Low Activity Research Articles

Intramuscular fatty infiltration and its correlation with muscle composition and function in hip osteoarthritis

BackgroundHip osteoarthritis patients display higher levels of fatty infiltration (FI) in the gluteus minimus (GM) compared to other hip muscles. We investigated specific histological factors such as fiber type composition and collagen deposition, and functional outcomes like muscle strength and activation associated with FI in these patients.MethodsIn twelve men (67 ± 6 y) undergoing total hip replacement (THR), hip and knee muscle strength and activation (electromyography, EMG) were assessed bilaterally. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to compare the relative FI area and muscle cross sectional area (CSA) of the GM, rectus femoris (RF), tensor fascia latae (TFL) and vastus lateralis (VL). Adipocyte content, fiber type composition, grouping, fiber size, centrally nucleated fiber frequency, collagen deposition, satellite cell density and capillarization were assessed in intraoperative biopsies of the four muscles. Differences between GM and other muscles were assessed with repeated-measures one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post-hoc test. Pearson coefficients were calculated for the correlations between FI measurements and the other histological and functional parameters.ResultsStrength was lower in the affected limb. Knee extensor weakness was accompanied by lower VL muscle activation. Muscle CSA and FI did not differ between sides. In the affected limb, GM displayed larger relative FI area (MRI) compared to RF and VL. Biopsy adipocyte content was higher in GM than RF and TFL. Compared to the other hip muscles, GM displayed higher type 1 fiber content while its type 2X fiber content was lower. Fiber grouping levels were higher in GM than the other muscles. Collagen content was higher in GM than TFL and VL. FI in GM was associated with type 1 (r = 0.43) and type 2X (r = -0.34) fiber content, fiber grouping (r = 0.39), and collagen deposition (r = 0.37). FI in VL was negatively associated with maximal knee extension strength (r = -0.65).ConclusionsIn patients undergoing THR, the higher FI levels of GM compared to other hip muscles were associated with fiber type composition and grouping, and with higher collagen deposition. Experimental studies exploring these associations could potentially uncover new targets for the treatment of intramuscular FI and related impairments in muscle function.Trial registrationKEK number: 2016–01852, date of registration: 12-4-2017.

Role of serum procalcitonin in differentiating disease flare and systemic bacterial infection among febrile children with known chronic rheumatic diseases: a cross-sectional study

Objectives. To evaluate the role of serum procalcitonin (PCT) as a diagnostic tool to differentiate bacterial sepsis from flare-ups during febrile episodes in children with known rheumatic disorders compared to other inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Methods. Previously diagnosed patients with known rheumatic disorders presenting in emergency or outpatient departments with febrile episodes were included in the study. Blood samples were collected upon admission to test for signs of infection, including serum PCT levels with routine laboratory and radiological tests. Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were stratified using the Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (JADAS-27) and SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) respectively. Patients without bacterial focus with high disease activity were included in the flare-up group and the rest in the sepsis cohort. The diagnostic value of PCT was calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results. In the study (N=73), 41 (56.2%) patients were previously diagnosed with JIA and 28 (38.3%) had SLE. 38 patients had definite evidence of sepsis and 35 had disease flare-ups as per respective disease activity scores. There was a significant difference in PCT and CRP among the flare-up and sepsis groups. For detecting sepsis, the area under curve (0.959), sensitivity (94.7%), and specificity (74.3%) of PCT at a cut-off of 0.275 ng/mL were significantly better than those of CRP. Conclusion. PCT is a better diagnostic test than CRP or ESR during febrile episodes in differentiating flare-ups from infection and PCT >0.275 ng/mL indicates bacterial infection with good specificity and sensitivity in children with low disease activity.

Osteopathic correction as part of complex treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Introduction. According to WHO data from 15 to 20 % of patients seeking gastroenterological care suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. The peak incidence is at the age of 30–40 years and is a frequent cause of disability due to the development of pain syndrome with localisation in the abdomen and changes in stool frequency in the absence of organic pathology. Low effectiveness of treatment of this disease is associated not only with multifactorial formation of gastrointestinal tract dysfunction and the lack of a single standard of therapy, but also with low adherence of patients to treatment due to polypragmasy and the need for long-term use of medications against the background of stressors, urbanisation, low motor activity and changes in diet and diet quality. All this puts before clinicians the task of searching for and including new non-medication methods of treatment of patients with this nosology, which predetermined the purpose of this study.The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of including osteopathic correction in the complex treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome on the course of this disease.Materials and methods. A prospective randomised controlled study, conducted between January 2022 and March 2023 at the outpatient clinic of FBUZ MSCh № 32 FMBA of Russia in Zarechny, Sverdlovsk region, included 64 patients of both sexes with an established diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. All participants of the study were divided into two comparable groups - main and control groups of 32 people each. Patients of the main group along with standard drug therapy received osteopathic correction, patients of the control group received only drug therapy according to clinical recommendations in gastroenterology. At the end of the treatment course the osteopathic status and the degree of pain syndrome severity were evaluated in patients of both groups.Results. In patients with irritable bowel syndrome the most frequently diagnosed were somatic dysfunctions of global and regional level. Somatic dysfunctions of the global (psychovisceral dysfunction — 23,4 %, rhythmogenic cranial dysfunction — 17,2 %, global biomechanical dysfunction — 6,3 %) and regional levels (lumbar region: visceral component — 35 %, somatic component — 29,7 % and thoracic region: somatic component — 37,4 %) were determined as dominant. The inclusion of osteopathic correction in the complex treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome resulted in a statistically signifi cant (p<0,05) decrease in the severity of pain syndrome with localisation in the abdomen.Conclusion. As part of the complex treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome, osteopathic correction in combination with the use of standard drug therapy contributes to a signifi cantly more signifi cant reduction in the severity of pain syndrome compared to the use of pharmacological treatment alone in this category of patients.

Полуэмпирический приближенный метод исследования некоторых вопросов аэрономии области D-ионосферы. II. Отработка (калибровка) метода по экспериментальным данным

This paper presents the results of evidence-based calibration of a new semi-empirical method for studying the D-layer aeronomy. We use simultaneous measurements of altitude profiles of electron density Ne(h) and ionization rate q(h) under disturbed conditions (case 1) and mean <Ne> under various heliogeophysical conditions at low (LSA) and high (HSA) solar activity (case 2). The experimental data and methods are described in detail. It is shown that it is necessary to include temperature dependences of rate constants T(h) for all heliogeophysical conditions. Care should be taken when choosing the T(h) distribution with due regard to most of known factors having an effect on it, wherever possible. We draw a conclusion on the practicability of the use of new photodetachment rates that depend on the solar zenith angle and h. The unknown dissociative recombination rate for cluster positive ions and the photodetachment rate can be reasonably considered as free parameters, of course within due limits. Under disturbed ionospheric conditions, the evidence shows a fall in Ne at all altitudes h when q≈(1.3÷2)⋅10² cm⁻³ s⁻¹ with further increase in the parameters with q, which is confirmed by calculations using the semi-empirical model, yet for a wider range of q variations. The theoretical model that explains the aforementioned effect is the subject of future study. The results for dayside <Ne> coincide qualitatively with our knowledge on the behavior of aeronomy parameters in the D layer. The studies suggest that the presented method allows qualitative estimations under all heliogeophysical conditions and even wholly satisfactory quantitative estimations under disturbed ionospheric conditions.

Dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: is it time to screen?

BackgroundChildhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome are recognized risk factors for premature atherosclerosis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome, and to explore the relationships between lipid profiles, anthropometry, and disease status in cSLE.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at a university-based tertiary referral center from April 2023-March 2024. Patients aged 10–19 years with cSLE diagnosed before 18 years and at least 1 year follow-up were enrolled, excluding those with other autoimmune disorders, chronic kidney disease, infections, receiving lipid lowering drugs prior, and pregnancy. Demographic data, metabolic laboratory tests, disease status, dietary intake, anthropometry, and body composition via bioelectric impedance analysis were evaluated. The prevalence of dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome were documented. Variables were compared between patients with and without dyslipidemia. Correlations between lipid profiles, metabolic laboratory variables, and SLE disease-related variables were explored.ResultsA total of 132 cSLE patients (94.7% female, mean age 11.6 ± 2.6 years) were included. Dyslipidemia was present in 48.5%, hypertriglyceridemia being the most common (28.8%); metabolic syndrome and hyperuricemia were present in 3.8% and 20.5%, respectively. Patients with dyslipidemia were significantly younger at cSLE diagnosis, had higher percentage of hypertension and active features of organ involvement, lower percentage of Lupus Low Disease Activity State, more use of mycophenolate mofetil and antihypertensive medications, higher uric acid level, higher waist circumference, body mass index, body mass index z-score, and fat mass (P < 0.05). Triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol correlated positively with urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (r = 0.472, 0.469, and 0.591, respectively; P < 0.001) and negatively with serum albumin (r = -0.372, -0.506, and − 0.528, respectively; P < 0.001). Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol correlated positively with cumulative prednisolone equivalent dose (rho = 0.350 and rho = 0.351, respectively, P < 0.001).ConclusionsNearly half of cSLE patients had dyslipidemia, especially those with younger age at diagnosis, higher body mass index, proteinuria, and suboptimal-controlled disease. Metabolic syndrome and hyperuricemia were present. Lipid profile assessment in early adolescents is recommended to identify metabolic comorbidities in cSLE.

Semi-empirical method of studying the D-layer aeronomy. II. Evidence-based calibration of the method

This paper presents the results of evidence-based calibration of a new semi-empirical method for studying the D-layer aeronomy. We use simultaneous measurements of altitude profiles of electron density Ne(h) and ionization rate q(h) under disturbed conditions (case 1) and mean &lt;Ne&gt; under various heliogeophysical conditions at low (LSA) and high (HSA) solar activity (case 2). The experimental data and methods are described in detail. It is shown that it is necessary to include temperature dependences of rate constants T(h) for all heliogeophysical conditions. Care should be taken when choosing the T(h) distribution with due regard to most of known factors having an effect on it, wherever possible. We draw a conclusion on the practicability of the use of new photodetachment rates that depend on the solar zenith angle and h. The unknown dissociative recombination rate for cluster positive ions and the photodetachment rate can be reasonably considered as free parameters, of course within due limits. Under disturbed ionospheric conditions, the evidence shows a fall in Ne at all altitudes h when q≈(1.3÷2)⋅10² cm⁻³ s⁻¹ with further increase in the parameters with q, which is confirmed by calculations using the semi-empirical model, yet for a wider range of q variations. The theoretical model that explains the aforementioned effect is the subject of future study. The results for dayside &lt;Ne&gt; coincide qualitatively with our knowledge on the behavior of aeronomy parameters in the D layer. The studies suggest that the presented method allows qualitative estimations under all heliogeophysical conditions and even wholly satisfactory quantitative estimations under disturbed ionospheric conditions.

Efficacy and safety of baricitinib in rheumatoid arthritis patients with moderate renal impairment: a multicenter propensity score matching study

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of baricitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving different doses based on renal function.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study within the JAK Study Group, involving 23 facilities in Fukuoka Prefecture, examining patients treated with baricitinib for RA. Patients were categorized into two dose groups: 4 mg with normal/mild renal dysfunction and 2 mg with moderate renal dysfunction. Baricitinib’s efficacy, retention rate, and safety were compared between the groups after propensity score matching.ResultsAfter propensity score matching, disease duration, methotrexate dosage, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody positivity rate were balanced across 33 patients in both groups. No significant differences were observed between the groups in tender/swollen joint counts, changes in evaluator/patient global assessments, achievement rate of low disease activity, remission rate on clinical/simplified disease activity indices, or retention rate. Additionally, the incidence of adverse events aligned with previous reports, indicating similar drug safety profiles.ConclusionsBaricitinib 2 mg in RA patients with moderate renal dysfunction showed comparable efficacy and retention rate to 4 mg in patients with normal/mild renal dysfunction. The incidence and types of adverse events were consistent with previous studies, indicating the safety of the drug at these dosages.

Real-World Data on Patients With Acquired Haemophilia A in Japan Undergoing Rehabilitation or With Low Activities of Daily Living Scores: The ORIHIME II Study.

Acquired haemophilia A (AHA) is characterized by the development of autoantibodies against factor VIII, reducing its activity and potentially resulting in bleeding. To assess the characteristics of people with AHA undergoing rehabilitation and/or with low activities of daily living (ADL) scores, thereby characterizing unmet needs in the management of AHA and informing treatment optimization. ORIHIME II, the largest epidemiological and treatment survey of AHA in Japan, is a descriptive, retrospective, observational study conducted using health claims data from April 2008 to October 2021. The primary outcome measures were rehabilitation practice and ADL scores on hospital admission and discharge; use of haemostatic agents and immunosuppressive therapy were also assessed. Overall, 427 patients in Japan were eligible for the study. Median (Q1-Q3) age was 78.0 (70.0-84.0) years; 264 patients (61.8%) were male. Median (Q1-Q3) time to start rehabilitation was 9 (4-21) and 14 (6-31) days for those with an admission ADL score of<85 and ≥85, respectively. Of the 427 patients, 249 underwent rehabilitation. The most common rehabilitation type was for disuse syndrome; haemostatic agents were more commonly used in patients undergoing earlier rehabilitation. The physical condition of the patient at hospitalization was associated with rehabilitation practice and the ability of the patient to perform day-to-day activities independently. Treatment strategies should be optimized to allow initiation of rehabilitation as early as possible in the course of AHA.

Wnt Signaling Inhibitors as Therapeutic Approach in Ischemic Heart Disease

Wnt (wingless-type MMTV integration site family) signaling is an evolutionary conserved system highly active during embryogenesis, but in adult hearts has low activities under normal conditions. It is essential for a variety of physiological processes including stem cell regeneration, proliferation, migration, cell polarity, and morphogenesis, thereby ensuring homeostasis and regeneration of cardiac tissue. Its dysregulation and excessive activation during pathological conditions leads to morphological and functional changes in the heart resulting in impaired myocardial regeneration under pathological conditions such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. Several groups of Wnt inhibitors have demonstrated the ability to modulate the Wnt pathway and thereby significantly reduce fibrosis and improve cardiac function after myocardial ischemia. Their inhibitory effect can be realized at multiple levels, which include the inhibition of Wnt ligands, the inhibition of Frizzled receptors, the stabilization of the β-catenin destruction complex, and the disruption of nuclear β-catenin interactions. In this review, we overview the function of Wnt signaling in responses of cardiac cells to pathological conditions, especially ischemic heart disease, with an emphasis on the use of inhibitors of this signaling as a therapeutic approach. Finally, we summarize the current knowledge about the potential of the targeting of Wnt signaling in therapeutic applications.

The influence of osteopathic correction on the functional state of volleyball athletes

Introduction. One of the main indicators refl ecting the functional state of the athlete′s organism and limiting his professional achievements in such sports as volleyball, basketball, handball, etc., is jumping ability. Sharp accelerations and jolts of the lower limbs during jumping and landing can contribute to the formation of reversible structural and functional changes in volleyball athletes, both in the region of the lower limbs and in the overlying regions, including the pelvis. Somatic dysfunctions (SD) of the pelvic region can contribute to the formation of lower limb length disparity (LLLD) and activation of myofascial trigger points with the appearance of myofascial pain syndrome, decreased strength of the corresponding muscles, limiting the functional state of the athlete. In the conditions of toughening of anti-doping legislation, the requirements to injury prevention and improvement of functional capabilities of volleyball athletes using non-medicamentous methods of infl uence are increasing.The aim of the study: to substantiate the inclusion of osteopathic correction in the support of training and playing processes of volleyball athletes.Materials and methods. A randomised controlled prospective study involved 45 female volleyball athletes of a professional volleyball team. Inclusion criteria: age 16–25 years; high level of sportsmanship; satisfactory general health at the time of the fi rst examination and throughout the study programme. Inclusion criteria: conditions and diseases that are absolute contraindications to osteopathic correction; contraindications to functional tests; presence of anatomical LLLD. According to the inclusion and non-inclusion criteria, 32 subjects were selected and divided using the randomisation envelope method into main and control groups of 16 subjects each. At the beginning of the study, the osteopathic status, clinical parameters (severity of LLLD, pain according to verbal rating scale) and jump height were assessed. Osteopathic correction was performed only in the main group and only 1 time at the beginning of the study. In both groups, standard treatment was applied as indicated. After that, dynamic studies in both groups (1 week, 2 weeks, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months) with evaluation of osteopathic status, clinical parameters and jump height were performed.Results. No global level SD was found in the study group. Various regional level SDs were identifi ed in volleyball athletes, the most frequently identifi ed for this group were SDs of the regions pelvic somatic component (100 per 100 subjects), lumbar somatic component (94 per 100 subjects), thoracic somatic component (87 per 100), lumbar visceral component (65 per 100) and pelvic visceral component (59 per 100). Also characteristic for this group were SDs of the local level, which were chronic in nature (muscular-fascial formations and joints of the upper and lower extremities). Inclusion of osteopathic correction in athletes of the main group led to a decrease in the frequency of detection of regional and local level SD (p&lt;0,05) compared to athletes of the control group. All clinical parameters and jump height in the main group improved signifi cantly (p&lt;0,05) and remained at the achieved level for about 2 months.Conclusion. The obtained data demonstrate the positive infl uence of osteopathic correction on the functional state of volleyball athletes, and the most important indicator for them — jumping ability. We can recommend the use of osteopathic correction every 2 months in the accompaniment of professional athletes-volleyball players.

Haptoglobin 2-2 genotype is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a matched case-control study

IntroductionTraditional risk factors do not fully explain the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The Haptoglobin (Hp) 2-2 genotype confers a lower anti-oxidant and higher inflammatory effect on the vasculature compared to the non-Hp 2-2 genotype. This study investigates the association of the Hp genotype with CVD in patients with RA.MethodsData from 69 RA patients with CVD and 207 sex- and ethnicity-matched RA patients without CVD, collected from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2020, were retrieved from the Tan Tock Seng Hospital RA Registry. CVD was examined against demographics, clinical and laboratory variables in univariate models. Associations between the Hp genotypes and CVD were analyzed using conditional logistic regression.ResultsWe studied 276 patients (65.2% female, 82.6% Chinese, median age 60.9 years). Most participants were in low disease activity or remission (79.3%). The Hp 2-2 genotype was present in 49.6% (137/276). In the group with CVD, the prevalence of the Hp 2-2 genotype was 50.9% (29/57) in the Chinese, 100% (5/5) in the Indians, and 28.6% (2/7) in the Malays. In the non-CVD group, the respective prevalence was 46.8% (80/171), 66.7% (10/15), and 52.4% (11/21). In univariate analysis, the matched odds ratio (OR) of the Hp 2-2 genotype for CVD in RA was 1.34 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–1.47; p &amp;lt; 0.001]. The Hp 2-2 genotype was significantly associated with CVD (adjusted matched OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.01–1.27; p = 0.033) in the multivariate logistic regression model after adjusting the confounding factors, including age, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, anti-CCP autoantibodies, and disease activity.ConclusionThe Hp 2-2 genotype is associated with an increased risk of CVD in patients with RA in this multi-ethnic cohort.

Synthesis and Biological Activity of 2,6‐Disubstituted 7‐Deazapurine Ribonucleosides

Several series of 2,6‐disubstituted 7‐deazapurine ribonucleosides were synthesized to investigate their biological activities. The key‐intermediate chloronucleosides were prepared by an anion‐base glycosylation with 2‐amino‐6‐chloro‐7‐deazapurine. The target compounds were obtained by diazotation, either Suzuki and Sonogashira reactions in the case of 2‐arylethynyl‐6‐hetaryl nucleosides or two consecutive Suzuki reactions in the case of 2,6‐diaryl nucleosides. The sequence of diazotation and the first Suzuki reaction is flexible and can be changed depending on the target compounds. Some of the final nucleosides showed moderate cytotoxic activity against several cancer cell lines and low antagonistic activity against a panel of adenosine receptors.

Optimization of the Frying Process for Maximizing Crispiness of Scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) Adductor Muscle Snacks Using Vacuum Low-Temperature Frying

Scallops, an economically important seafood, are popular as fried snacks. Vacuum low-temperature frying creates crispy, healthier foods that meet consumer demand for nutritious snacks with excellent texture. However, research on vacuum frying for shellfish products remains limited. This study aimed to optimize the process for developing a healthy, crispy snack that retains the original shape of the Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) adductor muscle using vacuum low-temperature frying technology. The effects of various frying methods on the scallops were analyzed. The vacuum low-temperature frying process was optimized based on evaluations of physical, chemical, and sensory properties. Frying conditions were optimized using response surface methodology, with temperature (X1: 90.1–109.9 °C) and time (X2: 186–774 s) as variables. Based on moisture (5.6 ± 0.1 g/100 g), hardness (1470 ± 5.0 g/cm2), and sensory chewiness (7.6 ± 0.2 points) analyses, 99.9 °C and 480 s were identified as the optimal conditions. Validation was conducted through sensory evaluation by 30 trained panelists. Scallops produced under these optimal frying conditions exhibited low water activity (aw) (0.46), desirable texture (1428 g/cm2), palatability (7.9 points), and high protein content (45.6 g/100 g). The predicted and experimental values for frying temperature and time showed strong agreement, validating the reliability of the optimization model.

Development of a Wearable Electromyographic Sensor with Aerosol Jet Printing Technology

Electromyographic (EMG) sensors are essential tools for analyzing muscle activity, but traditional designs often face challenges such as motion artifacts, signal variability, and limited wearability. This study introduces a novel EMG sensor fabricated using Aerosol Jet Printing (AJP) technology that addresses these limitations with a focus on precision, flexibility, and stability. The innovative sensor design minimizes air interposition at the skin–electrode interface, thereby reducing variability and improving signal quality. AJP enables the precise deposition of conductive materials onto flexible substrates, achieving a thinner and more conformable sensor that enhances user comfort and wearability. Performance testing compared the novel sensor to commercially available alternatives, highlighting its superior impedance stability across frequencies, even under mechanical stress. Physiological validation on a human participant confirmed the sensor’s ability to accurately capture muscle activity during rest and voluntary contractions, with clear differentiation between low and high activity states. The findings highlight the sensor’s potential for diverse applications, such as clinical diagnostics, rehabilitation, and sports performance monitoring. This work establishes AJP technology as a novel approach for designing wearable EMG sensors, providing a pathway for further advancements in miniaturization, strain-insensitive designs, and real-world deployment. Future research will explore optimization for broader applications and larger populations.

Neutropenia and Felty Syndrome in the Twenty-First Century: Redefining Ancient Concepts in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Objectives: To describe the frequency of neutropenia and Felty syndrome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) attended in routine clinical practice. Methods: We selected by randomization a sample of 270 RA patients attended from January 2014 to November 2022. Demographic, clinical, and neutropenia-related variables were collected from the electronic medical records. Neutropenia was defined as having an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of less than 1500/mm3 once, and acute if it persisted for &lt;3 months. Felty syndrome was defined as RA-related neutropenia, rheumatoid factor (RF) and/or anti citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) positivity. Results: We found 50 patients who had at least one neutropenia episode, with an incidence of 18.5% (14.0–25.6%). Most were women, with age (mean, p25–p75) at the time of neutropenia of 61.5 (57.4–69.3) years, 85% RF+ and 76% ACPA+. The demographic and RA characteristics of patients with and without neutropenia were very similar, except for sex: most patients with neutropenia were women. The 50 patients had 99 episodes of neutropenia; 59% were acute. The lower ANC was 1240 (1000–1395) mm3, and most of the episodes were mild (74%). In 32% of cases, there was other cytopenia. The RA activity measured by DAS28 in patients with neutropenia was low, at 2.18 (1.75–2.97). A total of 82 of 99 neutropenia episodes were related to DMARDs, 60% to Anti-IL6 drugs in monotherapy, 13% to RA activity, 3% to infectious diseases and 1% to hematologic malignancy. There were five (1.8%) cases with Felty syndrome, but only one woman with the classic combination of RA, positivity of autoantibodies (RF and ACPA), neutropenia and splenomegaly. Conclusions: In the 21st century, neutropenia in RA patients is most commonly related to biologics, mostly IL6 inhibitors and methotrexate. Episodes are mild, acute, with low RA activity, and associated with severe infections in few cases. Felty syndrome is rare.

A Novel Effective Models for Identifying BRCA Patients and Optimizing Clinical Treatments.

This study aimed to develop an effective model that identifies high-risk breast cancer (BRCA) patients and optimizes clinical treatments. This study includes five public datasets, TCGA-BRCA as the training dataset and other cohorts as the validation datasets. Machine learning algorithms for finding key tumor-associated immune gene pairs (TAIGPs). These TAIGPs were used to construct tumor-associated immune gene pair index (TAIGPI) by multivariate analysis and further validated on the validation datasets. In addition, the differences in clinical prognosis, biological characteristics, and treatment benefits between high and low TAIGPI groups were further analyzed. The TAIGPI was established by 36 TAIGPs. Better clinical outcomes in the low TAIGPI patients, with consistent results, were also obtained in the validation datasets. The study showed that patients in the low TAIGPI group had a high infiltration of immune cells and low proliferative activity of tumor cells. In contrast, patients in the high TAIGPI group exhibited low infiltration of immune cells and high proliferative activity of tumor cells. In addition, patients in the low TAIGPI group are more likely to benefit from chemotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. The TAIGPI can be an effective predictive strategy for the clinical prognosis of breast cancer patients, providing new insights into personalized treatment options for breast cancer patients.

Higher Catalytic Activity of Pd Monolayers Versus Single PD Atoms at Different Anatase Facets

The structure and catalytic activity of Pd monolayers versus single Pd atoms were studied for the reverse water–gas shift reaction (rWGSR) at the anatase (101) and (001) facets for which Pd flat fragments have been observed experimentally. Thermodynamic and partial kinetic analyses of five steps of the rWGSR scheme were considered on the two facets. The projected density of states for the d-orbitals of single Pd atoms of the (101) facet of a-TiO2 are compared to the ones for Pd atoms in both monolayers at (101) and (001) facets to interpret the different activity of Pd. The low activity of single Pd atoms is probably related to the (001) facet, while a Pd monolayer participates at the (101) facet due to its heterogeneity induced by the support.

BLOOD AND TISSUE ENZYME ACTIVITIES IN BEARDED DRAGONS (POGONA VITTICEPS).

Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are a common reptile species kept under human care and suffer from a wide range of diseases for which plasma biochemistry is used as a first-line diagnostic test. There is limited information available regarding tissue enzyme activities and origin that could assist in interpreting the bearded dragon plasma biochemistry enzymology profile. The aim of this study was to characterize the tissue activities of seven enzymes routinely used in the reptile biochemistry panel: alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) in 12 adult inland bearded dragons in 13 tissues, plasma, and red blood cells. CK activity was highest in skeletal muscle followed by cardiac muscle; ALT and AST were distributed in several tissues and were relatively non-specific for all organs, additionally hepatic fat accumulation reduced AST hepatic activity on a weight per weight basis. ALP and GGT activities were mostly high in the kidneys; LDH activity was elevated in cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle followed by liver; and GLDH had primarily high enzyme activities in liver. Low red blood cell enzyme activities suggest that hemolysis is unlikely to artifactually increase AST or LDH plasma concentrations. These results provide a stepping stone to improve the interpretation of biochemistry results in bearded dragons, especially as it compares to other reptile species.

Preparation and Characterization of Sulfonated CaO Catalyst for Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil

Biodiesel production depends on raw materials. Low-quality oils, such as cooking oil, crude palm oil, and sludge oil, are used to reduce costs, and they contain free fatty acids (FFA) and water. Soap can be produced when using the alkaline catalyst during transesterification. In this work, the sulfonation method prepared the esterification of waste cooking oil by sulfonated CaO as a bifunctional catalyst. The sulfonated CaO catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), temperature-programmed desorption of carbon dioxide and ammonia (TPD), BET surface area, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was observed that the specific surface area, pore volume, and pore diameter of the CaO increased after being sulfonated with a 2 M sulfuric acid solution. It showed a high total surface acidity and basicity, 7.22 and 3.86 mmol/g, respectively. The optimal FFA conversion (84.94 %) from the waste cooking oil was acquired at a reaction temperature of 65 ˚C, a 9:1 MeOH: Oil molar ratio, and 5 wt% catalyst loading for a 3 h reaction time. The 2 M sulfonated CaO catalyst can be reused twice with a high FFA conversion without further treatment under optimized reaction conditions. The 2 M sulfonated CaO catalyst has potential treatment for biodiesel production from high-FFA oils due to its lower production cost and high catalytic activity.

Quantification of gait characteristics and muscle activation in patients with chronic ankle instability during walking on sand: A randomized crossover trial.

Limited evidence exists regarding the movement control patterns of individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) during sand walking. This study aimed to analyze gait characteristics and muscle activation in patients with CAI while walking on sand. This study recruited 30 participants, including 15 patients with CAI and 15 healthy controls. Patients with CAI were selected based on having experienced at least a lateral ankle sprain within 12 months before recruitment. They also had to scoring ≤ 27 on the Cumberland ankle instability tool. This study was conducted using a randomized crossover trial. All participants were asked to walk three times each at their natural speed on both sand and paving blocks for a distance of 50m. There was at least a week between each trial. The lower limb gait kinematics, spatiotemporal, and muscle activity parameters while walking on sand and paving blocks were compared between both groups. Significant differences in knee angle were observed between 60.83% and 75.34% of the gait cycle during walking on sand in the patients with CAI. Regarding spatiotemporal parameters, cadence (P = .001) and stride length (P = .049) showed significant differences as the main effect. In the CAI group, the recruitment threshold for the peroneus longus muscle was significantly lower during walking on sand than on paving blocks (P < .001). In contrast, the motor unit action potential (MUAP) was significantly higher (P < .001). For the tibialis anterior muscle, the recruitment threshold and number of motor units were significantly lower during walking on sand than on paving blocks (P = .006 and P = .003, respectively), and the MUAP was significantly higher (P < .001). During walking on sand, patients with CAI exhibited increased knee flexion angle, stride length, and MUAP, along with decreased cadence and recruitment thresholds. These results suggest that sand can influence gait characteristics and muscle activation in patients with CAI. Our findings indicate that gait characteristics and muscle activation changes in patients with CAI could potentially benefit CAI rehabilitation.