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The concept of contacts zones, as developed in Ulf 2009, employs differentiating factors to embed the actors involved in the transfers of goods and ideas in their cultural and socio-political environments. Power exerted between people who transfer goods and ideas and those who receive them, is decisive for how receptivity is shaped by their recipients. To discover where power is situated in the complex processes of intercultural interactions, this paper leads attention to the societal characteristics that have an impact on the cultural actors. Referring to the change from the Greek enoikismoi within the scattered settlements of the local population(s) in the hinterland between the Gulf of Taranto and Brindisi to the emergence of recognizable Greek settlements along the coastline from the 8th to the 7th century BC, the example of the feast is chosen to highlight the accompanying change of the scale of power and its exertion. In the terminology of contact zones, a dense contact zone lacking a dominant partner turns into a Middle Ground. From the definition of the various contact zones derives, that the receptivity changed from free adaptation of so far unknown cultural elements to their own intentions and needs to conscious and intentional misunderstandings of the other's cultural forms and behaviour to gain advantage over the exchange partner. Thus power is a growing factor in their relationship and becomes the more important when the Middle Ground is replaced by a dense zone of contact where one partner is able to dominate. Thereby, it becomes clear that the relationships in cultural transfers are not tied up with ethnic conditions or cultural superiority and inferiority, but determined by the type of contact zones which in turn are characterized by the tools of power involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naturgesetze spielen eine zentrale Rolle in der Wissenschaftstheorie. Traditionell fokussierten Wissenschaftstheoretiker auf (Fundamental-)Gesetze der Physik, die man als zumindest wahre, universell gültige und kontrafaktische Konditionale stützende Aussagen ansah. Wiewohl diese Behauptung über Gesetze für den Bereich der Physik wohl zutreffen mag, scheinen doch die Gesetze in den Spezialwissenschaften andere Charakteristika aufzuweisen. Von ihnen wird behauptet, sie hátten Ausnahmen, seien also Ceteris-Paribus-Gesetze. Den Ausführungen von Peter Lipton in seinem Artikel " All Else Being Equal folgend wird eine zweiteilige Forschungsfrage erörtert: Existieren genuine Ceteris-Paribus-Gesetze und, wenn ja, was ist darunter genau zu verstehen? Der Beitrag dieser Arbeit liegt insofern in einer kritischen Würdigung von Liptons Vorschlag als auch in seiner anschlieenden Einordnung begründet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical and interfacial properties of metal films on polymer substrates under combined loading directly affect the function and service life of a variety of devices. However, the temperature effects on the failure mechanisms of brittle films are still unclear. Titanium films with three different thicknesses (100, 250 and 400 nm) were deposited on polymethylmethacrylate substrates; in-situ mechanical–thermal tests were performed on these films under an optical microscope. Experimental results demonstrate that axial compression can result in buckle-delamination of thin films, while an elevated temperature can induce the formation of transverse cracks combined with further interface delamination. Moreover, it was found that the mechanical–thermal responses of the thin films are related to the film thickness, and higher buckle/crack densities can be observed in thinner films. To explore the mechanism of crack initiation, strain analyses were conducted, which reveal that the tensile strain of the polymer substrate in the non-loading direction increases under the combined mechanical–thermal loads. Tensile stresses are transferred to the film from the substrate through the film–substrate interface, contributing to the formation of transverse cracks. In addition, finite element modelling was further carried out to develop a deeper understanding of the stress transfer and crack evolution mechanisms in thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intellectual disability is a complex multi‐faceted condition with diverse underlying etiologies. One rare form of intellectual disability is secondary to the loss of TRAPPC9, an activator of NF‐κB and a mediator of intracellular protein processing and trafficking. TRAPPC9 deficiency has been described in 48 patients with more than 15 pathologic variants. Method: Clinical evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging, and whole‐exome sequencing were used to characterize the underlying cause of absent speech, restricted/repetitive behaviors, and worsening behavioral outbursts in 27‐year‐old man from Malta. Results: Magnetic Resonance Imaging showed morphologic abnormalities, including global cerebral and cerebellar hypoplasia. Genetic analysis through Whole Exome Sequencing identified a homozygous deletion (c.568_574del) in TRAPPC9 resulting in a frameshift, premature stop codon, and ultimately a truncated protein (p.Trp190Argfs*95). In this case, the pathogenic variant was homozygous, identified in both of the parents without known consanguinity. Conclusion: Given the phenotype and genotype consistent with a deficiency in TRAPPC9, it is likely that this patient represents a novel case of this rare genetic syndrome. Specifically, this case, in the context of 48 total reported patients, raises questions as to the geographic origin of the pathologic variant and optimal detection and therapeutic intervention for this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The as-synthesized (TBA)8H5[Nd(SiW11O39)2] manifested high catalytic activity for cyanosilylation of ketones, and its catalytic activity could be improved further through rational design of the reaction micro-environment beyond the molecular level, and the corresponding mechanism has been systematically studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary goal of this investigation was to examine the physiological responses of blood flow restriction (BFR) resistance exercise (RE) performed with continuous or intermittent BFR and to compare these results to those from conventional high- and low-load RE without BFR. Fourteen men randomly completed the following experimental trials: (1) low-load RE with continuous BFR (cBFR), (2) low-load RE with intermittent BFR (iBFR), (3) low-load RE without BFR (LI), and (4) conventional high-load RE without BFR (HI). For the cBFR, iBFR, and LI exercise trials, participants performed four sets of 30–15–15–15 repetitions of the bilateral leg press (LP) and knee extension (KE) exercises, at an intensity of 20% of their one-repetition maximum (1-RM), at a 1.5-s contraction speed, and with a 1-min rest period between sets. The only difference between the cBFR and iBFR protocols was that the pressure of the cuffs was released during the rest intervals between sets for the iBFR trial. For the HI trial, participants completed four sets of 10 repetitions of the same exercises, at 70% of 1-RM, with a 1-min rest period between sets, and at the same contraction speed. Muscle activity was assessed during each set using superficial electromyography, as well as changes in blood lactate concentration [La–] from baseline at 5 min post exercise and in muscle swelling and plasma volume (%ΔPV) at 5 and 15 min post exercise. There were no significant differences in muscle activity (p < 0.05) across the cBFR, iBFR, and LI protocols at any time point, whereas they were all significantly lower than HI. There were also no significant (p < 0.05) differences across the three low-load RE conditions for [La–],%ΔPV, or muscle swelling. HI elicited significantly (p < 0.05) greater responses than cBFR, iBFR, and LI for all the physiological markers measured. In conclusion, RE combined with cBFR or iBFR induce the same acute physiological responses. However, the largest physiological responses are observed with HI, probably because of the significantly greater exercise volumes. Therefore, releasing the pressure of the restrictive cuffs during the rest periods between sets will not hinder the acute physiological responses from BFR RE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium (Ca2+)-permeable AMPA receptors may, in certain circumstances, contribute to normal synaptic plasticity or to neurodegeneration. AMPA receptors are Ca2+-permeable if they lack the GluA2 subunit or if GluA2 is unedited at a single nucleic acid, known as the Q/R site. In this study, we examined mice engineered with a point mutation in the intronic editing complementary sequence (ECS) of the GluA2 gene, Gria2. Mice heterozygous for the ECS mutation (named GluA2+/ECS(G)) had a ~ 20% reduction in GluA2 RNA editing at the Q/R site. We conducted an initial phenotypic analysis of these mice, finding altered current-voltage relations (confirming expression of Ca2+- permeable AMPA receptors at the synapse). Anatomically, we observed a loss of hippocampal CA1 neurons, altered dendritic morphology and reductions in CA1 pyramidal cell spine density. Behaviourally, GluA2+/ECS(G) mice exhibited reduced motor coordination, and learning and memory impairments. Notably, the mice also exhibited both NMDA receptor-independent long-term potentiation (LTP) and vulnerability to NMDA receptor-independent seizures. These NMDA receptor-independent seizures were rescued by the Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptor antagonist IEM-1460. In summary, unedited GluA2(Q) may have the potential to drive NMDA receptor-independent processes in brain function and disease. Our study provides an initial characterisation of a new mouse model for studying the role of unedited GluA2(Q) in synaptic and dendritic spine plasticity in disorders where unedited GluA2(Q), synapse loss, neurodegeneration, behavioural impairments and/or seizures are observed, such as ischemia, seizures and epilepsy, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, astrocytoma, cocaine seeking behaviour and Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millions of people are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) every year, as a result of various health conditions and diseases. The poor nutritional status considered communal among the dialysis patients and lead to opposed consequences, patients who have diabetes or hypertension often go without diagnosis by kidney disease due to poor medical follow-up. This study aims to assessing the socio-demographic data and the nutritional status for patients with hypertensive who undergone hemodialysis, in which an approach of assessment was applied to achieve the mentioned objectives. A descriptive (cross- sectional) design study was conducted during November 15th, 2018 to May 9th, 2019. A purposive (non-probability) sample of 100 patients with hypertension were selected. Data were collected through the use of the questionnaire format by recording the data from patients' charts and dialysis machine. Data were analyzed through the application of descriptive and inferential statistical approaches by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0. The most patients were old age (≥62 years); they're evenly distributed for male and female. The highest percentages of the study sample have loweducational attainment; almost patients have normal body mass index, and the highest percentage of them have stage 2 hypertension. The major percentage of patients have anemia, an elevated level of serum phosphors, blood urea and serum creatinine, respectively. Finally, the study resultsrevealed the patients weren't smoking and they weren't having DM. Based on this, Establishing of nutritional health style for patients with hypertension on hemodialysis and activate the dieticians' role in hemodialysis units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives of Review: Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is a state of disordered catabolism resulting from metabolic and nutritional derangements in chronic disease states. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in particular, have muscle wasting, sarcopenia, and cachexia that contribute to frailty and morbidity. Moreover, reverse epidemiology findings have strongly linked PEW with mortality in CKD and ESRD. Updated Findings: The malnutrition-inflammation score (KALANTAR Score) provides a useful tool to predict nutritional risk. A stronger focus on renal nutrition in renal patients is needed to attenuate cachexia and muscle loss. Malnutrition is a far greater threat in patients with renal disease than obesity, which means dietary counseling needs to be tailored to reflect this observation. The need to achieve optimal caloric intake is compounded by the need to limit excess protein intake in CKD, resulting in the need for energy supplementation to avoid PEW. Preventing PEW is the most pressing clinical concern in CKD/ESRD. Other nutritional issues to reckon in renal disease include the need to normalize serum bicarbonate to manage acidosis, uric acid control, and phosphorous control in CKD and ESRD. Exercise maybe beneficial, but further work is needed to prove a conclusive benefit via a randomized trial. Summary: PEW prevention is an integral part of renal nutrition and is of paramount importance given the obesity paradox. Integrative approaches by physicians and dieticians are needed to take a holistic view of a patient's diet beyond just control of particular laboratory parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcription factor RelB is a member of the nuclear factror-kappa B (NF-κB) family, which plays a crucial role in mediating immune responses. Plenty of studies have demonstrated that RelB actively contributes to lymphoid organ development, dendritic cells maturation and function and T cells differentiation, as well as B cell development and survival. RelB deficiency may cause a variety of immunological disorders in both mice and humans. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system which involves a board of immune cell populations. Thereby, RelB may exert an impact on MS by modulating the functions of dendritic cells and the differentiation of T cells and B cells. Despite intensive research, the role of RelB in MS and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, is still unclear. Herein, we give an overview of the biological characters of RelB, summarize the updated knowledge regarding the role of RelB in different cell types that contribute to MS pathogenesis and discuss the potential RelB-targeted therapeutic implications for MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical exercise performed regularly is known to improve health and to reduce the risk of age-related diseases. Furthermore, there is some evidence of cognitive improvement in physically active middle-aged and older adults. We hypothesized that long-term physically active middle-aged men may have developed brain resilience that can be detected with the analysis of peripheral blood markers. We aimed to analyze the activation of pathways potentially modulated by physical activity in a cohort of healthy amateur rugby players (n = 24) and control subjects with low physical activity (n = 25) aged 45–65 years. We had previously reported neuropsychological improvement in immediate memory responses in the player group compared to the controls. Here, we tested the expression of selected genes of longevity, inflammation, redox homeostasis, and trophic signaling in whole blood mRNA. Analyses were also performed on blood samples of young (aged 15–25 years) control subjects with low physical activity (n = 21). Physical activity and other lifestyle factors were thoroughly recorded with standardized questionnaires. Interestingly, middle-aged control subjects showed lower levels of expression of SIRT1, SIRT3, CAT, and SOD1 than the young controls, although rugby players maintained the expression levels of these genes at a young-like level. Middle-aged players showed lower levels of IL1B than the non-physically active groups. However, there was a tendency towards a decrease in trophic and transduction factors in middle-aged groups as compared to the young controls. A statistical study of Spearman's correlations supported a positive effect of sporting activity on memory and executive functions, and on peripheral gene expression of SIRT1, SIRT3 and downstream genes, in the middle-aged rugby players. Our results indicate that the SIRT1-SIRT3 axis, and associated neuroprotective signaling, may contribute to the anti-aging resilience of the brain mediated by physical exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Falls are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. Identifying potential risk factors would provide a considerable public health benefit. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the risk factors for falling among Iranian older adults. Two hundred eighty community-dwelling elders, with and without a history of falls, participated in the study. Elders aged 60 or over referred to retirement centres completed a multi-section questionnaire on demographic information, behavioural, environmental, and medical factors of fall from May to September 2018. Data analysis was performed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression using the Stata version 14 software. Sedentary activity level (OR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.85, 3.23), hearing loss (OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.23, 3.83), vertigo or dizziness (OR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.02, 4.91) and visual impairment (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.67) were important predictors of falls. No significant associations were observed between falls with demographic factors and medication. This study indicates several modifiable risk factors may be associated with falls that affect the health of older adults. Appropriate interventions are necessary to reduce modifiable risk factors of falls of high-risk elders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The warm plasma cloak is a source of magnetospheric plasma that contain significant O+. When the O+ density in the magnetosphere near the magnetopause is >0.2 cm‐3 and the H+ density is <1.5 cm‐3, then O+ dominates the magnetospheric ion mass density by more than a factor of 2. A survey is conducted of such O+‐rich warm plasma cloak intervals and their effect on reconnection at the Earth's magnetopause. The survey uses data from the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission (MMS) and the results are compared and combined with a previous survey of the warm plasma cloak. Overall, the warm plasma cloak and the O+‐rich warm plasma cloak reduce the magnetopause reconnection rate by >20% due to mass‐loading only about 2% to 4% of the time. However, during geomagnetic storms, O+ dominates the mass density of the warm plasma cloak and these mass densities are very high. Therefore, a separate study is conducted to determine the effect of the warm plasma cloak on magnetopause reconnection during geomagnetically disturbed times. This study shows that the warm plasma cloak reduces the reconnection rate significantly about 25% of the time during disturbed conditions. Key Points: The magnetospheric warm plasma cloak is O+‐rich during geomagnetically active timesThe warm plasma cloak reduces the magnetic reconnection rate at the magnetopause ~2‐4% of the timeDuring geomagnetic storms, the O+‐rich warm plasma cloak reduces the reconnection rate by >20% sometime during 25% of the storms [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have indicated that an active lifestyle is associated with better brain health and a longer life, compared to a more sedentary lifestyle. These studies, both on human and animal subjects, have typically focused on a single activity, usually physical exercise, but other activities have received an increasing interest. One proposed mechanism is that physical exercise increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain. For the first time, the long-term effects on serum BDNF levels were compared in persons who engaged in either physical exercise training, cognitive training, or mindfulness practice during 5 weeks, and compared with an active control group. Two cohorts of healthy older individuals, one from the Boston area in the US and one from the Växjö area in Sweden, participated. A total of 146 participants were randomly assigned to one of the four groups. All interventions were structurally similar, using interactive, computer-based software that directed participants to carry out specified activities for 35 minutes/day, 5 days per week for 5 weeks. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and soon after the completion of the 5-week long intervention program, and serum BDNF levels were measured using a commercially available ELISA. Only the group that underwent cognitive training increased their serum BDNF levels after 5 weeks of training (F1,74 = 4.22, p = 0.044, partial η2 = 0.054), corresponding to an average 10% increase. These results strongly suggest that cognitive training can exert beneficial effects on brain health in an older adult population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistance training with blood flow restriction is typically performed during single exercises for the lower- or upper-body, which may not replicate real world programming. The present study examined the change in muscle strength and mass in a young healthy population during an 8-week whole body resistance training program, as well as monitoring these adaptations following a 4-week detraining period. Thirty-nine participants (27 males, 12 females) were allocated into four groups: blood flow restriction training (BFR-T); moderate-heavy load training (HL-T), light-load training (LL-T) or a non-exercise control (CON). Testing measurements were taken at Baseline, during mid-point of training (week 4), end of training (week 8) and following four weeks of detraining (week 12) and included anthropometrics, body composition, muscle thickness (MTH) at seven sites, and maximal dynamic strength (1RM) for six resistance exercises. Whole body resistance training with BFR significantly improved lower- and upper-body strength (overall; 11% increase in total tonnage), however, this was similar to LL-T (12%), but both groups were lower in comparison with HL-T (21%) and all groups greater than CON. Some markers of body composition (e.g., lean mass) and MTH significantly increased over the course of the 8-week training period, but these were similar across all groups. Following detraining, whole body strength remained significantly elevated for both BFR-T (6%) and HL-T (14%), but only the HL-T group remained higher than all other groups. Overall, whole body resistance training with blood flow restriction was shown to be an effective training mode to increase muscular strength and mass. However, traditional moderate-heavy load resistance training resulted in greater adaptations in muscle strength and mass as well as higher levels of strength maintenance following detraining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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There is ample evidence that maintenance of basic physical fitness through exercise training is crucial for patients with chronic renal insufficiency. Rehabilitation based on neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of thigh muscles has been shown to have many beneficial effects in patients with chronic diseases. It is likely that NMES could have beneficial effects also in patients on chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). NMES was applied for 20 weeks to 14 patients on CAPD, mean age 61.9 (8.7) years, using battery‐powered stimulators (CEFAR‐REHAB X2; Sweden) and self‐adhesive electrodes 80 × 130 mm (PALS Platinum; Denmark). Stimulation characteristics: biphasic current, pulse width 400 μs, 8 seconds contraction‐12 seconds relaxation, frequency modulation 40‐60 Hz, and maximal intensity 60 mA. NMES was home‐based and applied simultaneously to quadriceps muscles of both legs (2 × 30 min/day). Functional performance, muscle power (Fmax), arterial stiffness (assessed by cardio‐ankle vascular index‐CAVI), and quality of life by KDQOL‐SF evaluation was done at baseline and at the end of program. Home NMES improved significantly the main functional parameters: VO2peak/kg increased by +2.2 (1.6) mL O2/kg/min (P < 0.002), peak workload by +0.1 (0.1) W/kg (P < 0.005), and distance walked in 6 MWT by +44.7 (58.4) m (P < 0.008). Only insignificant changes were observed in CAVI and Fmax. KDQOL‐SF analysis showed significant improvement in seven parameters of QoL (P < 0.012‐0.049). This pilot study is the first clinical report dealing with the use of NMES in patients on CAPD. The results demonstrate that an improvement of exercise capacity and QoL can be achieved by home‐based NMES in CAPD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the interplanetary magnetic field is northward for a period of time, O+ from the high‐latitude ionosphere escapes along reconnected magnetic field lines into the dayside magnetopause boundary layer. Dual‐lobe reconnection closes these field lines, which traps O+ and mass loads the boundary layer. This O+ is an additional source of magnetospheric plasma that interacts with magnetosheath plasma through magnetic reconnection. This mass loading and interaction is illustrated through analysis of a magnetopause crossing by the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft. While in the O+‐rich boundary layer, the interplanetary magnetic field turns southward. As the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft cross the high‐shear magnetopause, reconnection signatures are observed. While the reconnection rate is likely reduced by the mass loading, reconnection is not suppressed at the magnetopause. The high‐latitude dayside ionosphere is therefore a source of magnetospheric ions that contributes often to transient reduction in the reconnection rate at the dayside magnetopause. Key Points: During sustained periods of northward IMF, O+ from the dayside high‐latitude ionosphere mass loads the boundary layer adjacent to the magnetopauseFor the example shown, this mass loading is substantial and does have an effect on reconnection at the magnetopause when the IMF turns southwardThis mass loading causes a transient reduction in the reconnection rate but does not suppress reconnection at the magnetopause [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue sensitivity to glucocorticoids is a key factor dictating outcome of their homeostatic and therapeutic action, whereby liver represents one of the major peripheral targets. Here, we used pigs carrying a natural gain-of-function glucocorticoid receptor (GR) variant Ala610Val (GRAla610Val) as a model to identify genes and pathways related to differential glucocorticoid sensitivity. Animals with different GRAla610Val genotypes were treated either with saline or two different doses of dexamethasone. Genome-wide transcriptional responses depending on treatment, genotype, and their interaction in the liver were investigated using mRNA sequencing. Dexamethasone induced vast transcriptional responses, with more than 30% of present genes being affected. Functional annotation of genes differentially expressed due to dexamethasone treatment suggested that genes related to inflammation respond more sensitively, despite absence of an immune stimulus. In contrast, genes involved in glucose metabolism and cancer appeared to be less sensitive. Analysis of genotype and genotype × treatment interaction revealed that clustered protocadherins, particularly PCDHB7 , are most prominently affected by GRAla610Val, mainly depending on dose. GRAla610Val influenced also expression of a set of glucose metabolism related genes, including PPARGC1A and CEBPB , in the absence of dexamethasone though no differences in basal plasma glucose level were observed. This might represent an adaptive response, keeping balance between receptor sensitivity, and level of circulating endogenous glucocorticoids. Administration of low dexamethasone dose changed their expression pattern and induced higher glucose response in carriers of the hypersensitive Val receptor. Our findings suggest that GRAla610Val modulates tissue responses to glucocorticoids dynamically, depending on their circulating level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) is a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor with key functions in a wide array of biological systems. While the role of NF-κB in processes, such as host immunity and oncogenesis has been more clearly defined, an understanding of the basic functions of NF-κB in the nervous system has lagged behind. The vast cell-type heterogeneity within the central nervous system (CNS) and the interplay between cell-type specific roles of NF-κB contributes to the complexity of understanding NF-κB functions in the brain. In this review, we will focus on the emerging understanding of cell-autonomous regulation of NF-κB signaling as well as the non-cell-autonomous functional impacts of NF-κB activation in the mammalian nervous system. We will focus on recent work which is unlocking the pleiotropic roles of NF-κB in neurons and glial cells (including astrocytes and microglia). Normal physiology as well as disorders of the CNS in which NF-κB signaling has been implicated will be discussed with reference to the lens of cell-type specific responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate is rich in tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and several other types of antioxidant compounds whose role in weight loss has been shown in previous studies. However, the results have been mixed regarding the effects of pomegranate consumption on weight loss. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched up to May 2018 for controlled clinical trials assessing the effect of pomegranate consumption on weight loss. A random effects model was used to calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) as the difference between the mean for the intervention and control groups. Thirteen randomized controlled trials (including 513 participants) were included in the present meta-analysis. Compared with the control groups, there was no significant reduction in bodyweight, body mass index, waist circumference, and body fat percentage after pomegranate consumption (WMD = -0.23 kg, 95% CI: -0.94, 0.47, P = 0.515; WMD = -0.12 kg/m2 , 95% CI: -0.29, 0.03, P = 0.132; WMD = -0.08 cm, 95% CI: -0.33, 0.17, P = 0.534; WMD = -0.05, 95% CI: -1.66, 1.55, P = 0.947, respectively). According to the results of the present systematic review and meta-analysis, there was no significant effect of pomegranate consumption on weight and body composition indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current investigation examined whether Parkinson's patients (PD) have greater Fourier-based footfall placement gait with the greatest mobility dysfunction variability (FPV) than the age and gender matched control group and that variability would be the greatest in the PD participants with the greatest mobility dysfunction indexed Hoehn/Yahr scale. 35 persons undergoing PD and 30 age-matched controls participated in this investigation. Participants repeated two trials' normal walking and average and variability parameters of gait were measured using a 3.66 m electronic walkway. FPV was quantified as a change in the center of pressure during gait. Persons with PD were divided into two groups based on Hoehn/Yahr scale. Overall, persons with PD had smaller average performance indexed by mean and greater gait variability than controls as indexed by CV and Fourier-based variability (p's<0.05). Moreover, PD with higher mobility dysfunction had not only greater variability in traditional parameters but also greater Fourier-based variability than nonfallers with MS (p<.001) with higher effect size (η2=0.37 vs.0.18-0.29). These observations highlight the fact that footfall placement variability is related to mobility dysfunction in PD. Further study is necessary to determine contributing factors to an increased FPV and whether targeted interventions such as exercise can reduce FPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metabolic stress induced by blood flow restriction (BFR) during resistance training (RT) might maximize muscle growth. However, it is currently unknown whether metabolic stress are associated with muscle hypertrophy after RT protocols with high- or low load. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare the effect of high load RT (HL-RT), high load BFR (HL-BFR), and low load BFR (LL-BFR) on deoxyhemoglobin concentration [HHb] (proxy marker of metabolic stress), muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), activation, strength, architecture and edema before (T1), after 5 (T2), and 10 weeks (T3) of training with these protocols. Additionally, we analyzed the occurrence of association between muscle deoxygenation and muscle hypertrophy. Thirty young men were selected and each of participants' legs was allocated to one of the three experimental protocols in a randomized and balanced way according to quartiles of the baseline CSA and leg extension 1-RM values of the dominant leg. The dynamic maximum strength was measured by 1-RM test and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle cross-sectional area CSA echo intensity (CSAecho) and pennation angle (PA) were performed through ultrasound images. The measurement of muscle activation by surface electromyography (EMG) and [HHb] through near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) of VL were performed during the training session with relative load obtained after the 1-RM, before (T1), after 5 (T2), and 10 weeks (T3) training. The training total volume (TTV) was greater for HL-RT and HL-BFR compared to LL-BFR. There was no difference in 1-RM, CSA, CSAecho, CSAecho/CSA, and PA increases between protocols. Regarding the magnitude of the EMG, the HL-RT and HL-BFR groups showed higher values than and LL-BFR. On the other hand, [HHb] was higher for HL-BFR and LL-BFR. In conclusion, our results suggest that the addition of BFR to exercise contributes to neuromuscular adaptations only when RT is performed with low-load. Furthermore, we found a significant association between the changes in [HHb] (i.e., metabolic stress) and increases in muscle CSA from T2 to T3 only for the LL-BFR, when muscle edema was attenuated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Squat is a fundamental motor pattern in everyday activities, e.g. sitting or lifting objects from the ground. One of the reasons for the poor quality of the squat pattern lies in limited mobility. The study assessed the effects of one-off and 4-week squat correction based on the mobility system exercises. The study involved 40 people, divided into a test group (18 women, 2 men, ±24.6 years) and a control group (10 women, 10 men ±23.6 years). All participants have been subjected to three tests twice: a deep squat test - according to the FMS? concept, the Active Straight Leg Raise test and the "four" test. After the test, four corrective exercises were recommended and the study continued. The subjects from the test group performed the recommended exercises for 4 weeks, 3 times a week. The protocol was repeated for both groups after 4 weeks, according to the same methodology. For the ASLR test and the "four" test, a significant improvement was observed both after a single session and after a 4-week correction program. With the improvement of these ranges, the result in the deep squat test also improved. A statistically significant improvement in the result was obtained in 9 out of 40 people (22.5%) after a single measurement. As a result of a 4-week correction, the improvement of the squat occurred only after repeated correction. The use of corrective exercises in the hip joints may translate into an improvement in the squat pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Of all concentrating solar power technologies available today; the solar tower power plant is placed in the foreground and may become the preferred technology. In the present work, an algorithm, which gives us the cosine efficiency distribution of preliminary design of rotating heliostat field of solar tower power plant in the northern hemisphere, is presented. A regular radial staggered configuration is used. The variable radial distance between consecutives rows is computed considering the blocking factor constant for the entire solar field. A comparative performance analysis is developed between the existing PS 10 solar power plant in Spain, and the reconfigured one using the technology of rotating solar field concept. The study includes the cosine efficiency and the tower shadowing effect. The reconfigured model of PS10 is believed to be more promising than of the original one, in case it is adapted to suit the same technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to compare two recent books on archaic religion and sanctuaries, one, Sandrine Agusta- Boularot, Sandrine Huber et William van Andringa (eds), Quand naissent les dieux. Fondation des sanctuaires antiques: Motivations, agents, lieux focussing on the Greek world, and the other, Elisabetta Govi (ed.) La città etrusca e il sacro: santuari e istituzioni politiche, on the Etruscans. The importance of including the Etruscan paradigm in broader surveys of archaic Mediterranean religion, identifying both similarities and differences, is underlined. The current debate on polis religion is surveyed. Ways in which the evidence for Etruscan religious behaviour can be interpreted as a symbolic order, or in the light of notions of lived religion, are discussed. The paper concludes with a discussion of the supposedly distinctive feature of Etruscan religion, the books in which it was inscribed, and suggests new avenues for interpretation and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the toxin-producing microbes, those that produce mycotoxins are especially problematic due to their broad distribution in the environments and in foods. Several species of Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium are sources of potent mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, ochratoxins, patulin, deoxynivalenol, and fumonisins. It is, therefore, vital that mycotoxigenic fungi contaminants in food are rapidly and accurately identified for ensuring the safety of consumers. Most of the current methods are based on PCR using gene-specific or species-specific primers. However, contaminating microbes often compose a complex community and PCR-DGGE may provide a better approach than traditional single-gene and/or single-species based methods. It provides "fingerprints" for each microbial flora and has been widely used to analyze environmental and food-associated microbial communities. This review shows the advantages and disadvantages of different molecular methods for the detection of mycotoxigenic fungi including PCR-DGGE as a potent and applicable method that could overcome the difficulties associated with other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims at giving an overview of the quantitative and qualitative dimension of the female element in the field of Etruscan votive inscriptions. It offers a systematic discussion of dedications set by Etruscan women and attested by inscriptions from the Archaic to the Hellenistic period. The study does not focus primarily on religious aspects, but by taking into account the underlying social context it tries to cast some additional light on the role of women in Etruscan society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is effect of ballistic warm-up on isokinetic strength, balance and some parameters in male elite freestyle wrestlers. Thirteen elite freestyle wrestlers at the age of 20.15±2.11 yrs, with 174.54±7.14 cm height and 81.67±15.36 kg weight participated in the study. Measurements were performed two different warm-up protocols. Running protocol at submaximal level on the treadmill for 10 minutes was applied for every wrestler. Ballistic Warm-up protocol involved 13 different movements for multi-muscle groups lasting for 10 minutes. Flexibility, speed, agility, balance, hand grip and isokinetic leg strength parameters were measured. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was performed to find the difference between the protocols. Consequently, differences were found in flexibility, right hand grip strength, right posteromedial and posterolateral balance, left posteromedial and posterolateral balance, left and right hamstring and quadriceps strength parameters. Ballistic warm-up protocol can be more effective in many parameters, especially strength compared to ordinary warm-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetosphere can be seen as a shield which protects the Earth from the impact of of the solar wind, which is a flux of charged particles originating from the Sun. Nevertheless, some of these particles penetrate the terrestrial atmosphere, and contribute to solar terrestrial events like e.g. auroras or, in extreme cases, disruption of satellite communications. It was recently discovered that the magnetosheath, i.e. the region formed at the interface between the solar wind and the magnetosphere, is the place where turbulent plasma jets are formed. This paper presents initial results of a data survey of such ion plasma jets detected in the magnetosheath in 2008. The study uses data provided by CLUSTER the magnetospheric mission of the European Space Agency (ESA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Arterial hypertension is one of the leading factors aggravating the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It seems that the novel parameters used in the assessment of the blood pressure (BP) load (i.e. central blood pressure, nighttime blood pressure) may be more precise in predicting the cardiovascular risk and the progression of CKD in comparison with the traditional peripheral blood pressure measurements in the office conditions. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the central, or nighttime blood pressure on the progression of CKD in patients with mild or no-proteinuria (autosomal, dominant polycystic kidney disease or IgA nephropathy). Methods: In each of the enrolled 46 patients with CKD stage 3 or 4, serum creatinine concentration was assessed, eGFR (MDRD) was calculated, also central blood pressure and pulse wave velocity (PWV) was assessed and the 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was conducted at the beginning of the study and then repeated after one-year observation period. Results: During the observation period mean eGFR decreased from 44.1 (33.2-50.6) mL/min to 36.7 (29.7-46.3) mL/min. No significant differences were observed in the peripheral blood pressure or central blood pressure parameters. After one-year observation period the values of diastolic blood pressure dipping during the night significantly decreased from 16 (13-19) mmHg to 12 (10-15) mmHg; p< 0.05. The values of systolic dipping during the night or the mean BP values recorded in ABPM did not change significantly. Additionally, no significant differences in the PWV values were found. In the multivariate regression model the change of serum creatinine concentration was explained by the initial diastolic dipping values. Conclusion: 1. In patients with CKD stages 3 or 4 and mild or no- proteinuria, peripheral and central blood pressure did not change significantly during a one-year observation period despite the significant decline of eGFR and seems not to participate in the CKD progression. 2. Reduced magnitude of the diastolic dipping, which reflects the increase of diastolic blood pressure load during the nighttime, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of deterioration of kidney function in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium crown rot (CR) of wheat is one of the most important diseases known from regions of the world where cereal crops are produced. In this study, we examined the mating types of F. culmorum CR strains isolated across Iraq, including more arid regions within the country. The result showed two mating compatibility (MAT) type idiomorphs of F. culmorum are present in Iraq, with 27.6% of the isolates examined representing the MAT-1 type and 72.4% representing the MAT-2 type. The MAT-1 type was commonly found among isolates from the mid-latitudes of Iraq, this being a warmer and drier region as compared to the country's northern region; however, it was also detected from one isolate from a northern site. The MAT-2 type, however, was more broadly distributed across Iraq and was also detected among many isolates from the mid-latitude region. Thus specific biogeographic patterns were not apparent for mating compatibility idiomorphs. The mating types characterized here were also compared to chemotypes known for these same isolates and characterized in a previous study. This comparison revealed the MAT- 1 type was found only among DON chemotype isolates, while the MAT-2 type was found among both DON and NIV chemotype isolates. Thus, there does not appear to be a direct correspondence between chemotype and mating compatibility idiomorphs within Iraq. Overall, a broader sampling across the country with more isolates being examined at each site is advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using fully kinetic 3D simulations, the reconnection dynamics of asymmetric current sheets are examined at the Earth's magnetopause. The plasma parameters are selected to model MMS magnetopause diffusion region crossings with guide fields of 0.1, 0.4, and 1 of the reconnecting magnetosheath field. In each case, strong drift-wave fluctuations are observed in the lower-hybrid frequency range at the steep density gradient across the magnetospheric separatrix. These fluctuations give rise to cross-field electron particle transport. In addition, this turbulent mixing leads to significantly enhanced electron parallel heating in comparison to 2D simulations. We study three different methods of quantifying the anomalous dissipation produced by the drift fluctuations, based on spatial averaging, temporal averaging, and temporal averaging followed by integrating along magnetic field lines. A comparison of different methods reveals complications in identifying and measuring the anomalous dissipation. Nevertheless, the anomalous dissipation from short wavelength drift fluctuations appears weak for each case, and the reconnection rates observed in 3D are nearly the same as in 2D models. The 3D simulations feature a number of interesting new features that are consistent with recent MMS observations, including cold beams of magnetosheath electrons that penetrate into the hotter magnetospheric inflow, the related observation of decreasing temperature in regions of increasing total density, and an effective turbulent diffusion coefficient that agrees with predictions from quasi-linear theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to describe the body composition and physiological changes which take place during the in-season and recovery periods of a group of natural bodybuilders. Natural male bodybuilders (n = 9) were assessed 16 (PRE16), 8 (PRE8), and 1 (PRE1) week(s) before, and 4 (POST4) weeks after a bodybuilding competition. Assessments included body composition, resting metabolic rate (RMR), serum hormones, and 7-day weighed food and training diaries. Change in parameters was assessed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Dietary protein intake remained high throughout the study period (2.8-3.1 g kg−1 d−1). Fat mass (FM) was significantly reduced from PRE16 to PRE1 (8.8 ± 3.1 vs. 5.3 ± 2.4 kg, P < .01). There was a small decrease in lean mass (LM) from PRE8 to PRE1 (71.8 ± 9.1 vs. 70.9 ± 9.1 kg, P < .05). No changes in RMR were observed (P > .05). Large reductions in total and free testosterone (16.4 ± 4.4 vs. 10.1 ± 3.6 nmol L−1, P < .05; 229.3 ± 72.4 vs. 116.8 ± 76.9 pmol L−1, P < .05), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) (27.0 ± 7.7 vs. 19.9 ± 7.6 nmol L−1, P < .05) occurred between PRE16 and PRE1. LM and IGF-1 increased from PRE1 to POST4 (70.9 ± 9.1 vs. 72.5 ± 8.5 kg, P < .05; 19.9 ± 7.6 vs. 25.4 ± 9.3 nmol L−1, P < .05). Despite substantial reductions in FM, participants maintained almost all of their LM. The reduction in anabolic hormone concentration is likely attributable to the prolonged negative energy balance, despite a high dietary protein intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodent models of both aging and obesity are characterized by inflammation in specific brain regions, notably the corpus callosum, fornix, and hypothalamus. Microglia, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system, are important for brain development, neural support, and homeostasis. However, the effects of diet and lifestyle on microglia during aging are only partly understood. Here, we report alterations in microglia phenotype and functions in different brain regions of mice on a high-fat diet (HFD) or low-fat diet (LFD) during aging and in response to voluntary running wheel exercise. We compared the expression levels of genes involved in immune response, phagocytosis, and metabolism in the hypothalamus of 6-month-old HFD and LFD mice. We also compared the immune response of microglia from HFD or LFD mice to peripheral inflammation induced by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Finally, we investigated the effect of diet, physical exercise, and caloric restriction (40% reduction compared to ad libitum intake) on microglia in 24-month-old HFD and LFD mice. Changes in diet caused morphological changes in microglia, but did not change the microglia response to LPS-induced systemic inflammation. Expression of phagocytic markers (i.e., Mac-2/Lgals3, Dectin-1/Clec7a, and CD16/CD32) in the white matter microglia of 24-month-old brain was markedly decreased in calorically restricted LFD mice. In conclusion, LFD resulted in reduced activation of microglia, which might be an underlying mechanism for the protective role of caloric restriction during aging-associated decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]