Effect Of MT Research Articles

Mitochondrial free radicals contribute to cigarette smoke condensate-induced impairment of oxidative phosphorylation in the skeletal muscle in situ

Oxidative stress plays a critical role in cellular dysfunction associated with cigarette smoke exposure and aging. Some chemicals from tobacco smoke have the potential to amplify mitochondrial ROS (mROS) production, which, in turn, may impair mitochondrial respiratory function. Accordingly, the present study tested the hypothesis that a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant (MitoTEMPO, MT) would attenuate the inhibitory effects of cigarette smoke on skeletal muscle respiratory capacity of middle-aged mice. Specifically, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation was assessed using high-resolution respirometry in permeabilized fibers from the fast-twitch gastrocnemius muscle of middle-aged C57Bl/6J mice. Before the assessment of respiration, tissues were incubated for 1hr with a control buffer (CON), cigarette smoke condensate (2 % dilution, SMOKE), or MitoTEMPO (10 μM) combined with cigarette smoke condensate (MT + SMOKE). Cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) decreased maximal-ADP stimulated respiration (CON: 60 ± 15 pmolO2.s−1.mg−1 and SMOKE: 33 ± 8 pmolO2.s−1.mg−1; p = 0.0001), and this effect was attenuated by MT (MT + SMOKE: 41 ± 7 pmolO2.s−1.mg−1; p = 0.02 with SMOKE). Complex-I specific respiration was inhibited by CSC, with no significant effect of MT (p = 0.35). Unlike CON, the addition of glutamate (ΔGlutamate) had an additive effect on respiration in fibers exposed to CSC (CON: 0.9 ± 1.1 pmolO2.s−1.mg−1 and SMOKE: 5.4 ± 3.7 pmolO2.s−1.mg−1; p = 0.008) and MT (MT + SMOKE: 8.2 ± 3.8 pmolO2.s−1.mg−1; p ≤ 0.01). Complex-II specific respiration was inhibited by CSC but was partially restored by MT (p = 0.04 with SMOKE). Maximal uncoupled respiration induced by FCCP was inhibited by CSC, with no significant effect of MT. These findings underscore that mROS contributes to cigarette smoke condensate-induced inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in fast-twitch gastrocnemius muscle fibers of middle-aged mice thus providing a potential target for therapeutic treatment of smoke-related diseases. In addition, this study revealed that CSC largely impaired muscle respiratory capacity by decreasing metabolic flux through mitochondrial pyruvate transporter (MPC) and/or the enzymes upstream of α-ketoglutarate in the Krebs cycle.

Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation Explore the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Herb Pair for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis.

This study aimed to elucidate the multitarget mechanism of the Mori Ramulus - Taxilli Herba (MT) herb pair in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The targets of the herb pair and RA were predicted from databases and screened through cross-analysis. The core targets were obtained using protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed. Finally, animal experiments were conducted to validate the anti-RA effect and mechanism of this herb pair. This approach successfully identified 9 active compounds of MT that interacted with 6 core targets (AKT1, TNF, IL6, TP53, VEGFA, and IL1β). Pathway and functional enrichment analyses revealed that MT had significant effects on the TNF and IL-17 signaling pathways. The consistency of interactions between active components and targets in these pathways was confirmed through molecular docking. Moreover, the potential therapeutic effect of MT was verified in vivo, demonstrating its ability to effectively relieve inflammation by regulating these targeted genes and pathways. The present work suggests that the therapeutic effect of MT herb pair on RA may be attributed to its ability to regulate the TNF signaling pathway and IL-17 signaling pathway.

The effect of live music therapy on white matter microstructure in very preterm infants – A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveMusic therapy (MT) is proposed to enrich the acoustic environment of very preterm infants (VPT) on the neonatal intensive care unit during a vulnerable period of brain development. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of MT on the white matter (WM) microstructure. It is hypothesized that MT affects WM integrity in VPT. MethodsRandomized controlled trial enrolling infants born <32 weeks’ gestation. Infants were randomized to MT or standard care. Live MT was provided twice weekly from the second postnatal week onwards by a trained music therapist. At term equivalent age, participants underwent a cranial magnetic resonance imaging scan including sequences for diffusion tensor imaging analysis. Differences in WM microstructure were assessed using tract based spatial statistics with fractional anisotropy. ResultsOf 80 infants enrolled, 42 were eligible for diffusion tensor imaging analysis (MT: n = 22, standard care: n = 20). While primary tract based spatial statistics analysis revealed no significant differences between groups, post hoc analysis with uncorrected p-values and a significance threshold of p < 0.01 revealed significant fractional anisotropy differences in several WM tracts including the bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus, the left forceps minor and left fasciculus uncinatus, the corpus callosum, the left external capsule, and the right corticospinal tract. ConclusionPost hoc analysis results suggest an effect of MT on WM integrity in VPT. Larger studies including long-term outcome are necessary to confirm these effects of MT on WM microstructure and to assess its impact on clinical neurodevelopment. Clinical trial registrationClinical trial number DRKS00025753.

An Investigation of Mindfulness Training As a Self-Care Strategy for Trauma Counsellors

ABSTRACT Trauma counselors are vulnerable to negative impacts such as secondary traumatic stress and vicarious traumatization. This study investigated Mindfulness Training as a self-care strategy for counselors in South Africa, examining the effect of MT on negative and positive secondary trauma impacts (STI), and employing a quasi-experimental embedded mixed methods research model to investigate the impact of MT and areas of greatest post-intervention change. The study compared pre- and posttest scores across an MT intervention group and an active control group. A mixed Between-Within Subjects ANOVA was tested for mean differences between the two independent groups, while simultaneously subjecting participants to repeated measures, to establish whether mean changes in the outcome scores on the dependent variables from pretest to posttest differed significantly for individuals over time within the groups. Results indicated that MT was effective in reducing negative STI and in increasing trait mindfulness. Benefits were sustained three months post-intervention. MT was associated with variable rates of change on each outcome measure. The evidence supports the role of MT in reducing negative STIs in trauma counselors.

Combined application of sucrose and 1-MCP alleviated the senescence of Gynura bicolor DC through regulating hexose accumulation

As a leaf vegetable, Gynura bicolor DC (G. bicolor) experiences a rapid deterioration after harvest including insufficient supply of sugar and destruction of cell membranes. In this research, four treatments were experimented on G. bicolor including the control (CK), 12% (g/g) sucrose (ST), 10 μL L−1 1-MCP (MT), and the combination of sucrose and 1-MCP (SMT). The results showed that three treated groups reduced respiratory rate, inhibited hexose consumption and promoted the decrease of starch and sucrose, which was converted into hexose including glucose and fructose to maintain cell membrane integrity. Meanwhile, the activities of AI, NI, SS-C, amylase, and corresponding gene expression levels were significantly up-regulated in three treated groups at 1 d, among which AI played a crucial role in regulating the accumulation of hexose. Furthermore, ST exerted a pronounced effect on hexose accumulation at the beginning while MT reduced hexose consumption through lowered respiratory metabolism during storage. Notably, SMT exhibited an optimum preservation effect on inhibited respiratory metabolism, maintaining cell membrane integrity, enhancing the retention of hexose, indicating that a synergistic effect of ST and MT were developed during storage.

Peculiarities of steel hardening under deformation conditions with external influence of a magnetic field

The strain resistance of a metal, its intensity of hardening, directly depends on the evolution of defects in the crystal lattice. The positive influence of a magnetic field (MF) on the movement of dislocations and their interaction with stoppers (magnetoplastic effect) is known. For the practical use of MF in forging technologies, generalized data on the strengthening of metals during plastic deformation are required. The results of using a constant MF with induction up to 1,2 T in the processes of testing samples for tension and compression were studied. Tensile tests were carried out on samples of steels St3, 20, U8, 40Cr, 09Cr16Ni4Nb, X10CrNiTi18-10, copper M3 and compression tests on steels St3, 09Cr16Ni4Nb, X10CrNiTi18-10, copper M3. Curves of metal hardening during deformation are plotted in the coordinates flow stress – logarithmic strain. The flow stress is determined by the ratio of the load to the cross-sectional area of the sample valid for a given moment of testing under uniform deformation. The change in flow stress of metals is described by the power function of the Ludwik-Hollomon equation. In tension and compression of ferromagnetic steels St3, 20, 40Cr, U8 and 09Cr16Ni4Nb, the impact of MF leads to an increase in the intensity of their hardening. This is most evident in hardened or high-strength steels. But for St3 steel softened by annealing, the effect is the opposite - in MF the intensity of hardening is somewhat less. Tension in MF of paramagnetic steel X10CrNiTi18-10 showed an increase in the intensity of hardening, but compression showed its decrease. Tension and compression of M3 copper in MF occur with a slight decrease in the intensity of hardening. The experiments carried out revealed the main effect of MF at the initial stage of deformation. The hardening curves were divided into straight and parabolic sections with the hardening coefficients determined for each of them. The main effect of MT on the primary stage of linear hardening has been revealed, where a decrease in the intensity of hardening (St3, 40Cr, X10CrNiTi18-10, M3), an increase (St3 and X10CrNiTi18-10) or a reduction (St3 annealed) in the duration of this stage is observed. Keywords: magnetoplasticity, tension, compression, hardening, stress, strain.

Effects of the Hydroxy-Regulated Li-Montmorillonite Atomic Interface Arrangement on Li Cycle of Marine Sedimentation and pH.

The reaction of ubiquitous clay is related to the global cycle of the key metals, but the relationship between the Li occurrence interface and the sedimentation in the Li cycle remains unclear. We investigated the atomic interface arrangement of Li-montmorillonite (Li-Mt) during low-temperature water-rock reactions and Li migration. The results show that, in Cl-rich systems, deprotonation and exposure of Na adsorption sites cause Li enrichment and O pairing, which lead to the weakening of the shielding effect of Mt on anions and the formation of a Mt-Li-Cl atomically interfacial arrangement. Only up to 20.3% of the Li is contained in the atomic interface of Li-Mt. In F-rich system, the dehydroxylation of F paired with Al in octahedral sites causes Li accumulation via local crystallization of LiF, and co-complexation of F and Li forms a Mt(Al)-F-Li atomic interface, in which up to 46.8% of the Li is enriched by the Mt. The participation of F and Cl in the complexation intensifies lattice collapse of the Li-Mt edge. The sedimentation velocity decreases with the smaller particle size affected by the Li loading. Lithium leached from igneous rocks serves as the marine Li source, which contributes up to 99.8% and 99.5% of the Li in Cl- and F-rich systems, respectively. The response of Mt(OH) to Li migration with a time accumulating effect may make an important regulatory of oceanic pH by either acidification or alkalization.

Interaction of 17α-ethinylestradiol and methyltestosterone in western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) across two generations

The interactions between estrogen and androgen in aquatic animals remain largely unknown. In this study, two generations (F0 and F1) of western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) were continuously exposed to 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2, 10 ng/L), methyltestosterone (MT, 10 ng/L (MTL); 50 ng/L (MTH)), and mixtures (EE2+MTL and EE2+MTH). Various endpoints, including sex ratio (phenotypic and genetic), secondary sex characteristics, gonadal histology, and transcriptional profile of genes, were examined. The results showed that G. affinis exposed to MTH and EE2+MTH had a > 89.7 % of phenotypic males in F1 generation, with 34.5 and 50.0 % of these males originated from genetic females, respectively. Moreover, females from F0 and F1 generations exposed to MTH and EE2+MTH exhibited masculinized anal fins and skeletons. The combined effect of MT and EE2 on most endpoints was dependent on MT. Furthermore, significant transcriptional alterations in certain target genes were observed in both the F0 and F1 generations by EE2 and MT alone and by mixtures, showing some degree of interactions. These findings that the effects of EE2+MTH were primarily on the phenotypic sex of G. affinis in offspring generation suggest that G. affinis under chronic exposure to the binary mixture contaminated water could have sex-biased populations.

The Protective Effect of Marsdenia tenacissima against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity Mediated by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis.

Cisplatin (Cis) is considered to be one of the most effective drugs for killing cancer cells and remains a first-line chemotherapeutic agent. However, Cis's multiple toxicities (especially nephrotoxicity) have limited its clinical use. Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Wight et Arn. (MT), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) employed extensively in China, not only enhances the antitumor effect in combination with Cis, but is also used for its detoxifying effect, as it reduces the toxic side effects of chemotherapy drugs. The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic effect of MT on Cis-induced nephrotoxicity, along with its underlying mechanisms. In this study, liquid-mass spectrometry was performed to identify the complex composition of the extracts of MT. In addition, we measured the renal function, antioxidant enzymes, and inflammatory cytokines in mice with Cis-induced nephrotoxicity and conducted renal histology evaluations to assess renal injury. The expressions of the proteins related to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and apoptotic markers in renal tissues was detected by Western blotting (WB). MT treatment improved the renal function, decreased the mRNA expression of the inflammatory factors, and increased the antioxidant enzyme activity in mice. A better renal histology was observed after MT treatment. Further, MT inhibited the expression of the phospho-NFκB p65 protein/NFκB p65 protein (p-p65)/p65, phospho-inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B kinase beta subunit/inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B kinase beta subunit (p-IKKβ/IKKβ), Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), and Cleaved Caspase 3/Caspase 3 proteins, while the expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Recombinant NADH Dehydrogenase, Quinone 1 (NQO1), and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was increased. The present study showed that MT ameliorated renal injury, which mainly occurs through the regulation of the Nrf2 pathway, the NF-κB pathway, and the suppression of renal tissue apoptosis. It also suggests that MT can be used as an adjuvant to mitigate the nephrotoxicity of Cis chemotherapy.

The Benefit of Mycorrhizal Fungi and Beneficial Soil Bacteria in Drought Exposed Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) Is Genotype and Environment Dependent

Morphological and biochemical responses were assessed in an iceberg (GIL) and butterhead (GBL) lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) treated with commercially available soluble preparation of mycorrhizal fungi and beneficial soil bacteria (MT) grown in three irrigation treatments considered in greenhouse (continental Croatia, 2022): I100—control treatment (100% volumetric water content—VWC); I80—80% VWC, moderate drought and I60—60% VWC, severe drought), in two growing cycles. MT was applied during lettuce drought-sensitive stages, i.e., transplanting and heading. Study results show that MT improved lettuce growth-related traits, yet the results are genotype and growing-cycle dependent. The beneficial effect of MT was also noted for root length, weight, and diameter which confirms the mycorrhizal role in improving the plant water uptake. Both lettuce genotypes responded to water deficit by overproduction of MDA and proline content, whereby the response of tested variables was growing cycle and genotype-specific. Both genotypes in severe drought treatment (MT-I60) responded with higher MDA in the first growing cycle and lower MDA content in the second growing cycle. MT-I60 treatment reduced proline accumulation in GBH in both growing cycles, while increased accumulation in GIL during the second growing cycle. The responses of lettuce to MT are genotype-specific and shaped by environmental conditions.

Loss of Function MBD4 Mutation Impairs DNA Repair in Association with TET2 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Background: Methyl-CpG binding domain 4 (MBD4) is a known DNA glycosylase involved in critical steps of base excision repair (BER) and DNA mismatch repair (MMR) and is essential for reducing genotoxic stress in normal cells. MBD4 binds to 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) - oxidation products of TET2 dioxygenases - and may initiate a multi-step BER/MMR around mCpG/hmCpG DNA. Loss of function (LOF) mutations in MBD4 (MBD4 MT) result in compromised BER/MMR, leading to genomic instability. Certain germline MBD4 variants have been reported to be predisposing factors for early onset AML, among other cancers. 1,2 In cases screened at our institution, biallelic MBD4 p.R431* &amp; p.L563* tracked with AML in brother and sister. 3 This inspired us to hypothesize that partial or complete loss of MBD4 may result in reduced BER/MMR function and ultimately in genomic instability and faster accumulation of somatic lesions favoring malignant evolution. Methods: We performed NGS and epigenetic studies coupled with detailed biochemical analyses in CRISPR engineered cell lines and primary AML cells and in vivo model systems to dissect the mechanism of clonal evolution of MBD4 MT hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Results: We analyzed WES data from 1,692 patients with myeloid neoplasms (MN, 732 MDS; 960 AML). After adequate filtering based on frequency in healthy population (odds ratio of &amp;gt;1.5), 16 variants in MBD4 were identified in 24 MN cases (MDS=9, AML=15). Among them, 4 heterozygous variants of unknown significance of suspected germline nature (p.R425Q, p.N461S, p.R486K, p.D504H) mapped in the glycosylase domain. Comparing MBD4 MT vs. wild-type ( MBD4 WT) cases, MBD4 MT were found in younger patients (median 55 vs. 71 yrs; p = 0.012) with TET2 MT co-occurring at a lower frequency (8 vs. 24%). Since MBD4 is known to preferentially bind with 5hmCpG DNA, a stable epigenetic mark induced by TET2, we investigated the biochemical basis of MBD4 dysfunction and its connection to LOF TET2 MT. We show that MBD4 hydrolase activity levels affect the genomic accumulation of 5hmC in a TET2-dependent manner. MBD4 KO led to more than 2-fold increased 5hmC in TET2WT cells but not in TET2KO cells, suggesting a functional connection between MBD4 and TET2 in BER/MMR. To test the function and effects of the 4 variants (p.R425Q, p.N461S, p.R486K, p.D504H) identified in our cohort on the activity and function of MBD4, we generated these mutations in a pcDNA plasmid using site directed mutagenesis. The mutants were ectopically expressed in isogenic CRISPR-engineered MBD4 KO HEK293 cells and its effects on 5hmC accumulation were tested. The impact on the functional outcomes were compared to WT controls as described earlier. 4 We found that these 4 variants lead to MBD4 protein instability, and thereby lower MBD4 DNA glycosylase activity resulting in increased (1.6 to 3.3-fold) genomic accumulation of TET2-dependent oxidation products. To establish the effect of MBD4 MT in primary cells, we generated CRISPR-engineered human CD34 + HSPCs and assessed their clonal evolution via colony forming assay. Loss of MBD4 led to clonal advantage reflected in persistent colonies in MBD4KO CD34 + HSPCs that demonstrated myeloid differentiation bias similar to what was observed in patients, suggesting that MBD4 MT may favor clonal evolution to fully blown MN. Finally, transcriptomics analysis of MBD4KO in K562 cells in the presence and absence of functional TET2 demonstrated loss of BER genes compared to WT. The co-immunoprecipitation of MBD4 followed by western blot analysis identified XRCC1, a key component of the BER complex, as a part of MBD4 interactome. Comprehensive characterization of protein complexes with LCMS/MS in K562 cells suggests that MBD4 is involved in maintaining genomic integrity. Consistent with our hypothesis, MBD4 KO in K562 and THP1 cells resulted in a 2- and 3-fold increase in spontaneous mutations respectively, as observed via HPRT assay. Conclusions: Genomic instability due to MMR/BER dysfunction in MBD4 MT cells may result in a higher rate of clonal progression. Interestingly, MBD4 deficiency may provide opportunity for therapeutic targeting of DNA repair pathways in a subset of MBD4 MT-associated MN. Indeed, our findings indicate the possibility of leveraging MBD4 as an actionable target to regulate DNA methylation in association with TET2 during leukemogenesis.

Numerical and experimental analysis of pollen inhalation exposure in nasal airways following various middle turbinectomy

BackgroundMiddle turbinectomy (MT) has always been controversial. MT significantly alters the anatomy and redistributes the inhaled air. The current study is designed to quantify the effect of MT with varying resection volumes on airflow and associated pollen inhalation exposure characteristics in the nasal airways. MethodsSix realistic models following bilateral comprehensive Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) deriving from CT images were constructed and their corresponding post-MT models with four types of MT procedures were virtually conducted. Inhalation exposure to pollen particles was simulated by the Computational Fluid-Particle Dynamics (CFPD) approach and validated through in vitro experiments. ResultsFollowing the excision of the middle turbinate, a significant escalation in airflow was observed within the upper-middle region of the nasal cavities. Pollen deposition was observed to be more prominent in the nasal septum, laryngopharynx, and maxillary sinus, varying with the types of MT procedures. Notably, particles with diameters smaller than 50 μm exhibited two distinct “high peaks” and three “small peaks” within the nasal airways. ConclusionMT resulted in increased airflow volume within the upper-middle region of the nasal cavities. Following MT, notable shifts in pollen particle deposition hot spots were observed, transitioning from the nasal vestibule, nasal septum, and middle meatus to the nasal septum and laryngopharynx. These findings are anticipated to contribute valuable perspectives on pollen inhalation exposure risk assessments following diverse MT surgical interventions.

Investigation of factors determining haemodynamic relevance of leaflet thrombosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

To determine the conditions under which early hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) becomes haemodynamically relevant. The study included 100 patients (age: 81.5 ± 5.5 years; female 63%), thereof 50 patients with HALT. After anonymization and randomization, blinded readers measured maximum thrombus thickness per prosthesis (MT_pr) and movement restriction (MR_pr) on electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated whole heart cycle computed tomography angiography. These measurements were compared with echocardiographic mean pressure gradient (mPG), its increase from baseline (ΔmPG), and Doppler velocity index (DVI). Haemodynamic valve deterioration (HVD) was defined as mPG > 20 mmHg. Age, body mass index, valve type, valve size, left ventricular ejection fraction, and atrial fibrillation were considered as influencing factors. Multiple regression analysis revealed that only valve size (P = 0.001) and MT_pr (P = 0.02) had a significant influence on mPG. In an interaction model, valve size moderated the effect of MT_pr on mPG significantly (P = 0.004). Sub-group analysis stratified by valve sizes showed a strong correlation between MT_pr and echocardiographic parameters for 23 mm valves (mPG: r = 0.57, ΔmPG: r = 0.68, DVI: r = 0.55, each with P < 0.001), but neither for 26 nor 29 mm valves (r < 0.2, P > 0.2 for all correlations). Six of seven prostheses with HVD had a 23 mm valve diameter, while one had 29 mm (P = 0.02). Early HALT rarely causes significant mPG increase. Our study shows that valve size is a key factor influencing the haemodynamic impact of HALT. In small valve sizes, mPG is more likely to increase. Our study is the first to offer in vivo evidence supporting previous in vitro findings on this topic.

Melatonin alleviates chromium toxicity by altering chromium subcellular distribution and enhancing antioxidant metabolism in wheat seedlings.

The endogenous stimulating molecule melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, MT) has an important function in mitigating the impact of multiple abiotic stressors. However, the ameliorating effect of MT on chromium (Cr) stress and its mechanisms remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to clarify the mitigating effect of exogenous MT (0μM and 100μM) on wheat seedlings under Cr (0μM and 50μM) stress stemming from the growth and physiological characteristics, phytochelatin (PC) biosynthesis, Cr subcellular distribution, and antioxidant system of the plants in these treatments. The results showed that endogenous MT application significantly promoted plant growth and improved root morphology of wheat seedlings under Cr stress due to decreased Cr and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in both roots and leaves. Accumulation and transport of Cr from roots to leaves were reduced by MT, because enhanced vacuolar sequestration via upregulated PC accumulation, took place, derived from the fact that MT upregulated the expression of key genes for PC synthesis (TaPCS and Taγ-ECS). Furthermore, MT pre-treatment alleviated Cr-induced oxidative damage by diminishing lipid peroxidation and cell apoptosis, profiting from the enhanced scavenging ability of ROS as a result of the MT-induced increase in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, and the related encoding gene expression levels of TaSOD2, TaCAT, TaAPX, and TaGR. In conclusion, endogenous MT application improved the growth traits, antioxidant system, and decreased Cr accumulation especially at the leaf level in wheat seedlings under Cr stress mainly through enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities and altering Cr subcellular distribution via strengthening PC biosynthesis. The mechanisms of MT-induced plant tolerance to Cr stress could help develop new strategies for secure crop production in Cr-polluted soils.

Investigation of Growth Factors and Mathematical Modeling of Nutrient Media for the Shoots Multiplication In Vitro of Rare Plants of the Rostov Region

Micropropagation is an effective way to preserve the gene pool of threatened plants. This study is devoted to the mathematical modeling of nutrient media and the study of the effect of mT (meta-topoline) on the multiplication of shoots of Hedysarum grandiflorum, Hyssopus cretaceus, and Matthiola fragrans in vitro in comparison with benzylaminopurine (BAP) and kinetin (KT). Initiation was performed on an MS medium with 0.5 mg/L BAP. For shoots multiplication, MS, B5, and WPM media were used with the addition of mT, BAP, KT. For H. grandiflorum, the multiplication coefficient of shoots was highest on medium B5 with the addition of mT at a concentration of 1 mg/L—2.90 shoots per plant, for H. cretaceus—B5 + 0.5 mg/L mT, and for M. fragrans—B5 + 1 mg/L KT. A positive effect of mT on H. grandiflorum and M. fragrans in vitro was found. The efficiency of using KT for H. cretaceus shoot multiplication is shown. The effectiveness of the B5 nutrient medium for H. grandiflorum and M. fragrans was determined. The positive effect of WPM for H. cretaceus micropropagation has been demonstrated. It is not recommended to use the MS media for micropropagation of these plant species.

Effect of dosage of orally administered 17α-methyltestosterone on sex reversion of the yellowtail tetra Astyanax lacustris (Lütken, 1875).

The females of yellowtail tetra (Astyanax lacustris), known as the freshwater sardine, are approximately 1.33 times larger than males, and thus, all-female monosex culture would increase production and reduce size variability. The present work aimed to identify the optimal dose of 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) to be used in the masculinization of A. lacustris for indirect sex reversal. Three different concentrations of MT (20, 40, and 60 mg/kg of feed in the diet) were fed to the fry for 30 days. Thirty adult individuals from each treatment, including the control (0 mg MT/kg), were evaluated for gonadal development, morphological and histological sexual identification, zootechnical performance, and the possible genotoxic effect caused by prolonged exposure to MT. MT significantly (P<0.01) affected the differentiation of the gonads, with the presence of possible inhibitory effects in all treatments. Intersex individuals were present in the 20 and 60 mg MT/kg treatments. All treatments were able to masculinize A. lacustris and the treatment with the lowest hormone concentration produced the highest percentage of males 76.7%, while the control had 46.7% males. The presence of erythrocyte nuclear alterations indicated a possible cytotoxic effect of MT in treatments 40 and 60 mg MT/kg, however, the use of the hormone did not affect the growth and the survival of the individuals. Thus, the use of MT is a viable option for obtaining neomales as a first step into the production of all-female progenies.

A META-ANALYSIS OF MUSIC THERAPY AND SLEEP QUALITY: TRENDS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Music therapy (MT) has been an established healthcare profession in the United States for over seven decades. MT interventions are non-pharmacological approaches, administered by board-certified music therapists, designed to promote physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual well-being. One aspect of health where MT may be of use to older adults is in improving poor sleep quality, which is associated with increased risk for morbidity and mortality. Many pharmacological treatments for insomnia and other conditions carry adverse effects. Investigating the impact of evidence-based non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., MT) on sleep could be beneficial, particularly among older adults who are at greater risk for polypharmacy-related challenges. The purpose of this study was to investigate the average effect of MT on sleep quality via a meta-analysis across 46 studies (N=2912). This study included a review of the effects of MT on sleep, the characteristics of strongest and weakest MT interventions, the role age plays on the efficacy of MT, and differences in effects between adults with and without dementia. Results revealed robust improvements in sleep quality, as a function of MT. These improvements were observed among teams that included a professional music therapist. Clinical and practical implications will be discussed, particularly as they apply to older adults and interprofessional practice.

Intravenous thrombolysis before thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke: a dual centre retrospective cohort study

First pass effect (FPE) is a successful recanalization (mTICI ≥ 2b) after the first trial of thrombectomy. It is associated with good functional outcomes. Few studies discussed the effect of BT (bridging therapy: combined I.V. thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy) on FPE and clinical outcomes. In our study, we would like to report the effect of MT with or without preceding IVT on FPE and the functional outcome of AIS (Acute Ischemic Stroke) of anterior circulation in real practice. A dual-center retrospective cohort study enrolled 201 patients with AIS of anterior circulation and was divided into a bridging therapy (BT) group of 150 patients who received alteplase preceding thrombectomy, and a direct mechanical thrombectomy (dMT) group of 51 patients. Comparisons between both groups regarding the clinical and radiological outcome. Early better clinical outcome (mRS ≤ 2) at day seven with BT group (39.3%) rather than dMT (23.5%) with P value = 0.044. No significant differences as regard puncture to revascularization time, successful revascularization (mTICI) ≥ 2b and FPE between both groups (P value: 0.328, 0.538, and 0.708, respectively). No differences as regards hemorrhagic transformation, mortality rate, and 90-day favorable outcome between both groups (P value 0.091, 0.089, and 0.192, respectively). BT might have better early outcome than dMT but no difference as regards 90-day favorable outcomes, mortality, sICH, FPE, recanalization rate and procedure time. It might be reasonable to go directly to mechanical thrombectomy without IVT for AIS with large vessel occlusion.

Enhanced mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of poly(lactic acid)/starch composite films using gelatinized starch acetate‐functionalized montmorillonite

AbstractA nanostructured starch acetate–montmorillonite (SA–Mt) hybrid, where gelatinized SA was attached on the exfoliated Mt through Mt hydration expansion, ion exchange between Mt and quaternary ammonium salt, and SA intercalation, was designed and further used for reinforcing poly(lactic acid)/starch acetate (PLA/SA) composite films. Making use of the synergistic effect of SA and Mt, considerable enhancement in mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties for PLA/SA composite films was achieved. The effect of SA–Mt hybrids on structure–property relationships of PLA/SA composite films was investigated. Under an optimal loading of 7 wt% SA–Mt (SA:Mt = 1:1, w/w), the tensile strength, Young's modulus and elongation at break of SA–Mt‐filled composite films were significantly enhanced, about 104%, 73%, and 98% higher than those of PLA/SA, respectively, revealing the synergistic strengthening/toughening effect of SA and Mt; the thermal decomposition temperature and degradation activation energy of such composite film were also enhanced, implying their superior thermal stability. Moreover, the obtained PLA‐based composite films with good water/oxygen barrier performance and excellent biodegradability provide a potential for use as packaging materials.

Catalytic capacity evolution of montmorillonite in in-situ combustion of heavy oil

Clay minerals such as montmorillonite are significant in petroleum storage and recovery. Montmorillonite (Mt) is a natural solid acid catalyst containing Brønsted and Lewis acid sites and can catalyze heavy oil oxidation (HOO) during in-situ combustion (ISC). However, its catalytic activity largely depends on the heating process of heavy oil. In the study, the catalytic capacity evolution of Mt in ISC of heavy oil was explored with the isoconversional method and thermal analysis. In low-temperature oxidation (LTO) and high-temperature oxidation (HTO) stages, the addition of Mt largely reduced the peak temperatures (Tpeak) of DTA and DTG and the Tpeak of H2O (LTO and HTO stages) and CO2 (HTO stage) in HOO. Notably, Mt did not always show the positive catalytic effect. In LTO stage, the thermal transformation process had a small effect on DTA Tpeak, Tpeak of H2O and CO2, and the reaction activation energy (Eα) of HOO. In HTO stage, the catalytic effect of Mt on HOO was related to its thermal transformation process, especially interlayer water (IW) dehydration and dehydroxylation. In HTO stage, the IW dehydration process of Mt showed the strongest catalytic effect on HOO, significantly reduced DTA Tpeak and Eα, and resulted in the lowest Tpeak of H2O and CO2. The dehydroxylation process of Mt also showed a certain effect, whereas the overlapping process between the dehydration (IW) reaction and partial dehydroxylation reaction of Mt had no positive catalytic effect on HOO. DTA, TG-FTIR, and non-isothermal kinetic analysis further confirmed that the catalytic capacity of Mt in HTO stage was improved by IW dehydration process of Mt and weakened by the dehydroxylation process of Mt.