Physiological Effects Research Articles

Profiling muscle transcriptome in mice exposed to microgravity using gene set enrichment analysis

Space exploration’s advancement toward long-duration missions prompts intensified research on physiological effects. Despite adaptive physiological stability in some variables, persistent changes affect genome integrity, immune response, and cognitive function. Our study, utilizing multi-omics data from GeneLab, provides crucial insights investigating muscle atrophy during space mission. Leveraging NASA GeneLab’s data resources, we apply systems biology-based analyses, facilitating comprehensive understanding and enabling meta-analysis. Through transcriptomics, we establish a reference profile of biological processes underlying muscle atrophy, crucial for intervention development. We emphasize the often-overlooked role of glycosylation in muscle atrophy. Our research sheds light on fundamental molecular mechanisms, bridging gaps between space research and terrestrial conditions. This study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and data-sharing initiatives like GeneLab in advancing space medicine research.

An Exogenous Ketone Ester Slows Tumor Progression in Murine Breast and Renal Cancer Models.

Ketone esters (KEs) exhibit promise as anti-cancer agents but their impact on spontaneous metastases remains poorly understood. Although consumption of a ketogenic diet (KD) that is low in carbohydrates and high in fats can lead to KE production in vivo, the restrictive composition of KDs may diminish adherence in cancer patients. We investigated the effects of an exogenous ketone ester-supplemented (eKET), carbohydrate-replete diet on tumor growth, metastasis, and underlying mechanisms in orthotopic models of metastatic breast (4T1-Luc) and renal (Renca-Luc) carcinomas. Mice were randomized to diet after tumor challenge. Administration of KEs did not alter tumor cell growth in vitro. However, in mice, our eKET diet increased circulating β-hydroxybutyrate and inhibited primary tumor growth and lung metastasis in both models. Body composition analysis illustrated the overall safety of eKET diet use, although it was associated with a loss of fat mass in mice with renal tumors. Immunogenetic profiling revealed divergent intratumoral eKET-related changes by tumor type. In mammary tumors, Wnt and TGFβ pathways were downregulated, whereas in renal tumors, genes related to hypoxia and DNA damage repair were downregulated. Thus, our eKET diet exerts potent antitumor and antimetastatic effects in both breast and renal cancer models, albeit with different modes of action and physiologic effects. Its potential as an adjuvant dietary approach for patients with diverse cancer types should be explored further.

Elucidation of biochemical and physiological modulations in Triticum aestivum induced by green synthesized nitrogen-enriched zinc nano-complexes

This study investigates the efficacy of a green synthesized nitrogen-rich zinc complex (Zn-NC) using quinoline (C9H7N) as the nitrogen-rich substrate to enhance growth and biochemical properties in wheat (Triticum aestivum). The performance of Zn-NC was compared to standard zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). Both Zn-NC and ZnO-NPs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Three concentrations (100, 200, and 500 ppm) of each compound, along with a control, were applied to local soil samples (n=3). The physiological (biomass, elongation) and biochemical effects (chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenols) on wheat were investigated. Potential phytotoxic effects were evaluated to establish the biostimulants' safety thresholds. Plants treated with green Zn-NC showed an average increase in shoot length of 25 % compared to the control group. The chlorophyll content in plants treated with ZnO-NPs increased by 18 %, while those treated with green Zn-NC increased by 12 % compared to control. Application of ZnO-NPs resulted in a 30 % increase in total yield, whereas green Zn-NC treatment led to a 22 % yield increase. The root biomass of plants treated with ZnO-NPs increased by 28 %, and those treated with green Zn-NC saw a 20 % increase compared to controls. Based on the optimization of overall results, the ZnO NPs showed phytotoxic effects at concentrations above 200 ppm, while green Zn-NC exhibited no significant phytotoxicity even at concentrations up to 300 ppm. This study delineates the optimal concentrations of Zn-NC and ZnO-NPs that can enhance nutrient delivery and yield in cereal crops while mitigating phytotoxic risks. The findings provide valuable insights into applying nano-biostimulants in agroecosystems, highlighting their potential to improve productivity and sustainability in agriculture.

Randomized Controlled Trials Studying Nonoperative Treatments of Osteoarthritis Often Use Misleading and Uninformative Control Groups: A Systematic Review.

Because there are no known treatments that alter the natural course of the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis, nonoperative treatment needs to be compared with known effective treatments that seek to mitigate symptoms or with similarly invasive inert (placebo) treatments to determine effectiveness. Comparing a treatment to an uninformative control group may inappropriately legitimize and support the use of potentially ineffective treatments. We therefore investigated the prevalence of inappropriate control groups in musculoskeletal research and asked whether these are associated with reporting a positive treatment effect. We systematically reviewed randomized trials of nonoperative treatments of osteoarthritis and asked: (1) What proportion of randomized trials use uninformative control groups (defined as a treatment less invasive than the tested treatment, or a treatment that might possibly not outperform placebo but is not acknowledged as such)? (2) Is the use of uninformative control groups independently associated with reporting a positive treatment effect (defined as p < 0.05 in favor of the intervention, or as making a recommendation favoring the intervention over the control treatment)? In a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase up to September 2023 for randomized controlled trials published between 2020 to 2022 that compared one or more nonoperative treatments for the symptoms of osteoarthritis. We excluded studies that contained a surgical treatment group. We identified 103 trials that met eligibility criteria, with a total of 15,491 patients. The risk of bias was high in 60% (n = 62) of trials using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, version 2. Although the high risk of bias in the included studies is concerning, it does not invalidate our design; instead, it highlights that some studies may use flawed methods to recommend treatments with unproven effectiveness beyond nonspecific effects because the kinds of bias observed would tend to increase the apparent benefit of the treatment(s) being evaluated. We used logistic regression to test the association of uninformative control groups with a positive treatment effect, accounting for potential confounders such as conflict of interest and study bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias score. The use of uninformative control groups (treatments less invasive than the tested treatment, or treatments that might not outperform placebo but are not acknowledged as such) was found in 46% (47 of 103) of included studies. After accounting for potential confounding, there was no association between reporting positive treatment effects and the use of an uninformative control group. Studies with a low risk of bias had a lower likelihood of reporting a positive treatment effect (OR 0.2 [95% confidence interval 0.05 to 0.9]; p = 0.04, model pseudo R2 = 0.21). The finding that recent studies that mimic high-level evidence often use uninformative control groups that do not adequately account for nonspecific effects (perceived treatment benefits unrelated to a treatment's direct physiological effects) points to a high risk of legitimizing ineffective treatments. This raises the ethical imperative for patients, clinicians, journal peer reviewers, and journal editors to hold researchers to the standard of an adequate, informative control group. Awareness and risk of bias checklists might help patients and clinicians forgo new treatments based on seemingly high-level evidence that may carry only iatrogenic, financial, and psychological harm (false hope, in particular). Level I, therapeutic study.

Optimization of Poultry Physiological Condition in the Post-Antibiotic Era through Nutritional Intervention – A Review

The intestinal microbe population has a considerable impact on the physiological state of poultry. Nutritional intervention can be used to enhance the equilibrium of the gut microbiota in chickens, leading to good physiological effects. Various nutritional interventions have been implemented, including feed additives, vitamins, and fermented and functional feeds. While numerous studies have shown the efficacy of nutritional strategies, others have noted the variability of these interventions on poultry’s physiological state. Various factors can influence the effectiveness of nutritional interventions on the physiological conditions of poultry, such as the types of feed additives or active components, duration and method of administration, feed composition, environmental conditions during rearing, quality of day-old-chick, type and age of poultry, hygiene, infection, stress, and other related variables. Feed additives, when combined with nutritional components or other active chemicals, can have synergistic and complementary effects. These impacts could improve the effectiveness and reliability of the nutritional interventions on physiological parameters and poultry productivity. Furthermore, combinations can include feed additives or active components like probiotics and acidifiers, probiotics and enzymes, phytobiotics and enzymes, and plant-based materials and chitosan. The combinations show synergistic and complementary benefits, improving physiological conditions in chickens more than using feed additives or active substances alone. Overall, nutritional intervention can be used to improve the microbial balance in poultry intestines and boost their physiological state. Moreover, integrating feed additives with other active components might enhance the physiological circumstances of chickens due to the synergistic effect produced by their combination.

Acetaminophen Overdose Reveals PAR4 as a Low-Expressing but Potent Receptor on the Hepatic Endothelium in Mice.

The protease thrombin, which elicits multiple physiological and pathological effects on vascular endothelial cells (ECs), can signal through PARs (protease-activated receptors) 1 and 4. PAR1 is a high-affinity thrombin receptor known to signal on ECs, whereas PAR4 is a low-affinity thrombin receptor, and evidence for its expression and function on ECs is mixed. This study aims to exploit the high levels of thrombin generation and hepatic vascular dysfunction that occur during acetaminophen (APAP) overdose to determine (1) whether hepatic endothelial PAR4 is a functional receptor, and (2) the endothelial-specific functions for PAR1 and PAR4 in a high thrombin and pathological setting. We generated mice with conditional deletion of Par1/Par4 in ECs and overdosed them with APAP. Hepatic vascular permeability, erythrocyte accumulation in the liver, thrombin generation, and liver function were assessed following overdose. Additionally, we investigated the expression levels of endothelial PARs and how they influence transcription in APAP-overdosed liver ECs using endothelial translating ribosome affinity purification followed by next-generation sequencing. We found that mice deficient in high-expressing endothelial Par1 or low-expressing Par4 had equivalent reductions in APAP-induced hepatic vascular instability, although mice deficient for both receptors had lower vascular permeability at an earlier timepoint after APAP overdose than either of the single mutants. Additionally, mice with loss of both endothelial Par1 and Par4 had reduced thrombin generation after APAP overdose, suggesting decreased hypercoagulability. Last, we found that endothelial PAR1-but not PAR4-can regulate transcription in hepatic ECs. Low-expressing PAR4 can react similarly to high-expressing PAR1 in APAP-overdosed hepatic ECs, demonstrating that PAR4 is a potent thrombin receptor. Additionally, these receptors are functionally redundant but act divergently in their expression and ability to influence transcription in hepatic ECs.

Synergistic effects of boron and cadmium on the metal enrichment and cell wall immobilization capacity of Cosmosbipinnatus

Cadmium (Cd), as a heavy metal pollutant, can seriously affect plant growth and development. Boron (B), as an indispensable nutrient element, plays an important role in plant growth and cell wall (CW) synthesis. However, the physiological effects of B and Cd on plant growth and the mechanism of Cd chelation by the CW remain unclear. Here, we investigate the effect of exogenous B on Cd accumulation in CW components of Cosmos bipinnatus roots and its mechanism of Cd mitigation. Under B deficiency and single Cd (30 μM) treatments, the growth of C. bipinnatus was significantly inhibited, but the addition of exogenous B significantly increased plant biomass, which increased the Cd content in the underground parts of C. bipinnatus by 20.18% and reduced the Cd translocation factor by 22.22%. Meanwhile, application of exogenous B affected the subcellular Cd content across various Cd forms and alleviated Cd-induced oxidative stress in C. bipinnatus. Additionally, exogenous B and Cd and their mixtures affected the functional groups of the root CW, the proportion of polysaccharide components, the Cd content of polysaccharides, and the polysaccharide uronic acid content of C. bipinnatus. However, B application increased 3-deoxy-oct-2-ulosonic acid content, pectin esterase activity, low esterified pectin content, and its Cd content by 149.52%, 55.69%, 206.38%, and 150.02%, respectively, compared to Cd treatment alone. Thus, our study showed that B mitigates the toxicity of Cd to plants, revealing the effect of B on the physiological aspects of Cd tolerance in plants.

How the arts heal: a review of the neural mechanisms behind the therapeutic effects of creative arts on mental and physical health.

The creative arts have long been known for their therapeutic potential. These modalities, which include dance, painting, and music, among others, appear to be effective in enhancing emotional expression and alleviating adverse physiological and psychological effects. Engagement in creative arts can be pursued as a personal hobby, in a classroom setting, or through a formal therapeutic intervention with a qualified therapist. Engagement can be active (i.e., creating) or passive (i.e., viewing, listening). Regardless of the modality and manner of engagement, the mechanisms explaining the therapeutic efficacy of creative arts remain poorly understood. This study aims to systematically review research investigating the neurological mechanisms activated during active or passive engagement in creative arts, with a specific emphasis on the roles of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the amygdala in emotional regulation (ER) and creative behaviors. The review seeks to provide preliminary evidence for the possible existence of common neural mechanisms underlying both phenomena, which could inform the development of targeted therapeutic interventions leveraging creative arts for ER. A systematic review was conducted following the Cochrane Collaboration guideline and PRISMA standards to identify studies examining the neurological mechanisms underlying creative activities. A total of six out of 85 records meet the inclusion criteria, with all being basic research studies. Preliminary findings suggest that active and passive engagement with creative arts consistently activate neural circuits implicated in adaptive emotional regulation, including the mPFC and amygdala. These activations mirror the neural pathways engaged in effective ER strategies, suggesting the possible existence of shared mechanisms between creative expression and emotional processing. The evidence underscores the potential of creative arts as a complementary therapeutic strategy alongside conventional care and other evidence-based mind-body modalities. By elucidating the shared neural mechanisms between creative arts engagement and ER, this review contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of the role of creative arts in mental health. Future research is recommended to further explore these neural correlations and their implications for therapeutic practice.

Polystyrene nanoplastics induce apoptosis, histopathological damage, and glutathione metabolism disorder in the intestine of juvenile East Asian river prawns (Macrobrachium nipponense)

Nanoplastics (NPs) are widely distributed in the aquatic environment and have become a global concern as a new type of pollutant. Many researchers have studied the physiological effects of NPs on aquatic organisms, but relatively little is known about their effects on intestinal immune function in crustaceans. Therefore, we used NPs concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40 mg/L for 28 days of stress, evaluated the effects of NPs exposure on intestinal cell apoptosis, histopathological damage, and glutathione (GSH) metabolism of juvenile East Asian river prawns (Macrobrachium nipponense). As NPs concentration increased, the contents of total GSH and oxidized glutathione decreased gradually (P < 0.05), the concentration of GSH first increased and then decreased (P < 0.05), and the activities of lysozyme, acid phosphatase, phenoloxidase, and alkaline phosphatase first increased and then decreased (P < 0.05). Additionally, intestinal tissue structure was damaged, and the apoptosis rate significantly increased (P < 0.05). The expression of intestinal autophagy genes (CTL, ALF, Crustin, ATG8, and BCL-2) increased at first and then decreased, the expression levels of TNF and Wnt4 significantly decreased, and the expression of Beclin significantly increased with increasing NPs concentration. We also found that AP-1 and PTEN were highly expressed in the hepatopancreas and were involved in intestinal immune responses. Our results showed that exposure to NPs may induce apoptosis of intestinal tissue cells, induce autophagy, and inhibit GSH metabolism, thereby reducing intestinal immune function of M. nipponense. These findings provide a reference for healthy aquaculture and ecological risk assessment of prawns.

Relationship between Sleep Quality and Vertigo Incidence in College Students

One-third of adults are affected by poor sleep quality. Sleep problems are not only experienced by adults. Knowing the relationship between sleep quality and the incidence of vertigo is very important and urgent because of its very broad impact on health, understanding pathophysiology, clinical development, improving quality of life, as well as education and awareness in the community, especially students. In Indonesia, the prevalence of sleep disorders in adolescents is 62.9%. This study aims to determine the relationship between sleep quality and the incidence of vertigo in students. Literature review using Google Scholar, National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) &amp; Research Science found 9 journals based on inclusion &amp; exclusion criteria. The results of the research is the relationship between sleep quality and vertigo involves a complex interaction between physiological and psychological factors. Physiological effects include disorientation and instability, motor coordination, and physiological stress responses such as cortisol. The psychological effects that can occur are anxiety, depression, decreased concentration, decreased cognitive function, and increased psychological discomfort. Lack of sleep in students makes vertigo symptoms worse. Lack of sleep will make vertigo symptoms worse. It is best to arrange the right sleeping position so that symptoms of vertigo do not occur, because vertigo can occur even in people who have never experienced it. The conclusion is there is a relationship between sleep quality and the incidence of vertigo in students.

Microbes: Drivers of Chenpi manufacturing, biotransformation, and physiological effects

Chenpi holds a rich history of both edible and medicinal applications worldwide, garnering increased attention from researchers in recent years due to its diverse physiological effects. While current research predominantly explores its chemical composition and physiological effects, there remains a notable gap in knowledge concerning its manufacturing, characteristic chemical substances, and the underlying mechanisms driving its physiological effects. This paper encompasses a systematic review of the effects of microbes on the manufacturing, biotransformation, and physiological effects of Chenpi, as well as the present status of product development. Furthermore, the paper engages in an in-depth discussion highlighting the challenges and shortcomings in recent research, while proposing potential directions and prospects. Additionally, this review marks the first attempt to critically evaluate the claim that Chenpi is “The longer the aging, the better the quality” from a scientific standpoint, which provides a solid theoretical foundation for advancing the Chenpi industry.

The Functions and Application Prospects of Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Reproduction.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is expressed in multiple systems and mediates a variety of biological activities, such as mitosis, motility, and morphogenesis. A growing number of studies have revealed the expression patterns and functions of HGF in ovarian and testicular physiology from the prenatal to the adult stage. HGF regulates folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis by modulating the functions of theca cells and granulosa cells in the ovary. It also mediates somatic cell proliferation and steroidogenesis, thereby affecting spermatogenesis in males. In addition to its physiological effects on the reproductive system, HGF has shown advantages in preclinical studies over recent years for the treatment of male and female infertility, particularly in women with premature ovarian insufficiency. This review aims to summarize the pleiotropic functions of HGF in the reproductive system and to provide prospects for its clinical application.

Extreme heat event influences the toxic impacts of nano-TiO2 with different crystal structures in mussel Mytilus coruscus

The wide use of nano‑titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) and its ubiquitous emission into aquatic environments are threatening environmental health. Ambient temperature can affect the aggregation state of nano-TiO2 in seawater, thus influencing the intake and physiological effects on marine species. We studied the physiological effects of mixed nano-TiO2 (a mixture of anatase crystal and rutile crystal with an average particle size of 25 nm, P25) on mussels. Subsequently, we investigated the oxidative stress, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and detoxification in Mytilus coruscus exposed to two different crystal structures of nano-TiO2 (anatase and rutile) at 100 μg/L concentration under marine heatwaves (MHWs, 28 °C). MHWs and nano-TiO2 exposure induced neurotoxicity and immune damage and caused dysregulation of redox balance in the gills. Moreover, MHWs exposure disturbed the glutathione system and detoxification function of mussels, resulting in enhanced toxicity of nano-TiO2 after co-exposure. Anatase exposure significantly impaired the antioxidative system and downregulated the relative expression of antioxidant-related genes (Nrf2 and Bcl-2), HSP-90, and immune parameters under MHWs, while producing higher ROS levels compared to rutile. Based on integrated biomarker response (IBR), anatase combined with MHWs group showed the highest value (19.29). However, there was no significant difference in bioaccumulation of titanium between anatase (6.07 ± 0.47 μg/g) and rutile (5.3 ± 0.44 μg/g) exposures under MHWs. These results indicate that MHWs would elevate the potential hazard of nanoparticles to marine organisms.

Kaempferol Extends Male Lifespan Under Blue Light Irradiation in Drosophila.

Short-wavelength blue light is ubiquitous in daily life and has a lasting destructive influence. Its potential harm to biological health is significant. This study used Drosophila as a model organism to investigate the protective effects of kaempferol, a flavonoid, against the toxicity of blue light. It also examined its physiological effects on Drosophila under blue light irradiation. In this experiment, fruit flies were fed with three different concentrations of kaempferol solutions (0.1, 0.01, and 0.001 mol/L) dissolved in food. The survival rate and physiological indexes of Drosophila were investigated under blue light irradiation of 2500 lux. The results showed that 0.1 mol/L kaempferol increased the activity of male flies during the day and significantly extended the male survival time under blue light irradiation. However, the study found that kaempferol did not significantly prolong the survival time of Drosophila in the oxidative stress experiment, and no significant difference was observed in the feeding experiment. In summary, our research found that kaempferol, at the concentration of 0.1 mol/L, has a protective effect on Drosophila under blue light irradiation, potentially achieved through alterations in circadian rhythm.

Cardiorespiratory effects of Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) during isoflurane anaesthesia in pigs

ObjectiveTo investigate the haemodynamic effects of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in isoflurane anaesthetised pigs. Study DesignExperimental, randomized, non-blinded, cross-over study. AnimalsA group of six stress-resistant Landrace pigs (approximately 3 months old; three male, three female; bodyweight 39.2 ± 4 kg (mean ± standard deviation). MethodsAfter premedication (midazolam 0.5 mg kg-1 and ketamine 10 mg kg-1 intramuscularly), and induction [propofol 0.25–0.5 mg kg-1 intravenously IV)], anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen, and either GHB 250 mg kg-1 IV or an equal volume of saline was administered (minimum washout period 1 week). Systolic (SAP), diastolic (DAP), and mean (MAP) arterial pressures, heart rate and rhythm, respiratory rate, were recorded every 5 minutes for 2 hours. Arterial samples were collected for blood gas and pharmacokinetic analyses. Relative changes from baseline were calculated and compared between treatments using a mixed model with time, period, and treatment as variables (α < 0.05). ResultsChanges from baseline differed significantly between treatments (p < 0.001) for SAP (GHB -1.6 ± 10.7; saline -5.9 ± 14.8 mmHg), DAP (GHB +2.9 ± 9.6; saline -6.5 ± 10.7 mmHg) and MAP (GHB +2.2 ± 10.5; saline -5.7 ± 9.6 mmHg). Statistical analysis of secondary outcomes suggested effects on PaO2 (GHB -45.2 ± 29.8 mmHg [-6.03 ± 3.97 kPa]; saline +24.5 ± 32.4 mmHg [+3.27 ± 4.32 kPa]; p < 0.001) and PaCO2 (GHB -2 ± 10 mmHg [-0.27 ± 1.33 kPa]; saline -9 ± 8 mmHg [-1.20 ± 1.07 kPa]; p < 0.001). Mean maximum plasma concentration of GHB was 1171.1 ± 229.3 μg mL-1, with volume of distribution 335.3 ± 68.5 mL kg-1, clearance 77.2 ± 19.12 mL kg-1 hour-1 and elimination half-life 3.10 ± 0.80 hours. Conclusions and clinical relevanceGHB did not cause severe physiological side effects and may reduce cardiovascular depression.

Cholic acid activation of GPBAR1 does not induce or exacerbate acute pancreatitis but promotes exocrine pancreatic secretion

Obstruction of bile ducts due to gallstones can lead to biliary acute pancreatitis (BAP). According to Perides et al., G protein-coupled bile acid receptor-1 (GPBAR1) mediates BAP. However, Zi’s findings suggest that GPR39, rather than GPBAR1, mediates TLCAS-induced increases in cytosolic calcium and acinar cell necrosis, casting doubt on the role of GPBAR1 in BAP. Numerous G protein-coupled receptors on pancreatic acinar cells utilize Ca2+ and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) as second messengers to manage pancreatic exocrine secretion, with significant cross-talk between these signals. The primary bile acid cholic acid (CA) and its conjugated forms are predominant in the human gallbladder. This study aimed to clarify the role and physiological significance of GPBAR1 by investigating the physiological and pathological effects of CA activation on GPBAR1 in pancreatic acinar cells. Isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells were treated with CA and CCK in vitro to observe the effect of CA-induced cAMP signaling on CCK-induced physiological and pathological calcium signaling. In vivo evaluations involved reverse biliopancreatic duct injections of 5% sodium taurocholate (STC) or 5% CA in rats. CA induced intracellular cAMP signaling in a concentration-dependent manner without increasing the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. CA did not independently cause calcium overload or enzyme activation, nor did it exacerbate calcium overload or enzyme activation from high-dose CCK. Reverse biliopancreatic duct injections of 5% CA did not cause acute pancreatitis in the rats. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that 50 μM CA induced changes in gene expression related to protein synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes. Furthermore, 50 μM CA accelerated the calcium waves and increased the enzyme secretion induced by CCK. GPBAR1 was found on the basolateral membrane in rat pancreatic tissue rather than near the apical region of acinar cells.GPBAR1 activation is not crucial for BAP activity but may play a role in bile acid regulation of pancreatic exocrine secretion, suggesting that GPBAR1 is a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.

Psychological and physiological benefits of horticultural therapy for Chinese older adults

Background Gardening as a leisure activity has been shown to be potentially beneficial for older adults, this study aimed to assess the physiological and psychological impacts of a specific horticultural activity, watering indoor plants, compared with playing a computer game - the Klondike Solitaire Card Game. Methods This crossover study included 100 older adults recruited from a nursing care facility for older people in Shanghai, China. They were allocated to either engage in watering indoor plants (horticultural group) or playing a computer game (control group). For the inclusion criteria, screening for cognitive function was conducted to exclude those with severe cognitive impairments, thereby focusing on those capable of participating fully in the study activities. Brainwave activities, blood pressure, and psychological states were measured through pre- and post-test questionnaires to evaluate the physiological and psychological effects. Results The activity of watering indoor plants was associated with significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, in contrast to the computer game activity. Additionally, participants in the horticultural group showed increased brainwave mean values, indicating heightened relaxation and focus, while decreases were observed in the control group. The experimental group reported reduced anxiety scores, along with increased feelings of comfort and relaxation, and also exhibited significantly higher meditation levels, which indicates a profound mental relaxation effect. Conclusion Our findings suggest that engaging in indoor horticultural activities, such as watering houseplants for 10 minutes, can reduce mental and physical stress levels in older adults.

Physiologic and behavioral effects of long-acting subcutaneous and transdermal buprenorphine in rats.

To investigate thermoregulation, thermal antinociception, food/kaolin intake, fecal output, and behavior following long-acting buprenorphine preparations in rats. 8 adult male rats (Rattus norvegicus) were administered long-acting SC buprenorphine (SB; 0.65 mg/kg), transdermal buprenorphine (TB; 10 mg/kg), and controls in a randomized, cross-over design. Body temperature, self-injury, sedation, food/kaolin intake, fecal output, and thermal withdrawal latencies were measured 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours posttreatment. Data analysis was performed with mixed linear models. Self-injury was present between 1 and 12 hours and 4 and 12 hours following TB and SB, respectively; sedation was associated with TB at 12 to 24 hours. Withdrawal latencies were longer in both TB and SB groups than in the control group. Food intake decreased with time in all groups but was significantly lower 24 to 48 hours after TB and 24 to 72 hours after SB versus controls. Kaolin intake decreased from baseline 48 to 72 hours in the control group. Fecal output decreased from baseline 24 to 72 hours in all groups but was significantly lower than controls 24 hours following TB and 24 to 48 hours in SB. Body temperature increased from baseline at 1 hour, 1 to 12 hours, and 1 to 24 hours in the control, TB, and SB groups, respectively, and was significantly higher than the control group 1 to 72 hours following TB and 4 to 24 hours after SB. Transdermal buprenorphine and SB in normal rats produced antinociception, self-injurious behavior, hyperthermia, and decreased food/fecal output. Although these buprenorphine preparations may produce antinociception, untoward effects such as hyperthermia, self-injurious behavior, and reduced food intake/fecal output may be seen.

Physiologic Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Sorrel) on Biological Systems: Advances in Sorrel Research

Background:: Hibiscus sabdariffa (sorrel) is a member of the hibiscus genus and Malvaceae family. An important attribute is its therapeutic characteristic, which has been validated by research that shows some success in treating several diseases. Objective:: Owing to limited information and research deficits, this study aimed to investigate the physiologic effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa on biological systems and the advances made in the last century. Methods:: PubMed Central search for “Hibiscus sabdariffa OR sorrel” was conducted from November 2021 to March 2022, covering articles from 1921 to 2020. The results were documented in Microsoft Excel 2016 and grouped based on physiological systems. Results:: Sorrel research publications mushroomed in the last decade. Studies from 1921-2010 reported on the endocrine and cardiovascular systems, while additional biological systems (nervous, urinary, gastrointestinal, integumentary, hematopoietic, reproductive, and skeletal) were later investigated. Sorrel positively treated diabetes, hypertension, and a multitude of other illnesses due to its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory potential, chiefly via its anthocyanins. Hypertension was mostly reported, predominantly from Nigeria (Africa), and toxicity exceeded 2000 mg/kg b.w. Conclusion:: Sorrel has multifaceted uses, mostly involving hypertension treatment. Despite increased publications and advances in research, all areas of physiology still require sorrel research, especially in the Caribbean, which lacked publication, amidst Jamaica being known for the consumption of sorrel drinks.

Exploring healthcare workers' barriers to effective cancer pain management at a comprehensive cancer center.

329 Background: Cancer-related pain remains a paramount concern for patients, families, and healthcare providers, significantly impacting quality of life. Numerous barriers often impede optimal pain management strategies, posing challenges to effective care delivery. Methods: This study employed a non-experimental, descriptive, cross-sectional approach within the setting of King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH), a tertiary care facility with a 1100-bed capacity, renowned for its comprehensive cancer care services. A sample of 200 healthcare workers (137 nurses, 68 physicians) working in the oncology center at KKUH participated in the study. Data were collected using the revised Barriers Questionnaire-II (BQ-II). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 21), employing descriptive statistics and the unpaired t-test to explore differences in participant categories. Results: Healthcare providers expressed substantial barriers to cancer pain management, reflected in a mean questionnaire score of 2.5 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.8). Particularly noteworthy were the high mean scores for the harmful and physiological effects of medications subscales, at 2.7 (SD = 1.1) and 2.6 (SD = 0.9), respectively. Nurses and physicians had overall BQII scores of 1.8 (SD = 1.1) and 1.7 (SD = 0.9), respectively. A one-way analysis of variance indicated significant differences in the overall BQII scores among physicians and nurses, F(2, 182) = 6.81, p &lt; .01. Significant differences were also found in the communication (F(2, 182) = 10.55, p &lt; .01) and harmful effects (F(2, 182) = 7.26, p &lt; .01) subscales among the two groups. Conclusions: There are significant perceived barriers to cancer pain management among healthcare providers in general with a notable difference between physicians and nurses. These findings suggest the need for improved education and communication to address concerns about medication effects and enhance pain management strategies. Tailored interventions that would lead to more effective and empathetic care have been initiated.