Body Systems Research Articles

Devising measures to reduce multi-frequency noise load on employees in machining area

The object of this study is the process of determining and managing the risks of noise exposure (NE) for employees at the mechanical department when machining metals on a drilling machine (DM). The problem relates to the increase in the risk of an employee receiving an industrial injury because of NE at the workplace of a machine tool. The impact of noise on the human body depends on the duration of exposure, the level of sound pressure, and its intensity. An important characteristic of noise is its frequency composition, as it can affect the perception of sounds and the human body. Prolonged exposure to noise can damage various systems in the human body or cause pain. Therefore, it is important to understand the impact of NE on workers and devise measures to reduce the negative impact on their health and work productivity. The research is based on real-time noise measurements followed by their decomposition into octave frequencies and modeling of noise propagation in the room with and without the use of various types and designs of soundproof barriers (SB). In the course of the study of NE propagation during drilling on the machine, an excess of noise levels at medium and high frequencies near the noise source was found. An employee who works on DM is exposed to high-frequency noise that exceeds the established normative indicators. Therefore, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment for the machine operator and install safety equipment to protect other workplaces. The use of the latter makes it possible to significantly reduce the impact of NE on workers, in particular, at low frequencies by 20.8 %, at medium frequencies by 15.6 %, and at high frequencies by 17.3 %

Pilot study exploring artificial intelligence for facial-image-based diagnosis of Marfan syndrome

BackgroundMarfan Syndrome (MFS), a genetic disorder impacting connective tissue, manifests in a wide array of phenotypes which can affect numerous bodily systems, especially the thoracic aorta. The syndrome often presents distinct facial features that potentially allow for diagnostic clinical recognition. Herein, we explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in diagnosing Marfan syndrome from ordinary facial images, as assessed by overall accuracy, F1 score, and area under the ROC curve. MethodsThis study explores the utilization of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for MFS identification through facial images, offering a novel, non-invasive, automated, and computerized diagnostic approach. The research examines the accuracy of Neural Networks in the diagnosis of Marfan Disease from ordinary on-line facial images. The model was trained on 80 % of 672 facial images (182 Marfan and 490 control). The other 20 % of images were used as the test set. ResultsOverall accuracy was 98.5 % (0 % false positive, 2 % false negative). F1 score was 97 % for Marfan facies and 99 % for non-Marfan facies. Area under the ROC curve was 100 %. ConclusionAn Artificial Intelligence (AI) program was able to distinguish Marfan from non-Marfan facial images (from ordinary on-line photographs) with an extremely high degree of accuracy. Clinical usefulness of this program is anticipated. However, due to the limited and preliminary nature of this work, this should be viewed as only a pilot study.

Wielokierunkowy wpływ wysiłku fizycznego na układ immunologiczny u sportowców wyczynowych

The extreme physical effort and psychological stress are everyday challenges faced by athletes. The regular training results in adaptation to increasing physical effort. It contributes to changes in various organs and metabolic processes. Intense physical training has been shown to affect numerous body systems including the immune system. The aim of this paper is to present the influence of extreme physical activity on various aspects of immune response. The changes in the immune system of athletes include not only those related to blood leukocytes, but those in connection to respiratory and gut associated lymphoid tissue as well. Moreover, the immune cells play an important role in muscle regeneration after sustaining training injury. The mmunology of physicial activity – mainly extreme physical activity – is a new, not fully recognized yet field of research. The understanding of these interactions facilitates a proper training planning for different groups of athletes.

INDEX ASSESSMENT OF THE PERIODONTAL TISSUE CONDITION IN MILITARY PERSONNEL OF THE UKRAINIAN ARMED FORCES WITH INFLAMMATORY AND DYSTROPHIC-INFLAMMATORY DISEASES OF PERIODONTAL TISSUES DEPENDING ON THEIR STRESS RESISTANCE AND LEVEL OF REACTIVE ANXIETY

War has a negative impact not only on human mental health, but also manifests itself in an increase in the frequency and prevalence of pathology of organs and body systems, including the dentofacial system. One of the factors influencing the progressive growth of periodontal diseases is a high level of psychoemotional stress. Despite the large number of studies on stress, its role in the genesis of dental diseases has not been sufficiently studied. Therefore, the study of the relationship between psychoemotional state and periodontal diseases in military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is a timely and relevant subject of research. The aim of the study – To evaluate the state of periodontal tissues in military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with inflammatory and dystrophic-inflammatory diseases depending on their stress resistance and level of reactive anxiety. Materials and methods. Dental examination of military personnel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was conducted on the basis of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry of I. Gorbachevsky TNMU. On the basis of periodontal indices (PMA, PBI, PI, PSR) the state of periodontal tissues was evaluated in 22 military personnel with chronic catarrhal gingivitis, 42 military personnel with generalized periodontitis of the initial – I degree and 36 military personnel with GP of the II degree (main group), which were divided into 4 groups according to their stress resistance and level of reactive anxiety: Group I very high stress tolerance with low level of reactive anxiety; Group II high level of stress tolerance with low level of reactive anxiety; Group III threshold level of stress tolerance with moderate level of reactive anxiety; Group IV low level of stress tolerance with high level of reactive anxiety. The obtained results were compared with the data of 37 patients of civilian specialties with periodontal diseases (comparison group). Results and discussion. As a result of the studies, it was found that in military personnel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (main group), with an increase in psychoemotional stress, the values of periodontal indices increased, which, on average, were higher in CCG: PMA – 1,6 times, PBI – 2,0 times, PSR – 1,5 times, p<0.01; in initially I degree GP: PMA – by 1,4 times, PBI – by 2,1 times, PI – by 1,7 times, PSR – by 1,8 times; in grade II GP: PMA – by 1,5 times, PBI – by 1,4 times, PI – by 1,6 times, PSR – by 1,3 times, p<0.01, compared to similar values in the comparison group. Conclusions. Thus, as a result of the research it was found that in military patients of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with increasing psychoemotional stress the state of periodontal tissues significantly deteriorated, which was confirmed by an increase in periodontal indices, indicating the need for comprehensive treatment of the initial II degree of GP.

Full Hill-type muscle model of the I1/I3 retractor muscle complex in Aplysia californica.

The coordination of complex behavior requires knowledge of both neural dynamics and the mechanics of the periphery. The feeding system of Aplysia californica is an excellent model for investigating questions in soft body systems' neuromechanics because of its experimental tractability. Prior work has attempted to elucidate the mechanical properties of the periphery by using a Hill-type muscle model to characterize the force generation capabilities of the key protractor muscle responsible for moving Aplysia's grasper anteriorly, the I2 muscle. However, the I1/I3 muscle, which is the main driver of retractions of Aplysia's grasper, has not been characterized. Because of the importance of the musculature's properties in generating functional behavior, understanding the properties of muscles like the I1/I3 complex may help to create more realistic simulations of the feeding behavior of Aplysia, which can aid in greater understanding of the neuromechanics of soft-bodied systems. To bridge this gap, in this work, the I1/I3 muscle complex was characterized using force-frequency, length-tension, and force-velocity experiments and showed that a Hill-type model can accurately predict its force-generation properties. Furthermore, the muscle's peak isometric force and stiffness were found to exceed those of the I2 muscle, and these results were analyzed in the context of prior studies on the I1/I3 complex's kinematics in vivo.

A Comparison of Glutathione and Malondialdehyde Concentrations in Athletes Engaged in Certain Sports

Sports stimulate the body to adapt to physical activity, causing biochemical and functional metabolic changes in various systems and organs of the body due to exercise. Antioxidants and free radicals affect the biological activity of living organisms, leading to physiological changes in all body systems due to exercise. This study, conducted from December 2023 to February 2024, included 120 blood samples from male basketball (40), football (40), and volleyball (40) players ages 18-27 years, from the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at Tikrit University. Blood samples were collected ten minutes before and ten minutes after 70 minutes of exercise on the same day. The study found no significant differences in glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations before and after exercise among the groups. The findings suggest that the type of sport (football, basketball, or volleyball) with an anaerobic system does not significantly affect antioxidant and fat peroxidation levels, though slight variations due to increased lactic acid in muscles were noted, leading to muscle fatigue and minor changes in GSH and MDA concentrations.

Comparison of the Influence of Bisphenol A and Bisphenol S on the Enteric Nervous System of the Mouse Jejunum.

Bisphenols are dangerous endocrine disruptors that pollute the environment. Due to their chemical properties, they are globally used to produce plastics. Structural similarities to oestrogen allow bisphenols to bind to oestrogen receptors and affect internal body systems. Most commonly used in the plastic industry is bisphenol A (BPA), which also has negative effects on the nervous, immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems. A popular analogue of BPA-bisphenol S (BPS) also seems to have harmful effects similar to BPA on living organisms. Therefore, with the use of double immunofluorescence labelling, this study aimed to compare the effect of BPA and BPS on the enteric nervous system (ENS) in mouse jejunum. The study showed that both studied toxins impact the number of nerve cells immunoreactive to substance P (SP), galanin (GAL), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). The observed changes were similar in the case of both tested bisphenols. However, the influence of BPA showed stronger changes in neurochemical coding. The results also showed that long-term exposure to BPS significantly affects the ENS.

Co-exposure of microcystin-LR and nitrite induced kidney injury through TLR4/NLRP3/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis

The degradation of cyanobacterial blooms releases hazardous contaminants such as microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and nitrite, which may collectively exert toxicity on various bodily systems. To evaluate their individual and combined toxicity in the kidney, mice were subjected to different concentrations of MC-LR and/or nitrite over a 6-month period in this study. The results revealed that combined exposure to MC-LR and nitrite exacerbated renal pathological alterations and dysfunction compared to exposure to either compound alone. Specifically, the protein and mRNA expression of kidney injury biomarkers, such as kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), were notably increased in combined exposure group. Concurrently, co-exposure to MC-LR and nitrite remarkedly upregulated levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, while decreasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Notably, MC-LR and nitrite exhibited synergistic effects on the upregulation of renal IL-1β levels. Moreover, MC-LR combined with nitrite not only elevated mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines but also increased protein levels of pyroptosis biomarkers such as IL-1β, Gasdermin D (GSDMD), and Cleaved-GSDMD. Mechanistic investigations revealed that co-exposure to MC-LR and nitrite promoted pyroptosis both in vivo and in vitro, possibly through the activation of the TLR4/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway. Pretreatment with TLR4 inhibitor and NLRP3 inhibitor effectively suppressed pyroptosis induced by the co-exposure of these two toxins in HEK293T cells. These findings provide compelling evidence that MC-LR combined with nitrite synergistically induces pyroptosis in the kidney by activating the TLR4/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway. Overall, this study significantly enhances our comprehension of how environmental toxins interact and induce harm to the kidneys, offering promising avenues for identifying therapeutic targets to alleviate their toxic effects on renal health.

The Impact of Cost of Living on the Quality of Life of Cystic Fibrosis Patients: A Study in Greece.

Introduction Cystic fibrosis (CF) leads to the impairment of multiple essential organs and systems in the human body. The objective of this study was to analyze the financial consequences of having cystic fibrosis (CF) on patients, evaluate their general state of health, and specifically investigate the impact of living expenses on their quality of life. Methods The data were collected using three tools and a form for personal information entry. The first questionnaire wasemployed to quantify fluctuations in patients' cost of living. The Greek variant of the Short Form Questionnaire-36 (SF-36)and the Greek version of the Cystic Fibrosis Quality of Life (CFQoL)were implemented to assess quality of life.Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05, and analyses were conducted using SPSS statistical software. Results The study obtained a response rate of 93.2%, with 105 participants consenting to and effectively finishing the questionnaire. The mean age of the patients was 32.1 years, with 46.7% being female and 53.3% being male. Medication was being administered to 46.7% of the patients. The condition incurred an average cost of 767€ in the preceding semester. The maximum cost was 1007€. Patients with a higher monthly family income and those who were taking medication exhibited superior physical performance and functional capacity. Conclusion The research emphasizes that implementing causative treatment and minimizing hospitalizations can potentially enhance life satisfaction. The findings suggest possible approaches to enhance the quality of life in people with cystic fibrosis, in conjunction with the implementation of novel or enhanced treatment modalities.

Monitoring and integrated care coordination of patients with alpha-mannosidosis: A global Delphi consensus study

IntroductionCurrent literature lacks consensus on initial assessments and routine follow-up care of patients with alpha-mannosidosis (AM). A Delphi panel was conducted to generate and validate recommendations on best practices for initial assessment, routine follow-up care, and integrated care coordination of patients with AM. MethodsA modified Delphi method involving 3 rounds of online surveys was used. An independent administrator and 2 nonvoting physician co-chairs managed survey development, anonymous data collection, and analysis. A multidisciplinary panel comprising 20 physicians from 12 countries responded to 57 open-ended questions in the first survey. Round 2 consisted of 11 ranking questions and 44 voting statements. In round 3, panelists voted to validate 60 consensus statements. The panel response rate was ≥95% in all 3 rounds. Panelists used 5-point Likert scales to indicate importance (score of ≥3) or agreement (score of ≥4). Consensus was defined a priori as ≥75% agreement with ≥75% of panelists voting. ResultsConsensus was reached on 60 statements, encompassing 3 key areas: initial assessments, routine follow-up care, and treatment-related follow-up. The panel agreed on the type and frequency of assessments related to genetic testing, baseline evaluations, quality of life, biochemical measures, affected body systems, treatment received, and integrated care coordination in patients with AM. Forty-nine statements reached 90% to 100% consensus, 8 statements reached 80% to 85% consensus, and 1 statement reached 75% consensus. Two statements each reached consensus on 15 baseline assessments to be conducted at the initial follow-up visit after diagnosis in pediatric and adult patients. ConclusionThis is the first Delphi study providing internationally applicable, best-practice recommendations for monitoring patients with AM that may improve their care and well-being.

Accessibility of Halal Certification Bodies in Australia: A Website Content Analysis

ABSTRACT The increasing Muslim population and growing demands for Halal products have necessitated a corresponding growth in Halal certification. While Muslim-majority countries typically practice centralized Halal certification governance, non-Muslim countries, including Australia, have their own unique Halal certification body systems. The Australian Government recognizes 24 Halal certification bodies. Previous studies have primarily focused on the general requirements for certification. In contrast, our study takes a unique and novel approach, attempting to understand each body’s system and accessibility from the point of view of customers and food producers. This novel approach should pique the interest of our audience, as it offers a fresh perspective on a well-studied topic. We implemented website content analyses through website searches and comparative analysis to identify information that can assist Halal product consumers and certification applicants. While most bodies have established guidelines for Halal certification, several areas remain unclear, with no procedures to aid consumers and producers in checking and applying for certifications. Our study identifies these areas for improvement, with the goal of enhancing information accessibility and marketability of these bodies to assist consumers and applicants in obtaining proper guidance on Halal certification. This research is not just theoretical, but it has practical implications that can significantly improve the Halal certification process in Australia, making it more accessible and marketable. This reassurance of practical application should instill confidence in the audience about the relevance and usefulness of the study.

QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF PHYTOCHEMICALS IN THREE ANTI-DIABETIC MEDICINAL PLANTS OF BRAJ REGION OF UTTAR PRADESH

Diabetes mellitus is a group of chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia or increased blood glucose levels and eventually leads to damage of multiple body systems due to interference in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism following from comparable insufficiency of insulin oozing. Bioactive constituents revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, glycosides, sterols and terpenoids for treatment of diabetic activity in selected medicinal plants of Braj region of Uttar Pradesh such as Aloe vera, China rose and Jamun which possess ability to reduce blood glucose, urea, uric acid and creatinine and to increase insulin level, C-peptide and albumin control level. According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF), it is predicted that the number of diabetic patients in the World could reach up to 366 million by the year 2030. Aim of the present study showed the effect of different extracts such as aqueous, methanolic, ethanolic, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether with various combinations to evaluate the presence of phytochemicals. Strongly presence of flavonoids with aqueous and methanolic leaves extracts according to other solvents in Aloe vera. In an aqueous leaves extracts of China rose, strongly presence of flavonoids and terpenoids according to other phytochemicals and alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids and glycosides in methanolic and ethanolic leaves extracts. Strongly presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids and glycosides in an aqueous and methanolic leaves extracts of Jamun but the absence of tannin in all solvents. So, the aqueous, methanolic and ethanolic extracts are better for Aloe vera, China rose and Jamun for extraction of pytochemicals like alkaloids and flavonoids will be an effective tool for the treatment of diabetes and needs more study for drug development.

ANALISIS MEKANIKA LAGRANGE PADA BENDA TEGAR DENGAN PENDEKATAN DAN PENERAPANNYA PADA SISTEM FISIKA

The Lagrange method is a method used to solve complex mechanical problems by utilizing kinetic and potential energy. This research examines the application of the Lagrange method to rigid body systems, where the position and orientation of the body are determined by general coordinates. This article uses a literature study approach from various relevant sources. The research results show that the Lagrange method is effective in solving mechanical problems in rigid body systems that cannot be solved using Newton's method.

Apilarnil exerts neuroprotective effects and alleviates motor dysfunction by rebalancing M1/M2 microglia polarization, regulating miR-155 and miR-124 expression in a rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease rat model

Microglial activation contributes to the neuropathology of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Inhibiting M1 while simultaneously boosting M2 microglia activation may therefore be a potential treatment for PD. Apilarnil (API) is a bee product produced from drone larvae. Recent research has demonstrated the protective effects of API on multiple body systems. Nevertheless, its impact on PD or the microglial M1/M2 pathway has not yet been investigated. Thus, we intended to evaluate the dose-dependent effects of API in rotenone (ROT)-induced PD rat model and explore the role of M1/M2 in mediating its effect. Seventy-two Wistar rats were equally grouped as; control, API, ROT, and groups in which API (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg, p.o.) was given simultaneously with ROT (2 mg/kg, s.c.) for 28 days. The high dose of API (800 mg/kg) showed enhanced motor function, higher expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine levels, less dopamine turnover and α-synuclein expression, and a better histopathological picture when compared to the ROT group and the lower two doses. API’s high dose exerted its neuroprotective effects through abridging the M1 microglial activity, illustrated in the reduced expression of miR-155, Iba-1, CD36, CXCL10, and other pro-inflammatory markers’ levels. Inversely, API high dose enhanced M2 microglial activity, witnessed in the elevated expression of miR-124, CD206, Ym1, Fizz1, arginase-1, and other anti-inflammatory indices, in comparison to the diseased group. To conclude, our study revealed a novel neuroprotective impact for API against experimentally induced PD, where the high dose showed the highest protection via rebalancing M1/M2 polarization.

Сучасний стан законодавчого регулювання вмісту транс-ізомерів жирних кислот у харчових продуктах в Україні та світі (огляд літератури)

Abstract. The influence of fats and oils on human health is in constant attention of leading experts in the field of public health, of both national and international institutions. This is especially true concerning industrially obtained trans fats and their regulation. Currently, in Ukraine, the requirements for the content of trans fatty acids in food products are regulated by documents of two levels. Firstly, the requirements for the content of trans fatty acids in certain types of oil and fat products are set out in the national standards (DSTU), which are do not cover the entire range of fat-containing products. Secondly, a norm on limiting the amount of trans fatty acids in food products was adopted in Section V of the Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine dated July 16, 2020 No. 1613 “On Approval of the Rules for Adding Vitamins, Mineral Substances and Certain Other Substances to Food Products”, which is harmonized with European legislation, but this norm will be valid only three years after the entry of this order into force in 2023. Aim. To review the scientific literature on the effects of trans fats on human health. To study and generalize the approaches to limiting the consumption of trans fatty acids in different countries of Europe and world. To compare international and Ukrainian legislation on the regulation of trans fatty acids in food products. Materials and Methods. The article uses information based on the materials of FAO/WHO experts, on legislation regulating trans fatty acids in food products, as well as on publications of foreign and Ukrainian scientists. The results of our own studies of the content of trans fats in some foods were compared with data obtained in other countries. Results and Conclusions. Summarizing the results of numerous studies convincingly prove the relationship between the consumption of industrial trans fats with the risk of occurrence or exacerbation of existing nutritional diseases. Best practice policies to eliminate industrially produced trans fatty acids from national food stocks have been introduced in more than forty countries around the world. In Ukraine, food restrictions on the amount of trans fatty acids, which are not trans fatty acids naturally found in fats of animal origin, at a level of no more than 2 %, came into force in September 2023. In this regard, we consider it necessary to apply large-scale educational campaigns of a high scientific level in the media regarding the harmful effects of trans fats on the biological systems of the human body. In addition, we recommend the introduction of state programs in the field of dietary regulation into the practice of general educational institutions, contributing to a conscious and responsible approach to the transition to a healthy diet, which will contribute to a gradual increase in the life expectancy of the population of our country. Keywords: trans fatty acid isomers, public health, harmonization, review.

Age-related physiological dysregulation progresses slowly in semi-free-ranging chimpanzees.

Lifestyle has widespread effects on human health and aging. Prior results from chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), one of humans' closest evolutionary relatives, indicate that these lifestyle effects may also be shared with other species, as semi-free-ranging chimpanzees fed a naturalistic diet show healthier values in several specific health biomarkers, compared with their sedentary, captive counterparts. Here, we examined how lifestyle factors associated with different environments affect rates of physiological aging in closely related chimpanzees. We compared physiological dysregulation, an index of biological aging, in semi-free-ranging chimpanzees in an African sanctuary versus captive chimpanzees in US laboratories. If the rate of aging is accelerated by high-calorie diet and sedentism, we predicted greater age-related dysregulation in the laboratory populations. Conversely, if costs of a wild lifestyle accelerate aging, then semi-free-ranging chimpanzees at the sanctuary, whose environment better approximates the wild, should show greater age-related dysregulation. We further tested whether dysregulation differed based on sex or body system, as in humans. We found that semi-free-ranging chimpanzees showed lower overall dysregulation, as well as lower age-related change in dysregulation, than laboratory chimpanzees. Males experienced lower dysregulation than females in both contexts, and the two populations exhibited distinct aging patterns based on body system. Our results support the conclusion that naturalistic living conditions result in healthier aging in chimpanzees. These data provide support for the proposal that lifestyle effects on human health and aging are conserved from deeper into our evolutionary history.

Ameliorating effects of Clerodendrum viscosum leaves on lead‐induced hepatotoxicity

AbstractLead (Pb), a common toxicant is ubiquitously present in the environment. Chronic Pb exposure affects almost every organ system of human body including liver. Clerodendrum viscosum is a medicinal plant and its leaves are known to have hepatoprotective, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐hyperglycemic activities. However, the protective effect of C. viscosum leaves against Pb‐induced hepatotoxicity is yet to be studied. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the protective effect of the aqueous extract of C. viscosum leaf (Cle) against Pb‐induced hepatotoxicity in experimental mice. Pb‐acetate was given to Pb and Pb + Cle groups interperitoneally, and Cle was supplemented to Cle and Pb + Cle groups by oral gavage. Serum biomarkers of liver function—butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT), antioxidant enzyme activities in hepatic tissue—superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione reductase (rGR) and catalase (CAT), levels of transcription factor—nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), and inflammatory marker—interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were analyzed. Additionally, histological analyses of hepatic tissues of all groups of experimental mice were performed. Pb‐treatment significantly increased ALP, AST, and ALT activities and decreased BChE activity compared to control mice. The antioxidant enzyme (SOD, rGR, and CAT) activities and expression of Nrf2 level were significantly (p &lt; .05) decreased, while IL‐6 level was significantly (p &lt; .05) increased in the hepatic tissue homogenates of Pb‐treated mice compared to the control group. Furthermore, histological examination revealed the disruption of hepatic tissue integrity in Pb‐treated mice. Notably, supplementation of Cle provided significant protection against the changes in the activities of liver function biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes, levels of Nrf2 and IL‐6, and disruption of hepatic tissue by Pb. Taken together the present study suggests that Cle ameliorates the hepatic toxicity caused by Pb.

The Role of Biophysical Factors in Organ Development: Insights from Current Organoid Models.

Biophysical factors play a fundamental role in human embryonic development. Traditional in vitro models of organogenesis focused on the biochemical environment and did not consider the effects of mechanical forces on developing tissue. While most human tissue has a Young's modulus in the low kilopascal range, the standard cell culture substrate, plasma-treated polystyrene, has a Young's modulus of 3 gigapascals, making it 10,000-100,000 times stiffer than native tissues. Modern in vitro approaches attempt to recapitulate the biophysical niche of native organs and have yielded more clinically relevant models of human tissues. Since Clevers' conception of intestinal organoids in 2009, the field has expanded rapidly, generating stem-cell derived structures, which are transcriptionally similar to fetal tissues, for nearly every organ system in the human body. For this reason, we conjecture that organoids will make their first clinical impact in fetal regenerative medicine as the structures generated ex vivo will better match native fetal tissues. Moreover, autologously sourced transplanted tissues would be able to grow with the developing embryo in a dynamic, fetal environment. As organoid technologies evolve, the resultant tissues will approach the structure and function of adult human organs and may help bridge the gap between preclinical drug candidates and clinically approved therapeutics. In this review, we discuss roles of tissue stiffness, viscoelasticity, and shear forces in organ formation and disease development, suggesting that these physical parameters should be further integrated into organoid models to improve their physiological relevance and therapeutic applicability. It also points to the mechanotransductive Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway as a key player in the interplay between extracellular matrix stiffness, cellular mechanics, and biochemical pathways. We conclude by highlighting how frontiers in physics can be applied to biology, for example, how quantum entanglement may be applied to better predict spontaneous DNA mutations. In the future, contemporary physical theories may be leveraged to better understand seemingly stochastic events during organogenesis.

Updating the Montreal walking exoskeleton satisfaction and perspectives questionnaire (MWESP-Q) following a 16-week walking program with the use of a wearable robotic exoskeleton

BACKGROUND: Physical activity as one of the major lifestyle-related health determinants is partially addressed by the Montreal Walking Exoskeleton Satisfaction and Perspectives-Questionnaire (MWESP-Q). OBJECTIVE: To document satisfaction of people with chronic spinal cord injury after the completion of a 10 to 16 weeks of the wearable robotic exoskeleton-assisted walking program, with the MWESP-Q updated to a context of health promotion. METHODS: Following a walking program (10–16 weeks), wheelchair users with chronic SCI completed the MWESP-Q online. Modification of the original questionnaire was conducted with 4 experts to ensure its content validity with a human framework to promote physical activity for health. RESULTS: Ten wheelchair users completed the questionnaire (men = 6; 45.8 ± 13.4 years, SCI duration: 10.1 ± 5.8 years). Participants strongly agreed to be satisfied with the overall program; agreed to be satisfied towards exoskeleton, motivation to engage in physical activity, learnability and program attributes; rated “medium effort” for physical and cognitive exertion during training; reported light improvements for health benefit domain, but light to moderate improvements for general endurance (mean 5.5 /7, SD 1.4) and psychological well-being (mean 5.7 /7, SD 1.3). CONCLUSIONS: The updated MWESP-Q is now better equipped to measure physical and cognitive efforts in physical activity and changes in body and organic systems and in capabilities (health promotion). The updated MWESP-Q has 54 statements (14 additional statements and 1 deleted) organized around seven domains. The original measure was replaced by three 7-point Likert scales, one regarding agreement level (40 statements), level of effort (12 statements), and level of change (2 statements).

Crosstalk Between the Nervous System and Colorectal Cancer.

The nervous system is the dominant regulatory system in the human body. The traditional theory is that tumors lack innervation. However, an increasing number of studies have shown complex bidirectional interactions between tumors and the nervous system. Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer. With the rise of tumor neuroscience, the role of nervous system imbalances in the occurrence and development of CRC has attracted increasing amounts of attention. However, there are still many gaps in the research on the interactions and mechanisms involved in the nervous system in CRC. This article systematically reviews emerging research on the bidirectional relationships between the nervous system and CRC, focusing on the following areas: (1) Effects of the nervous system on colon cancer. (2) Effects of CRC on the nervous system. (3) Treatment of CRC associated with the nervous system.