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Improvement of Lipids and Reduction of Oxidative Stress With Octacosanol After Taekwondo Training.
Lee, SH, Scott, SD, Pekas, EJ, Lee, JG, Park, SY
International journal of sports physiology and performance. 2019;(9):1297-1303
Abstract
PURPOSE Athletes in combat sports undergo rapid changes in body weight prior to competition in order to gain a size advantage over their opponent. However, these large weight changes with concomitant high-intensity exercise training create poor lipid profiles and high levels of oxidative stress, which can be detrimental to health and sport performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of the nutritional supplement octacosanol to combat the physiological detriments that occur in taekwondo players during rapid weight loss with high-intensity exercise training. METHODS A total of 26 male taekwondo players were randomly divided into 2 groups: An experimental group performed a 5% weight-loss and taekwondo training program with 40-mg octacosanol intake (OCT; n = 13) for 6 d, and a control group performed the same weight-loss and taekwondo training program with a placebo (CON; n = 13). RESULTS There were significant (P < .05) group × time interactions for low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides, which significantly decreased (Δ18 [5] mg/dL and Δ80 [7] mg/dL, respectively), and high-density lipoprotein, which significantly increased (Δ10 [7] mg/dL), in the OCT group compared with the CON group. There were also significant (P < .05) group × time interactions for superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA), with SOD increasing (Δ226 [121] U/gHb) in the OCT group, while GPx decreased (Δ20 [13] U/gHb) and MDA increased (Δ72 [0.04] nmol/mL) in the CON group. CONCLUSION These results suggest that octacosanol may be a beneficial supplement to protect against the poor cholesterol levels and oxidative stress that occurs during taekwondo training.
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Promoting healthy teenage behaviour across three European countries through the use of a novel smartphone technology platform, PEGASO fit for future: study protocol of a quasi-experimental, controlled, multi-Centre trial.
Puigdomenech, E, Martin, A, Lang, A, Adorni, F, Gomez, SF, McKinstry, B, Prinelli, F, Condon, L, Rashid, R, Caon, M, et al
BMC medical informatics and decision making. 2019;(1):278
Abstract
BACKGROUND Behaviour change interventions targeting physical activity, diet, sleep and sedentary behaviour of teenagers show promise when delivered through smartphones. However, to date there is no evidence of effectiveness of multicomponent smartphone-based interventions. Utilising a user-centred design approach, we developed a theory-based, multi-dimensional system, PEGASO Fit For Future (PEGASO F4F), which exploits sophisticated game mechanics involving smartphone applications, a smartphone game and activity sensors to motivate teenagers to take an active role in adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This paper describes the study protocol to assess the feasibility, usability and effectiveness (knowledge/awareness and behavioural change in lifestyle) of the PEGASO system. METHODS We are conducting a quasi-experimental controlled cluster trial in 4 sites in Spain, Italy, and UK (England, Scotland) over 6 months. We plan to recruit 525, in a 2:1 basis, teenagers aged 13-16 years from secondary schools. The intervention group is provided with the PEGASO system whereas the comparison group continues their usual educational routine. Outcomes include feasibility, acceptance, and usability of the PEGASO system as well as between and within group changes in motivation, self-reported diet, physical activity, sedentary and sleeping behaviour, anthropometric measures and knowledge about a healthy lifestyle. DISCUSSION PEGASO F4F will provide evidence into the cross-cultural similarities and differences in the feasibility, acceptability and usability of a multi-dimensional smartphone based behaviour change intervention for teenagers. The study will explore facilitating factors, challenges and barriers of engaging teenagers to adapt and maintain a healthy lifestyle when using smartphone technology. Positive results from this ICT based multi component intervention may have significant implications both at clinical level, improving teenagers health and at public health level since it can present an influential tool against the development of chronic disease during adulthood. TRIAL REGISTRATION https://clinicaltrials.gov Registration number: NCT02930148, registered 4 October 2016.
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Small RNA profiling in Pinus pinaster reveals the transcriptome of developing seeds and highlights differences between zygotic and somatic embryos.
Rodrigues, AS, Chaves, I, Costa, BV, Lin, YC, Lopes, S, Milhinhos, A, Van de Peer, Y, Miguel, CM
Scientific reports. 2019;(1):11327
Abstract
Regulation of seed development by small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) is an important mechanism controlling a crucial phase of the life cycle of seed plants. In this work, sRNAs from seed tissues (zygotic embryos and megagametophytes) and from somatic embryos of Pinus pinaster were analysed to identify putative regulators of seed/embryo development in conifers. In total, sixteen sRNA libraries covering several developmental stages were sequenced. We show that embryos and megagametophytes express a large population of 21-nt sRNAs and that substantial amounts of 24-nt sRNAs were also detected, especially in somatic embryos. A total of 215 conserved miRNAs, one third of which are conifer-specific, and 212 high-confidence novel miRNAs were annotated. MIR159, MIR171 and MIR394 families were found in embryos, but were greatly reduced in megagametophytes. Other families, like MIR397 and MIR408, predominated in somatic embryos and megagametophytes, suggesting their expression in somatic embryos is associated with in vitro conditions. Analysis of the predicted miRNA targets suggests that miRNA functions are relevant in several processes including transporter activity at the cotyledon-forming stage, and sulfur metabolism across several developmental stages. An important resource for studying conifer embryogenesis is made available here, which may also provide insightful clues for improving clonal propagation via somatic embryogenesis.
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4.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: Clinical Features and Therapeutic Management.
Rao, SSC, Bhagatwala, J
Clinical and translational gastroenterology. 2019;(10):e00078
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Abstract
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a common, yet underrecognized, problem. Its prevalence is unknown because SIBO requires diagnostic testing. Although abdominal bloating, gas, distension, and diarrhea are common symptoms, they do not predict positive diagnosis. Predisposing factors include proton-pump inhibitors, opioids, gastric bypass, colectomy, and dysmotility. Small bowel aspirate/culture with growth of 10-10 cfu/mL is generally accepted as the "best diagnostic method," but it is invasive. Glucose or lactulose breath testing is noninvasive but an indirect method that requires further standardization and validation for SIBO. Treatment, usually with antibiotics, aims to provide symptom relief through eradication of bacteria in the small intestine. Limited numbers of controlled studies have shown systemic antibiotics (norfloxacin and metronidazole) to be efficacious. However, 15 studies have shown rifaximin, a nonsystemic antibiotic, to be effective against SIBO and well tolerated. Through improved awareness and scientific rigor, the SIBO landscape is poised for transformation.
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Iron deficiency in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Beale, AL, Warren, JL, Roberts, N, Meyer, P, Townsend, NP, Kaye, D
Open heart. 2019;(1):e001012
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Iron deficiency (ID) has an established impact on outcomes in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; however, there is a lack of conclusive evidence in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We sought to clarify the prevalence and impact of ID in patients with HFpEF. METHODS A systematic search of Cohcrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and CINAHL electronic databases was performed to identify relevant studies. Included studies defined HFpEF as heart failure with an ejection fraction ≥50%. We used a random-effects meta-analysis to determine the composite prevalence of ID in patients with HFpEF across the included studies. Other outcomes were assessed with qualitative analysis due to a paucity of studies with comparable outcome measures. RESULTS The prevalence of ID in the included studies was 59% (95% CI 52% to 65%). ID was associated with lower VO2 max in three of four studies reporting VO2 max as an outcome measure, lower functional status as determined by dyspnoea class or 6 min walk test in two of three studies, and worse health-related quality of life in both studies reporting on this outcome. Conversely, ID had no impact on death or hospitalisation in three of the four studies investigating this. CONCLUSIONS ID is highly prevalent in patients with HFpEF and is associated with worse exercise capacity and functional outcomes, but not hospitalisation or mortality. Our study establishes that ID may play an important a role in HFpEF.
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Prevention of Orbitopathy by Oral or Intravenous Steroid Prophylaxis in Short Duration Graves' Disease Patients Undergoing Radioiodine Ablation: A Prospective Randomized Control Trial Study.
Vannucchi, G, Covelli, D, Campi, I, Currò, N, Dazzi, D, Rodari, M, Pepe, G, Chiti, A, Guastella, C, Lazzaroni, E, et al
Thyroid : official journal of the American Thyroid Association. 2019;(12):1828-1833
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Abstract
Background: Radioiodine (RAI) is a known risk factor for activation or de novo occurrence of Graves' orbitopathy (GO). Several studies demonstrated that GO can be prevented by glucocorticoids (GCs) in patients with pre-existing GO. We have previously shown that Graves' disease duration (GDd) <5 years is a risk factor for RAI-induced GO. We studied the effect of prophylaxis with either oral GCs (OGCs) or intravenous GCs (IVGCs) on GO activation in patients with GDd. Methods: In total, 99 hyperthyroid patients without GO or with pre-existing inactive GO with GDd <5 years were randomized to receive IVGCs (N = 49) or OGCs (N = 50) before RAI; 22 patients with GDd >5 did not receive steroids and were studied as controls. All patients underwent ophthalmological assessment before and 45, 90, 180 days and for a 5-year follow-up after RAI. Serum thyrotropin (TSH) receptor antibodies (TRAbs), thyroid hormones, and thyroid volume (TV) were also measured in response to RAI therapy and steroid prophylaxis. Results: No patient on prophylaxis developed GO after RAI. One woman of the control group, without steroid prophylaxis, and who had a marked elevation of her TSH, showed transient reactivation of GO, which spontaneously improved after restoring euthyroidism. On follow-up at 12 and 20 months after RAI, two patients developed overt optic neuropathy. A smaller TV was associated with a higher prevalence of RAI-induced hypothyroidism. Serum TRAbs increased significantly after RAI (p < 0.0001) but less in patients receiving steroids than in those without prophylaxis at 45 days (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The risk of RAI-induced GO can be prevented in all patients with GDd <5 years by steroids. Such treatment may not be necessary in patients with GDd >5 years. The blunting of TRAb elevation after RAI may be related to the prophylactic effect of steroids.
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Genetic risk factors for eating disorders: an update and insights into pathophysiology.
Himmerich, H, Bentley, J, Kan, C, Treasure, J
Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology. 2019;:2045125318814734
Abstract
Genome-wide-association studies (GWASs), epigenetic, gene-expression and gene-gene interaction projects, nutritional genomics and investigations of the gut microbiota have increased our knowledge of the pathophysiology of eating disorders (EDs). However, compared with anorexia nervosa, genetic studies in patients with bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder are relatively scarce, with the exception of a few formal genetic and small-sized candidate-gene-association studies. In this article, we review important findings derived from formal and molecular genetics in order to outline a genetics-based pathophysiological model of EDs. This model takes into account environmental and nutritional factors, genetic factors related to the microbiome, the metabolic and endocrine system, the immune system, and the brain, in addition to phenotypical traits of EDs. Shortcomings and advantages of genetic research in EDs are discussed against the historical background, but also in light of potential future treatment options for patients with EDs.
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MicroRNAs and new biotechnological tools for its modulation and improving stress tolerance in plants.
Basso, MF, Ferreira, PCG, Kobayashi, AK, Harmon, FG, Nepomuceno, AL, Molinari, HBC, Grossi-de-Sa, MF
Plant biotechnology journal. 2019;(8):1482-1500
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) modulate the abundance and spatial-temporal accumulation of target mRNAs and indirectly regulate several plant processes. Transcriptional regulation of the genes encoding miRNAs (MIR genes) can be activated by numerous transcription factors, which themselves are regulated by other miRNAs. Fine-tuning of MIR genes or miRNAs is a powerful biotechnological strategy to improve tolerance to abiotic or biotic stresses in crops of economic importance. Current approaches for miRNA fine-tuning are based on the down- or up-regulation of MIR gene transcription and the use of genetic engineering tools to manipulate the final concentration of these miRNAs in the cytoplasm. Transgenesis, cisgenesis, intragenesis, artificial MIR genes, endogenous and artificial target mimicry, MIR genes editing using Meganucleases, ZNF proteins, TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 or CRISPR/Cpf1, CRISPR/dCas9 or dCpf1, CRISPR13a, topical delivery of miRNAs and epigenetic memory have been successfully explored to MIR gene or miRNA modulation and improve agronomic traits in several model or crop plants. However, advantages and drawbacks of each of these new biotechnological tools (NBTs) are still not well understood. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the biogenesis and role of miRNAs in response to abiotic or biotic stresses, we present critically the main NBTs used for the manipulation of MIR genes and miRNAs, we show current efforts and findings with the MIR genes and miRNAs modulation in plants, and we summarize the advantages and drawbacks of these NBTs and provide some alternatives to overcome. Finally, challenges and future perspectives to miRNA modulating in important crops are also discussed.
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The expanding roles and mechanisms of G protein-mediated presynaptic inhibition.
Zurawski, Z, Yim, YY, Alford, S, Hamm, HE
The Journal of biological chemistry. 2019;(5):1661-1670
Abstract
Throughout the past five decades, tremendous advancements have been made in our understanding of G protein signaling and presynaptic inhibition, many of which were published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry under the tenure of Herb Tabor as Editor-in-Chief. Here, we identify these critical advances, including the formulation of the ternary complex model of G protein-coupled receptor signaling and the discovery of Gβγ as a critical signaling component of the heterotrimeric G protein, along with the nature of presynaptic inhibition and its physiological role. We provide an overview for the discovery and physiological relevance of the two known Gβγ-mediated mechanisms for presynaptic inhibition: first, the action of Gβγ on voltage-gated calcium channels to inhibit calcium influx to the presynaptic active zone and, second, the direct binding of Gβγ to the SNARE complex to displace synaptotagmin downstream of calcium entry, which has been demonstrated to be important in neurons and secretory cells. These two mechanisms act in tandem with each other in a synergistic manner to provide more complete spatiotemporal control over neurotransmitter release.
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Towards reducing behavioral risk factors of non-communicable diseases among adolescents: protocol for a school-based health education program in Bangladesh.
Salwa, M, Atiqul Haque, M, Khalequzzaman, M, Al Mamun, MA, Bhuiyan, MR, Choudhury, SR
BMC public health. 2019;(1):1002
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developing strategies aimed at reducing behavioral risk factors and hence the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a major challenge to the policy makers today. Like the same age group worldwide, the prevalence of obesity, unhealthy dietary habit, physical inactivity, smoking and alcohol intake is high among the adolescents of Bangladesh. Studies showed promising results of an early intervention at adolescent age in reducing the likelihood of NCDs at adult age. So, this study is designed to implement a behavior change intervention and evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention in reducing the behavioral risk factors of NCDs among the adolescents of Bangladesh. METHODS A before-after designed intervention study will be conducted in two randomly selected secondary schools- one will be selected randomly as intervention school and the another as control school. A baseline survey will be conducted among the students of both schools by a pre-tested questionnaire to attain their current status of knowledge, attitude and practices related to NCDs. Afterward, students will be enrolled in the intervention group who will meet the eligibility criteria from the intervention school. The intervention will be given through a health promotion session to a group of students, not more than 25 at a time, by trained facilitators. A post-intervention end line survey will be conducted among all the participants from both schools using the same questionnaire 3 months after the baseline survey. DISCUSSION An intervention has been developed based on some principals of two psychosocial theory- Motivational Interview and Social Cognitive Theory. Emphasis will be given on motivating the adolescents towards a healthy lifestyle, supporting self-efficacy to be changed, guiding self-regulatory ways along with facilitating desired changing process by empowering them with choices about the preventive measures of NCDs. This intervention is expected to increase awareness by equipping the adolescents with specific knowledge and skills and thus, facilitate an eventual change in their practiced risk behaviors. Besides, this intervention will address multiple behaviors at a time, and will be delivered to a group of adolescents, to attain the cost-effectiveness and thereby making it more realistic in the resource-poor context of Bangladesh. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03975335, registered on 01.06.2019. Retrospectively registered.