Full Body Research Articles

Experimental biology can inform our understanding of food insecurity.

Food insecurity is a major public health issue. Millions of households worldwide have intermittent and unpredictable access to food and this experience is associated with greater risk for a host of negative health outcomes. While food insecurity is a contemporary concern, we can understand its effects better if we acknowledge that there are ancient biological programs that evolved to respond to the experience of food scarcity and uncertainty, and they may be particularly sensitive to food insecurity during development. Support for this conjecture comes from common findings in several recent animal studies that have modeled insecurity by manipulating predictability of food access in various ways. Using different experimental paradigms in different species, these studies have shown that experience of insecure access to food can lead to changes in weight, motivation and cognition. Some of these studies account for changes in weight through changes in metabolism, while others observe increases in feeding and motivation to work for food. It has been proposed that weight gain is an adaptive response to the experience of food insecurity as 'insurance' in an uncertain future, while changes in motivation and cognition may reflect strategic adjustments in foraging behavior. Animal studies also offer the opportunity to make in-depth controlled studies of mechanisms and behavior. So far, there is evidence that the experience of food insecurity can impact metabolic efficiency, reproductive capacity and dopamine neuron synapses. Further work on behavior, the central and peripheral nervous system, the gut and liver, along with variation in age of exposure, will be needed to better understand the full body impacts of food insecurity at different stages of development.

Elevated interleukin-6 in women with binge-eating spectrum disorders.

Binge-eating spectrum disorders (BESD) involve large eating episodes accompanied by a sense of loss of control that occur in individuals with body weights spanning the full body mass index (BMI) spectrum. While research links BESD with peripheral inflammation, this literature is limited by underpowered studies and a failure to control for confounding variables that could promote inflammation independent of dysregulated eating, specifically elevated body adiposity and depression. Our study examined plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), a marker of peripheral inflammation, in a sample of women with BESD and non-eating disorder controls, controlling for BMI, body adiposity, and depression. Participants (N = 94) included women with BESD (n = 73) or no eating disorder (n = 21) who completed structured clinical interviews in a larger study, selected to represent BMI categories ranging from underweight to obese in both groups. Fasting blood samples were processed for plasma IL-6 concentration via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In addition to assessing group differences in plasma IL-6, exploratory analyses examined associations between IL-6 and biological and clinical markers of BESD. Significantly elevated plasma IL-6 was found in women with BESD, relative to controls, that was not accounted for by BMI, adiposity, or depression. Plasma IL-6 was positively correlated with plasma leptin concentration, clinical assessments of eating disorder severity, and participants' largest self-reported eating episode. Peripheral inflammation is specifically linked to presence of dysregulated eating independently from weight, adiposity, and depression in BESD. Future research should probe the potential role of neuroinflammation in altered eating behavior. This study provides the first demonstration that inflammation, characterized by elevated plasma IL-6 concentration, is uniquely associated with dysregulated eating in a transdiagnostic group of individuals with BESD. A better understanding of whether immune factors contribute to dysregulated eating could help identify novel biological targets for intervention.

Assessment of lower limb alignment: supine weight-bearing CT scanograms compared with a standing full-length radiograph.

We identified limb misalignment by applying personalized axial force while the limb was in a supine position to mimic a standing posture. This study aimed to confirm the accuracy of evaluating lower limb alignment using supine weight-bearing CT scanograms. We prospectively compared measurements of the weight-bearing line ratio (WBL), hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle, and joint convergence angle (JLCA) in 46 sets of supine weight-bearing CT scanograms with those obtained from full-length standing anteroposterior lower extremity radiographs. We achieved the weight-bearing CT scanograms by applying six different levels of axial force: zero, 1/5 of body weight, 2/5 of body weight, 3/5 of body weight, 4/5 of body weight, and full body weight. We assessed the impact of age, body mass index, HKA, and JLCA on the observed mechanical axis deviation differences between the two methods. The average absolute difference between standing radiographs and supine CT scanograms was 4.32% for the WBL ratio (p < 0.05), 1.25° for HKA (p < 0.05), and 0.46 for JLCA (p < 0.05). The mean absolute difference was minimal when applying full body weight axial pressure during CT scanograms (p > 0.05). Age, body mass index, HKA, and JLCA had no effect on the deviation in the mechanical axis measurements obtained through supine weight-bearing CT scanograms with full body weight. No significant differences were found in assessing lower limb alignment between standing radiographs and supine weight-bearing CT scanograms with full body weight. Weight-bearing CT scanograms prove to be a valuable method for assessing lower limb alignment while in a supine position.

Investigation of stair ascending and descending activities on the lifespan of hip implants

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgeries among young patients are on the increase, so it is crucial to predict the lifespan of hip implants correctly and produce solutions to improve longevity. Current implants are designed and tested against walking conditions to predict the wear rates. However, it would be reasonable to include the additional effects of other daily life activities on wear rates to predict convergent results to clinical outputs. In this study, 14 participants are recruited to perform stair ascending (AS), descending (DS), and walking activities to obtain kinematic and kinetic data for each cycle using marker based Qualisys motion capture (MOCAP) system. AnyBody Modeling System using the Calibrated Anatomical System Technique (CAST) full body marker set are performed Multibody simulations. The 3D generic musculoskeletal model used in this study is a marker-based full-body motion capture model (AMMR,2.3.1 MoCapModel) consisting of the upper extremity and the Twente Lower Extremity Model (TLEM2). The dynamic wear prediction model detailing the intermittent and overall wear rates for CoCr-on-XLPE bearing couple is developed to investigate the wear mechanism under 3D loading for AS, DS, and walking activities over 5 million cycles (Mc) by using finite element modelling technique. The volumetric wear rates of XLPE liner under AS, DS, and walking activities over 5-Mc are predicted as 27.43, 23.22, and 18.84 mm3/Mc respectively. Additionally, the wear rate was predicted by combining stair activities and gait cycles based on the walk-to-stair ratio. By adding the effect of stair activities, the volumetric wear rate of XLPE is predicted as 22.02 mm3/Mc which is equivalent to 19.41% of walking. In conclusion, in this study, the effect of including other daily life activities is demonstrated and evidence is provided by matching them to the clinical data as opposed to simulator test results of implants under ISO 14242 boundary conditions.

Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis as an indicator of malnutrition in children under five years with and without pneumonia in Mchinji District, Malawi: An exploratory mixed-methods analysis

Background Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) is a non-invasive approach to assessing body composition and cellular health, which may improve the assessment of nutritional status in sick children. We explored the reliability, clinical utility, and acceptability of BIVA, as an indicator of nutritional status for children under five years with and without pneumonia, in Malawi. Methods We conducted a parallel convergent mixed-methods exploratory study in Mchinji District Hospital, Malawi, in 2017. We recruited a convenience sample of children aged 0–59 months with clinical pneumonia, and without an acute illness. Children had duplicate anthropometric and BIVA measurements taken. BIVA measurements of phase angle were taken of the whole body, and trunk and arm segments. Reliability was assessed by comparing the variability in the two measures, and clinical utility by estimating the association between anthropometry and phase angle using linear regression. Focus group discussions with healthcare workers who had not previously used BIVA instrumentation were conducted to explore acceptability. Results A total of 52 children (24 with pneumonia and 28 healthy) were analysed. The reliability of sequential phase angle measurements was lower than anthropometric measurements, but trunk and arm segments performed better. The largest associations with phase angle were a negative relationship with weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) in children with pneumonia in the trunk segment, and a positive association with WAZ in the full body measurement in healthy children. Healthcare workers in focus group discussions expressed trust in BIVA technology and that it would enable more accurate diagnosis of malnutrition; however, they raised concerns about the sustainability and necessary resources to implement BIVA. Conclusions While healthcare workers were positive towards BIVA as a novel technology, implementation challenges should be expected. The differential direction of association between anthropometry and phase angle for children with pneumonia warrants further investigation.

Impact of Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis on Full Body Sagittal Alignment and Compensation for Sagittal Spinal Deformity.

Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. To investigate the effect of lower extremity osteoarthritis on sagittal alignment and compensatory mechanisms in adult spinal deformity (ASD). Spine, hip, and knee pathologies often overlap in ASD patients. Limited data exists on how lower extremity osteoarthritis impacts sagittal alignment and compensatory mechanisms in ASD. In total, 527 preoperative ASD patients with full body radiographs were included. Patients were grouped by Kellgren-Lawrence grade of bilateral hips and knees and stratified by quartile of T1-Pelvic Angle (T1PA) severity into low-, mid-, high-, and severe-T1PA. Full-body alignment and compensation were compared across quartiles. Regression analysis examined the incremental impact of hip and knee osteoarthritis severity on compensation. The mean T1PA for low-, mid-, high-, and severe-T1PA groups was 7.3°, 19.5°, 27.8°, and 41.6°, respectively. Mid-T1PA patients with severe hip osteoarthritis had an increased sagittal vertical axis and global sagittal alignment ( P <0.001). Increasing hip osteoarthritis severity resulted in decreased pelvic tilt ( P =0.001) and sacrofemoral angle ( P <0.001), but increased knee flexion ( P =0.012). Regression analysis revealed that with increasing T1PA, pelvic tilt correlated inversely with hip osteoarthritis and positively with knee osteoarthritis ( r2 =0.812). Hip osteoarthritis decreased compensation through sacrofemoral angle (β-coefficient=-0.206). Knee and hip osteoarthritis contributed to greater knee flexion (β-coefficients=0.215, 0.101; respectively). For pelvic shift, only hip osteoarthritis significantly contributed to the model (β-coefficient=0.100). For the same magnitude of spinal deformity, increased hip osteoarthritis severity was associated with worse truncal and full body alignment with posterior translation of the pelvis. Patients with severe hip and knee osteoarthritis exhibited decreased hip extension and pelvic tilt but increased knee flexion. This examines sagittal alignment and compensation in ASD patients with hip and knee arthritis and may help delineate whether hip and knee flexion is due to spinal deformity compensation or lower extremity osteoarthritis.

Skill shapes functional movement variability and exploration tendencies: the effect of skill under changing environmental constraints on the emergence of creative action in a divergent kickboxing task

ABSTRACT Creative actions are both functional and unique, furnishing significant performance advantages in sport. We examined the proposition that the occurrence of creative actions has a common behavioural mechanism, exploration, that is driven by motor skill. Using a kickboxing task, we assessed the effect of skill on the degree of uniqueness and functionality of striking actions, which were determined using full body kinematic data and measures of peak impact force respectively. We expected that, since the task was designed to stimulate exploration (by varying the body-scaled distance to a target boxing bag), expert kickboxers (N = 21) would be more creative due to the functional characteristics of their actions in comparison to novices (N = 21). The results generally supported expectations, indicating that experts demonstrated a significantly greater number of functional action variants than novices. And, when functionality was not accounted for, both experts and novices were equally capable of developing unique actions. Interestingly, for both groups, the number of unique actions exhibited was strongly positively correlated with the tendency to distribute exploration of actions broadly across action variants. However, experts revealed a significantly reduced tendency to distributed exploration across action variants compared to novices which was likely due to the experts avoiding less functional actions at close and far distances to the target. Promoting creative action occurrence during practice is linked to exploration and functional movement variability which may be stimulated by learning environments and tasks that are scaled to individual constraints.

Evaluating the Metabolic Basis of α-Gal A mRNA Therapy for Fabry Disease.

mRNA injection-based protein supplementation has emerged as a feasible treatment for Fabry disease. However, whether the introduction of LNP-encapsulated mRNA results in the alteration of metabolomics in an in vivo system remains largely unknown. In the present study, α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) mRNA was generated and injected into the Fabry disease mouse model. The α-Gal A protein was successfully expressed. The level of globotriaosylsphingosine (Lyso-Gb3), a biomarker for Fabry disease, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines such as nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were greatly decreased compared to the untreated control, indicating the therapeutic outcome of the mRNA drug. Metabolomics analysis found that the level of 20 metabolites was significantly altered in the plasma of mRNA-injected mice. These compounds are primarily enriched in the arachidonic acid metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. Arachidonic acid and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), both of which are important components in the eicosanoid pathway and related to inflammation response, were significantly increased in the injected mice, possibly due to the presence of lipid nanoparticles. Moreover, mRNA can effectively alter the level of metabolites in the amino acid and energy metabolic pathways that are commonly found to be suppressed in Fabry disease. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that in addition to supplementing the deficient α-Gal A protein, the mRNA-based therapeutic agent can also affect levels of metabolites that may help in the recovery of metabolic homeostasis in the full body system.

Statistical Analysis and Automation Through Machine Learning of Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy Data from Tests Performed on Complex Additively Manufactured Parts

Additive manufacturing brings inspection issues for quality assurance of final parts because non-destructive testing methods are faced with shape complexity, size, and high surface roughness. Thus, to drive additive manufacturing forward, advanced non-destructive testing methods are required. Methods based on resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) can take on all the challenges that come with additive manufacturing. Indeed, these full body inspection methods are adapted to shape complexity, to nearly any size, and to high degrees of surface roughness. Furthermore, they are easy to implement, fast and low cost. In this paper, we present the benefit of a resonant ultrasound spectroscopy method, combined with a statistical analysis through Z score implementation, to classify supposedly identical parts, from a batch comprised of several individual builds. We also demonstrate that the inspection can be further accelerated and automated, to make the analysis operator independent, whether the analysis of the resonant ultrasound spectroscopy data is performed supervised or unsupervised with machine learning algorithms.

Assessment of compression forces in a digitally modified short leg cast for pressure injury risk monitoring in healthy children.

Casting is an essential treatment for neuro-orthopedic conditions in children with cognitive, sensory, and communicational disabilities. However, a main side-effect is the development of pressure injuries resulting in additional (wound) therapies and prolongation of the hospital stay. The primary aim of our study was to investigate the potential of objective pressure measurements in casts to assess the risk for pressure injury development. Five pediatric healthy participants were included in this study. We measured the global and the local compression force at body sites prone to pressure injury development for different body positions and the transfer in-between in a cast equipped with pressure sensors. These conditions resulted in partial or full body weight loading. The global maximum compression force was affected significantly by body postures with partial and full loading of the cast and during transfer. The local compression force significantly correlated with the global compression force at the heel and instep area. In conclusion, the integration of sensing technologies into casts bears a high potential for early recognition of critical conditions inside the cast and inducing preventive measures in the at-risk population.

O-13 Parathyroid carcinoma - a rare and challenging entity

Abstract Background Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare malignancy, accounting for less than 1% of all cases of primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). This entity affects both men and women equally and is usually diagnosed in the fourth or fifth decade of life. It can occur sporadically or be associated with genetic syndromes such as hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome. Its clinical presentation can overlap with that of primary HPT, with hypercalcemia that can lead to a range of symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, bone pain, kidney stones, and gastrointestinal disorders. Distinguished by its rarity and clinical challenges, this condition requires a high level of suspicion and its initial surgical approach correlates with long-term prognosis. Clinical Case This is the case of a male patient, 39 years old, Caucasian, with a previous history of hypertension diagnosed 5 months earlier, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) diagnosed 2 months earlier, and active tobacco use. Additional study performed after the DVT episode found severe hypercalcemia (14.3 mg/dL, N 8.6-10.0), hypophosphatemia (2.2 mg/dL, N 2.5-4.5), and renal dysfunction (Creatinine 1.43 mg/dL). The patient was asymptomatic and was admitted to the Internal Medicine department, to correct the hypercalcemia and further investigation. Increased PTH levels (1555 pg/mL, N 15-65) were found, and a cervical ultrasound revealed, on the left thyroid lobe, a bilobed nodule, mainly solid, hypoechogenic, with irregular margins and macrocalcifications, with 34×22 mm. Full body CT showed osteolytic lesions on several ribs and both iliacs and kidney stones. A bone scintigraphy was also done, showing a diffuse fixation on the axial and appendicular skeleton, compatible with diffuse osteomedullary infiltration. Due to these findings, the collaboration of the Endocrinology department was requested. Based on the PTH levels and the characteristics of the cervical mass, suspicion arose regarding a potential case of parathyroid carcinoma. Subsequently, a parathyroid scintigraphy using Sestamibi was conducted, whose report revealed an intense hyperfixation at a nodular formation projecting on the lower two-thirds of the thyroid left lobe, without unequivocal identification of its origin - thyroid nodule vs. parathyroid tissue. Based on intraoperative findings and clinical suspicion, en bloc resection of the tumor along with the thyroid lobe and unilateral neck exploration was performed by the Surgery department, with the pathological assessment confirming the malignancy diagnosis. The patient was referred to an oncologic tertiary center, for follow-up and genetic testing. Conclusion We want to shed light on this rare entity and the importance of multidisciplinary critical thinking, alongside imaging. Markedly elevated PTH and/or calcium levels on a patient with a cervical mass should arouse suspicion of a parathyroid carcinoma, which must not be biopsied and warrants a more extensive surgery to ensure the best possible prognosis.

Nonconventional yeasts and hybrids for low temperature handcrafted sparkling ciders elaboration in Patagonia

Yeasts play a crucial role in transforming apple must into cider. While Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc) has been traditionally associated to cider fermentations worldwide, cryotolerant species such as Saccharomyces uvarum (Su) as well as natural S. cerevisiae × S. uvarum (Sc×Su) hybrids have also been detected in ciders fermented at low temperatures.This study aimed to evaluate the ability of two Patagonian cryotolerant yeast strains (Su and Se) and their interspecific hybrids with a Sc to conduct handcrafted apple must fermentations and a second fermentation process (champenoise method). The main chemical parameters and sensory quality of the resulting sparkling beverages was also analysed.Firstly, Sc×Se and Sc×Su hybrids were evaluated in their fermentative features at laboratory scale. Hybrids were compared with their respective parental species evidencing significant differences in the physicochemical and aromatic composition of the obtained base ciders.Both Su parental strain and the hybrid Sc×Se were selected for performing pilot scale fermentations (250 L) using natural (non-sterilized) apple juice at two different temperatures: 20 °C and 13 °C. Sc parental strain was also evaluated for comparative purposes. All base ciders obtained were then subjected to a second fermentation.A high implantation capacity of both Su and the hybrid was evidenced at the lowest evaluated temperature, while commercial Sc strain was not detected at the final fermentation stage, independently from the temperature. All sparkling ciders exhibited distinct physicochemical profiles. Ciders inoculated with commercial Sc (but effectively fermented with local Sc strains) allowed the development of malolactic fermentation (MLF) in processes carried out at both temperatures. Contrarily, no MLF was observed in ciders inoculated with either Su or the hybrid. Sparkling ciders fermented with Su displayed the highest concentrations of 2-phenylethanol and 2-phenylethyl acetate, regardless of the fermentation temperature. Conversely, ciders fermented with the hybrid at 20 °C exhibited the highest concentrations of ethyl octanoate and ethyl decanoate, contributing to floral and fruity notes in the beverage.Sensory analysis conducted with untrained individuals revealed a preference for sparkling ciders produced with the hybrid strain at both 20 °C and 13 °C. The cider fermented at 20 °C exhibited floral notes, sweetness, and a full body, while ciders fermented at 13 °C displayed moderate acidity and a well-balanced profile. Conversely, a trained panel described the cider fermented at 20 °C with Su as a fruity and acidic beverage, whereas the ciders fermented at 13 °C exhibited intense bitterness and acidity.This study highlights the potential of cryotolerant Saccharomyces species and hybrids in the development of new starter cultures for producing artisanal sparkling ciders with distinctive properties.

산업용 전신 하네스 설계를 위한 치수 체계 제안

Background/Objectives: Industrial harness designs have traditionally prioritized safety and protection against physical impact while giving limited consideration to the wearer's body shape. To enhance the comfort of industrial harnesses, this study proposes domestic industrial harness sizing systems based on an analysis of Korean anthropometric measurements.&#x0D; Methods: Data from the 8th Size Korea anthropometric report(2020-2023) were utilized to propose sizing systems tailored to the Korean body type for industrial harness products. Dimensional analysis involved the direct measurement data of adult men and women aged 20 to 59. The sizing systems of commercially available industrial harnesses were also examined. The product from domestic brand with 3 sizes was selected as a representative design for further analysis.&#x0D; Results: Through an analysis of waist circumference frequency dis tribution, three sizes were determined: S (66- 161), M (81- 166), and L (96- 172).&#x0D; Conclusion/Implications: The industrial full body harness sizing system proposed in this study, based on Korean anthropometric measurements, is expected to enhance the fit of harnesses. Furthermore, this study is expected to offer essential data for establishing a rational sizing system from a producer's perspective. This research is significant as it represents the first effort to establish sizing systems for Koreans in full body harness design. Furthermore, it is anticipated that full body harness product designs using this system will not only improve user satisfaction with fit but also enhance ergonomic suitability.

Semantic Solutions for Democratizing Archaeological and Numismatic Data Analysis

Museums, heritage agencies and other institutions responsible for managing archaeological cultural heritage across Europe are engaged in developing digital platforms to better open their collections to the public as a common resource for the purposes of discovering, learning about, and sharing our common past. This paper explores the potential of new semantic computing technologies in democratizing not only public access to digital cultural heritage records, but also to computational and Linked Open Data -assisted data analysis and knowledge discovery. As a case study, we consider archaeological and numismatic Open Data services in Finland, and discuss the research results obtained during the ongoing development work for the CoinSampo framework for opening Finnish and international numismatic data. Existing digital cultural heritage services are often built with the needs of professional collections management in mind. The presentation of the records is typically structured after the familiar format established for the printed catalogues of yesteryear, with few analytical tools that would take advantage of the potential of digital data to probe and visualize internal relationships and patterns within the full body of the opened material. CoinSampo, however, will provide scientific tools to new audiences among the non-professional public who have not enjoyed such a level of access to numismatic data. The broad range of target audiences we envisage includes collections managers, who will benefit from enhanced access to their own data for updating records and for error detection and correction, as well as academic researchers interested in using the material in scientific analysis. Importantly, it also includes non-professional groups such as coin collectors, educators, local historians, and the archaeological hobby metal-detectorists who produce most of the new coin finds entering the national collections in Finland and in other European countries where detecting is legal. By adopting a citizen science and participatory heritage approach in the development of Open Data services, we aim to promote a technological model for cultural heritage dissemination that addresses the needs of a wide spectrum of different user audiences inside and outside the professional sphere.

Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis as an indicator of malnutrition in children under five years with and without pneumonia in Mchinji District, Malawi: An exploratory mixed-methods analysis

Background Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) is a non-invasive approach to assessing body composition and cellular health, which may improve the assessment of nutritional status in sick children. We explored the reliability, clinical utility, and acceptability of BIVA, as an indicator of nutritional status for children under five years with and without pneumonia, in Malawi. Methods We conducted a parallel convergent mixed-methods exploratory study in Mchinji District Hospital, Malawi, in 2017. We recruited a convenience sample of children aged 0–59 months with clinical pneumonia, and without an acute illness. Children had duplicate anthropometric and BIVA measurements taken. BIVA measurements of phase angle (PhA) were taken of the whole body, and trunk and arm segments. Reliability was assessed by comparing the variability in the two measures, and clinical utility by estimating the association between anthropometry and PhA using linear regression. Focus group discussions with healthcare workers who had not previously used BIVA instrumentation were conducted to explore acceptability. Results A total of 52 children (24 with pneumonia and 28 healthy) were analysed. The reliability of sequential PA measurements was lower than anthropometric measurements, but trunk and arm segments performed better. The largest associations with PhA were a negative relationship with weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) and PhA in children with pneumonia in the trunk segment, and a positive association with WAZ in the full body measurement in healthy children. Healthcare workers in focus group discussions expressed trust in BIVA technology and that it would enable more accurate diagnosis of malnutrition; however, they raised concerns about the sustainability and necessary resources to implement BIVA. Conclusions While healthcare workers were positive towards BIVA as a novel technology, implementation challenges should be expected. The differential direction of association between anthropometry and PhA for children with pneumonia warrants further investigation.

Contrast enhanced computed tomography of small ruminants: Caprine and ovine.

The use of small ruminants, mainly sheep and goats, is increasing in biomedical research. Small ruminants are a desirable animal model due to their human-like anatomy and physiology. However, the large variability between studies and lack of baseline data on these animals creates a barrier to further research. This knowledge gap includes a lack of computed tomography (CT) scans for healthy subjects. Full body, contrast enhanced CT scans of caprine and ovine subjects were acquired for subsequent modeling studies. Scans were acquired from an ovine specimen (male, Khatadin, 30-35 kg) and caprine specimen (female, Nubian 30-35 kg). Scans were acquired with and without contrast. Contrast enhanced scans utilized 1.7 mL/kg of contrast administered at 2 mL/s and scans were acquired 20 seconds, 80 seconds, and 5 minutes post-contrast. Scans were taken at 100 kV and 400 mA. Each scan was reconstructed using a bone window and a soft tissue window. Sixteen full body image data sets are presented (2 specimens by 4 contrast levels by 2 reconstruction windows) and are available for download through the form located at: https://redcap.link/COScanData. Scans showed that the post-contrast timing and scan reconstruction method affected structural visualization. The data are intended for further biomedical research on ruminants related to computational model development, device prototyping, comparative diagnostics, intervention planning, and other forms of translational research.

MUSCLE UP: WHAT AGING LOOKS LIKE FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Abstract The Longitudinal Studies Section of the Translational Gerontology Branch of the National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program has the mission and opportunity to examine aging physiology from the cellular to the full body functional level in model systems and human populations. This symposium presents ongoing research that targets pathologic and normative change in muscle with aging and the significance of these changes for understanding the aging process. Data come from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) and the Genetic and Epigenetic Signatures of Translational Aging Laboratory Testing (GESTALT) study. In nearly 500 BLSA participants aged 50+, Zenobia Moore evaluates the association between multiple epigenetic age metrics and change over 6 years in mid-femur areas of muscle and subcutaneous and intramuscular fat derived from computed tomography. Qu (Teresa) Tian investigates the relationship between skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and risk of MCI or dementia over 3.3 years in 460 initially cognitively normal BLSA participants and PET and blood biomarkers of AD in available subsamples. In 82 men and women from GESTALT, Stefano Donega examines relationships between physical activity, peak oxygen consumption and muscle oxidative capacity using p31 MR spectroscopy and gene expression, transcript usage and splicing events derived from vastus lateralis biopsies. Using volumetric Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy, Lisa Hartnell shares 3D images of muscle samples at the level of the mitochondrial reticulum and sarcomere from young and old healthy and frail GESTALT participants. Together, these findings highlight the value of muscle as a window on aging.

Онлайн-обучение врачей неонкологических специальностей по профилактике и ранней диагностике злокачественных новообразований кожи.

One of the reasons for the late diagnosis of malignant skin neoplasms (hereinafter referred to as MNS) is the insufficient knowledge of doctors in non-oncology specialties [1], [2]. The sensitivity for recognizing cutaneous melanoma (hereinafter referred to as MNS) during a visual examination by primary care physicians is 40,2% [3]. The sensitivity of recognizing MNS for an inexperienced dermatologist is 69%, compared to the sensitivity of diagnosing MNS by an experienced dermatologist is 92% [4]. Also, the reason for the late diagnosis of MNS is an insufficiently complete examination of patients. Evidence suggests that doctors do not routinely offer full body mole screening. Up to 63% of patients diagnosed with MK visited their GP in the year before diagnosis. Only 30% of dermatologists perform a full body skin examination on all of their patients [5]. Thus, an important method is the education of doctors of non-oncology specialties in the form of training programs in the principles of early diagnosis of cancer, which in turn can help improve the oncological epidemiological situation [9]. The purpose of this study is to study the effectiveness of organizing an 8-hour online training aimed at raising the awareness of nononcology doctors on the prevention and early diagnosis of cancer. Material and methods. An 8-hour online course «Early diagnosis of skin tumors» was conducted for doctors, created by a group of authors on the platform «Personal Account of a Doctor at the Volga Research Medical University.» The training course included the following issues: risk factors for MK and other cancers, a description of the diagnostic algorithm using the ABCDE method with an illustration of each sign on photographic images, differential diagnosis of skin tumors, prevention with an emphasis on protection from ultraviolet radiation. The course used 82 photographs of MNS. The illustrated material consisted of 30 images of MK, 25 images of basal cell skin cancer (BCSC), 15 images of seborrheic keratoma of the skin, 12 images of skin hemangiomas. Conclusion. As a result of online training, one can note an improvement in the level of knowledge of doctors after completing an online course aimed at the prevention and early diagnosis of cervical cancer. Increasing the specificity of diagnosing nevi (0,846, 0,953) before and after, respectively, can help reduce costs in the “secondary level” of healthcare. The topic of prevention presented in the course also contributes to conducting preventive conversations with patients and correct patient routing. Thus, conducting online training has a number of advantages and shows good learning results. The diagnostic methods discussed in the course, aimed at clarifying the diagnosis of cancer, especially in the early stages of the disease, predetermine the choice of optimal treatment tactics and are the key to ensuring the best prognosis of the disease.

ЗВУКОВАЯ ТЕРАПИЯ И МУЗЫКАЛЬНАЯ МЕДИЦИНА: БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ МЕХАНИЗМЫ (Часть 1)

This article provides clinicians and other medical professionals with an introduction to the related fields of Sound Therapy and Music Medicine, outlining some of the many biological mechanisms advantageously activated by these modern modalities. The umbrella term for audible sound therapies is often popularly referred to as «Vibrational Medicine», embracing the energetic (vibrational) interconnectedness of the mind-body system. The information provided is intended for physicians, psychologists, music therapists, nurses, integrative medicine practitioners, and wellness practitioners utilizing the therapeutic potential of Vibrational Medicine. Since the body is comprised of vibrational energy, a wide variety of energetic modalities are available to support the patient’s physiology, and the article describes some of the many physiological mechanisms initiated by Sound Therapy and Music Medicine, perhaps most importantly, pain mediation, achieved by locally applied specific sound frequencies. Other mechanisms, such as vagal stimulation, are described and achieved by experiencing specific sound frequencies or music via headphones. The article is in two parts: Part 1 provides a short history of therapeutic sound, followed by definitions of Music Therapy, Music Medicine, and Sound Therapy, followed by sections on some of the many biological mechanisms activated by full body immersion in music or specific sound frequencies, including an introduction to pain mediation by sound. Part 2 will be published in the next issue of the «Medicine and Art» journal. It includes breaking the pain-spasm pain cycle in spinal injury by sound; pain relief and anxiety relief by acupressure and sonopuncture; oxygen-driven healing by sound; musical stimulation of the immune system; sonic stimulation of the vagus nerve via headphones and by vocalizations; and last, a look into the future of vibrational medicine.

An ecological study protocol for the multimodal investigation of the neurophysiological underpinnings of dyadic joint action.

A novel multimodal experimental setup and dyadic study protocol were designed to investigate the neurophysiological underpinnings of joint action through the synchronous acquisition of EEG, ECG, EMG, respiration and kinematic data from two individuals engaged in ecologic and naturalistic cooperative and competitive joint actions involving face-to-face real-time and real-space coordinated full body movements. Such studies are still missing because of difficulties encountered in recording reliable neurophysiological signals during gross body movements, in synchronizing multiple devices, and in defining suitable study protocols. The multimodal experimental setup includes the synchronous recording of EEG, ECG, EMG, respiration and kinematic signals of both individuals via two EEG amplifiers and a motion capture system that are synchronized via a single-board microcomputer and custom Python scripts. EEG is recorded using new dry sports electrode caps. The novel study protocol is designed to best exploit the multimodal data acquisitions. Table tennis is the dyadic motor task: it allows naturalistic and face-to-face interpersonal interactions, free in-time and in-space full body movement coordination, cooperative and competitive joint actions, and two task difficulty levels to mimic changing external conditions. Recording conditions-including minimum table tennis rally duration, sampling rate of kinematic data, total duration of neurophysiological recordings-were defined according to the requirements of a multilevel analytical approach including a neural level (hyperbrain functional connectivity, Graph Theoretical measures and Microstate analysis), a cognitive-behavioral level (integrated analysis of neural and kinematic data), and a social level (extending Network Physiology to neurophysiological data recorded from two interacting individuals). Four practical tests for table tennis skills were defined to select the study population, permitting to skill-match the dyad members and to form two groups of higher and lower skilled dyads to explore the influence of skill level on joint action performance. Psychometric instruments are included to assess personality traits and support interpretation of results. Studying joint action with our proposed protocol can advance the understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms sustaining daily life joint actions and could help defining systems to predict cooperative or competitive behaviors before being overtly expressed, particularly useful in real-life contexts where social behavior is a main feature.