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Nutrients Jun 2024Ashwagandha has been reported to reduce stress and attenuate cognitive decline associated with inflammation and neurodegeneration in clinical populations. However, the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Ashwagandha has been reported to reduce stress and attenuate cognitive decline associated with inflammation and neurodegeneration in clinical populations. However, the effects as a potential nootropic nutrient in younger populations are unclear. This study examined the effects of liposomal ashwagandha supplementation on cognitive function, mood, and markers of health and safety in healthy young men and women.
METHODS
59 men and women (22.7 ± 7 yrs., 74.9 ± 16 kg, 26.2 ± 5 BMI) fasted for 12 h, donated a fasting blood sample, and were administered the COMPASS cognitive function test battery (Word Recall, Word recognition, Choice Reaction Time Task, Picture Recognition, Digit Vigilance Task, Corsi Block test, Stroop test) and profile of mood states (POMS). In a randomized and double-blind manner, participants were administered 225 mg of a placebo (Gum Arabic) or ashwagandha () root and leaf extract coated with a liposomal covering. After 60-min, participants repeated cognitive assessments. Participants continued supplementation (225 mg/d) for 30 days and then returned to the lab to repeat the experiment. Data were analyzed using a general linear model (GLM) univariate analysis with repeated measures and pairwise comparisons of mean changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
Ashwagandha supplementation improved acute and/or 30-day measures of Word Recall (correct and recalled attempts), Choice Reaction Time (targets identified), Picture Recognition ("yes" correct responses, correct and overall reaction time), Digit Vigilance (correct reaction time), Stroop Color-Word (congruent words identified, reaction time), and POMS (tension and fatigue) from baseline more consistently with several differences observed between groups.
CONCLUSION
Results support contentions that ashwagandha supplementation (225 mg) may improve some measures of memory, attention, vigilance, attention, and executive function while decreasing perceptions of tension and fatigue in younger healthy individuals. Retrospectively registered clinical trial ISRCTN58680760.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Cognition; Double-Blind Method; Dietary Supplements; Young Adult; Adult; Affect; Plant Extracts; Adolescent; Reaction Time; Biomarkers; Liposomes; Plant Leaves; Plant Roots
PubMed: 38931168
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121813 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Cadmium (Cd) is a naturally occurring toxic heavy metal that adversely affects plant germination, growth, and development. While the effects of Cd have been described on...
Cadmium (Cd) is a naturally occurring toxic heavy metal that adversely affects plant germination, growth, and development. While the effects of Cd have been described on many crop species including rice, maize, wheat and barley, few studies are available on cadmium's effect on Tartary buckwheat which is a traditional grain in China. We examined nine genotypes and found that 30 µM of Cd reduced the root length in seedlings by between 4 and 44% and decreased the total biomass by 7 to 31%, compared with Cd-free controls. We identified a significant genotypic variation in sensitivity to Cd stress. Cd treatment decreased the total root length and the emergence and growth of lateral roots, and these changes were significantly greater in the Cd-sensitive genotypes than in tolerant genotypes. Cd resulted in greater wilting and discoloration in sensitive genotypes than in tolerant genotypes and caused more damage to the structure of root and leaf cells. Cd accumulated in the roots and shoots, but the concentrations in the sensitive genotypes were significantly greater than in the more tolerant genotypes. Cd treatment affected nutrient uptake, and the changes in the sensitive genotypes were greater than those in the tolerant genotypes, which could maintain their concentrations closer to the control levels. The induction of SOD, POD, and CAT activities in the roots and shoots was significantly greater in the tolerant genotypes than in the sensitive genotypes. We demonstrated that Cd stress reduced root and shoot growth, decreased plant biomass, disrupted nutrient uptake, altered cell structure, and managed Cd-induced oxidative stress differently in the sensitive and tolerant genotypes of Tartary buckwheat.
PubMed: 38931082
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121650 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024is an important component of China's economic development and forest ecosystems. The growth of seedlings experienced a slow growth phase, which led to a long seedling...
is an important component of China's economic development and forest ecosystems. The growth of seedlings experienced a slow growth phase, which led to a long seedling cultivation period. However, asexual reproduction can ensure the stable inheritance of the superior traits of the mother tree and also shorten the breeding cycle. The quantity and quality of branching significantly impact the cutting reproduction of , and a shaded environment affects lateral branching growth, development, and photosynthesis. Nonetheless, the physiological characteristics and the level of the transcriptome that underlie the growth of lateral branches of under shade conditions are still unclear. In our experiment, we subjected annual seedlings to varying shade intensities (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%) and studied the effects of shading on growth, physiological and biochemical changes, and gene expression in branching. Results from this study show that shading reduces biomass production by inhibiting the branching ability of seedlings. Due to the regulatory and protective roles of osmotically active substances against environmental stress, the contents of soluble sugars, soluble proteins, photosynthetic pigments, and enzyme activities exhibit varying responses to different shading treatments. Under shading treatment, the contents of phytohormones were altered. Additionally, genes associated with phytohormone signaling and photosynthetic pathways exhibited differential expression. This study established a theoretical foundation for shading regulation of lateral branch growth and provides scientific evidence for the management of cutting orchards.
PubMed: 38931020
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121588 -
Microorganisms Jun 2024A Gram-positive, rod-shaped, aerobic, motile, and spore-forming bacterium, designated SCL10, was isolated from exposure to Co-60 radiation. In this study, whole-genome...
A Gram-positive, rod-shaped, aerobic, motile, and spore-forming bacterium, designated SCL10, was isolated from exposure to Co-60 radiation. In this study, whole-genome sequencing was performed to identify the strain as and functional characterization, with a focus on stress resistance. The genome of the SCL10 strain was sequenced and assembled, revealing a size of 4,979,182 bp and 5167 coding genes. The genes involved in biological functions were annotated by using the GO, COG, KEGG, NR, and Swiss-Prot databases. The results showed that genes related to alkyl hydroperoxide reductase (, ), DNA-binding proteins from starved cells (), spore and biofilm formation (, 0, ), cold shock-like protein (, ), ATP-dependent chaperone (), and photolyase, small, acid-soluble spore protein (SASP) and DNA repair protein (, ) could explain the stress resistance. These findings suggest that antioxidant activity, sporulation, biofilm formation, and DNA protection may be considered as the main resistance mechanisms under exposure to radiation in the SCL10 strain.
PubMed: 38930550
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061168 -
Microorganisms May 2024Cetaceans, which are crucial in marine ecosystems, act as sentinels for ecosystem and human-environmental health. However, emerging fungal infections, particularly by... (Review)
Review
Cetaceans, which are crucial in marine ecosystems, act as sentinels for ecosystem and human-environmental health. However, emerging fungal infections, particularly by spp., pose a growing concern in these marine mammals. This review consolidates current knowledge on the prevalence, clinical manifestations, species distribution, and antifungal resistance of infections in cetaceans. We detail the diverse pathogenic impacts of , including respiratory, dermal, and systemic afflictions, underscoring diagnostic and treatment challenges amid rising antifungal resistance. Our analysis extends beyond health concerns in captive cetaceans, where confinement stress heightens vulnerability, to encompass substantial ecological risks in wild populations. The review emphasizes the One Health perspective, linking cetacean health with broader environmental and human public health issues. We particularly focus on the potential zoonotic transmission of emerging fungal pathogens such as and the role of environmental changes in fostering antifungal resistance. The study underscores the need for concerted, interdisciplinary efforts in veterinary, medical, and environmental sciences to enhance understanding and management of infections in cetaceans. We advocate for comprehensive monitoring and collaborative research initiatives to mitigate the rising challenge of these infections. Addressing spp. in cetaceans is not just a conservation priority but a critical step in safeguarding overall marine health and, by extension, human health in the context of evolving infectious diseases.
PubMed: 38930510
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061128 -
Microorganisms May 2024Soil desertification is an important challenge in global soil management, and effectively and stably restoring soil function is an urgent problem. Using synthetic...
Soil desertification is an important challenge in global soil management, and effectively and stably restoring soil function is an urgent problem. Using synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) is a burgeoning microbial strategy aimed at enhancing soil nutrients through functional synergies among diverse microorganisms; nevertheless, their effectiveness in restoring desertified soils remains unknown. In this study, we conducted a two-year field experiment using a SynCom constructed by in situ probiotic bacteria and set up control, chemical fertilizer, and combined SynCom-chemical fertilizer (combined fertilizer) treatments to investigate the linkage between microbial communities and soil multifunctionality in the soil surface layer (0-10 cm). Both the bacterial and fungal communities differed the most under the combined fertilizer treatment compared to the control. The bacterial communities differed more under treatments of the SynCom than the chemical fertilizer, while the fungal communities differed more under the chemical fertilizer treatment than the SynCom treatment. Regarding soil function, the SynCom strengthened the correlation between enzyme activities and both bacterial communities and functional properties. pH and available potassium were the main influencing factors under the chemical fertilizer and combined fertilizer treatments. The beta-diversity of the bacterial communities was significantly correlated with soil multifunctionality. Random forest analyses showed that the SynCom significantly enhanced the bacterial communities, driving soil multifunctionality, and that some potential microbial taxa drove multiple nutrient cycles simultaneously. In summary, the SynCom effectively increased the abundance of most carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus functional genes as well as soil enzyme activities. The bacterial community composition contributed significantly to soil multifunctionality. Hence, the development of novel microbial agents holds significant potential for improving soil functionality and managing desertification.
PubMed: 38930499
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061117 -
Microorganisms May 2024In this study, we focused on evaluating the impact of BHJ04 on the growth of seedlings and its biocontrol efficacy against pine wilt disease (PWD). Additionally, the...
In this study, we focused on evaluating the impact of BHJ04 on the growth of seedlings and its biocontrol efficacy against pine wilt disease (PWD). Additionally, the colonization dynamics of BHJ04 on were examined. The growth promotion experiment showed that BHJ04 significantly promoted the growth of the branches and roots of . Pot control experiments indicated that strain BHJ04 significantly inhibited the spread of PWD. There were significant changes in the expression of several genes related to pine wood nematode defense in , including chitinase, nicotinamide synthetase, and triangular tetrapeptide-like superfamily protein isoform 9. Furthermore, our results revealed significant upregulation of genes associated with the water stress response (dehydration-responsive proteins), genetic material replication (DNA/RNA polymerase superfamily proteins), cell wall hydrolase, and detoxification (cytochrome P450 and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase superfamily genes) in the self-regulation of . Colonization experiments demonstrated that strain BHJ04 can colonize the roots, shoots, and leaves of , and the colonization amount on the leaves was the greatest, reaching 160,000 on the 15th day. However, colonization of the stems lasted longer, with the highest level of colonization observed after 45 d. This study provides a preliminary exploration of the growth-promoting and disease-preventing mechanisms of BHJ04 and its ability to colonize pines, thus providing a new biocontrol microbial resource for the biological control of plant diseases.
PubMed: 38930471
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061089 -
Microorganisms May 2024Halo-alkali soil threatens agriculture, reducing growth and crop yield worldwide. In this study, physicochemical and molecular techniques were employed to explore the...
Halo-alkali soil threatens agriculture, reducing growth and crop yield worldwide. In this study, physicochemical and molecular techniques were employed to explore the potential of halo-alkali-tolerant endophytic bacteria strains sp. pp01, sp. pp02, sp. pp04, and sp. pp06 to enhance the growth of hybrid under varying saline conditions. The strains exhibited tolerance to high salt concentrations, alkaline pH, and high temperatures. Under controlled conditions, all four strains showed significant growth-promoting effects on hybrid inoculated individually or in combination. However, the effects were significantly reduced in coastal saline soil. The best growth-promoting effect was achieved under greenhouse conditions, increasing shoot fresh and dry weights of hybrid by up to 457.7% and 374.7%, respectively, using irrigating trials. Metagenomic sequencing analysis revealed that the diversity and composition of rhizosphere microbiota underwent significant changes after inoculation with endophytic bacteria. Specifically, pp02 and co-inoculation significantly increased the and population. Firmicutes, Mycobacteria, and Proteobacteria phyla were enriched in PP02 samples. These may explain the best growth-promoting effects of pp02 and co-inoculation on hybrid under greenhouse conditions. Our findings reveal the performance of endophytic bacterial inoculants in enhancing beneficial microbiota, salt stress tolerance, and hybrid growth.
PubMed: 38930444
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061062 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024Rest and stress echocardiography (SE) play a fundamental role in the evaluation of aortic valve stenosis (AS). According to the current guidelines for the... (Review)
Review
Rest and stress echocardiography (SE) play a fundamental role in the evaluation of aortic valve stenosis (AS). According to the current guidelines for the echocardiographic evaluation of patients with aortic stenosis, four broad categories can be defined: high-gradient AS (mean gradient ≥ 40 mmHg, peak velocity ≥ 4 m/s, aortic valve area (AVA) ≤ 1 cm or indexed AVA ≤ 0.6 cm/m); low-flow, low-gradient AS with reduced ejection fraction (mean gradient < 40 mmHg, AVA ≤ 1 cm, left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50%, stroke volume index (Svi) ≤ 35 mL/m); low-flow, low-gradient AS with preserved ejection fraction (mean gradient < 40 mmHg, AVA ≤ 1 cm, LVEF ≥ 50%, SVi ≤ 35 mL/m); and normal-flow, low-gradient AS with preserved ejection fraction (mean gradient < 40 mmHg, AVA ≤ 1 cm, indexed AVA ≤ 0.6 cm/m, LVEF ≥ 50%, SVi > 35 mL/m). Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is indicated with the onset of symptoms development or LVEF reduction. However, there is often mismatch between resting transthoracic echocardiography findings and patient's symptoms. In these discordant cases, SE and CT calcium scoring are among the indicated methods to guide the management decision making. Additionally, due to the increasing evidence that in asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis an early AVR instead of conservative treatment is associated with better outcomes, SE can help identify those that would benefit from an early AVR by revealing markers of poor prognosis. Low-flow, low-gradient AS represents a challenge both in diagnosis and in therapeutic management. Low-dose dobutamine SE is the recommended method to distinguish true-severe from pseudo-severe stenosis and assess the existence of flow (contractile) reserve to appropriately guide the need for intervention in these patients.
PubMed: 38930024
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123495 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) is one of the leading cardiovascular causes of morbidity, mortality, and use of medical resources. After the introduction by... (Review)
Review
Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) is one of the leading cardiovascular causes of morbidity, mortality, and use of medical resources. After the introduction by international guidelines of the same level of recommendation to non-invasive imaging techniques in CCS evaluation, a large debate arose about the dilemma of choosing anatomical (with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)) or functional imaging (with stress echocardiography (SE), cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), or nuclear imaging techniques) as a first diagnostic evaluation. The determinant role of the atherosclerotic burden in defining cardiovascular risk and prognosis more than myocardial inducible ischemia has progressively increased the use of a first anatomical evaluation with CCTA in a wide range of pre-test probability in CCS patients. Functional testing holds importance, both because the role of revascularization in symptomatic patients with proven ischemia is well defined and because functional imaging, particularly with stress cardiac magnetic resonance (s-CMR), gives further prognostic information regarding LV function, detection of myocardial viability, and tissue characterization. Emerging techniques such as stress computed tomography perfusion (s-CTP) and fractional flow reserve derived from CT (FFRCT), combining anatomical and functional evaluation, appear capable of addressing the need for a single non-invasive examination, especially in patients with high risk or previous revascularization. Furthermore, CCTA in peri-procedural planning is promising to acquire greater importance in the non-invasive planning and guiding of complex coronary revascularization procedures, both by defining the correct strategy of interventional procedure and by improving patient selection. This review explores the different roles of non-invasive imaging techniques in managing CCS patients, also providing insights into preoperative planning for percutaneous or surgical myocardial revascularization.
PubMed: 38929984
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123450