26 research outputs found

    Control of mitochondrial motility and distribution by the calcium signal: a homeostatic circuit.

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    Mitochondria are dynamic organelles in cells. The control of mitochondrial motility by signaling mechanisms and the significance of rapid changes in motility remains elusive. In cardiac myoblasts, mitochondria were observed close to the microtubular array and displayed both short- and long-range movements along microtubules. By clamping cytoplasmic [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]c) at various levels, mitochondrial motility was found to be regulated by Ca2+ in the physiological range. Maximal movement was obtained at resting [Ca2+]c with complete arrest at 1-2 microM. Movement was fully recovered by returning to resting [Ca2+]c, and inhibition could be repeated with no apparent desensitization. The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate- or ryanodine receptor-mediated [Ca2+]c signal also induced a decrease in mitochondrial motility. This decrease followed the spatial and temporal pattern of the [Ca2+]c signal. Diminished mitochondrial motility in the region of the [Ca2+]c rise promotes recruitment of mitochondria to enhance local Ca2+ buffering and energy supply. This mechanism may provide a novel homeostatic circuit in calcium signaling

    Surface acoustic wave generation and detection in quantum paraelectric regime of SrTiO3_3-based heterostructure

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    Strontium titanate (STO), apart from being a ubiquitous substrate for complex-oxide heterostructures, possesses a multitude of strongly-coupled electronic and mechanical properties. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) generation and detection offers insight into electromechanical couplings that are sensitive to quantum paraelectricity and other structural phase transitions. Propagating SAWs can interact with STO-based electronic nanostructures, in particular LaAlO3_3/SrTiO3_3 (LAO/STO). Here we report generation and detection of SAW within LAO/STO heterointerfaces at cryogenic temperatures (T≥T\ge~2 K) using superconducting interdigitated transducers (IDTs). The temperature dependence shows an increase in the SAWs quality factor that saturates at T≈8T\approx 8 K. The effect of backgate tuning on the SAW resonance frequency shows the possible acoustic coupling with the ferroelastic domain wall evolution. This method of generating SAWs provides a pathway towards dynamic tuning of ferroelastic domain structures, which are expected to influence electronic properties of complex-oxide nanostructures. Devices which incorporate SAWs may in turn help to elucidate the role of ferroelastic domain structures in mediating electronic behavior

    PO-249 Does High Serum MG53 Level Associates with Better Cardiorespiratory Function? There is no full text article associated whit this abstract

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    Objective To investigate the association between the endogenous human serum MG53 level and cardio-respiratory function in response to graded exercise test (GXT). Methods Sixteen healthy male volunteers (23.1±2.9yrs, 169.5±6.0cm in height, 63.2±5.9kg in weight, 12.2±3.1% in %FAT, 53.2±5.4ml/min/kg in VO2max) fully acknowledged and signed informed consent and participated in this study. Fasting blood samples were drawn before each VO2max test, serum MG53 was measured by ELISA kits (LifeSpan, USA). Two VO2max tests were performed on each of these sixteen participants with cycle ergometer, and they had a 7 weeks regular physical training (all individuals performed a same routine summer camp exercise training) between the two tests. Difference between groups was determined by UNIANOVA and the correlation coefficient (r) between the cardiorespiratory parameters and serum MG53 value was determined by pearson test. Results Results were divided into 3 groups according to serum MG53 levels, they are Low serum MG53 (n=5, 0.60±0.45 ng/ml) group (L), Medium serum MG53 (n=6, 2.08±0.75 ng/ml) group (M) and High serum MG53 (n=4, 4.23±1.80 ng/ml) group (H). There is no significant difference between M and L when comparing end tidal gas component. However, we found M had higher red blood cell count (RBC) than L (4.98±0.22 vs 4.65±0.31 *1012/L, p<0.01), higher hemoglobin (Hb) than L (155.3±7.6 vs 141. 5±8.1 g/L, p<0.01), and higher hematocrit (HCT) than L (46.6±2.1 vs 43.1±2.6 %, p<0.01). Moreover, we found that H had higher ventilation threshold (VT) than L (47.5±6.5 vs 38.6±3.9 ml/min/kg, p<0.01) and M (47.5±6.5 vs 42.5±2.8 ml/min/kg, p<0.05). Similarly, we found H had higher VO2max than L (59.6±4.7 vs 51.6±6.7 ml/min/kg, p<0.05), higher workload at VT than L (13.2±3.7 vs 11.1±1.7 Watts, p<0.05), higher RBC than L (5.20±0.18 vs 4.65±0.31 *1012/L, p<0.01), higher Hb than L (158.8±4.2 vs 141. 5±8.1 g/L, p<0.01), and higher HCT than L (47.4±1.5 vs 43.1±2.6 %, p<0.01 ). Correlation analysis demonstrated that VO2max(r=0.43, p<0.05), workload at VT (r=0.41, p<0.05), RBC (r=0.53, p<0.01), Hb (r=0.57, p<0.01) and HCT (r=0.47, p<0.01) are positively correlated with Serum MG53. Conclusions It suggested that human serum MG53 level might be positively correlated with cardiorespiratory parameters that have been tested (e.g. VO2max, workload at VT, RBC, HCT and Hb). &nbsp

    PL - 029 Responses of Urine and Blood Biochemical Markers to Exercise-induced Body Fluid Losses in Elite Chinese Road Cyclists

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    Objective To examine biochemistry parameters regarding exercise induced fatigue, e.g. Sweat Loss (SL), Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Blood Urinary Nitrogen (BUN), etc. Methods This study examined Sweat Loss and blood biochemistry biomarkers regarding fatigue and muscle injury among elite cyclists under a training mode of 120 min moderate workload at 50 - 70% VO2max, then, 10 min relaxation, and then, followed up with a 20 min of spinning session over 85% VO2max. 12 healthy elite Chinese male cyclists (22.6 ± 2.9 years old, 78.3 ± 5.7 kg in weight, 184.6 ± 4.3 cm in height) were recruited. They performed four exercise performance tests throughout this study with 15 days washout period in between. Blood serum tests and urine tests were taken both pre- and post-exercise tests, and dynamic cardio-respiratory hardware (MetaMax 3B, Cortex Biophysik, Germany) was applied during each of their test. There were 2 different sport beverages available. The fluid replacement plan was a double blind crossover design. The volume of fluid intake was in accordance with ACSM recommendation for fluid replacement. Those who were assigned with sport beverage A (6% carbohydrate with 1% peptide) for the first and second performance tests, will be re-assigned to sport beverage B (6% carbohydrate without peptide) for the third and fourth performance tests, vice versa. Notes were taken for the volume of fluid intake to calculate the estimated Sweat Loss. Results We found 91.7% trials have increased LDH, 88.9% trials have increased CK, and 100% trials have been observed increased BUN right after exercise performance test. Even with sufficient water supply, athletes hydration status were getting worse after exercise performance test, their urine USG results were 1.024 ± 0.006 and 1.027 ± 0.006 for pre- and post-exercise performance test respectively. Their dehydration status quantified by the percentage change in body mass (%BM) was 1.86% ± 1.03% with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 1.57% to 2.15%. Conclusions Though, with sufficient water supply, athletes hydration status were getting worse after exercise performance test considering Sweat Loss and blood biochemistry indicators regarding fatigue and muscle injury

    Effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on serum 25(OH)D concentration and strength in athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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    Background The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on skeletal muscle strength in athletes. Vitamin D3 supplements or vitamin D3 fortified foods always have claims for bringing people health benefits including bone and muscle health. An up-to-date rigorous systematic review and meta-analysis is important to better understand the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on muscle strength. Methods English written randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that looked at effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on muscle strength in healthy athletes were searched using three databases (PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library). Serum 25(OH)D above 30 ng/mL is considered to be sufficient in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Results Five RCTs with 163 athletes (vitamin D3 n = 86, placebo n = 77) met inclusion criteria. Fourteen athletes were lost to follow-up and 149 athletes (vitamin D3 n = 80, placebo n = 69) were documented with complete result. Among athletes with baseline serum 25(OH)D values suggesting insufficiency, vitamin D3 daily dosage at 5000 IU for over 4 weeks led to a serum 25(OH)D concentration of 31.7 ng/mL. Athletes with sufficient serum 25(OH)D level at baseline were recruited in only one study, and the participants of which were assigned to either vitamin D3 at a daily dosage of 3570 IU or placebo for 12 weeks, their serum 25(OH)D sufficiency (VD: 37.2 ± 7.6 vs. 45.6 ± 7.6; PL: 38 ± 6.8 vs. 32 ± 8.4) was well maintained above the cut-off boundary. One repetition maximum Bench Press (1-RM BP) was not improved significantly (SMD 0.07, 95% CI: − 0.32 to 0.47, P = 0.72) and there was no significant increase in maximal quadriceps contraction (SMD -2.14, 95% CI: − 4.87 to 0.59, P = 0.12). Furthermore, there was no significant overall effect of vitamin D3 intervention on muscle strength in this meta-analysis (SMD -0.75, 95% CI: − 1.82 to 0.32, P = 0.17). Conclusion Although, serum 25(OH)D concentrations after supplementation reached sufficiency was observed, muscle strength did not significantly improve at this point of current meta-analysis. Additional well-designed RCTs with large number of participants examined for the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on serum 25(OH)D concentrations, muscle strength in a variety of sports, latitudes and diverse multicultural populations are needed

    Confirmation of ‘Pollen- and Seed-Specific Gene Deletor’ System Efficiency for Transgene Excision from Transgenic <i>Nicotiana tabacum</i> under Field Conditions

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    The commercial application of genetically modified plants has been seriously impeded by public concern surrounding the potential risks posed by such plants to the ecosystem and human health. Previously, we have developed a ‘pollen- and seed-specific Gene Deletor’ system that automatically excised all transgenes from the pollen and seeds of greenhouse-grown transgenic Nicotiana tabacum. In this study, we conducted seven field experiments over three consecutive years to evaluate the stability of transgene excision under field conditions. Our results showed that transgenes were stably excised from transgenic Nicotiana tabacum under field conditions with 100% efficiency. The stability of transgene excision was confirmed based on PCR, as well as the GUS staining patterns of various organs (roots, leaves, petiole, stem, flower, fruit, and seeds) from transgenic N. tabacum. In six transgenic lines (D4, D10, D31, D56, and D43), the transgenes were stably deleted in the T0 and T1 generations. Thus, the ‘Gene Deletor’ system is an efficient and reliable method to reduce pollen- and seed-mediated unintentional gene flow. This system might help to alleviate the food safety concerns associated with transgenic crops

    Supplementation with food-derived oligopeptides promotes lipid metabolism in young male cyclists: a randomized controlled crossover trial

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    Background Accumulation of body fat and dyslipidemia are associated with the development of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. Moreover, the degree to which lipids can be metabolized has been cited as a determinant of cardiometabolic health and prolonged endurance capacity. In the backdrop of increasing obesity and cardiometabolic diseases, lipid metabolism and its modulation by physical activity, dietary adjustments, and supplementation play a significant role in maintaining health and endurance. Food-derived oligopeptides, such as rice and soybean peptides, have been shown to directly regulate abnormal lipid metabolism or promote hypolipidemia and fat oxidation in cell culture models, animal models, and human studies. However, whether supplementation with oligopeptides derived from multiple food sources can promote lipid degradation and fat oxidation in athletes remains unclear. Therefore, in a randomized controlled crossover trial, we investigated the impact of food-derived oligopeptide supplementation before and during exercise on lipid metabolism in young male cyclists. Methods Sixteen young male cyclists (age: 17.0 ± 1.0 years; height: 178.4 ± 6.9 cm; body mass: 68.7 ± 12.7 kg, body mass index: 21.5 ± 3.4 kg/m2; maximum oxygen uptake: 56.3 ± 5.8 mL/min/kg) participated in this randomized controlled crossover trial. Each participant drank two beverages, one containing a blend of three food-derived oligopeptides (treatment, 0.5 g/kg body weight in total) and the other without (control), with a 2-week washout period between two experiments. The cyclists completed a one-day pattern protocol that consisted of intraday fasting, 30 min of sitting still, 85 min of prolonged exercise plus a 5-min sprint (PE), a short recovery period of 60 min, a 20-min time trial (TT), and recovery till next morning. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses of serum lipids and other biomarkers. We analyzed plasma triglyceride species (TGs), free amino acids (FAAs), and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates using omics methods. In addition, exhaled gas was collected to assess the fat oxidation rate. Results Five of 20 plasma FAAs were elevated pre-exercise (pre-Ex) only 20 min after oligopeptide ingestion, and most FAAs were markedly increased post PE and TT. Serum levels of TG and non-esterified fatty acids were lower in the experimental condition than in the control condition at the post PE and TT assessments, respectively. Further, the omics analysis of plasma TGs for the experimental condition demonstrated that most TGs were lower post PE and at the next fasting when compared with control levels. Simultaneously, the fat oxidation rate began to increase only 20 min after ingestion and during the preceding 85 min of PE. Levels of TCA cycle intermediates did not differ between the conditions. Conclusions The study noted that continuous ingestion of food-derived oligopeptides accelerated total body triglyceride breakdown, non-esterified fatty acid uptake, and fat oxidation during both sedentary and exercise states. Elevated circulating and intracellular FAA flux may modulate the selection of substrates for metabolic pathways in conjunction with the release of neuroendocrinological factors that slow down carbohydrate metabolism via acetyl coenzyme A feedback inhibition. This may increase the availability of fatty acids for energy production, with FAAs supplying more substrates for the TCA cycle. The findings of this study provide novel insight into strategies for promoting lipid metabolism in populations with dyslipidemia-related metabolic disorders such as obesity and for improving physiological functioning during endurance training. However, the absence of a non-exercising control group and verification of long-term supplementation effects was a limitation. Future studies will emphasize the impacts of whole protein supplementation as a control and of combined food-derived peptides or oligopeptides with probiotics and healthy food components on lipid metabolism in individuals who exercise

    Effects of constraint between filaments on the radial compression properties of poly (l-lactic acid) self-expandable braided stents

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    With the application of bioresorbable materials in self-expandable braided stent, current analytical model for radial compression property of the stent is not applicative if considering the constraint between the polymeric filaments. Poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA) is one of the broadly used bioresorbable materials in stents due to its superior biocompatibility and mechanical properties. The radial compression properties of PLLA braided stents were investigated by considering two types of constraints between filaments in this work. Weak constraint indicates the friction between filaments of PLLA stents and strong constraint indicates the close looped end (extremity configuration) of PLLA stents. It is found that the radial stiffness can be enhanced by two types of constraints, and strong constraint improves the peak compression force slightly in the radial compression behavior of PLLA braided stents. This work provides suggestions for the study of PLLA braided stents theoretical development
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