Abnormal beta-band (13-30 Hz) oscillations in the subthalamic nucleus are a well-established biomarker of motor dysfunction in Parkinson's disease. While most prior work has focused on beta activity during rest or sustained movement, far less is known about its transient dynamics during movement preparation-a critical phase in which suppression of beta-band activity (beta desynchronization) is thought to facilitate motor circuit readiness. Here, we delineate subthalamic beta-band activity specifically in the pre-movement initiation window across diverse motor tasks and demonstrate its association with both clinical motor impairment severity and subsequent movement acceleration. We recorded subthalamic nucleus local field potentials and kinematics in sixteen individuals with Parkinson's disease (10 males, 6 females; mean age 57.9 ± 10.5 years) implanted with sensing deep brain stimulation systems (Medtronic Activa® PC+S). While off medication and stimulation, participants performed cued motor tasks, including sit-to-stand, stand-to-walk and wrist flexion-extension. Pre-movement beta desynchronization, quantified as beta power normalized to resting baseline, was extracted and analysed using linear mixed-effects models to determine its relationship with clinical impairment severity and movement acceleration. Across all tasks, we observed robust pre-movement beta desynchronization in the subthalamic nucleus (P < 0.001). Critically, reduced desynchronization was associated with greater motor impairment, particularly bradykinesia (P < 0.001). This association appeared stronger during the more complex stand-to-walk task and was linked to reduced movement acceleration, as measured by acceleration indices (P < 0.05). A strong link between greater pre-movement beta desynchronization, less severe bradykinesia and more vigorous movement suggests that impaired beta modulation reflects disruptions in motor planning, delayed recruitment of motor networks and excessive basal ganglia inhibition. These circuit-level abnormalities likely contribute to the difficulties individuals with Parkinson's disease face in initiating and executing movements, offering valuable insight into the neurophysiological basis of motor dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.
Some complementary and integrative health (CIH) therapies are recommended for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain, but little research has evaluated how these alternatives affect downstream healthcare utilization, including imaging costs. Using US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration electronic health record data, we conducted propensity score modeling, allocating 2,215,231 Veterans with chronic pain using the VA from 2018 to 2022 into two therapy exposure groups - acupuncture with and without movement therapies (yoga or Tai Chi/Qigong) - compared with conventional care, or primary care management alone, to examine differences in imaging costs during a 6-month period following indexing. We calculated the probability of treatment in either exposure group based on demographic and clinical characteristics, and applied a nearest neighbor matching algorithm for subsequent estimation of average treatment effects. Veterans using acupuncture with or without movement therapies had sizable baseline clinical needs and healthcare utilization. After matching, we found that imaging costs and visits were higher among Veterans using acupuncture with CIH movement therapies (cost difference $140, 95% confidence interval (CI) $97-$183; visit difference 0.37; 95% CI 0.30-0.45) and without CIH movement therapies (cost difference $155, 95% CI $147-$163; visit difference 0.34; 95% CI 0.33-0.35) during the 6-month follow-up period, compared with those using conventional care. Veterans using acupuncture with or without CIH movement therapies had greater imaging costs than those using conventional care, possibly reflecting higher usage of healthcare among integrative therapy patients. These results also suggest unobserved patterns of comorbidity, recovery or access and/or radiology inefficiencies leading to an imaging loop effect as potential considerations for future investigation.
Non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) is a major double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) break repair pathway essential for V(D)J recombination during lymphocyte development. The Ku70/Ku80 heterodimer (Ku) initiates NHEJ by encircling dsDNA ends and recruiting DNA-PKcs. Ku70 in plants and mammals acquired a C-terminal SAP domain implicated in nucleic acid binding. Here, we show that in murine models, the SAP domain is dispensable for Ku stability and recruitment to DNA breaks. Unlike Ku70-/- mice, Ku70ΔSAP/ΔSAP mice exhibit normal lymphocyte development despite mild radiation sensitivity. Structural modeling places the SAP domain in adjacent DNA grooves, where it can restrict Ku's lateral movement along dsDNA. Correspondingly, in mice lacking DNA-PKcs that caps the ends, Ku70ΔSAP reduces T cell counts and deletion sizes, consistent with Ku translocating off DNA. Moreover, SAP deletion reduced DNA-end affinity, increased dissociation, and exchange of purified Ku at low concentrations, and increased multiple-loading at high concentrations, consistent with increased lateral movement. In DNA-PKcs-/- murine fibroblasts, deletion or lysine mutation (K593/4A, corresponding to K595/6A in human Ku70) in the SAP domain decreased the relative intensity of laser-induced Ku spots, revealing a role of the SAP domain in constraining Ku lateral movement on dsDNA in the absence of DNA-PKcs (or in the short-range complex).
Despite increasing conservation concerns, information on diel, seasonal and ontogenetic changes in the movement patterns and habitat use in rivers remains limited for anguillid eels. Here, we used manual radiotelemetry to investigate these changes using 10 Indo-Pacific eel Anguilla marmorata individuals of varying body sizes [364-1030 mm total length (TL)] in a small subtropical river in southern Japan over a period of up to 10 months. Our Bayesian models revealed that the eels exhibited strong site fidelity throughout the year, with noticeable shifts in daytime shelter positions occurring only occasionally. Additionally, the models showed that the nocturnal movement distances by eels from their daytime shelters were also limited and remained almost constant year-round, although larger individuals moved farther than smaller ones. Regarding their habitat use, there were no consistent diel and seasonal changes in habitat types used across individuals. However, larger individuals clearly used deeper, more lentic microhabitats with smaller substrate sizes during the daytime in all seasons. These results suggest that despite the limited movements in small rivers, A. marmorata requires a variety of habitats in rivers throughout the life stages, underscoring the importance of maintaining habitat heterogeneity for effective conservation.
Hypertension during adolescence is a growing public health concern with long-term cardiovascular implications. This study examined whether adherence to 24-h movement behavior guidelines-physical activity, screen time, and sleep-was associated with the prevalence and incidence of hypertension among U.S. adolescents, and whether these associations varied by social determinants of health (SDoH). We analyzed data from 2067 participants in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, followed across 21 U.S. cities from 2018-2020 (T0) to 2020-2022 (T1). Movement behaviors were dichotomized using international recommendations, and SDoH was measured using the Child Opportunity Index. Hypertension was defined as systolic or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 95th percentile for age, sex, and height. Adolescents with screen time > 2 h/day had higher hypertension prevalence (1.9%) and incidence (4.0%) than those within recommended limits. In crude analyses, adolescents meeting physical activity guidelines showed a higher incidence of hypertension than those not meeting them; however, this association was not statistically significant in adjusted models (RR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.42-4.17), suggesting that confounding rather than a true effect may explain the crude finding. Adherence to two or more movement behavior recommendations was associated with a reduced risk of hypertension (RR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.09-0.98), though this estimate is based on a small number of events and should be interpreted with caution. SDoH did not modify these associations. These findings underscore the importance of combined behavioral adherence in reducing hypertension risk and support the integration of lifestyle interventions for promoting cardiovascular health during adolescence.
The posture of a person changes due to various factors, causing accidents or illnesses. We examined walking posture using the self-projection method (SPM) in mixed-reality environments where upper- and lower-limb movements were constrained to simulate tasks such as obstacle avoidance and carrying objects. The SPM uses mixed-reality goggles to display a three-dimensional avatar representing the user's walking posture in real time, allowing users to visually monitor and adjust their gait through feedback-driven implicit learning. We selected 10 healthy men and compared their walking postures in two scenarios: walking freely while avoiding obstacles (SO task) and walking while also carrying a cup on a tray (SC task). The postural changes resulting from the support provided by the SPM were analyzed. The results indicated that the support reduced forward trunk tilt and its longitudinal and lateral movements during walking. A strong corrective effect was observed in lateral sway during the SO task. Moreover, the SPM reduced longitudinal swaying of the trunk and significantly decreased forward tilt in the SC task. These results indicate that the SPM, which relies on implicit learning, is effective in stabilizing walking posture and reducing the risk of falls in environments with constrained limb movements.
This study compared the effects of four different resistance training (RT) programs that differed in the movement velocity [maximum (MaxV) vs. 50% of maximum voluntary velocity (HalfV)] and the blood flow condition [free (FF) vs. restricted (BFR)] on strength, neuromuscular, and hypertrophy adaptations. Fortysix resistance-trained males were randomly assigned to one of the four abovementioned protocols. Subjects followed an 8-week RT program, twice per week, with similar intensity (55%-65% 1RM), sets (3), and repetitions per set (10-6) in the full-squat (SQ) exercise. Before and after the RT program, they were evaluated for: 1) muscle size of the vastus lateralis; 2) vertical jump; 3) maximal isometric contraction; 4) progressive loading test; and 5) fatigue test, in SQ. Electromyographic (EMG) activity was assessed during all SQ tests. All protocols exhibited significant gains in strength-derived parameters without significant differences between groups. A BFR × VEL × time interaction (p = 0.05) was observed for countermovement jump, with improvements in the HalfV-BFR and MaxV-FF protocols. A VEL × time interaction (p = 0.03) was found for the EMG amplitude under light loads, since HalfV-BFR increased its values. MaxV-BFR and HalfV-FF induced greater hypertrophy in the distal region of the vastus lateralis (BFR × VEL × time interaction, p = 0.04), with MaxV-BFR producing the greatest gains in all sections. Both MaxV-FF and HalfV-BFR increased CMJ height. HalfV-BFR also increased neuromuscular activity against light loads. MaxV-BFR and HalfV-FF evoked higher hypertrophy in muscle size, with the greatest gains in muscle size with MaxV-BFR.
Astronauts consistently exhibit slower movements in microgravity, even during tasks requiring rapid responses. The sensorimotor mechanisms underlying this general slowing remain debated. Two hypotheses have been proposed: either the sensorimotor system adopts a conservative control strategy for safety and postural stability, or the system underestimates body mass due to reduced inputs from proprioceptive receptors. To dissociate these opinions, we studied 12 taikonauts aboard the China Space Station performing a classical hand-reaching task. Compared to their pre-flight performance and to an age-matched control group, participants showed increased movement durations and altered kinematic profiles in microgravity. Model-based analyses of motor control parameters revealed that these changes stemmed from reduced initial force generation in the feedforward control phase followed by compensatory feedback-based corrections. These findings provide support for the body mass underestimation hypothesis while being inconsistent with the strategic slowing hypothesis. Importantly, the sensory estimate of bodily property in microgravity is biased but immune from sensorimotor adaptation, calling for an extension of existing theories of motor learning.
Self-harm is a pressing public health issue, particularly among adolescents. Physical activity is associated with reduced self-harm among youths, but evidence is limited. Most studies rely on self-reported measures and are primarily focused on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), often overlooking the role of light-intensity physical activity (LIPA). To address these gaps, we investigated the prospective associations between accelerometer-measured 24-hr movements and subsequent self-harm in adolescents. This prospective cohort investigation analysed 2,016 children from the UK Millennium Cohort Study using data from the age 7 years survey (MCS4) when accelerometers were introduced (mean age = 7.23 years, SD = 0.25). Accelerometer-measured duration of MVPA, LIPA, sedentary behaviour (SB), and sleep were analysed. Self-harm behaviours were assessed via validated self-report questionnaires at ages 14 and 17 years, and subsequently, the associations examined using logistic and compositional data models. Among 2,016 participants (48.6% female), 548 self-harm cases occurred during 18,696 person-years of follow-up, with a median follow-up duration of 8.5 years (cumulative incidence = 27.2%). LIPA was inversely associated with self-harm (OR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.65-0.88). This association was stronger in compositional models (OR 0.23, 95% CI: 0.11-0.47). MVPA showed a significant non-linear, inverted U-shaped association with self-harm (p for non-linearity = .02). The risk peaked at approximately 1.2 hr/day and decreased substantially at levels exceeding 1.7 hr/day, while SB and sleep were not significantly associated with self-harm. Stratified analyses confirmed robustness. Our findings reveal a pronounced inverse association between LIPA and self-harm, along with a non-linear association for MVPA. These results support 24-hr movement guidelines that emphasise activity transitions over isolated targets and highlight LIPA's role in early prevention strategies.
Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and visual hallucinations (VH) are prognostically relevant non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD), but their combined effects on local brain dysfunction remain unclear. To characterize regional brain dysfunction patterns associated with RBD and VH in PD and to explore candidate-region symptom-related effects within regions showing overall between-group differences. In this cross-sectional study, 96 patients with PD were divided into four groups according to the presence or absence of RBD and VH (24 per group). Resting-state functional MRI was analyzed using amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo). Whole-brain four-group analyses were first used to identify regions with overall between-group differences, followed by exploratory ROI-based 2 × 2 factorial analyses within candidate regions. Additional whole-brain voxel-wise 2 × 2 factorial analyses were performed as supplementary analyses. Correlations between imaging indices and clinical scales were also examined. Patients with both RBD and VH showed the greatest clinical burden and worse cognitive performance. Whole-brain analyses revealed abnormalities in frontal, temporal, cerebellar, supplementary motor, and precuneus regions. Exploratory candidate-region analyses with Benjamini-Hochberg FDR correction showed RBD-related patterns in precuneus ReHo, cerebellar lobule VIII ReHo, and SMA ALFF; VH-related patterns in OFC ReHo, precuneus ReHo, cerebellar Crus I ReHo, SMA ALFF, and temporal pole ALFF; and interaction-like patterns in OFC ReHo and temporal pole ALFF. These ROI-based findings were interpreted as post hoc exploratory results rather than independent confirmatory evidence. Imaging abnormalities were correlated with RBD severity, freezing of gait, hallucination burden, and cognition. Coexisting RBD and VH may identify a clinically more severe PD subtype associated with regional abnormalities involving cerebellar, motor, default mode, and association-related regions. Symptom-related main and interaction patterns should be interpreted as candidate-region exploratory findings requiring further confirmation in larger studies.
Constipation is a common, dose-dependent adverse effect of incretin-based anti-obesity therapies that affects patient adherence and may necessitate discontinuation, resulting in loss of metabolic benefits and weight regain. Elobixibat, an ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) inhibitor, may offer a targeted alternative when conventional laxatives fail. A 56-year-old woman with obesity (95 kg; BMI 38.5 kg/m2) developed severe constipation after increasing tirzepatide to 10 mg weekly. Her bowel movements decreased from 6 to 8 times weekly (Bristol Stool Chart types 3-5) to 2-3 times weekly (types 1-2), with worst symptoms 2-3 days post-injection. Lactulose, psyllium, stimulant laxatives, and polyethylene glycol were ineffective or poorly tolerated, leading to painful perianal fissures. Tests showed hypertriglyceridemia and mild transaminitis with no obstruction on imaging. Elobixibat was started at 10 mg daily before dinner with continued tirzepatide. Bowel movement occurred 20 h after the administration. Stool frequency improved to 5-6 times weekly initially and 9-10 times weekly in the second week. Transient loose stools resolved after reducing elobixibat to 5 mg daily. By week three, bowel movements normalized to 7-8 times weekly (types 3-5) with improved defecation and resolved perianal symptoms. No serious adverse events were observed. Elobixibat provided effective relief, enabling the continuation of tirzepatide therapy. Therefore, a prospective evaluation is recommended. IBAT inhibition may represent a mechanism-based strategy to overcome the specific motility deficits induced by incretin therapy. Tirzepatide is a weekly injection for weight loss. A common side effect is constipation (infrequent, hard bowel movements), which can become severe enough that people consider stopping the medication. We report a 56-year-old woman with obesity whose bowel habit changed after tirzepatide dose was increased to 10 mg weekly. Before starting tirzepatide, she passed stool 6–8 times per week. After dose escalation, this fell to 2–3 times weekly, especially in the first 2–3 days after injection. Usual approaches did not help or were hard to tolerate, including increased fiber and several laxatives. She developed painful anal symptoms with fissuring. Tests and imaging showed no bowel blockage. Because she wished to continue tirzepatide, she started elobixibat (a constipation medicine). Elobixibat works by allowing more bile acids (digestive fluids made by the liver) to reach the large bowel, which can draw water into the bowel and stimulate movement. She took elobixibat 10 mg daily 2 h before dinner while continuing tirzepatide. She had a bowel movement about 20 h after the first dose. Over 3 weeks, bowel movements increased to 5–6 per week (week 1), then 9–10 per week with brief loose stools (week 2). After reducing elobixibat to 5 mg daily, stools settled to 7–8 comfortable bowel movements weekly (week 3). No serious side effects occurred. This case suggests elobixibat may help severe tirzepatide-associated constipation when standard measures fail, allowing continued weight-loss treatment.
Osteoarthritis is the second most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder and mostly affects hip and knee joints. Movement behaviours have been associated with the incidence of osteoarthritis. However, previous studies have mainly relied on self-reported questionnaires. Moreover, the inherently compositional nature of 24-hour movement behaviours has not yet been considered. This prospective study aims to investigate the association between objective device-measured movement behaviours and incident hip and knee osteoarthritis, accounting for the compositional nature of movement behaviours. Data from the UK Biobank cohort were used, which included individuals aged 40-69 years old. Seven days movement behaviours were measured with a wrist-worn triaxial accelerometer. Incident hip and knee osteoarthritis cases were prospectively ascertained on hospital inpatient data. Compositional Cox proportional hazard models were used. 85 706 individuals were included in the study between 2013 and 2015. During a mean follow-up of 7.6 years, 5308 participants were diagnosed with hip and knee osteoarthritis. Results showed that reallocating 30 min/day to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity from sedentary time (HR=0.98, 95% CI 0.97 to 0.99) or from light physical activity (HR=0.94, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.96) was associated with lower incidence of hip and knee osteoarthritis. Similarly, reallocating 30 min/day to sleep from sedentary time (HR=0.97, 95% CI 0.96 to 0.99) or from light physical activity (HR=0.93, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.95) was associated with lower incidence hip and knee osteoarthritis. Using objective measures of movement behaviours, this study provides evidence that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sleep may play important roles in hip and knee osteoarthritis prevention, while accounting for the other movement behaviours. Further research is needed to understand whether the associations are causal.
Lassa fever (LF) is endemic to West Africa with a disproportionate impact on rural communities. LF is caused by Mammarenavirus lassaense (LASV), an arenavirus hosted by Mastomys spp. rodents (multimammate rats). This study leverages local knowledge to examine how human settlement patterns and agricultural land use influence perceptions of Mastomys spp. population dynamics and affect human-rodent interactions across diverse social and ecological settings in Lassa-endemic areas of Nigeria. We used participatory rural appraisal (PRA) at three sites with varying settlement patterns and landscape structure to (1) summarize landcover and agricultural practices, (2) characterize human land use within different landcover types, and (3) identify types and frequency of human interactions with suspected Mastomys spp. PRA revealed consistent patterns of (1) perceived Mastomys spp. population ecology and behavior and (2) reported human-Mastomys spp. contact across villages and landcover types. All villages reported perceived increases in Mastomys spp. activity in response to seasonal land clearing and rice harvest. Perceptions of rodent movement varied between settlement types, with increased movement of Mastomys spp. between agricultural fields and residential compounds reported in villages where homes were interspersed with farmland. Regular contact with Mastomys spp. was widely reported in both households and fields, although contact type and frequency differed based on gendered agricultural duties and daily activity, revealing potentially underemphasized pathways for LASV transmission in agricultural settings. PRA data suggests human settlement patterns and agricultural land use mediate LASV reservoir movement and human-reservoir interfaces, potentially creating variation in LF exposure risk both within villages and across the endemic area.
Team sports athletes rely heavily on unilateral movements, yet the comparative performance benefits of unilateral training (UT) versus bilateral training (BT) remain controversial. This meta-analysis systematically examined the effects of UT and BT on strength, jumping, sprinting, and agility in team sports, while considering sport type and training program as potential moderators. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CNKI databases was conducted to identify controlled trials meeting the PICOS criteria. Primary outcomes were strength, jumping (countermovement jump [CMJ], horizontal jump [HJ], reactive strength index [RSI]), sprinting, and agility. Pooled effects were calculated using standardized mean difference (Hedges' g) through a three-level meta-analysis model, with subgroup and moderator analyses conducted. Fifteen studies involving 355 team sports athletes (basketball, soccer, rugby, and ice hockey) were included. The meta-analysis showed no significant differences between UT and BT in overall strength, jumping, sprinting, and agility. However, UT significantly outperformed BT in unilateral strength (g = 0.68, p = 0.007), unilateral CMJ (g = 0.37, p = 0.025), and unilateral HJ (g = 0.45, p = 0.03). No significant differences were found in bilateral strength, bilateral jumping, and RSI. Subgroup analysis revealed no overall differences across sports, but in basketball, UT had significant advantages over BT in sprinting (g = -0.37, p = 0.04) and agility (g = -0.77, p = 0.04). Regarding training types, UT using plyometric training outperformed BT in strength (g = 0.54, p = 0.03) and sprinting (g = -0.30, p = 0.03), while UT with compound training had significant advantages in agility (g = -0.74, p = 0.04). UT outperforms BT in improving unilateral strength and jumping ability, while producing comparable effects in bilateral performance, sprinting, and agility. These findings underscore the value of UT in team sports involving unilateral movements. Future research should explore its long-term effects, recovery from injury, and neuromuscular adaptations to better optimize training.
Fontan circulation carries high morbidity and mortality, driven in part by impaired exercise capacity, muscle deficits, and endothelial dysfunction. In a pediatric cohort with Fontan circulation, we examined associations between exercise capacity, endothelial function, and muscle parameters before enrollment in a randomized exercise intervention. Patients aged 8-19 years who have Fontan circulation were included. Exclusion criteria included New York Heart Association class IV, active illness, protein-losing enteropathy, pacemaker, or cognitive delay. Assessments included cardiopulmonary exercise testing (peak VO2), endothelial function testing (reactive hyperemia index [RHI]), fasting lipid profile, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and dynamometry (muscle mass and strength), and functional movement screening (FMS). Among 137 participants (median age 12.7 years; 53% single right ventricle), median time since Fontan was 8.6 years. Peak VO2 was 1402 ± 509 mL/min (75.7% ± 17.9% predicted; 31.1 ± 7.4 mL/kg/min indexed). RHI was 1.45 ± 0.6; NOx 22.2 ± 17.4 μmol/L. The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was 65.8 ± 18.9 mg/dL. Length-adjusted leg lean mass, handgrip strength, and leg extension strength z scores were -1.02 ± 1.0, -0.76 ± 0.9, and -0.70 ± 1.0, respectively. The FMS score averaged 11.9 ± 3.0. Peak VO2 correlated with RHI (r = 0.50), lnRHI (r = 0.51), FMS (r = 0.30) (all P < 0.001), and length-adjusted leg lean mass z score (r = 0.25, P = 0.003). Indexed and percent-predicted peak VO2 also correlated with FMS (r = 0.31 and 0.30, respectively) and high-density lipoprotein (r = 0.24 and r = 0.25, respectively). In youth with Fontan circulation, lower aerobic capacity was associated with lower endothelial function, leg lean mass, strength, and mobility, underscoring the interdependence of cardiovascular, vascular, and musculoskeletal health. NCT04195451. La circulation de Fontan est associée à un taux élevé de morbidité et de mortalité, dû en partie à une réduction de la capacité d’effort, à des déficiences musculaires et à une dysfonction endothéliale. Dans une cohorte pédiatrique ayant une circulation de Fontan, nous avons examiné le lien entre la capacité d’effort, la fonction endothéliale et les paramètres musculaires avant le recrutement dans un programme d’exercices à répartition aléatoire. L’étude comprenait des patients âgés de 8 à 19 ans qui avaient une circulation de Fontan. Les critères d’exclusion comprenaient la classe IV de la New York Heart Association, une maladie active, une entéropathie par perte de protéines, la présence d’un stimulateur cardiaque ou un retard cognitif. Les évaluations comprenaient le test d’effort cardiopulmonaire (VO2 max), l’évaluation de la fonction endothéliale (indice d’hyperémie réactive [IHR]), le bilan lipidique à jeun, l’absorptiométrie à rayons X en double énergie et la dynamométrie (masse et force musculaires), de même que l’évaluation fonctionnelle du mouvement (FMS pour functional movement screening). Chez 137 participants (âge médian : 12,7 ans; 53 % ayant un ventricule droit unique), le délai médian depuis l’intervention de Fontan était de 8,6 ans. Le VO2 max était de 1402 ± 509 ml/min (75,7 % ± 17,9 % de la valeur prédite; 31,1 ± 7,4 ml/kg/min indexée). L’IHR était de 1,45 ± 0,6; le NOx de 22,2 ± 17,4 μmol/l. Le taux de cholestérol à lipoprotéines de basse densité était de 65,8 ± 18,9 mg/dl. La masse maigre des jambes ajustée selon la longueur, la force de la prise de main et la force d’extension des jambes étaient respectivement de –1,02 ± 1,0, –0,76 ± 0,9 et –0,70 ± 1,0. Le score FMS affichait une moyenne de 11,9 ± 3,0. Le VO2 max était corrélé à l’IHR (r = 0,50), le lnIHR (r = 0,51), le score FMS (r = 0,30) (p < 0,001 pour tous les cas) et le score z de la masse maigre des jambes ajustée selon la longueur (r = 0,25, p = 0,003). Le VO2 max indexé et en pourcentage de la valeur prédite était également corrélé au score FMS (respectivement r = 0,31 et 0,30) et au taux de lipoprotéines de haute densité (respectivement r = 0,24 et r = 0,25). Chez les jeunes patients ayant une circulation de Fontan, une capacité aérobique plus faible est associée à une réduction de la fonction endothéliale, de la masse maigre des jambes, de la force et de la mobilité, ce qui souligne l’interdépendance de la santé cardiovasculaire, vasculaire et musculosquelettique. NCT04195451.
Vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) is a common but frequently overlooked complication in patients with brain injury and can significantly compromise multiple airway protective functions-including glottic closure during swallowing, cough reflex, and cough effectiveness-leading to increased risks of aspiration, pneumonia, and poor clinical outcomes. Although swallowing dysfunction and VFMI often coexist in patients with brain injury, the specific characteristics and underlying mechanisms of their association have not been systematically investigated. This single-center cross-sectional study consecutively enrolled 280 patients with brain injury from June 2024 to May 2025. All patients underwent fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) to simultaneously assess 18 swallowing indicators covering 5 dimensions and vocal fold motor function. VFMI was defined as complete fixation or hypomotility of the vocal folds under endoscopy. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified swallowing indicators that significantly co-occurred with VFMI after adjusting for potential confounders. To address the extreme collinearity between bilateral pyriform sinus secretion variables (Spearman r = 0.974), a composite maximum-score variable [PS_MAX = max(left, right)] was constructed. Among 280 patients, 220 (78.6%) had VFMI. After adjusting for confounders, restricted pharyngeal wall movement (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.06-4.38, p = 0.034) and pyriform sinus secretion pooling (PS_MAX: OR = 2.165, 95% CI: 1.067-4.396, p = 0.032) consistently co-manifested with VFMI, suggesting their co-occurrence as expressions of shared pharyngolaryngeal neural substrate impairment. Restricted pharyngeal wall movement and pyriform sinus secretion pooling co-manifest with VFMI as integrated expressions of a shared neural injury substrate-specifically, the overlapping brainstem circuits including the nucleus ambiguus and related pathways that co-regulate pharyngeal constrictor function and vocal cord motor control-rather than as independently co-occurring phenomena. VFMI should be regarded as part of the broader swallowing and airway-protective dysfunction spectrum-encompassing both degglutitive impairment and compromised airway-protective functions including cough reflex and cough effectiveness-caused by brainstem network impairment, rather than an isolated laryngeal disorder. These findings have direct clinical implications in settings where vocal fold status is not simultaneously available, supporting more integrated evaluation and rehabilitation planning that addresses swallowing, cough, and airway-protective function.
Octopuses are capable of remarkably intricate movements without a skeletal framework, making them a compelling model for the design of soft robotic arms. While previous research has explored the bending, elongation, and shortening of octopus arms, the spatial distribution of specific muscle groups along the arm and their functional implications remain underexplored. In this study, high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of 24 arms from Octopus bimaculoides was used to quantify the distribution of transverse, aboral, oral, and lateral internal longitudinal muscles, as well as the axial core housing the nerve cord. Results revealed a progressive increase in axial core area and a decrease in transverse muscle area from proximal to distal arm regions, while longitudinal muscle distributions showed no consistent trend. These anatomical insights informed the design of four soft arm models. Two models incorporated either uniform or octopus-inspired muscle group distributions, and the other two included an additional passive axial core. Using silicone rubber to mimic muscle mechanics, each design was evaluated via finite element analysis for tip displacement and arm curvature across various motions. The bioinspired model without an axial core achieved the greatest tip displacement, while the inclusion of the core reduced performance. Moreover, a parametric analysis of transverse-assisted bending demonstrated that even modest changes in the activation levels of transverse and longitudinal muscles can produce markedly different arm curvatures. This highlights how a bioinspired architecture can enable complex movements through simple modulation of relative muscle activation. Together, these findings underscore the value of biologically informed design principles in advancing the dexterity and agility of next-generation soft robotic arms.
Recording the movement of freely swimming, weakly electric fish during naturalistic behavior and social interactions poses persistent challenges to neuroethologists. Most species are nocturnal; consequently, illumination for video recording often disrupts their natural behavior. Substantial work has addressed this issue using shallow-water tanks, infrared illumination, or indirect movement derivation. While inferring position from a fish's own electrical signals has also been explored, it remains a promising yet largely unresolved problem in 3D. We introduce an open-source, multimodal, and data-driven method as a first step toward 3D tracking based on electrical signals. Applied to the pulse-type fish Gymnotus carapo, this approach links 3D posture to self-generated electric field dynamics. This proof-of-concept study utilized a deep tank, a peripheral electrode array, and a multi-camera system to record a freely swimming animal. Using deep-learning algorithms, we reconstructed 3D skeletal trajectories from video recordings, achieving a spatial accuracy of approximately 0.8 mm per coordinate. Subsequently, we simulated the electric potentials generated by three charge distribution models mapped onto the skeletal structure throughout the tracking period. By comparing these simulations with experimental recordings, we evaluated the consistency of the forward modeling framework and the relative performance of each model. The results suggest that a biologically inspired asymmetric charge distribution better reproduces experimental observations than simpler traditional dipole-like models. Furthermore, we developed a tool dedicated to the precise, non-invasive study of charge distribution along the electric organ. It supports the evaluation of biophysical models linking body posture to electric signal generation. These findings suggest that paired electrical and spatial datasets may support the development of video-free 3D tracking methods based on machine learning for dark, deep-water environments. These results could also assist in the design of novel biomimetic electrolocation systems. Looking ahead, this methodology could be extended to multiple animals and adapted to some other pulse- or wave-type electric fish, thereby offering a framework for integrating anatomy, locomotion, electrosense, and electrogenesis in neuroethological studies.
Habitat selection analyses, which discern the environmental conditions individuals select, often inform conservation planning. Through a literature review, we demonstrate that recent habitat selection studies rarely include fitness and health information. With a simulation study, we show that ignoring such information could support the protection of sink habitats. Our case studies demonstrate how health and fitness proxies can modify our understanding of habitat selection: (1) incorporating mass gain of thick-billed murres shows the energetic benefit of areas deemed secondary by a naive resource selection function; (2) including number of chicks in a step selection function (SSF) exposes the complex relationships glaucous-winged gulls have with landscapes impacted by humans; and (3) including external signs of trauma in the movement kernel of SSFs demonstrates other ways in which narwhal distribution can be altered. We urge movement ecologists to collect and use health and fitness data to improve ecological inference and conservation action.
The Brazilian Health Reform Movement succeeded in enshrining health as a constitutional social right, resulting in the creation of the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde, or SUS), based on the principles of universality, comprehensive care, equity, and democratized participation of users and workers in system management. However, the SUS faces a process of privatization by private Social Health Organizations (Organizações Sociais de Saúde, or OSS). This article reports part of a study involving researchers, including public mental health service workers. The methodological strategy explored narratives related to episodes of care in workplaces. The results revealed what we termed the 'enterprise-mode,' impacting both workers and the care provided in services managed by OSS. SUS health care workers on the shop floor face the challenge of commercial privatizing forces acting against the foundational principles of democratic management inscribed in the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform law enacted in 2001. A relationship is imposed that corrodes interactions within the team and between the team and service users, attempting to silence those who defend the SUS. However, the narratives also reveal sparks of resistance and insubordination emerging in the daily lives of SUS shop floor workers that can strengthen resistance movements for social health rights.