EEG Features in Children of Early Preschool Age with Consequences of Perinatal Lesions of the CNS

Results of comparative EEG analysis in children of early preschool age with consequences of perinatal lesions of different severity are presented. It was shown that a favorable course of the early neonatal period is of decisive importance for the formation of the cortical rhythmicity in preterm newborns.     

Decrease of Nitrate Reductase Activity in Spinach Leaves during a Light-Dark Transition

In leaves of spinach plants (Spinacia oleracea L.) performing CO₂ and NO₃⁻ assimilation, at the time of sudden darkening, which eliminates photosystem I-dependent nitrite reduction, only a minor temporary increase of the leaf nitrite content is observed. Because nitrate reduction does not depend on redox equivalents generated by photosystem I activity, a continuation of nitrate reduction after darkening would result in a large accumulation of nitrite in the leaves within a very short time, which is not observed. Measurements of the extractable nitrate reductase activity from spinach leaves assayed under standard conditions showed that in these leaves the nitrate reductase activity decreased during darkening to 15% of the control value with a half-time of only 2 minutes. Apparently, in these leaves nitrate reductase is very rapidly inactivated at sudden darkness avoiding an accumulation of the toxic nitrite in the cells.     

Brain Mechanisms of Voluntary Regulation of Activity during Acquisition of the Skill of Writing in Seven- to Eight-Year-Old Children

With the aim of studying the formation of brain mechanisms of voluntary activity regulation in junior schoolchildren and the role of these mechanisms in the acquisition of the skill of writing, a complex neuropsychological investigation was carried out. In the EEG of children with learning problems and a deficit of voluntary activity regulation (VAR), signs of the functional immaturity of the fronto–thalamic regulatory system (FTS) were found. Comparative neuropsychological analysis revealed a specific impairment of the VAR in these children in the form of pronounced impulsiveness, instability of a program, problems in switching over from one program to another, and self-control difficulties. It is concluded that the functional maturation of the FTS is a mechanism of VAR development. It is shown that the VAR deficiency in children with FTS immaturity is combined with a delay in the development of semantic and mediating speech functions. It was found that the features of the development of the higher mental functions in seven- to eight-year-old children with FTS immaturity specifically affect both the semantic and graphic aspects of writing acquisition.     

A Decrease in the Proliferative Activity of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells during Long-Term Cultivation is Not Connected with Change in Their Migration Properties

In the context of rehabilitation therapy, the proliferation and migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are functional properties of which the relationship remains unstudied. The aim of the present work consisted in parallel determination of proliferative and migration capacity of endometrial, adipose, and bonemarrow human MSCs (hMSCs) during long-term cultivation. The migration capacity of hMSCs was determined in comparison with those in epithelial cells of the established НСТ116, MCF7, and A-549 human lines. hMSCs obtained from different tissues demonstrate a comparable division rate on early passages, which progressively slows down by the tenth passage, which corresponds to a decrease in the expression of Ki67 proliferation marker and D1 cyclin. The mobility of MSCs during the determination of the cell migration through 8-μm filters and a “scratch regeneration” method does not change by the tenth passage. A high level of N-cadherin, vimentin production, and absence of E-cadherin, which level out in epithelial cells of the HCT116, MCF7, and A-549 lines is inverted as compared with those in MSCs, corresponding to the active mobility of MSCs of different tissue origin. Our results demonstrate that a decrease of the proliferative activity of MSCs of different tissue specificity during passaging is not associated with changes in their ability to migrate. It is likely that the mechanisms of division and cell-mobility regulation are genetically and functionally not related to each other and change autonomously during continuous cultivation.     

Heart Rate and Stroke Volume Responses in Children of Early School Age to Change in Their Physical Activity Regimen

A study was made of the adaptation of the cardiac pump function in children of early school age to change in their physical activity associated with the transition from preschool to elementary school. Children of the experimental group, who engaged in physical exercise daily over the first school year, developed so-called bradycardia of training, which enhanced the tendency of the heart rate to decrease with age. The level of bradycardia attained in the first school year was retained over the two subsequent years, despite a considerable decrease in the amount of physical activity in this period. Daily exercising significantly increased the stroke volume, which remained at a high level even after the daily exercising program was stopped. Children of the control group participated only in physical activities of the regular physical education program. Their heart rate remained unchanged over the first two school years. At the beginning of the third year, a decrease in the heart rate and a rise in the stroke volume were observed, as expected of their age.     

Long-Term Physiological Alterations and Recovery in a Mouse Model of Separation Associated with Time-Restricted Feeding: A Tool to Study Anorexia Nervosa Related Consequences

Background

Anorexia nervosa is a primary psychiatric disorder, with non-negligible rates of mortality and morbidity. Some of the related alterations could participate in a vicious cycle limiting the recovery. Animal models mimicking various physiological alterations related to anorexia nervosa are necessary to provide better strategies of treatment.

Aim

To explore physiological alterations and recovery in a long-term mouse model mimicking numerous consequences of severe anorexia nervosa.

Methods

C57Bl/6 female mice were submitted to a separation-based anorexia protocol combining separation and time-restricted feeding for 10 weeks. Thereafter, mice were housed in standard conditions for 10 weeks. Body weight, food intake, body composition, plasma levels of leptin, adiponectin, IGF-1, blood levels of GH, reproductive function and glucose tolerance were followed. Gene expression of several markers of lipid and energy metabolism was assayed in adipose tissues.

Results

Mimicking what is observed in anorexia nervosa patients, and despite a food intake close to that of control mice, separation-based anorexia mice displayed marked alterations in body weight, fat mass, lean mass, bone mass acquisition, reproductive function, GH/IGF-1 axis, and leptinemia. mRNA levels of markers of lipogenesis, lipolysis, and the brown-like adipocyte lineage in subcutaneous adipose tissue were also changed. All these alterations were corrected during the recovery phase, except for the hypoleptinemia that persisted despite the full recovery of fat mass.

Conclusion

This study strongly supports the separation-based anorexia protocol as a valuable model of long-term negative energy balance state that closely mimics various symptoms observed in anorexia nervosa, including metabolic adaptations. Interestingly, during a recovery phase, mice showed a high capacity to normalize these parameters with the exception of plasma leptin levels. It will be interesting therefore to explore further the central and peripheral effects of the uncorrected hypoleptinemia during recovery from separation-based anorexia.     

Aging Is Associated with a Decrease in Synaptosomal Glutamate Uptake and an Increase in the Susceptibility of Synaptosomal Vitamin E to Oxidative Stress

We examined the influence of aging upon the uptake of glutamate by synaptosomes, and the oxidation of Synaptosomal vitamin E. Synaptosomes isolated from the cerebral hemispheres of Fischer 344 rats, 4 and 24 months old, were suspended at 37°C in buffer (pH 7.4) simulating extracellular fluid containing 10 mM glucose. The K_m for the high affinity uptake of tritium labeled glutamate was 10 M. The uptake of glutamate was lower in synaptosomes from older animals than those from younger animals for periods of up to 20 minutes. Upon incubation with a mixture of ferrous iron and ascorbate, more of the alpha tocopherol in synaptosomes derived from older rats was oxidized than in those derived from younger ones. Older animals may be more susceptible to excitotoxicity because: a) Synaptosomal reuptake of glutamate is less efficient and b) oxidative stress induced by various agents including glutamate may be higher in synaptosomes from the older animal.     

丁香精油对冷藏冬枣果实腐烂及诱导抗病相关酶活性的影响

对不同浓度丁香精油处理冬枣果实在0℃贮藏期间(60d)及藏后25℃货架期(5d)的果实腐烂率、诱导抗病相关酶活性和总酚含量的变化特征进行分析,以探索丁香精油抑制冬枣果实腐烂与抗病性诱导的关系。结果表明:丁香精油处理能有效抑制冬枣贮藏期果实腐烂的发生,提高其苯丙氨酸解氨酶、多酚氧化酶和过氧化物酶活性,诱导总酚含量的增加。经丁香精油处理冬枣果实在贮藏60d后25℃货架期5d时的腐烂指数得到明显下降,同时保持了较高的苯丙氨酸解氨酶、多酚氧化酶、过氧化物酶活性和总酚含量,并以0.50%丁香精油处理的效果最显著,其贮藏后货架期的果实腐烂指数较对照下降了45.5%。可见,丁香精油抑制贮藏冬枣果实的腐烂与抗病相关酶活性的升高密切相关,抗病性诱导是丁香精油处理抑制冬枣采后果实腐烂的重要原因之一。     

Exposure to a Highly Caloric Palatable Diet during the Perinatal Period Affects the Expression of the Endogenous Cannabinoid System in the Brain,Liver and Adipose Tissue of Adult Rat Offspring

Recent studies have linked gestational exposure to highly caloric diets with a disrupted endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS). In the present study, we have extended these studies by analyzing the impact of the exposure to a palatable diet during gestation and lactation on a) the adult expression of endocannabinoid-related behaviors, b) the metabolic profile of adult offspring and c) the mRNA expression of the signaling machinery of the ECS in the hypothalamus, the liver and the adipose tissue of adult offspring of both sexes. Exposure to a palatable diet resulted in a) sex-dimorphic and perinatal diet specific feeding behaviors, including the differential response to the inhibitory effects of the cannabinoid receptor inverse agonist AM251, b) features of metabolic syndrome including increased adiposity, hyperleptinemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia and c) tissue and sex-specific changes in the expression of both CB1 and CB2 receptors and in that of the endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes FAAH and MAGL, being the adipose tissue the most affected organ analyzed. Since the effects were observed in adult animals that were weaned while consuming a normal diet, the present results indicate that the ECS is one of the targets of maternal programming of the offspring energy expenditure. These results clearly indicate that the maternal diet has long-term effects on the development of pups through multiple alterations of signaling homeostatic pathways that include the ECS. The potential relevance of these alterations for the current obesity epidemic is discussed.     

Effectiveness of a Universal Parental Support Programme to Promote Healthy Dietary Habits and Physical Activity and to Prevent Overweight and Obesity in 6-Year-Old Children: The Healthy School Start Study,a Cluster-Randomised Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a parental support programme to promote healthy dietary and physical activity habits and to prevent overweight and obesity in Swedish children.MethodsA cluster-randomised controlled trial was carried out in areas with low to medium socio-economic status. Participants were six-year-old children (n = 243) and their parents. Fourteen pre-school classes were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 7) and control groups (n = 7). The intervention lasted for 6 months and included: 1) Health information for parents, 2) Motivational Interviewing with parents and 3) Teacher-led classroom activities with children. Physical activity was measured by accelerometry, dietary and physical activity habits and parental self-efficacy through a questionnaire. Body weight and height were measured and BMI standard deviation score was calculated. Measurements were conducted at baseline, post-intervention and at 6-months follow-up. Group differences were examined using analysis of covariance and Poisson regression, adjusted for gender and baseline values.ResultsThere was no significant intervention effect in the primary outcome physical activity. Sub-group analyses showed a significant gender-group interaction in total physical activity (TPA), with girls in the intervention group demonstrating higher TPA during weekends (p = 0.04), as well as in sedentary time, with boys showing more sedentary time in the intervention group (p = 0.03). There was a significantly higher vegetable intake (0.26 servings) in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.003). At follow-up, sub-group analyses showed a sustained effect for boys. The intervention did not affect the prevalence of overweight or obesity.ConclusionsIt is possible to influence vegetable intake in children and girls’ physical activity through a parental support programme. The programme needs to be intensified in order to increase effectiveness and sustain the effects long-term. These findings are an important contribution to the further development of evidence-based parental support programmes to prevent overweight and obesity in children.

Trial Registration

Controlled-trials.com ISRCTN32750699     

Response of Lactobacillus helveticus PR4 to Heat Stress during Propagation in Cheese Whey with a Gradient of Decreasing Temperatures

The heat stress response was studied in Lactobacillus helveticus PR4 during propagation in cheese whey with a gradient of naturally decreasing temperature (55 to 20°C). Growth under a gradient of decreasing temperature was compared to growth at a constant temperature of 42°C. Proteinase, peptidase, and acidification activities of L. helveticus PR4 were found to be higher in cells harvested when 40°C was reached by a gradient of decreasing temperature than in cells grown at constant temperature of 42°C. When cells grown under a temperature gradient were harvested after an initial exposure of 35 min to 55°C followed by decreases in temperature to 40 (3 h), 30 (5 h 30 min), or 20°C (13 h 30 min) and were then compared with cells grown for the same time at a constant temperature of 42°C, a frequently transient induction of the levels of expression of 48 proteins was found by two-dimensional electrophoresis analysis. Expression of most of these proteins increased following cooling from 55 to 40°C (3 h). Sixteen of these proteins were subjected to N-terminal and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry analyses. They were identified as stress proteins (e.g., DnaK and GroEL), glycolysis-related machinery (e.g., enolase and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase), and other regulatory proteins or factors (e.g., DNA-binding protein II and ATP-dependent protease). Most of these proteins have been found to play a role in the mechanisms of heat stress adaptation in other bacteria.     

Role of Preschool and Primary School Children in Epidemics of Influenza A in a Local Community in Japan during Two Consecutive Seasons with A(H3N2) as a Predominant Subtype

Enhanced influenza surveillance was implemented to analyze transmission dynamics particularly driving force of influenza transmission in a community during 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons in Odate City, Japan. In these two consecutive seasons, influenza A(H3N2) was the predominant influenza A subtype. Suspected influenza cases were tested by commercial rapid test kits. Demographic and epidemiological information of influenza positive cases were recorded using a standardized questionnaire, which included age or age group, date of visit, date of fever onset, and the result of rapid test kit. Epidemiological parameters including epidemic midpoint (EM) and growth rate (GR) were analyzed. In 2012/13 season, numbers of influenza A positive cases were significantly lower among preschool (212 cases) and primary school (224 cases) children than in 2011/12 season (461 and 538 cases, respectively). Simultaneously, total influenza A cases were also reduced from 2,092 in 2011/12 season to 1,846 in 2012/13 season. The EMs in preschool and primary school children were earlier than EMs for adult and all age group in both 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons. The GR in 2012/13 season was significantly lower than that in 2011/12 season (0.11 and 0.18, respectively, p = 0.003). Multiple linear regression analysis by school districts revealed that GRs in both seasons were significantly correlated with the incidence of school age children. Our findings suggest that preschool and primary school children played an important role as a driving force of epidemics in the community in both 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons. The reduction of total influenza A cases in 2012/13 season can be explained by decreased susceptible population in these age groups due to immunity acquired by infections in 2011/12 season. Further investigations are needed to investigate the effect of pre-existing immunity on influenza transmission in the community.     

A Single Amino Acid Deletion in the Matrix Protein of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Confers Resistance to a Polyclonal Swine Antibody with Broadly Neutralizing Activity

Assessment of virus neutralization (VN) activity in 176 pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) identified one pig with broadly neutralizing activity. A Tyr-10 deletion in the matrix protein provided escape from broad neutralization without affecting homologous neutralizing activity. The role of the Tyr-10 deletion was confirmed through an infectious clone with a Tyr-10 deletion. The results demonstrate differences in the properties and specificities of VN responses elicited during PRRSV infection.     

Lack of Exercise of "Moderate to Vigorous" Intensity in People with Low Levels of Physical Activity Is a Major Discriminant for Sociodemographic Factors and Morbidity

Introduction

The aim is to examine the differences between participation at low and zero moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in relation to their trends and associations with known socio-demographic and health factors. We hypothesised that the number of people at zero MVPA level could be rising despite a parallel increase in the population meeting the recommended MVPA level. We also hypothesised that graded associations of sociodemographic and health factors exist across MVPA levels.

Methods

Two independent population-based samples (n = 4320 [2004] and n = 2176 [1997]), were recruited with a stratified and random sampling procedure and interviewed at home by professional interviewers. The MVPA was assessed by validated questionnaire. The participants were classified into three MVPA levels: zero, low and recommended MVPA. The trend of each MVPA level was analysed with the standardized prevalence ratios. Correlates of low and zero MVPA levels were examined using multinomial logistic regression.

Results

The population at zero and recommended MVPA levels rose between 1997–2004 by 12% (95% CI, 5–20%) and 7% (95% CI,−4–19%) respectively, while the population at low MVPA level decreased. At zero MVPA level, associative patterns were observed with sociodemographic and health factors which were different when compared to the population at low MVPA level.

Conclusions

Despite the slight increase of population meeting the recommended MVPA level, a higher trend of increase was observed at zero MVPA level. Both recommended and low MPVA levels increased their participation by absorbing participants from the low MVPA level. The sociodemographic profile of those with low MVPA was more similar to the population at recommended MVPA than at zero MVPA level. Methodological implications about the combination of light and moderate-intensity PA could be derived. The prevention of decline in actual low MVPA could change the trend of increase in the population at zero MVPA level, particularly among young adults.