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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 -
Terapevticheskii Arkhiv Dec 2023A point-of-care glucose testing (POCT) is an essential component of care in patients with hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in inpatient and outpatient settings. In Russian...
BACKGROUND
A point-of-care glucose testing (POCT) is an essential component of care in patients with hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in inpatient and outpatient settings. In Russian medical facilities (MFs), conventional glucose meters designed for self-monitoring by patients with diabetes are commonly used for POCT. These home-use meters have two serious disadvantages: the first is large measurement bias and the second - they can't be integrated into laboratory information systems, so measurement data have to be recorded into patient charts manually. Both factors may lead to medical errors. It is reasonable to use in the MFs specialized POCT glucose meters, as they are superior to conventional ones in accuracy and may be easily connected to laboratory information systems. With this in mind, physicians at the Russian Children's Clinical Hospital decided to substitute conventional meters with the Accu-Chek Inform II POCT meter, however, after preliminary performance assessment of the model.
AIM
To test the Accu-Chek Inform II performance characteristics: accuracy, linearity, repeatability, and mean absolute relative difference (MARD).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Performance of the Accu-Chek Inform II was tested by comparing the results of parallel C measurements with the meter and reference laboratory analyzer in capillary blood samples. Overall, 99 parallel C measurements were made in 45 samples. Accuracy was evaluated according to the ISO 15197-2013 and POCT12-A3 criteria.
RESULTS
The Accu-Chek Inform II meter met the requirements of ISO 15197-2013 and POCT12-A3 and demonstrated high linearity (correlation coefficient, =1,0), good repeatability (mean coefficient of variation, CV=1,38%) and acceptable MARD (4,9%).
CONCLUSION
The Accu-Chek Inform II POCT glucose meter may be efficiently and safely used in inpatient and outpatient MFs and particularly in pediatric clinics.
Topics: Humans; Blood Glucose; Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; Russia; Point-of-Care Systems; Point-of-Care Testing; Reproducibility of Results; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 38785055
DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2023.12.202522 -
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine &... May 2024The relationship between exercise-induced troponin elevation and non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) is unclear. This observational study assessed... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
The relationship between exercise-induced troponin elevation and non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) is unclear. This observational study assessed non-obstructive CAD's impact on exercise-induced cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) elevation in middle-aged recreational athletes. cTnI levels of 40 well-trained recreational athletes (73% males, 50 ± 9 years old) were assessed by a high-sensitive cTnI assay 24 h before, and at 3 and 24 h following two high-intensity exercises of different durations; a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), and a 91-km mountain bike race. Workload was measured with power meters. Coronary computed tomography angiography was used to determine the presence or absence of non-obstructive (<50% obstruction) CAD. A total of 15 individuals had non-obstructive CAD (Atherosclerotic group), whereas 25 had no atherosclerosis (normal). There were higher post-exercise cTnI levels following the race compared with CPET, both at 3 h (77.0 (35.3-112.4) ng/L vs. 11.6 (6.4-22.5) ng/L, p < 0.001) and at 24 h (14.7 (6.7-16.3) vs. 5.0 (2.6-8.9) ng/L, p < 0.001). Absolute cTnI values did not differ among groups. Still, the association of cTnI response to power output was significantly stronger in the CAD versus Normal group both at 3 h post-exercise (Rho = 0.80, p < 0.001 vs. Rho = -0.20, p = 0.33) and 24-h post-exercise (Rho = 0.87, p < 0.001 vs. Rho = -0.13, p = 0.55). Exercise-induced cTnI elevation was strongly correlated with exercise workload in middle-aged athletes with non-obstructive CAD but not in individuals without CAD. This finding suggests that CAD influences the relationship between exercise workload and the cTnI response even without coronary artery obstruction.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Coronary Artery Disease; Female; Troponin I; Exercise Test; Exercise; Adult; Bicycling; Workload; Computed Tomography Angiography; Athletes; Coronary Angiography
PubMed: 38773919
DOI: 10.1111/sms.14667 -
Journal of Sports Sciences Apr 2024We aimed to examine the effects of Ramadan fasting (RF) and high-intensity short-term maximal performance on elite soccer players' shooting accuracy, executive function...
We aimed to examine the effects of Ramadan fasting (RF) and high-intensity short-term maximal performance on elite soccer players' shooting accuracy, executive function (EF), and perceptions. Sixteen Muslim elite players fasting during Ramadan underwent assessments before (BR), during (DR), and after Ramadan (AR). Soccer-specific technical performance was evaluated using the Loughborough Soccer Shooting Test (LSST) before and after a 5-metre shuttle run test (5mSRT), conducted at the same time-of-day (17:00 h). Performance metrics recorded included higher distance (HD), total distance (TD), and fatigue index (FI). RPE after a 5-min warm-up and each repetition of the 5mSRT were obtained, and the mean RPE score was calculated. Trail Making Test (TMT Parts A and B) were used after the warm-up and the 5mSRT. Perceived difficulty (PD) was assessed following the LSST. HD, TD, and FI were not affected by RF ( > 0.05). DR, RPE and accuracy scores in the LSST were significantly lower after the 5mSRT compared to BR (1.29 vs. 1.24 AU; 1.29 vs. 1.24, respectively). In conclusion, RF had no adverse effects on physical performance. However, when combined with high-intensity running sessions, RF may impact accuracy and PD, and these adverse effects seem to have been translated into EF.
Topics: Humans; Soccer; Fasting; Islam; Athletic Performance; Young Adult; Cognition; Male; Perception; Executive Function; Adult; Fatigue; Physical Exertion
PubMed: 38771259
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2357467 -
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal... Jul 2024Acoustic signalling is crucial in affecting movements and in social interactions. In species with dynamic social structures, such as multi-level societies, acoustic... (Review)
Review
Acoustic signalling is crucial in affecting movements and in social interactions. In species with dynamic social structures, such as multi-level societies, acoustic signals can provide a key mechanism allowing individuals to identify and find or avoid each other and to exchange information. Yet, if the spacing between individuals regularly exceeds the maximum signalling range, the relation between movements and signals becomes more complex. As the best-studied songbird in captivity, the zebra finch () is a species with individually distinct songs that are audible over just a few metres and a widely ranging dynamic multi-level social organization in the wild, raising questions on the actual role of its song in social cohesion and coordination. Here, we provide an overview of birdsong in social organizations (networks) and use the ecology of the zebra finch and male song to discuss how singing can facilitate social cohesion and coordination in species where the signal range is very short. We raise the question of the extent to which zebra finches are a representative species to understand the function of song in communication, and we broaden current views on the function of birdsong and its individual signature. This article is part of the theme issue 'The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics'.
Topics: Animals; Vocalization, Animal; Finches; Social Behavior; Male; Female
PubMed: 38768203
DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0191 -
Clinical Cardiology May 2024Semaglutide, a once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has shown promise in weight management and cardiovascular outcomes in other populations. This study...
BACKGROUND
Semaglutide, a once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has shown promise in weight management and cardiovascular outcomes in other populations. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of semaglutide in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients with obesity.
METHODS
A retrospective study analyzed 318 patients with HFpEF, of which 104 received semaglutide and 214 received placebo. Primary endpoints included evaluating changes in exercise capacity and weight management.
RESULTS
Semaglutide treatment led to significant improvements in the primary endpoints. Patients in the semaglutide group demonstrated substantial enhancements in exercise capacity, as measured by the 6-min walk distance, compared to the placebo group (mean difference 15.1 meters, 95% CI 5.8 to 24.4, p = 0.002). Additionally, semaglutide resulted in substantial weight loss compared to placebo (mean difference -2.9%, 95% CI -4.1--1.7, p = 0.001). Several secondary endpoints, including reductions in C-reactive protein levels and improvements in other clinical parameters, further supported the efficacy of semaglutide. Adverse events were generally well-tolerated, with no unexpected safety concerns.
CONCLUSION
Semaglutide demonstrated significant clinical benefits in HFpEF patients with obesity, as evidenced by improved symptoms, physical function, and weight reduction.
Topics: Humans; Glucagon-Like Peptides; Heart Failure; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; Stroke Volume; Obesity; Treatment Outcome; Aged; Middle Aged; Ventricular Function, Left; Exercise Tolerance; Weight Loss; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor; Time Factors; Recovery of Function
PubMed: 38767042
DOI: 10.1002/clc.24283 -
Spectrochimica Acta. Part A, Molecular... Oct 2024pH and Cu ion concentration changes are linked to disorders like Alzheimer's and cancer. Rapid detection of pH and Cu ions is critical for public health and...
pH and Cu ion concentration changes are linked to disorders like Alzheimer's and cancer. Rapid detection of pH and Cu ions is critical for public health and environmental concerns. The semi-salamo-type probe (E)-2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde O-(2-(aminooxy)ethyl) oxime (NSS) demonstrated substantial dual-functional performance, sensing pH change and Cu ions. A single excitation and double emission characteristic on the probe NSS made it distinctive. Probe NSS exhibits pH-dependent excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), and its optical properties vary based on the pH environment. Probe NSS detects pH changes from 2 to 11 by changing the "off-on-off" of the excited state intra-molecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism, exhibiting rapid, reversible, and selective responses. In addition, the luminescent salamo-like naphthalene-based probe NSS can coordinate with Cu ions, achieving great selectivity and sensitivity to identify Cu ions with a detection limit of 0.84 ppb (13.2 nM) Probe NSS can detect Cu ions in actual water samples such as tap water and yellow river water. The test strip loaded with probe NSS enabled quick and accurate detection of Cu ions in water samples. Consequently, the versatile salamo-type probe NSS lays the foundation for developing high sensitivity and fast-response dual-mode pH meters as well as Cu sensing.
PubMed: 38763017
DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124386