-
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi = Zhongguo... Apr 2024This study employed microcirculation visualization and metabolomics methods to explore the effect and possible mechanism of Dalbergia cochinchinensis in ameliorating...
This study employed microcirculation visualization and metabolomics methods to explore the effect and possible mechanism of Dalbergia cochinchinensis in ameliorating coronary microvascular dysfunction(CMD) induced by microsphere embolization in rats. Sixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomized into sham, model, and low-, medium-, and high-dose [1.5, 3.0, and 6.0 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1), respectively] D. cochinchinensis water extract groups. The rats in sham and model groups were administrated with equal volume of normal saline by gavage once a day for 7 consecutive days. The rat model of CMD was prepared by injecting polyethylene microspheres into the left ventricle, while the sham group was injected with an equal amount of normal saline. A blood flow meter was used to measure blood flow, and a blood rheometer to measure blood viscosity and fibrinogen content. An automatic biochemical analyzer and reagent kits were used to measure the serum levels of myocardial enzymes, glucose, and nitric oxide(NO). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of myocardial tissue. DiI C12/C18 perfusion was used to infuse coronary microvessels, and the structural and morphological changes were observed using a confocal laser scanning microscope. AngioTool was used to analyze the vascular area, density, radius, and mean E lacunarity in the microsphere embolization area, and vascular blood flow resistance was calculated based on Poiseuille's law. Non-targeted metabolomics based on high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed screen potential biomarkers and differential metabolites regulated by D. cochinchinensis and the involved metabolic pathways were enriched. The pharmacodynamic results showed that compared with the model group, D. cochinchinensis significantly increased mean blood flow, reduced plasma fibrinogen content, lowered the levels of myocardial enzymes such as creatine kinase(CK), creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), alleviate myocardial injury, and protect damaged myocardium. In addition, D. cochinchinensis significantly increased serum NO content, promoted vascular smooth muscle relaxation, dilated blood vessels, lowered serum glucose(GLU) level, improved myocardial energy metabolism, and alleviated pathological changes in myocardial fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration. The results of coronary microcirculation perfusion showed that D. cochinchinensis improved the vascular morphology, increased the vascular area, density, and radius, reduced vascular mean E lacunarity and blood flow resistance, and alleviated vascular endothelial damage in CMD rats. The results of metabolomics identified 45 differential metabolites between sham and model groups, and D. cochinchinensis recovered the levels 25 differential metabolites, which were involved in 8 pathways including arachidonic acid metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, and sphingolipids metabolism. D. cochinchinensis can ameliorate coronary microcirculation dysfunction caused by microsphere embolization in rats, and it may alleviate the pathological changes of CMD rats by regulating inflammatory reaction, endothelial damage, and phospholipid metabolism.
Topics: Animals; Male; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Metabolomics; Microcirculation; Dalbergia; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Myocardium; Coronary Vessels; Humans
PubMed: 38812239
DOI: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20231121.301 -
PloS One 2024The productivity and well-being of honey bee colonies are greatly influenced by the nutrients present in the hives. A study was conducted to evaluate different...
The productivity and well-being of honey bee colonies are greatly influenced by the nutrients present in the hives. A study was conducted to evaluate different supplemental feeds on honey bee productive performance during dearth periods. Thirty colonies were grouped into five (four treatment groups and one control group) and each group contained three sub-groups (2 weak, 2 strong, and 2 very strong). Control groups were not given any supplementation. Treatment diets were T1 (50% sugar syrup + 14% roasted barley powder (beso) + 36% roasted spiced pea powder (Shiro)), T2 (50% powder sugar + 14% white sorghum powder + 36% bakery yeast, T3 (50% powder sugar + 14% white sorghum powder + 36% skimmed milk powder), T4 (50% sugar syrup with infusion of stinging nettle and 1% kerefa + 50% white sorghum powder). Feed was given on the entrance sides. The performance of experimental colonies was measured every 21 days in two phases during the dry season (from 3_2_2021 to 27_4_2021) and the rainy season (from 28-7_2021 to 1_10_2021). Feed intake, space (cm2) of pollen, nectar, and honey in the comb were measured using a frame-sized transparent grid meter. The study revealed significant differences (p<0.0001) in all measured parameters among the various treatments. The diet provided by T4 showed the highest levels of crude protein (18.15%) and carbohydrates (92.15%), whereas the diet presented by T3 had the lowest crude protein content (6.66%) and the diet offered by T1 had the lowest carbohydrate content (61.91%). In general, colonies that received T4 showcased superior performance compared to others. They exhibited a feed intake of 98.3%, a nectar area of 54.3 cm2, a pollen area of 68.7 cm2, a honey area of 311.2 cm2, and a honey yield of 7 kg. Consequently, their net profit amounted to 51.54 USD. On the other hand, the colonies that received T1 had the lowest performance indicators. They demonstrated a feed intake of only 54.7%, a nectar area of 37.6 cm2, a pollen area of 48.8 cm2, a honey area of 254.3 cm2, a honey yield of 2.8 kg, and a net profit of 18.81 USD. The significance of this study was to enable the beekeepers in realizing the effects of feed supplements on the productivity and profitability of honeybee colonies.
Topics: Animals; Bees; Ethiopia; Dietary Supplements; Animal Feed; Honey; Pollen; Seasons
PubMed: 38809892
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303579 -
Zhonghua Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi =... Jun 2024To investigate the biocompatibility of coral-like barium titanate nano-piezoelectric coatings and the influence of ultrasound-excited piezoelectric effect on the early...
[Fabrication of a coral-like barium titanate nano-piezoelectric coating and its effect on promoting osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ].
To investigate the biocompatibility of coral-like barium titanate nano-piezoelectric coatings and the influence of ultrasound-excited piezoelectric effect on the early osteogenic differentiation. The barium titanate nano-piezoelectric coating (the coating group) was prepared on the surface of titanium metal by anodic oxidation, hydrothermal reaction and high-temperature annealing, and polished titanium specimens were used as control group. The surface morphology, composition, and crystal phase and hydrophilicity of the two groups of titanium specimens were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and contact angle meter. The piezoelectric properties of the materials were characterized by piezoresponse force microscopy. Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) were cultured and identified and seeded the surface of titanium specimens in two groups. The cells seeded on blank culture plates were used as blank group. After low intensity pulsed ultrasound intervention, cell proliferation and live/dead staining were detected to evaluate cytocompatibility of the coatings. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of each group was detected by ALP staining kit, and the expression of osteogenesis-related genes [integrin, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2)] was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to evaluate the effect of the coating on promoting the early osteogenic differentiation of BMSC. The surface of titanium specimens in the coating group showed a uniform coral-like morphology, and the diameter of the coral tentacles was 70-100 nm. The main component was tetragonal barium titanate. The surface hydrophilicity of the coating group (water contact angle 10.12°± 0.93°) was significantly better than that of the control group (water contact angle 78.32°±0.71°) ( 10 165.91, 0.001). The coating has a stable piezoelectric property with a piezoelectric constant of about 5 pC/N. Cell experiments showed that, with or without ultrasound, the cell proliferation activity of the coating group was significantly lower than that of the blank group and the control group on the third day (0.05). On the fifth day, with or without ultrasound, there was no significant difference in cell proliferation activity between the three groups (0.05). After 7 days of culture, the ALP activity of the coating group was significantly higher than that of the blank group and the control group (0.05). The results of RT-qPCR showed that the mRNA expression of integrin and BMP-2 in the coating group with ultrasound was significantly higher than that in the other groups with ultrasound, and was higher than that of the coating group without ultrasound (0.05). The expression of integrin mRNA in the control group with ultrasound was significantly higher than that in the control group without ultrasound (0.05). The expression of RUNX2 mRNA in the coating group with ultrasound was significantly higher than that in the coating group without ultrasound (0.05). The coral-like barium titanate nano-piezoelectric coating exhibits favorable biocompatibility and stable piezoelectric property, and facilitates the early osteogenic differentiation of BMSC under the excitation of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound.
Topics: Animals; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Titanium; Rats; Osteogenesis; Cell Differentiation; Barium Compounds; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Cell Proliferation; Bone Marrow Cells; Surface Properties; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2; Alkaline Phosphatase; Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit; Anthozoa
PubMed: 38808418
DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112144-20240307-00103 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Carotenoids play a role in preventing and impeding the progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) through their anti-oxidative effects. This study...
Association between atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease score and skin carotenoid levels estimated via refraction spectroscopy in the Japanese population: a cross-sectional study.
Carotenoids play a role in preventing and impeding the progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) through their anti-oxidative effects. This study evaluated associations between ASCVD risk and skin carotenoid (SC) levels, reflecting dietary carotenoid intake. Participants' ASCVD risk was assessed using the Hisayama ASCVD risk prediction model, and SC levels were measured through a reflection spectroscope (Veggie Meter). The associations between high ASCVD risk and SC levels were analyzed using logistic regression analysis and a restricted cubic spline (RCS) model. A total of 1130 men and women (mean age: 56 years) from participants who underwent a health examination in Seirei Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Medicine in 2019 and 2022 were analyzed. Of these, 4.6% had moderate or high ASCVD risk. Mean SC values were 236, 315, 376, 447, and 606 in quintile Q1 to Q5, respectively. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of SC quintile for moderate- or high-risk ASCVD was 0.24 (0.12-0.51) in Q5 (495 ≤), 0.42 (0.23-0.77) in Q4, 0.50 (0.29-0.88) in Q3, and 0.68 (0.41-1.12) in Q2 compared to Q1 (< 281). High SC values continuously showed non-linear inverse association with moderate- or high-risk for ASCVD in Japanese adults. Non-invasive SC measurements may be a good indicator for recommending carotenoids to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Carotenoids; Middle Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Japan; Skin; Atherosclerosis; Aged; Adult; Cardiovascular Diseases; Risk Factors; Spectrum Analysis; East Asian People
PubMed: 38806551
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62772-y -
Comparative evaluation of alkaline ionized water and normal water on oral microbial flora: An study.Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial... 2024Various artificial chemical agents have been evaluated over many years with respect to their antimicrobial effect in oral cavity. The gold standard for removal of plaque...
BACKGROUND
Various artificial chemical agents have been evaluated over many years with respect to their antimicrobial effect in oral cavity. The gold standard for removal of plaque is usage of chlorhexidine, but it can cause alteration in taste sensation and staining of teeth. Electrolytes and oxidizing water may be useful against microbes, but its clinical application has still not been evaluated. Hence this present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the alkaline ionized water on oral microbial flora.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ten non-carious, un-restored and intact freshly extracted human teeth were collected and sectioned using a round bur. Each tooth was sectioned longitudinally in two parts and stored in closed sterile containers which was filled with alkaline ionized water (Group 1) and normal water (Group 2), respectively for 15 days. The microbial growth was analyzed prior to dipping in the solutions, 3 days, 7 days and 15 days. The pH of alkaline ionized water and normal water was evaluated using pH meter before placing teeth in different solutions. Results were analyzed using -test and the level of significance was set at ≤ 0.05.
RESULTS
No difference in bacterial colony was observed before test and after 3 days among Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. After 7 days and 15 days, statistically significant decrease in bacterial colony count was seen among Group 1 as compared to Group 2 ( ≤ 0.05).
CONCLUSION
It was then concluded that alkaline ionized water can be effective in reduction of oral microbial flora.
PubMed: 38800418
DOI: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_368_23 -
Cureus Apr 2024Background Paint industry workers are constantly exposed to paints and organic solvents that contain a substantial quantity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)....
Background Paint industry workers are constantly exposed to paints and organic solvents that contain a substantial quantity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exposure to VOC emissions could result in pulmonary, neurobehavioral, and hematological consequences. Limited studies have been undertaken in India to assess the health consequences of VOCs among paint industry workers in unorganized sectors. Aim To assess the effects of VOCs on pulmonary function in paint industry workers of unorganized sectors. Methodology A hundred and twenty full-time male construction painters and small-scale paint manufacturing workers aged 25-60 were assessed for respiratory symptoms using a questionnaire, and pulmonary functions using Wright's Peak Expiratory Flow Meter (PEFR). Participants were randomly selected for VOC assessment and the cumulative solvent exposure index was calculated. A pulmonary function test (PFT) was performed on a subset of construction painters (n=30) using a Koko spirometer. Results The concentration of VOCs such as benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene (BETX) and dichloromethane levels exceeded American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit values (TLVs) among the paint manufacturing workers. About 52% of paint workers reported respiratory symptoms. Around 22% of the participants showed reduced pulmonary function (PEFR<400 L/min). There was a significant weak negative correlation between PEFR and work experience (r = -0.2, p=0.03). PFT parameters among a subset of construction painters revealed a significant moderate negative correlation with work experience [forced expiratory volume at the onset of the first second (FEV1) (r = -0.6, p=0.001) and forced vital capacity (FVC) (r = -0.53, p=0.005)] and cumulative VOC exposure index [FEV1 (r = -0.53, p = 0.004) and FVC (r = -0.5, p = 0.008)]. Conclusion The concentration of VOCs was higher among paint industry workers of unorganized sectors and they reported respiratory symptoms and diminished pulmonary function. To reduce morbidity, it is critical to enhance awareness about occupational safety and services in these unorganized sectors.
PubMed: 38800291
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58951 -
Bio-protocol May 2024-mediated transient gene expression in Nicotiana benthamiana is widely used to study gene function in plants. One dramatic phenotype that is frequently screened for is...
-mediated transient gene expression in Nicotiana benthamiana is widely used to study gene function in plants. One dramatic phenotype that is frequently screened for is cell death. Here, we present a simplified protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated transient gene expression by infiltration. Compared with current methods, the novel protocol can be done without a centrifuge or spectrometer, thereby suitable for K-12 outreach programs as well as rapidly identifying genes that induce cell death. Key features • The protocol simplifies the widely used -mediated transient gene expression assay [1] and can be completed within one week when plants are available. • Rice gene can induce a dramatic and easily identifiable cell death phenotype in • Allows identification of cell death-inducing genes and is suitable for teaching. • Compared to the currently used methods, our protocol omits the use of agroinfiltration buffer, pH meter, temperature-controlled growth chamber, centrifuge, and spectrophotometer. Graphical overview The photo demonstrates the method of agroinfiltration into the abaxial side of leaves using a needleless syringe.
PubMed: 38798979
DOI: 10.21769/BioProtoc.4987 -
Nutrients May 2024Low muscle mass quantity/quality is needed to confirm sarcopenia diagnosis; however, no validated cut-off points exist. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic...
BACKGROUND
Low muscle mass quantity/quality is needed to confirm sarcopenia diagnosis; however, no validated cut-off points exist. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of sarcopenia through muscle mass quantity/quality parameters, using the bioimpedance analysis (BIA), isokinetic, and ultrasound tools in probable sarcopenic community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years). Also, it aimed to suggest possible new cut-off points to confirm sarcopenia diagnosis.
METHODS
A cross-sectional exploratory analysis study was performed with probable sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults. BIA, isokinetic, and ultrasound parameters were evaluated. The protocol was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05485402).
RESULTS
A total of 50 individuals were included, 38 with probable sarcopenia (69.63 ± 4.14 years; 7 men and 31 women) and 12 non-sarcopenic (67.58 ± 4.54 years; 7 men and 5 women). The phase angle (cut-off: 5.10° men, = 0.003; 4.95° women, < 0.001), peak torque (cut-off: 66.75 Newtons-meters (N-m) men, < 0.001; 48.35 N-m women, < 0.001), total work (cut-off: 64.00 Joules (J) men, = 0.007; 54.70 J women, = 0.001), and mean power (cut-off: 87.8 Watts (W) men, = 0.003; 48.95 W women, = 0.008) in leg extension, as well as the the forearm muscle thickness (cut-off: 1.41 cm (cm) men, = 0.017; 0.94 cm women, = 0.041), had great diagnostic accuracy in both sexes.
CONCLUSIONS
The phase angle, peak torque, total work, and mean power in leg extension, as well as forearm muscle thickness, had great diagnostic accuracy in regard to sarcopenia, and the suggested cut-off points could lead to the confirmation of sarcopenia diagnosis, but more studies are needed to confirm this.
Topics: Humans; Sarcopenia; Male; Aged; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Muscle, Skeletal; Electric Impedance; Muscle Strength; Ultrasonography; Geriatric Assessment; Middle Aged; Body Composition; Independent Living
PubMed: 38794734
DOI: 10.3390/nu16101496 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Stroke can impair mobility, with deficits more pronounced while simultaneously performing multiple activities. In this study, common clinical tests were instrumented...
Stroke can impair mobility, with deficits more pronounced while simultaneously performing multiple activities. In this study, common clinical tests were instrumented with wearable motion sensors to study motor-cognitive interference effects in stroke survivors (SS). A total of 21 SS and 20 healthy controls performed the Timed Up and Go (TUG), Sit-to-Stand (STS), balance, and 10-Meter Walk (10MWT) tests under single and dual-task (counting backward) conditions. Calculated measures included total time and gait measures for TUG, STS, and 10MWT. Balance tests for both open and closed eyes conditions were assessed using sway, measured using the linear acceleration of the thorax, pelvis, and thighs. SS exhibited poorer performance with slower TUG (16.15 s vs. 13.34 s, single-task < 0.001), greater sway in the eyes open balance test (0.1 m/s vs. 0.08 m/s, = 0.035), and slower 10MWT (12.94 s vs. 10.98 s = 0.01) compared to the controls. Dual tasking increased the TUG time (~14%, < 0.001), balance thorax sway (~64%, < 0.001), and 10MWT time (~17%, < 0.001) in the SS group. Interaction effects were minimal, suggesting similar dual-task costs. The findings demonstrate exaggerated mobility deficits in SS during dual-task clinical testing. Dual-task assessments may be more effective in revealing impairments. Integrating cognitive challenges into evaluation can optimize the identification of fall risks and personalize interventions targeting identified cognitive-motor limitations post stroke.
Topics: Humans; Postural Balance; Male; Female; Stroke; Middle Aged; Aged; Walk Test; Survivors; Gait; Walking; Stroke Rehabilitation
PubMed: 38793850
DOI: 10.3390/s24102996 -
Spectrochimica Acta. Part A, Molecular... Oct 2024In this work, we developed a ratiometric fluorescent probe (NT) based on ICT framework in near-infrared (NIR) which could detect pH and viscosity simultaneously. Long...
In this work, we developed a ratiometric fluorescent probe (NT) based on ICT framework in near-infrared (NIR) which could detect pH and viscosity simultaneously. Long emission wavelength in NIR could protect the probe from interference of background fluorescence and improve the accuracy of the test. Due to the presence of thiazole-salt, the probe possessed good water solubility and could respond immediately to pH in water system. The pH values measured by NT in the actual samples were not much different from that measured by the pH meter, therefore, NT could give excellent accuracy. NT realized the reversible detection of pH by protonation and deprotonation. NT was used successfully to detect the pH of actual water samples, human serum and meat, as well as the viscosity variation caused by thickeners. Additionally, NT could monitor the changes of pH and viscosity in living cells. Therefore, the novel probe exhibited potential application in the fields of the environment, human health and food safety evaluation.
Topics: Fluorescent Dyes; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Viscosity; Humans; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared; Animals; Meat; HeLa Cells; Water
PubMed: 38788506
DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124486