Exposure to ambient air pollution mixture and senescence-associated secretory phenotype proteins among middle-aged and older women.

Our study aimed to investigate the impact of environmental exposures, such as ambient air pollutants, on systemic inflammation and cellular senescence in middle-aged and older women. We utilized epidemiological data linked with exposure data of six air pollutants (particulate matters [PM10, PM2.5], sulphur dioxide [SO2], nitrogen dioxide [NO2], carbon monoxide [CO], and ozone [O3]) and blood samples of 380 peri- and postmenopausal women participants of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. We measured blood high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and age-related 27 circulatory senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASP) produced by senescent cells. We employed single exposure models to explore the general pattern of association between air pollution exposure and proteomic markers. Using quantile g-computation models, we assessed the association of six air pollutant mixtures with hsCRP and SASP proteins. In single-exposure, single-period models, nine out of the 27 SASP proteins including IFN-γ (ß = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.07 per interquartile range-increase), IL-8 (0.15, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.20), and MIP1α (0.11, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.18) were positively associated with the average level of O3 over one week. Among the age-related SASP proteins, IFN-γ (0.11, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.20) and IL-8 (0.22, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.39) were positively associated with exposure to air pollutant mixture over one week. The MIP1ß was higher with an increasing one-month average concentration of the air pollutant mixture (0.11, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.21). The IL-8 showed consistently positive association with the ambient air pollutant mixture for the exposure periods ranging from one week to one year. O3 predominantly showed positive weights in the associations between air pollutant mixtures and IL-8. These findings underscore the potential of proteomic indicators as markers for biological aging attributed to short-term air pollution exposure.

Positive Changes in Blood Lipid Profiles, Nutrition Knowledge, and Dietary Taurine Intake After 8-Week Nutrition Education Program in Low-Income Korean Children.

Taurine has been reported to play a key role in the growth and development of children's brains and nerves. Incorrect dietary habits and unbalanced nutrient intakes may be caused by socio-environmental and economic factors in low-income children. This study was conducted to investigate changes in blood lipid profiles, nutrition knowledge, dietary attitudes, and intakes of dietary taurine and nutrients after an 8-week nutrition education program (NEP) in low-income Korean children. In this intervention study, nutrition education, exercise, and nutrition counseling were conducted for 8-weeks in 22 low-income children (11-13 years old, 9 males and 13 females) at community child center located in Incheon, Korea. Changes after the NEP were evaluated using a one group pretest-posttest design. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0. After the 8-week NEP, there was a significant decrease in the blood triglyceride level of female students (p < 0.01). As for nutrition knowledge, there were significant increases in the subscore of sugars and sodium in foods consumed by male students (p < 0.05), total score of nutrition knowledge (p < 0.01), subscore of sugars and sodium in foods (p < 0.01), and fat content of foods and adequate dietary intake in female students (p < 0.05). Dietary attitudes did not change. There were significant increases in intakes of dietary taurine, vitamin B6 (p < 0.01), and dietary fiber (p < 0.05) in female students after the NEP. There were significantly positive correlations between changes in dietary taurine intake and dietary attitudes as well as between changes in carbohydrate intake and total cholesterol level among all the subjects. Therefore, nutrition education to promote balanced nutrient intake and dietary attitudes for optimal growth and development of low-income children is needed.

Deep Learning Method for Automated Classification of Anteroposterior and Posteroanterior Chest Radiographs.

Ensuring correct radiograph view labeling is important for machine learning algorithm development and quality control of studies obtained from multiple facilities. The purpose of this study was to develop and test the performance of a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) for the automated classification of frontal chest radiographs (CXRs) into anteroposterior (AP) or posteroanterior (PA) views. We obtained 112,120 CXRs from the NIH ChestX-ray14 database, a publicly available CXR database performed in adult (106,179 (95%)) and pediatric (5941 (5%)) patients consisting of 44,810 (40%) AP and 67,310 (60%) PA views. CXRs were used to train, validate, and test the ResNet-18 DCNN for classification of radiographs into anteroposterior and posteroanterior views. A second DCNN was developed in the same manner using only the pediatric CXRs (2885 (49%) AP and 3056 (51%) PA). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with area under the curve (AUC) and standard diagnostic measures were used to evaluate the DCNN's performance on the test dataset. The DCNNs trained on the entire CXR dataset and pediatric CXR dataset had AUCs of 1.0 and 0.997, respectively, and accuracy of 99.6% and 98%, respectively, for distinguishing between AP and PA CXR. Sensitivity and specificity were 99.6% and 99.5%, respectively, for the DCNN trained on the entire dataset and 98% for both sensitivity and specificity for the DCNN trained on the pediatric dataset. The observed difference in performance between the two algorithms was not statistically significant (p = 0.17). Our DCNNs have high accuracy for classifying AP/PA orientation of frontal CXRs, with only slight reduction in performance when the training dataset was reduced by 95%. Rapid classification of CXRs by the DCNN can facilitate annotation of large image datasets for machine learning and quality assurance purposes.

Mechanical stimuli modulate intracellular calcium oscillations: a pathological model without chemical cues.

OBJECTIVE: To control the oscillatory behavior of the intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) concentration in endothelial cells via mechanical factors (i.e., various hydrostatic pressures) because [Ca2+]i in these cells is affected by blood pressure. RESULTS: Quantitative analyses based on real-time imaging showed that [Ca2+]i oscillation frequency and relative concentration increased significantly when 200 mm Hg pressure, mimicking hypertension, was applied for >10 min. Peak height and peak width decreased significantly at 200 mm Hg. These trends were more marked as the duration of the 200 mm Hg pressure was increased. However, no change was observed under normal blood pressure conditions 100 mm Hg. CONCLUSION: We generated a simple in vitro model to study [Ca2+]i behavior in relation to various pathologies and diseases by eliminating possible complicating effects induced by chemical cues.

The effects of neck and trunk stabilization exercises on cerebral palsy children's static and dynamic trunk balance: case series.

[Purpose] The purpose of this case series was to examination the effects of trunk and neck stabilization exercise on the static, dynamic trunk balance abilities of children with cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] The study included 11 school aged children diagnosed with paraplegia due to a premature birth. Each child engaged in exercise treatments twice per week for eight weeks; each treatment lasted for 45 minutes. After conducting a preliminary assessment, exercise treatments were designed based on each child's level of functioning. Another assessment was conducted after the eight weeks of treatment. [Results] The Trunk Control Measurement Scale evaluation showed that the exercise treatments had a significant effect on static sitting balance, selective movement control, dynamic reaching, and total Trunk Control Measurement Scale scores. [Conclusion] The results indicate that neck and trunk stabilization exercises that require children's active participation are helpful for improving static and dynamic balance ability among children diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

A three-dimensional hierarchical scaffold fabricated by a combined rapid prototyping technique and electrospinning process to expand hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expansion of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) from umbilical cord blood using extracellular matrix (ECM) protein-coated three-dimensional hierarchical scaffolds. RESULTS: The expansion of HSPCs was evaluated through total nucleated cell (TNC) expansion, immuno-phenotypic analysis, and clonogenic ability. After 7 days of culture, three-dimensional cultures with fibronectin-coated scaffolds achieved the highest fold increase in TNCs (164 ± 6.9 fold) and the highest CD45(+)CD34(+) (35 %) and CD34(+)CD38(-) (32 %) ratios. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional hierarchical scaffolds were coated with ECM protein to simulate a biomimetic environment or niche, and had a significant effect on the expansion potential of HSPCs without changing their phenotype.

Shear stress and circumferential stretch by pulsatile flow direct vascular endothelial lineage commitment of mesenchymal stem cells in engineered blood vessels.

Understanding the response of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the dynamic biomechanical vascular environment is important for vascular regeneration. Native vessel biomechanical stimulation in vitro is thought to be the most important contributor to successful endothelial differentiation of MSCs. However, the appropriate biomechanical stimulation conditions for differentiating MSCs into ECs have not been fully investigated. To accomplish an in vivo-like loading environment, a loading system was designed to apply flow induced stress and induce hMSC differentiation in vascular cells. Culturing MSCs on tubular scaffolds under flow-induced shear stress (2.5 dyne/cm(2)) for 4 days results in increased mRNA levels of EC markers (vWF, CD31, VE-cadherin and E-selectin) after one day. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of 2.5 dyne/cm(2) shear stress followed by 3% circumferential stretch for 3 days, and an additional 5% circumferential stretch for 4 days on hMSC differentiation into ECs. EC marker protein levels showed a significant increase after applying 5% stretch, while SMC markers were not present at levels sufficient for detection. Our results demonstrate that the expression of several hMSC EC markers cultured on double-layered tubular scaffolds were upregulated at the mRNA and protein levels with the application of fluid shear stress and cyclic circumferential stretch.

The effects of neck and trunk stabilization exercises on upper limb and visuoperceptual function in children with cerebral palsy.

[Purpose] The present study aimed to investigate the effects of neck and trunk stabilization exercises on upper limb and visuoperceptual function in children with cerebral palsy. The Jebson-Taylor hand function test and the Korean Developmental Test of Visual Perception-2 (K-DTVP-2) test were utilised. [Subjects and Methods] The study subjects were 11 schoolchildren who had paraplegia caused by premature birth, and who had been diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia. Kinesitherapy was implemented in individual children for eight weeks, twice a week, for 45 minutes at a time. After a preliminary evaluation, kinesitherapy, including neck and trunk stabilization exercises common to all the children, was implemented for eight weeks according to the functioning and level of each child. A post evaluation was performed after the eight weeks of kinesitherapy. [Results] The intervention showed a significant effect in five subcategories of the Jebson-Taylor hand function test, as well as according to the K-DTVP-2 test. [Conclusion] Because neck and trunk stabilization exercises requiring positive participation by the children included fundamental elements of daily living motion, the exercises might have had a positive effect on upper limb and visuoperceptual function.

The effect of enhanced trunk control on balance and falls through bilateral upper extremity exercises among chronic stroke patients in a standing position.

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of bilateral upper extremity exercises on trunk control, balance, and risk of falls in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 30 study subjects were selected and randomly divided into experimental and control groups containing 15 subjects each, who received bilateral upper extremity activities and conventional rehabilitation treatment, respectively. [Results] There were statistically significant differences between groups in all sub-items and total trunk impairment and Berg Balance scale scores. Significant differences between groups were also observed in all sub-items of the trunk impairment scale, except for static sitting balance. [Conclusion] Bilateral upper extremity exercises are effective for trunk control and balance as well as for fall prevention.

Effects of conventional neurological treatment and a virtual reality training program on eye-hand coordination in children with cerebral palsy.

[Purpose] The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of conventional neurological treatment and a virtual reality training program on eye-hand coordination in children with cerebral palsy. [Subjects] Sixteen children (9 males, 7 females) with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy were recruited and randomly assigned to the conventional neurological physical therapy group (CG) and virtual reality training group (VRG). [Methods] Eight children in the control group performed 45 minutes of therapeutic exercise twice a week for eight weeks. In the experimental group, the other eight children performed 30 minutes of therapeutic exercise and 15 minutes of a training program using virtual reality twice a week during the experimental period. [Results] After eight weeks of the training program, there were significant differences in eye-hand coordination and visual motor speed in the comparison of the virtual reality training group with the conventional neurological physical therapy group. [Conclusion] We conclude that a well-designed training program using virtual reality can improve eye-hand coordination in children with cerebral palsy.

Texture analyses show synergetic effects of biomechanical and biochemical stimulation on mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into early phase osteoblasts.

We investigated the structural complexity and texture of the cytoskeleton and nucleus in human mesenchymal stem cells during early phase differentiation into osteoblasts according to the differentiation-induction method: mechanical and/or chemical stimuli. For this, fractal dimension and a number of parameters utilizing the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) were calculated based on single-cell images after confirmation of differentiation by immunofluorescence staining. The F-actin and nuclear fractal dimensions were greater in both stimulus groups compared with the control group. The GLCM values for energy and homogeneity were lower in fibers of the F-actin cytoskeleton, indicating a dispersed F-actin arrangement during differentiation. In the nuclei of both stimulus groups, higher values for energy and homogeneity were calculated, indicating that the chromatin arrangement was chaotic during the early phase of differentiation. It was shown and confirmed that combined stimulation with mechanical and chemical factors accelerated differentiation, even in the early phase. Fractal dimension analysis and GLCM methods have the potential to provide a framework for further investigation of stem cell differentiation.

Communication intervention for families in adult intensive care units during COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Restrictions on ICU family visitation during COVID-19 pandemic posed communication challenges for families, patients, and healthcare teams. Diverse approaches were used to overcome communication barriers. As ICUs begin to reinstate family visitation, it is timely to review the lessons learned from these interventions during the pandemic. OBJECTIVES: To identify and evaluate content and qualities of the studies that describe communication interventions for families of adult ICU patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science for studies that (1) involved communication intervention for families in adult ICU settings, (2) were published between January 2020 and September 2022, and (3) were published in English. We excluded studies that were not from peer-reviewed journal articles or in English. RESULTS: Of 2,628 articles initially identified, we reviewed the 23 selected studies (20 non-experimental and 3 experimental studies). Most of the studies were published in 2022 (n = 14, 60.9 %) and conducted in Europe (n = 13, 56.5 %). Various communication methods (e.g., video calls, telephone, applications) were used to provide information, emotional support, and virtual access to patients and their families. Video calls were the most frequently used intervention. Many interventions included healthcare teams providing updates on the patient's condition or treatment to the family. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the adoption of diverse communication approaches for families in ICU settings, despite many limitations, including technical challenges. Insights gained from this experience will help expedite flexibility and diversity in designing communication interventions for ICU family members.

The connection between aging, cellular senescence and gut microbiome alterations: A comprehensive review.

The intricate interplay between cellular senescence and alterations in the gut microbiome emerges as a pivotal axis in the aging process, increasingly recognized for its contribution to systemic inflammation, physiological decline, and predisposition to age-associated diseases. Cellular senescence, characterized by a cessation of cell division in response to various stressors, induces morphological and functional changes within tissues. The complexity and heterogeneity of senescent cells, alongside the secretion of senescence-associated secretory phenotype, exacerbate the aging process through pro-inflammatory pathways and influence the microenvironment and immune system. Concurrently, aging-associated changes in gut microbiome diversity and composition contribute to dysbiosis, further exacerbating systemic inflammation and undermining the integrity of various bodily functions. This review encapsulates the burgeoning research on the reciprocal relationship between cellular senescence and gut dysbiosis, highlighting their collective impact on age-related musculoskeletal diseases, including osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and osteoarthritis. It also explores the potential of modulating the gut microbiome and targeting cellular senescence as innovative strategies for healthy aging and mitigating the progression of aging-related conditions. By exploring targeted interventions, including the development of senotherapeutic drugs and probiotic therapies, this review aims to shed light on novel therapeutic avenues. These strategies leverage the connection between cellular senescence and gut microbiome alterations to advance aging research and development of interventions aimed at extending health span and improving the quality of life in the older population.

A chitosan/alginate coated nano-liposome to improve intestinal absorption of curcumin for oral administration.

Attempts to improve low absorption and rapid metabolic conversion of curcumin were made by developing curcumin-loaded bilayer nanoliposomes coated with chitosan and alginate for intestinal-specific drug delivery. A curcumin-loaded nano-liposome was prepared with optimized formulations with phosphatidylcholine, curcumin, chitosan, and alginate. The particle size of the optimized formulation was approximately 400 nm, and the encapsulation efficiency was more than 99%. In the in vitro release study, curcumin release from the curcumin-loaded nanoliposome with double layers of chitosan/alginate (CNL-CH/AL) was suppressed in the simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2) and enhanced in the simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 6.8). In the in vivo pharmacokinetic study in rats, the CNL-CH/AL-treated group showed a prolonged absorption pattern of curcumin and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC0-24) was improved 109-fold compared to the control group treated with a curcumin solution without a nanocarrier.

Mechanical stimulation and the presence of neighboring cells greatly affect migration of human mesenchymal stem cells.

There are few studies regarding the effects of mechanical stimulation on cell migration although biochemical factors have been widely studied. We have investigated the effects of intermittent hydrostatic pressure (IHP) on mesenchymal stem cell migration with or without neighboring endothelial cells (EC). IHP promoted MSCs migration and the neighboring ECs helped with this. However, when IHP was applied to MSCs cultured with ECs, the opposite effect was observed. The concentration of stromal-derived factor-1 culture in medium was measured to explain the obtained results. SDF-1 concentration increased as IHP increased when MSCs were cultured alone. However, it decreased as IHP increased when MSCs and ECs were co-cultured. These results indicate that the mechanical environment should be considered when studying the migration of a cell type along with its biochemical environment.

Interventions using digital technology to promote family engagement in the adult intensive care unit: An integrative review.

BACKGROUND: Family engagement is a key component of safe and effective care in the intensive care unit (ICU). As the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies in healthcare settings, it is important to review the current science of family engagement interventions in the ICU using digital technology. OBJECTIVES: This integrative review aimed to identify and evaluate studies that used digital technology to promote family engagement in adult ICUs and synthesize study findings. METHODS: Following the methodology of Whittemore and Knafl, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched. We included studies conducted in the adult ICU setting; involved family engagement during ICU stay; and used digital technology to engage family members. We excluded studies that were not peer-reviewed or in English. Study findings were assessed using the model of family engagement in the ICU RESULTS: Of 2702 articles, 15 articles were analyzed. Various technologies (e.g., web-, tablet-, or SMS-based tools, video-conferencing, etc.) were used to provide information; augment the decision-making process; provide virtual access to family conferences or interdisciplinary rounds. While varying among interventions, "Information sharing" and "activation and participation" were most commonly addressed within the family engagement model. In studies that addressed the components of family engagement more comprehensively, interventions enabled tailoring of information with two-way communication and active family involvement in decision-making processes. CONCLUSIONS: Future research should use more robust methods and develop interventions with close inputs from families. We recommend using conceptual components of family engagement to ensure comprehensiveness of the intervention.

Association of senescence-associated secretory phenotype proteins with ovarian reserve among middle-aged/older women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the association of circulating senescence-associated secretory phenotype proteins, secreted by senescent cells, with indicators of women's ovarian reserve. METHODS: This secondary analysis of cross-sectional baseline survey data was undertaken by the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study Cardiovascular Disease Association Study. A total of 223 women (aged 40-82 y), without any history of oophorectomy, hysterectomy, or other medical conditions that could lower the ovarian reserve, were enrolled in this analysis. Chronological age (years), menopausal status, and serum anti-müllerian hormone (ng/mL) level were used to assess the associations among biological aging, accelerated menopausal aging, and ovarian reserve. RESULTS: Of the 223 women participants (53.4 ± 11.0 y), 147 (46.4 ± 3.9 y) and 76 (67.0 ± 6.9 y) were premenopausal and postmenopausal, respectively. Serum levels of senescence-associated secretory phenotype proteins were generally higher in postmenopausal, than in premenopausal, women. In the analyses adjusted for chronological age and body mass index, 17 senescence-associated secretory phenotype proteins were associated with menopausal status. However, in premenopausal women, no association trends with the level of anti-müllerian hormone were detected for a total of 28 senescence-associated secretory phenotype proteins. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of middle-aged/older women, the level of circulating senescence-associated secretory phenotype proteins indicated chronological age and menopausal status. Yet, serum levels of senescence-associated secretory phenotype protein potentially have limited predictive value for ascertaining ovarian reserve in premenopausal women.

Quantitative Profiling of Carotenoids, Tocopherols, Phytosterols, and Fatty Acids in the Flower Petals of Ten Marigold (Tagetes spp. L.) Cultivars.

Marigold (Tagetes spp.) flower petals are the most vital sources of carotenoids, especially lutein esters, for the production of natural lutein to use for food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries. Several marigold cultivars are cultivated globally; however, their lutein ester composition and contents have not been widely investigated. Considering this, this study aimed to identify and quantify prominent carotenoid esters from the flower petals of ten marigold cultivars by liquid chromatography (LC)-diode-array detection (DAD)-mass spectrometry (MS). In addition, tocopherols, phytosterols, and fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC)-flame ionization detection (FID) and GC-MS. Furthermore, the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•+) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) radical scavenging abilities of lipophilic extracts were determined. The total carotenoid contents varied significantly (p < 0. 05, Tukey HSD) among cultivars, ranging from 25.62 (cv. Alaska)-2723.11 µg/g fresh weight (cv. Superboy Orange). Among the five major lutein-diesters, (all-E)-lutein-3-O-myristate-3'-O-palmitate and lutein dipalmitate were predominant. Among the studied cultivars, α-tocopherol was recorded, ranging from 167.91 (cv. Superboy Yellow) to 338.50 µg/g FW (cv. Taishan Orange). Among phytosterols, ß-sitosterol was the most prevalent phytosterol, ranging between 127.08 (cv. Superboy Yellow) and 191.99 µg/g FW (cv. Taishan Yellow). Palmitic acid (C16:0; 33.36-47.43%) was the most dominant among the fatty acids. In this study, the highest contents of lutein were recorded from cv. Superboy Orange; however, due to the substantially higher flower petal yield, the cv. Durango Red can produce the highest lutein yield of 94.45 kg/ha. These observations suggest that cv. Durango Red and cv. Superboy Orange are the ideal candidates for lutein fortification in foods and also for commercial lutein extraction.

Effects of intermittent hydrostatic pressure magnitude on the chondrogenesis of MSCs without biochemical agents under 3D co-culture.

Without using biochemical agents, in this study, we sought to investigate the potential of controlling the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into a specific cell type through the use of 3D co-culturing and mechanical stimuli. MSCs and primary cultured chondrocytes were separately encapsulated into alginate beads, and the two types of beads were separated by a membrane. For the investigation a computer-controllable bioreactor was designed and used to engage intermittent hydrostatic pressure (IHP). Five different magnitudes (0.20, 0.10, 0.05, 0.02 MPa and no stimulation) of IHP were applied. The stimulation pattern was the same for all groups: 2 h/day for 7 days starting at 24 h after seeding; 2 and 15 min cycles of stimulating and resting, respectively. Biochemical (DNA and GAG contents), histological (Alcian blue), and RT-PCR (Col II, SOX9, AGC) analyses were performed on days 1, 5, 10, and 20. The results from these analyses showed that stimulation with higher magnitudes of IHP (≥0.10 MPa) were more effective on the proliferation and differentiation of co-cultured MSCs. Together, these data demonstrate the potential of using mechanical stimulation and co-culturing for the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs, even without biochemical agents.