The Role of Vestibular Physiological Function in Adaptation to Special Gravity Environment / 医用生物力学

The peripheral vestibular organs are sensors for linear acceleration (gravity and head tilt) and rotation,and turn them into nerve signals that travel to the central nervous system to regulate physiological functions, which play an important role in regulating body stability, ocular movement, autonomic nerve activity, arterial pressure, body temperature, as well as muscle and bone metabolism. The effect of gravity on these functions can be attributed to high plasticity of the vestibular system. In this review, changes in vestibular-related physiological functions induced by the hypergravity and microgravity were introduced, including arterial pressure,muscle and bone metabolism, feeding behavior and body temperature, with the aim to better understand the physiological function of vestibular in adaption to special gravity environment.

2011 to 2021 rehabilitation professionals distribution from system of China Disabled Persons' Federation using geographical gravity model / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the distribution and trend of rehabilitation personnel of China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) system and the people with disabilities (PWDs) using geographical gravity model. MethodsBased on ArcGIS and statistical data, the distribution of geographical center of gravity of the rehabilitation personnel of the CDPF system from 2011 to 2021 was analyzed. According to the economic development, the areas were divided into three regions, and the eastern region included eleven provincial units, the central region includes eight provincial units, and the western region included twelve provincial units. ResultsCompared with 2011, rehabilitation staffs per thousand PWDs increased at 107.5% in 2021, 81.1%, 114.2% and 174.1% for the eastern, central, and western regions, respectively; professional staffs increased at 190.5%, 148.8%, 284.6% and 280.6% for the eastern, central, and western regions, respectively; managerial staff increased at 80.0%, 46.8%, 554.3% and 128.1% for the eastern, central, and western regions, respectively. Compared with 2011, the geographical center of gravity of the rehabilitation personnel moved about 330.9 km in 2021, while the geographical center of gravity of the PWDs moved about 169.64 km. ConclusionThe rehabilitation personnel in the CDPF system is the most in the eastern region and least in the western region. The tracks of the geographical center of gravity of the three kind of rehabilitation personnel in the CDPF system are relatively consistent. The rehabilitation personnel in the eastern region are more concentrated than those in the western region, and the density of the PWDs is more westward than that of the rehabilitation personnel, and coordination is not a perfect match yet. It is necessary to strengthen the rehabilitation personnel allocation in the western region, to balance distribution of human resources for rehabilitation of PWDs among regions.

Clinical efficacy of combined spinal and epidural anesthesia with isobaric bupivacaine in older adult patients undergoing artificial femoral head replacement / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of combined spinal and epidural anesthesia with isobaric bupivacaine in older adult patients undergoing artificial femoral head replacement.Methods:The clinical data of 50 older adult patients who underwent artificial femoral head replacement in Zhuji Third People's Hospital between January 2016 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into a control group ( n = 22) and a combined anesthesia group ( n = 28) according to different anesthesia methods. The control group was subjected to epidural anesthesia with bupivacaine. The combined anesthesia group underwent combined spinal and epidural anesthesia with isobaric bupivacaine. The excellent and good rate of anesthesia as well as heart rate and mean arterial pressure measured before and 10 minutes after anesthesia, at 1 hour of surgery and at the end of surgery were compared between the two groups. Time to anesthesia onset and time to block completion were recorded in each group. Results:The excellent and good rate of clinical efficacy in the combined anesthesia group was significantly higher than that in the control group [85.71% (24/28) vs. 59.09% (13/22), χ2 = 4.54, P < 0.05]. There were no significant differences in heart rate and mean arterial pressure between the two groups before and 10 minutes after anesthesia, at 1 hour of surgery and at the end of surgery ( t = 0.83, 0.60, 1.13, 1.21; 0.98, 0.60, 0.85, 0.88, P > 0.05). The time to anesthesia onset and the time to block completion in the combined anesthesia group were shorter than those in the control group ( t = 4.99, 2.29, both P < 0.05). Conclusion:Combined spinal and epidural anesthesia with isobaric bupivacaine can increase the excellent and good rate of anesthesia effects and has no obvious effect on hemodynamics in patients undergoing artificial femoral head replacement. Combined spinal and epidural anesthesia takes a shorter time to anesthesia onset and a shorter time to block completion than spinal or epidural anesthesia.

Perfil epidemiológico de gestantes e puérperas brasileiras no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19, em 2020 / Epidemiological profile of brazilian pregnant and postpartum during the COVID-19 pandemic / Perfil epidemiológico de embarazadas y puérperas brasileñas en contexto pandémico por el COVID-19 en 2020

Durante a pandemia da covid-19, houve incipiência de publicações que escutassem gestantes e puérperas sobre os impactos sentidos. Por isso, objetivou-se estimar prevalências acerca das condições sociodemográficas e econômicas desse público e dos impactos psicofísicos, psíquicos e sociais decorrentes desse contexto. Em estudo transversal, levantou-se o perfil epidemiológico de 156 gestantes e 65 puérperas brasileiras, por survey, com questionário online. Os dados foram analisados pelo software SPSS 24.0. Houve predomínio de nordestinas (78,3%), 41,6% delas eram pardas, com faixa etária de 30 a 39 anos (59,7%) e 71% tinham ensino superior completo ou mais. Do total, 5% foram contaminadas pela covid-19. Quanto às sensações físicas, destacaram-se alteração do sono em gestantes (45,5%) e puérperas (47,7%), assim como mania de limpeza para ambos os grupos, respectivamente 31,4% e 43,1%. Entre as emoções mais sentidas, 62,2% das gestantes relataram ansiedade e 61,5% das puérperas medo excessivo. Rotina mais cansativa e sobrecarga com trabalhos domésticos foram mencionadas como impactos sociais (85,3% das gestantes e 86,2% das puérperas). Os dados apresentam uma realidade de mulheres privilegiadas em relação a renda, escolaridade e vínculo de trabalho, mas, mesmo diante dessas condições, elas experimentaram aumento de sensações consideradas negativas durante a gravidez e o puerpério.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some publications focused on the impact felt by pregnant and postpartum women. Hence, this article sought to estimate the prevalence of sociodemographic and economic conditions among these users, as well as the psychophysical, psychological, and social impacts resulting from this context. A cross-sectional study surveyed the epidemiological profile of 156 pregnant women and 65 postpartum women by means of an online questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0. Results showed a predominance of Northeasterners (78.3%), 41.6% of them brown, aged 30 to 39 years (59.7%), and 71% with complete tertiary education or more. Of the total, 5% were infected by COVID-19. As for physical sensations, sleep disorders in pregnant women (45.5%) and puerperal women (47.7%) stood out, as well as cleaning mania for both groups, respectively 31.4% and 43.1%. Regarding the most felt emotions, 62.2% of pregnant women reported anxiety and 61.5% of puerperal women reported excessive fear. Both groups cited a more tiring routine and housework overload as social impacts (pregnant women, 85.3%; puerperal women, 86.2%). These findings show a reality of privileged women regarding income, education, and employment; but even under these conditions, they experienced an increase in negative sensations during pregnancy and the puerperium.

Durante la pandemia del covid-19 hubo un advenimiento de publicaciones sobre los impactos de la pandemia en las mujeres embarazadas y puérperas. Así, el objetivo de este artículo fue estimar la prevalencia sobre las condiciones sociodemográficas y económicas de este público, y los impactos psicofísicos, psíquicos y sociales resultantes de este contexto. En este estudio transversal se investigó el perfil epidemiológico de 156 embarazadas y 65 puérperas brasileñas mediante una encuesta, con cuestionario en línea. Los datos se analizaron con el software SPSS 24.0. Hubo predominio de las mujeres del Nordeste brasileño (78,3%), el 41,6% de ellas eran pardas, con edad entre 30 y 39 años (59,7%), y el 71% tenían estudios superiores o más completos. En total, el 5% estaban infectadas por covid-19. En cuanto a las sensaciones físicas, se destacó la alteración del sueño entre las embarazadas (45,5%) y puérperas (47,7%), así como la manía por limpieza, respectivamente el 31,4% y el 43,1%. Entre las emociones más sentidas, el 62,2% de las embarazadas reportaron ansiedad; y el 61,5% de las puérperas, miedo excesivo. La rutina más agotadora y la sobrecarga de tareas domésticas fueron mencionadas por ambos grupos como los impactos sociales (embarazadas, 85,3%; y puérperas, 86,2%). Los datos mostraron una realidad de mujeres privilegiadas en términos de ingresos, nivel educativo y empleo; incluso frente a estas condiciones, experimentaron un aumento de sensaciones consideradas negativas durante el embarazo y el puerperio.

Comparison of Time Taken for Feeding Stable Preterm Babies Between Regular Nurse Feeding and Feeding with Feed Rail—A Randomized, Controlled Study

Objective To compare the variation of feeding rate and time taken for feeds between manual and automated feeding via feed rail. Methods Stable preterm babies weighing between 1 and 2 kg, on partial or full enteral feeds via gavage were randomized into gravity and feed rail feeding group, respectively. Ten nurses and 4 babies were paired to form 40 nurse-baby pairs for the study. Forty feeding events in each groups were recorded. Results The median duration of feeding in the feed rail group was 18.5 min compared to 15 min in nurse-led feeding (p = 0.34). Feeding rate corrected for bodyweight ranged between 0.8 and 2.3 mL/kg/min in the feed rail group compared to 2.5 and 8.9 mL/ kg/min in the control (manual gravity feed) group. This difference in the feed rate variation was statistically significant (p value of <0.0001). The median feed rate with feedrail was 1.3 mL/min as compared to 4.1 mL/min with manual gravity feeds. During the feed rail feeding, nurses were hands-free for 80% of the time. Conclusion Feed rail feeding results in slow, sustained, and minimal variation in gravity feeding at a rate of 1 to 2 mL/kg/min without affecting the feeding duration compared to manual nurse-led feeding.

Fluid intake, hydration status and body mass changes in U-15 judo athletes during a training day

Despite numerous studies related to dehydration there is still a lack of scientific literature presenting hydration status and fluid intake of judo athletes during different periods. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate, fluid intake, hydration status and body weight changes of young judo athletes during a typical day of training in preparation period. Twenty-two young judo athletes (age: 12 ± 0.7 y, experience: 3.5 ± 1.1) voluntarily participated in this study. Hydration status and weight were examined in the morning, before and immediately after the training. All athletes trained 90 min and they consumed fluids ad libitum during the exercise. According to morning urine specific gravity (USG) values, 81.2% of the athletes were dehydrated while only 18.8% of the athletes were euhydrated. Pre-training urine measurements showed that 63.64% of the athletes presented dehydration and 77.27% of the athletes completed the training in dehydrated condition despite fluid availability during the training. Mean body weight loss during training was -0.64 ± 0.66%. It can be concluded that young judo athletes presented high prevalence of dehydration as indicated by USG values. Most of the athletes were dehydrated during a typical training day and completed the training in more dehydrated conditions compared to pre training values despite ad libitum fluid intake. It is of great importance to evaluate hydration status of the athletes before training to refrain from common practice of fluid restriction for weight loss and adverse effects of a persistent state of fluid deficit on physical and health related state.

The Hydration Status of Female Collegiate Soccer Players Over Consecutive Training and Match Days / Estado de Hidratación de Jugadoras de Fútbol Universitarias Durante Días de Entrenamiento y Partidos Consecutivos

Abstract Purpose: Hydration has been shown to play a pivotal role in sport. Soccer is a team sport in which the integrity of all players is vital for team performance; thus, individual player hydration status is important. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the hydration status of female collegiate soccer players during regular season. Methods: Sixteen collegiate female soccer players (age: 20.4 ± 0.8 years; height: 163.6 ± 6.9 cm; weight: 65.3 ± 12 kg) provided urine over 9 days to monitor their hydration status. Hydration was determined by urine specific gravity (Usg). Usg was analyzed in the morning (AM) and in the afternoon before practice/game (PM). Results: All 16 players were at least minimally hypohydrated (Usg > 1.010) in the AM on 5 of the 9 days tested. Players had significantly higher Usg values in the AM as compared to PM (F(1,250) = 23.09; p < 0.0001); however, there was no significant time*day interaction (F(1,250) = 1.98; p = 0.16). Conclusion: Data show a high prevalence of hypohydration occurring in this specific population. This sub-optimal hydration status could be a cause for concern in terms of overall performance. Efforts should be made to integrate hydration interventions and daily monitoring to minimize hypohydration in players.

Resumen Propósito: Se ha demostrado que la hidratación juega un papel fundamental en el deporte. El fútbol es un deporte de equipo en el que la integridad de todos los jugadores es vital para su rendimiento; por lo tanto, el estado de hidratación de cada jugador es importante. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue investigar el estado de hidratación de las jugadoras universitarias de fútbol durante la temporada regular. Métodos: Dieciséis jugadoras universitarias de fútbol (edad: 20.4 ± 0.8 años; estatura: 163.6 ± 6.9 cm; peso: 65.3 ± 12 kg) proporcionaron muestras de orina durante 9 días para controlar su estado de hidratación, la cual se determinó por la gravedad específica de la orina (Usg). La Usg se analizó en la mañana (AM) y en la tarde antes del entrenamiento o el juego (PM). Resultados: Las 16 jugadoras estaban al menos mínimamente hipohidratadas (Usg > 1.010) en la AM en 5 de los 9 días medidos. Las jugadoras tuvieron valores Usg significativamente más altos en AM en comparación con PM (F (1,250) = 23.09; p < 0.0001); sin embargo, no hubo interacción significativa de tiempo * día (F(1,250) = 1.98; p = 0.16). Conclusión: los datos muestran una alta prevalencia de hipohidratación en esta población específica. Este estado de hidratación subóptimo podría ser motivo de preocupación en términos de rendimiento general. Se deberían hacer esfuerzos para integrar las intervenciones de hidratación y el monitoreo diario para reducir al mínimo la hipohidratación en las jugadoras.

Resumo Objetivo: Foi demonstrado que a hidratação desempenha um papel fundamental no esporte. O futebol é um esporte coletivo no qual a integridade de todos os jogadores é vital para o desempenho da equipe; portanto, o estado de hidratação de cada jogador é importante. O objetivo principal deste estudo foi investigar o estado de hidratação de universitárias jogadoras de futebol do sexo feminino durante a temporada regular. Métodos: Dezesseis universitárias jogadoras de futebol (idade: 20,4 ± 0,8 anos; altura: 163,6 ± 6,9 cm; peso: 65,3 ± 12 kg) forneceram amostras de urina por 9 dias para monitorar seu estado de hidratação. A hidratação foi determinada pela gravidade específica da urina Usg. Sua Usg foi analisado pela manhã (matutino) e à tarde (vespertino) antes do treino ou jogo. Resultados: As 16 jogadoras estavam minimamente hipohidratadas (Usg > 1.010) no período matutino em 5 dos 9 dias medidos. As jogadoras apresentaram valores de Usg significativamente maiores no período matutino em comparação ao vespertino (F (1.250) = 23,09; p <0,0001); no entanto, não houve interação tempo * dia significativa (F (1.250) = 1,98; p = 0,16). Conclusão: os dados mostram uma alta prevalência de hipohidratação nesta população específica. Este estado de hidratação abaixo do ideal pode ser uma preocupação em termos de desempenho geral. Devem ser feitos esforços para integrar intervenções de hidratação e monitoramento diário para minimizar a hipohidratação em jogadoras.

Evaluation of Optimal Gravity Center Position of Backpack in Half-Squat Parachuting Landing / 医用生物力学

Objective To study effects of backpack gravity center position on kinetics and kinematics of lower-extremity joints in parachuting landing and evaluate the injuries. Methods Seven participants performed parachuting landing with backpack gravity center on three positions: low-back (position 1), upper-back (position 2) and abdomen (position 3). Results The peak vertical ground reaction force (GRF) with backpack on position 2 was significantly lower than that on position 1. The joint moment on sagittal plane of the hip with backpack on position 2 was significantly higher than that on position 1 and position 3. The joint energy absorption of the hip with backpack on position 2 was significantly higher than that on position 1. The angular displacement of the hip on sagittal plane with backpack on position 2 was significantly higher than that on position 1 and was significantly lower than that on position 3. The angular velocity of the hip on sagittal plane with backpack on position 2 was significantly lower than that on position 3. Conclusions Different positions of backpack gravity center could significantly influence kinetic and kinematic parameters of the hip. Backpack gravity center on upper-back position could decrease the lower-extremity injuries. The results can provide evidences for evaluating backpack gravity center and decreasing injuries in parachuting landing.

Enhancement of ethanol production efficiency in repeated-batch fermentation from sweet sorghum stem juice: effect of initial sugar, nitrogen and aeration

BACKGROUND: Ethanol concentration (PE), ethanol productivity (QP) and sugar consumption (SC) are important values in industrial ethanol production. In this study, initial sugar and nitrogen (urea) concentrations in sweet sorghum stem juice (SSJ) were optimized for high PE (≥10%, v/v), QP, (≥2.5 g/L·h) and SC (≥90%) by Saccharomyces cerevisiae SSJKKU01. Then, repeated-batch fermentations under normal gravity (NG) and high gravity (HG) conditions were studied. RESULTS: The initial sugar at 208 g/L and urea at 2.75 g/L were the optimum values to meet the criteria. At the initial yeast cell concentration of ~1 × 108 cells/mL, the PE, QP and SC were 97.06 g/L, 3.24 g/L·h and 95.43%, respectively. Repeated-batch fermentations showed that the ethanol production efficiency of eight successive cycles with and without aeration were not significantly different when the initial sugar of cycles 2 to 8 was under NG conditions (~140 g/L). Positive effects of aeration were observed when the initial sugar from cycle 2 was under HG conditions (180­200 g/L). The PE and QP under no aeration were consecutively lower from cycle 1 to cycle 6. Additionally, aeration affected ergosterol formation in yeast cell membrane at high ethanol concentrations, whereas trehalose content under all conditions was not different. CONCLUSION: Initial sugar, sufficient nitrogen and appropriated aeration are necessary for promoting yeast growth and ethanol fermentation. The SSJ was successfully used as an ethanol production medium for a high level of ethanol production. Aeration was not essential for repeated-batch fermentation under NG conditions, but it was beneficial under HG conditions.

Biomechanical Analysis of Lower Limbs during Walking under Simulated Reduced Gravity / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigate the influence of gravity levels on lower limb motions during human walking. Methods A suspended microgravity simulation system was designed for the experiment. Kinetic parameters from lower limb joints of twelve volunteers during walking were measured by the motion capture system and 3D force plate under simulated Mars gravity (1/3 G), lunar gravity (1/6 G) and earth gravity (1 G). Results Under simulated Mars and lunar gravity, the ranges of motion (ROMs) of hip and knee joints in sagittal plane significantly decreased (P＜0.01) while the ROMs of ankle joints obviously increased (P＜0.05). The ROMs of hip, knee and ankle joints in sagittal plane under earth gravity were 45.2°, 67.7°, 32.5°, respectively, while the ROMs of hip, knee and ankle joints under lunar gravity were 25.1°, 50.8°, 42.4°, respectively. In addition, the force and torque of lower limb joints in sagittal plane under lower gravity also decreased significantly (P＜0.01). Conclusions The results obtained by this study were almost the same as the research findings obtained by using treadmill. Astronauts can use the treadmill and microgravity simulation system for walking exercises under lunar gravity on the earth.

Efficacy of Gravity Lumbar Reduction Therapy in Symptomatic Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc Patients: A Radiological Evaluation Based on Inter-Vertebral Dimensions

Background: Gravity lumbar reduction therapy is one of the traction modality that uses gravitational force created by the lower part of the body while suspending the patient in erect position for treating patients with symptomatic prolapsed intervertebral disc. The efficacy of various forms of traction in treating such cases has not been quantitatively analyzed; rather their efficacy is based on empirical information. Objective: The current study was done to observe the changes in intervertebral dimensions after gravity lumbar reduction therapy in patients with prolapsed inter-vertebral disc. Methods: An interventional clinical trial was done in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, JNIMS, Imphal during the period Oct 2017-June 2018. Thirty (30) consecutive, MRI confirmed symptomatic prolapsed inter-vertebral disc cases who could achieve 900 of inclination on gravity lumbar reduction device were the study-subjects. Measurements of intervertebral dimensions were compared in digital x-ray lateral views taken before and after 30 minutes of suspension on specially designed gravity lumbar reduction device. Results: Gravity lumbar reduction therapy produces significant changes in mean inter-vertebral heights at L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1 levels with mean (SD) changes in anterior, middle, posterior and foramina heights (in mm) of 0.92 (2.14), 1.87 (1.82), 2.28 (1.44), 3.65 (2.19) respectively with improvement in disability, pain and other clinical parameters. Most prominent separation was seen in posterior margin L4-L5, and least separation at anterior margin at L4-L5. Conclusion: Gravity Lumbar Reduction Therapy could be an effective, low cost easy method of lumbar traction in symptomatic lumbar inter-vertebral disc prolapsed cases.

Exercise Countermeasures for the Spine in Microgravity

Weakness and neuromuscular deconditioning of the anti-gravity spine muscles develop after 6-month missions in space. There is also a high incidence of herniated nucleus pulposus in cervical and lumbar discs with back pain post-flight. Prolonged microgravity reduces the physiological loading forces needed for spine homeostasis and may alter neuromuscular postural reflexes leading to injury upon return to 1G. Nine astronauts were tested using the Biering-Sorensen test to measure spine isometric endurance pre- and post-flight. The results show significant decrements in muscle isometric endurance and correlates with atrophy of the multifidus, erector spinae, quadratus lumborum and psoas, reduced cross-sectional area and functional cross-sectional area with MRI measurements. Current ISS exercise countermeasures appear to be insufficient in mitigating loss of spinal function due to lack of specifically designed exercises to address specific antigravity muscles. Intensity of resistance loading is proposed to be specific to the muscle isoform that needs the most optimal mechanotransduction using adjustable pulley resistance vectors in line or parallel to the target muscle fibre orientations. Pulley apparatus may be in the form of flywheel or pneumatic derived resistance. Since antigravity muscles are predominantly Type I muscle isoform, endurance and stability are the main functional qualities which would require higher repetitions in good form, moderate resistance, and multiple sets. This proposal is intended to define efficient type of spine exercises to counter the maladaptive effects from prolonged spaceflight and lead to accepted countermeasures. Supported by NASA Grants NNXlOAM18G and NNX13AM89G.

La debilidad y el desacondicionamiento neuromuscular de los músculos de la columna vertebral encargados de la anti-gravedad aparecen a partir del sexto mes de estancia en el espacio. En la etapa posterior al vuelo también se observa una elevada incidencia de núcleos pulposos herniados en discos cervicales y lumbares con dolor de espalda. La microgravedad prolongada reduce las fuerzas de carga fisiológica necesarias para la homeostasis de la columna vertebral, además de que puede alterar los reflejos posturales neuromusculares provocando lesiones al regresar a 1G. Nueve astronautas fueron evaluados con la prueba de Biering-Sorensen para medir la resistencia isométrica de la columna vertebral antes y después del vuelo. Los resultados muestran decrecimientos significativos en la resistencia isométrica muscular y correlatos con atrofia del multifidus, erector spinae, quadratus lumborum y psoas, reducción del área transversal y área transversal funcional con mediciones IRM. Las contramedidas actuales de la EEI para los ejercicios parecen ser insuficientes para mitigar la pérdida de función espinal provocada por la falta de ejercicios dirigidos a músculos antigravedad específicos. Se propone que la intensidad de la carga de resistencia sea específica para la isoforma muscular que requiere la mecanotransducción más óptima usando vectores de resistencia de polea ajustables alineados o paralelos a las orientaciones de la fibra muscular a que estén dirigidos. El dispositivo de poleas puede tomar la forma de volante o de resistencia derivada de fuerza neumática. Como los músculos antigravedad son predominantemente isoformas musculares Tipo I, la resistencia y la estabilidad son las principales cualidades funcionales que requerirían mayores repeticiones en buena forma, resistencia moderada y múltiples ciclos. La propuesta que aquí se presenta está dirigida a definir el tipo eficiente de ejercicios para la columna vertebral para contrarrestar los efectos de adaptación inadecuada provocados por un vuelo espacial prolongado, así como avanzar hacia la creación de contramedidas aceptables. Realizado con el apoyo de las subvenciones de la NASA NNXlOAM18G y NNX13AM89G.

Adaptive evolution and selection of stress-resistant Saccharomyces cerevisiae for very high-gravity bioethanol fermentation

Background: In industrial yeasts, selection and breeding for resistance to multiple stresses is a focus of current research. The objective of this study was to investigate the tolerance to multiple stresses of Saccharomyces cerevisiae obtained through an adaptive laboratory evolution strategy involving a repeated liquid nitrogen freeze­thaw process coupled with multi-stress shock selection. We also assessed the related resistance mechanisms and very high-gravity (VHG) bioethanol production of this strain. Results: Elite S. cerevisiae strain YF10-5, exhibiting improved VHG fermentation capacity and stress resistance to osmotic pressure and ethanol, was isolated following ten consecutive rounds of liquid nitrogen freeze­thaw treatment followed by plate screening under osmotic and ethanol stress. The ethanol yield of YF10-5 was 16% higher than that of the parent strain during 35% (w/v) glucose fermentation. Furthermore, there was upregulation of three genes (HSP26, HSP30, and HSP104) encoding heat-shock proteins involved in the stress response, one gene (TPS1) involved in the synthesis of trehalose, and three genes (ADH1, HXK1, and PFK1) involved in ethanol metabolism and intracellular trehalose accumulation in YF10-5 yeast cells, indicating increased stress tolerance and fermentative capacity. YF10-5 also showed excellent fermentation performance during the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of VHG sweet potato mash, producing 13.40% (w/ v) ethanol, which corresponded to 93.95% of the theoretical ethanol yield. Conclusions: A multiple-stress-tolerant yeast clone was obtained using adaptive evolution by a freeze­thaw method coupled with stress shock selection. The selected robust yeast strain exhibits potential for bioethanol production through VHG fermentation.

Código sepsis: sistemas de respuesta rápida / Sepsis code: Rapyd response systems / Código sepse: sistemas de resposta rápida

Resumen: La sepsis representa una crisis de salud global, pues de 27 a 30 millones de personas al año la desarrollan, mientras que siete a nueve millones fallecen y una persona muere cada 3.5 segundos. El retraso en el inicio de tratamiento impacta de manera directa en la mortalidad y uso de recursos. La implementación de equipos de respuesta rápida (ERR) constituye una oportunidad para la detección y tratamiento adecuado. Existen varias herramientas para la activación de un ERR y un código sepsis, dentro de las más destacadas se encuentran quick SOFA, SIRS, CARS, MEWS y NEWS que constituyen escalas de gravedad para permitir la detección de sepsis con base en criterios; aunque es importante mencionar que la escala NEWS ha demostrado superioridad. Los resultados de distintos estudios realizados tras la implementación de código sepsis reportan un impacto positivo en el inicio temprano de antibióticos y cumplimiento de metas, así como en mortalidad. Un área de oportunidad para mejorar la eficacia del ERR está en la activación mediante dispositivos automatizados. Lo anterior consolida y fortalece una cultura de seguridad en el paciente hospitalizado.

Abstract: Sepsis represents a global health crisis: 27 to 30 million people a year develop it, seven to nine million die, one person dies every 3.5 seconds. The delay in the initiation of treatment has a direct impact on mortality and the use of resources. The implementation of Rapid Response Teams (RRT) constitutes a window of opportunity for the detection and timely treatment. There are several tools for activating an RRT and a sepsis code. Among the most important are quick SOFA, SIRS, CARS, MEWS and NEWS that constitute severity scales that allow the detection of sepsis based on criteria. The NEWS scale has shown superiority. The results of different studies conducted after the implementation of sepsis code report a positive impact on early initiation of antibiotics and compliance with goals, as well as mortality. One area of opportunity to improve the effectiveness of the RRT is the activation by automated devices. Sepsis code an RRT consolidates and strengthens the culture of safety in the hospitalized patient.

Resumo: A sepse representa uma crise global de saúde: 27 a 30 milhões de pessoas por ano desenvolvem-a, 7 a 9 milhões morrem, 1 pessoa morre a cada 3.5 segundos. O atraso no início do tratamento tem um impacto direto na mortalidade e no uso de recursos. A implementação de Equipes de Resposta Rápida (ERR) constitui uma janela de oportunidade para a detecção e tratamento oportuno. Existem várias ferramentas para ativar um ERR e um código de sepse. Entre os mais importantes estão o quick SOFA, SIRS, CARS, MEWS e NEWS que constituem escalas de gravidade que permitem a detecção de sepse baseada em critérios. A escala NEWS mostrou superioridade. Os resultados de diferentes estudos realizados após a implementação do código de sepse relatam um impacto positivo no início precoce dos antibióticos e no cumprimento dos objetivos, bem como na mortalidade. Uma área de oportunidade para melhorar a eficácia do ERR é a ativação através de dispositivos automatizados. O anterior consolida e fortalece a cultura de segurança no paciente hospitalizado.

Urine Analysis Revisited: A Review

Analysis of urine represents a basic test in the diagnostic battery for most of the systemic disorders and renal diseases in particular. Significant informations can be obtained by urinalysis as many disease processes invariably display urinary abnormalities. It offers a simple, often quick way of following response to treatment in these diseases, without putting the patient under much distress. For urinalysis to be maximally useful as a diagnostic tool, attention to details is necessary in the methodology of urine collection, timely sample processing and most importantly, a thorough knowledge on the various abnormalities that can be detected during the analysis. This article is a comprehensive review on urinalysis, including the intricacies of sample collection, various normal and abnormal physical and chemical parameters with an emphasis on the importance of a meticulous microscopic examination of urine sample to arrive at a diagnosis.

Construction of industrial brewing yeast for fermentation under high temperature and high gravity condition / 生物工程学报

As a new beer fermentation technology, high temperature and high gravity fermentation has brought many benefits to brewery industry, but there are also a series of problems such as the decrease of yeast flocculation ability at the end of fermentation and the high concentration of higher alcohols. To increase yeast flocculation ability and reduce the production of higher alcohols in high temperature and high gravity fermentation of beer, BAT2 was replaced by the FLO5 expression cassette to obtain the mutant strain S6-BF2. Real-time quantitative PCR showed that the relative transcriptional level of FLO5 in S6-BF2 improved 17.8 times compared with that in S6. The flocculation ability of mutant S6-BF2 heightened by 63% compared to that of the original strain S6, and the concentration of higher alcohols decreased from 175.58 mg/L to 159.58 mg/L in high temperature and high gravity fermentation of beer. Moreover, the activity of mitochondrial branched-chain amino acid transferase was repressed, resulting in the production of higher alcohols of 142.13 mg/L, reduced by 18.4% compared to that of the original strain S6, meanwhile, the flocculation ability of mutant S6-BF2B1 kept unchanged compared to the mutant S6-BF2. The determination result of flavor compounds showed that the higher alcohols/ester ratio in beer was reasonable. This research has suggested an effective strategy for enhancing yeast flocculation ability and decreasing production of higher alcohols in high-temperature and high-gravity brewing.

The Effect of Simultaneous Antigravity Treadmill Training and Electrical Muscle Stimulation After Total Hip Arthroplasty: Short Follow-Up Time

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of our devised hybrid physiotherapy regime using an anti-gravity treadmill and a low-frequency electrical stimulation device, as measured in patients with hip osteoarthritis after total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: The outcomes of the postoperative rehabilitation in 44 patients who underwent THA for hip osteoarthritis were retrospectively examined. The conventional group (n=22) underwent the postoperative rehabilitation according to our protocol, while the hybrid group (n=22) underwent the same training, along with training on an anti-gravity treadmill and training using a low-frequency therapeutic device. The outcome measures were recorded and reviewed with the Numerical Rating Scale for pain, which rates pain on an 11-point scale from 0 to 10, surgical side knee joint extension force, 10-m walking test, Timed Up and Go test, and the 6-minute walking distance (6MD). The outcome measurement was taken 2 weeks after conducting pre-operation and antigravity treadmill training and electrical muscle stimulation, and compared the respective results. RESULTS: At the timeframe of 2 weeks from the surgery after conducting a devised hybrid physiotherapy, the values of knee extension muscle strength and 6MD were not worse in the hybrid group than conventional group. In the evaluation at 2 weeks after surgery, the knee extension muscle strength and 6MD values significantly decreased compared with the preoperative values only in the conventional group. CONCLUSION: Lower limb muscular strength and endurance were maintained in the hybrid group, which suggested that hybrid physiotherapy could maintain physical functions early after THA operation.

Sub-morbid dehydration-associated glomerular hyperfiltration: An emerging reality?

BACKGROUND: Severe dehydration decreases renal perfusion. However, it is unclear whether sub-morbid dehydration affects kidney function similarly. Although there have been numerous animal and human studies that have suggested mild dehydration is associated with glomerular hyperfiltration, it has not been confirmed on a large-scale in the general population. Therefore, we aimed to identify the relationship between hydration status and kidney function. METHODS: We reviewed the data of 28,342 adults who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Urine specific gravity unit (SGU) was the primary variable that indicated hydration status, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was used as the primary outcome. RESULTS: Multivariate linear regression analysis showed urine SGU was positively associated with eGFR, which was J-shaped in the multivariate generalized additive model plot. In the penalized spline curve analysis, the odds ratio for high eGFR was steadily increased. Although increased urine SGU was associated with decreased blood pressure and pulse rate, it had no effect on increased fasting glucose and total cholesterol, suggesting conflicting cardio-metabolic dehydration effects. CONCLUSION: Dehydration, presumably sub-morbid in an ambulatory community-dwelling general population, is associated with higher kidney function. The clinical significance of sub-morbid dehydration-associated glomerular hyperfiltration needs further investigation.

Efficiency of preoperative Halo-gravity traction in severe kyphoscoliosis secondary to neurofibromatosis type Ⅰ / 中华外科杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the efficiency of preoperative Halo-gravity traction (HGT) in the treatment of severe kyphoscoliosis secondary to neurofibromatosis type Ⅰ (NF1).@*Methods@#A retrospective review was conducted on patients with severe kyphoscoliosis secondary to NF1 at Department of Spinal Surgery, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University between July 2007 and May 2016. A total of 29 patients including 17 males and 12 females were finally enrolled and the age was (13.7±2.9) years. The Cobb angle of major coronal curve and global kyphosis were measured before and after HGT. The forced vital capacity (FVC)and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) before and after traction were also recorded. The paired t test was used for comparison analysis.@*Results@#The average maximum traction weight of HGT was (12.2±2.8) kg and the traction duration was (10.2±6.6) weeks. The coronal Cobb angle before HGT was (87.5±36.5)°, which improved to (68.4±25.9)° after HGT with a correction rate of (21.9±12.1)% (t=9.14, P<0.001); the average global kyphosis before HGT was (79.1±27.1)°, which improved to (59.9±19.4)° after HGT and the correction rate was (20.2±14.1)% (t=8.55, P<0.001). One patient had transient brachial plexus palsy which resolved completely after reducing the traction weight. After HGT treatment, FVC increased from (0.83±0.16) L to (0.89±0.19) L (t=1.48, P=0.12) and FEV1 increased from (0.72±0.16) L to (0.78±0.20) L (t=0.49,P=0.63). FVC predicted and FEV1 predicted improved from (42.9±20.1)% and (40.6±19.6)% to (46.9±20.5)% (t=0.98,P=0.33) and (43.6±25.8)% (t=1.24,P=0.22), respectively.@*Conclusion@#Preoperative HGT in the treatment of severe kyphoscoliosis secondary to NF1 can improve spinal deformity and pulmonary function to some extent, which can further benefit the patients by improving their surgical tolerance.

Dynamic analysis of iodine nutritional status and rationality of urine specific gravity correction for urinary iodine of focused groups in Fujian Province / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective To understand the iodine nutritional status of children aged 8 to 10 years old and pregnant women in the new standard iodized salt pilot areas of Fujian Province,and to analyze the rationality of urine specific gravity correction for urinary iodine.Methods In the 3rd,6th,9th,12th,15th and 21th months after supplying of new standard iodized salt in March 2012,the first to sixth phases' assessment were conducted in Xindian Town of Xiang'an District,Xiamen City and Yongfu Town,Xinqiao Town of Zhangping City,Longyan City.Totally 200 children aged 8 to 10 years old and 50 pregnant women were selected from each town,home salt samples and urine samples were collected,salt iodine,urinary iodine and urine specific gravity were tested.Salt iodine was detected by "General Test Method in Salt Industry-Determination of Iodine" (GB/T 13025.7-2012);urinary iodine was detected by "Method for Determination of Iodine in Urine by As3+-Ce4+ Catalytic Spectrophotometry" (WS/T 107-2006);urine specific gravity was detected by digital refractometer.Results From the first to sixth phases' assessment,the iodized salt coverage rates of children aged 8 to 10 years old and pregnant women were ＞ 95％,the edible rates of qualified iodized salt were ＞ 90％.The measured medians of urinary iodine of children aged 8 to 10 years old were 216.7,219.5,188.1,206.7,209.2,and 201.0 μg/L,respectively;except the third phase's assessment,which was in the iodine appropriate level (100-199 μg/L),the other five phases/ assessment were all higher than the iodine appropriate level (200-299 μg/L);the medians of urinary iodine of children aged 8 to 10 yearsold after urine specific gravity correction were 215.0,213.6,197.3,202.9,204.3,and 197.7 μg/L,respectively;there were no significant differences in urinary iodine between the measured and urine specific gravity correction (Z =-0.131,-0.183,-1.052,-1.180,-0.311,-0.368,P ＞ 0.05).The measured medians of urinary iodine of pregnant women were 134.0,132.2,120.9,115.6,113.3,and 123.3 μg/L,respectively,which were in the iodine deficiency level (＜ 150 μg/L);the medians of urinary iodine of pregnant women after urine specific gravity correction were 207.3,197.1,168.8,158.3,171.8,and 181.7 μg/L,respectively;there were significant differences in urinary iodine between the measured and urine specific gravity correction (Z =-6.419,-6.406,-5.990,-6.648,-7.008,-8.034,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions The iodine nutrition of children aged 8 to 10 years old is appropriate in the new standard iodized salt pilot areas of Fujian Province,while that of pregnant women is mild iodine deficiency.Further research is needed to use urine specific gravity to calibrate the concentration of urinary iodine to assess the iodine nutritional level of the focused populations in the regions.