bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Inflammation and Regulation of AQPs/ENaCs/Na+-K+-ATPase Mediated Alveolar Fluid Transport by Total Flavonoids Extracted From Nervilia fordii in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Yin Shuomiao , Ding Meizhu , Fan Long , Yu Xuhua , Liang Ziyao , Wu Lei , Gao Zhiling , Lin Lin , Chen Yuanbin
Published: November 2021

Aims: The occurrence of vascular permeability pulmonary edema in acute lung injury (ALI) is related to the imbalance of alveolar fluid transport. Regulating the active transport of alveolar fluid by aquaporins (AQPs), epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs), and Na+-K+-ATPase can effectively reduce the edema fluid in the alveolar cavity and protect against ALI. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of total flavonoids, extracted from Nervilia fordii (TFENF), and investigated its potential mechanisms of alveolar fluid transport in a rat ALI model.

Materials and methods: A model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 5 mg/kg)-induced ALI was established in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats through the arteriae dorsalis penis. SD rats were divided into six groups, including the vehicle, LPS model, TFENF (6 mg/kg, 12 mg/kg, 24 mg/kg), and dexamethasone group (DEX group, 5 mg/kg). The wet-to-dry (W/D) lung weight ratio, oxygenation index, and histopathological observation were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of TFENF. The mRNA expression of AQPs, ENaCs, and pro-inflammatory cytokines was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction, whereas protein expression was determined using immunohistochemistry. The Na+-K+-ATPase activity was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: LPS significantly stimulated the production of inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β, and disrupted the water transport balance in the alveolar cavity by inhibiting AQPs/ENaCs/Na+-K+-ATPase. Pretreatment with TFENF reduced the pathological damage and W/D ratio of the lungs and ameliorated the arterial blood oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) and oxygenation index. TFENF further decreased the mRNA level of TNF-α and IL-1β; increased the expression of AQP-1, AQP-5, αENaC, and βENaC; and increased Na+-K+-ATPase activity. Moreover, the regulation of AQPs, βENaC, and Na+-K+-ATPase and the inhibition of TNF-α and IL-1β by TFENF were found to be dose dependent.

Conclusion: TFENF protects against LPS-induced ALI, at least in part, through the suppression of inflammatory cytokines and regulation of the active transport capacity of AQPs/ENaCs/Na+-K+-ATPase. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of TFENF as phytomedicine to treat inflammation and pulmonary edema in ALI.
Comparison of Pharmacological Treatment Effects on Long-Time Outcomes in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lin Yaowang , Wu Meishan , Liao Bihong , Pang Xinli , Chen Qiuling , Yuan Jie , Dong Shaohong
Published: November 2021

Beneficial effects of therapeutic drugs are controversial for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate and compare the interactive effects of different therapeutic drugs and placebo in patients with HFpEF. A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central Register to identify related articles published before March 2021. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were cardiovascular mortality, heart failure (HF) hospitalization, and worsening HF events. A total of 14 randomized controlled trials, comprising 19,573 patients (intervention group, n = 9,954; control group, n = 9,619) were included in this network meta-analysis. All-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and worsening HF events among therapeutic drugs and placebo with follow-up of 0.5–4 years were not found to be significantly correlated. The angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) significantly reduced the HF hospitalizations compared with placebo (hazard ratio [HR] 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60–0.87 and HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.43–0.96, respectively), without heterogeneity among studies. The ARNI was superior to angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) in reducing HF hospitalizations (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.71–0.91), and vericiguat 10 mg ranked worse than beta-blockers for reducing all-cause mortality in patients with HFpEF (HR 3.76, 95% CI 1.06–13.32). No therapeutic drugs can significantly reduce mortality, but the ARNI or ACEI is associated with the low risk of HF hospitalizations for patients with HFpEF.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42021247034
Tanimilast, A Novel Inhaled Pde4 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Facchinetti Fabrizio , Civelli Maurizio , Singh Dave , Papi Alberto , Emirova Aida , Govoni Mirco
Published: November 2021

Chronic respiratory diseases are the third leading cause of death, behind cardiovascular diseases and cancer, affecting approximately 550 million of people all over the world. Most of the chronic respiratory diseases are attributable to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with this latter being the major cause of deaths. Despite differences in etiology and symptoms, a common feature of asthma and COPD is an underlying degree of airways inflammation. The nature and severity of this inflammation might differ between and within different respiratory conditions and pharmacological anti-inflammatory treatments are unlikely to be effective in all patients. A precision medicine approach is needed to selectively target patients to increase the chance of therapeutic success. Inhibitors of the phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzyme like the oral PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast have shown a potential to reduce inflammatory-mediated processes and the frequency of exacerbations in certain groups of COPD patients with a chronic bronchitis phenotype. However, roflumilast use is dampened by class related side effects as nausea, diarrhea, weight loss and abdominal pain, resulting in both substantial treatment discontinuation in clinical practice and withdrawal from clinical trials. This has prompted the search for PDE4 inhibitors to be given by inhalation to reduce the systemic exposure (and thus optimize the systemic safety) and maximize the therapeutic effect in the lung. Tanimilast (international non-proprietary name of CHF6001) is a novel highly potent and selective inhaled PDE4 inhibitor with proven anti-inflammatory properties in various inflammatory cells, including leukocytes derived from asthma and COPD patients, as well as in experimental rodent models of pulmonary inflammation. Inhaled tanimilast has reached phase III clinical development by showing promising pharmacodynamic results associated with a good tolerability and safety profile, with no evidence of PDE4 inhibitors class-related side effects. In this review we will discuss the main outcomes of preclinical and clinical studies conducted during tanimilast development, with particular emphasis on the characterization of the pharmacodynamic profile that led to the identification of target populations with increased therapeutic potential in inflammatory respiratory diseases.
Efficacy and Safety of TCMI in Patients With Combined Coronary Heart Disease and Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wei Penglu , Yang Kuo , Long Dehuai , Tan Yupei , Xing Wenlong , Li Xiang , Wu Hongli , Liu Hongxu
Published: November 2021

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of conventional treatments (CTs) to those that included traditional Chinese medicine injections (TCMIs) in patients with combined coronary heart disease and heart failure (CHD-HF).

Methods:Eight electronic literature databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Database) were searched from their inceptions to May 18, 2021, to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcomes analyzed included the total effectiveness rate and adverse events (ADRs). The secondary outcomes analyzed included the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and 6-min walk test (6MWT). Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess quality of the analyzed RCTs. Stata and OpenBUGS software were used to prior to the systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Results:Sixty-one eligible trials involved 5,567 patients and one of the following 15 TCMIs: Shuxuetong, Shenmai, Shenfu, Shengmai, Danshenduofenyansuan, Danhong, Dazhuhongjingtian, Xinmailong, Dengzhanxixin, Gualoupi, Shuxuening, Xuesaitong, Yiqi Fumai, Shenqi Fuzheng, Huangqi. Network meta-analysis revealed that Shuxuetong injection + CT group was superior to CT only in improving the total effectiveness rate [odds ratio (OR): 7.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17–27.41]. Shenmai injection + CT was superior to CT only for LVEF (OR: 8.97, CI: 4.67–13.18), Xinmailong injection + CT was superior to CT only for NT-proBNP (OR: −317.70, CI: −331.10–303.10), Shenqi Fuzheng injection + CT was superior to CT only for BNP (OR: −257.30, CI: −308.40–242.80); and Danhong injection + CT was superior to CT only for 6MWT (OR: 84.40, CI: 62.62−106.20). Different TCMIs had different toxicity spectrums.

Conclusion:TCMIs combined with CT are better than CT alone in treating CHD-HF. Different TCMIs improve different outcomes. Additional properly designed RCTs are needed to conduce a more refined comparison of various TCMIs.

Systematic Review Registration:[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/], identifier [CRD42021258263].
A Core Omnigenic Non-coding Trait Governing Dex-Induced Osteoporotic Effects Identified Without DEXA
Authors: Lu Li , Cai Yanzhen , Luo Xiaoling , Wang Zhangting , Fung Sin Hang , Jia Huanhuan , Yu Chi Lam , Chan Wai Yee , Miu Kai Kei , Xiao Wende
Published: November 2021

Iatrogenic glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteoporosis (GIO) is an idiosyncratic form of secondary osteoporosis. Genetic predisposition among individuals may give rise to variant degree of phenotypic changes but there has yet been a documented unified pathway to explain the idiosyncrasy. In this study, we argue that the susceptibility to epigenetic changes governing molecular cross talks along the BMP and PI3K/Akt pathway may underline how genetic background dictate GC-induced bone loss. Concordantly, osteoblasts from BALB/c or C57BL/6 neonatal mice were treated with dexamethasone for transcriptome profiling. Furthermore, we also confirmed that GC-pre-conditioned mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) would give rise to defective osteogenesis by instigating epigenetic changes which affected the accessibility of enhancer marks. In line with these epigenetic changes, we propose that GC modulates a key regulatory network involving the scavenger receptor Cd36 in osteoblasts pre-conditioning pharmacological idiosyncrasy in GIO.
Pharmacological Modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway as a Therapeutic Target of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Wang Yumin , Gao Luyan , Chen Jichao , Li Qiang , Huo Liang , Wang Yanchao , Wang Hongquan , Du Jichen
Published: November 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder featuring both motor and nonmotor symptoms associated with a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Oxidative stress (OS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PD. Genetic and environmental factors can produce OS, which has been implicated as a core contributor to the initiation and progression of PD through the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) orchestrates activation of multiple protective genes, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which protects cells from OS. Nrf2 has also been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects and modulate both mitochondrial function and biogenesis. Recently, a series of studies have reported that different bioactive compounds were shown to be able to activate Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) and can ameliorate PD-associated neurotoxin, both in animal models and in tissue culture. In this review, we briefly overview the sources of OS and the association between OS and the pathogenesis of PD. Then, we provided a concise overview of Nrf2/ARE pathway and delineated the role played by activation of Nrf2/HO-1 in PD. At last, we expand our discussion to the neuroprotective effects of pharmacological modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 by bioactive compounds and the potential application of Nrf2 activators for the treatment of PD. This review suggests that pharmacological modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway by bioactive compounds is a therapeutic target of PD.
A Herbal Mixture Formula of OCD20015-V009 Prophylactic Administration to Enhance Interferon-Mediated Antiviral Activity Against Influenza A Virus
Authors: Kwon Eun-Bin , Oh You-Chang , Hwang Youn-Hwan , Li Wei , Park Seok-Man , Kong Ryong , Kim Young Soo , Choi Jang-Gi
Published: November 2021

OCD20015-V009 is an herbal mix of water-extracted Ginseng Radix, Poria (Hoelen), Rehmanniae Radix, Adenophorae Radix, Platycodi Radix, Crataegii Fructus, and Astragali Radix. In this study, its in vitro and in vivo antiviral activity and mechanisms against the influenza A virus were evaluated using a GFP-tagged influenza A virus (A/PR/8/34-GFP) to infect murine macrophages. We found that OCD20015-V009 pre-treatment substantially reduced A/PR/8/34-GFP replication. Also, OCD20015-V009 pre-treatment increased the phosphorylation of type-I IFN-related proteins TBK-1 and STAT1 and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 by murine macrophages. Moreover, OCD20015-V009 prophylactic administration increased IFN-stimulated genes-related 15, 20, and 56 and IFN-β mRNA in vitro. Thus, OCD20015-V009 likely modulates murine innate immune response via macrophages. This finding is potentially useful for developing prophylactics or therapeutics against the influenza A virus. Furthermore, pre-treatment with OCD20015-V009 decreased the mortality of the mice exposed to A/PR/8/34-GFP by 20% compared to that in the untreated animals. Thus, OCD20015-V009 stimulates the antiviral response in murine macrophages and mice to viral infections. Additionally, we identified chlorogenic acid and ginsenoside Rd as the antiviral components in OCD20015-V009. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the protective effects of active components of OCD20015-V009 against influenza A viruses.
The Crosstalk Between Signaling Pathways and Cancer Metabolism in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hon Kha Wai , Zainal Abidin Syafiq Asnawi , Othman Iekhsan , Naidu Rakesh
Published: November 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide. Metabolic reprogramming represents an important cancer hallmark in CRC. Reprogramming core metabolic pathways in cancer cells, such as glycolysis, glutaminolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and lipid metabolism, is essential to increase energy production and biosynthesis of precursors required to support tumor initiation and progression. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that activation of oncogenes and loss of tumor suppressor genes regulate metabolic reprogramming through the downstream signaling pathways. Protein kinases, such as AKT and c-MYC, are the integral components that facilitate the crosstalk between signaling pathways and metabolic pathways in CRC. This review provides an insight into the crosstalk between signaling pathways and metabolic reprogramming in CRC. Targeting CRC metabolism could open a new avenue for developing CRC therapy by discovering metabolic inhibitors and repurposing protein kinase inhibitors/monoclonal antibodies.
Dynamic Control of Speed and Trajectories of Active Droplets in a Nematic Environment by Electric Field and Focused Laser Beam
Authors: Rajabi Mojtaba , Baza Hend , Wang Hao , Lavrentovich Oleg D.
Published: November 2021

One objective of active matter science is to unveil principles by which chaotic microscale dynamics could be transformed into useful work. A nematic liquid crystal environment offers a number of possibilities, one of which is a directional motion of an active droplet filled with an aqueous dispersion of swimming bacteria. In this work, using the responsiveness of the nematic to the electric field and light, we demonstrate how to control the direction and speed of active droplets. The dielectric response of nematic to the electric field causes two effects: 1) reorientation of the overall director, and 2) changing the symmetry of the director configuration around the droplet. The first effect redirects the propulsion direction while the second one changes the speed. A laser beam pointed to the vicinity of the droplet can trigger the desired director symmetry around the droplet, by switching between dipolar and quadrupolar configurations, thus affecting the motility and polarity of propulsion. The dynamic tuning of the direction and speed of active droplets represents a step forward in the development of controllable microswimmers.
3D Computational Modeling of Bleb Initiation Dynamics
Authors: Strychalski Wanda
Published: November 2021

Blebbing occurs in cells under high cortical tension when the membrane locally detaches from the actin cortex, resulting in pressure-driven flow of the cytosol and membrane expansion. Some cells use blebs as leading edge protrusions during cell migration, particularly in 3D environments such as a collagen matrix. Blebs can be initiated through either a localized loss of membrane-cortex adhesion or ablation of the cortex in a region. Bleb morphologies resulting from different initiation mechanisms have not been studied in detail, either experimentally or with theoretical models. Additionally, material properties of the cytoplasm, such as elasticity, have been shown to be important for limiting bleb size. A 3D dynamic computational model of the cell is presented that includes mechanics and the interactions of the cytoplasm, the actin cortex, the cell membrane, and the cytoskeleton. The model is used to quantify bleb expansion dynamics and shapes that result from simulations using different initiation mechanisms. The cytoplasm is modeled as a both viscous fluid and as a poroelastic material. Results from model simulations with a viscous fluid cytoplasm model show much broader blebs that expand faster when they are initiated via cortical ablation than when they are initiated by removing only membrane-cortex adhesion. Simulation results using the poroelastic model of the cytoplasm provide qualitatively similar bleb morphologies regardless of the initiation mechanism. Parameter studies on bleb expansion time, cytoplasmic stiffness, and permeability reveal different scaling properties, namely a smaller power-law exponent, in 3D simulations compared to 2D ones.
Attention Detection in Virtual Environments Using EEG Signals: A Scoping Review
Authors: Souza Rhaíra Helena Caetano e , Naves Eduardo Lázaro Martins
Published: November 2021

The competitive demand for attention is present in our daily lives, and the identification of neural processes in the EEG signals associated with the demand for specific attention can be useful to the individual’s interactions in virtual environments. Since EEG-based devices can be portable, non-invasive, and present high temporal resolution technology for recording neural signal, the interpretations of virtual systems user’s attention, fatigue and cognitive load based on parameters extracted from the EEG signal are relevant for several purposes, such as games, rehabilitation, and therapies. However, despite the large amount of studies on this subject, different methodological forms are highlighted and suggested in this work, relating virtual environments, demand of attention, workload and fatigue applications. In our summarization, we discuss controversies, current research gaps and future directions together with the background and final sections.
Profibrillatory Structural and Functional Properties of the Atrial-Pulmonary Junction in the Absence of Remodeling
Authors: Gottlieb Lisa A. , Belterman Charly , van Amersfoorth Shirley , Loyer Virginie , Constantin Marion , Hocini Mélèze , Dekker Lukas R. C. , Coronel Ruben
Published: November 2021

Background: Sole pulmonary vein (PV) isolation by ablation therapy prevents atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with short episodes of AF and without comorbidities. Since incomplete PV isolation can be curative, we tested the hypothesis that the PV in the absence of remodeling and comorbidities contains structural and functional properties that are proarrhythmic for AF initiation by reentry.

Methods: We performed percutaneous transvenous in vivo endocardial electrophysiological studies and quantitative histological analysis of PV from healthy sheep.

Results: The proximal PV contained more myocytes than the distal PV and a higher percentage of collagen and fat tissue relative to myocytes than the left atrium. Local fractionated electrograms occurred in both the distal and proximal PVs, but a large local activation (>0.75 mV) was more often present in the proximal PV than in the distal PV (86 vs. 50% of electrograms, respectively, p = 0.017). Atrial arrhythmias (run of premature atrial complexes) occurred more often following the premature stimulation in the proximal PV than in the distal PV (p = 0.004). The diastolic stimulation threshold was higher in the proximal PV than in the distal PV (0.7 [0.3] vs. 0.4 [0.2] mA, (median [interquartile range]), p = 0.004). The refractory period was shorter in the proximal PV than in the distal PV (170 [50] vs. 248 [52] ms, p < 0.001). A linear relation existed between the gradient in refractoriness (distal-proximal) and atrial arrhythmia inducibility in the proximal PV.

Conclusion: The structural and functional properties of the native atrial-PV junction differ from those of the distal PV. Atrial arrhythmias in the absence of arrhythmia-induced remodeling are caused by reentry in the atrial-PV junction. Ablative treatment of early paroxysmal AF, rather than complete isolation of focal arrhythmia, may be limited to inhibition of reentry.
Extracellular Vesicles and Alveolar Epithelial-Capillary Barrier Disruption in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Pathophysiological Role and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Esquivel-Ruiz Sergio , González-Rodríguez Paloma , Lorente José A. , Pérez-Vizcaíno Francisco , Herrero Raquel , Moreno Laura
Published: November 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication by transferring genetic material, proteins and organelles between different cells types in both health and disease. Recent evidence suggests that these vesicles, more than simply diagnostic markers, are key mediators of the pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other lung diseases. In this review, we will discuss the contribution of EVs released by pulmonary structural cells (alveolar epithelial and endothelial cells) and immune cells in these diseases, with particular attention to their ability to modulate inflammation and alveolar-capillary barrier disruption, a hallmark of ARDS. EVs also offer a unique opportunity to develop new therapeutics for the treatment of ARDS. Evidences supporting the ability of stem cell-derived EVs to attenuate the lung injury and ongoing strategies to improve their therapeutic potential are also discussed.
Differential Autophagy Response in Men and Women After Muscle Damage
Authors: Luk Hui-Ying , Appell Casey , Levitt Danielle E. , Jiwan Nigel C. , Vingren Jakob L.
Published: November 2021

Following muscle damage, autophagy is crucial for muscle regeneration. Hormones (e.g., testosterone, cortisol) regulate this process and sex differences in autophagic flux exist in the basal state. However, to date, no study has examined the effect of a transient hormonal response following eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage (EE) between untrained young men and women. Untrained men (n = 8, 22 ± 3 years) and women (n = 8, 19 ± 1 year) completed two sessions of 80 unilateral maximal eccentric knee extensions followed by either upper body resistance exercise (RE; designed to induce a hormonal response; EE + RE) or a time-matched rest period (20 min; EE + REST). Vastus lateralis biopsy samples were collected before (BL), and 12 h, and 24 h after RE/REST. Gene and protein expression levels of selective markers for autophagic initiation signaling, phagophore initiation, and elongation/sequestration were determined. Basal markers of autophagy were not different between sexes. For EE + RE, although initiation signaling (FOXO3) and autophagy-promoting (BECN1) genes were greater (p < 0.0001; 12.4-fold, p = 0.0010; 10.5-fold, respectively) for women than men, autophagic flux (LC3-II/LC3-I protein ratio) did not change for women and was lower (p < 0.0001 3.0-fold) than men. Furthermore, regardless of hormonal changes, LC3-I and LC3-II protein content decreased (p = 0.0090; 0.547-fold, p = 0.0410; 0.307-fold, respectively) for men suggesting increased LC3-I lipidation and autophagosome degradation whereas LC3-I protein content increased (p = 0.0360; 1.485-fold) for women suggesting decreased LC3-I lipidation. Collectively, our findings demonstrated basal autophagy was not different between men and women, did not change after EE alone, and was promoted with the acute hormonal increase after RE only in men but not in women. Thus, the autophagy response to moderate muscle damage is promoted by RE-induced hormonal changes in men only.
Pre-exercise Carbohydrate Drink Adding Protein Improves Post-exercise Fatigue Recovery
Authors: Tan Albert Yi-Wey , Hamzah Sareena-Hanim , Huang Chih-Yang , Kuo Chia-Hua
Published: November 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the requirement of protein in pre-exercise carbohydrate drinks for optimal endurance performance at high intensity and post-exercise fatigue recovery.

Methods: Endurance performance at 85% V.⁢O2peak of young men (age 20 ± 0.9 years, V.⁢2peak 49.3 ± 0.3 L/min) was measured for two consecutive days using cycling time to exhaustion and total work exerted 2 h after three isocaloric supplementations: RICE (50 g, protein: 1.8 g), n = 7; SOY + RICE (50 g, protein: 4.8 g), n = 7; and WHEY + RICE (50 g, protein: 9.2 g), n = 7.

Results: Endurance performance was similar for the three supplemented conditions. Nevertheless, maximal cycling time and total exerted work from Day 1 to Day 2 were improved in the WHEY + RICE (+21%, p = 0.05) and SOY-RICE (+16%, p = 0.10) supplemented conditions, not the RICE supplemented condition. Increases in plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) were observed 1 h after exercise regardless of supplemented conditions. Plasma creatine kinase remained unchanged after exercise for all three supplemented conditions. Increases in ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) after exercise were small and similar for the three supplemented conditions.

Conclusion: Adding protein into carbohydrate drinks provides no immediate benefit in endurance performance and antioxidant capacity yet enhances fatigue recovery for the next day. Soy-containing carbohydrate drink, despite 50% less protein content, shows similar fatigue recovery efficacy to the whey protein-containing carbohydrate drink. These results suggest the importance of dietary nitrogen sources in fatigue recovery after exercise.
Reduced Body Fat and Epididymal Adipose Apelin Expression Associated With Raspberry Ketone [4-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-Butanone] Weight Gain Prevention in High-Fat-Diet Fed Mice
Authors: Hao Lihong , Bello Nicholas T.
Published: November 2021

Raspberry ketone [4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone] is a natural aromatic compound found in raspberries and other fruits. Raspberry ketone (RK) is synthetically produced for use as a commercial flavoring agent. In the United States and other markets, it is sold as a dietary supplement for weight control. The potential of RK to reduce or prevent excessive weight gain is unclear and could be a convergence of several different actions. This study sought to determine whether acute RK can immediately delay carbohydrate hyperglycemia and reduce gastrointestinal emptying. In addition, we explored the metabolic signature of chronic RK to prevent or remedy the metabolic effects of diet-induced weight gain. In high-fat diet (HFD; 45% fat)-fed male mice, acute oral gavage of RK (200 mg/kg) reduced hyperglycemia from oral sucrose load (4 g/kg) at 15 min. In HFD-fed female mice, acute oral RK resulted in an increase in blood glucose at 30 min. Chronic daily oral gavage of RK (200 mg/kg) commencing with HFD access (HFD_RK) for 11 weeks resulted in less body weight gain and reduced fat mass compared with vehicle treated (HFD_Veh) and chronic RK starting 4 weeks after HFD access (HFD_RKw4) groups. Compared with a control group fed a low-fat diet (LFD; 10% fat) and dosed with vehicle (LFD_Veh), glucose AUC of an oral glucose tolerance test was increased with HFD_Veh, but not in HFD_RK or HFD_RKw4. Apelin (Apln) gene expression in epididymal white adipose tissue was increased in HFD_Veh, but reduced to LFD_Veh levels in the HFD_RK group. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (Ppara) gene expression was increased in the hepatic tissue of HFD_RK and HFD_RKw4 groups. Overall, our findings suggest that long term daily use of RK prevents diet-induced weight gain, normalizes high-fat diet-induced adipose Apln, and increases hepatic Ppara expression.
Differential Protein Expression Analysis of Two Sugarcane Varieties in Response to Diazotrophic Plant Growth-Promoting Endophyte Enterobacter roggenkampii ED5
Authors: Guo Dao-Jun , Li Dong-Ping , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Singh Pratiksha , Sharma Anjney , Verma Krishan K. , Qin Ying , Khan Qaisar , Lu Zhen , Malviya Mukesh K. , Song Xiu-Peng , Xing Yong-Xiu , Li Yang-Rui
Published: November 2021

Plant endophytic bacteria have many vital roles in plant growth promotion (PGP), such as nitrogen (N) fixation and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, the seedlings of sugarcane varieties B8 (requires a low concentration of nitrogen for growth) and GT11 (requires a high concentration of nitrogen for growth) were inoculated with endophytic diazotroph Enterobacter roggenkampii ED5, which exhibits multiple PGP traits, isolated from sugarcane roots. The results showed that the inoculation with E. roggenkampii ED5 promoted the growth of plant significantly in both sugarcane varieties. 15N detection at 60 days post-inoculation proved that the inoculation with strain ED5 increased the total nitrogen concentration in the leaf and root than control in both sugarcane varieties, which was higher in B8. Biochemical parameters and phytohormones in leaf were analyzed at 30 and 60 days after the inoculation. The results showed that the inoculation with E. roggenkampii ED5 improved the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), NADH-glutamate dehydrogenase (NADH-GDH), glutamine synthetase (GS), and endo-β-1,4-glucanase, and the contents of proline and indole acetic acid (IAA) in leaf, and it was generally more significant in B8 than in GT11. Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) labeling and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were used to perform comparative proteomic analysis in the sugarcane leaves at 30 days after inoculation with strain ED5. A total of 27,508 proteins were detected, and 378 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were found in the treated sugarcane variety B8 (BE) as compared to control (BC), of which 244 were upregulated and 134 were downregulated. In contrast, a total of 177 DEPs were identified in the treated sugarcane variety GT11 (GE) as compared to control (GC), of which 103 were upregulated and 74 were downregulated. The DEPs were associated with nitrogen metabolism, photosynthesis, starch, sucrose metabolism, response to oxidative stress, hydrolase activity, oxidative phosphorylation, glutathione metabolism, phenylpropanoid metabolic process, and response to stresses in Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first proteomic approach to investigate the molecular basis of the interaction between N-fixing endophytic strain E. roggenkampii ED5 and sugarcane.
Phosphorylation of Histone H2A at Serine 95 Is Essential for Flowering Time and Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Huang Tongtong , Zhang Heng , Zhou Yiming , Su Yanhua , Zheng Han , Ding Yong
Published: November 2021

Phosphorylation of H2A at serine 95 (H2AS95ph) mediated by MLK4 promotes flowering and H2A.Z deposition. However, little is known about MLK1, MLK2, and MLK3 during the flowering time. Here, we systemically analyze the functions of MLK family in flowering time and development. Mutation in MLK3, but not MLK1 and MLK2, displayed late-flowering phenotype. Loss of MLK3 function enhanced the late-flowering phenotype of mlk4 mutant, but not reinforced the late-flowering phenotype of mlk1 mlk2 double mutants. MLK3 displayed the kinase activity to histone H2AS95ph in vitro. The global H2AS95ph levels were reduced in mlk3 mlk4, but not in mlk3 and mlk4 single mutant and mlk1 mlk2 double mutant, and the H2AS95ph levels in mlk1 mlk3 mlk4 and mlk2 mlk3 mlk4 were similar to those in mlk3 mlk4 double mutant. MLK3 interacted with CCA1, which binds to the promoter of GI. Correspondingly, the transcription levels and H2AS95ph levels of GI were reduced in mlk3 and mlk4 single mutant, and greatly decreased in mlk3 mlk4 double mutant, but not further attenuated in mlk1 mlk3 mlk4 and mlk2 mlk3 mlk4 triple mutant. Together, our results suggested that H2AS95ph deposition mediated by MLK3 and MLK4 is essential for flowering time in Arabidopsis.
Primary Metabolite Adjustments Associated With Pinewood Nematode Resistance in Pinus pinaster
Authors: Rodrigues Ana M. , Carrasquinho Isabel , António Carla
Published: November 2021

The pinewood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is the causal agent of the pine wilt disease (PWD) and represents one of the major threats to conifer forests. The detection of the PWN in Portugal, associated with Pinus pinaster, increased the concern of its spread to European forests. Despite its susceptibility to PWD, genetic variability found among P. pinaster populations has been associated with heritable PWD resistance. Understanding the mechanisms underlying tree resistance constitutes a valuable resource for breeding programs toward more resilient forest plantations. This study investigated changes in anatomy, chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF), and primary metabolism in susceptible and resistant P. pinaster half-sib plants, after PWN inoculation. Susceptible plants showed a general shutdown of central metabolism, osmolyte accumulation, photosynthetic inhibition, and a decrease in the plant water status. The ChlF transient rise (OJIP curve) revealed the appearance of L- and K-bands, indicators of environmental stress. In contrast, resistant plants revealed a regulated defense response and were able to restrict PWN migration and cellular damage. Furthermore, the accumulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and succinate suggested a role of these metabolites in PWD resistance and the possible activation of the GABA shunt. Altogether, these results provide new insights to the role of primary metabolism in PWD resistance and in the selection of resistant phenotypes for disease mitigation.
Variation in Petal and Leaf Wax Deposition Affects Cuticular Transpiration in Cut Lily Flowers
Authors: Cheng Guiping , Wang Ling , Wu Hairong , Yu Xinfan , Zhang Nan , Wan Xiaorong , He Lihong , Huang Hua
Published: November 2021

The vase life of cut flowers is largely affected by post-harvest water loss. Cuticular wax is the primary barrier to uncontrolled water loss for aerial plant organs. Studies on leaf cuticular transpiration have been widely conducted; however, little is known about cuticular transpiration in flowers. Here, the cuticular transpiration rate and wax composition of three lily cultivars were determined. The minimum water conductance of tepal cuticles was higher at the green bud than open flower stage. Lily cuticular transpiration exhibited cultivar- and organ-specific differences, where transpiration from the tepals was higher than leaves and was higher in the ‘Huang Tianba’ than ‘Tiber’ cultivar. The overall wax coverage of the tepals was higher compared to that of the leaves. Very-long-chain aliphatics were the main wax constituents and were dominated by n-alkanes with carbon (C) chain lengths of C27 and C29, and C29 and C31 in the tepal and leaf waxes, respectively. Primary alcohols and fatty acids as well as small amounts of alkyl esters, ketones, and branched or unsaturated n-alkanes were also detected in both tepal and leaf waxes, depending on the cultivar and organ. In addition, the chain-length distributions were similar between compound classes within cultivars, whereas the predominant C-chain lengths were substantially different between organs. This suggests that the less effective transpiration barrier provided by the tepal waxes may result from the shorter C-chain aliphatics in the tepal cuticle, compared to those in the leaf cuticle. These findings provide further insights to support the exploration of potential techniques for extending the shelf life of cut flowers based on cuticular transpiration barrier properties.
Self-Schema, Attachment Style, and Treatment Outcome of Patients in an Opiate Maintenance Treatment Unit
Authors: Hovelius Emelie , Lindén Ellen , Bengtsson Hans , Håkansson Anders
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to explore self-schemas and attachment style among patients in a methadone or buprenorphine maintenance treatment program of opiate dependence, in relation to treatment outcome (relapse in substance use). The study included 84 patients (21 women and 63 men) in a psychiatric clinic in Malmö, Sweden, providing maintenance treatment of opiate dependence. Three self-report instruments were employed, Young Schema Questionnaire Short version (YSQ-S) and Young Parenting Inventory (YPI) for studying self-schemas and Experiences in Close Relationships–Relationship Structures questionnaire (ECR-RS) for studying attachment style. Demographical data and relapse in substance abuse were registered. The study demonstrated, unsurprisingly, that an insecure attachment style was more common in the group of patients compared to available general population reference data. Significant correlations were found between attachment style and core beliefs about the self (self-schemas). Memories of parenting experiences from childhood (YPI) showed correlations with ongoing self-schemas (YSQ-S). Treatment outcome, defined as relapses in substance abuse, was associated to a minor degree with self-schemas but showed no correlation with attachment style. Patients who did not work or study had more maladaptive self-schemas and insecure attachment style, and a higher incidence of relapse in abuse than patients who were working or studying.
Breakfast Consumption and Academic Achievement Among Chinese Adolescents: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Gao Chun Lei , Zhao Nan , Shu Ping
Published: November 2021

The studies have shown that a healthy lifestyle has a significant impact on the academic achievement of adolescents. Behavior of breakfast eating is considered a hallmark of dietary patterns and an important component of a healthy lifestyle. The prior study explained that students had a lower level of achievement motivation at school because they were exposed to some militating factors in their families such as absenteeism, ill health, malnutrition, and hunger. This study examined the mediating role of achievement motivation and moderating role of socioeconomic status (SES) in the association between breakfast consumption and academic achievement. This study used a sample of 15-year-old Chinese students who participated in Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015. In terms of gender, female students accounted for 47.2% and male students accounted for 52.8%. The results showed that (1) breakfast consumption had a positive predictive effect on academic achievement; (2) achievement motivation played a partial mediating role in the relationship between breakfast consumption and academic achievement; and (3) the direct and indirect effects were moderated by the SES of students, which meant that the effect of breakfast consumption on achievement motivation can differ depending on the SES of students. Besides, both the effects were stronger for individuals with higher SES. The conclusion of this study has an important theoretical value and reference value to guide the Chinese parents and Chinese adolescents to pay more attention to breakfast consumption and healthy lifestyles.
Experiences and Perceived Self-Efficacy in Distance Learning Among Teachers of Students With Special Educational Needs
Authors: Maurer Jenny , Becker Angelika , Hilkenmeier Johanna , Daseking Monika
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a great impact on school learning so far, creating a new and potentially stressful situation during school closures for teachers and students. The sudden switch to distance learning might have been especially hard to cope with for students with special educational needs (SEN). Teachers of student with SEN might thus face greater obstacles when establishing and dealing with distance learning. Teachers' self-efficacy (TSE) is a well-known factor for students' academic achievement and motivation. Little is yet known about TSE in distance learning, especially not with students with SEN. The present study aimed to investigate the experiences and the perceived TSE in distance learning of teachers teaching students with SEN at special schools and inclusive schools during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany during June 2020 and January 2021. N = 96 teachers from both special schools and inclusive schools were involved in the study and were asked to complete a self-report online questionnaire. The study follows an exploratory design to give a first overview of the experiences of teachers of students with SEN and their TSE during the school closures and distance learning. Results showed that no major difference in overall teaching experiences could be found between teachers teaching at special schools or inclusive schools. The identification of difficulties in reading at distance and the support of students with difficulties in reading at distance was perceived by the teachers as most difficult. Difficulties in writing was being rated significantly less easy to identify at distance than difficulties in mathematics. Further, the support of students with difficulties in mathematics was perceived as being significant more challenging than the identification of difficulties in mathematics. TSE in distance learning was rather low, regardless if the teachers taught at a special school or inclusive school in this time period. TSE correlated positively with the perceived goodness of identification of difficulties and support of students with difficulties in reading, writing, and mathematics. Possible reasons and implications are discussed as well as implications of the overall results for distance learning of students with SEN.
I Feel Different, but in Every Case I Feel Proud: Distinguishing Self-Pride, Group-Pride, and Vicarious-Pride
Authors: De Hooge Ilona E. , Van Osch Yvette
Published: November 2021

Various lines of research have hinted at the existence of multiple forms of self-conscious emotion pride. Thus far, it is unclear whether forms, such as self-pride, group-pride, or vicarious-pride are characterized by a similar feeling of pride, and what the communal and unique aspects are of their subjective experiences. The current research addressed this issue and examined the communal and unique characteristics of the subjective experiences of self-pride, group-pride, and vicarious-pride. Using recalled experiences, two experiments demonstrated that self-pride, group-pride, and vicarious-pride could be separated on the basis of their subjective experiences. More specifically, Experiment 2 demonstrated how self-pride, group-pride, and vicarious-pride were related to feelings of self-inflation, other-distancing vs. approaching, and other-devaluation vs. valuation. Finally, Experiment 3 showed that not only the responsibility for the achievement but also the number of people who had contributed to the achievement could influence the experience of other-oriented forms of pride. The current findings revealed that self-pride, group-pride, and vicarious-pride were all forms of pride with distinct subjective experiences. These findings provided valuable insights into the emotion of pride and might lead to divergent consequences for sociality, self-consciousness, and behavior.
Remote Psychotherapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Experiences With the Transition and the Therapeutic Relationship. A Longitudinal Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Stefan Robert , Mantl Gerd , Höfner Claudia , Stammer Julia , Hochgerner Markus , Petersdorfer Kathrin
Published: November 2021

Aims: Research conducted prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic indicates that remote psychotherapy is as effective as in-person treatment. At that time, it usually was the therapist’s individual choice to work remotely, whereas the pandemic pushed psychotherapists, including previous skeptics, to incorporate remote work methods into their routine due to limited face-to-face contact. There is little knowledge of the way therapists experienced this sudden and forced transition to remote psychotherapy as the only treatment option. The present study aims to assess psychotherapists’ experience and proficiency delivering remote psychotherapy as well as to investigate perceived changes in the psychotherapeutic relationship.

Methods: An online survey was administered to psychotherapists of the Austrian Association for Group Therapy and Group Dynamics (ÖAGG). Three test periods (t) were set (t1: April, 2020 with N = 175; t2: May–June, 2020 with N = 177; t3: November–December, 2020 with N = 113). Research was conducted longitudinally using a mixed-methods research design.

Results: While psychotherapists’ levels of experience with telephone-based psychotherapy remained similar across all test periods, they became slightly more experienced using video therapy over the test period observed. However, they continued to feel less experienced compared to the use of telephone-based psychotherapy. The therapeutic relationship appeared to improve over the course of the first two test periods, while the third period showed a slight decline. No general deterioration of the psychotherapeutic relationship was found in the timespan studied.

Conclusion: Despite many challenges and concerns, psychotherapists seem to adapt and enhance their skills in remote psychotherapy over time. The present paper confirms and enhances previous findings in the field due to its longitudinal approach. Remote psychotherapy can be a credible and trustworthy alternative to in-person treatment to be adopted and implemented on principle by a majority of psychotherapists regardless of their orientation. Furthermore, it sheds light on chances, problems und general observations regarding the comprehensive provision of remote psychotherapy in a pandemic situation.