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There is a growing body of evidence for the effects of vitamin D on intestinal host-microbiome interactions related to gut dysbiosis and bowel inflammation. This brief review highlights the potential links between vitamin D and gut health, emphasizing the role of vitamin D in microbiological and immunological mechanisms of inflammatory bowel diseases. A comprehensive literature search was carried out in PubMed and Google Scholar using combinations of keywords “vitamin D,” “intestines,” “gut microflora,” “bowel inflammation”. Only articles published in English and related to the study topic are included in the review. We discuss how vitamin D (a) modulates intestinal microbiome function, (b) controls antimicrobial peptide expression, and (c) has a protective effect on epithelial barriers in the gut mucosa. Vitamin D and its nuclear receptor (VDR) regulate intestinal barrier integrity, and control innate and adaptive immunity in the gut. Metabolites from the gut microbiota may also regulate expression of VDR, while vitamin D may influence the gut microbiota and exert anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. The underlying mechanism of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of bowel diseases is not fully understood, but maintaining an optimal vitamin D status appears to be beneficial for gut health. Future studies will shed light on the molecular mechanisms through which vitamin D and VDR interactions affect intestinal mucosal immunity, pathogen invasion, symbiont colonization, and antimicrobial peptide expression.
This chapter shows that nanomaterials obtained by high-temperature carbonization of inexpensive plant raw material such as rice husk, grape seeds, and walnut shells can serve as a basis for the production of highly efficient microbial drugs, biodestructors, biosorbents, and biocatalysts, which are promising for the remediation of the ecosystem contaminated with heavy and radioactive metals, oil and oil products. A strong interest in engineering zymology is dictated by the necessity to address the issues of monitoring enzymatic processes, treatment, and diagnosis of a number of common human diseases, environmental pollution, quality control of pharmaceuticals and food. Nanomaterials obtained by high-temperature carbonization of cheap plant raw material such as-rice husks, grape seeds and walnut shells, can serve as a basis for creating of highly effective microbial preparations-biodestructors, biosorbents and biocatalysts, which are promising for the use of contaminated ecosystems, and for restoration of human intestine microecology.
The problem of creation and use of sorption materials is of current interest for the practice of the modern medicine and agriculture. Practical importance is production of a biostimulant using a carbon sorbent for a significant increase in productivity, which is very relevant for the regions of Kazakhstan. It is known that a plant phytohormone—fusicoccin—in nanogram concentrations transforms cancer cells to the state of apoptosis. In this regard, there is a scientific practical interest in the development of a highly efficient method for producing fusicoccin from extract of germinated wheat seeds. According to the results of computer modeling, cleaning composite components of fusicoccin using microporous carbon adsorbents not suitable as the size of the molecule of fusicoccin more than micropores and the optimum pore size for purification of constituents of fusicoccin was determined by computer simulation.
Humic substances originating from various organic matters can ameliorate soil properties, stimulate plant growth, and improve nutrient uptake. Due to the low calorific heating value, leonardite is rather unsuitable as fuel. However, it may serve as a potential source of humic substances. This study was aimed at characterizing the leonardite-based soil amendments and examining the effect of their application on the soil microbial community, as well as on potato growth and tuber yield. A high yield (71.1%) of humic acid (LHA) from leonardite has been demonstrated. Parental leonardite (PL) and LHA were applied to soil prior to potato cultivation. The 16S rRNA sequencing of soil samples revealed distinct relationships between microbial community composition and the application of leonardite-based soil amendments. Potato tubers were planted in pots in greenhouse conditions. The tubers were harvested at the mature stage for the determination of growth and yield parameters. The results demonstrated that the LHA treatments had a significant effect on increasing potato growth (54.9%) and tuber yield (66.4%) when compared to the control. The findings highlight the importance of amending leonardite-based humic products for maintaining the biogeochemical stability of soils, for keeping their healthy microbial community structure, and for increasing the agronomic productivity of potato plants.
Background
For supratentorial craniotomy, surgical access, and closure technique, including placement of subgaleal drains, may vary considerably. The influence of surgical nuances on postoperative complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage or impaired wound healing overall remains largely unclear. With this study, we are reporting our experiences and the impact of our clinical routines on outcome in a prospectively collected data set.
Method
We prospectively observed 150 consecutive patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy and recorded technical variables (type/length of incision, size of craniotomy, technique of dural and skin closure, type of dressing, and placement of subgaleal drains). Outcome variables (subgaleal hematoma/CSF collection, periorbital edema, impairment of wound healing, infection, and need for operative revision) were recorded at time of discharge and at late follow-up.
Results
Early subgaleal fluid collection was observed in 36.7% (2.8% at the late follow-up), and impaired wound healing was recorded in 3.3% of all cases, with an overall need for operative revision of 6.7%. Neither usage of dural sealants, lack of watertight dural closure, and presence of subgaleal drains, nor type of skin closure or dressing influenced outcome. Curved incisions, larger craniotomy, and tumor size, however, were associated with an increase in early CSF or hematoma collection (p < 0.0001, p = 0.001, p < 0.01 resp.), and larger craniotomy size was associated with longer persistence of subgaleal fluid collections (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Based on our setting, individual surgical nuances such as the type of dural closure and the use of subgaleal drains resulted in a comparable complication rate and outcome. Subgaleal fluid collections were frequently observed after supratentorial procedures, irrespective of the closing technique employed, and resolve spontaneously in the majority of cases without significant sequelae. Our results are limited due to the observational nature in our single-center study and need to be validated by supportive prospective randomized design.
Purpose
Globally, a detrimental shift in cardiovascular disease risk factors and a higher mortality level are reported in some black populations. The retinal microvasculature provides early insight into the pathogenesis of systemic vascular diseases, but it is unclear whether retinal vessel calibers and acute retinal vessel functional responses differ between young healthy black and white adults.
Methods
We included 112 black and 143 white healthy normotensive adults (20–30 years). Retinal vessel calibers (central retinal artery and vein equivalent (CRAE and CRVE)) were calculated from retinal images and vessel caliber responses to flicker light induced provocation (FLIP) were determined. Additionally, ambulatory blood pressure (BP), anthropometry and blood samples were collected.
Results
The groups displayed similar 24 h BP profiles and anthropometry (all p > .24). Black participants demonstrated a smaller CRAE (158 ± 11 vs. 164 ± 11 MU, p < .001) compared to the white group, whereas CRVE was similar (p = .57). In response to FLIP, artery maximal dilation was greater in the black vs. white group (5.6 ± 2.1 vs. 3.3 ± 1.8%; p < .001).
Conclusions
Already at a young age, healthy black adults showed narrower retinal arteries relative to the white population. Follow-up studies are underway to show if this will be related to increased risk for hypertension development. The reason for the larger vessel dilation responses to FLIP in the black population is unclear and warrants further investigation.
Masked hypertension is known to induce microvascular complications. However, it is unclear whether early microvascular changes are already occurring in young, otherwise healthy adults. We therefore investigated whether retinal microvascular calibers and acute responses to a flicker stimulus are related to masked hypertension. We used the baseline data of 889 participants aged 20–30 years who were taking part in the African Prospective study on the Early Detection and Identification of Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension. Clinic and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure were measured. The central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal vein equivalent were calculated from fundus images, and retinal vessel dilation was determined in response to flicker light-induced provocation. A smaller CRAE was observed in those with masked hypertension vs. those with normotension (157.1 vs. 161.2 measuring units, P < 0.001). In forward multivariable-adjusted regression analysis, only CRAE was negatively related to masked hypertension [adjusted R² = 0.267, β = −0.097 (95% CI = −0.165; −0.029), P = 0.005], but other retinal microvascular parameters were not associated with masked hypertension. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, masked hypertension [OR = 2.333, (95% CI = 1.316; 4.241), P = 0.004] was associated with a narrower CRAE. In young healthy adults, masked hypertension was associated with retinal arteriolar narrowing, thereby reflecting early microvascular alterations known to predict cardiovascular outcomes in later life.
Retinal endothelial function in cardiovascular risk patients: A randomized controlled exercise trial
(2020)
The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on retinal microvascular endothelial function in cardiovascular (CV) risk patients. In the randomized controlled trial, middle-aged and previously sedentary patients with increased CV risk (aged 58 ± 6 years) with ≥ two CV risk factors were randomized into a 12-week HIIT (n = 33) or control group (CG, n = 36) with standard physical activity recommendations. A blinded examiner measured retinal endothelial function by flicker light-induced maximal arteriolar (ADmax) and venular (VDmax) dilatation as well as the area under the arteriolar (AFarea) and venular (VFarea) flicker curve using a retinal vessel analyzer. Standardized assessments of CV risk factors, cardiorespiratory fitness, and retinal endothelial function were performed before and after HIIT. HIIT reduced body mass index, fat mass, and low-density lipoprotein and increased muscle mass and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Both ADmax (pre: 2.7 ± 2.1%, post: 3.0 ± 2.2%, P = .018) and AFarea (pre: 32.6 ± 28.4%*s, post: 37.7 ± 30.6%*s, P = .016) increased after HIIT compared with CG (ADmax, pre: 3.2 ± 1.8%, post: 2.9 ± 1.8%, P = .254; AFarea, pre: 41.6 ± 28.5%*s, post: 37.8 ± 27.0%*s, P = .186). Venular function remained unchanged after HIIT. There was a significant association between ∆-change VO2peak and ∆-changes ADmax and AFarea (P = .026, R² = 0.073; P = .019, R² = 0.081, respectively). 12-weeks of HIIT improved retinal endothelial function in middle-aged patients with increased CV risk independent of the reduction in classical CV risk factors. Exercise has the potential to reverse or at least postpone progression of small vessel disease in older adults with increased CV risk under standard medication. Dynamic retinal vessel analysis seems to be a sensitive tool to detect treatment effects of exercise interventions on retinal microvascular endothelial function in middle-aged individuals with increased CV risk.
The paper presents a method for the quantitative assessment of choroidal blood flow using an OCT-A system. The developed technique for processing of OCT-A scans is divided into two stages. At the first stage, the identification of the boundaries in the selected portion was performed. At the second stage, each pixel mark on the selected layer was represented as a volume unit, a voxel, which characterizes the region of moving blood. Three geometric shapes were considered to represent the voxel. On the example of one OCT-A scan, this work presents a quantitative assessment of the blood flow index. A possible modification of two-stage algorithm based on voxel scan processing is presented.
Activated carbons are known as excellent adsorbents. Their applications include the adsorptive removal of color, odor, taste, undesirable organic and inorganic pollutants from drinking and waste water; air purification in inhabited spaces; purification of many chemicals, pharmaceutical products and many others. This chapter elucidates the role of normal microflora in the maintenance of human health and presents materials on possible clinical displays of microecological infringements and ways of their correction. It presents new developments concerning new probiotics with immobilized Lactobacillus and Bacillus. The chapter considers the mechanisms of the intestine disbacteriosis correction by sorbed probiotics. It demonstrates the advantages and creation prospects of immobilized probiotics developed on the basis of carbonized rice husk. There are great prospects for the development of medical biotechnology due to use of carbon sorbents with a nanostructured surface. Microbial communities form a biocenosis of the biotope and together with the host organism create permanent or temporary ecosystems.
Pressure distribution to the distal biceps tendon at the radial tuberosity: a biomechanical study
(2020)
Purpose
Mechanical impingement at the narrow radioulnar space of the tuberosity is believed to be an etiological factor in the injury of the distal biceps tendon. The aim of the study was to compare the pressure distribution at the proximal radioulnar space between 2 fixation techniques and the intact state.
Methods
Six right arms and 6 left arms from 5 female and 6 male frozen specimens were used for this study. A pressure transducer was introduced at the height of the radial tuberosity with the intact distal biceps tendon and after 2 fixation methods: the suture-anchor and the cortical button technique. The force (N), maximum pressure (kPa) applied to the radial tuberosity, and the contact area (mm²) of the radial tuberosity with the ulna were measured and differences from the intact tendon were detected from 60° supination to 60° pronation in 15° increments with the elbow in full extension and in 45° and 90° flexion of the elbow.
Results
With the distal biceps tendon intact, the pressures during pronation were similar regardless of extension and flexion and were the highest at 60° pronation with 90° elbow flexion (23.3 ± 53.5 kPa). After repair of the tendon, the mean peak pressure, contact area, and total force showed an increase regardless of the fixation technique. Highest peak pressures were found using the cortical button technique at 45° flexion of the elbow and 60° pronation. These differences were significantly different from the intact tendon. The contact area was significantly larger in full extension and 15°, 30°, and 60° pronation using the cortical button technique.
Conclusions
Pressures on the distal biceps tendon at the radial tuberosity increase during pronation, especially after repair of the tendon.
Clinical relevance
Mechanical impingement could play a role in both the etiology of primary distal biceps tendon ruptures and the complications occurring after fixation of the tendon using certain techniques.
Purpose
The aim of this study was to compare several osteosynthesis techniques (intramedullary headless compression screws, T-plates, and Kirschner wires) for distal epiphyseal fractures of proximal phalanges in a human cadaveric model.
Methods
A total of 90 proximal phalanges from 30 specimens (index, ring, and middle fingers) were used for this study. After stripping off all soft tissue, a transverse distal epiphyseal fracture was simulated at the proximal phalanx. The 30 specimens were randomly assigned to 1 fixation technique (30 per technique), either a 3.0-mm intramedullary headless compression screw, locking plate fixation with a 2.0-mm T-plate, or 2 oblique 1.0-mm Kirschner wires. Displacement analysis (bending, distraction, and torsion) was performed using optical tracking of an applied random speckle pattern after osteosynthesis. Biomechanical testing was performed with increasing cyclic loading and with cyclic load to failure using a biaxial torsion-tension testing machine.
Results
Cannulated intramedullary compression screws showed significantly less displacement at the fracture site in torsional testing. Furthermore, screws were significantly more stable in bending testing. Kirschner wires were significantly less stable than plating or screw fixation in any cyclic load to failure test setup.
Conclusions
Intramedullary compression screws are a highly stable alternative in the treatment of transverse distal epiphyseal phalangeal fractures. Kirschner wires seem to be inferior regarding displacement properties and primary stability.
Clinical relevance
Fracture fixation of phalangeal fractures using plate osteosynthesis may have the advantage of a very rigid reduction, but disadvantages such as stiffness owing to the more invasive surgical approach and soft tissue irritation should be taken into account. Headless compression screws represent a minimally invasive choice for fixation with good biomechanical properties.
Muscular activity in terms of surface electromyography (sEMG) is usually normalised to maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs). This study aims to compare two different MVIC-modes in handcycling and examine the effect of moving average window-size. Twelve able-bodied male competitive triathletes performed ten MVICs against manual resistance and four sport-specific trials against fixed cranks. sEMG of ten muscles [M. trapezius (TD); M. pectoralis major (PM); M. deltoideus, Pars clavicularis (DA); M. deltoideus, Pars spinalis (DP); M. biceps brachii (BB); M. triceps brachii (TB); forearm flexors (FC); forearm extensors (EC); M. latissimus dorsi (LD) and M. rectus abdominis (RA)] was recorded and filtered using moving average window-sizes of 150, 200, 250 and 300 ms. Sport-specific MVICs were higher compared to manual resistance for TB, DA, DP and LD, whereas FC, TD, BB and RA demonstrated lower values. PM and EC demonstrated no significant difference between MVIC-modes. Moving average window-size had no effect on MVIC outcomes. MVIC-mode should be taken into account when normalised sEMG data are illustrated in handcycling. Sport-specific MVICs seem to be suitable for some muscles (TB, DA, DP and LD), but should be augmented by MVICs against manual/mechanical resistance for FC, TD, BB and RA.
Mechano-pharmacological testing of L-Type Ca²⁺ channel modulators via human vascular celldrum model
(2020)
Background/Aims: This study aimed to establish a precise and well-defined working model, assessing pharmaceutical effects on vascular smooth muscle cell monolayer in-vitro. It describes various analysis techniques to determine the most suitable to measure the biomechanical impact of vasoactive agents by using CellDrum technology. Methods: The so-called CellDrum technology was applied to analyse the biomechanical properties of confluent human aorta muscle cells (haSMC) in monolayer. The cell generated tensions deviations in the range of a few N/m² are evaluated by the CellDrum technology. This study focuses on the dilative and contractive effects of L-type Ca²⁺ channel agonists and antagonists, respectively. We analyzed the effects of Bay K8644, nifedipine and verapamil. Three different measurement modes were developed and applied to determine the most appropriate analysis technique for the study purpose. These three operation modes are called, particular time mode" (PTM), "long term mode" (LTM) and "real-time mode" (RTM). Results: It was possible to quantify the biomechanical response of haSMCs to the addition of vasoactive agents using CellDrum technology. Due to the supplementation of 100nM Bay K8644, the tension increased approximately 10.6% from initial tension maximum, whereas, the treatment with nifedipine and verapamil caused a significant decrease in cellular tension: 10nM nifedipine decreased the biomechanical stress around 6,5% and 50nM verapamil by 2,8%, compared to the initial tension maximum. Additionally, all tested measurement modes provide similar results while focusing on different analysis parameters. Conclusion: The CellDrum technology allows highly sensitive biomechanical stress measurements of cultured haSMC monolayers. The mechanical stress responses evoked by the application of vasoactive calcium channel modulators were quantified functionally (N/m²). All tested operation modes resulted in equal findings, whereas each mode features operation-related data analysis.
In this chapter, the key technologies and the instrumentation required for the subsurface exploration of ocean worlds are discussed. The focus is laid on Jupiter’s moon Europa and Saturn’s moon Enceladus because they have the highest potential for such missions in the near future. The exploration of their oceans requires landing on the surface, penetrating the thick ice shell with an ice-penetrating probe, and probably diving with an underwater vehicle through dozens of kilometers of water to the ocean floor, to have the chance to find life, if it exists. Technologically, such missions are extremely challenging. The required key technologies include power generation, communications, pressure resistance, radiation hardness, corrosion protection, navigation, miniaturization, autonomy, and sterilization and cleaning. Simpler mission concepts involve impactors and penetrators or – in the case of Enceladus – plume-fly-through missions.
The recently discovered first high velocity hyperbolic objects passing through the Solar System, 1I/'Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov, have raised the question about near term missions to Interstellar Objects. In situ spacecraft exploration of these objects will allow the direct determination of both their structure and their chemical and isotopic composition, enabling an entirely new way of studying small bodies from outside our solar system. In this paper, we map various Interstellar Object classes to mission types, demonstrating that missions to a range of Interstellar Object classes are feasible, using existing or near-term technology. We describe flyby, rendezvous and sample return missions to interstellar objects, showing various ways to explore these bodies characterizing their surface, dynamics, structure and composition. Interstellar objects likely formed very far from the solar system in both time and space; their direct exploration will constrain their formation and history, situating them within the dynamical and chemical evolution of the Galaxy. These mission types also provide the opportunity to explore solar system bodies and perform measurements in the far outer solar system.
In this study, we describe the manufacturing and characterization of silk fibroin membranes derived from the silkworm Bombyx mori. To date, the dissolution process used in this study has only been researched to a limited extent, although it entails various potential advantages, such as reduced expenses and the absence of toxic chemicals in comparison to other conventional techniques. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the influence of different fibroin concentrations on the process output and resulting membrane properties. Casted membranes were thus characterized with regard to their mechanical, structural and optical assets via tensile testing, SEM, light microscopy and spectrophotometry. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using BrdU, XTT, and LDH assays, followed by live–dead staining. The formic acid (FA) dissolution method was proven to be suitable for the manufacturing of transparent and mechanically stable membranes. The fibroin concentration affects both thickness and transparency of the membranes. The membranes did not exhibit any signs of cytotoxicity. When compared to other current scientific and technical benchmarks, the manufactured membranes displayed promising potential for various biomedical applications. Further research is nevertheless necessary to improve reproducible manufacturing, including a more uniform thickness, less impurity and physiological pH within the membranes.
BACKGROUND: Muscle stretch reflexes are widely used to examine neural muscle function. The knowledge of reflex response in muscles crossing the shoulder is limited. OBJECTIVE: To quantify reflex modulation according to various subject postures and different procedures of muscle pre-activation steering. METHODS: Thirteen healthy male participants performed two sets of external shoulder rotation stretches in various positions and with different procedures of muscle pre-activation steering on an isokinetic dynamometer over a range of two different pre-activation levels. All stretches were applied with a dynamometer acceleration of 104∘/s2 and a velocity of 150∘/s. Electromyographical response was measured via sEMG. RESULTS: Consistent reflexive response was observed in all tested muscles in all experimental conditions. The reflex elicitation rate revealed a significant muscle main effect (F (5,288) = 2.358, ρ= 0.040; η2= 0.039; f= 0.637) and a significant test condition main effect (F (1,288) = 5.884, ρ= 0.016; η2= 0.020; f= 0.143). Reflex latency revealed a significant muscle pre-activation level main effect (F (1,274) = 5.008, ρ= 0.026; η2= 0.018; f= 0.469). CONCLUSION: Muscular reflexive response was more consistent in the primary internal rotators of the shoulder. Supine posture in combination with visual feedback of muscle pre-activation level enhanced the reflex elicitation rate.
The treatment of septic wounds with curative dressings based on biocomposites containing sage and marigold phytoextracts was effective in in vitro and in vivo experiments. These dressings caused the purification of the wound surface from purulent-necrotic masses three days earlier than in the other experimental groups. The consequence of an increase in incidents of severe course of the wound and the observed tendency to increase the number of adverse effects is the development of long-term recurrent wound processes. To treat purulent wounds, the following tactics were used: The purulent wounds of animals were covered with the examined wound dressing, and then the next day samples were taken, the procedure was performed once in 2 days. To obtain the active nanostructured sorbents such as carbonized rice husks, they are functionalized with biologically active components possessing antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitoxic, immunomodulating, antiallergic and other types of properties.
We compare four different algorithms for automatically estimating the muscle fascicle angle from ultrasonic images: the vesselness filter, the Radon transform, the projection profile method and the gray level cooccurence matrix (GLCM). The algorithm results are compared to ground truth data generated by three different experts on 425 image frames from two videos recorded during different types of motion. The best agreement with the ground truth data was achieved by a combination of pre-processing with a vesselness filter and measuring the angle with the projection profile method. The robustness of the estimation is increased by applying the algorithms to subregions with high gradients and performing a LOESS fit through these estimates.