Exploring outdoor activity limitation (OAL) factors among older adults using interpretable machine learning.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of outdoor activity limitation (OAL) among older adults is influenced by multidimensional and confounding factors associated with aging. AIM: The aim of this study was to apply interpretable machine learning (ML) to develop models for multidimensional aging constraints on OAL and identify the most predictive constraints and dimensions across multidimensional aging data. METHODS: This study involved 6794 community-dwelling participants older than 65 from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Predictors included related to six dimensions: sociodemographics, health condition, physical capacity, neurological manifestation, daily living habits and abilities, and environmental conditions. Multidimensional interpretable machine learning models were assembled for model construction and analysis. RESULTS: The multidimensional model demonstrated the best predictive performance (AUC: 0.918) compared to the six sub-dimensional models. Among the six dimensions, physical capacity had the most remarkable prediction (AUC: physical capacity: 0.895, daily habits and abilities: 0.828, physical health: 0.826, neurological performance: 0.789, sociodemographic: 0.773, and environment condition: 0.623). The top-ranked predictors were SPPB score, lifting ability, leg strength, free kneeling, laundry mode, self-rated health, age, attitude toward outdoor recreation, standing time on one foot with eyes open, and fear of falling. DISCUSSION: Reversible and variable factors, which are higher in the set of high-contribution constraints, should be prioritized as the main contributing group in terms of interventions. CONCLUSION: The integration of potentially reversible factors, such as neurological performance in addition to physical function into ML models, yields a more accurate assessment of OAL risk, which provides insights for targeted, sequential interventions for older adults with OAL.

Predicting physical functioning status in older adults: insights from wrist accelerometer sensors and derived digital biomarkers of physical activity.

OBJECTIVE: Conventional physical activity (PA) metrics derived from wearable sensors may not capture the cumulative, transitions from sedentary to active, and multidimensional patterns of PA, limiting the ability to predict physical function impairment (PFI) in older adults. This study aims to identify unique temporal patterns and develop novel digital biomarkers from wrist accelerometer data for predicting PFI and its subtypes using explainable artificial intelligence techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wrist accelerometer streaming data from 747 participants in the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) were used to calculate 231 PA features through time-series analysis techniques-Tsfresh. Predictive models for PFI and its subtypes (walking, balance, and extremity strength) were developed using 6 machine learning (ML) algorithms with hyperparameter optimization. The SHapley Additive exPlanations method was employed to interpret the ML models and rank the importance of input features. RESULTS: Temporal analysis revealed peak PA differences between PFI and healthy controls from 9:00 to 11:00 am. The best-performing model (Gradient boosting Tree) achieved an area under the curve score of 85.93%, accuracy of 81.52%, sensitivity of 77.03%, and specificity of 87.50% when combining wrist accelerometer streaming data (WAPAS) features with demographic data. DISCUSSION: The novel digital biomarkers, including change quantiles, Fourier transform (FFT) coefficients, and Aggregated (AGG) Linear Trend, outperformed traditional PA metrics in predicting PFI. These findings highlight the importance of capturing the multidimensional nature of PA patterns for PFI. CONCLUSION: This study investigates the potential of wrist accelerometer digital biomarkers in predicting PFI and its subtypes in older adults. Integrated PFI monitoring systems with digital biomarkers would improve the current state of remote PFI surveillance.

Pd(II)-Catalyzed enantioselective C-H olefination toward the synthesis of P-stereogenic phosphinamides.

P-Stereogenic phosphorus compounds are important structural elements in chiral ligands or organocatalysts. Herein, we report a Pd(II)-catalyzed enantioselective C-H olefination toward the synthesis of P-stereogenic phosphinamides using cheap commercially available L-pGlu-OH as a chiral ligand. A broad range of P-stereogenic phosphinamides were gained in good yields with high enantioselectivities (33 examples, up to 77% yield, 99% ee) via desymmetrization and kinetic resolution.

Advances in objective assessment of ergonomics in endoscopic surgery: a review.

Background: Minimally invasive surgery, in particular endoscopic surgery, has revolutionized the benefits for patients, but poses greater challenges for surgeons in terms of ergonomics. Integrating ergonomic assessments and interventions into the multi-stage endoscopic procedure contributes to the surgeon's musculoskeletal health and the patient's intraoperative safety and postoperative recovery. Objective: The purpose of this study was to overview the objective assessment techniques, tools and assessment settings involved in endoscopic procedures over the past decade and to identify the potential factors that induce differences in high workloads in endoscopic procedures and ultimately to design a framework for ergonomic assessment in endoscopic surgery. Methods: Literature searches were systematically conducted in the OVID, pubmed and web of science database before October 2022, and studies evaluating ergonomics during the process of endoscopic procedures or simulated procedures were both recognized. Results: Our systematic review of 56 studies underscores ergonomic variations in endoscopic surgery. While endoscopic procedures, predominantly laparoscopy, typically incur less physical load than open surgery, extended surgical durations notably elevate ergonomic risks. Surgeon characteristics, such as experience level and gender, significantly influence these risks, with less experienced and female surgeons facing greater challenges. Key assessment tools employed include electromyography for muscle fatigue and motion analysis for postural evaluation. Conclusion: This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis and framework of objective ergonomic assessments in endoscopic surgery, and suggesting avenues for future research and intervention strategies. By improving the ergonomic conditions for surgeons, we can enhance their overall health, mitigate the risk of WMSDs, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Synthesis of P-Stereogenic Phosphinamides via Pd(II)-Catalyzed Enantioselective C-H Alkynylation.

P-Stereogenic phosphinamides represent important structural elements in chiral organocatalysts and bioactive compounds. Herein, we report Pd(II)-catalyzed enantioselective C-H alkynylation using cheap commercially available l-pyroglutamic acid as a chiral ligand. A range of structurally diverse P-stereogenic phosphinamides was prepared in good yields with high enantioselectivities via desymmetrization and kinetic resolution. A tailor-made congested directing group, N-ethyl-N-(3-methylpyridin-2-yl)amino, was crucial for the reactivity.

HDAC3 inhibitor (BRD3308) modulates microglial pyroptosis and neuroinflammation through PPARγ/NLRP3/GSDMD to improve neurological function after intraventricular hemorrhage in mice.

Neuroinflammation plays a vital role in intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Excessive neuroinflammation after IVH can activate the inflammasome in the cell and accelerate the occurrence of pyroptosis in cells, produce more inflammatory mediators, increase cell death, and lead to neurological deficits. Previous studies have reported that BRD3308 (BRD), an inhibitor of histone deacetylation by histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), suppresses inflammation-induced apoptosis and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is unclear how BRD reduces the occurrence of the inflammatory cascade. In this study, we stereotactically punctured the ventricles of male C57BL/6J mice and injected autologous blood via the tail vein to simulate ventricular hemorrhage. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to detect ventricular hemorrhage and enlargement. Our findings demonstrated that BRD treatment significantly improved neurobehavioral performance and decreased neuronal loss, microglial activation, and pyroptosis in the hippocampus after IVH. At the molecular level, this treatment upregulated the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and inhibited NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis and inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, we concluded that BRD reduced pyroptosis and neuroinflammation and improve nerve function in part by activating the PPARγ/NLRP3/GSDMD signaling pathway. Our findings suggest a potential preventive role for BRD in IVH.

Photonic-dispersion neural networks for inverse scattering problems.

Inferring the properties of a scattering objective by analyzing the optical far-field responses within the framework of inverse problems is of great practical significance. However, it still faces major challenges when the parameter range is growing and involves inevitable experimental noises. Here, we propose a solving strategy containing robust neural-networks-based algorithms and informative photonic dispersions to overcome such challenges for a sort of inverse scattering problem-reconstructing grating profiles. Using two typical neural networks, forward-mapping type and inverse-mapping type, we reconstruct grating profiles whose geometric features span hundreds of nanometers with nanometric sensitivity and several seconds of time consumption. A forward-mapping neural network with a parameters-to-point architecture especially stands out in generating analytical photonic dispersions accurately, featured by sharp Fano-shaped spectra. Meanwhile, to implement the strategy experimentally, a Fourier-optics-based angle-resolved imaging spectroscopy with an all-fixed light path is developed to measure the dispersions by a single shot, acquiring adequate information. Our forward-mapping algorithm can enable real-time comparisons between robust predictions and experimental data with actual noises, showing an excellent linear correlation (R2 > 0.982) with the measurements of atomic force microscopy. Our work provides a new strategy for reconstructing grating profiles in inverse scattering problems.

Cytotoxin 1 from Naja atra Cantor venom induced necroptosis of leukemia cells.

BACKGROUND: Cytotoxin 1 (CTX1) purified from Naja atra Cantor venom could inhibit cancer cell proliferation, but the mechanism is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which leukemia cells are killed by CTX1. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HL-60 and KG1a cells were treated with CTX1 and the cell death was detected. RESULTS: The viability of HL-60 and KG1a cells decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner after treatment with CTX1. CTX1 mainly induced late apoptosis and necrosis. The cell death induced by CTX1 could be rescued by specific necroptosis inhibitor Nec-1 but not by caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk in HL-60 cells. In addition, CTX1 increased lysosome membrane permeability (LMP) and release of cathepsin B. CONCLUSION: CTX1 could induce necroptosis in leukemia cells, and it is related to LMP increase and cathepsin release. CTX1 could be a promising anti-cancer drug for leukemia therapy.

SVP-B5 peptide from Buthus martensii Karsch scorpion venom exerts hyperproliferative effects on irradiated hematopoietic cells.

Previous studies have demonstrated the radioprotective efficacy of scorpion venom peptide, fraction II (SVPII) from the venom of Buthus martensii Karsch. In the present study, the SVP-B5 polypeptide, which is one of the active components of SVPII, was purified using a two-step chromatographic process. SVP-B5 significantly promoted the proliferation of irradiated M-NFS-60 mouse-derived myelocytic leukemia cells. In addition, SVP-B5 effectively and persistently promoted hematopoietic recovery and expansion of hematopoietic cells after irradiation as demonstrated by cobblestone area forming cell and long-term bone marrow culture assays. Treatment of M-NFS-60 cells with SVP-B5 upregulated the expression of interleukin 3 receptor and activated the Janus kinase-2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 signaling pathway. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that SVP-B5 has growth factor-like properties and may be used as a therapeutic modality in the recovery of severe myelosuppression, which is a common side effect of radiotherapy.