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IScience Mar 2024Energy transduction is central to living organisms, but the impact of enzyme regulation and signaling on its thermodynamic efficiency is generally overlooked. Here, we...
Energy transduction is central to living organisms, but the impact of enzyme regulation and signaling on its thermodynamic efficiency is generally overlooked. Here, we analyze the efficiency of ATP production by the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, which generate most of the chemical energy in eukaryotes. Calcium signaling regulates this pathway and can affect its energetic output, but the concrete energetic impact of this cross-talk remains elusive. Calcium enhances ATP production by activating key enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle while calcium homeostasis is ATP-dependent. We propose a detailed kinetic model describing the calcium-mitochondria cross-talk and analyze it using nonequilibrium thermodynamics: after identifying the effective reactions driving mitochondrial metabolism out of equilibrium, we quantify the mitochondrial thermodynamic efficiency for different conditions. Calcium oscillations, triggered by extracellular stimulation or energy deficiency, boost the thermodynamic efficiency of mitochondrial metabolism, suggesting a compensatory role of calcium signaling in mitochondrial bioenergetics.
PubMed: 38375217
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109078 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2024Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe and common chronic mental illness characterized by recurrent mood swings between depression and mania. The biological basis of the...
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe and common chronic mental illness characterized by recurrent mood swings between depression and mania. The biological basis of the disease is poorly understood, and its treatment is unsatisfactory. Na, K-ATPase is a major plasma membrane transporter and signal transducer. The catalytic α subunit of this enzyme is the binding site for cardiac steroids. Three α isoforms of the Na, K-ATPase are present in the brain. Previous studies have supported the involvement of the Na, K-ATPase and endogenous cardiac steroids (ECS) in the etiology of BD. Decreased brain ECS has been found to elicit anti-manic and anti-depressive-like behaviors in mice and rats. However, the identity of the specific α isoform involved in these behavioral effects is unknown. Here, we demonstrated that decreasing ECS through intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of anti-ouabain antibodies (anti-Ou-Ab) decreased the activity of α1 mice in forced swimming tests but did not change the activity in wild type (wt) mice. This treatment also affected exploratory and anxiety behaviors in α1 but not wt mice, as measured in open field tests. The i.c.v. administration of anti-Ou-Ab decreased brain ECS and increased brain Na, K-ATPase activity in wt and α1 mice. The serum ECS was lower in α1 than wt mice. In addition, a study in human participants demonstrated that serum ECS significantly decreased after treatment. These results suggest that the Na, K-ATPase α1 isoform is involved in depressive- and manic-like behaviors and support that the Na, K-ATPase/ECS system participates in the etiology of BD.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mice; Rats; Depression; Ouabain; Protein Isoforms; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase; Steroids
PubMed: 38338921
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031644 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2023Investigation of the psychological impact on soccer athletes during the pandemic is essential given their unique challenges, including training disruptions and...
INTRODUCTION
Investigation of the psychological impact on soccer athletes during the pandemic is essential given their unique challenges, including training disruptions and competition postponements. Understanding these effects will allow the development of specific strategies to preserve the mental health and performance of elite athletes, contributing to effective interventions with both short and long-term benefits.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological aspects and mental health of elite soccer athletes.
METHOD
The review adhered to PRISMA criteria, and the study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42022341545). Searches were conducted until July 2023 in databases including Cochrane, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Only original, peer-reviewed studies in English, Portuguese, or Spanish assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological aspects and mental health of elite soccer athletes were included.
RESULTS
The search identified 1,055 records and 43 studies were included in this review between 2020 and 2023. In total, the sample included 16,321 soccer athletes of different age groups. Anxiety, depression, mood states, and mental well-being were the most investigated variables. Increased levels of anxiety, depression, and worsening mental well-being were observed in elite soccer athletes. Maintaining fitness during the pandemic showed positive results. Other variables, such as coping, resilience, and sleep quality monitoring, were less widely investigated. Evaluating methodological quality was considered regular for observational and experimental studies.
CONCLUSION
The study reveals a negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on elite soccer athletes, considering psychological aspects and their mental health, notably heightened anxiety and depression. Observational methods predominated, showing mood swings linked to individual characteristics and fitness maintenance efforts. Studies with better-designed methodological approaches and controlled experimental interventions are recommended in the future to mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic on soccer players.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?, identifier (CRD42022341545).
PubMed: 38333426
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1295652 -
The British Journal of General Practice... Feb 2024Bipolar disorders are serious mental illnesses, yet evidence suggests that the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder can be delayed by around 6 years.
BACKGROUND
Bipolar disorders are serious mental illnesses, yet evidence suggests that the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder can be delayed by around 6 years.
AIM
To identify signals of undiagnosed bipolar disorder using routinely collected electronic health records.
DESIGN AND SETTING
A nested case-control study conducted using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD dataset, an anonymised electronic primary care patient database linked with hospital records. 'Cases' were adult patients with incident bipolar disorder diagnoses between 1 January 2010 and 31 July 2017.
METHOD
The patients with bipolar disorder (the bipolar disorder group) were matched by age, sex, and registered general practice to 20 'controls' without recorded bipolar disorder (the control group). Annual episode incidence rates were estimated and odds ratios from conditional logistic regression models were reported for recorded health events before the index (diagnosis) date.
RESULTS
There were 2366 patients with incident bipolar disorder diagnoses and 47 138 matched control patients (median age 40 years and 60.4% female: = 1430/2366 with bipolar disorder and = 28 471/47 138 without). Compared with the control group, the bipolar disorder group had a higher incidence of diagnosed depressive, psychotic, anxiety, and personality disorders and escalating self-harm up to 10 years before a bipolar disorder diagnosis. Sleep disturbance, substance misuse, and mood swings were more frequent among the bipolar disorder group than the control group. The bipolar disorder group had more frequent face-to-face consultations, and were more likely to miss multiple scheduled appointments and to be prescribed ≥3 different psychotropic medication classes in a given year.
CONCLUSION
Psychiatric diagnoses, psychotropic prescriptions, and health service use patterns might be signals of unreported bipolar disorder. Recognising these signals could prompt further investigation for undiagnosed significant psychopathology, leading to timely referral, assessment, and initiation of appropriate treatments.
PubMed: 38325893
DOI: 10.3399/BJGP.2022.0286 -
Current Rheumatology Reviews 2024Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex, widespread pain disorder characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, sleep deprivation, mental fog, mood swings, and headaches. Currently,... (Review)
Review
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex, widespread pain disorder characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, sleep deprivation, mental fog, mood swings, and headaches. Currently, there are only three FDA-approved medications for FM patients: duloxetine, milnacipran, and pregabalin, with outcomes frequently being inadequate. This research team aims to investigate the effects of diet and lifestyle modifications on FM, with emphasis on anti-inflammatory diet, antioxidants, and gluten-free diets, as well as supplementation with Magnesium, CQ10, and Vitamin D, microbiome, sleep, exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy. We reviewed the pathophysiology of certain foods that can be proinflammatory with the release of cytokines leading to activation of pain, fatigue and aggravation of the majority of Fibromyalgia symptoms. A literature review was performed by identifying FM articles published between 1994 and 2022 PubMed and EMBASE databases, with particular emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analysis, and evidence-based treatment guidelines. This review article was completed by a comprehensive narrative review process, in which our team systematically examined relevant scientific literature to provide a comprehensive overview of the significant role that diet and other lifestyle modifications play in mediating symptoms of Fibromyalgia. We propose that diet modifications and lifestyle changes, such as sleep, exercise, and weight loss, can be important steps in managing FM.
Topics: Humans; Fibromyalgia; Diet; Life Style; Exercise
PubMed: 38279728
DOI: 10.2174/0115733971274700231226075717 -
Post Reproductive Health Mar 2024This study aimed to determine how women felt cold water swimming affected their menstrual and perimenopausal symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine how women felt cold water swimming affected their menstrual and perimenopausal symptoms.
STUDY DESIGN
An online survey that asked women who regularly swim in cold water about their experiences. The survey was advertised for 2 months on social media. Questions related to cold water swimming habits and menstrual and perimenopausal symptoms were analysed.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Quantitative and qualitative data including; frequency of menstrual and menopause symptoms, the effect of cold water swimming on these symptoms.
RESULTS
1114 women completed the survey. Women reported that cold water swimming reduced their menstrual symptoms, notably psychological symptoms such as anxiety (46.7%), mood swings (37.7%) and irritability (37.6%). Perimenopausal women reported a significant improvement in anxiety (46.9%), mood swings (34.5%), low mood (31.1%) and hot flushes (30.3%). The majority of women with symptoms swam specifically to reduce these symptoms (56.4% for period and 63.3% for perimenopause symptoms). Women said they felt it was the physical and mental effects of the cold water that helped their symptoms. For the free text question, five themes were identified: the calming and mood-boosting effect of the water, companionship and community, period improvements, an improvement in hot flushes and an overall health improvement.
CONCLUSION
Women felt that cold water swimming had a positive overall effect on menstrual and perimenopause symptoms. Studies on other forms of exercise to relieve menstrual and perimenopause symptoms may show similar findings.
Topics: Female; Humans; Perimenopause; Swimming; Hot Flashes; Depression; Anxiety
PubMed: 38271095
DOI: 10.1177/20533691241227100 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jan 2024Cyanobacteria and evolutionarily related chloroplasts of algae and plants possess unique RNA polymerases (RNAPs) with characteristics that distinguish from canonical...
Cyanobacteria and evolutionarily related chloroplasts of algae and plants possess unique RNA polymerases (RNAPs) with characteristics that distinguish from canonical bacterial RNAPs. The largest subunit of cyanobacterial RNAP (cyRNAP) is divided into two polypeptides, β'1 and β'2, and contains the largest known lineage-specific insertion domain, Si3, located in the middle of the trigger loop and spans approximately half of the β'2 subunit. In this study, we present the X-ray crystal structure of Si3 and the cryo-EM structures of the cyRNAP transcription elongation complex plus the NusG factor with and without incoming nucleoside triphosphate (iNTP) bound at the active site. Si3 has a well-ordered and elongated shape that exceeds the length of the main body of cyRNAP, fits into cavities of cyRNAP and shields the binding site of secondary channel-binding proteins such as Gre and DksA. A small transition from the trigger loop to the trigger helix upon iNTP binding at the active site results in a large swing motion of Si3; however, this transition does not affect the catalytic activity of cyRNAP due to its minimal contact with cyRNAP, NusG or DNA. This study provides a structural framework for understanding the evolutionary significance of these features unique to cyRNAP and chloroplast RNAP and may provide insights into the molecular mechanism of transcription in specific environment of photosynthetic organisms.
PubMed: 38260627
DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.11.575193 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024Weaned dairy heifers are a relatively understudied production group. Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most common cause of antimicrobial drug (AMD) use,...
Weaned dairy heifers are a relatively understudied production group. Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most common cause of antimicrobial drug (AMD) use, morbidity, and mortality in this production group. The study of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is complicated because many variables that may affect AMR are related. This study generates hypotheses regarding the farm- and animal-level variables (e.g., vaccination, lane cleaning, and AMD use practices) that may be associated with AMR in respiratory isolates from weaned dairy heifers. A cross-sectional study was performed using survey data and respiratory isolates (, , and ) collected from 341 weaned dairy heifers on six farms in California. Logistic regression and Bayesian network analyses were used to evaluate the associations between farm- and animal-level variables with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) classification of respiratory isolates against 11 AMDs. Farm-level variables associated with MIC classification of respiratory isolates included the number of source farms of a calf-rearing facility, whether the farm practiced onsite milking, the use of lagoon water for flush lane cleaning, and respiratory and pinkeye vaccination practices. Animal-level variables associated with a MIC classification included whether the calf was BRD-score-positive and time since the last phenicol treatment.
PubMed: 38247609
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010050 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Apr 2024An infection with SARS-CoV-2 can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications, which can impair athletic activity. (Observational Study)
Observational Study
COVID-19 in Female and Male Athletes: Symptoms, Clinical Findings, Outcome, and Prolonged Exercise Intolerance-A Prospective, Observational, Multicenter Cohort Study (CoSmo-S).
BACKGROUND
An infection with SARS-CoV-2 can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications, which can impair athletic activity.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to assess the clinical symptom patterns, diagnostic findings, and the extent of impairment in sport practice in a large cohort of athletes infected with SARS-CoV-2, both initially after infection and at follow-up. Additionally, we investigated whether baseline factors that may contribute to reduced exercise tolerance at follow-up can be identified.
METHODS
In this prospective, observational, multicenter study, we recruited German COVID elite-athletes (cEAs, n = 444) and COVID non-elite athletes (cNEAs, n = 481) who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR (polymerase chain reaction test). Athletes from the federal squad with no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection served as healthy controls (EAcon, n = 501). Questionnaires were used to assess load and duration of infectious symptoms, other complaints, exercise tolerance, and duration of training interruption at baseline and at follow-up 6 months after baseline. Diagnostic tests conducted at baseline included resting and exercise electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, spirometry, and blood analyses.
RESULTS
Most acute and infection-related symptoms and other complaints were more prevalent in cNEA than in cEAs. Compared to cEAs, EAcon had a low symptom load. In cNEAs, female athletes had a higher prevalence of complaints such as palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, myalgia, sleeping disturbances, mood swings, and concentration problems compared to male athletes (p < 0.05). Until follow-up, leading symptoms were drop in performance, concentration problems, and dyspnea on exertion. Female athletes had significantly higher prevalence for symptoms until follow-up compared to male. Pathological findings in ECG, echocardiography, and spirometry, attributed to SARS-CoV-2 infection, were rare in infected athletes. Most athletes reported a training interruption between 2 and 4 weeks (cNEAs: 52.9%, cEAs: 52.4%), while more cNEAs (27.1%) compared to cEAs (5.1%) had a training interruption lasting more than 4 weeks (p < 0.001). At follow-up, 13.8% of cNEAs and 9.9% of cEAs (p = 0.24) reported their current exercise tolerance to be under 70% compared to pre-infection state. A persistent loss of exercise tolerance at follow-up was associated with persistent complaints at baseline, female sex, a longer break in training, and age > 38 years. Periodical dichotomization of the data set showed a higher prevalence of infectious symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and coryza in the second phase of the pandemic, while a number of neuropsychiatric symptoms as well as dyspnea on exertion were less frequent in this period.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to recreational athletes, elite athletes seem to be at lower risk of being or remaining symptomatic after SARS-CoV-2 infection. It remains to be determined whether persistent complaints after SARS-CoV-2 infection without evidence of accompanying organ damage may have a negative impact on further health and career in athletes. Identifying risk factors for an extended recovery period such as female sex and ongoing neuropsychological symptoms could help to identify athletes, who may require a more cautious approach to rebuilding their training regimen.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
DRKS00023717; 06.15.2021-retrospectively registered.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Female; Prospective Studies; Male; Adult; Exercise Tolerance; Athletes; SARS-CoV-2; Germany; Young Adult; Myalgia
PubMed: 38206445
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01976-0 -
Annals of Agricultural and... Dec 2023Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder with numerous hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive manifestations. Because of the variety of adverse...
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder with numerous hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive manifestations. Because of the variety of adverse consequences associated with the condition, women with PCOS suffer emotional distress, resulting in reduced health-related quality of life. Similar to other chronic conditions, eating patterns have been shown effective in impacting the quality of life of PCOS patients. Therefore, lifestyle modifications are recommended as a first-line therapy for PCOS, before prescribing any pharmaceutical management of the PCOS. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns, emotional distress, and perceived quality of life in women with diagnosed PCOS.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The cross-sectional study included 130 women with PCOS aged 18 - 60 years from the Polish population. The respondents were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire developed for the purpose of the study, inspired by the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (PCOSQ), Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R18), and the Eating attitude questionnaire (Eat-26).
RESULTS
Respondents were found to experience emotional distress regardless of how healthy their diet. Nonetheless, the results showed that women who followed a healthier eating pattern had lower occurrence of experiencing mood swings, and less often felt triggered in the social context. The group did not show a tendency to over-eat, gain weight, or binge eating.
CONCLUSIONS
Healthier eating habits, besides providing advantages in weight management, may mitigate symptoms of emotional distress and improve the quality of life in women with PCOS.
Topics: Humans; Female; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Quality of Life; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feeding Behavior; Psychological Distress
PubMed: 38153073
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/166585