scholarly journals MO054VASCULAR CALCIFICATION IMPAIRS BONE MINERALIZATION

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Lerche Mace ◽  
Eva Gravesen ◽  
Anders Nordholm ◽  
Soeren Egstrand ◽  
Marya Morevati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
Vascular Calcification ◽  
Bone Mineralization ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
High Calcium ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background and Aims Several studies report an association between low BMD and vascular calcification (VC) in the general population and in CKD patients. Development of VC in CKD is a cell regulated process where the vascular smooth muscle cell alters phenotype to a bone-like secretory cell. Our group has previously demonstrated the expression of Wnt inhibitors in VC and so we ask if the presence of VC affects bone metabolism. Method A novel model of isogenic aorta transplantation (ATx) was developed and used in the study. Severe uremic vascular calcifications were induced in inbred Dark Aguti (DA) rats by 5/6 nephrectomy, high phosphate diet and calcitriol treatment. After 14 weeks the calcified abdominal aorta of the uremic rat was transplanted into a normal DA rat (uremic ATx, n=16). A normal aorta was transplanted into a normal DA rat as sham group (normal ATx, n=9) and age-matched normal rats were used as one more control group (control, n=6). Rats were sacrificed 4 weeks after ATx and plasma biochemistry, bone and vessels were analyzed. Data are presented as mean±SEM or median [range]. Statistical significance *p<0.5,**p<0.01,*** p<0.001. Results The uremic donor rat suffered from severe kidney disease with disturbed mineral balance and its aorta had a high calcium content of 15.7±0.8 µg Ca/mg vs. none in the normal aorta. Uremic ATx, normal ATx and control rats had same plasma levels of creatinine, Ca2+, phosphate, PTH, FGF23 and sclerostin. The uremic ATx had significant lower bone mineral density (BMD) compared to normal ATx and control rats (1576±5 vs. 1592±5* & 1613±6* mg/cc). The impact on bone mineralization was also detected in the bone histomorphometry analysis, where the uremic ATx had less osteoid compared to normal ATx (median 3% [0,3%;8%] vs. 5% [2%;8%]*). Moreover, the uremic ATx had fewer osteoblasts and more osteoclasts. The effect on bone was supported by substantial gene analysis of several genes related to bone remodeling, mineralization and Wnt signaling. The uremic ATx rats had significant changes in mRNA levels of several genes in bone compared to normal ATX and control rats such as increased alkaline phosphatase (3.26±0.29 vs. 1.56±0.32*** & 0.86±0.12***), decreased osteoblast marker osteocalcin (0.54±0.06 vs. 0.92±0.14* & 1.19±0.06***) and increased osteoclast marker cathepsin K (2.36±0.24 vs. 1.19±0.23** & 1.01±0.07***). In addition, we found upregulation of the bone mineralization inhibitors osteopontin (1.46±0.18 vs. 0.69±0.17** & 0.49±0.06**) and progressive ankylosis protein homolog (8.10±0.60 vs. 3.21±0.74** & 2.39±0.48**) as well as collagen I (9.30 [2.73;14.81] vs. 2.30 [0.31;19.33]* & 2.78 [1.63;7.52]***). The inhibitor of bone formation sclerostin was significant increased (2.90 [1.54;13,29] vs. 1,23 [0.32;3.20]** & 0.93 [0.39;2,19]**) along with a slight downregulation of bone stimulator BMP2 (3.18±0.15 vs. 4.06±0.30* & 3.98±0.44*. Finally, the Wnt signaling pathway was affected by upregulation of β-catenin (3.15±0.25 vs. 1.28±0.26*** & 1.03±0.13***) and the downstream gene Snail1 (3.73±0.33 vs. 1.54±0.45*** & 1.04±0.12***). Conclusion These novel findings indicate the existence of a tissue crosstalk between vessels and bone. The presence of vascular calcification lowers BMD, decreases the amount of osteoid and affects several pathways in bone.

scholarly journals The Impact of Divergent and Convergent Tasks on Iraqi EFL Students Reading Comprehension Success

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-39
Author(s):  
Sabeeha Hamza Dehham ◽  
Nadia Majeed Hussein
Keyword(s):  
Reading Skills ◽  
Experimental Approach ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Preparatory Stage ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

This research attempted to explore the effects of divergent and convergent tasks on the successful reading of EFL students at the preparatory stage. To verify the analysis, the null hypothesis was established that states "There are no differences of statistical significance at the level of (0,05) among the mean of scores of the experimental group who study according to divergent and convergent task technique and the mean of the scores of the control group who study according to the regular method".  The experimental approach is used by designing two equivalent experimental groups of 32 students studying the technique proposed, and an 8-week (2019-2020) control group of 32 students, three classes each week using the Google Classroom Platform and Telegram. The present study utilized the platform Google Classroom (GC) and Telegram as an educational platform to assist students during their course learning process. The writing skills test was administered after checking with the experts. The results show that there are statistical differences at level (0,05) between the average of the experimental and control groups' reading skills and those of the experimental group. This difference is because the experimental group uses divergent and convergent tasks.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF SPORT GAMES EXERCISE PROGRAMS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPECIFIC MOTOR ABILITIES IN ADOLESCENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL IMPAIRMENT

2020 ◽  
pp. 249
Author(s):  
Aleksandar Pejčić ◽  
Miodrag Kocić
Keyword(s):  
Motor Skills ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Experimental Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mental Impairment ◽  
Motor Abilities ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a sports games experimental program on improving specific motor abilities in adolescents with mental impairment. The study was conducted on a sample of 60 adolescents diagnosed with mild mental impairment, divided into two groups (experimental group EG, and control group CG) with an equal number of participants. The special program of sports games lasted for 12 weeks, with a weekly frequency of four times and a duration of 30 minutes per training. The participants of both groups were tested with the same variables within the specific motor skills for the sport of football and basketball. After a twelve-week experimental program of sports games, there were statistically significant improvements in the EG in the variables: SMFS, SMDR, SMCP with a statistical significance of r=0.000. The results of the ANOVA and MANOVA analyses indicated that after the application of the specific sports games program there was a statistically significant difference in the benefits for the EG compared to the CG, in the parameters of specific motor abilities with a statistical significance r=0.000 and the size of the impact. Based on these research results, it can be concluded that a specific exercise program conducted within twelve-week training of specifically dosed sports activities has significantly contributed the development of specific motor skills for football and basketball.

scholarly journals Impact of Conscious Discipline on Teacher Efficacy and Burnout: Perspectives for Elementary Teachers

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (14) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori A. Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Elementary Teachers ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Population Demographics ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Sense Of Efficacy ◽  
Conscious Discipline ◽  
Implementation Level ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

This study examined the impact of Conscious Discipline® on Michigan elementary teachers’ perceptions of their self-efficacy and burnout levels. Teachers completed a survey of the Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES) and Maslach’s Burnout Inventory (MBI) and were observed using a fidelity instrument (Rain, 2014) by the researcher five months after the adoption of Conscious Discipline® school-wide in the treatment group (n = 12). The control group (n = 15) was matched with similar student population demographics, and the same surveys and fidelity instrument (Rain, 2014) were used. Results from this study found no statistical significance in the TSES or MBI scores between those in treatment and control groups. Additionally, no statistical significance was found in the observed implementation level of Conscious Discipline® and efficacy or burnout scores.

scholarly journals Influence of obesity and epicardial fat on the progression of electrical and structural remodeling in a canine obese rapid atrial pacing model

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Okumura ◽  
M Arai ◽  
N Otsuka ◽  
K Nagashima ◽  
R Watanabe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Normal Diet ◽  
Epicardial Fat ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Atrial Pacing ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions including obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and abnormal cholesterol, which increases the cardiovascular risk. Metabolic syndrome or obesity has been reported to provide systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Increased epicardial fat volume is a manifestation of obesity or metabolic syndrome. Those systemic and local conditions related to obesity or metabolic syndrome have been linking to the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). The underlying mechanisms of obesity linking epicardial fat to AF progression have not been fully examined. Purpose To investigate the impact of obesity linked to epicardial fat on electrophysiologic and anatomical AF substrates. Methods Twenty dogs aged 3 years were divided into four groups (n=5 per each): normal diet for over 20 weeks (control group [median body weight: 12.0 kg]), rapid atrial pacing (RAP) for last 4–15 (median 8) weeks during a normal diet for the same period (RAP group [10.5 kg]), high-fat diet (HFD) maintained for over 20 weeks without RAP (MetS group [16.0 kg]), and RAP for last 4–12 (median 6) weeks during HFD maintained for 24 weeks (MetS-RAP group [17.0 kg]), respectively. Activation/voltage maps of the atria during sinus rhythm were created with Ensite NavX mapping system. The effective refractory period (ERP) at 5 left atrial (LA) and pulmonary vein (PV) sites (LA appendage [LAA], LA body, right and left superior PVs, and inferior PV), and AF inducibility by burst LAA pacing were determined. At study completion, hearts were excised for histopathological and gene expression analyses. Results The LA pressure was more significantly increased in MetS than the MetS-RAP, RAP, and control groups (22.5 [17–28.8] mmHg vs. 14.0 [10.5–16.3] mmHg, 10.5 [7.4–17.2] mmHg and 10.7 [9.6–13.5] mmHg, respectively, P<0.05). The LA/PV ERP at a basic cycle length of 400 ms was shorter in the MetS-RAP and RAP than MetS and control groups (118±39 ms and 122±44 ms vs. 136±18 ms and 155±39 ms, respectively, P<0.05). Short duration AF was more induced in the MetS and MetS-RAP than RAP and control groups (3 [0–5.5] sec and 2 [0.5–3.5] sec vs. 0 [0–4.5] sec and 0 [0–0] sec, P<0.05). Histological examinations showed the fatty infiltration extending from epicardial fat increased more in the Mets and Mets-RAP than RAP and control groups (Figure). The Fibronectin 1 and collagen I/III mRNA levels increased more in the MetS-RAP and AF than MetS and control groups. Conclusions AF vulnerability was associated with increased LA pressures and fibrofatty infiltration from epicardial fat in the MetS group, and with fibrofatty infiltration from epicardial fat with subtle fibrosis in the MetS-RAP group. This suggested that fibrofatty infiltration and epicardial fat plays an important role in AF pathogenesis in obese patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI)

scholarly journals The presence of non-criteria manifestations negatively affects the prognosis of seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome patients: a multicenter study

2022 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilberto Pires da Rosa ◽  
Bernardo Sousa-Pinto ◽  
Ester Ferreira ◽  
Olga Araújo ◽  
Giuseppe Barilaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiphospholipid Syndrome ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Hormonal Treatment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Single Positive ◽  
The Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome (SN-APS) is often defined as the presence of APS criteria manifestations, negative antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), and coexistence of APS non-criteria manifestations. Nevertheless, the impact of these non-criteria features is still unclear. On a different note, the relevance of one single aPL positive determination in patients with APS manifestations is another domain with limited evidence. We aim to compare the course of SN-APS and single-positive aPL (SP-aPL) patients with that of individuals with APS manifestations without non-criteria features/aPL positivity (controls). Methods Retrospective analysis of patients with thrombosis/obstetric morbidity assessed in two European hospitals between 2005 and 2020. Patients were divided into SN-APS, SP-aPL, and control groups. Clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and therapies were compared. Results A total of 82 patients were included in the SN-APS group, 88 in the SP-aPL group, and 185 in the control group. In Cox regression model, SN-APS displayed more thrombosis recurrence than controls (HR 3.8, 95% CI 2.2–6.5, p < 0.001) even when adjusting for the presence of hereditary thrombophilia, systemic lupus erythematosus, or contraceptive hormonal treatment. In SP-aPL, the difference in thrombosis recurrence did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.078). Indefinite anticoagulation (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively) and vitamin K antagonist (VKA) use (p < 0.001 in both cases) were more common in SN-APS/SP-aPL. Conclusion SN-APS displayed more thrombosis recurrence, indefinite anticoagulation, and VKA use than controls without non-criteria manifestations. The presence of such features in patients with thrombosis and negative aPL may negatively impact their clinical course.

scholarly journals The Influence of the Physiotherapeutic Program on Selected Static and Dynamic Foot Indicators and the Balance of Elderly Women Depending on the Ground Stability

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4660
Author(s):  
Joanna Matla ◽  
Katarzyna Filar-Mierzwa ◽  
Anna Ścisłowska-Czarnecka ◽  
Agnieszka Jankowicz-Szymańska ◽  
Aneta Bac
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Women ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Balance Assessment ◽  
Motor Functions ◽  
Static Test ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact

Seniors are a constantly growing group of people in many societies. It is necessary to develop physiotherapeutic programs to improve their mobility. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the physiotherapeutic program conducted unstable ground on selected indicators of motor functions of elderly women. Sixty women (60–80 years) participated in the research. Group A (N = 20) underwent a 12-week physiotherapeutic program on stable ground, group B (N = 20) followed an exercise program on unstable ground, and group C (N = 20) (control group) had no therapeutic intervention. The effects of the therapy were assessed by using a FreeMed platform (foot load analysis) and a Biosway balance system. The results were compared using ANOVA (the one-way analysis), the Kruskal–Wallis test and also the post hoc tests (Tukey’s test and the multiple comparison test). In group A, a statistically significant change was observed in the static test and balance assessment, in group B this was observed in the static and dynamic foot tests and balance assessment, in group C, no statistical significance was achieved. The authors’ physiotherapeutic program had a statistically significant effect on changes in the balance and selected indicators of the motor functions of the examined people. Comparing the results before and after the therapy more improvement changes were noted in women training on an unstable ground compared to women training on a stable ground.

scholarly journals Positive Airway Pressure Therapy Adherence with Mask Resupply: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 720
Author(s):  
Adam Benjafield ◽  
Liesl Oldstone ◽  
Leslee Willes ◽  
Colleen Kelly ◽  
Carlos Nunez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Airway Pressure ◽  
Positive Airway Pressure ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Billing Data ◽  
Pressure Therapy ◽  
Therapy Termination ◽  
Few Data ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

There are currently few data on the impact of mask resupply on longer-term adherence to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. This retrospective analysis investigated the effects of mask/mask cushion resupply on the adherence to PAP versus no resupply. Deidentified patient billing data for PAP supply items were merged with telemonitoring data from Cloud-connected AirSense 10/AirCurve 10 devices via AirViewTM (ResMed). Eligible patients started PAP between 1 July 2014 and 17 June 2016, had ≥360 days of PAP device data, and achieved initial U.S. Medicare adherence criteria. Patients who received a resupply of mask systems/cushions (resupply group) were propensity-score-matched with those not receiving any mask/cushion resupply (control group). A total of 100,370 patients were included. From days 91 to 360, the mean device usage was 5.6 and 4.5 h/night in the resupply and control groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). The proportion of patients with a mean device usage ≥4 h/night was significantly higher in the resupply group versus the control group (77% vs. 59%; p < 0.0001). The therapy termination rate was significantly lower in the resupply group versus the control group (14.7% vs. 31.9%; p < 0.0001); there was a trend toward lower therapy termination rates as the number of resupplies increased. The replacement of mask interface components was associated with better longer-term adherence to PAP therapy versus no resupply.

Altered plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid fatty acid profile in elite female water polo and football players

2012 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Arsić ◽  
Vesna Vučić ◽  
Jasna Tepšić ◽  
Sanja Mazić ◽  
Marina Djelić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oleic Acid ◽  
Stearic Acid ◽  
Palmitoleic Acid ◽  
Phospholipid Fatty Acid ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Water Polo ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

The impact of chronic, intense exercise, such as in elite athletes, on phospholipids fatty acids (FA) composition has not been studied in women so far. This study aimed to investigate FA profiles in plasma and erythrocytes phospholipids in elite female water polo (N = 15) and football (N = 19) players in comparison with sedentary women. In spite of similar dietary patterns, as assessed by a food frequency questionnaire, plasma FA profile in the football players showed significantly higher proportions of stearic acid, oleic acid, and monounsaturated FA (MUFA), and significantly lower proportions of total and n-6 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) than in the water polo and control group. The water polo players had higher percentages of palmitoleic acid and arachidonic acid than the control subjects. Erythrocyte FA profile differed among groups. We found significantly higher proportion of oleic acid and MUFA in the football group than in the controls, and decreased stearic acid and elevated palmitic and palmitoleic acid in the water polo players than in the other 2 groups. Both groups of athletes had significantly lower percentages of n-6 dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, n-6 PUFA, and total PUFA compared with the controls. The estimated activities of elongase and desaturases in erythrocytes were also altered in the athletes. Our results indicate that long-term, intense physical training significantly affects FA status of plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids in women. The observed differences between the water polo and the football players suggest that the type of regular training may contribute to the altered metabolism of FA, although possible genetic differences among the 3 study groups cannot be ruled out.

scholarly journals Alendronate as an Effective Treatment for Bone Loss and Vascular Calcification in Kidney Transplant Recipients

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masanori Okamoto ◽  
Shintaro Yamanaka ◽  
Wataru Yoshimoto ◽  
Takashi Shigematsu
Keyword(s):  
Bone Loss ◽  
Effective Treatment ◽  
Kidney Transplant ◽  
Vascular Calcification ◽  
Secondary Osteoporosis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Transplant Recipients ◽  
Kidney Transplant Recipients ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Group A

Kidney transplant recipients develop secondary osteoporosis induced by immunosuppressive medication, with a high risk of fracture, and abdominal aortic calcification (AC) is a known predictor of cardiovascular mortality. In this study of 12 stable kidney recipients, we estimated the preventive effect of bisphosphonate treatment on bone loss and progression of AC. We randomly divided the subjects into a treatment group with alendronate (group A: 5 subjects) and a control group (group C: 7 subjects). Group A patients received 35 mg/week of alendronate over 24 months, while group C patients were not administered with any bisphosphonates. Two major endpoints were established: (1) the time-dependent change in bone mineral density (BMD) estimated with DEXA and (2) progression of abdominal AC, calculated twice as an index (ACI) using computed tomography data. Over the 2-year study period, group A patients showed significantly increased BMD of 1.86 ± 0.85% (P=0.015versus baseline), and almost complete inhibition of ACI progression (38.2 ± 24.2% to 39.6 ± 24.3%), but group C patients showed a decrease in BMD decline with bone loss and progression of ACI (32.8 ± 25.0% to 37.8 ± 29.2%,P=0.061). In conclusion, alendronate therapy was an effective treatment in kidney transplant recipients for secondary osteoporosis and vascular calcification as ectopic calcification. This clinical trial is registered with number JMA-IIA00155 of JMACCT CTR.

Twin Pregnancies Complicated by a Single Malformed Fetus: Chorionicity, Outcome and Management

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 501-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Gedikbasi ◽  
Alpaslan Akyol ◽  
Gokhan Yildirim ◽  
Ali Ekiz ◽  
Ahmet Gul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gestational Age ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Expectant Management ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Gestational Age At Birth ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Twin Pregnancies ◽  
Age At Birth

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of one abnormal fetus in a twin pregnancy, to compare impact of chorionicity and clinical outcome of intervention and expectant management. Thirty-seven dichorionic (DC) twins and 18 monochorionic (MC) twins complicated with one malformed fetus were evaluated for gestational age, birthweight and perinatal outcome. Six hundred and forty-two twin pregnancies were evaluated in the database. The control groups consisted of 429 DC and 86 MC twins without anomalous fetus. Mean birthweight and gestational age at birth for DC control group were (n= 429; 2137g and 34.71 weeks), DC study group,n= 37; 2117g (p= .338) and 33.97 weeks (p= .311), and DC study group with major malformations,n= 30; 2019g (p= .289) and 33.3 weeks (p= .01), and showed only significance for gestational age. There was no statistical significance between MC control group,n= 86; 2097g and 34.93 weeks, and MC study group,n= 18; 2237g (p= .338), and 34.42 weeks (p= .502). Because of limited data, the preliminary evaluation for expectant management and intervention, and survival of at least one normal fetus showed no impact. We conclude that, although, all DC twin pregnancies have a risk for preterm delivery, DC twins complicated with major malformation of one twin, have a lower mean gestational age at birth. Preliminary results for intervention does not improve fetal outcome for DC and MC twins and needs further evaluation with greater studies of impact or review.

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