Objective: Balance problems and falls due to a progressive loss of muscle strength in neuromuscular diseases (NMD) negatively affect the activities of daily living and functional independence of ...patients. The timed up and go (TUG) test is an easy-to-apply and objective measure of balance. This study aimed to determine the cut-off value of the TUG test in adult individuals with NMD. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 102 patients. The receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed and cut-off, sensitivity, and specificity values were calculated in NMD to determine the diagnostic validity of the TUG test. Results: The mean ages of 55 patients with a fall history and 47 patients without a fall history were 34.40+-10.41 and 31.87+-10.11 years, respectively. The mean values of the TUG scores of these individuals were calculated as 11.79+-4.30 and 7.33+-1.51 s, respectively. The cut-off value of the TUG test in adult individuals with the NMD was determined as 8.9 s. Conclusion: The present study revealed that individuals with NMD who complete the TUG test over 8.9 s have a high risk of falling. Determining the risk of falling in NMD, which is one of the neurological patient groups where falling complaints are most common, is extremely important for patient safety and the effectiveness of rehabilitation.
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•The influence of different synthesis methods on photocatalysts properties was explored.•PMS activation was promoted by the synergy of Ag@Bi2WO6/FeWO4 and LED light.•DFT calculations ...and experiments were combined to prove the mechanism of electron competitive migration.•“Tug-of-War” model were proposed to represent the electron transfer mechanism.
Purification of antibiotics through white-LED photocatalytic semiconductors is one of the most promising sustainable development strategies. Here, a novel Ag@Bi2WO6/FeWO4 (Ag@BWO/FWO) nanosheet with oxygen vacancies was constructed by Ion-Exchange method and photodeposition of Ag, and coupled with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the synergistic decontamination of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) under white-LED-light. By combining theoretical with experimental analysis, “Tug-of-War” model was proposed to depict the transfer mode and process of carriers. The electrons at Fe2+ will migrate towards Ag and Bi by charge drift transfer, describing the competing effects of Ag and Bi on electrons at Fe2+ in a Tug-of-War model. Carriers were transferred to the catalyst surface and PMS during this process, weakening the recombination of internal electron-hole pair. Furthermore, mechanistic studies reveal that SO4-, O2-, 1O2 were the primary and OH is secondary radicals for TC decontamination, and an outstanding rate of elimination was achieved. This work has successfully applied ternary catalysts for efficient PMS activation under irradiation of white-LED-light and accomplished satisfactory pollutant removal efficiency, which offers potential for the construction and use of multiple catalysts in an efficient abating environmental pollution.
We prove interior Hölder estimates for the spatial gradient of viscosity solutions to the parabolic homogeneous p-Laplacian equationut=|∇u|2−p div(|∇u|p−2∇u), where 1<p<∞. This equation arises from ...tug-of-war-like stochastic games with noise. It can also be considered as the parabolic p-Laplacian equation in non-divergence form.
On démontre quelques estimations hölderiennes à l'intérieur pour les gradients spatiaux des solutions de viscosité de l'équation du p-Laplacien parabolique homogèneut=|∇u|2−p div(|∇u|p−2∇u), où 1<p<∞. Cette équation apparaît dans l'étude du jeu tug-of-war avec bruit. Elle peut aussi être considérée comme une équation du p-Laplacien parabolique sous forme non divergence.
Ring‐opening copolymerizations have emerged as a powerful approach towards the creation of sustainable polymers. Typical H‐bonding catalysts for ring‐opening are subject to a single catalytic site. ...Here we describe a H‐bond‐donor/Lewis‐acidic‐boron organocatalyst featuring two distinct catalytic sites in one molecule. The ring‐opening copolymerization of epoxides with anhydride mediated by these modular, and tunable catalysts achieves high selectivity (>99 % polyester selectivity) and markedly higher activity compared to either of the di‐thiourea analogues or any combinations of them. Calculations and experimental studies reveal that the superior catalytic performance arises from tug‐of‐war between two differentiated catalytic sites: thiourea pulls off the propagating chain‐end from boron center, simultaneously enhancing the role of monomer activation and also nucleophilicity of the propagation intermediates.
The power of organocatalysts featuring two distinct catalytic sites in one molecule was illustrated in the ROCOP of epoxides with anhydride, giving excellent selectivity and activity. A chain tug‐of‐war mechanistic pathway is proposed to rationalize the simultaneous enhancement in monomer activation and nucleophilic attack, thus giving rise to outstanding catalytic performance.
The purpose of this article is to present a methodical approach to increasing the efficiency of a tug with an azimuth stern drive (ASD). The difficulties in the bow-to-bow (as a reverse tractor) ...operations of an azimuth stern-drive tug, while pulling at the assisted (towed) ship’s bow, are investigated through a parametric study. The authors’ original generic analytical model of a tug in a steady state is utilised. Various design and operation options are also compared, which cover the escort speed, hawser angle, and relative location of the towing point, among others. The latter also means a shift to stern-to-bow operation. The thruster power required and the remaining surplus for executing new alignment (steering) orders are assessed. The study is, thus, aimed at energy savings for the whole operation and, consequently, at long-term harbour-tug-fleet energy effectiveness. The basic output of the present research is the comparison of the behavioural and control patterns of various tug arrangements at a ship’s bow. The results of the study show a slight advantage for a midship winch tug working through her stern for bow operation (stern-to-bow) over the reverse tractor acting bow-to-bow. Comparing various tug designs or operation options is difficult due to complicated tug dynamics and statics patterns under the hawser action. Both relative and absolute towing forces have to be considered (a high relative force may result in a low absolute force, much less than ordered by the pilot), with some geometrical and safety constraints additionally. The practical implementation of the conducted research should cover the guidance and training rendered to tug masters in the scope of the operational limitations of a particular tug and towards the design or acquisition of the tug that is best-suited for a particular harbour operation.
Elucidating the benefits of individual microbiota-derived molecules in host animals is important for understanding the symbiosis between humans and their microbiota. The bacteria-secreted ...enterobactin (Ent) is an iron scavenging siderophore with presumed negative effects on hosts. However, the high prevalence of Ent-producing commensal bacteria in the human gut raises the intriguing question regarding a potential host mechanism to beneficially use Ent. We discovered an unexpected and striking role of Ent in supporting growth and the labile iron pool in C. elegans. We show that Ent promotes mitochondrial iron uptake and does so, surprisingly, by binding to the ATP synthase α subunit, which acts inside of mitochondria and independently of ATP synthase. We also demonstrated the conservation of this mechanism in mammalian cells. This study reveals a distinct paradigm for the “iron tug of war” between commensal bacteria and their hosts and an important mechanism for mitochondrial iron uptake and homeostasis.
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•Bacterial enterobactin increases iron levels and promotes growth of C. elegans•Enterobactin binds host ATP synthase α subunit for iron retention in mitochondria•Enterobactin-ATP synthase α subunit binding is conserved in mammalian cells•Suggests paradigm for an “iron tug of war” between commensal E. coli and their hosts
Enterobactin, a siderophore produced by the commensal bacterium E. coli, is a key contributor to iron uptake and homeostasis of host cells via its interaction with host ATP synthase.
The maintenance of intracellular processes, like organelle transport and cell division, depend on bidirectional movement along microtubules. These processes typically require kinesin and dynein motor ...proteins, which move with opposite directionality. Because both types of motors are often simultaneously bound to the cargo, regulatory mechanisms are required to ensure controlled directional transport. Recently, it has been shown that parameters like mechanical motor activation, ATP concentration and roadblocks on the microtubule surface differentially influence the activity of kinesin and dynein motors in distinct manners. However, how these parameters affect bidirectional transport systems has not been studied. Here, we investigate the regulatory influence of these three parameters using
gliding motility assays and stochastic simulations. We find that the number of active kinesin and dynein motors determines the transport direction and velocity, but that variations in ATP concentration and roadblock density have no significant effect. Thus, factors influencing the force balance between opposite motors appear to be important, whereas the detailed stepping kinetics and bypassing capabilities of the motors only have a small effect.
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Hollow graphene fibres have a large specific surface area with hollow, thereby increasing electrode electrolyte interfacial contact and promoting electron transport, have a layers ...structure of sheath as well as improving the mechanical properties. In this study, a one-step coaxial wet spinning method was adopted in which the core spinning solution was the same as the solidification solution. The graphene oxide (GO) dope in the shell was subjected to two-way solidification inside and outside and formed a dense shell. At the time, the injection speed ratio core/shell caused the core layer to pull rapidly on the shell, and the spinning dope was washed by the coagulation solution. The two opposite forces exerted a tug-of-war effect on the curved graphene sheet to gradually straighten it. Finally, a novel hollow graphene fibre with a dense and highly ordered shell was formed. Hollow fibres with a shell thickness of approximately 0.8 μm have a volume resistance of 1.14 × 10−2 Ω cm and a strength of 79.27 MPa, while non-hollow graphene fibres have a volume resistance of 2.69 × 10−2 Ω cm and a strength of 28.03 MPa. The hollow fibre also exhibited very stable electrical resistance during lateral compression cycles, providing a basis for the development of innovative hollow fibres for use in wearable flexible devices.
Background:
Elderly people with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) are at risk of falls, which can lead to injury and disability. Not much is known of informal caregivers’ awareness of falls in ...elderly patients with DM.
Objective:
This study aims to identify an association between caregiver’s awareness and falls in elderly patients with DM.
Methods:
A total of 136 pairs of DM patients and their respective family caregivers were recruited from a clinical service center at Chiang Mai University, Thailand. The questionnaire regarding the caregiver’s awareness of the risk of falls in elderly patients was given
via
a face-to-face interview. Each elderly patient was asked about their history of falls in the prior year, and the risk of falls was assessed by Time Up & Go (TUG) test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine association.
Results:
The mean age of the DM patients was 65.7 years. Sixty-two patients (45.6%) had fallen at least once in the prior year. The mean TUG test result was 12.67±1.83 second. Most caregivers demonstrated a high level of awareness regarding the risk of falls in elderly patients. The results of the multivariable analysis showed that three variables – balance problems, risk of falls assessed by TUG test, and scores of caregiver’s awareness of risk of falls – were significantly related to falls in the previous year among elderly patients with DM (p-value<0.05).
Conclusion:
The caregivers’ awareness of fall risk may influence fall occurrence among older adults with DM. An intervention program to improve awareness among informal caregivers should be considered for fall prevention in elderly people.
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