Prevalence of male DNA on female worn undergarments. How small datasets may support robust opinions in activity level evaluative reporting.

In cases of sexual assault, the interpretation of biological traces on clothing, and particularly undergarments, may be complex. This is especially so when the complainant and defendant interact socially, for instance as (ex-)partners or by co-habitation. Here we present the results from a study where latent male DNA on female worn undergarments is recovered in four groups with different levels of male-female social interaction. The results conform to prior expectation, in that less interaction tend to result in less male DNA on undergarments. We explore the use of these experimental data for evaluative reporting given activity level propositions in a mock case scenario. We show how the selection of different populations to represent the social interaction between complainant and defendant may affect the strength of the evidence. We further show how datasets of limited size can be used for robust activity level evaluative reporting.

ECAPA-TDNN based online discussion activity-level evaluation.

With the continuous development and application of online interactive activities and network transmission technology, online interactive behaviors such as online discussion meetings and online teaching have become indispensable in people's studies and work. However, the effectiveness of working with online discussions and feedback from participants on their conference performance has been a major concern, and this is the issue examined in this post. Based on the above issues, this paper designs an online discussion activity-level evaluation system based on voiceprint recognition technology. The application system developed in this project is divided into two parts; the first part is to segment the online discussion audio into multiple independent audio segments by audio segmentation technology and train the voiceprint recognition model to predict the speaker's identity in each separate audio component. In the second part, we propose a linear normalized online meeting activity-level calculation model based on the modified main indexes by traversing and counting each participant's speaking frequency and total speaking time as the main indexes for activity-level evaluation. To make the evaluation results more objective, reasonable, and distinguishable, the activity score of each participant is calculated, and each participant's activity-level in the discussion meeting is derived by combining the fuzzy membership function. To test the system's performance, we designed an experiment with 25 participants in an online discussion meeting, with two assistants manually recording the discussion and a host moderating the meeting. The results of the experiment showed that the system's evaluation results matched those recorded by the two assistants. The system can fulfill the task of distinguishing the level of activity of participants in online discussions.

Are physical activity and/or adherence to the Mediterranean diet determinants of the changes found in kinanthropometric variables, body composition and physical fitness in adolescents?

The practice of physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD) have been extensively studied for their relationship with kinanthropometric, body composition and physical fitness variables. However, no previous study has analyzed whether these healthy habits are equally determinant for the differences found in kinanthropometric, body composition and physical fitness variables or, on the contrary, if one of them is more relevant. For this reason, the objectives of the present study were: (1) to analyze the differences in kinanthropometric, body composition, and physical fitness variables between adolescents with different levels of physical activity and AMD, and (2) to determine whether physical activity and/or AMD are predictors of differences in kinanthropometric variables, body composition or physical fitness in adolescents. The sample consisted of 791 adolescents (404 males and 387 females; mean age: 14.39±1.26 year-old) whose physical activity level, AMD, kinanthropometric variables, body composition and physical fitness, were measured. The results showed differences when considering the level of physical activity in kinanthropometric variables, body composition and physical fitness, but not the level of AMD, which was relevant only when it was poor, and the adolescents were inactive. Nevertheless, the AMD did not seem to exert such a determining effect as to produce significant differences on its own. On the other hand, the practice of physical activity did act as a predictor mainly of changes in the fitness variables. Therefore, the main novelty of the present study is the establishment of an order of importance of the healthy habits acquired by adolescents, concluding that the practice of physical activity is more determinant for the differences found in the study variables.

What are the important factors influencing the physical activity level of junior high school students: a cross-sectional survey.

Background: Engaging in regular physical activity has been consistently linked to improved physical health and academic performance. Despite its known benefits, there is a concerning trend of decreased physical activity among children globally. The study primarily aims to investigate the level of physical activity among junior high school students in Taiyuan and analyse the main affecting factors from a socio-ecological perspective. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 650 junior high school students from 7 schools in Taiyuan, and 648 valid questionnaires were ultimately collected. The data on students' physical activity levels were collected through the Children's Leisure Activities Study Survey Questionnaire, and the data on factors affecting students' physical activity were collected through the Student Perceived Factors Affecting Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: In this study, students from the 7th, 8th, and 9th grades participated in physical activities, averaging 214.500 min per week in moderate-intensity and 25.000 min in high-intensity activities, cumulatively averaging 280.000 min weekly. Notably, a significant disparity (p = 0.012) was observed in the combined duration of moderate and high-intensity activities, with male students engaging more time compared to their female counterparts (307.500 vs. 255.000 min). This variance extended across different grades, particularly evident in 8th graders who recorded the highest weekly high-intensity activity duration (31.000 min) and overall physical activity time (320.500 min), surpassing the 7th graders(p = 0.007 for high-intensity activities). Furthermore, an exploratory factor analysis of a 32-item questionnaire, designed to identify determinants of physical activity, revealed six principal components. These components were found to positively correlate with both moderate and high-intensity physical activities. Conclusion: Results emphasize that educational institutions and community programs should collaborate to offer engaging weekend physical activity programs. Schools should develop and implement tailored physical education curricula addressing gender and grade differences. Furthermore, schools and local governments should invest in high-quality sports equipment and facilities.

Highlighting Unseen Activity Through 48-Hour Continuous Measurement in Subacute Stroke Rehabilitation: Preliminary Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Motor impairments not only lead to a significant reduction in patient activity levels but also trigger a further deterioration in motor function due to deconditioning, which is an issue that is particularly pronounced during hospitalization. This deconditioning can be countered by sustaining appropriate activity levels. Activities that occur outside of scheduled programs, often overlooked, are critical in this context. Wearable technology, such as smart clothing, provides a means to monitor these activities. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to observe activity levels in patients who had strokes during the subacute phase, focusing on both scheduled training sessions and other nontraining times in an inpatient rehabilitation environment. A smart clothing system is used to simultaneously measure heart rate and acceleration, offering insights into both the amount and intensity of the physical activity. METHODS: In this preliminary cohort study, 11 individuals undergoing subacute stroke rehabilitation were enrolled. The 48-hour continuous measurement system, deployed at admission and reassessed 4 weeks later, monitored accelerometry data for physical activity (quantified with a moving SD of acceleration [MSDA]) and heart rate for intensity (quantified with percent heart rate reserve). The measurements were performed using a wearable activity monitoring system, the hitoe (NTT Corporation and Toray Industries, Inc) system comprising a measuring garment (wear or strap) with integrated electrodes, a data transmitter, and a smartphone. The Functional Independence Measure was used to assess the patients' daily activity levels. This study explored factors such as differences in activity during training and nontraining periods, correlations with activities of daily living (ADLs) and age, and changes observed after 4 weeks. RESULTS: A significant increase was found in the daily total MSDA after the 4-week program, with the average percent heart rate reserve remaining consistent. Physical activity during training positively correlated with ADL levels both at admission (ρ=0.86, P<.001) and 4 weeks post admission (ρ=0.96, P<.001), whereas the correlation between age and MSDA was not significant during training periods at admission (ρ=-0.41, P=.21) or 4 weeks post admission (ρ=-0.25, P=.45). Conversely, nontraining activity showed a negative correlation with age, with significant negative correlations with age at admission (ρ=-0.82, P=.002) and 4 weeks post admission (ρ=-0.73, P=.01). CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient rehabilitation activity levels were positively correlated with ADL levels. Further analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between scheduled training activities and ADL levels, whereas nontraining activities showed no such correlation. Instead, a negative correlation between nontraining activities and age was observed. These observations suggest the importance of providing activity opportunities for older patients, while it may also suggest the need for adjusting the activity amount to accommodate the potentially limited fitness levels of this demographic. Future studies with larger patient groups are warranted to validate and further elucidate these findings.

Poor Motor Competence Affects Functional Capacities and Healthcare in Children and Adolescents with Obesity.

BACKGROUND: From a young age, children learn different motor skills known as fundamental motor skills. The acquisition of these skills is crucial for the future development of context-tailored actions that could improve adherence to physical activity (PA) practice. Motor competence and function deficits have been associated with pediatric obesity. We reviewed the literature data regarding motor competence in pediatrics and impaired motor performance in children and adolescents with obesity. METHODS: We assessed the abstracts of the available literature (n = 110) and reviewed the full texts of potentially relevant articles (n = 65) that were analyzed to provide a critical discussion. RESULTS: Children and adolescents with obesity show impaired motor performance, executive functions, postural control, and motor coordination. Children's age represents a crucial point in the development of motor skills. Early interventions are crucial to preventing declines in motor proficiency and impacting children's PA and overall fitness levels. CONCLUSIONS: To involve children, the PA protocol must be fun and tailored in consideration of several aspects, such as clinical picture, level of physical fitness, and motor skills. A supervised adapted exercise program is useful to personalized PA programs from an early pediatric age.

Healthcare professionals, how they evaluate themselves about physical image, healthy orthorexia, and physical activity / Profesionales de la salud, cómo se evalúan sobre imagen física, ortorexia saludable y actividad física

Objetivo: Este estudio se realizó para evaluar las elecciones alimentarias de los trabajadores de la salud según la imagen corporal, la ortorexia saludable y el estado de actividad física.Métodos: Este estudio se realizó mediante la técnica de entrevista cara a cara con 137 personal de salud que aceptaron voluntariamente participar en el estudio en un hospital privado en Ankara entre diciembre de 2022 y febrero de 2023. Información sobre el estado de salud y nutrición, medidas antropométricas (altura (cm), peso corporal (kg)) Cuestionario de forma corporal (BSQ-34), Escala de ortorexia de Teruel (TOS), Cuestionario de selección de alimentos (FCQ), Internacional Se administró el Cuestionario de actividad física (IPAQ).Resultados: Participaron en el estudio un total de 137 personas, 69,3% mujeres y 30,7% hombres. Se encontró una diferencia significativa entre hombres y mujeres en términos de estado de ánimo, condición física y factores de control del peso corporal en la selección de alimentos (p<0,05). El factor de control del estado emocional y del peso corporal afecta positivamente a la ortorexia nerviosa, mientras que el factor de atracción sensorial afecta negativamente a la ortorexia nerviosa (p<0,05 ß=0,260, ß=0,291, ß= -0,426). No hubo diferencia significativa en cuanto a los factores considerados en la selección de alimentos según el estado de actividad física de los trabajadores de la salud (p<0,05).Conclusión: Se observó que la insatisfacción con la imagen corporal de las mujeres fue mayor que la de los hombres. El promedio de los factores de control del estado de ánimo, el estado físico y el peso corporal a los que las mujeres prestan atención en la selección de alimentos tienen un efecto mayor que los hombres. Se consideró que las actividades físicas de los trabajadores de la salud eran insuficientes.(AU)

Objective: This study was conducted to change the nutri-tional choices of healthcare professionals according to bodyimage, healthy orthorexia and physical activity.Methods: This study was conducted in a private hospitalbetween December 2022 and February 2023 with 95 femaleand 42 male healthcare professionals who agreed to partici-pate in the research. A face-to-face survey form was used forhealthcare workers and general information, information onhealth and nutritional status, anthropometric measurements(height (cm), body weight ((kg)), Body Shape Questionnaire(BSQ-34), Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS) were collected, FoodChoice Questionnaire (FCQ), International Physical ActivityQuestionnaire (IPAQ). Results: The average BMI of healthcare workers is withinthe normal range (24.8±4.43kg/m2). There was a significantdifference between genders in terms of body shape dissatis-faction, and it was found that women were more likely thanmen (p<0.05). While the average BSQ-34 score of obese pe-ople is highest, the average decreases as the BMI level dec-reases. There is a significant relationship between gender andBMI in those who do not have body shape dissatisfaction andthose who have mild dissatisfaction (p<0.05). There is a sig-nificant difference between genders in terms of mood, fitnessand body weight control factors in food selection, and theaverage for women is higher than for men (p<0.05). As bodyshape dissatisfaction increases, the average mood factor infood selection increases. Age positively affects healthy ortho-rexia (p<0.05, ß=0.269). The level of body shape dissatisfaction positively affects orthorexia nervosa (ß=0.409, p<0.05).In the case of healthy orthorexia, there is a significant posi-tive relationship between food choice and health (ß=0.326,p<0.05), and a negative relationship between the sensoryattractiveness factor (ß=-0.248, p<0.05)...(AU)

Global survey on evaluative reporting on DNA evidence with regard to activity-level propositions.

For many criminal cases, the source of who deposited the DNA is not what the prosecutor and the defense are trying to dispute. In court, the question may be how the DNA was deposited at the crime scene rather than who the DNA came from. Although laboratories in many countries have begun to evaluate DNA evidence given formal activity-level propositions (ALPs), it is unknown how much other forensic practitioners know and what they think about activity-level evaluative reporting (ALR). To collect this information, a survey with 21 questions was submitted to international forensic science organizations across Europe, Australia, South America, Canada, Asia, and Africa. The survey combined open-ended and multiple-choice questions and received 162 responses. Responses revealed a wide range of knowledge on the topic. Overall, most respondents were somewhat knowledgeable about ALR, ALP, and current practices in court and expressed their support of the concept. A majority of participants identified gaps and obstacles regarding ALR they would like to see addressed. Examples include (1) need for more education/training at all stakeholder levels, (2) need for more DNA evidence-related data under realistic case scenarios, (3) need to internally implement and validate a formalized and objective approach for reporting, and (4) in some countries the need to achieve court admissibility. This global survey gathered the current concerns of forensic DNA practitioners and outlined several operational concerns. The information can be used to advance the implementation of ALR in laboratories and court testimony worldwide.

Association of frailty with activity levels and sedentary behaviours in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Research on the association between activity levels and sedentary behaviour with frailty in patients affected by hepatitis B cirrhosis is sparse. This study aimed to explore the association of frailty with activity levels and sedentary behaviours in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study followed the STROBE checklist. METHODS: This study was conducted in Guangzhou, China, between August 2021 and October 2022. The frailty condition of patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis was assessed using the liver frailty index (LFI). Their physical activity levels and sedentary time were assessed using the International Questionnaire of Physical Activity. Pearson correlation and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Among the 503 patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis in the final analysis, 107 (21.3%) were identified as frail. Frailty was negatively correlated with walking time (r = -0.174, p < 0.001), moderate-intensity activity time (r = -0.185, p < 0.001), high-intensity activity time (r = -0.243, p < 0.001) and total activity time (r = -0.256, p < 0.001). Patients with insufficient activity (<150 min/week) and sedentary behaviour (≥420 min/day) were found to have 2.829 times higher risk of frailty than those with sufficient activity (≥150 min/week) and no sedentary behaviour (<420 min/day) (95% CI: 1.380, 5.799). CONCLUSION: Patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis who exhibited frailty demonstrated limited physical activity and engaged in sedentary behaviours. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis contributed their data to the study.

Impact of Perch Provision Timing on Activity and Musculoskeletal Health of Laying Hens.

Laying hens can experience a progressive increase in bone fragility due to the ongoing mobilization of calcium from bones for eggshell formation. Over time, this escalates their susceptibility to bone fracture, which can reduce their mobility and cause pain. The provision of perches as an exercise opportunity could potentially enhance bone strength, but the timing of exposure to perches during the birds' development may modulate its impact. The objective of this study was to investigate the enduring impacts of perch provision timing on the musculoskeletal health of laying hens. A total of 812 pullets were kept in different housing conditions (seven pens/treatment, 29 birds/pen) with either continuous access to multi-tier perches from 0 to 40 weeks of age (CP), no access to perches (NP), early access to perches during the rearing phase from 0 to 17 weeks of age (EP), or solely during the laying phase from 17 to 40 weeks of age (LP). At weeks 24, 36, and 40 of age (n = 84 birds/week), three birds per pen were monitored for individual activity level, and blood samples were collected from a separate set of three birds per pen to analyze serum levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) as markers of bone demineralization. At 40 weeks of age, three birds per pen (n = 84) were euthanized for computed tomography scans to obtain tibial bone mineral density (BMD) and cross-sectional area (CSA) with further analysis including muscle deposition, tibial breaking strength, and tibial ash percent. During week 24, hens from CP, EP, and LP pens had the highest overall activity compared to hens from NP pens (p < 0.05) with no differences between treatments for overall activity level during weeks 36 or 40 (p > 0.05). During weeks 24, 36, and 40, hens from CP and LP pens showed greater vertical and less horizontal activity compared to hens from EP and NP pens (p < 0.05). TRACP-5b and CTX-I concentrations did not differ between treatments at week 24 of age (p > 0.05). Hens from CP pens had the lowest TRACP-5b and CTX-I concentrations at 36 weeks of age with EP and LP hens showing intermediate responses and NP hens having the highest concentration (p < 0.05). At 40 weeks of age, CP hens had the lowest TRACP-5b and CTX-I concentrations compared to NP hens (p < 0.05). Total bone CSA did not differ between treatments (p > 0.05), but CP had greater total BMD than NP (p < 0.05) with no differences between EP and LP treatments. CP and LP hens had larger biceps brachii, pectoralis major, and leg muscle groups as well as greater tibial breaking strengths than EP and NP treatments (p < 0.05). CP hens had higher tibial ash percentages compared to EP, LP, and NP (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that providing continuous perch access improves the musculoskeletal health and activity of laying hens at 40 weeks of age compared to no access and that late access to perches has a beneficial impact on activity, muscle deposition, and bone strength.

Prospective Teachers' Knowledge of Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents.

Over the past few years, organizations around the world have tried to reach different populations with recommendations about physical activity (PA), due to this subject playing an important role in the phases of intention development and in preparation for it. Thus, the knowledge of future educators in the fields of health and PA is of vital importance when improving the levels of the latter in students. The objective of this research is to determine what knowledge future teachers have about health and PA, examining possible disparities according to the gender, age, and level of physical exercise of the participants. In addition, the psychometric properties of the instrument used were explored. A total of 321 Colombian university students from the Faculty of Education between the ages of sixteen and thirty-five participated in this study, providing sociodemographic information by filling out the CUAFYS-A questionnaire. Significant differences were found in the scale items according to sex and self-perception of being physically active. Also, the findings revealed a single-factor structure with nine items that had satisfactory reliability (α = 0.71; CR = 0.72) and excellent goodness-of-fit indices (RMSEA = 0.055 (90% CI (0.3, 0.8), RMSR = 0.02, CFI = 0.935, NNFI = 0.912, CMIN/DF = 1.97). Therefore, strategies and campaigns to promote PA knowledge in prospective teachers should be tailored according to gender and PA levels. Similarly, the CUAFYS-A questionnaire can be considered a valid and reliable instrument to identify the PA knowledge of future educators.

Participation in club sport in childhood is associated with mental health in preterm and term born adolescents.

Preterm born individuals have an increased risk for mental health problems. Participation in club sport is associated with better mental health but the causal direction is unclear. It is not known whether this association could also be found in preterm children. Data from term born (N = 10,368), late preterm (N = 630), and very to moderately preterm born (N = 243) children from the Millennium Cohort Study at the ages of 3, 5, 7, 11, and 14 years were used. Longitudinal associations between the parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) and club sport participation (days per week) were analysed using multigroup structural equation modelling, adjusting for gender, maternal depression, parental education; motor problems and attrition were controlled for. Multi-group structural equation modelling showed that children with more peer relationship problems, emotional symptoms, conduct problems or hyperactivity-inattention were less likely to participate in club sport at subsequent assessment time points. More days with club sport participation was associated with lower levels of emotional symptoms and peer relationship problems but not conduct problems or hyperactivity-inattention at subsequent ages. Results were similar in all gestational age groups. Club sport participation predicts lower levels of peer relationship and emotional problems in subsequent waves while it is also predicted by lower levels of emotional problems, peer relationship problems, conduct problems and hyperactivity-inattention in preceding waves. Since no differences in the relationship between SDQ subscales and club sport participation were seen with regard to gestational age groups, club sport should be encouraged in all children.

A practical treatment of sensitivity analyses in activity level evaluations.

Evaluations of forensic observations considering activity level propositions are becoming more common place in forensic institutions. A measure that can be taken to interrogate the evaluation for robustness is called sensitivity analysis. A sensitivity analysis explores the sensitivity of the evaluation to the data used when assigning probabilities, or to the level of uncertainty surrounding a probability assignment, or to the choice of various assumptions within the model. There have been a number of publications that describe sensitivity analysis in technical terms, and demonstrate their use, but limited literature on how that theory can be applied in practice. In this work we provide some simplified examples of how sensitivity analyses can be carried out, when they are likely to show that the evaluation is sensitive to underlying data, knowledge or assumptions, how to interpret the results of sensitivity analysis, and how the outcome can be reported. We also provide access to an application to conduct sensitivity analysis.

Altered central pain processing in patients with degenerative lumbar diseases and its association with low physical activity levels after lumbar spinal surgeries: a retrospective cohort analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the occurrence of altered central pain modulation in patients with degenerative lumbar diseases (DLDs) and to analyze its association with physical activity (PA) 3 years after lumbar decompression and fusion. METHODS: Preoperative assessments of pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), temporal summation (TS), conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and pain were, respectively, recorded in 304 patients. These patients further underwent International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and both pain-related and psychological assessments 3 years post-operation. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the patients had lower PPTs in both local pain and pain-free areas and lower CPM and higher TS in pain-free areas than healthy subjects (P < 0.05). Postoperatively, 53.9% (164/304) patients showed PA below healthy-related thresholds (< 600 MET min/w). Low PA group showed a greater postoperative weight gain and bone loss and a higher postoperative prevalence of both moderate anxiety and marginal depression than high PA group (P < 0.05). All covariates with differences between the high and low PA groups were subjected to multivariate logistic regression, and long preoperative disease duration, low preoperative PPT in pain-free area, high preoperative TS, revision surgery, severe postoperative low back pain and significant postoperative pain catastrophizing thought were independently associated with low postoperative PA (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the existence of central sensitization (CS) caused by abnormal central pain modulation in DLDs. Pre-existing CS in these patients may be associated with low PA after lumbar surgeries, and this low-activity lifestyle may predispose patients to multiple adverse health outcomes. Preoperative dynamic quantitative sensory testing may provide information for the identification of at-risk patients.

Effects of ankle-foot orthoses on step activities in the community: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) on step-based physical activities in individuals with neurological, orthopaedic, or cardiovascular disorders. METHODS: Electronic searches of databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, and EBSCO were conducted. Two evaluators independently searched with keywords focusing on step-based physical activities, and either articulated or non-articulated AFO. Study quality was assessed using a modified Downs and Black quality scale. RESULTS: Eleven studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected, including four being classified as good, four as fair, and three as poor in quality. The majority of these trials found no significant effects of AFO on step activities. Only a few studies reported improvements in step counts and active times in step activity with a limited to moderate level of evidence. Subjective evaluations such as user satisfaction, and physical functionality during step activity, on the other hand, showed substantial changes with the use of AFO interventions, although there was no evidence of improvement in the quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Although the AFO did not seem to have a substantial effect on step activity, it appeared to play a vital role in improving the patient satisfaction level of step activity.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONAnkle-foot orthoses (AFO) may not significantly affect the step activity of individuals with impaired ankle-foot complex.AFO may enhance patient-reported satisfaction, physical functioning, participation, and fatigue level during step activity.The patient's perception that the AFO is beneficial is in contrast to objective data showing no significant increase in real-world activity.

Differences in the range of thermoneutral zone between mouse strains: potential effects on translational research.

Laboratory mice are commonly used for studies emulating human metabolism. To render human energetics, their ratio of daily (DEE) to basal (BMR) energy expenditure of 1.7-1.8 should be maintained. However, the DEE/BMR ratio strongly depends on whether a given study using a mouse model is carried out above, or below the lower critical temperature (LCT) of the thermoneutral zone, which is rarely considered in translational research. Here, we used mice artificially selected for high or low rates of BMR along with literature data to analyze the effect of ambient temperature on possible systematic bias in DEE/BMR. We demonstrated that the estimated LCTs of mice from the high and low BMR lines differ by more than 7°C. Furthermore, the range of variation of LCTs of mouse strains used in translational research spans from 23 to 33°C. Differences between LCTs in our selected mice and other mouse strains are mirrored by differences in their DEE-to-BMR ratio, on average increasing it at the rate of 0.172°C-1 at temperatures below LCT. Given the wide range of LCTs in different mouse strains, we conclude that the energetic cost of thermoregulation may differ greatly for different mouse strains with a potentially large impact on translational outcomes. Thus, the LCT of a given mouse strain is an important factor that must be considered in designing translational studies.

Mixture detection with Demixtify.

The de facto genetic markers of forensics are short tandem repeats (STRs). There are many analytical tools designed to work with STRs, including techniques for analyzing and assessing DNA mixtures. In contrast, the nascent field of forensic genetic genealogy often relies on biallelic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Tools designed for the forensic assessment of SNPs are somewhat lacking, especially for DNA mixtures. In this paper we introduce Demixtify, a program that detects DNA mixtures using biallelic SNPs. Demixtify is quite powerful; highly imbalanced mixtures can be detected (≤1:99, considering in silico and in vitro mixtures) when coverage is ample. Demixtify can also detect mixtures in low coverage (∼1×) samples (when the mixture is relatively balanced). Demixtify includes an empirical estimator of sequence error that is specific to the markers assayed, making it especially relevant to the forensic community. Orthogonal techniques are also developed to characterize in vitro mixtures, as well as samples thought to be single source, and the results of these approaches serve to validate the techniques presented.

Cross-sectional associations between sedentary time with cognitive engagement and brain volume among community-dwelling vulnerable older adults.

AIMS: Vulnerable older adults tend to decrease physical activity (PA) and increase sedentary time (ST). Previous research on the associations between ST and brain volume have yielded inconsistent findings, without considering the impact of cognitive engagement (CE) on cognitive function. We aimed to examine the association between ST with CE and brain volume. METHODS: A structural magnetic resonance imaging survey was conducted among community-dwelling vulnerable older adults. Brain volumetric measurements were obtained using 3T magnetic resonance imaging and pre-processed using FreeSurfer. ST with low or high CE was assessed using a 12-item questionnaire. PA was assessed by the frequency of light and moderate levels of physical exercise according to the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria. Participants were categorized into a low PA group and a moderate-to-high PA group. RESULTS: Among 91 participants (83.1 ± 5.2 years old, 61.5% female), 26 were low PA. The overall sample and moderate-to-high PA group did not show significant positive associations with brain volume for ST with high CE. In the low PA group, isotemporal substitution models showed that replacing ST with low CE by ST with high CE was significantly associated with increased brain volume in some areas, including the rostral and caudal anterior cingulate (ß = 0.486-0.618, all P < 0.05, adjusted R2 = 0.344-0.663). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that replacing ST with low CE by ST with high CE is positively associated with brain volume in vulnerable older adults with low PA. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 82-89.

Fibres in the nasal cavity: A pilot study of the recovery, background, and transfer in smothering scenarios.

In cases where the suspected cause of death is smothering, fibre traces recovered from the nasal cavity are hypothesised to refute or support this proposition. In order to carry out such evaluations, an efficient recovery method must first be established. This pilot study tested five different recovery methods on 3D printed models of nasal cavities. Among which, the use of the transparent AccuTrans® polyvinyl Siloxane casts demonstrated the best recovery efficiency with a median of 90% of deposited fibres recovered. The efficacy of this method was then verified on cadavers. Apart from a reliable recovery method, an understanding of the background population of fibres in nasal cavities, as well as the mechanisms of the transfer from the purported smothering textile to the nasal cavity is essential to evaluate the findings in these cases of suspected smothering. Samplings of the nasal cavities of 20 cadavers were thus carried out to gather data on the background population of fibres. Results showed that nasal cavities are not void of fibres, but the quantities are expected to be low, with a mean of 3.8 fibres per cavity recovered. Information on generic fibre class, colour, and length of these background fibres were also obtained with the use of low and high-power microscopy. The frequencies found in this population of fibres closely align with data from other population studies where black cotton was the most common. Finally, transfer experiments using the 3D printed models fitted with a respiratory pump to simulate breathing were carried out, along with testing on live volunteers in-vivo. The results demonstrated a verifiable transfer of fibres into the nasal cavity in smothering scenarios. Textiles of various shedding capacities were used in these tests and the findings suggest an influence of this variable on the quantities of fibres transferred.

A Comparative Study of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Versus Conservative Treatment.

Background The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a common injury with an incidence of 68.6 in 100,000 patients per year. Despite extensive research on ACL rupture, there are insufficient high-quality studies to determine clear treatment strategies for adults lacking the ACL. This study aims to examine the functional differences between surgical and conservative treatment based on the quality of the surgical process. Methodology In this prospective, comparative study, a total of 136 patients aged between 18 and 35 years were enrolled per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Using the lottery system, patients were divided into the following two groups: group A (n = 71) and group B (n = 65). Group A was treated with arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation, whereas group B was treated conservatively (rehabilitation). Patient data, including age, sex, body mass index, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Tegner Activity Level (TAL) score, and complications were recorded and compared. Results The demographic data were comparable, where males had dominancy in both groups. The mean IKDC and KOOS scores were higher in group A at all follow-ups compared to group B. The scores gradually increased at every follow-up till six months. At the final follow-up, the IKDC and KOOS scores were higher in group A than in group B, and a significant difference was observed among both groups. The TAL score also gradually increased at every follow-up till 6 months. At the final follow-up, the TAL score was higher in group A than in group B, with a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.0032). Complications in both groups were comparable. Conclusions This study showed that both the conservatively treated group and the rebuilt group had identical outcomes, with the exception of the conservative group having greater objectively quantifiable instability. However, at the final follow-up, patients reported feeling just as satisfied with their knee without surgery, demonstrating no subjective difference in activity levels or functional outcomes. Therefore, non-athletes with an ACL-insufficient knee should still choose conservative treatment.