Association between muscle strength and executive function in Tibetan adolescents at high altitude in China: Results from a cross‐sectional study at 16–18 years of age

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Abstract

Background

In recent years, adolescents have shown a trend of decreasing muscle strength, especially in the upper limbs, and it affects the development of executive functions. However, few studies have been conducted on Tibetan adolescents in high-altitude regions of China. To this end, this study investigated upper limb muscle strength and executive function in Tibetan adolescents in Tibetan regions of China and analyzed the association between them.

Methods

A three-stage stratified whole-group sampling method was used to test and investigate grip strength, executive function, and basic information in 1093 Tibetan adolescents from Tibet, a high-altitude region of China. A chi-square test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare the basic status and executive function of Tibetan adolescents with different muscle strength. Multiple linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the correlations that existed between muscle strength and each sub-function of executive function.

Results

The differences between the inconsistently and congruent reaction times of Tibetan adolescents with different grip strength levels (<P 25, P 25-75, >P 75) at high altitude in China were statistically significant (F-values of 32.596 and 31.580, respectively; P-values <.001). The differences between the 1-back and 2-back response times for the refresh memory function were also statistically significant (F-values of 9.055 and 6.610, respectively; P-values <.01). Linear regression analysis showed that after adjusting for the relevant covariates, the 1-back reaction time of Tibetan adolescents in the grip strength < P 25 group increased by 91.72 ms (P < .01); the 2-back reaction time of Tibetan adolescents in the grip strength < P 25 group increased by 105.25 ms (P < 0.01), using grip strength > P 75 as the reference group. Logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for relevant covariates, Tibetan adolescents in the grip strength < P 25 group had a higher risk of developing 2-back dysfunction (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.24,2.88), using grip strength >P 75 as the reference group (P < .01). The risk of cognitive flexibility dysfunction (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.98) was also increased (P < .05).

Conclusion

There was a significant correlation between grip strength and executive function of refresh memory function and cognitive flexibility in Tibetan adolescents in high altitude areas of China. Those with higher upper limb muscle strength had shorter reaction time, that is, better executive function. In the future, we should focus on improving the upper limb muscle strength of Tibetan adolescents at high altitude in China to better promote the development of executive function.

The influence of redox modulation on hypoxic endothelial cell metabolic and proteomic profiles through a small thiol‐based compound tuning glutathione and thioredoxin systems

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The influence of redox modulation on hypoxic endothelial cell metabolic and proteomic profiles through a small thiol-based compound tuning glutathione and thioredoxin systems

The intracellular redox state of endothelial cells facing low oxygen and oxidative stress was regulated via the pro-glutathione molecule I-152, a co-drug of N-acetylcysteine and cysteamine. The principal redox couples, GSH/GSSG, and NAD(P)+/NAD(P)H were affected by hypoxia and in turn, modulated with I-152. Glutathione and thioredoxin-related pathways were enhanced after treatment and ROS production was alleviated. Strategies to fine-tune the redox balance could ameliorate the cell response to hypoxic environments.


Abstract

Reduction in oxygen levels is a key feature in the physiology of the bone marrow (BM) niche where hematopoiesis occurs. The BM niche is a highly vascularized tissue and endothelial cells (ECs) support and regulate blood cell formation from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). While in vivo studies are limited, ECs when cultured in vitro at low O2 (<5%), fail to support functional HSC maintenance due to oxidative environment. Therefore, changes in EC redox status induced by antioxidant molecules may lead to alterations in the cellular response to hypoxia likely favoring HSC self-renewal. To evaluate the impact of redox regulation, HUVEC, exposed for 1, 6, and 24 h to 3% O2 were treated with N-(N-acetyl-l-cysteinyl)-S-acetylcysteamine (I-152). Metabolomic analyses revealed that I-152 increased glutathione levels and influenced the metabolic profiles interconnected with the glutathione system and the redox couples NAD(P)+/NAD(P)H. mRNA analysis showed a lowered gene expression of HIF-1α and VEGF following I-152 treatment whereas TRX 1 and 2 were stimulated. Accordingly, the proteomic study revealed the redox-dependent upregulation of thioredoxin and peroxiredoxins that, together with the glutathione system, are the main regulators of intracellular ROS. Indeed, a time-dependent ROS production under hypoxia and a quenching effect of the molecule were evidenced. At the secretome level, the molecule downregulated IL-6, MCP-1, and PDGF-bb. These results suggest that redox modulation by I-152 reduces oxidative stress and ROS level in hypoxic ECs and may be a strategy to fine-tune the environment of an in vitro BM niche able to support functional HSC maintenance.

Skeletal, dental, and sexual maturation as an indicator of pubertal growth spurt

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Abstract

Objectives

The aims of this study were to determine the skeletal, dental, and sexual maturation stages of individuals at the peak of the pubertal growth spurt and to analyze the correlations between these parameters.

Methods

The study included 98 patients, 49 females (mean chronological age 12.05 ± 0.96 years) and 49 males (mean chronological age: 13.18 ± 0.86 years), in the MP3cap stage. Skeletal maturation stages were determined using the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method on lateral cephalometric radiographs. The Demirjian index was used to determine dental maturation stages and dental ages on panoramic radiographs. The sexual maturation of the patients was evaluated in the pediatric endocrinology clinic by a pediatrician according to the Tanner stages. The frequencies of the variables were determined, and the Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to analyze the correlations between the variables.

Results

It was determined that the cervical vertebral maturation stage was CS3 in 81.6% (n = 40) of both female and male patients, and 81.6% of the female and 89.8% of the male patients were in stage G in terms of mandibular second molar tooth development. According to the Tanner pubic hair staging, 73.5% of the male and 51.0% of the female patients were in Stage 3. A significant correlation was found between the cervical vertebra stages and mandibular second molar tooth development stages in both sexes and between the cervical vertebra and Tanner pubic hair stages only among the male patients (r = 0.357; p < .05). There was also a significant and strong correlation between the Tanner pubic hair stages and breast development stages (r = 0.715; p < .05).

Conclusion

Cervical vertebral development in the CS3 stage and mandibular molar tooth development in the G stage can be considered the peak of the pubertal growth spurt. Tanner Stage 3 marks the peak of the pubertal growth spurt in males.

Factors influencing the development of gastrointestinal tract and nutrient transporters’ function during the embryonic life of chickens—A review

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Abstract

Intestinal morphology and regulation of nutrient transportation genes during the embryonic and early life of chicks influence their body weight and feed conversion ratio through the growing period. The intestine development can be monitored by measuring villus morphology and enzymatic activity and determining the expression of nutrient transporters genes. With the increasing importance of gut development and health in broiler production, considerable research has been directed towards factors affecting intestine development. Thus, this article reviews (1) intestinal development during embryogenesis, and (2) maternal factors, in ovo administration, and incubation conditions that influence intestinal development during embryogenesis. Conclusively, (1) chicks from heavier eggs may have a better-developed intestine than chicks from younger ones, (2) in ovo supplementation with amino acids, minerals, vitamins or a combination of several probiotics and prebiotics stimulates intestine development and increases the expression of intestine mucosal-related genes and (3) the long storage period, improper incubation temperature and imbalanced ventilation can negatively influence intestinal morphology and nutrient transporters gene expression. Finally, understanding the intestine development during embryonic life will enable us to enhance the productivity of broilers.

Long‐term outcomes of drug‐induced autoimmune‐like hepatitis after pulse steroid therapy

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Long-term outcomes of drug-induced autoimmune-like hepatitis after pulse steroid therapy

Among the 405 patients who received pulse steroid therapy, five patients (1.2%) developed drug-induced autoimmune-like hepatitis (DI-ALH). Prednisolone was effective for DI-ALH due to pulse steroid therapy and could be safely withdrawn once remission was achieved.


Abstract

Aim

Pulse steroid therapy occasionally causes drug-induced autoimmune-like hepatitis (DI-ALH), but the long-term outcome of treated patients is not well known. In this study, we investigated the long-term outcomes of DI-ALH due to pulse steroid therapy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 405 patients treated with pulse high-dose methylprednisolone in Kurashiki Central Hospital. The frequency and clinicopathological characteristics of acute liver injury that occurred within 3 months after the therapy were analyzed. The diagnosis of DI-ALH was made according to the revised international autoimmune hepatitis group criteria.

Results

Among the 405 patients treated with methylprednisolone, 61 (15.1%) had acute liver injury after the pulse steroid therapy, and DI-ALH was diagnosed in five patients (1.2%). Absence of oral prednisolone tapering after the pulse steroid therapy was a significant risk factor for the subsequent development of DI-ALH (odds ratio 11.9; p = 0.017). One patient was treated with 3 days of intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisolone. Two patients were treated with glycyrrhizin followed by oral prednisolone due to ineffectiveness of glycyrrhizin. Remission was achieved with glycyrrhizin alone, and spontaneous remission without drug therapy occurred in one patient each. During the median follow-up period of 34 months, no relapse was evident in all the patients without maintenance therapy.

Conclusions

Pulse steroid therapy can cause DI-ALH, especially when subsequent prednisolone is not tapered. Prednisolone is effective for DI-ALH due to pulse steroid therapy, and can be safely withdrawn once remission is achieved.

Do contrasting socio‐ecological conditions bring difference in premenstrual syndrome and its concomitants? A sedente‐migrant comparative study from Eastern India

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Abstract

Objectives

We asked in our research whether the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its concomitants, differ between “sedente” and “migrant” populations hailing from the same ethnic group, owing to their living in contrasting socio-ecological conditions.

Methods

A total of 501 Oraon adolescents (sedente: 200, migrant: 301) were studied. Data on PMS was reported retrospectively using a list of 29 standard symptoms. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied on PMS. PCA, which resulted in six principal components (PC1 to PC6) were loaded with “behavioral and cognitive,” “negative mood,” “pain and fluid retention,” “vestibular and breast tenderness,” and “fatigue,” and/or “gastrointestinal” symptoms. Step-wise hierarchical regression was applied using migration status (step 1), socio-demographic (step 2), menstrual (step 3), and nutritional and lifestyle variables (step 4) as concomitants for each principal component.

Results

Significantly, a greater number of migrants reported PMS but of milder intensity, unlike the sedentes. Significant sedente-migrant differences were found in the concomitants for PMS. Multivariate analyses showed differential socio-demographic (occupational, educational and wealth status, religion), nutritional (dietary carbohydrate protein and fat, tea intake, body mass index, percent body fat, waist hip ratio, fat mass index), menstrual (age at menarche, cycle length, dysmenorrhoea) and anemic status of the sedentes and the migrants were significantly associated with PMS.

Conclusions

Sedente and migrant participants, despite hailing from the same ethnic group, sharply differed in the prevalence of PMS and its concomitants owing to their living in contrasting socio-ecological conditions.

Dietary omega‐3 fatty acids in the management of feline periodontal disease: What is the evidence?

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Abstract

Periodontal disease is an oral disorder with high prevalence in cats from 2 years of age, resulting from an inflammatory response against bacterial plaque. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease and may include dental scaling, local application of perioceutics, tissue regeneration and/or even tooth extraction and periodontal surgery. As multimodal therapy is often required, new strategies have been developed to improve the therapeutic response in these patients. Adjuvant use of omega-3 fatty acids has been reported in humans with periodontal disease, but the current evidence of its effect in companion animals, especially cats, is still considered to be scarce and conflicting. This review describes the state of the art regarding feline periodontal disease and seeks to clarify the potential effect of omega-3 fatty acids on its clinical management in light of the evidence available in the current literature.

Early life predictors of body composition trajectories from adolescence to mid‐adulthood

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Abstract

Objectives

Guatemala has experienced rapid increases in adult obesity. We characterized body composition trajectories from adolescence to mid-adulthood and determined the predictive role of parental characteristics, early life factors, and a nutrition intervention.

Methods

One thousand three hundred and sixty-four individuals who participated as children in a nutrition trial (1969–1977) were followed prospectively. Body composition characterized as body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), and fat-free mass indices (FFMI), was available at four ages between 10 and 55 years. We applied latent class growth analysis to derive sex-specific body composition trajectories. We estimated associations between parental (age, height, schooling) and self-characteristics (birth order, socioeconomic status, schooling, and exposure to a nutrition supplement) with body composition trajectories.

Results

In women, we identified two latent classes of FMI (low: 79.6%; high: 20.4%) and BMI (low: 73.0%; high: 27.0%), and three of FFMI (low: 20.2%; middle: 55.9%; high: 23.9%). In men, we identified two latent classes of FMI (low: 79.6%; high: 20.4%) and FFMI (low: 62.4%; high: 37.6%), and three of BMI (low: 43.1%; middle: 46.9%; high: 10.0%). Among women, self's schooling attainment inversely predicted FMI (OR [being in a high latent class]: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.97), and maternal schooling positively predicted FFMI (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.39). Among men, maternal schooling, paternal age, and self's schooling attainment positively predicted FMI. Maternal schooling positively predicted FFMI, whereas maternal age and paternal schooling were inverse predictors. The nutrition intervention did not predict body composition class membership.

Conclusions

Parents' age and schooling, and self's schooling attainment are small but significant predictors of adult body composition trajectories.

Nomilin and its analogue obacunone alleviate NASH and hepatic fibrosis in mice via enhancing antioxidant and anti‐inflammation capacity

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Nomilin and its analogue obacunone alleviate NASH and hepatic fibrosis in mice via enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammation capacity

Nomilin and obacunone exert beneficial effects on MCD-, BDL-, and CCl4-induced NASH mice. Nomilin and obacunone alleviate NASH and liver fibrosis via enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammation capacity.


Abstract

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatic fibrosis are leading causes of cirrhosis with rising morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently, there is no appropriate treatment for NASH and hepatic fibrosis. Many studies have shown that oxidative stress is a main factor inducing NASH. Nomilin (NML) and obacunone (OBA) are limonoid compounds naturally occurring in citrus fruits with various biological properties. However, whether OBA and NML have beneficial effects on NASH remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that OBA and NML inhibited hepatic tissue necrosis, inflammatory infiltration and liver fibrosis progression in methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated and bile duct ligation (BDL) NASH and hepatic fibrosis mouse models. Mechanistic studies showed that NML and OBA enhanced anti-oxidative effects, including reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) level, increase of catalase (CAT) activity and the gene expression of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and Nrf2-keap1 signaling. Additional, NML and OBA inhibited the expression of inflammatory gene interleukin 6 (Il-6), and regulated the bile acid metabolism genes Cyp3a11, Cyp7a1, multidrug resistance-associated protein 3 (Mrp3). Overall, these findings indicate that NML and OBA may alleviate NASH and liver fibrosis in mice via enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammation capacity. Our study proposed that NML and OBA may be potential strategies for NASH treatment.

Neuroendocrinology of the vase tunicate, Ciona intestinalis: consideration of the practical applications for the control of this invasive species

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Canadian Journal of Zoology, Ahead of Print.
The vase tunicate, Ciona intestinalis (Linnaeus, 1767), is a social but non-colonial ascidian that is implicated in biofouling of aquatic structures and destruction of the shellfish industry through competition for planktonic nutrients and substrate settling habitats. The sequencing of the C. intestinalis genome has provided insight into the phylogenetic origins of this species, indicating that this lineage and its allies represent a sister taxon to the chordates. Although the practical use of this genomic information at controlling this invasive species is equivocal, a number of new studies on the neurological and neuroendocrine aspects of C. intestinalis have suggested new molecular targets that may be exploited for practical applications on the control of C. intestinalis to protect and enhance the shellfish industry from this invasive species. As a result, we have developed a novel behavioural assay for C. intestinalis, which can be employed to investigate novel agents that inhibit growth and development in this species.