apparatus.

Comparative evaluation of hepatosteatosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using non-contrast abdominal CT and laboratory findings

Aim: This study aims to underscore the significance of employing multiple parameters from non-contrast abdominal CT scans for the assessment of hepatosteatosis in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Methods: Non-enhanced Computed Tomography of the diabetic subjects were analyzed. Control subjects were selected from non-diabetic patients who had undergone abdominal tomography within the same period. The craniocaudal length of the liver and liver, spleen, pancreas densities, and epicardial adipose tissue were measured. Additionally, patient demographics and laboratory values were retrospectively obtained. Results: The craniocaudal length of the liver was significantly greater in the diabetes mellitus group compared to the control group (168.3 ± 17.2 mm vs 152.3 ± 14.8 mm, p &lt; 0.001). Hepatosteatosis was observed in 22 individuals with diabetes mellitus, whereas only one participant in the control group had this condition (p &lt; 0.001). The diabetes mellitus group exhibited significantly lower median liver density (p &lt; 0.001), liver-spleen density ratio (p = 0.004), pancreatic head density (p = 0.001), and pancreatic body density (p = 0.013). Additionally, the average thickness of epicardial adipose tissue was markedly higher in the diabetes mellitus group compared to the control group (8.1 ± 1.9 mm vs 4.9 ± 1.1 mm, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: These data indicate an association between hepatosteatosis and increased epicardial adipose tissue thickness, liver and pancreatic densities in individuals with diabetes mellitus. These findings suggest that non-contrast abdominal CT findings such as epicardial adipose tissue thickness and relevant laboratory tests may aid in evaluating metabolic disorders and fat accumulation in diabetic patients.

Effect of anti-osteoporotic drugs in reducing risk of refracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of anti-osteoporotic drugs in lowering risk of refracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty. Methods: The study involved 80 patients who underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty in The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China between August 2020 and July 2022. The study group (n = 40) received postoperative rehabilitation in addition to anti-osteoporotic drugs for 6 months), while the control group (n = 40) received routine postoperative rehabilitation from the time of surgery completion to 3 months postoperative. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were compared before surgery, 3 days, 3 months, and 6 months postoperative. Changes in the middle height of the vertebral body and bone density T-score of the surgical and adjacent vertebrae before and at end of follow-up, and refracture rates were compared.Results: The study group showed significantly lower VAS and ODI scores at 3 and 6 months after surgery compared to control group (p &lt; 0.05). Both groups showed significant increase in vertebral body height before surgery (p &lt; 0.05), with no significant difference at last follow-up (p &gt; 0.05). Also, the study group showed significant increase in bone density in the surgical and adjacent vertebrae compared to control group at last follow-up (p &lt; 0.05). Refracture rate was significantly lower in study group than in the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Administering anti-osteoporotic drugs after percutaneous vertebroplasty significantly alleviates pain, improves vertebral bone density, and reduces risk of refracture. However, a largesample, multicenter, randomized prospective study to validate these findings is recommended.

Vertebral body density role in determining vertebral osteoporotic fracture type and its progression.

Vertebral osteoporotic fractures (VOF) are among the most frequent fractures in the elderly, often leading to an impaired lifestyle and a high economic burden. Although a reduced bone mass density is considered one of the main risk factors for VOF, its role in determining the fracture type, using the AO spine-DGOU classification for osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures, as well as its progression, is unknown. The current study aimed to: (1) reveal whether the bone density of the vertebral bodies of fractured and non-fractured vertebrae predicts the type of fracture, (2) examine whether bone density is associated with the initial and progressive collapse of the vertebral body, and (3) provide predictive measures for fracture progression. The study sample included 124 patients (40 males and 84 females) with an acute osteoporotic vertebral fracture who underwent a computerized tomography scan at the time of diagnosis and an x-ray at least 3 months later. The bone density of the fractured and adjacent (non-fractured) vertebrae was measured at diagnosis. The magnitude of the collapse and the progression of the fracture over time were calculated from height measurements of the vertebral bodies at diagnosis and follow-up. Age was a significant factor in predicting the fracture type and magnitude of collapse, whereas sex and bone density were not. The severity of the fracture was involved in predicting its progression, demonstrating that severe-type fractures tended to continue to collapse after diagnosis. However, when each type was examined independently, the density of the fractured vertebra had a protective effect on fracture progression. To conclude, identifying the type of fracture is beneficial in determining patient prognosis. Furthermore, the density of the fractured vertebra, the magnitude of collapse, and patient age are valuable predictors of fracture progression.

Neuroprotective effects of mesenchymal stromal cells in mouse models of Alzheimer’s Disease: The Mediating role of gut microbes and their metabolites via the Microbiome-Gut-Brain axis

The intricacy and multifaceted nature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) necessitate therapies that target multiple aspects of the disease. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) emerge as potential agents to mitigate AD symptoms; however, whether their therapeutic efficacy involves modulation of gut microbiota and the microbiome-gut-brain axis (MGBA) remains unexplored. In this study, we evaluated the effects of three distinct MSCs types—derived from the umbilical cord (UCMSC), dental pulp (SHED), and adipose tissue (ADSC)—in an APP/PS1 mouse model of AD. In comparison to saline control, MSCs administration resulted in a significant reduction of behavioral disturbances, amyloid plaques, and phosphorylated tau in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, accompanied by an increase in neuronal count and Nissl body density across AD-afflicted brain regions. Through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we identified partial restoration of gut microbial balance in AD mice post-MSCs treatment, evidenced by the elevation of neuroprotective Akkermansia and reduction of the AD-associated Sphingomonas. To examine whether gut microbiota involved in MSCs efficacy in treating AD, SHED with better anti-inflammatory and gut microbiota recovery effects among three MSCs, and another AD model 5 × FAD mice with earlier and more pathological proteins in brain than APP/PS1, were selected for further studies. Antibiotic-mediated gut microbial inactivation attenuated MSCs efficacy in 5 × FAD mice, implicating the involvement of gut microbiota in the therapeutic mechanism. Functional analysis of altered gut microbiota and targeted bile acid metabolism profiling revealed a significant enhancement in bile acid variety following MSCs therapy. A chief bile acid constituent, taurocholic acid (TCA), was orally administered to AD mice and similarly abated AD symptoms. Nonetheless, the disruption of intestinal neuronal integrity with enterotoxin abrogated the ameliorative impact of both MSCs and TCA treatments. Collectively, our findings substantiate that MSCs confer therapeutic benefits in AD within a paradigm that primarily involves regulation of gut microbiota and their metabolites through the MGBA.

Age-related alterations in human cortical microstructure across the lifespan: Insights from high-gradient diffusion MRI.

The human brain undergoes age-related microstructural alterations across the lifespan. Soma and Neurite Density Imaging (SANDI), a novel biophysical model of diffusion MRI, provides estimates of cell body (soma) radius and density, and neurite density in gray matter. The goal of this cross-sectional study was to assess the sensitivity of high-gradient diffusion MRI toward age-related alterations in cortical microstructure across the adult lifespan using SANDI. Seventy-two cognitively unimpaired healthy subjects (ages 19-85 years; 40 females) were scanned on the 3T Connectome MRI scanner with a maximum gradient strength of 300mT/m using a multi-shell diffusion MRI protocol incorporating 8 b-values and diffusion time of 19 ms. Intra-soma signal fraction obtained from SANDI model-fitting to the data was strongly correlated with age in all major cortical lobes (r = -0.69 to -0.60, FDR-p < 0.001). Intra-soma signal fraction (r = 0.48-0.63, FDR-p < 0.001) and soma radius (r = 0.28-0.40, FDR-p < 0.04) were significantly correlated with cortical volume in the prefrontal cortex, frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes. The strength of the relationship between SANDI metrics and age was greater than or comparable to the relationship between cortical volume and age across the cortical regions, particularly in the occipital lobe and anterior cingulate gyrus. In contrast to the SANDI metrics, all associations between diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and diffusion kurtosis imaging metrics and age were low to moderate. These results suggest that high-gradient diffusion MRI may be more sensitive to underlying substrates of neurodegeneration in the aging brain than DTI and traditional macroscopic measures of neurodegeneration such as cortical volume and thickness.

The role of intraspecific trait variation in driving post-metamorphic survival: Implications for recruitment in open populations.

Most ecological studies attempting to understand causes of population dynamics and community structure disregard intraspecific trait variation. We quantified the importance of natural intra-cohort variation in body size and density of juveniles for recruitment of a sessile marine organism, the barnacle Semibalanus balanoides. Barnacles are representative of species organised in metapopulations, that is, as open local populations connected by larval dispersal. We tracked the individual growth and survival of a cohort of juvenile barnacles from two shores of North Wales. Barnacles settled as larvae in spring of 2002 on previously cleared rock. The density of these new recruits was experimentally manipulated in June and randomly selected individuals were monitored from June to October to evaluate the role of barnacle size and density in predicting survival. In doing so we characterised density at three spatial scales (quadrat: 25 cm2, cells within quadrats: 25 mm2 and neighbourhood: number of neighbours in physical contact with the target barnacle). At all scales, variations in juvenile body size exacerbated the effect of density-dependent mortality on population size. While density-dependent mortality was very intense in the small-sized individuals, large-sized individuals experienced very weak density-dependent mortality and showed high survival rates. Using the concept of 'Jensen inequality', we show that important biases in estimations of survival, based on population size only, occur at high barnacle densities, where survival is low. Our study highlights the role of body size variation in understanding dynamics of open populations.

Analysis of magnesia-carbon bricks erosion in vanadium extraction converters: Insights from dynamic experiments and interface characterization

This paper uses a rotary furnace to simulate the dynamic erosion behavior of various magnesia-carbon bricks within a vanadium extraction converter, focusing on the effects of carbon content and antioxidants on erosion. The results indicate that vanadium-rich slag primarily consists of oxide solid solutions, iron vanadium spinel, and metallic Fe. Adding aluminum and silicon powders to the bricks reduces apparent porosity, increases body density, and improves slag erosion resistance. However, an increase in carbon content (12.54 wt% to 18.59 wt%) within magnesia-carbon bricks correlates with decreased high-temperature strength, exacerbating the reaction propensity with slag and consequent structural damage. Analysis of the interface phase between magnesia-carbon bricks and vanadium slag reveals a predominance of metal phase, spinel phase, and liquid slag phase. Thermodynamic calculations suggest an initial reaction between MgO and C on the brick surface, yielding Mg vapor and CO gas, while C reacts with slag to produce Cr and V elements, leading to surface structure degradation. Subsequent slag encasement and dissolution of remaining MgO via decarburization channels further erode magnesia-carbon bricks. Cumulative erosion iterations ultimately culmi nate in performance failure of magnesia-carbon bricks.

Fungal trait‐environment relationships in wood‐inhabiting communities of boreal forest patches

Abstract Fungal traits can provide a mechanistic understanding of how wood‐inhabiting fungi interact with their environment and how that influences community assembly in deadwood. However, fungal trait exploration is relatively new and almost no studies measure fungal traits in their environment. In this study we tested species‐ and trait‐environment relationships in reproducing fungal communities inhabiting 571 Norway spruce (Picea abies) logs in 55 isolated forest patches (0.1–9.9 ha) of different naturalness types, located in Northern boreal Sweden. The studied patches were (1) semi‐natural set‐aside patches within highly managed landscapes, or (2) old‐growth natural patches located in an unmanaged landscape. We tested species and trait relationships to deadwood substrate and forest patch variables. We measured mean fruit body size and density for each of the 19 species within communities. Traits assembled in relation to log decay stage and forest patch naturalness, illustrating the important role of deterministic environmental filtering in shaping reproducing wood‐inhabiting fungal communities. Early decay stage communities had larger, less dense, annual fruiting bodies of half‐resupinate type and were more often white‐rot fungi. Species rich mid‐decay stage communities had mixed trait assemblages with more long lived perennial fruit bodies of intermediate size, and both brown‐ and white‐rot fungi equally represented. Finally, late decay stage communities had smaller, denser and perennial fruit bodies, more often of the brown‐rot type. The relationships between the studied traits and decay stages were similar in both set‐aside and natural patches. However, set‐aside semi‐natural patches in highly managed landscapes more frequently supported species with smaller, perennial and resupinate fruit bodies compared to natural patches in an unmanaged landscape. Synthesis. We found that log decay stage was the primary driver of fungal community assembly of species and traits in isolated forest patches. Our results suggest that decay stage filters four reproduction traits (fruit body density, size, lifespan and type) and one resource‐use trait (white or brown rot). Our results highlights, for the first time, that communities with diverse fungal reproductive traits are maintained foremost across all deadwood decay stages under different forest naturalness conditions. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Analyzing the Nuclear Structure of 13O-13B and 13N-13C Mirror Nuclei

In the context of the shell model, electromagnetic transitions were used to analyze the nuclear structure of a mirror nucleus with the same mass number, A = 13. The shell model investigation was performed by calculating the root mean square (rms) for the proton, neutron, matter and charge radii, occupancies, the excitation energies, as well as electromagnetic moments, using the elements of a body density matrix of the PSDMOD two-body effective interactions carried out in the psdpn-shell model space. The present results adopted the harmonic oscillator's single particle eigen functions and Hartree-Fock approximation. In addition, the effect of core polarization was added using the effective charge and effective g factors to calculate electromagnetic moments. To acquire a fair analysis of the information, the core polarization has to be present. The outcomes were compared with experimental data

Growing out of the fins: Implications of isometric and allometric scaling of morphology relative to increasing mass in blue sharks (Prionace glauca)

Disproportional changes (i.e. allometry) in shark morphology relative to increasing body size have been attributed to shifts in function associated with niche shifts in life history, such as in habitat and diet. Photographs of blue sharks (Prionace glauca, 26–145 kg) were used to analyze changes in parameters of body and fin morphology with increasing mass that are fundamental to swimming and feeding. We hypothesized that blue sharks would demonstrate proportional changes (i.e. isometry) in morphology with increasing mass because they do not undergo profound changes in prey and habitat type; accordingly, due to geometric scaling laws, we predicted that blue sharks would grow into bodies with greater turning inertias and smaller frontal and surface areas, in addition to smaller spans and areas of the fins relative to mass, which are parameters that are associated with the swimming performance in sharks. Many aspects of morphology increased with isometry. However, blue sharks demonstrated negative allometry in body density, whereas surface area, volume and roll inertia of the body, area, span and aspect ratio of both dorsal fins, span and aspect ratio of the ventral caudal fin, and span, length and area of the mouth increased with positive allometry. The dataset was divided in half based on mass to form two groups: smaller and larger sharks. Besides area of both dorsal fins, relative to mass, larger sharks had bodies with significantly greater turning inertia and smaller frontal and surface areas, in addition to fins with smaller spans and areas, compared to smaller sharks. In conclusion, isometric scaling does not necessarily imply functional similarity, and allometric scaling may sometimes be critical in maintaining, rather than shifting, function relative to mass in animals that swim through the water column.

Concordance between methods of estimating body fat in pediatric and adolescent age.

Background and objective: The percentage of fat (%BF), essential data in the health or nutrition field, can be estimated by different methods. This work compares the %BF values obtained by anthropometry, Near Infrared Interactance (NIR), and Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA), in childhood and adolescence. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of 1015 schoolchildren aged 9 to 16 years. Height, weight, and four adipose folds were measured: tricipital, bicipital, subscapular, and suprailiac. The %BF by anthropometry was calculated using a specific formula based on body density (BD). A tetrapolar analyzer was used for the BIA calculation. The optical density in the biceps was measured for the one observed by NIR. Results: The high correlation and determination coefficients show that the relationship between %BF by anthropometry, BIA, or NIR is very strong, mainly between the first two. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) results between Anthropometry and BIA show an almost perfect agreement. Its graphical contrast attests that the correlation is higher in the male sex. In general, the agreement between Anthropometry and BIA is higher than between Anthropometry and NIR. Conclusions: The three techniques used to measure %BF show high concordance. All ICC values between pairs of methods are above 0.90. The comparison of %BF by anthropometry with BIA or NIR shows that the affinity is higher in intermediate adiposity percentages than in extreme ones. This trend occurs in both sexes and age groups.

SNCA and TPPP transcripts increase in oligodendroglial cytoplasmic inclusions in multiple system atrophy

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is characterized by glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) containing aggregated α-synuclein (α-syn) in oligodendrocytes. The origin of α-syn accumulation in GCIs is unclear, in particular whether abnormal α-syn aggregates result from the abnormal elevation of endogenous α-syn expression in MSA or ingested from the neuronal source. Tubulin polymerization promoting protein (TPPP) has been reported to play a crucial role in developing GCI pathology. Here, the total cell body, nucleus, and cytoplasmic area density of SNCA and TPPP transcripts in neurons and oligodendrocytes with and without various α-syn pathologies in the pontine base in autopsy cases of MSA (n = 4) and controls (n = 2) were evaluated using RNAscope with immunofluorescence. Single-nucleus RNA-sequencing data for TPPP was evaluated using control frontal cortex (n = 3). SNCA and TPPP transcripts were present in the nucleus and cytoplasm of oligodendrocytes in both controls and diseased, with higher area density in GCIs and glial nuclear inclusions in MSA. Area densities of SNCA and TPPP transcripts were lower in neurons showing cytoplasmic inclusions in MSA. Indeed, TPPP transcripts were unexpectedly found in neurons, while the anti-TPPP antibody failed to detect immunoreactivity. Single-nucleus RNA-sequencing revealed significant TPPP transcript expression predominantly in oligodendrocytes, but also in excitatory and inhibitory neurons. This study addressed the unclear origin of accumulated α-syn in GCIs, proposing that the elevation of SNCA transcripts may supply templates for misfolded α-syn. In addition, the parallel behavior of TPPP and SNCA transcripts in GCI development highlights their potential synergistic contribution to inclusion formation. In conclusion, this study advances our understanding of MSA pathogenesis, offers insights into the dynamics of SNCA and TPPP transcripts in inclusion formation, and proposes regulating their transcripts for future molecular therapy to MSA.

AnGong NiuHuang (AGNH) pill attenuated traumatic brain injury through regulating NF-κB/Nlrp3 axis and glycerophospholipid metabolism

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI), especially neuroinflammation after TBI persists for a long time and causes significant neurodegenerative pathologies and neuropsychiatric problems. PurposeIn this study, the neuroprotective effect of AnGong NiuHuang (AGNH) on TBI was investigated and the mechanism was revealed by integrating multiple omics. MethodsThe rats with TBI were administrated with AGNH for 5 consecutive days and the effect was evaluated by using modified neurologic severity score (mNSS), brain edema, H&E staining, Nissl staining and TUNEL staining. The mechanism was revealed by using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and metabolomic analysis. The inflammatory factors, apoptosis-related proteins and identified vital targets were validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. ResultsAdministration of AGNH decreased mNSS, brain edema, brain structure damage, but increased Nissl body density in the rats with TBI. Additionally, AGNH reduced IL-1β, IL-17A, TNF-α, MMP9, MCP-1, IL-6, Bax and TUNEL staining,but elevated Bcl2 level. Integrating transcriptomic analysis and metabolomic analysis identified vital targets and critical metabolic pathways. Importantly, AGNH treatment reduced the expression of TLR4, MYD88, NLRP3, BTK, IL-18 and Caspase 1 as well as glycerophospholipid metabolism-related protein AGPAT2 and PLA2G2D, and decreased the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in the brain of TBI rats. Additionally, AGNH increased phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), but decreased 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (LysoPC) in the metabolic pathway of glycerophospholipid metabolism. ConclusionTaken together, AGNH inhibited NF-κB/NLRP3 axis to suppress neuroinflammation, cell apoptosis and pyroptosis, and improved metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipid metabolism after TBI.

Integrating classification and regression learners with bioimpedance methods for estimating weight status in infants and juveniles from the southern Cuba region

ObjectiveThe search for other indicators to assess the weight and nutritional status of individuals is important as it may provide more accurate information and assist in personalized medicine. This work is aimed to develop a machine learning predictions of weigh status derived from bioimpedance measurements and other physical parameters of healthy younger volunteers from Southern Cuba Region.MethodsA pilot random study at the Pediatrics Hospital was conducted. The volunteers were selected between 2002 and 2008, ranging in age between 2 and 18 years old. In total, 776 female and male volunteers are studied. Along the age and sex in the cohort, volunteers with class I obesity, overweight, underweight and with normal weight are considered. The bioimpedance parameters are obtained by measuring standard tetrapolar whole-body configuration. The bioimpedance analyser is used, collecting fundamental bioelectrical and other parameters of interest. A classification model are performed, followed by a prediction of the body mass index.ResultsThe results derived from the classification leaner reveal that the size, body density, phase angle, body mass index, fat-free mass, total body water volume according to Kotler, body surface area, extracellular water according to Kotler and sex largely govern the weight status of this population. In particular, the regression model shows that other bioparameters derived from impedance measurements can be associated with weight status estimation with high accuracy.ConclusionThe classification and regression predictive models developed in this work are of the great importance to assist the diagnosis of weigh status with high accuracy. These models can be used for prompt weight status evaluation of younger individuals at the Pediatrics Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.

Changes in body density in accordance with the growth of &lt;i&gt;Epinephelus akaara&lt;/i&gt; larvae

Changes in body density in accordance with the growth of &lt;i&gt;Epinephelus akaara&lt;/i&gt; larvae

Intrinsic and extrinsic contributors to subregional thalamic volume loss in multiple sclerosis.

To evaluate the intrinsic and extrinsic microstructural factors contributing to atrophy within individual thalamic subregions in multiple sclerosis using in vivo high-gradient diffusion MRI. In this cross-sectional study, 41 people with multiple sclerosis and 34 age and sex-matched healthy controls underwent 3T MRI with up to 300 mT/m gradients using a multi-shell diffusion protocol consisting of eight b-values and diffusion time of 19 ms. Each thalamus was parcellated into 25 subregions for volume determination and diffusion metric estimation. The soma and neurite density imaging model was applied to obtain estimates of intra-neurite, intra-soma, and extra-cellular signal fractions for each subregion and within structurally connected white matter trajectories and cortex. Multiple sclerosis-related volume loss was more pronounced in posterior/medial subregions than anterior/ventral subregions. Intra-soma signal fraction was lower in multiple sclerosis, reflecting reduced cell body density, while the extra-cellular signal fraction was higher, reflecting greater extra-cellular space, both of which were observed more in posterior/medial subregions than anterior/ventral subregions. Lower intra-neurite signal fraction in connected normal-appearing white matter and lower intra-soma signal fraction of structurally connected cortex were associated with reduced subregional thalamic volumes. Intrinsic and extrinsic microstructural measures independently related to subregional volume with heterogeneity across atrophy-prone thalamic nuclei. Extrinsic microstructural alterations predicted left anteroventral, intrinsic microstructural alterations predicted bilateral medial pulvinar, and both intrinsic and extrinsic factors predicted lateral geniculate and medial mediodorsal volumes. Our results might be reflective of the involvement of anterograde and retrograde degeneration from white matter demyelination and cerebrospinal fluid-mediated damage in subregional thalamic volume loss.

Influence of Kinanthopometric Profile of National Level Male Judo Players of Tamil Nadu on Performance

Introduction: Anthropometric Aspects and Body composition are the crucial factors in explaining human physical status. Anthropometric advantage, a non-modifiable factor, significantly contributed to athletes' success in sports. The present study was studied to find out the relationship between the Kinanthopometric profiles and performance level of National-level male Judo players from Tamil Nadu, India. Method: 30 male Judo players were measured for their anthropometric parameters. Height, weight, circumferences, and skinfold thickness at various sites were measured. Body density was calculated, and body fat % was determined using Siri's Equation. A special Judo fitness test involved throwing partners using the ippon-seoi-nage technique in three periods with heart rate checks, and an index was calculated based on total throws and heart rate values. Results: An average height of 158.1 (± 8.5) cm was observed in the present study whereas that of weight was 63.7 (± 7.3) kg. Judo players were categorized into Endomorphic (30%), Mesomorphic (36.7 %) and Ectomorphic (33.4 %) body type. Mesomorphic players showed good performance, Ectomorphic players showed average performance, and Endomorphic players displayed poor performance when performances were analyzed using the Special Judo Fitness Test. This underscored a potential link between body type and Judo performance. Conclusion: The study concluded that body composition has a high impact on physical fitness and sports performance.