Association of Mood Disorders with Serum Zinc Concentrations in Adolescent Female Students

Among various factors influencing mood disorders, the impact of micronutrient deficiencies has attracted a great attention. Zinc deficiency is considered to play a crucial role in the onset and progression of mood disorders in different stages of life. The main objective of this study was to assess the correlation between serum zinc levels and mood disorders in high school female students. This cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of 100 representative high school female students. The participants completed 24-h food recall questionnaires to assess the daily zinc intakes. Serum zinc status was assessed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry, and zinc deficiency was defined accordingly. Mood disorders were estimated by calculating the sum of two test scores including Beck’s depression inventory (BDI) and hospital anxiety depression scale (HADS) tests. General linear model (GLM) and Pearson’s regression test were applied to show the correlation of serum zinc levels and mood disorder scores and the correlation between zinc serum levels and BDI scores, respectively. Dietary zinc intake was higher in subjects with normal zinc concentrations than that of zinc-deficient group (p = 0.001). Serum zinc levels were inversely correlated with BDI and HADS scores (p < 0.05). Each 10 μg/dL increment in serum zinc levels led to 0.3 and 0.01 decrease in depression and anxiety scores, respectively (p < 0.05). Serum zinc levels were inversely correlated with mood disorders including depression and anxiety in adolescent female students. Increasing serum levels of zinc in female students could improve their mood disorders.     

Changes in fatigue,autonomic functions,and blood biomarkers due to sitting isometric yoga in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

Background

In a previous randomized controlled trial, we found that sitting isometric yoga improves fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) who are resistant to conventional therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate possible mechanisms behind this finding, focusing on the short-term fatigue-relieving effect, by comparing autonomic nervous function and blood biomarkers before and after a session of isometric yoga.

Methods

Fifteen patients with CFS who remained symptomatic despite at least 6 months of conventional therapy practiced sitting isometric yoga (biweekly 20 min practice with a yoga instructor and daily home practice) for eight weeks. Acute effects of sitting isometric yoga on fatigue, autonomic function, and blood biomarkers were investigated after the final session with an instructor. The effect of a single session of sitting isometric yoga on fatigue was assessed by the Profile of Mood Status (POMS) questionnaire immediately before and after the session. Autonomic nervous function (heart rate (HR) variability) and blood biomarkers (cortisol, DHEA-S, TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, IFN-α, prolactin, carnitine, TGF-β1, BDNF, MHPG, and HVA) were compared before and after the session.

Results

Sitting isometric yoga significantly reduced the POMS fatigue score (p?<?0.01) and increased the vigor score (p?<?0.01). It also reduced HR (p?<?0.05) and increased the high frequency power (p?<?0.05) of HR variability. Sitting isometric yoga increased serum levels of DHEA-S (p?<?0.05), reduced levels of cortisol (p?<?0.05) and TNF-α (p?<?0.05), and had a tendency to reduce serum levels of prolactin (p?<?0.1). Decreases in fatigue scores correlated with changes in plasma levels of TGF-β1 and BDNF. In contrast, increased vigor positively correlated with HVA.

Conclusions

A single session of sitting isometric yoga reduced fatigue and increased vigor in patients with CFS. Yoga also increased vagal nerve function and changed blood biomarkers in a pattern that suggested anti-stress and anti-inflammatory effects. These changes appear to be related to the short-term fatigue-relieving effect of sitting isometric yoga in patients with CFS. Furthermore, dopaminergic nervous system activation might account for sitting isometric yoga-induced increases in energy in this patient population.

Trial registration

University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) UMIN000009646. Registered Dec 27, 2012.

     

Does lavender aromatherapy alleviate premenstrual emotional symptoms?: a randomized crossover trial

Background

A majority of reproductive-age women experience a constellation of various symptoms in the premenstrual phase, commonly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Despite its prevalence, however, no single treatment is universally recognized as effective, and many women turn to alternative approaches, including aromatherapy, a holistic mind and body treatment. The present study investigated the soothing effects of aromatherapy on premenstrual symptoms using lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), a relaxing essential oil, from the perspective of autonomic nervous system function.

Methods

Seventeen women (20.6?±?0.2 years) with mild to moderate subjective premenstrual symptoms participated in a randomized crossover study. Subjects were examined on two separate occasions (aroma and control trials) in the late-luteal phases. Two kinds of aromatic stimulation (lavender and water as a control) were used. This experiment measured heart rate variability (HRV) reflecting autonomic nerve activity and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) as a psychological index before and after the aromatic stimulation.

Results

Only a 10-min inhalation of the lavender scent significantly increased the high frequency (HF) power reflecting parasympathetic nervous system activity in comparison with water (aroma effect: F?=?4.50, p?=?0.050; time effect: F?=?5.59, p?=?0.017; aroma x time effect: F?=?3.17, p?=?0.047). The rate of increase in HF power was greater at 10–15 min (p?=?0.051) and 20–25 min (p?=?0.023) in the lavender trial than in the control trial with water. In addition, POMS tests revealed that inhalation of the aromatic lavender oil significantly decreased two POMS subscales—depression–dejection (p?=?0.045) and confusion (p?=?0.049)—common premenstrual symptoms, in the late-luteal phase, as long as 35 min after the aroma stimulation.

Conclusions

The present study indicated that lavender aromatherapy as a potential therapeutic modality could alleviate premenstrual emotional symptoms, which, at least in part, is attributable to the improvement of parasympathetic nervous system activity. This study further implies that HRV could evaluate the efficacy of aromatherapy using various fragrances to relieve premenstrual symptoms, and ultimately, support the mind and body health of women.

     

Identifying Morphological and Mechanical Traits Associated with Stem Lodging in Bioenergy Sorghum (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sorghum bicolor</Emphasis>)

Stem lodging in Sorghum is a major agronomic problem that has far-reaching economic consequences. More rapid and reliable advances in stem lodging resistance could be achieved through development of selective breeding tools that are not dependent on post hoc data or dependent on abiotic or biotic environmental factors. Our objective was to use sorghum to examine how mechanical stability is achieved and lost, and to provide insights into the development of a rapid and reliable phenotyping approach. The biomechanical properties of the stems of six bioenergy sorghum genotypes were investigated using a three-point bending test protocol. Important morphometric data were also collected, and previously collected lodging scores were used to associate with morphological and mechanical traits. Nodes were two to three-folds stronger, stiffer, and more rigid than internodes. In general, internodes were numerically weakest and more rigid between internodes 3 and 6, corresponding to the area where higher stem lodging is observed. Internode strength was negatively correlated with diameter (r = ?0.77, P < 0.05) and volume (r = 0.96, P < 0.01), while stem lodging was positively correlated with flexural rigidity (r = 0.85, P < 0.05) and volume (r = 0.78, P < 0.05). The analysis revealed key functional traits that influence the mode and location of stem lodging. Moreover, these results indicate the potential of these methods as a selective breeding tool for indirect selection of stem lodging resistance in bioenergy sorghum.     

Impact of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phanerochaete chrysosporium</Emphasis> inoculation on indigenous bacterial communities during agricultural waste composting

This research was conducted to distinguish between the separate effects of the Phanerochaete chrysosporium inoculation and sample property heterogeneity induced by different inoculation regimes on the indigenous bacterial communities during agricultural waste composting. P. chrysosporium was inoculated during different phases. The bacterial community abundance and structure were determined by quantitative PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis, respectively. Results indicated a significant stimulatory effect of P. chrysosporium inoculation on the bacterial community abundance. The bacterial community abundance significantly coincided with pile temperature, ammonium, and nitrate (P?<?0.006). Variance partition analysis showed that the P. chrysosporium inoculation directly explained 20.5 % (P?=?0.048) of the variation in the bacterial communities, whereas the sample property changes induced by different inoculation regimes indirectly explained up to 35.1 % (P?=?0.002). The bacterial community structure was significantly related to pile temperature, water-soluble carbon (WSC), and C/N ratio when P. chrysosporium were inoculated. The C/N ratio solely explained 7.9 % (P?=?0.03) of the variation in community structure, whereas pile temperature and WSC explained 7.7 % (P?=?0.026) and 7.5 % (P?=?0.034) of the variation, respectively. P. chrysosporium inoculation affected the indigenous bacterial communities most probably indirectly through increasing pile temperature, enhancing the substrate utilizability, and changing other physico-chemical factors.     

The Effects of Supplementary Cr3 (Chromium(III) Propionate Complex) on the Mineral Status in Healthy Female Rats

Circulating concentration of the essential trace element selenium (Se) was significantly lower in inflammatory disorders. Although Se plays physiological roles mainly through the function of 25 selenoproteins, the response of the selenogenome in immune tissues during inflammatory reactions remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the Se retention and selenogenome expression in immune tissues during the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in porcine. A total of 12 male pigs were randomly divided into two groups and injected with LPS or saline. After 4 h postinjection, blood samples were collected and pigs were euthanized. Pigs challenged with LPS had 36.8 and 16.6 % lower (P < 0.05) Se concentrations in the serum and spleen, respectively, than those injected with saline. Moreover, the activities of GPX decreased (P < 0.05) by 23.4, 26.6, and 30.4 % in the serum, thymus, and lymph node, respectively, in the pigs injected with LPS. Furthermore, the LPS challenge altered (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of 14, 16, 10, and 6 selenoprotein genes in the liver, spleen, thymus, and lymph node, respectively. Along with 10 previously reported selenoprotein genes, the response of Txnrd2, Txnrd3, Sep15, Selh, Seli, Seln, Selo, Selt, Selx, and Sephs2 to inflammatory reaction in immune tissues were newly illustrated in this study. In conclusion, the LPS-induced inflammatory response impaired Se metabolism and was associated with dysregulation of the selenogenome expression in immune tissues.     

L-carnosine as an enhancer to computerized cognitive behaviour therapy in Japanese workers,an unjustified claim

This letter comments on the conclusion drawn by Shirotsuki et al. (2017) in their article entitled “The effect for Japanese workers of a self-help computerized cognitive behaviour therapy program with a supplement soft drink”, recently published in BioPsychoSocial Medicine. The authors concluded that their drink, containing L-carnosine, enhances the effects of a computerized cognitive-behavioural therapy (CCBT) on the psychological well-being of healthy Japanese workers. Yet, we argue that their conclusion is unfounded given their results and the methodological shortcomings of their study. Briefly, while the authors reported improvement on the tension-anxiety subscale of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) in the CCBT only group, they also observed a lack of improvement on this subscale in the CCBT+L-carnosine group suggesting that the drink washes out this beneficial effect of CCBT. Methodological issues include the uncontrolled levels of L-carnosine metabolized by participants jeopardize the study’s internal validity. Also, the clinical meaningfulness of the findings seems dubious as post-treatment scores remained within the range of the general Japanese population. Consequently, we argue that Shirotsuki et al.’s study should be re-conducted before drawing any valid conclusion.     

Association between the blood concentrations of ammonia and carnitine/amino acid of schizophrenic patients treated with valproic acid

Background

Administration of valproic acid (VPA) is complicated with approximately 0.9% of patients developing hyperammonemia, but the pathogenesis of this adverse effect remains to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to search for mechanisms associated with VPA-induced hyperammonemia in the light of changes in serum amino acids concentrations associated with the urea cycle of schizophrenic patients.

Method

Blood samples (10 mL) were obtained from 37 schizophrenic patients receiving VPA for the prevention of violent behaviors in the morning after overnight fast. Blood concentrations of ammonia, VPA, free carnitine, acyl-carnitine, and 40 amino acids including glutamate and citrulline were measured for each patient. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify amino acids or concomitantly administered drugs that were associated with variability in the blood concentrations of ammonia.

Result

The blood ammonia level was positively correlated with the serum glutamate concentration (r = 0.44, p < 0.01) but negatively correlated with glutamine (r = ?0.41, p = 0.01), citrulline (r = ?0.42, p = 0.01), and glycine concentrations (r = ?0.54, p < 0.01). It was also revealed that the concomitant administration of the mood stabilizers (p = 0.04) risperidone (p = 0.03) and blonanserin (p < 0.01) was positively associated with the elevation of the blood ammonia level.

Conclusion

We hypothisized that VPA would elevate the blood ammonia level of schizophrenic patients. The observed changes in serum amino acids are compatible with urea cycle dysfunction, possibly due to reduced carbamoyl-phosphate synthase 1 (CPS1) activity. We conclude that VPA should be prudently prescribed to schizophrenic patients, particularly those receiving mood stabilizers or certain antipsychotics.

     

Biotic factors in induced defence revisited: cell aggregate formation in the toxic cyanobacterium <Emphasis Type="Italic">Microcystis aeruginosa</Emphasis> PCC 7806 is triggered by spent <Emphasis Type="Italic">Daphnia</Emphasis> medium and disrupted cells

Bioassays with the toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806, its non-toxic mutant ΔmcyB, and Daphnia magna as grazer were used to evaluate biotic factors in induced defence, in particular cyanobacterial and grazer-released info-chemicals. Three main questions were addressed in this study: Does Daphnia grazing lead to a loss of cyanobaterial biomass? Is the survival time of Daphnia shorter in a culture of the toxic cyanobacterium? Does direct grazing or the presence of spent Daphnia medium or a high number of disrupted toxic Microcystis cells in the assays lead to an increase in the cellular microcystin content in the remaining intact cells? The biovolume (growth) as well as size and abundance of Microcystis aggregates were determined by particle analysis, while the survival time of Daphnia individuals was recorded by daily observation and counting, with the relative concentration of cell-bound microcystin-LR, was measured by HPLC analysis. Compared to some recent studies in the field of induced defence, in this study, evidence was found for a direct grazing effect, i.e. the loss of biovolume in the toxic culture. In addition, Daphnia magna ingested more non-toxic than toxic cells, and survived longer with non-toxic cells. In terms of increased cell-bound toxin concentration as a means of defence reported in some studies, a higher cell-bound microcystin-LR content was not measured in this study in any of the treatments (P > 0.05). Under low light conditions with impaired growth of Microcystis, and the presence of a high number of particles with less than 1-μm diameter (possibly heterotrophic bacteria), Daphnia medium was associated with a strong reduction in cell-bound toxin concentration (P < 0.05). This study showed no increased cell aggregation under direct grazing (P > 0.05), but increased aggregation with spent Daphnia medium under high light conditions (P < 0.05). Further, the addition of cell-free extract from disrupted toxic Microcystis cells strongly increased the aggregation of the intact cells under low light (P < 0.05). These findings are discussed with the possible role of microcystin and other infochemicals in the expression of proteins and morphology changes in Microcystis.     

Genetic Polymorphism of <Emphasis Type="Italic">GABRR2</Emphasis> Modulates Individuals’ General Cognitive Ability in Healthy Chinese Han People

Previous studies have indicated that the cognitive impairment or deficit is associated with GABAergic signaling in central nervous system. Inspired by the finding that receptor GABRR2 modulates concentration of GABA and phasic inhibitory GABAergic transmission in brain. This study investigated to what extent a genetic variant (c.1423C>T, rs282129) of GABRR2 gene modulates individuals’ general cognitive ability in 987 Chinese Han people. Results showed a significant influence of GABRR2 gene polymorphism on individuals’ Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM) performance (F = 3.58, P = .028 by ANOVA and χ ² = 9.35, P = .009 by K–W test, respectively), even if non-genetic factors were partialed out (gender, major, types of birthplace, and socioeconomic index) (B = ?.67, SE = .26, t = 2.63, P = .009). The finding provided a strong evidence, to our knowledge, for the view that genetic variant of GABRR2 gene may contribute to the difference of individuals’ general cognitive ability, independently.     

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity and Downregulation of Virulence Gene Expression on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Helicobacter pylori</Emphasis> by Reuterin

Helicobacter pylori is an infectious agent commonly associated with gastrointestinal diseases. The use of probiotics to treat this infection has been documented, however, their potential antimicrobial metabolites have not yet been investigated. In the present study, the effect of reuterin produced by Lactobacillus reuteri on H. pylori growth and virulence gene expression was evaluated. It was observed that reuterin caused significant (P < 0.05) H. pylori growth inhibition at concentrations from 0.08 to 20.48 mM, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 20.48 mM for H. pylori ATCC700824 and 10.24 mM for H. pylori ATCC43504. In a reuterin bacterial killing assay, it was observed that half of the MIC value for H. pylori (ATCC700824) significantly (P < 0.01) reduced colony numbers from 5.65 ± 0.35 to 3.78 ± 0.35 Log₁₀ CFU/mL after 12 h of treatment and then increased them to 5.25 ± 0.23 Log₁₀ CFU/mL at 24 h; at its MIC value (20.48 mM), reuterin abrogated (P < 0.01) H. pylori (ATCC700824) growth after 20 h of culture. In addition, reuterin significantly (P < 0.01) reduced H. pylori (ATCC 43504) colony numbers from 5.65 ± 0.35 to 4.1 ± 0.12 Log10 CFU/mL from 12 to 24 h of treatment and abrogated its growth at its MIC value (10.24 mM), after 20 h of treatment. Reuterin did not alter normal human gastric Hs738.St/Int cell viability at the concentrations tested for H. pylori strains. Furthermore, 10 μM reuterin was shown to significantly (P < 0.01) reduce mRNA relative expression levels of H. pylori virulence genes vacA and flaA at 3 h post-treatment, whose effect was higher at 6 h post-treatment, as measured by RT-qPCR. The observed direct antimicrobial effect and the downregulation of expression of virulence genes on H. pylori by reuterin may contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of action of probiotics against H. pylori.     

Comparison of Acyclovir and Multistrain <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lactobacillus brevis</Emphasis> in Women with Recurrent Genital Herpes Infections: a Double-Blind,Randomized, Controlled Study

We performed a randomized double-blind controlled trial to compare the efficacy and safety of multistrain probiotic and acyclovir in women patients with recurrent genital herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections. Eighty-one patients enrolled in the study were being treated with multistrain Lactobacillus brevis one vaginal capsule every 12 h and oral acyclovir 400 mg twice daily for 6 months. Of 53 patients who completed both treatment courses, no important differences were identified between acyclovir and probiotic for the primary and secondary efficacy endpoint, resolution of episode (hazard ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.3429 to 1.0663; P = 0.08), lesion healing time (hazard ratio, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.3034 to 1.0717, P = 0.08), viral shedding (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.3027 to 0.9750, P = 0.04), and percentage of pain (hazard ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.2708 to 0.8545, P = 0.01). The median time to first and second recurrence after treatment were 43 and 121 days in patients receiving acyclovir and 33 and 118 days in patients receiving probiotic (HR 2.61; 95% CI, 1.4427 to 4.7546, P = 0.001, and HR 0.62; 95% CI, 0.3500 to 1.1133, P = 0.1, respectively). No clinically important effects happened during the probiotic treatment but some of adverse events reported in patients taking acyclovir. Easy availability, low cost, and no side effect of L. brevis are valuable properties of probiotic therapy compared with acyclovir. Therefore, we concluded that multistrain L. brevis could play an important role in suppression of recurrent genital herpes simplex virus infection.     

Assessment of right atrium dysfunction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome using velocity vector imaging

Background and Objectives

This study aimed to assess the changes of RA function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) using velocity vector imaging (VVI) and to evaluate the application of VVI technology.

Methods

According to the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), 71 patients with OSAS were divided into three groups: mild, moderate, and severe. A total of 30 cases of healthy subjects were enrolled as the control group. Digital images of apex four-chamber views were acquired to measure the right atrium (RA) linear dimensions and volume parameters including RA longitudinal diameter (RAL), transverse diameter (RAT), RA maximum volume (Vmax), RA minimum volume (Vmin), right atrial volume before contraction (Vpre). Right atrial volume parameters were corrected by body surface area (VImax, VImin, VIpre). The total right atrial emptying fraction (RATEF), right atrial passive emptying fraction (RAPEF), right atrial active contraction emptying fraction (RAAEF) were calculated. The VVI data measuring right atrial global strain (RA-GLS), right atrial strain rate in ventricular systolic phase (RA-SRs), right atrial strain rate in ventricular early diastolic phase (RA-SRe), right atrial strain rate in ventricular late diastolic phase (RA-SRa).

Results

1. 1.
   RA linear dimensions and volume parameters in severe OSAS were higher than those of control group. RAPEF in severe group was lower than control group and mild OSAS group (t?= 2.681, P?=?0.021; t?= 2.985, P?=?0.011; respectively). RAAEF in OSAS moderate group was higher than that of control group (t?= 3.006, P?=?0.02), and without statistical difference (P?>?0.05) in the severe OSAS group and the control group.
    
2. 2.
   RA-GLS in moderate OSAS group was significantly lower than that of control group (t?= 2.333, P?=?0.040) and reduced more obvious in the severe OSAS group (vs control, t?= 3.25, P?=?0.008, vs mild; t?= 3.011, P?=?0.012; respectively). RA-SRe in moderate and severe OSAS groups were lower than control group (t?= 2.466, P?=?0.031; t?= 3.547, P?=?0.005; respectively). RA-SRs of OSAS in severe group was lower than that of control and mild groups (t?= 3.665, P?=?0.004; t?= 3.204, P?=?0.008; respectively). RA-SRa in severe OSAS group was lower than that of control group (t?= 2.425, P?=?0.034).
    
3. 3.
   Multivariate regression analysis showed that RA-GLS and RA-SRe were independently correlated with AHI (t?=???2.738, P?=?0.010; t?=???2.191, P?=?0.036; respectively).
    

Conclusion

RA function was impaired in patients with OSAS. On hemodynamics, the change of RA function performed increased of reserve function, reduced pipeline function and increased of contraction function. However, the strain and strain rate reduced in different degree. RA-GLS and RA-SRe decreased the earliest, which suggested that strain and strain rate were the parameters which can reflect myocardial function damage earliest. VVI can more earlier and accurately detect myocardial dysfunction of right atrium in patients with OSAS, which is expected to be a worthy technique for early clinical therapy in patients with OSAS.

     

Effects of Probiotics on Survival,Growth and Digestive Enzymes Activities in Freshwater Prawn <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrobrachium rosenbergii</Emphasis> (De Man 1879)

A study was conducted to examine the effects of three probiotics, Lactobacillus sporogenes, Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the survival, growth and digestive enzymes activities of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii post larvae (PL). The probiotics, L. sporogenes (4 %), B. subtilis (3 %) and S. cerevisiae (4 %) were taken and mixed with basal diet. Diet without probiotics served as control. These probiotics diets were fed to M. rosenbergii PL for a period of 60 days. After the feeding trail, the growth parameters such as survival, weight gain, specific growth rate and protein efficiency rate were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher in 4 % S. cerevisiae incorporated diet fed PL when compared with control. In the case of feed conversion rate just the reverse was seen (P < 0.05) at this concentration. This indicates its superior quality among different concentrations of probiotics tested. Activities of digestive enzymes, such as protease, amylase and lipase were significantly (P < 0.05) higher at this concentration (4 % S. cerevisiae). Some of essential and non-essential amino acids also significantly elevated in probiotics supplemented diet fed prawns. This study indicated that probiotics, S. cerevisiae incorporated diets were beneficial for M. rosenbergii in terms of increasing growth, enzyme and amino acid production.     

Epigenetic and genetic variation in <Emphasis Type="Italic">GATA5</Emphasis> is associated with gastric disease risk

Gastric cancer incidence varies considerably among populations, even those with comparable rates of Helicobacter pylori infection. To test the hypothesis that genetic variation plays a role in gastric disease, we assessed the relationship between genotypes and gastric histopathology in a Colombian study population, using a genotyping array of immune-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Two synonymous SNPs (rs6061243 and rs6587239) were associated with progression of premalignant gastric lesions in a dominant-effects model after correction for multiple comparisons (p = 2.63E?07 and p = 7.97E?07, respectively); effect sizes were β = ?0.863 and β = ?0.815, respectively, where β is an estimate of effect on histopathology scores, which ranged from 1 (normal) to 5 (dysplasia). In our replication cohort, a second Colombian population, both SNPs were associated with histopathology when additively modeled (β = ?0.256, 95 % CI = ?0.47, ?0.039; and β = ?0.239, 95 % CI = ?0.45, ?0.024), and rs6587239 was significantly associated in a dominant-effects model (β = ?0.330, 95 % CI = ?0.66, 0.00). Because promoter methylation of GATA5 has previously been associated with gastric cancer, we also tested for the association of methylation status with more advanced histopathology scores in our samples and found a significant relationship (p = 0.001). A multivariate regression model revealed that the effects of both the promoter methylation and the exonic SNPs in GATA5 were independent. A SNP-by-methylation interaction term was also significant. This interaction between GATA5 variants and GATA5 promoter methylation indicates that the association of either factor with gastric disease progression is modified by the other.     

Effect of time of day on soccer specific skills in children: psychological and physiological responses

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of time of day on soccer-specific skills and physiological and psychological parameters in children. Ten male children soccer players (age: 14.6?±?0.8 years; height: 1.63?±?0.4 m; body mass: 52.5?±?4.9 kg) performed two shooting accuracy tests before and after a 10?×?20-m dribbling sprint test with 20-s of passive recovery between repetitions. The measurements were taken at 08:00 h, 13:00 h, and 17:00 h in a randomized order. Mean heart rate (HR) was monitored during the dribbling test. At the beginning of each test session, blood pressure and intra-aural temperature were measured. Likewise, children were asked to complete the profile of mood state (POMS) and the Hooper Index questionnaires. Lactate concentration ([La]) was recorded at rest, post-fifth recovery periods and post-second accuracy test. Moreover, they indicate their rating of perceived exertion (RPE) score immediately at the end of each test session. The results of this study showed that dribbling performance was higher at 13:00 h and 17:00 h in comparison with 08:00 h (p?p?r?=?0.6, p?相似文献   

Hope springs eternal in the starfish gonad: preserved potential for sexual reproduction in a single-clone population of a fissiparous starfish

Among echinoderms, asexual reproduction by fission occurs in few species. This strategy is considered a temporary response to stressful conditions and usually alternates with sexual reproduction events; thus, monoclonal populations are extremely rare. The occurrence of a single-clone population of the starfish Coscinasterias tenuispina at Llançà (NW Mediterranean) allowed us to study intra-clonal variation of the reproductive cycle during a two-year study. The few developed gonads (all male) were found in winter months, coinciding with the minimum photoperiod (ρ = ?0.82; P < 0.001) and lowest temperatures (ρ = ?0.75; P < 0.001), only in best-fed individuals, indicating that food availability influences individual ability for gonad development. Fissiparity happened throughout all the sampled period, but its rate increased with warm temperatures (ρ = 0.68; P < 0.0001). In contrast to what has been reported in other species, no correlation between fission rates and population density was found. The population was maintained over time by asexual reproduction and remained monoclonal. Although sexual reproduction has probably not occurred in this all-male population for a long time, the ability to yearly produce mature gonads is retained by some individuals, indicating that potential to reproduce sexually may be preserved, even in the case of strictly asexual populations.