Frequency Of Contractions Research Articles

Association between ventricular premature contraction burden and ventricular repolarization duration.

Premature ventricular contraction is generally known as benign in the absence of structural heart disease; however, premature ventricular contraction-induced left ventricular systolic dysfunction or ventricular arrhythmias are defined in some cases. Ventricular repolarization duration differs between myocardial cells, which causes myocardial electrical heterogeneity and is thought to be responsible for ventricular arrhythmias. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the association of ventricular repolarization parameters including Tp-Te interval, Tp-Te/QT ratio, and QRS-T angle with premature ventricular contraction frequency in patients with premature ventricular contraction burden. A total of 80 subjects who were admitted to our cardiology department and underwent 24-h electrocardiography Holter monitoring were included. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 is defined as premature ventricular contraction burden that had frequent premature ventricular contraction ≥1% in 24-h Holter monitoring, and group 2 is defined as rare premature ventricular contraction <1% in 24-h Holter monitoring. Tp-Te interval and Tp-Te/QT ratio are statistically significantly prolonged in the premature ventricular contraction burden group than in the control group (85.3±13.9 vs. 65.7±11.9, p<0.001; 0.19±0.03 vs. 0.15±0.02, p<0.001, respectively). QRS-T angle was statistically significantly abnormal in the premature ventricular contraction burden group (p=0.024). Increased Tp-Te interval and widened QRS-T angle are associated with ventricular arrhythmias and might be used for the prediction of premature ventricular contraction burden in patients with premature ventricular contraction in electrocardiography in the absence of 24-h Holter monitoring.

PENGARUH TEKNIK PIJAT AKUPRESUR TERHADAP PENURUNAN INTENSITAS NYERI PADA KALA I FASE AKTIF PERSALINAN DI PUSKESMAS KORBAFO TAHUN 2022

Labor pain is a physiological thing experienced by every mother giving birth. Pain arises from uterine contractions, cervical dilatation and stretching of the birth canal. As the frequency of uterine contractions increases, the pain becomes more intense. If pain is not overcome, it can affect the psychology of the mother in childbirth, namely fear and anxiety. Fear and anxiety have a negative effect on childbirth which can affect the health condition of the mother and fetus. Research on the effect of acupressure massage techniques on reducing pain intensity in the first stage of the active phase of labor was conducted at the Korbafo Puskesmas. This research uses quantitative analytic research with a Quasi Experimental design with a one group pre-test and post-test with control research design. Data collection uses an observation sheet. Acupressure massage is done by pressing on the SP 6 (bilateral) point for 30 times the pressure and BL 32 (bilateral) for 30 times the pressure. The number of samples in this study were 10 mothers who gave birth. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The data analysis used is the Wilcoxon test. The results of this study indicate that the majority of respondents before acupressure experienced severe pain, as many as 9 people (90%). The majority of respondents after acupressure experienced mild pain as many as 6 people (60%), ie with a p value = 0.004 (p = &lt;0.05) which means that there is an influence of acupressure massage techniques on reducing labor pain. It is recommended that midwives can apply this as a non-pharmacological alternative that has minimal side effects in reducing labor pain.

Left Atrial Strain and the Risk of Atrial Arrhythmias From Extended Ambulatory Cardiac Monitoring: MESA.

Background Abnormalities in left atrial (LA) function often occur before LA structural changes and clinically identified atrial fibrillation (AF). Little is known about the relationship between LA strain and the risk of subclinical atrial arrhythmias detected from extended ambulatory cardiac monitoring. Methods and Results A total of 1441 participants of MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) completed speckle-tracking echocardiography and cardiac monitoring during 2016 to 2018 (mean age, 73 years); participants in AF during echocardiography or during the entire cardiac monitoring period were excluded. Absolute values of LA reservoir, booster pump, and conduit strains were measured. We evaluated associations of LA strain with monitor-detected AF, premature atrial contractions, and supraventricular tachycardia. Primary analyses adjusted for demographic variables, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and clinical cardiovascular disease. Cardiac monitoring (median, 14 days) detected AF in 3%. Each SD (4.0%) lower (worse) LA booster pump strain was associated with 84% higher risk of monitor-detected AF (95% CI, 30%-162%), 39% higher premature atrial contraction frequency (95% CI, 27%-53%), and 19% higher supraventricular tachycardia frequency (95% CI, 10%-29%). Additional adjustment for NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), LA volume index, tissue Doppler a' peak velocity, left ventricular ejection fraction, and global longitudinal strain had little impact on associations. Findings were similar for LA reservoir strain and null for LA conduit strain. Conclusions In a multiethnic community-based cohort, impaired LA strain was an important correlate of subclinical atrial arrhythmias, even after adjustment for conventional measures of LA structure and function.

212 FATIGUE EXPERIENCED BY ADULTS WITH LONG-COVID WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH AN EMG-DERIVED MUSCLE FATIGUE INDEX

Abstract Background One of the most prominent challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic is the emergence of the post-COVID-19 syndrome or ‘long-COVID’ following the acute phase of the viral infection. With a plethora of debilitating symptoms across many physiological systems, the pathophysiology of long-COVID remains elusive and subject of intense research efforts. Adults with long COVID are often affected by prolonged fatigue, which could be linked to neuromuscular function impairment. We hypothesised that there might be a correlation between subjective fatigue and an Electromyograph(EMG)-derived muscle fatigue index in adults with long-COVID. Methods As part of a neuro-cardiovascular instability assessment protocol, participants were asked to squeeze the thigh muscles as hard as possible for ten seconds during both supine resting and after active and passive standing (head-up tilt) tests. Surface EMG was used to capture on each leg the physiological activity of the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris during the squeezes, from which the muscle fatigue index was computed based on both the mean and median frequencies of each 10-second maximum prompted muscle contraction. Using two-sided Spearman correlation coefficients, we examined the associations between the muscle fatigue indices and self-reported fatigue measured by the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ). Results 108 participants were included, 77 female and 31 male, with a mean age of 46 (range 25-78) years, 22% of whom were hospitalised in the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Strong intercorrelations were found between the muscle fatigue indices derived from the mean and median frequencies of thigh muscle contractions. However, no significant correlations were detected between the muscle fatigue indices and CFQ scores. Conclusion Self-reported fatigue as measured by the CFQ was not associated with an EMG-derived muscle fatigue index in this long-COVID cohort.

Physiological Effects of Condensed Tannins from Black Currant (Ribes nigrum L.) on Isolated Rat Duodenal Contraction

Condensed tannins (CTs) extracted from various plants have been shown to possess antioxidant, antidiabetic, anthelmintic, anti-palatable and anti-diarrhea activity. Black currant (Ribes nigrum L.), a native plant of northern Europe and Asia, is rich in phenolic compounds, including CTs. Among the biological activities of CTs, their astringent property is likely to affect gastrointestinal motility. This study aimed to investigate the physiological effect of CTs from black currant (R. nigrum L.) leaves on isolated rat duodenal contraction. Duodenal segments were fixed in organ baths containing carbogen aerated Krebs solution at the resting tension of 0.7 - 0.8 g. The frequency, amplitude, and tone of duodenal contraction were recorded. Either CTs or acetylcholine (ACh) were cumulatively added into the bath at the concentration of between 0.001 - 10 µg/mL and 10–8 - 10–4 M, respectively. The mechanisms of CTs and ACh actions were studied using muscarinic receptor antagonist (atropine, 1.55×10–5 M) and calcium channel blocker (verapamil, 10–6 M). It is found that CTs at the concentration between 0.001 - 10 µg/mL had no direct effect on duodenal frequency, amplitude, and tone of contraction, whereas ACh showed a significant increase in tonic contraction, was suppressed by atropine. Interestingly, in the presence of atropine and verapamil, CTs showed a further significant decrease in the amplitude of duodenal contraction compared to the effect of these 2 blockers alone. It is concluded that CTs would synergize the activity of the muscarinic receptor antagonist and the calcium channel blocker at duodenal enteric neurons or smooth muscle membrane. However, the use of CTs from black currant (R. nigrum L.) leaves to treat gastro-intestinal disorders while having muscarinic receptor antagonist or calcium channel blocker need cautions.&#x0D; HIGHLIGHTS&#x0D; &#x0D; Black currant (Ribes nigrum L.), a native plant of northern Europe and Asia, is rich in phenolic compounds including condensed tannins (CTs) and their astringent property is likely to affect gastrointestinal motility&#x0D; CTs isolated from leaves of black currant (R. nigrum L.) at the physiological doses (0.001 - 10.0 µg/mL) have no direct effect on isolated rat duodenal contraction&#x0D; CTs may possess the synergistic or additive effect with either atropine, a nonselective muscarinic receptor, or verapamil, a calcium channel blocker on duodenal amplitude of contraction&#x0D; &#x0D; GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Impact of Goreisan components on rat mesenteric collecting lymphatic vessel pumping.

Goreisan is a traditional herbal formulation with diuretic properties tested as a clinical therapeutic to alleviate lymphedema in Japan. The present study aimed to determine how Goreisan and its five different components affect lymphatic pump function. Mesenteric collecting lymphatics were isolated from anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats and mounted on resistance-matched glass micropipettes in a 37°C physiological salt solution bath for studies. Diameter was continuously measured to obtain the following lymphatic pump parameters: contraction frequency (CF), end diastolic diameter (EDD), and end systolic diameter (ESD), contraction amplitude (AMP), ejection fraction (EF), and fractional pump flow (FPF). Goreisan and each of its components (Cinnamomi Cortex, Atractylodis Rhizoma, Alismatis Rhizoma, Polyporus, and Poria) were applied to the bath at concentrations of 1-30 μg/mL. The results show that while Goreisan causes no significant changes to lymphatic pumping, Alismatis Rhizoma and Polyporus each significantly reduce CF and FPF. In addition, rats that received oral administration of Goreisan and Alismatis Rhizoma for 1 week had elevated expression of VEGFR-3 in their mesenteric collecting lymphatics. Collectively, the results suggest that some components of Goreisan have a direct, rapid impact on lymphatic pumping. These findings provide new insights but also raise new questions about the therapeutic potential of Goreisan in patients with secondary lymphedema.

Participation of KАТР-channels of plasma and mitochondrial membranes in the regulation of mechanokinetics of rat myometrium spontaneous contractions

Background. ATP-sensitive K+ channels of the plasma membrane in the smooth muscles of the uterus are one of the most significant ion channels that regulate the excitability of this tissue both in the non-pregnant state and during pregnancy. MitoKATР-channels ensure regulation of the bioenergetic state of mitochondria (the intensity of mitochondrial respiration and the potential of the inner mitochondrial membrane). Thus far, there is no information on the participation of both types of these channels in the regulation of the mechanokinetics of spontaneous contractions, therefore the aim of this work was to perform a complete mechanokinetic analysis of spontaneous contractions of rat myometrium under conditions of blocking and activation of ATP-sensitive K+-channels of the plasma membrane and blocking of mitoKATP-channels. Materials and Methods. Experiments were performed on female Wistar rats. The spontaneous activity of smooth muscle stripes of longitudinal smooth muscles of uterine horns was registered by the tenzometric method in the isometric mode. The experiments used the activator of ATP-sensitive K+-channels of the plasma membrane diazoxide (50, 100, 150 and 200 μM) and the blocker of these channels glibenclamide (1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 μM), as well as the blocker of ATP-sensitive mitochondrial K+-channels 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD, 50 µM). The study of mechanokinetics of the contraction-relaxation process of muscle preparations was carried out according to the method (Kosterin et al., 2021) with the calculation of the mechanokinetic parameters of the contraction-relaxation cycle: force (Fmax, FC, and FR), time (τ0, τC, and τR), impulse (Іmax, ІC, and ІR) and velocity parameters (VC and VR). Results. It was found that both blocking and activation of plasma membrane KATP-channels cause suppression of the amplitude, probably according to different cellular mechanisms of regulation of ion conductivity. Under the influence of glibenclamide, a significant decrease in the frequency and mechanokinetic parameters of spontaneous contractions of the myometrium was observed, which confirms the contribution of plasma membrane KATP-channels to maintaining the excitability of the myometrium of non-pregnant rats. Activation of plasma membrane KATP-channels by diazoxide caused a change in individual mechanokinetic parameters of spontaneous contractions of the myometrium. Under the action of the mitoKATP-channel blocker 5-HD, suppression of the amplitude and modulation of the mechanokinetic parameters of the contraction phase was observed without changes in the kinetics of the relaxation phase of spontaneous contractions. Conclusions. Thus, modulation of the KATP-channels of the plasma membrane and mitochondria is accompanied by the suppression of spontaneous contractions of the myometrium. Both types of KATP-channels are important regulators of myometrial excitability, however, unlike plasma membrane KATP-channels, mitoKATP-channels probably do not modulate the processes of extrusion of Ca2+ from the cytosol.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ADDITIONAL INTRAMUSCULAR LUTEAL PROGESTERONE SUPPORT IN WOMEN WITH ENDOMETRIAL CONTRACTILITY ON ULTRASOUND THE DAY PRIOR TO PROGRAMMED FROZEN EMBRYO TRANSFER

Increased contractility at the time of embryo transfer (ET) adversely affects embryo implantation and pregnancy rates in IVF (1). It has been postulated that the high uterine contraction frequency seen on the day of ET resulted from an insufficient response to the uterorelaxing properties of progesterone (2). Therefore, we decided to investigate the effectiveness of increasing luteal progesterone support based on endometrial contractility (EC) prior to programmed frozen embryo transfer (FET).

The Effect on Birth Pain and Process of the Freedom of Movement in the First Stage of Labor: A Randomized Controlled Study

Objective: To determine the effect of freedom of movement implemented in the dilatation stage, which is the first stage of labor, on the labor process in pregnant women who will give their first birth.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. The study consisted of 70 primiparous women, including 35 in the study group (SG) and 35 in the control group (CG). Freedom of movement was provided to the study group in the first stage of labor. Data were collected using a Personal Information Questionnaire, a Labor Assessment Form, and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for perceived pain.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: The SG was observed to be walking when dilatations were 4-7 cm and mostly squatting when 8-10 cm (94.2%). The level of effacement, frequency of contraction, and descent of the fetal head were faster (p

Genome-wide analyses identify SCN5A as a susceptibility locus for premature atrial contraction frequency

SummaryPremature atrial contractions (PACs) are frequently observed on electrocardiograms and are associated with increased risks of atrial fibrillation (AF), stroke, and mortality. In this study, we aimed to identify genetic susceptibility loci for PAC frequency. We performed a genome-wide association study meta-analysis with PAC frequency obtained from ambulatory cardiac monitoring in 4,831 individuals of European ancestry. We identified a genome-wide significant locus at the SCN5A gene. The lead variant, rs7373862, located in an intron of SCN5A, was associated with an increase of 0.12 [95% CI 0.08–0.16] standard deviations of the normalized PAC frequency per risk allele. Among genetic variants previously associated with AF, there was a significant enrichment in concordance of effect for PAC frequency (n = 73/106, p = 5.1 × 10−5). However, several AF risk loci, including PITX2, were not associated with PAC frequency. These findings suggest the existence of both shared and distinct genetic mechanisms for PAC frequency and AF.

Synergistic augmentation of rhythmic myogenic contractions of human stomach by arginine vasopressin and adrenaline: Implications for the induction of nausea.

Nausea is associated with the hormonal secretion of vasopressin and adrenaline, although their actions in inducing nausea is poorly understood. Here, we have investigated their actions on human stomach muscle. Muscle strips were suspended in tissue baths and neuronal-/non-neuronally-mediated contractions were measured. Custom software analysed eight motility parameters defining spontaneous phasic non-neuronally mediated contractions. Receptor distributions were assessed by qPCR and immunofluorescence. V1A receptors and α1 -adrenoceptors were located on muscle as well as interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). Myogenic contractions of human proximal and distal stomach (respectively, 2.6 ± 0.1 and 2.7 ± 0.0 per minute; n = 44) were larger in the distal area (1.1 ± 0.1 and 5.0 ± 0.1 mN), developing relatively slowly (proximal) or rapidly (distal). Vasopressin caused tonic (proximal) or short-lived (distal) increases in muscle tone and increased myogenic contraction amplitude, frequency and rate (acting at V1A receptors; thresholds 10-11 -10-10 M); by contrast, cholinergically mediated contractions were unaffected. Oxytocin acted similarly to vasopressin but less potently, at OT receptors). Adrenaline increased (10-10 -10-5 M; α1 -adrenoceptors) and decreased (≥10-6 M; β-adrenoceptors) muscle tone and enhanced/reduced myogenic contractions. Cholinergically mediated contractions were reduced (α2 -adrenoceptors). Combined, vasopressin (10-9 M) and adrenaline (10-8 M) increased muscle tone and phasic myogenic activity in a synergistic manner. Vasopressin and adrenaline increased human gastric tone and myogenic contraction amplitude, rate of contraction and frequency. In combination, their actions were further increased in a synergistic manner. Such activity may promote nausea.

Lymphatic Function Decreases over Time in the Arms of Breast Cancer Patients following Treatment

Background:In patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema, distinct lymphatic patterns and changed lymphatic contractile function have been described, but it is unknown how these characteristics change over time and to what extent they appear before clinical edema is detectable. Recently, we described the lymphatic morphology and function in a cohort of breast cancer patients shortly after radiation therapy (RT). In the current study, we investigate lymphatic function and morphology in the same cohort after 1 year of follow-up.Methods:The study population consisted of 28 breast cancer patients investigated 12 months after adjuvant locoregional RT. Lymphatic contraction frequency (CF), propulsion velocity, and the morphology of lymphatic vessels in the upper extremities were described in vivo using near-infrared fluorescence imaging. Lymphatic stress test was performed using hyperthermia.Results:At 1 year after RT, (n = 28) 46% of the patients presented with lymphatic morphological abnormalities with a degree of dermal backflow and 21% had developed clinical breast cancer-related lymphedema. In the ipsilateral arm, CF was 23% lower than in the contralateral arm (P = 0.04). Since primary examination, CF in the ipsilateral arm decreased by 40% (P = 0.03), whereas no change was observed in the contralateral arm. During hyperthermia, the ipsilateral arms with lymphatic complications were not able to increase CF as the remaining subgroups.Conclusions:Lymphatic function in the ipsilateral arm deteriorated over time after adjuvant breast cancer therapy. Furthermore, the presence of abnormal torturous lymphatic vessels in asymptomatic arms appeared to be associated with weak lymphatic reserve pumping capacity.

Human macrophages directly modulate iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes at healthy state and congenital arrhythmia model in vitro.

The electrophysiological regulation of cardiomyocytes (CMs) by the cardiac macrophages (MΦs) has been recently described as an unconventional role of MΦs in the murine heart. Investigating the molecular and physiological modulation of CM by MΦ is critical to understand the novel mechanisms behind cardiac disorders from the systems perspective and to develop new therapeutic approaches. Here, we developed an in vitro direct coculture system to investigate the cellular and functional interaction between human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) and monocyte-derived MΦs both in healthy-state and congenital arrhythmia disease model associated with SCN5A ion channel mutations. Congenital arrhythmia patient-derived (P) and healthy individual-derived control (C) monocytes and derived MΦs exhibited distinct M1- and M2-like polarization-related gene expression pattern. The iPSC-CMs and MΦs formed direct membrane contacts in cocultures demonstrated by time-lapse imaging, scanning electron microscopy, and immunolabeling. The intracellular Ca2+ transients were observed in iPSC-CMs and MΦs when in contact with each other. Interestingly, the C-MΦs in direct contact with C-CMs significantly accelerated the contraction rates, demonstrating the positive chronotropic effect of MΦs on healthy cardiac cultures. Furthermore, the MΦs carrying the SCN5A gene mutation significantly enhanced the arrhythmic events in both C-CMs and P-CMs, implying that the sodium channel mutation in the MΦ is important for the CM function. Importantly, when C-MΦs were coupled to tachycardic P-CMs, the contraction frequency drastically decreased, and rhythmicity enhanced implicating the amelioration of the disease phenotype in vitro. Consequently, our results indicated the functional regulatory role of MΦs on human iPSC-CM contractility by membrane contacts in a physiologically relevant in vitro coculture model of both steady-state and arrhythmia. Our findings could serve as a valuable source for the development of effective immunoregulatory therapies for cardiac arrhythmia in the future.

Frequency-dependent signaling in cardiac myocytes.

Background: Recent experimental data support the view that signaling activity at the membrane depends on its geometric parameters such as surface area and curvature. However, a mathematical, biophysical concept linking shape to receptor signaling is missing. The membranes of cardiomyocytes are constantly reshaped due to cycles of contraction and relaxation. According to constant-volume behavior of cardiomyocyte contraction, the length shortening is compensated by Z-disc myofilament lattice expansion and dynamic deformation of membrane between two adjacent Z-discs. Both morphological changes are strongly dependent on the frequency of contraction. Here, we developed the hypothesis that dynamic geometry of cardiomyocytes could be important for their plasticity and signaling. This effect may depend on the frequency of the beating heart and may represent a novel concept to explain how changes in frequency affect cardiac signaling. Methods: This hypothesis is almost impossible to answer with experiments, as the in-vitro cardiomyocytes are almost two-dimensional and flattened rather than being in their real in-vivo shape. Therefore, we designed a COMSOL multiphysics program to mathematically model the dynamic geometry of a human cardiomyocyte and explore whether the beating frequency can modulate membrane signal transduction. Src kinase is an important component of cardiac mechanotransduction. We first presented that Src mainly localizes at costameres. Then, the frequency-dependent signaling effect was studied mathematically by numerical simulation of Src-mediated PDGFR signaling pathway. The reaction-convection-diffusion partial differential equation was formulated to simulate PDGFR pathway in a contracting sarcomeric disc for a range of frequencies from 1 to 4 Hz. Results: Simulations exhibits higher concentration of phospho-Src when a cardiomyocyte beats with higher rates. The calculated phospho-Src concentration at 4, 2, and 1 Hz beat rates, comparing to 0 Hz, was 21.5%, 9.4%, and 4.7% higher, respectively. Conclusion: Here we provide mathematical evidence for a novel concept in biology. Cell shape directly translates into signaling, an effect of importance particularly for the myocardium, where cells continuously reshape their membranes. The concept of locality of surface-to-volume ratios is demonstrated to lead to changes in membrane-mediated signaling and may help to explain the remarkable plasticity of the myocardium in response to biomechanical stress.

Uterine contractile activity in healthy women throughout the menstrual cycle measured using a novel quantitative two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound speckle tracking method

Research questionTo explore normal uterine contractile function across the menstrual cycle using a novel quantitative ultrasound method. DesignThis multicentre prospective observational study took place in three European centres from 2014 to 2022. Uterine contraction frequency (contractions/minute), amplitude, direction (cervix-to-fundus, C2F; fundus-to-cervix; F2C), velocity and coordination were investigated. Features were extracted from transvaginal ultrasound recordings (TVUS) using speckle tracking. Premenopausal women ≥18 years of age, with normal, natural menstrual cycles were included. A normal cycle was defined as: regular (duration 28 ± 2 days), no dysmenorrhoea, no menometrorrhagia. Four-minute TVUS were performed during the menstrual phase, mid-follicular, late follicular phase, early luteal phase and/or late luteal phase. Of the 96 recordings available from 64 women, 70 were suitable for inclusion in the analysis. ResultsContraction frequency (for the posterior wall) and velocity (for the anterior uterine wall in the F2C direction) were highest in the late follicular phase and lowest in the menstrual and late luteal phases (1.61 versus 1.31 and 1.35 contractions/min, P < 0.001 and 0.81 versus 0.67 and 0.62 mm/s, P < 0.001, respectively). No significant difference was found for contraction amplitude. Contraction coordination (simultaneous contraction of the anterior and posterior walls in the same direction) was least coordinated in the mid-follicular phase (P = 0.002). ConclusionsThis is the first study to objectively measure uterine contraction features in healthy women during the natural menstrual cycle on TVUS. Likewise, it introduces contraction coordination as a specific feature of uterine peristalsis. Differences in uterine contractility across the menstrual cycle are confirmed, with highest activity seen in the late follicular phase, and lowest in the late luteal phase.

Extending the Bioavailability of Hydrophilic Antioxidants for Metal Ion Detoxification via Crystallization with Polysaccharide Dopamine.

Although metal ions, such as silver and gold, have been shown to have strong antimicrobial properties, their potential to have toxic effects on human and environmental health has gained interest with an improved understanding of their mechanisms to promote oxidative stress. Redox control is a major focus of many drug delivery systems and often incorporates an antioxidant as the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to neutralize overproduced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nevertheless, there are still limitations with bioavailability and extended redox control with regard to antioxidant drug delivery. Herein, this study develops a colloidal antioxidant crystal system that dissolves sustainably through polymer stabilization using sodium hyaluronate conjugated with dopamine (HA-dopa). We explore the role of dopamine incorporation into crystal-stabilizing polymers and quantify the balance between drug-polymer interactions and competing polymer-polymer interactions. We propose that this type of analysis is useful in the engineering of and provides insight into the release behavior of polymer-crystal complexes. In developing our crystal complex, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was used as the model antioxidant to protect against silver ion toxicity. We found that our optimized HA-dopa-stabilized NAC crystals prolong the release time of NAC 5-fold compared to a polymer-free NAC crystal. Therefore, following sublethal exposure to AgNO3, the extended lifetime of NAC was able to maintain normal intracellular ROS levels, modulate metabolic function, mitigate fluctuations in ATP levels and ATP synthase activity, and preserve contraction frequency in engineered cardiac muscle tissue. Furthermore, the protective effects of the HA-dopa-stabilized NAC crystals were extended to a Daphnia magna model where silver-ion-induced change to both cell-level biochemistry and organ function was alleviated. As such, we propose that the packaging of hydrophilic antioxidants as colloidal crystals drastically extends the lifetime of the API, better maintains ROS homeostasis post metal ion exposure, and therefore preserves both intracellular biochemistry and tissue functionality.

A Non-Invasive Sound Technology to Monitor Rumen Contractions.

Simple SummaryThe recording of rumen sounds can be an important tool to assess the health status of a herd, as the frequency and amplitude of rumen contractions are associated with the flow and fermentation patterns of feed particles in the ruminoreticulum compartment. In this technical report, using a wireless device (CURO MkII), we recorded high-quality rumen sound waves that differentiate rumen contractions between cows of different production statuses (dry cow vs. lactating cow) and physiological stages (pregnant vs. non-pregnant). We envision that the rumen sound recordings will be a new form of technology to detect the onset of metabolic diseases, such as acidosis and hypocalcemia, which usually cause changes in the physicochemical properties of the rumen environment and reduce the frequency of rumen contractions. However, this technology still needs further improvement and validation through recordings of rumen movements in animals experiencing metabolic diseases, which will enable early detection of the problem and reduce treatment costs and production losses.This technical report used a wireless device (CURO MkII) that recorded high-quality rumen sound waves from cows of different production statuses (dry cow vs. lactating cow) and physiological stages (pregnant vs. non-pregnant). Recordings from a dry Jersey heifer fed a diet based on haylage and straw showed a few high-amplitude spikes (3 at 6 dB) but mostly infrequent signals (9 at 12 dB and 22 at 18 dB), with pauses of approx. 2 min with no rumen sounds in between. Analysis of a few individual spikes in the 12 dB range showed that wave frequencies ranged from 230 to 250 Hz and lasted 4 s. Recordings of the high-yielding Red Danish cow fed a total mixed ration (TMR) showed an almost constant frequency of the rumen sounds with considerable amplitude of the waves. Rumen sounds from the Red Danish dry and pregnant cow fed on TMR were less frequent, with a lower amplitude than those from the high-yielding cow. These preliminary results demonstrate that wireless sound recording units are capable of measuring rumen sounds in a production setting and can discern between animals of different production and physiological stages, but more studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Propagation of Pacemaker Activity and Peristaltic Contractions in the Mouse Renal Pelvis Rely on Ca2+-activated Cl- Channels and T-Type Ca2+ Channels.

The process of urine removal from the kidney occurs via the renal pelvis (RP). The RP demarcates the beginning of the upper urinary tract and is endowed with smooth muscle cells. Along the RP, organized contraction of smooth muscle cells generates the force required to move urine boluses toward the ureters and bladder. This process is mediated by specialized pacemaker cells that are highly expressed in the proximal RP that generate spontaneous rhythmic electrical activity to drive smooth muscle depolarization. The mechanisms by which peristaltic contractions propagate from the proximal to distal RP are not fully understood. In this study, we utilized a transgenic mouse that expresses the genetically encoded Ca2+ indicator, GCaMP3, under a myosin heavy chain promotor to visualize spreading peristaltic contractions in high spatial detail. Using this approach, we discovered variable effects of L-type Ca2+ channel antagonists on contraction parameters. Inhibition of T-type Ca2+ channels reduced the frequency and propagation distance of contractions. Similarly, antagonizing Ca2+-activated Cl- channels or altering the transmembrane Cl- gradient decreased contractile frequency and significantly inhibited peristaltic propagation. These data suggest that voltage-gated Ca2+ channels are important determinants of contraction initiation and maintain the fidelity of peristalsis as the spreading contraction moves further toward the ureter. Recruitment of Ca2+-activated Cl- channels, likely Anoctamin-1, and T-type Ca2+ channels are required for efficiently conducting the depolarizing current throughout the length of the RP. These mechanisms are necessary for the efficient removal of urine from the kidney.

Effects of low-dose sodium nitrite on the structure of yak meat myoglobin during wet curing.

The effects of low doses of sodium nitrite on yak meat colouring, myoglobin oxygenation status, myoglobin aggregation and myoglobin structure were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, laser micro-Raman spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that the yak meat redness value increased steadily relative to that of the control after the addition of low dose sodium nitrite. The nitrosomyoglobin level gradually increased and was significantly higher in the sodium nitrite-treated group than in the control group. The secondary structures were also transformed. The Cα-N bond extended and then contracted, the area of the haem core decreased and then increased and the frequency of contraction increased. A total of 34 nitrosylated peptides were identified, of which 15 were stable and 19 were unstable. These findings show that low doses of sodium nitrite facilitated the dynamic transformation of the myoglobin nitrosylated peptide fragment, which in turn preserved the colour of the meat.

Multifunctional Imaging of Vessels, Brown Adipose Tissue, and Bones in the Visible and Second Near-infrared Region Using Dual-Emitting Polymer Dots.

Dual-emitting polymer dots (dual-Pdots) in the visible and second near-infrared (NIR-II) region can facilitate the high-resolution imaging of the fine structure and improve the signal-to-noise ratio in in vivo imaging. Herein, combining high brightness of Pdots and multi-scale imaging, we synthesized dual-Pdots using a simple nano-coprecipitation method and performed multi-functional imaging of vessels, brown adipose tissue, and bones. Results showed that in vivo blood vessel imaging had a high resolution of up to 5.9 μm and bone imaging had a signal-to-noise ratio of 3.9. Moreover, dual-Pdots can accumulate in the interscapular brown adipose tissue within 2 min with a signal-to-noise ratio of 5.8. In addition, the prepared dual-Pdots can image the lymphatic valves and the frequency of contraction. Our study provides a feasible method of using Pdots as nanoprobes for multi-scale imaging in the fields of metabolic disorders, skeletal system diseases, and circulatory systems.