The Effect of Lower Limb Combined Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Skeletal Muscle Cross-Sectional Area and Inflammatory Signaling.

In individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI), rapid skeletal muscle atrophy and metabolic dysfunction pose profound rehabilitation challenges, often resulting in substantial loss of muscle mass and function. This study evaluates the effect of combined neuromuscular electrical stimulation (Comb-NMES) on skeletal muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and inflammatory signaling within the acute phase of SCI. We applied a novel Comb-NMES regimen, integrating both high-frequency resistance and low-frequency aerobic protocols on the vastus lateralis muscle, to participants early post-SCI.

The Effect of Lower Limb Combined Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Skeletal Muscle Signaling for Glucose Utilization, Myofiber Distribution, and Metabolic Function after Spinal Cord Injury.

Maintaining healthy myofiber type and metabolic function early after spinal cord injury (SCI) may prevent chronic metabolic disorders. This study compares the effects of a 2-5 week combined (aerobic + resistance) neuromuscular electrical stimulation (Comb-NMES) regimen versus a sham control treatment on muscle protein signaling for glucose uptake, myofiber type distribution, and metabolic function. Twenty participants (31 ± 9 years of age) with an SCI (C4-L1, AIS level A-C) within 14 days of the SCI were randomly assigned to control ( = 8) or Comb-NMES ( = 12).

Role of grinding method on granular activated carbon characteristics.

A coconut shell (AC1230CX) and a bituminous coal based (F400) granular activated carbon (GAC) were ground with mortar and pestle (MP), a blender, and a bench-scale ball milling unit (BMU). Blender was the most time-efficient for particle size reduction. Four size fractions ranging from 20 × 40 to 200 × 325 were characterized along with the bulk GACs.

Anion Exchange Resin and Inorganic Anion Parameter Determination for Model Validation and Evaluation of Unintended Consequences during PFAS Treatment.

When implementing anion exchange (AEX) for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances treatment, temporal drinking water quality changes from concurrent inorganic anion (IA) removal can create unintended consequences (e.g., corrosion control impacts).

Effects of a Low-Carbohydrate, High-Protein Diet on Gut Microbiome Composition in Insulin-Resistant Individuals With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: Preliminary Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a low-carbohydrate, high-protein (LC/HP) diet that includes healthy dietary components (eg, lean meat, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fiber, etc) on the gut microbiome composition in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design: A single-center randomized parallel controlled trial.

Setting: Research University.

Gut Microbiome Composition and Serum Metabolome Profile Among Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury and Normal Glucose Tolerance or Prediabetes/Type 2 Diabetes.

Objective: To compare the gut microbiome composition and serum metabolome profile among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) or prediabetes/type 2 diabetes (preDM/T2D).

Design: Cross-sectional design.

Setting: Research university.

Limited Association between the Total Healthy Eating Index-2015 Score and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Individuals with Long-Standing Spinal Cord Injury: An Exploratory Study: An Exploratory Study.

Background: The healthy eating index-2015 (HEI-2015) reflects diet quality in reference to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). Little is known regarding its application in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI).

Objective: To explore the relationship between diet quality as assessed by the HEI-2015 and cardiovascular risk factors among individuals with chronic SCI.

Ketogenic regimens for acute neurotraumatic events.

Dietary modification would be the most translatable, cost-efficient, and, likely, the safest approach available that can reduce the reliance on pharmaceutical treatments for treating acute or chronic neurological disorders. A wide variety of evidence suggests that the ketogenic diet (KD) could have beneficial effects in acute traumatic events, such as spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. Review of existing human and animal studies revealed that KD can improve motor neuro-recovery, gray matter sparing, pain thresholds, and neuroinflammation and decrease depression.

Mapping Quantitative Trait Loci Associated With Resistance to Aflatoxin Accumulation in Maize Inbred Mp719.

Aflatoxins are carcinogenic and toxic compounds produced principally by fungal species (Link: Fries) and (Speare), which are common contaminants of food and feed. Aflatoxins can be found at dangerously high levels and can readily contaminate pre-harvest maize ( L.) grain.

A Histological Study of Colonization of Wound Inoculated Maize Kernels of Resistant and Susceptible Maize Hybrids in the Field.

colonization in developing kernels of maize single-cross hybrids resistant (Mp313E × Mp717) and susceptible (GA209 × T173) to aflatoxin accumulation was determined in the field over three growing seasons (2012-2014). Plants were hand pollinated, and individual kernels were inoculated with a needle dipped in a suspension of conidia 21 days after pollination. Kernels were harvested at 1- to 2-day intervals from 1 to 21 days after inoculation (DAI).

Genome-Wide Association and Metabolic Pathway Analysis of Corn Earworm Resistance in Maize.

Maize ( L.) is a staple crop of economic, industrial, and food security importance. Damage to the growing ears by corn earworm [ (Boddie)] is a major economic burden and increases secondary fungal infections and mycotoxin levels.

Who Needs a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit After Posterior Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis?

Background: Hypotensive events (HEs) following posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) can lead to delayed neurologic postoperative deficits (DNPD). This study aimed to determine the incidence of HEs (mean arterial pressure [MAP] <60 mmHg) after PSF for AIS and identify predictors for HEs.

Methods: Medical records of 99 consecutive patients who had PSF for AIS were retrospectively reviewed (2011-2013).

Screw Versus Hybrid Constructs for Flexible Thoracic Curves in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Prospective, Randomized Study.

Study Design: Prospective, computer-randomized design.

Objective: Compare screw and hybrid constructs in flexible, thoracic curves for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in a prospective randomized fashion.

Summary Of Background: The consensus in scientific literature is that all-screw constructs correct AIS better than hooks in the lumbar and in large, stiff thoracic curves.

A recent review of non-biological remediation of aflatoxin-contaminated crops.

Aflatoxins are highly toxic, mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic compounds produced predominantly as secondary metabolites by certain species of fungi belonging to the Aspergillus genus. Owing to the significant health risks and economic impacts associated with the presence of aflatoxins in agricultural commodities, a considerable amount of research has been directed at finding methods to prevent toxicity. This review compiles the recent literature of methods for the detoxification and management of aflatoxin in post-harvest agricultural crops using non-biological remediation.

Long-term retrospective of the Kaneda anterior scoliosis system in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Background: Currently, the Kaneda anterior scoliosis system (KASS) is reported to be acceptable for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), particularly thoracolumbar and lumbar deformities. Its use in thoracic AIS is not as established.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of long-term results in patients treated with the KASS for thoracic AIS to determine specific factors associated with success or failure.

Clinical manifestations and treatment of the pediatric rheumatoid patient.

The management goal of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is to achieve early diagnosis and treatment so that arthritis can be resolved at an early stage, which avoids long-term damage and provides a good outcome of the affected inflammatory joints. This article describes presentation, classification, evaluation, and treatment of JRA as it relates to the foot and ankle. Because the course of JRA is complex and the optimal management is highly variable in each patient, this article can only offer recommendations.