Control Study Research Articles

Functional outcome and histologic analysis of late onset total type brachial plexus injury treated with intercostal nerve transfer to median nerve with local umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells or secretome injection: a double-blinded, randomized control study.

Intercostal nerve transfer is a surgical technique used to restore function in patients with total brachial plexus injury. Stem cell and secretome therapy has been explored as a potential treatment for brachial plexus injuries. This study aimed to compare the functional and histologic outcome of intercostal nerve transfer to median nerve with local stem cells or secretome injection in total type brachial plexus injuries. This was a double-blinded, randomized controlled study (RCT). We included patients with neglected total type brachial plexus injury (BPI) who underwent nerve transfer and local injection of either umbilical cord-derivedmesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC) or secretome into median nerve-flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) neuromuscular junction (NMJ). We measured preoperative and 8-month postoperative FDS muscle strength, SF-36, DASH score, and histologic assessment. We then analyzed the difference outcome between those two groups. A total of 15 patients were included in this study. Our study found that after nerve transfer and implantation with either UC-MSC or secretome, significant postoperative improvements were observed in physical functioning, role limitations, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, social functioning, pain, general health, and DASH scores, particularly in the overall cohort and the secretome group. When we compared the mean difference of clinical outcome from preoperative to postoperative between UC-MSC and secretome groups, the UC-MSC group showed better improvement of health change in SF-36 subgroup compared to secretome group. From the analysis, there was no significant difference in the histologic outcomes (inflammation, regeneration, and fibrosis) in overall cohort between preoperative and postoperative cohort. There was also no significant difference in mean change of the histologic outcomes (inflammation, regeneration, and fibrosis) preoperative and postoperatively between UC-MSC and secretome groups. Implantation of either UC-MSC or secretome along with nerve transfer may provide clinical improvement, while to achieve histologic improvement, further conditioning should be performed.

Elevated Circulating Levels of Gut Microbe-Derived Trimethylamine N-Oxide Are Associated with Systemic Sclerosis

Background/Objectives: Alterations in fecal microbial communities in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are common, but the clinical significance of this observation is poorly understood. Gut microbial production of trimethylamine (TMA), and its conversion by the host to trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), has clinical and mechanistic links to cardiovascular and renal diseases. Direct provision of TMAO has been shown to promote fibrosis and vascular injury, hallmarks of SSc. We sought to determine levels of TMAO and related metabolites in SSc patients and investigate associations between the metabolite levels with disease features. Methods: This is an observational case:control study. Adults with SSc (n = 200) and non-SSc controls (n = 400) were matched for age, sex, indices of renal function, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. Serum TMAO, choline, betaine, carnitine, γ-butyrobetaine, and crotonobetaine were measured using stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Median TMAO concentration was higher (p = 0.020) in SSc patients (3.31 [interquartile range 2.18, 5.23] µM) relative to controls (2.85 [IQR 1.88, 4.54] µM). TMAO was highest among obese and male SSc participants compared to all other groups. Following adjustment for sex, BMI, age, race, and eGFR in a quantile regression model, elevated TMAO levels remained associated with SSc at each quantile of TMAO. Conclusions: Patients with SSc have increased circulating levels of TMAO independent of comorbidities including age, sex, renal function, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. As a potentially modifiable factor, further studies examining the link between TMAO and SSc disease severity and course are warranted.

Case–control study on risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with severe COVID-19

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to identify independent risk factors affecting patient survival and explore predictors of severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, observational, case–control study on adult patients with severe COVID-19 who were admitted to affiliated hospitals in Tianjin between December 18, 2022, and January 31, 2023. We used univariate and multifactorial logistic regression analyses to analyze demographic indicators, comorbidity profiles, and laboratory parameters in two groups of patients (deceased and surviving) to identify independent risk factors for death in patients with severe COVID-19.ResultsPatients in the deceased group were older than those in the survival group (p = 0.018), and there were more cases of coexisting respiratory insufficiency in the deceased group (p = 0.002). Additionally, laboratory test results for white blood cell count (WBC) and creatine kinase (CK) showed significantly higher values in the deceased group (p = 0.047 and p = 0.029, respectively), while arterial oxygen partial pressure (PAO2) showed significantly lower values compared to the survival group (p = 0.021). Age, respiratory insufficiency, WBCH (highest WBC value), CKH (highest CK value), and PAO2F (first PAO2 value) had area under curve (AUC) values of 0.698, 0.838, 0.721, 0.744, and 0.633, respectively.ConclusionThe main risk factors for mortality in patients with severe COVID-19 that we identified in this study were the advanced age of patients, coexisting respiratory insufficiency, elevated levels of WBC and CK, and decreased levels of PAO2. Elevated WBC and CK laboratory parameters, in particular, demonstrated good predictive value for in-hospital mortality risk.

Short- and long-term outcomes in critically ill patients with primary glomerular disease: a case‒control study.

Glomerular diseases, encompassing primary and secondary forms, pose significant morbidity and mortality risks. Despite their impact, little is known about critically ill patients with primary glomerulopathy admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We conducted a case‒control study of patients with primary glomerulopathy using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database. Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were collected. Logistic regression and mediation analysis were performed to identify predictors of hospital and long-term mortality. Among 50,920 patients, 307 with primary glomerulopathy were included. Infectious and cardiovascular-related causes were the main reasons for ICU admission, with sepsis being diagnosed in more than half of the patients during their ICU stay. The hospital mortality rate was similar to that of the control group, with a long-term mortality rate of 29.0% three years post-ICU discharge. Reduced urine output and serum albumin were identified as independent predictors of hospital mortality, while serum albumin and the Charlson comorbidity index were significantly associated with long-term mortality. Notably, although acute kidney injury was frequent, it was not significantly associated with mortality. Additionally, reduced urine output mediates nearly 25% of the association between serum albumin and hospital mortality. Critically ill patients with primary glomerulopathy exhibit unique characteristics and outcomes. Although hospital mortality was comparable to that of the control group, long-term mortality remained high. The serum albumin concentration and Charlson Comorbidity Index score emerged as robust predictors of long-term mortality, highlighting the importance of comprehensive risk assessment in this population. The lack of an association between acute kidney injury and mortality suggests the need for further research to understand the complex interplay of factors influencing outcomes in this patient population.

The relationship between early-onset preeclampsia and the prognostic nutritional index and inflammatory markers

Background Preeclampsia is still a disease whose cause and treatment have not been fully characterised. Early-onset preeclampsia occurs before the 34th week of pregnancy, and late-onset preeclampsia occurs at 34 weeks or older. In our study, we investigated whether the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and pan immune inflammation value (PIV), which are used in the prognosis and prediction of diseases in new studies in the literature, are useful for predicting early-onset preeclampsia. Methods The first group consisted of healthy pregnant women who had a single foetus without any additional disease between 24 and 34 gestational weeks, and the second group consisted of pregnant women who were diagnosed with early-onset preeclampsia and did not have any additional disease or foetal anomalies during the same gestational week. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, thrombocyte, ALB, pan immune inflammation value (PIV) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) scores were recorded. Results In our case control study, 70 patients with early-onset preeclampsia and 140 pregnant women composed the normotensive (control) group. There was a significant difference between the groups according to PIV (p = 0.04). The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) was significantly lower in the early-onset preeclampsia group than in the normotensive group (p < 0,001). A PNI lower than 36, 30 could only predict early-onset preeclampsia with a low sensitivity of 31.1% and specificity of 45%; the area under the curve was 0,24 (95% confidence interval 0.18–0.31), p < 0,001. Conclusion Patients with PNI scores lower than 36,30 may have early-onset preeclampsia.

Damage and insecticidal control of stem borer (Busseola fusca L; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on maize in Halhal Begoss

A maize stem borer (Busseola fusca L) control study was conducted in Halhal Begos with the objectives of assessing the damage caused by the pest and identifying the simple method of control. The treatments used were Furadan 1G, Carbaryl 85%WP, Cymbush 1G and control. The data collected were larval count, dead heart count, tunnel length, per cent infestation at 30 and 45 days after emergency. The larval count was taken from the border rows, and yield was taken from the central row at harvest. All agronomic data, like the date to the heading plant height etc were taken on time. The results of the study showed that all the pesticides used gave good control of the larvae. Furadan gave the highest yield benefit and monetary value compared to the check.

Association between processed and ultra-processed food intake and the risk of breast cancer: a case-control study.

Results from studies investigating the association between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and breast cancer are scarce and, in some cases, contradictory. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association between the intake of processed foods (PFs) and UPFs with the risk of breast cancer in Iranian women. The present case (n = 133) - control (n = 266) study was carried out at two general hospitals in Tehran, Iran. A 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the participants' dietary intake. Also, the NOVA classification was used to identifyPFs and UPFs. The association between PFs and UPFs with the odds of breast cancer was analyzed using logistic regression models. According to Model 1 of conditional logistic regression, the odds of breast cancer were higher in the last tertile of UPFs than in the first tertile (odds ratio (OR) = 1.930; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.080-3.449). In Model 2, no significant association was observed between the second and last tertiles of PFs and UPFs with the odds of breast cancer compared to the reference tertile. Also based on menopause status, the odds of breast cancer increased in the last tertile only among premenopausal women in Model 2 (OR = 3.656; 95% CI: 1.326-10.079). This study demonstrated that higher consumption of UPFs is associated with higher odds of breast cancer in premenopausal women.

Different ECLS Pump Configurations for Temporary Right Ventricular Assist Device in LVAD Patients: A Retrospective Case–Control Study

Background: Acute right ventricular failure is a critical complication after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, often managed with a temporary paracorporeal right ventricular assist device (RVAD). This study examined three extracorporeal life support (ECLS) systems regarding mortality, bleeding complications, and intensive care unit (ICU) stay duration. Methods: This monocentric, retrospective case–control study included all patients receiving LVAD with paracorporeal RVAD between 2009 and 2020. Three patient groups were formed: CentrimagTM (A), CardiohelpTM (B), and DeltastreamTM (C). Results: A total of 245 patients were included. Preoperative parameters were similar between the CentrimagTM and DeltastreamTM groups, but CardiohelpTM patients had worse Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) Scores (A: 1.7 ± 0.8, B: 1.36 ± 0.5, C: 1.9 ± 0.9; p &lt; 0.05). In-hospital death rates were A: 61 (41.8%), B: 15 (32.6%), C: 29 (54.7%); p &lt; 0.05, and reoperation due to bleeding rates were A: 32 (21.9%), B: 8 (17.4%), C: 25 (47.2%); p &lt; 0.05, with the DeltastreamTM group showing the highest rates. This group also had increased thrombocyte consumption and prolonged ICU stays. Conclusions: Temporary RVADs lead to bleeding complications, affecting patient outcomes. The DeltastreamTM group had significantly higher bleeding complications, likely due to high pump revolution rates and thrombocyte decline. Due to the study’s retrospective nature and complex patient profiles, these interesting findings should be validated in future studies.

Plasma glucose, HbA1c, insulin and lipid profile in Sudanese type 2 diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease: a case control study

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its consequences are a serious global public health issue. By 2030, the number of people with type 2 diabetes is predicted to reach 439 million. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the plasma levels of glucose, HbA1c, insulin, and lipid profile in Sudanese T2DM patients. Methods: This case control study included 165 Sudanese patients with diabetic type 2 and a cardiovascular condition as cases and 165 diabetic type 2 volunteers without a cardiovascular disorder as controls. The concentrations of plasma glucose, HbA1c, and lipid profile were assessed using a Mindray BS-480 auto-chemistry analyzer, and insulin was analyzed using a Cobase 411 auto analyzer. The collected data were analyzed using statistical tools for social science computer programs (SPSS version 21). Results: According to the findings, (59.4%) of patients between the ages of (50-69). Females made up 50.9%. (38.2%) of patients had an illness duration of between (8-15 years). (41.8%) of individuals did not have hypertension. There was a substantial rise in BMI, FBG, HbA1c, HDL-C, and insulin among diabetics with cardiovascular disease compared to diabetics without cardiovascular disease (p-value = 0.001, 0.000, 0.018, and 0.000). Females had significantly higher blood TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and BMI than males (p-values = 0.000, 0,001, and 0.000, respectively). There were significant positive correlation between FBS, HBA1c, insulin and duration of disease (r=0.155, p, value=0.005) (r=0.160, p, value=0.004)(r=0.103, p. value=0.061)respectively, while there were significant negative correlation between TC, TG,LDL-C, HDL-C and duration of disease (r=-0.152, p, value= 0.006)(r=-0.023, p, value=0.678)(r=-0.113, p, value= 0.040)(r=-0.145, p, value=0.008)respectively. Conclusion: When comparing diabetics with cardiovascular disease to diabetics without cardiovascular disease, there was a substantial rise in BMI, FBG, HbA1c, HDL-C, and insulin. FBS, HBA1c, insulin, and illness duration all had a strong positive connection.

Association between plasma trimethylamine N-oxide and coronary heart disease: new insights on sex and age differences

AimElevated plasma trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is related to atherosclerosis. Whether the relationship of TMAO and coronary heart disease (CHD) is influenced by sex or age is uncertain. We aim to explore the sex and age differences in the relationship between plasma TMAO and CHD risk and severity.MethodsA case–control study was conducted in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography. Matched by sex, age (±2 years), and operation date (±180 days), a total of 429 CHD case–control pairs were included. Plasma TMAO was quantified using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between plasma TMAO and CHD risk and severity.ResultsThe overall median (interquartile range) plasma TMAO level was 0.11 (0.06–0.18) μg/ml. After stratification by sex and age, and adjustment for common CHD risk factors, the association between TMAO and CHD risk was significant in the older (≥65 years) male subgroup [odds ratios (OR) = 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09–2.28, P = 0.016], but not in other sex–age subgroups (all P &amp;gt; 0.05). The relationship of plasma TMAO and CHD risk was modified by age (adjusted Pinteraction = 0.001) in male individuals. Plasma TMAO was also associated with a higher risk of multi-vessel disease in male patients with CHD (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.18–2.32, P = 0.004), but not in females.ConclusionsPlasma TMAO is significantly positively associated with the risk and severity of CHD in Chinese men. Age has an interactive effect on the relationship between plasma TMAO and CHD risk in men. Our findings warrant further investigation.

Acute Changes in Myocardial Work during Isometric Exercise in Hypertensive Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease: A Case–Control Study

Background: The acute hemodynamic response to isometric exercise in hypertensive patients’ ischemic heart disease (IHD) has been poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to assess acute changes in left ventricular myocardial work (MW) during isometric bilateral knee extension in patients with IHD. Methods: Twenty stable hypertensive patients with IHD and ten healthy, age-matched controls (HC) were enrolled. All subjects performed an isometric knee extension exercise at 30% of their maximal voluntary contraction. The effort was maintained for three minutes or until exhaustion. At baseline, at peak exercise, and after 10 min of recovery, echocardiography evaluation was performed and blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were measured. Results: The exercise was well tolerated by all subjects. At peak exercise, systolic BP in the IHD was significantly higher than HC (37.6 ± 7.2 vs. 8.4 ± 2.3 mmHg; p 0.002). The HC group had a greater increase in HR than IHD (19.7 ± 6.2 vs. 8.4 ± 2.2 bpm; p 0.009). The E/E′ ratio increased in IHD and was unchanged in the control group. The global work index increased significantly in IHD compared to HC (+15% vs. +3%; p 0.026). Global constructive work increased significantly in IHD compared to HC (+29.8% vs. +7.4 respectively, p 0.031). Global wasted work increased by 92.3% in IHD and was unchanged in HC. The global work efficiency decreased in IHD (−18%), but was unchanged in HC (between-groups p 0.019). Stroke volume decreased in IHD and was unchanged in HC. Cardiac output was unchanged in IHD, while it increased in HC. Conclusion: In patients with hypertension and underlying IHD, an acute isometric load causes a great increase in systolic BP and LV filling pressure. It follows a mostly ineffective increase in MW that fails to maintain stroke volume.

Napsin-A Immunohistochemistry in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis.

The diagnosis of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) relies on a limited set of stains, namely hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff-diastase (PAS-D), demonstrating abundant alveolar material representing mostly surfactant. As cells harboring surfactant also express Napsin-A (pneumocytes and macrophages), we hypothesized that it would also be expressed within alveoli in PAP. To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of Napsin-A in the diagnosis of PAP. A 12-year retrospective case control study was designed to identify cases of PAP and potential histologic mimics (intra-alveolar fibrin, pulmonary edema, diffuse alveolar damage, and alveolar mucinosis). PAS-D staining and Napsin-A immunohistochemistry were performed. Distribution and intensity were evaluated by using a semiquantitative 3-point scale. Positivity was defined as 2+ intensity score, regardless of distribution. Eleven cases of PAP and 46 control cases were identified. Napsin-A showed positivity in all PAP cases and 3 of 12 cases of edema. Among positive cases, all those with a 2+ distribution were PAP cases, with heterogeneous (1+) staining in all cases of edema. PAS-D showed positivity in all cases of PAP and most controls, except cases of edema. Sensitivity and specificity of Napsin-A for PAP were 100% and 94%, respectively, and of PAS-D for PAP, 100% and 21%, respectively. Double positivity for Napsin-A and PAS-D was 100% specific and sensitive for PAP. This study is the first to demonstrate that Napsin-A is highly specific for the diagnosis of PAP, more so than PAS-D. It also shows that the combined positivity of Napsin-A and PAS-D is 100% specific and sensitive for PAP.

Evaluation of somatosensory bedside testing and neurodynamics of the trigeminal nerve in craniofacial pain: A matched case–control study

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this study was to investigate whether trigeminal somatosensory function and mechanosensitivity differ between groups with craniofacial neuropathic pain (CNP), non-neuropathic craniofacial pain (NNP), and healthy controls (HC). Methods Thirty-three participants were categorized into these groups, matched for age and sex. The study evaluated pain intensity, the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS), and various trigeminal somatosensory tests, including vibration, pressure pain, thermal detection, cold pain, and neurodynamic tests of the trigeminal nerve. Results Cold pain thresholds differed significantly among the three groups CNP, NNP, and HC (p = .047). No difference was found in vibration detection, pressure pain threshold, and thermal detection. Trigeminal nerve mechanosensitivity was significantly different among the three groups (p = .03), particularly between groups CNP and HC (p = .01). Conclusion Differences in aspects of trigeminal somatosensory function, including cold pain and trigeminal mechanosensitivity, exist between subjects with chronic craniofacial pain and HC. This implies that a clinical classification system for neuromusculoskeletal rehabilitation could be valuable in evaluating patients.

Effectiveness of Visual Pedagogy and Printed Aids on Oral Hygiene Status of Institutionalized Children Who are Hard of Hearing in D. K District, Karnataka - A Randomized Control Study

Effectiveness of Visual Pedagogy and Printed Aids on Oral Hygiene Status of Institutionalized Children Who are Hard of Hearing in D. K District, Karnataka - A Randomized Control Study

High levels of bisphenol A among infertile men can impair spermatogenesis by oxidative stress and elevated levels of microRNA-337

BackgroundStudies have shown that Bisphenol A may interfere with the process of spermatogenesis and result in a decrease in the quality of semen. Nevertheless, the fundamental processes remain unclear. This study was done to investigate the connections between exposure to Bisphenol A, spermatogenesis with microRNA-337, and malondialdehyde in infertile men.MethodsThis study was a case–control study on 73 participants. Infertile group (1a): azoospermia (n = 16), infertile group (1b): oligozoospermia (n = 22), and control group (2): normospermic (n = 35) were enrolled in this study. Full history, local examination, semen analysis, and urine and blood samples were taken from all participants. Urinary Bisphenol A, malondialdehyde, and serum microRNA-337 were measured.ResultsThe mean Bisphenol A level in azoospermia group shows statistically significant increase comparing to fertile control group. The mean microRNA-337 level in oligozoospermia and azoospermia group shows statistically significant increase comparing to fertile controls. The mean malondialdehyde level in infertility groups shows statistically significant increase comparing to fertile control group. No linear correlations were recorded between Bisphenol A levels with semen quality parameters, hormonal profile, and microRNA-337.ConclusionWhile there is no significant change in the levels of Bisphenol A between normal fertile males and infertile males with oligozospermia, a significant elevation in the BPA level was observed in infertile males with azoospermia. A significant upregulation of the miRNA-337 gene expression in infertile males either oligozospermia or azoospermia was also observed. In addition, lipid peroxidation as evident by the significant elevation of MDA levels was marked among infertile patients.

The association of early pregnancy ultrasound parameters with reproductive hormone levels: A retrospective case–control Study

The association between early pregnancy ultrasound parameters and reproductive hormone levels was investigated through a case–control study. Participants for this retrospective study were recruited from obstetrics and gynecology departments across multiple tertiary care centers over 2 years. Inclusion criteria for the case group included pregnant women in their first trimester with detailed ultrasound data, while the control group comprised nonpregnant women without hormonal disorders. A sample size of 850 was estimated to provide sufficient power for detecting differences in hormone levels. Hormone levels were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 26.0. A total of 425 participants in each group were included after accounting for dropouts. For hCG, a strong positive correlation was observed with crown-rump length (R = 0.62, P &lt; .001), gestational sac diameter (R = 0.59, P &lt; .001), and a moderate correlation with yolk sac diameter (R = 0.40, P = .003). Progesterone levels exhibited moderate positive correlations with these ultrasound parameters, and estradiol levels demonstrated strong positive correlations. Conversely, follicle-stimulating hormone levels showed a moderate negative correlation with ultrasound measurements, while luteinizing hormone levels indicated a slight negative correlation. Prolactin levels were positively correlated with all ultrasound parameters in cases. The control group did not show any significant correlations between hormone levels and ultrasound parameters. The study concluded a significant association between early pregnancy ultrasound parameters and reproductive hormone levels in pregnant women, underscoring the potential of these hormones as biomarkers for pregnancy development.

Posture-dependent modulation of marmoset cortical motor maps detected via rapid multichannel epidural stimulation

Recent neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies have suggested substantial short-term plasticity in the topographic maps of the primary motor cortex (M1). However, previous methods lack the temporal resolution to detect rapid modulation of these maps, particularly in naturalistic conditions. To address this limitation, we previously developed a rapid stimulation mapping procedure with implanted cortical surface electrodes. In this study, employing our previously established procedure, we examined rapid topographical changes in forelimb M1 motor maps in three awake male marmoset monkeys. The results revealed that although the hotspot (the location in M1 that elicited a forelimb muscle twitch with the lowest stimulus intensity) remained constant across postures, the stimulus intensity required to elicit the forelimb muscle twitch in the perihotspot region and the size of motor representations were posture-dependent. Hindlimb posture was particularly effective in inducing these modulations. The angle of the body axis relative to the gravitational vertical line did not alter the motor maps. These results provide a proof of concept that a rapid stimulation mapping system with chronically implanted cortical electrodes can capture the dynamic regulation of forelimb motor maps in natural conditions. Moreover, they suggest that posture is a crucial variable to be controlled in future studies of motor control and cortical plasticity. Further exploration is warranted into the neural mechanisms regulating forelimb muscle representations in M1 by the hindlimb sensorimotor state.

THE TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF JUDO ON ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES: INCLUSION, ADAPTATION, AND PERFORMANCE INSIGHTS

Judo is celebrated for its inclusivity and adaptability, offering significant benefits for athletes with disabilities (PwD). It fosters physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth, enhancing motor skills, coordination, and balance. For athletes with physical disabilities, mastering techniques such as falling safely promotes strength and agility. Moreover, engaging in judo boosts self-esteem and confidence as athletes achieve milestones like advancing through belt ranks and earning medals. The supportive environment encourages personal accomplishment and helps develop social skills through interaction with peers. Research highlights the diverse range of disabilities in judo, including visual, auditory, and intellectual impairments. Studies by Oblak et al. (2020) reveal the therapeutic benefits of judo for individuals with intellectual disabilities, emphasizing the need for more research in this area. Bocioacă and Marin (2023) explore the role of adapted judo for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Down syndrome, demonstrating improvements in integration skills through tailored practices. Additional research by Kons et al. (2021) and Krabben et al. (2017) addresses the dynamics of Paralympic judo, revealing challenges related to classification systems for visually impaired athletes. Kons et al. (2022) identify a concerning rise in injury rates among judo athletes with disabilities, indicating the need for improved safety measures. Lastly, the comparative study of neuromuscular control by Kons et al. (2019) shows that visually impaired judokas can excel in balance and certain strength metrics. Overall, these studies underscore judo’s role in promoting physical development and social integration for PwD, while also highlighting the need for further research to ensure equitable and inclusive practices in the sport.

Design of TiO2-X nanotubes with controllable oxygen vacancy concentration and performance study of selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol

Design of TiO2-X nanotubes with controllable oxygen vacancy concentration and performance study of selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol

Correlations of gray matter volume with peripheral cytokines in Parkinson's disease

IntroductionPeripheral cytokine levels may affect specific brain volumes. Few studies have examined this possible relationship. ObjectiveIn a case–control study, we used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) voxel-based morphological analysis techniques to examine the relationship between gray matter volume changes and cognitive, motor and emotional dysfunction as well as between gray matter volume changes and peripheral blood cytokine levels. MethodA total of 134 subjects, comprising 66 PD patients and 68 healthy controls, were recruited. Peripheral venous blood was collected to measure the concentrations of 12 cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17, IFN-α, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. All the subjects also underwent MRI, where 3D-T1-weighted MR images were used for the analysis. In addition, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Unified Parkinson's disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores were assessed in PD patients. Statistical parameter mapping 12 software was used for the statistical analysis of the images. ResultCompared with control patients, PD patients presented decreased gray matter volume (GMV) in the bilateral frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, insula, and right cerebellar lobule VIII. Regional GMV in the temporal lobe, parietal lobe, and cerebellum was correlated with MoCA, MMSE, UPDRS, HAMA, and HAMD scores in PDs. In addition, the regional GMV in PDs was correlated with the concentrations of cytokines, including IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. The IL-6 concentration was negatively correlated with the UPDRS-IV score. ConclusionPD patients exhibit gray matter atrophy in a wide range of brain regions, which are symmetrically distributed and mainly concentrated in the frontal and temporal lobes, and these changes may be linked to motor disorders and neuropsychiatric manifestations. Cytokine concentrations in peripheral blood are correlated with regional gray matter volume in PDs, and the IL-6 level affects gray matter volume in the left precentral gyrus and the manifestation of motor complications.