Displaying publications 1041 - 1060 of 4603 in total

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  1. Tee HS, Saad AR, Lee CY
    J Econ Entomol, 2011 Dec;104(6):2031-8.
    PMID: 22299367
    The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of Aprostocetus hagenowii (Ratzeburg) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) to control American cockroaches, Periplaneta americana (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattidae), in sewer manholes and in crevices around buildings. Parasitoids were released weekly for 12 wk from laboratory parasitized heat-killed oothecae, and parasitism monitored using sentinel oothecae of American cockroaches. In addition, preference of A. hagenowii for 1- to 4-wk-old oothecae was evaluated in the laboratory. A. hagenowii females showed no preference for any ootheca age. Twenty of the 30 tested females parasitized one ootheca, whereas the other 10 parasitized two oothecae. The total progeny (males, females, and total) that emerged from a single ootheca parasitized by a female was not significantly different to the total progeny that emerged from two oothecae parasitized by a female. The number of males, females, and total progeny that emerged from the second parasitized ootheca was significantly less than the number that emerged from the first parasitized ootheca. The weekly mean sentinel oothecal parasitism rate in wall crevices was 18.1 +/- 3.2% and in sewer manholes was 13.3 +/- 2.0%. The mean number of released A. hagenowii females per number of parasitized sentinel oothecae recorded in crevices was 189 +/- 18, whereas it was 428 +/- 50 in sewers. A. hagenowii females were more effective at parasitizing sentinel oothecae placed at high and middle levels in manholes than at a low level when releases were made at the midpoint of the manhole shaft.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ovum/physiology; Periplaneta/physiology; Wasps/physiology*
  2. Wingsanoi A, Siri N, McNeil JN
    J Econ Entomol, 2013 Aug;106(4):1648-52.
    PMID: 24020277
    The Malaysian fruit fly, Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel), is a pest of peppers (Capsicum spp.) in Thailand. A field trial was undertaken to determine whether five commonly used cultivars of C. annuum, with marked differences in morphology and pungency, varied in their susceptibility to infestation by B. latifrons. Experiments carried out in both the dry and rainy seasons showed temporal differences in the number of fruits per cultivar, but there was no effect of variety or season on the proportion of fruits attacked or the number of pupae obtained per infested fruit However, the number of dead larvae per infested fruit was significantly higher, and the percent of pupae giving rise to adults was lower for the larger sweet pepper than other cultivars tested.
    Matched MeSH terms: Larva/physiology; Pupa/physiology; Tephritidae/physiology*
  3. Hazalin NAMN, Liao P, Hassan Z
    Behav Brain Res, 2020 09 01;393:112781.
    PMID: 32619565 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112781
    Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) been well characterized as a common pathological status contributing to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. CCH is an important factor that leads to cognitive impairment, but the underlying neurobiological mechanism is poorly understood and no effective treatment is available. Recently, transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) cation channel has been identified as an important molecular element in focal cerebral ischemia. Over activation of the channel is a major molecular mechanism of oncotic cell death. However, the role of TRPM4 in CCH that propagates global brain hypoxia have not been explored. Therefore, the present study is designed to investigate the effect of TRPM4 inhibition on the cognitive functions of the rats following CCH via permanent bilateral occlusion of common carotid arteries (PBOCCA) model. In this model, treatment with siRNA suppressed TRPM4 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels and improved cognitive deficits of the CCH rats without affecting their motor function. Furthermore, treatment with siRNA rescued the LTP impairment in CCH-induced rats. Consistent with the restored of LTP, western blot analysis revealed that siRNA treatment prevented the reduction of synaptic proteins, including calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II alpha (CaMKIIα) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in brain regions of CCH rats. The present findings provide a novel role of TRPM4 in restricting cognitive functions in CCH and suggest inhibiting TRPM4 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy in targeting ion channels to prevent the progression of cognitive deficits induced by ischemia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Long-Term Potentiation/physiology*; TRPM Cation Channels/physiology*; Spatial Memory/physiology*
  4. Matsumura Y, Kamimura Y, Lee CY, Gorb SN, Rajabi H
    Sci Rep, 2021 04 12;11(1):7920.
    PMID: 33846369 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86864-1
    We unveiled the penile penetration mechanics of two earwig species, Echinosoma horridum, whose intromittent organ, termed virga, is extraordinarily long, and E. denticulatum, whose virga is conversely short. We characterised configuration, geometry, material and bending stiffness for both virga and spermatheca. The short virga of E. denticulatum has a material gradient with the stiffer base, whereas the long virga of E. horridum and the spermathecae of both species are homogeneously sclerotised. The long virga of E. horridum has a lower bending stiffness than the spermatheca. The virga of E. denticulatum is overall less flexible than the spermatheca. We compared our results to a previous study on the penetration mechanics of elongated beetle genitalia. Based on the comparison, we hypothesised that the lower stiffness of the male intromittent organ comparing to the corresponding female structure is a universal prerequisite for the penetration mechanics of the elongated intromittent organ in insects.
    Matched MeSH terms: Genitalia, Female/physiology*; Genitalia, Male/physiology*; Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology*
  5. Federle W, Baumgartner W, Hölldobler B
    J Exp Biol, 2004 Jan;207(Pt 1):67-74.
    PMID: 14638834
    Tarsal adhesive pads enable insects to hold on to smooth plant surfaces. Using a centrifuge technique, we tested whether a "wet adhesion" model of a thin film of liquid secreted between the pad and the surface can explain adhesive and frictional forces in Asian Weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina). When forces are acting parallel to the surface, pads in contact with the surface can slide smoothly. Force per unit pad contact area was strongly dependent on sliding velocity and temperature. Seemingly consistent with the effect of a thin liquid film in the contact zone, (1) frictional force linearly increased with sliding velocity, (2) the increment was greater at lower temperatures and (3) no temperature dependence was detected for low-rate perpendicular detachment forces. However, we observed a strong, temperature-independent static friction that was inconsistent with a fully lubricated contact. Static friction was too large to be explained by the contribution of other (sclerotized) body parts. Moreover, the rate-specific increase of shear stress strongly exceeded predictions derived from estimates of the adhesive liquid film's thickness and viscosity. Both lines of evidence indicate that the adhesive secretion alone is insufficient to explain the observed forces and that direct interaction of the soft pad cuticle with the surface ("rubber friction") is involved.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ants/physiology*; Extremities/physiology*; Bodily Secretions/physiology*
  6. Lim KL, Fam HB
    J Refract Surg, 2006 Apr;22(4):406-8.
    PMID: 16629076
    PURPOSE: To evaluate a novel non-surgical method for improving vision in a refractive surgery patient.

    METHODS: A 45-year-old man who had undergone LASIK 5 years previously presented with blurred distance vision. Unaided vision in the right eye was 20/329-2) and 20/20 in the left eye. He enrolled for NeuroVision treatment (NeuroVision Pte Ltd, Singapore), a computer-based interface in which a repetitive set of visual excerises is performed for 10 to 12 weeks.

    RESULTS: After 35 sessions, unaided visual acuity in the right eye was 20/16(-3) and 20/20(-1) in the left eye, representing 2.8 lines of improvement in the right eye and 1.6 lines in the left eye.

    CONCLUSIONS: NeuroVision, a noninvasive treatment based on the concept of perceptual learning, is a benefit in cases in which surgical enhancement is not recommended.

    Matched MeSH terms: Adaptation, Ocular/physiology*; Refraction, Ocular/physiology*; Visual Acuity/physiology
  7. Umar MI, Hassan W, Murtaza G, Buabeid M, Arafa E, Irfan HM, et al.
    Pathol Oncol Res, 2021;27:1609828.
    PMID: 34588926 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.1609828
    A hormonal imbalance may disrupt the rigorously monitored cellular microenvironment by hampering the natural homeostatic mechanisms. The most common example of such hormonal glitch could be seen in obesity where the uprise in adipokine levels is in virtue of the expanding bulk of adipose tissue. Such aberrant endocrine signaling disrupts the regulation of cellular fate, rendering the cells to live in a tumor supportive microenvironment. Previously, it was believed that the adipokines support cancer proliferation and metastasis with no direct involvement in neoplastic transformations and tumorigenesis. However, the recent studies have reported discrete mechanisms that establish the direct involvement of adipokine signaling in tumorigenesis. Moreover, the individual adipokine profile of the patients has never been considered in the prognosis and staging of the disease. Hence, the present manuscript has focused on the reported extensive mechanisms that culminate the basis of poor prognosis and diminished survival rate in obese cancer patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cell Survival/physiology*; Cell Proliferation/physiology*; Tumor Microenvironment/physiology
  8. Boiko DI, Shkodina AD, Hasan MM, Bardhan M, Kazmi SK, Chopra H, et al.
    Neurochem Res, 2022 Oct;47(10):2909-2924.
    PMID: 35689787 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03646-5
    A complex pathogenesis involving several physiological systems is theorized to underline the development of depressive disorders. Depression is accompanied by circadian regulation disruption and interaction with the functioning of both central and peripheral oscillators. Many aspects of melatonin function unite these systems. The use of drugs for circadian rhythm disorders could inspire a potential treatment strategy for depression. Melatonin plays an essential role in the regulation of circadian rhythms. It exerts effect by activating two types of melatonin receptors, type 1A (MT1) and 1B (MT2). These are G-protein-coupled receptors, predominantly located in the central nervous system. MT1/MT2 agonists could be a useful treatment approach according to all three prevalent theories of the pathogenesis of depression involving either monoamines, synaptic remodeling, or immune/inflammatory events. MT1/MT2 receptors can be a potential target for novel antidepressants with impact on concentrations of neurotrophins or neurotransmitters, and reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. There is an interesting cross-talk mediated via the physical association of melatonin and serotonin receptors into functional heteromers. The antidepressive and neurogenetic effects of MT1/MT2 agonists can also be caused by the inhibition of the acid sphingomyelinase, leading to reduced ceramide, or increasing monoamine oxidase A levels in the hippocampus. Compounds targeting MT1 and MT2 receptors could have potential for new anti-depressants that may improve the quality of therapeutic interventions in treating depression and relieving symptoms. In particular, a combined effect on MT1 and/or MT2 receptors and neurotransmitter systems may be useful, since the normalization of the circadian rhythm through the melatonergic system will probably contribute to improved treatment. In this review, we discuss melatonergic receptors as a potential additional target for novel drugs for depression.
    Matched MeSH terms: Circadian Rhythm/physiology; Receptor, Melatonin, MT1/physiology; Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/physiology
  9. Nakai M, Ribeiro RV, Stevens BR, Gill P, Muralitharan RR, Yiallourou S, et al.
    Hypertension, 2021 09;78(3):804-815.
    PMID: 34333988 DOI: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.121.17288
    [Figure: see text].
    Matched MeSH terms: Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology*; Blood Pressure/physiology; Metabolic Networks and Pathways/physiology*
  10. Nguyen DND, Chilian WM, Zain SM, Daud MF, Pung YF
    Can J Physiol Pharmacol, 2021 Sep;99(9):827-838.
    PMID: 33529092 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2020-0581
    Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is among the leading causes of death worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), regulatory molecules that repress protein expression, have attracted considerable attention in CVD research. The vasculature plays a big role in CVD development and progression and dysregulation of vascular cells underlies the root of many vascular diseases. This review provides a brief introduction of the biogenesis of miRNAs and exosomes, followed by overview of the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) intracellular signaling during phenotypic switching, senescence, calcification, and neointimal hyperplasia. Evidence of extracellular signaling of VSMCs and other cells via exosomal and circulating miRNAs is also presented. Lastly, current drawbacks and limitations of miRNA studies in CVD research and potential ways to overcome these disadvantages are discussed in detail. In-depth understanding of VSMC regulation via miRNAs will add substantial knowledge and advance research in diagnosis, disease progression, and (or) miRNA-derived therapeutic approaches in CVD research.
    Matched MeSH terms: Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/physiology*; MicroRNAs/physiology*; Exome/physiology
  11. Zakaria MN, Jalaei B
    Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 2017 Nov;102:28-31.
    PMID: 29106871 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2017.08.033
    OBJECTIVE: Auditory brainstem responses evoked by complex stimuli such as speech syllables have been studied in normal subjects and subjects with compromised auditory functions. The stability of speech-evoked auditory brainstem response (speech-ABR) when tested over time has been reported but the literature is limited. The present study was carried out to determine the test-retest reliability of speech-ABR in healthy children at a low sensation level.

    METHODS: Seventeen healthy children (6 boys, 11 girls) aged from 5 to 9 years (mean = 6.8 ± 3.3 years) were tested in two sessions separated by a 3-month period. The stimulus used was a 40-ms syllable /da/ presented at 30 dB sensation level.

    RESULTS: As revealed by pair t-test and intra-class correlation (ICC) analyses, peak latencies, peak amplitudes and composite onset measures of speech-ABR were found to be highly replicable. Compared to other parameters, higher ICC values were noted for peak latencies of speech-ABR.

    CONCLUSION: The present study was the first to report the test-retest reliability of speech-ABR recorded at low stimulation levels in healthy children. Due to its good stability, it can be used as an objective indicator for assessing the effectiveness of auditory rehabilitation in hearing-impaired children in future studies.

    Matched MeSH terms: Speech/physiology; Speech Perception/physiology*; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem/physiology*
  12. Thaler L, Reich GM, Zhang X, Wang D, Smith GE, Tao Z, et al.
    PLoS Comput Biol, 2017 Aug;13(8):e1005670.
    PMID: 28859082 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005670
    Echolocation is the ability to use sound-echoes to infer spatial information about the environment. Some blind people have developed extraordinary proficiency in echolocation using mouth-clicks. The first step of human biosonar is the transmission (mouth click) and subsequent reception of the resultant sound through the ear. Existing head-related transfer function (HRTF) data bases provide descriptions of reception of the resultant sound. For the current report, we collected a large database of click emissions with three blind people expertly trained in echolocation, which allowed us to perform unprecedented analyses. Specifically, the current report provides the first ever description of the spatial distribution (i.e. beam pattern) of human expert echolocation transmissions, as well as spectro-temporal descriptions at a level of detail not available before. Our data show that transmission levels are fairly constant within a 60° cone emanating from the mouth, but levels drop gradually at further angles, more than for speech. In terms of spectro-temporal features, our data show that emissions are consistently very brief (~3ms duration) with peak frequencies 2-4kHz, but with energy also at 10kHz. This differs from previous reports of durations 3-15ms and peak frequencies 2-8kHz, which were based on less detailed measurements. Based on our measurements we propose to model transmissions as sum of monotones modulated by a decaying exponential, with angular attenuation by a modified cardioid. We provide model parameters for each echolocator. These results are a step towards developing computational models of human biosonar. For example, in bats, spatial and spectro-temporal features of emissions have been used to derive and test model based hypotheses about behaviour. The data we present here suggest similar research opportunities within the context of human echolocation. Relatedly, the data are a basis to develop synthetic models of human echolocation that could be virtual (i.e. simulated) or real (i.e. loudspeaker, microphones), and which will help understanding the link between physical principles and human behaviour.
    Matched MeSH terms: Echolocation/physiology*; Mouth/physiology; Sound Localization/physiology*
  13. Siddiqui R, Yee Ong TY, Jung SY, Khan NA
    Exp Parasitol, 2017 Dec;183:128-132.
    PMID: 28823705 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.08.005
    Among the genus Streptococcus, S. pyogenes and S. pneumoniae are the major causes of pharyngitis, impetigo, pneumonia and meningitis in humans. Streptococcus spp. are facultative anaerobes that are nutritionally fastidious, yet survive in the environment and target the predisposed population. Antibacterial disinfectants have been partially effective only, indicating the need for novel preventative measures and to understand mechanisms of bacterial resistance. Acanthamoeba is a free-living protist that is known to harbour microbial pathogens, provide shelter, and assist in their transmission to susceptible population. The overall aim of this study was to determine whether S. pyogenes and S. pneumoniae can interact with A. castellanii by associating, invading, and surviving inside trophozoites and cysts. It was observed that both S. pyogenes and S. pneumoniae were able to associate as well as invade and/or taken up by the phagocytic A. castellanii trophozoite. Notably, S. pyogenes and S. pneumoniae survived the encystation process, avoided phagocytosis, multiplied, and exhibited higher recovery from the mature cysts, compared with the trophozoite stage (approximately 2 bacteria per amoebae ratio for cyst stage versus 0.02 bacteria per amoeba ration for trophozoite stage). As Acanthamoeba cysts are resilient and can disperse through the air, A. castellanii can act as a vector in providing shelter, facilitating growth and possibly genetic exchanges. In addition, these interactions may contribute to S. pyogenes and S. pneumoniae survival in harsh environments, and transmission to susceptible population and possibly affecting their virulence. Future studies will determine the molecular mechanisms associated with Acanthamoeba interactions with Streptococcus and the evolution of pathogenic bacteria and in turn expedite the discovery of novel therapeutic and/or preventative measures.
    Matched MeSH terms: Streptococcus pneumoniae/physiology*; Streptococcus pyogenes/physiology*; Acanthamoeba castellanii/physiology*
  14. Rosli Y, Carle CF, Ho Y, James AC, Kolic M, Rohan EMF, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2018 02 14;8(1):2991.
    PMID: 29445236 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21196-1
    Multifocal pupillographic objective perimetry (mfPOP) has recently been shown to be able to measure cortical function. Here we assessed 44 regions of the central 60 degrees of the visual fields of each eye concurrently in 7 minutes/test. We examined how foveally- and peripherally-directed attention changed response sensitivity and delay across the 44 visual field locations/eye. Four experiments were completed comparing white, yellow and blue stimulus arrays. Experiments 1 to 4 tested 16, 23, 9 and 6 subjects, 49/54 being unique. Experiment 1, Experiments 2 and 3, and Experiment 4 used three variants of the mfPOP method that provided increasingly improved signal quality. Experiments 1 to 3 examined centrally directed attention, and Experiment 4 compared effects of attention directed to different peripheral targets. Attention reduced the sensitivity of the peripheral locations in Experiment 1, but only for the white stimuli not yellow. Experiment 2 confirmed that result. Experiment 3 showed that blue stimuli behaved like white. Peripheral attention showed increased sensitivity around the attentional targets. The results are discussed in terms of the cortical inputs to the pupillary system. The results agree with those from multifocal and other fMRI and VEP studies. mfPOP may be a useful adjunct to those methods.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fovea Centralis/physiology*; Pupil/physiology*; Visual Fields/physiology*
  15. Melling GE, Flannery SE, Abidin SA, Clemmens H, Prajapati P, Hinsley EE, et al.
    Carcinogenesis, 2018 05 28;39(6):798-807.
    PMID: 29506142 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgy032
    The dissemination of cancer cells to local and distant sites depends on a complex and poorly understood interplay between malignant cells and the cellular and non-cellular components surrounding them, collectively termed the tumour microenvironment. One of the most abundant cell types of the tumour microenvironment is the fibroblast, which becomes corrupted by locally derived cues such as TGF-β1 and acquires an altered, heterogeneous phenotype (cancer-associated fibroblasts, CAF) supportive of tumour cell invasion and metastasis. Efforts to develop new treatments targeting the tumour mesenchyme are hampered by a poor understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of CAF. Here, we examine the contribution of microRNA to the development of experimentally-derived CAF and correlate this with changes observed in CAF derived from tumours. Exposure of primary normal human fibroblasts to TGF-β1 resulted in the acquisition of a myofibroblastic CAF-like phenotype. This was associated with increased expression of miR-145, a miRNA predicted in silico to target multiple components of the TGF-β signalling pathway. miR-145 was also overexpressed in CAF derived from oral cancers. Overexpression of miR-145 blocked TGF-β1-induced myofibroblastic differentiation and reverted CAF towards a normal fibroblast phenotype. We conclude that miR-145 is a key regulator of the CAF phenotype, acting in a negative feedback loop to dampen acquisition of myofibroblastic traits, a key feature of CAF associated with poor disease outcome.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cell Differentiation/physiology; Signal Transduction/physiology; Tumor Microenvironment/physiology
  16. Ayob AZ, Ramasamy TS
    J Biomed Sci, 2018 Mar 06;25(1):20.
    PMID: 29506506 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-018-0426-4
    BACKGROUND: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are subpopulations of cancer cells sharing similar characteristics as normal stem or progenitor cells such as self-renewal ability and multi-lineage differentiation to drive tumour growth and heterogeneity. Throughout the cancer progression, CSC can further be induced from differentiated cancer cells via the adaptation and cross-talks with the tumour microenvironment as well as a response from therapeutic pressures, therefore contributes to their heterogeneous phenotypes. Challengingly, conventional cancer treatments target the bulk of the tumour and are unable to target CSCs due to their highly resistance nature, leading to metastasis and tumour recurrence.

    MAIN BODY: This review highlights the roles of CSCs in tumour initiation, progression and metastasis with a focus on the cellular and molecular regulators that influence their phenotypical changes and behaviours in the different stages of cancer progression. We delineate the cross-talks between CSCs with the tumour microenvironment that support their intrinsic properties including survival, stemness, quiescence and their cellular and molecular adaptation in response to therapeutic pressure. An insight into the distinct roles of CSCs in promoting angiogenesis and metastasis has been captured based on in vitro and in vivo evidences.

    CONCLUSION: Given dynamic cellular events along the cancer progression and contributions of resistance nature by CSCs, understanding their molecular and cellular regulatory mechanism in a heterogeneous nature, provides significant cornerstone for the development of CSC-specific therapeutics.

    Matched MeSH terms: Neoplastic Stem Cells/physiology*; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/physiology*; Tumor Microenvironment/physiology*
  17. Murray AR, Atkinson L, Mahadi MK, Deuchars SA, Deuchars J
    Auton Neurosci, 2016 08;199:48-53.
    PMID: 27388046 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2016.06.004
    The human ear seems an unlikely candidate for therapies aimed at improving cardiac function, but the ear and the heart share a common connection: the vagus nerve. In recent years there has been increasing interest in the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN), a unique cutaneous subdivision of the vagus distributed to the external ear. Non-invasive electrical stimulation of this nerve through the skin may offer a simple, cost-effective alternative to the established method of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), which requires a surgical procedure and has generated mixed results in a number of clinical trials for heart failure. This review discusses the available evidence in support of modulating cardiac activity using this strange auricular nerve.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ear/physiology*; Heart/physiology*; Vagus Nerve/physiology*
  18. Megahed AA, Hiew MWH, Constable PD
    J. Vet. Intern. Med., 2018 Mar;32(2):846-852.
    PMID: 29424465 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15049
    BACKGROUND: Plasma fructosamine concentration ([FRA]) is a widely used long term hyperglycemic biomarker in humans and dogs, but its clinical usefulness as a hypoglycemic biomarker in dairy cattle is uncertain.

    OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between plasma [FRA] and glucose concentration ([gluc]) as well as indices of energy balance during early lactation in dairy cattle, and to characterize the influence of plasma total protein concentration ([TP]) and albumin concentration ([albumin]) on [FRA].

    ANIMALS: Convenience sample comprising 103 periparturient Holstein-Friesian cattle.

    METHODS: Plasma [gluc], [TP], [albumin], and other clinicopathologic indices of energy status were determined periodically from Day 4 postpartum. Body condition score (BCS) was assessed, and backfat thickness (BFT) and longissimus dorsi muscle thickness (LDT) were measured ultrasonographically. Plasma [FRA] was measured at approximately 28 days postpartum. Associations between plasma [FRA] and study variables were evaluated using Spearman's rho and stepwise forward linear regression. Statistical significance was declared at P 

    Matched MeSH terms: Cattle/physiology*; Lactation/physiology*; Postpartum Period/physiology
  19. Lee ZY, Noor Airini I, Barakatun-Nisak MY
    Clin Nutr, 2018 08;37(4):1264-1270.
    PMID: 28599979 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2017.05.013
    BACKGROUND & AIMS: The effect of provision of full feeding or permissive underfeeding on mortality in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) is still controversial. This study investigated the relationship of energy and protein intakes with 60-day mortality, and the extent to which ICU length of stay and nutritional risk status influenced this relationship.

    METHODS: This is a prospective observational study conducted among critically ill patients aged ≥18 years, intubated and mechanically ventilated within 48 h of ICU admission and stayed in the ICU for at least 72 h. Information on baseline characteristics and nutritional risk status (the modified Nutrition Risk in Critically ill [NUTRIC] score) was collected on day 1. Nutritional intake was recorded daily until death, discharge, or until the twelfth evaluable days. Mortality status was assessed on day 60 based on the patient's hospital record. Patients were divided into 3 groups a) received <2/3 of prescribed energy and protein (both <2/3), b) received ≥2/3 of prescribed energy and protein (both ≥2/3) and c) either energy or protein received were ≥2/3 of prescribed (either ≥2/3). The relationship between the three groups with 60-day mortality was examined by using logistic regression with adjustment for potential confounders. Sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the influence of ICU length of stay (≥7 days) and nutritional risk status.

    RESULTS: Data were collected from 154 mechanically ventilated patients (age, 51.3 ± 15.7 years; body mass index, 26.5 ± 6.7 kg/m2; 54% male). The mean modified NUTRIC score was 5.7 ± 1.9, with 56% of the patients at high nutritional risk. The patients received 64.5 ± 21.6% of the amount of energy and 56.4 ± 20.6% of the amount of protein prescribed. Provision of energy and protein at ≥2/3 compared with <2/3 of the prescribed amounts was associated with a trend towards increased 60-day mortality (Adjusted odds ratio [Adj OR] 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92-5.38; p = 0.074). No difference in mortality status was found between energy and protein provision at either ≥2/3 compared with <2/3 of the prescribed amounts (Adj OR 1.61, 95% CI, 0.58-4.45; p = 0.357). Nutritional risk status, not ICU length of stay, influenced the relationship between nutritional adequacy and 60-day mortality.

    CONCLUSIONS: Energy and protein adequacy of ≥2/3 of the prescribed amounts were associated with a trend towards increased 60-day mortality among mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. However, neither energy nor protein adequacy alone at ≥ or <2/3 adequacy affect 60-day mortality. Increased mortality was associated with provision of energy and protein at ≥2/3 of the prescribed amounts, which only affected patients with low nutritional risk.

    Matched MeSH terms: Energy Intake/physiology*; Eating/physiology; Nutritional Status/physiology*
  20. Motalebi SA, Cheong LS, Iranagh JA, Mohammadi F
    Exp Aging Res, 2018 1 18;44(1):48-61.
    PMID: 29336735 DOI: 10.1080/0361073X.2017.1398810
    Background/Study Context: Given the rapid increase in the aging population worldwide, fall prevention is of utmost importance. It is essential to establish an efficient, simple, safe, and low-cost intervention method for reducing the risk of falls. This study examined the effect of 12 weeks of progressive elastic resistance training on lower-limb muscle strength and balance in seniors living in the Rumah Seri Kenangan, social welfare home in Cheras, Malaysia.

    METHODS: A total of 51 subjects qualified to take part in this quasi-experimental study. They were assigned to either the resistance exercise group (n = 26) or control group (n = 25). The mean age of the 45 participants who completed the program was 70.7 (SD = 6.6). The exercise group met twice per week and performing one to three sets of 8 to 10 repetitions for each of nine lower-limb elastic resistance exercises. All exercises were conducted at low to moderate intensities in sitting or standing positions. The subjects were tested at baseline and 6 and 12 weeks into the program.

    RESULTS: The results showed statistically significant improvements in lower-limb muscle strength as measured by five times sit-to-stand test (%Δ = 22.6) and dynamic balance quantified by the timed up-and-go test (%Δ = 18.7), four-square step test (%Δ = 14.67), and step test for the right (%Δ = 18.36) and left (%Δ = 18.80) legs. No significant changes were observed in static balance as measured using the tandem stand test (%Δ = 3.25), and one-leg stand test with eyes opened (%Δ = 9.58) and eyes closed (%Δ = -0.61) after completion of the program.

    CONCLUSION: The findings support the feasibility and efficacy of a simple and inexpensive resistance training program to improve lower-limb muscle strength and dynamic balance among the institutionalized older adults.

    Matched MeSH terms: Postural Balance/physiology*; Leg/physiology; Muscle Strength/physiology*
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