Clinical Efficacy and Molecular Mechanism of Nourishing Shen and Supplementing Marrow Principle in Treating β Thalassemia

Objective: To explore the possibility of using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating β thalassemia, its clinical effect and molecular mechanism of the action.Methods: According to the TCM theory of“Shen producing marrow”, the composite recipe, Yisui Shenxueling Granule (YSSXL), consisting of Chinese drugs for nourishing Shen and supplementing marrow (NS&SM) was given orally to 7 8 patients with β thalassemia (49 of the severe type and 29 of moderate type ), 3 times a day, 10 g each time (for children, the dose would be reduced proper ly), with 3 months as one therapeutic course, and no blood transfusion used in t he course. The clinical therapeutic efficacy and hematologic parameters in patie nts were observed, and systemic gene analysis was conducted with PAGE, PCR, PCR SSCP, RT PCR and DNA sequences analysis and mRNA detection, in order to s tudy the molecular mechanism from the relationships between genetic mutation and clinical efficacy, gene expression and its regulation. Results: YSSXL showed obvious therapeutic effect in treating β thalassemia. Gene analysis revealed that it did not change the genetic mutatio n type, but could obviously increase hemoglobin, fetal hemoglobin (HbF), γ/(β+ γ) globin ratio, γ globin mRNA expression and GM CSF mRNA expression in patients, as well as the GM CSFmRMA in marrow of mice after 60 Co radia tion. Conclusion: YSSXL has a remarkable therapeutic effect on β tha lassemia, and its possible mechanism is its action in unlocking γ gene, in creasing the γ globin expression and enhancing HbF synthesis so as to compe nsate for the gene defect. This study has opened a new path for the treatment of β thalassemia with TCM.

Delimiting the consolidation area for supplementing prime farmland with GIS technology

In view of the fact that consolidation area for supplementing prime farmland （CASPF） is a new concept proposed in the latest round of general land use planning in China, this paper proposes a new and integrated GIS- based technology for delimiting CASPF. Taking the advantage of the features of CASPF, a comprehensive evaluation indicator system for defining ordinary farmland as CASPF is established in this study, which covers 11 indicators, including slope, land plots connectivity, altitude, surface soil texture, and so on. With the help of the ideal-point method, ordinary farmland plots are sorted according to their evaluation scores in descending order. Based on the space analysis technique of GIS, high-ranking land plots are defined as CASPF reasonably.

TCM Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Supplementing the Kidney and Invigorating the Blood Circulation

The therapeutic effects in treating the intermediate and late rheumatoid arthritis by supplementing the kidney and invigorating blood circulation were observed. In the 43 cases of the treatment group, No. 2 Qu Feng Shi Ling capsules (祛风湿灵胶囊2号) and Fenbid (芬必得) were prescribed, while in the 39 cases of the control group Lei Gong Teng Tablets (雷公藤总甙片) and Fenbid were given. The results showed that the total effective rate in the treatment group was more satisfactory than that in the control (P<0.05 or P<0.01). With less toxic effects, the former could better improve the local swelling and lower the blood viscosity.

Effect of Chinese Herbs for Activating Blood Circulation,Removing Stasis and Supplementing Qi on the Circulating Endothelial Cells in Patients with Unstable Angina Pectoris

Objective: To observe the effect and clinical significance of circulating endothelial cells (CEC) in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease with unstable angina pectoris (CHD-UAP), and to explore the protective effect of Chinese herbs for activating blood circulation, removing stasis and supplementing Qi (CH) on CHD-UAP patient's CEC. Methods: Sixty patients with diagnosis of CHD-UAP confirmed and differentiated to be Qi-deficiency and blood stasis by TCM were randomly divided into two groups and treated, on the basis of Western drug-therapy, with Tongxinluo capsule (通心络胶囊, TXL) and Huoxue Tongmai capsule (活血通脉胶囊, HXTM) respectively by way of oral taking three times a day, 3 capsules every time, with 1 month as one therapeutic course. The number of CEC in patients' blood circulation was counted before and after treatment. Besides, the number of CEC in 30 healthy persons was also counted for control. Results: The number of CEC in CHD-UAP patients was significantly higher than that in the healthy persons (P<0.01). After the patients were treated with CH, either TXL or HXTM, it significantly decreased (P<0.01)with insignificant difference between the two treated groups. Conclusion: CEC in CHD-UAP patients is severely damaged and endothelial function in disorder, Chinese herbs have protective effect on patients' CEC.

The effect of Supplementing Qi and Nourishing Yin combined with chemotherapy for lung cancer： a meta-analysis

Objective： To evaluate whether herbs of supplementing Qi and nourishing Yin combined with chemotherapy （versus chemotherapy alone） improve survival, increase tumor response, improve performance status or reduce chemotherapy toxicity in patients with lung cancer. Methods： Searching the randomized controlled trials （RCT） studies from the databases （China HowNet database, Wan Fang database, VIP database, Master Thesis and Pubmed） between January 2013 and January 2017. RevMan 5.3 software was used to evaluate the quality of these collected papers. Results： Of 48 potentially relevant publications, 10 randomized studies representing 691 patients met inclusion criteria with 369 cases in the supplementing Qi and nourishing Yin plus Chemotherapy group （Herbs ＋ Chem group） and 322 cases in Chemotherapy group （Chem only group）. There were significant differences between Herbs ＋ Chem group and Chem only group in improving the treatment efficacy and reducing the side effects of chemotherapy （P 〈 0.001 for all）. There were also significant differences between the two groups in tumor response and quality of life （P 〈 0.001 for all）. Conclusion： Herbs of supplementing Qi and nourishing Yin may increase chemotherapy effectiveness, reduce chemotherapy toxicity and improve the quality of life of patients with lung cancer when combined with chemotherapy.

Increasing Conjugated Linoleic Acid Content in Milk and Cheese after Supplementing a Blend of Crude Soybean Oil Sediment Combined with Fish Oil to Grazing Dairy Cows

The aim of the work was to improve the healthy value of milk and cheese fatty acids (FA) by feeding a mix of crude soybean oil sediment (CSOS) combined with fish oil (FO) to grazing dairy cows. The CSOS is a by-product commonly discarded after oil extraction containing 3.3% moisture, 6% total ash and 70.7% oil, locally available, comparatively economic and easy to mix with other feed ingredients. The experiment lasted 55 days from September 30th to November 23th 2018 and was carried out at the dairy farm “Gacef” provider of milk to the dairy industrial plant “Capilla Del Señor” (CDS) located at the Villa María City, Córdoba Province, Argentine. A herd of 80 multiparous Holstein cows producing 24 kg-1 milk·cow-1·day-1 was used. The cows grazed an alfalfa and an oat pasture that represented about 47% of total dry matter (DM) intake supplemented at 8.5 kg DM·cow-1·day-1 with a total mixed ration (TMR) composed (DM basis) by cracked corn grain (35.18%), whole plant corn silage (31.98%), pelletized soyben meal (17.99%), the CSOS supplement (13.85%) and FO (0.99%). The TMR was supplied by halves after each milking time in groupal feeders yielding 1.4 kg·cow-1·day-1 of the CSOS and 0.1 kg·cow-1·day-1 of FO. Before the start of lipid supplementation, milk samples (5) were obtained from the farm-tank representing the standar or reference milk (Ref-Milk). After 21 days of supplementary lipid supply, additional milk samples (5) were obtained representing the modified milk (Mod-Milk). Milk samples were analyzed for chemical composition and milk FA profile. At each time, sufficient quantities of both (Ref- and Mod-Milk) were collected for manufacturing six types of cheeses. The results were analyzed through the Student-T test for independent observations. Oil supplementation did not modify (P > 0.05) the chemical composition of milk. Concentration of butyric acid (C4:0) in milk was not affected (P < 0.858). Concentration of total saturated FA (SFAs) in Ref-Milk averaged 58.83 g 100 g-1 FA and was decreased to 49.67 g 100 g-1 FA in Mod-Milk (P < 0.0001). Monounsaturated FA (MUFAs) increased (P < 0.001) from 32.03 g 100 g-1 FA in Ref-Milk to 38.13 g 100 g-1 FA in Mod-Milk (+19.07%) whereas polyunsaturated FA (PUFAs) increased (+36.1%) from 4.71 to 6.41 (P < 0.004). The Mod-Milk showed a significant (P < 0.002) reduction (-15.3% or 5.9 g 100 g-1 FA) for the total concentration of the potentially atherogenic fraction of milk FA (C12:0 to C16:0). The atherogenic index (AI) also decreased (P < 0.012) from 1.98 in Ref-Milk to 1.42 in Mod-Milk (-28.4%). Concentration of vaccenic acid (VA, trans-11 C18:1) in Mod-Milk averaged 7.77 g 100 g-1 FA which represented a 162 % increase (P < 0.0001) over that observed in Ref-Milk (2.95 g 100 g-1). Concentration of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, cis-9, trans-11 C18:2) in Ref-Milk averaged 1.47 g 100 g-1 FA and showed an important increase (P < 0.002) in the Mod-Milk (3.86 g 100 g-1 FA, +163%). The omega 6/3 ratio resulted lower (P < 0.012) in the Ref-Milk (2.28) compared to the Mod-Milk (2.83). Milk and cheese FA composition were highly correlated (R2 = 0.99, P < 0.0001). The Mod-Cheeses showed similar results in AI, total concentration of SFAs, MUFAs and PUFAs compared to the milk of origin. Differences in FA composition between the cheeses made with the Ref- and Mod-Milk were equivalent to those described for milks. It is concluded that supplementation with a blend of CSOS supplement and FO was an effective way to improve the healthy value of dairy products by reducing contents of SFAs, atherogenic FAs and the atherogenicity index with a concomitant increase in VA and CLA. Modifications induced in the Mod-Milk were recovered in the Mod-Cheeses. The results obtained may help to reduce saturated fat intake and fight or prevent incidence of non-communicable, cardiovascular and chronic diseases.

Effects of Supplementing Finger Millet (<i>Eleucine coracana</i>) Straw with Grass Pea (<i>Lathyrus sativus</i>L.) Hulls and Concentrate Mixture on Feed Intake, Digestibility and Body Weight Change in Washera Sheep

The productivity of sheep in Ethiopia is very low mainly due to a serious shortage of feedstuff. As a result, it is necessary to look for cheap locally available feedstuffs to sustain sheep production in the country. Non-conventional feeds like grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) hulls (GPH) could partly fill the gap in the feed supply, decrease competition for food between humans and animals and reduce feed cost. Therefore, this experiment was designed to evaluate effects of different proportions of grass pea hulls and concentrate mixture (CM) supplementation on feed intake, digestibility, and growth of Washera sheep fed finger millet straw (FMS) as a basal diet. Diets consisted FMS alone fed ad libitum (T1), 100% CM (T2), 30% GPH mixed with 70% CM (T3), 30% CM mixed with 70% GPH (T4), and 100% GPH (T5). For all treatments, FMS was fed ad libitum. Experimental sheep were arranged in a randomized complete block design and treatment feeds were assigned to the animals within a block. The results showed that FMS contained 5.5% CP and 68.9% NDF. The supplements contained 21%, 20%, 16% and 14% CP;and 36%, 43%, 52% and 59% NDF for T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. Supplementation improved (p < 0.0001) DM and nutrient digestibility. Average daily gain (ADG) was 60, 84, 51, and 28 g/day for T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively, which showed that T3 recorded the highest ADG and T5 resulted in the lowest ADG (p < 0.0001). While, animals in T1 lost a bodyweight of 5.6 g/day. As the proportion of GPH supplementation was greater than 30%, there was reduction (p < 0.05) in DM intake, DM and CP digestibility and consequently depressed ADG in sheep. Partial budget analysis results showed that net return and change in net return were in the order of T3 > T2 > T4 > T5. Therefore, from biological point of view as well as based on partial budget analysis, T3 was found to be recommendable for smallholder sheep producers.

The Innovative Model of Family Education Guidance of Guiding First,then Supplementing and Further Solidifying

In the new era a new more effective family education model can ease unbalanced and inadequate education development.In the new era,parents look forward to a more personalized,active and interactive form of family education guidance.This new guidance model will start with improving behavior by focusing on emotional behavior and cognition.The Roast can ease parents'anxiety,lectures and reading groups can supplement parents'knowledge,and mutual discussion,vicarious practice and teaching others can solidify a scientific and effective family education behavior.The family education guidance model of"guiding first,then supplementing and further solidifying"focuses on the participation of parents in the whole process,which can improve the effectiveness of family education guidance.

Supplementing Qi and activating blood circulation method to treat vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia with posterior circulatory watershed infarction:a case report of two patients

Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia(VBD),a rare posterior circulation vascular variant disease,is an important risk factor for many acute cerebrovascular diseases.An insufficient understanding of VBD often leads to misdiagnose.Two cases of VBD that were initially diagnosed as posterior circulation watershed infarction are reported here.Absence of common causes of stroke including hypoperfusion,blood system diseases,carotid and aortic dissection,and eosinophil elevation,the symptoms of the 2 patients met the diagnostic criteria of VBD.Both patients displayed symptoms that were in line with the Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)syndrome pattern of"Qi deficiency and blood stasis".Accordingly,they were comprehensively treated with Supplementing Qi and activating blood circulation method.The clinical manifestations of the 2 patients were remarkably improved and no recurrence of watershed infarction was found in a 1-year follow-up.A detailed medical history and laboratory examination are capable of improving diagnostic accuracy of VBD.TCM treatment based on syndrome identification might be a promising candidate for VBD management.

Effect of Chinese Drugs for Supplementing Qi,Nourishing Yin and Activating Blood Circulation on Myocardial Perfusion in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction after Revascularization

Objective:To observe the effects of Chinese drugs for supplementing qi,nourishing yin and activating blood circulation on the myocardial perfusion in acute myocardial infarction(AMI) patients after revascularization.Methods:Eighty patients with anterior or inferior ventricular wall AMI,who had received revascularization by intravenous thrombolysis or coronary bypass,were randomized into the treated group and the control group equally,both treated with conventional Western medical treatment,but combined,resp...

Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine for Nourishing Yin,Supplementing Qi,and Activating Blood on the Th1/Th2 Immune Balance in Peripheral Blood in Patients with Primary Sjogren's Syndrome

Objective： To observe the effect of Chinese herbal medicine for nourishing yin, supplementing qi, and activating blood on the expression of interferen- γ （IFN-γ,）/interleukin-4 （IL-4） in peripheral blood and disease activity in primary Sjogren＇s syndrome （pSS） patients, and to study the relationship between the immune balance of Th1/Th2 and the disease activity. Methods： A total of 66 pSS patients were randomized with tossing coins method into two groups： the integrative therapy group （34 cases） and the control group （32 cases）; and 28 healthy subjects were taken as the normal group. The integrative therapy group was treated by Chinese herbal medicines for nourishing yin, supplementing qi, and activating blood combined with hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets and the control group was treated with hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets. The treatment course was 3 months for both groups. The levels of serum immunoglobulin G （IgG）, erythrocyte sedimentation rate （ESR）, IFN-γand IL-4 in peripheral blood were measured before and after treatment. Results： Compared with the normal group, the levels of IgG, ESR, IFN- γ and IL-4 were significantly increased in pSS patients （P〈0.05）. Remarkably, after 3 months of treatment, these levels were dramatically decreased in both the integrative therapy group and the control group, although still higher than the normal group. The levels of IgG, ESR, IFN- and IL-4 in the integrative therapy group were lower than the control group and the same group before treatment （P〈0.05）. The ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 also significantly decreased after treatment. Moreover, the level of IFN- γ, and the ratio of IFN- γ/IL-4 in the integrative theraphy group were significantly lower than the control group （P〈0.05）. For all patients the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 before and after treatment was positive correlated with the levels of IgG and ESR. Conclusion： Chinese herbal medicine for nourishing yin, supplementing qi, and activating blood can alleviate the disease activity of pSS by regulating the immune balance of Th1/Th2.

Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicines for Nourishing Yin,Supplementing Qi,and Activating Blood on Reproductive Endocrine Activity and Immune Functions in Patients with Primary Sjogren's Syndrome

ABSTRACT Objective： To investigate the effect of Chinese herbal medicines for nourishing yin, supplementing qi, and activating blood on the reproductive endocrine-immune network and its mechanisms in patients with primary Sjogren＇s syndrome （pSS）. Methods： Seventy pSS patients were randomly assigned to two groups using a randomized digital table： the integrative therapy group （36 cases） and the control group （34 cases）. Thirty healthy subjects were taken as a normal group. The control group was treated with hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets alone, and the integrative therapy group was treated by Chinese herbal medicines for nourishing yin, supplementing qi, and activating blood combined with hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets. The treatment course was 6 months for both groups. Before and after treatment, serum estradiol （E2）, testosterone （T）, luteinizing hormone （LH）, prolactin （PRL） by radioimmunoassay and immunoglobulin （IgG） by immunodiffusion, erythrocyte sedimentation rate （ESR） by Westergren, interferon-γ （IFN-γ） and interleukin-4 （IL-4） by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay were determined. Results： E2 and T levels in all patients were lower than those of normal subjects before treatment （P〈0.05） and were increased significantly after 6-month treatment （P〈0.05）. ESR, FSH, LH, IgG, IFN - γ, IL - 4 and ratios of E2/T, and IFN --γ/IL in the patients were higher than those of normal subjects before the treatments （P〈0.05）, and were reduced significantly after the treatments （P〈0.05）. The T and IFN -γ levels and E2/T ratio in the patients treated with integrative therapy were reduced significantly compared with the control group （P〈0.05）. However, the PRL levels before and after treatment were not significantly changed in the two groups （P〉0.05）. The ratios of E2/T and IFN -γ/IL-4, and levels of IgG and ESR were positively correlated before and after treatment （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： The ratios of E2/T and IFN - γ/ IL-4 might be used as indicators of pSS activity. Chinese herbal medicines for nourishing yin, supplementing qi, and activating blood combined with Western medicine could improve the therapeutic effect by regulating the reproductive endocrine-immune network in pSS patients.

Protective Effect of Chinese Herbs for Supplementing Qi,Nourishing Yin and Activating Blood Circulation on Heart Function of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Objective： To investigate the effects of Chinese herbs for supplementing qi, nourishing yin and activating blood circulation on heart function of patients with acute coronary syndrome （ACS） after successful percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI）. Methods： One hundred patients with ACS after successful PCI were randomly assigned to a Western medicine （WM） treatment group （WMG） and a combined treatment group （CMG） treated by Chinese herbs for supplementing qi, nourishing yin and activating blood circulation, besides Western medicine treatment, with 50 cases in each group. Both treatment courses were 6 months. The follow- up was scheduled at baseline, 6 months and 1 year after PCI, and New York Heart Association （NYHA） functional class, Chinese medicine （CM） symptom scores, blood stasis syndrome scores, and major adverse cardiovascular events （MACE） were observed, serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） and hyper-sensitivity C-reactive protein （Hs-CRP） were measured, an echocardiogram was conducted to examine left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）, left ventricular end-diastolic volume （LVEDV）, left ventricular end-systolic volume （LVESV）, inter-ventricular septal thickness （IVST）, left ventricular posterior wall thickness （LVPWT）, and ventricular wall motion index （VWMI）. Results： Compared with the baseline, LVEF significantly increased （P〈0.01）, and CM symptom scores, blood stasis syndrome scores, VWMI, LVEDV, LVESV, NT-proBNP, and Hs-CRP all decreased （P〈0.01） in both groups at 6 months and at 1 year after PCI. There were no significant differences in all the above parameters at 1 year vs those at 6 months after PCI （P〉0.05）. VWMI, LVEDV, LVESV, NT-proBNP, Hs-CRP, LVEF, and CM symptom and blood stasis syndrome scores were all improved obviously in CMG than those in WMG （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01） at 6 months and at 1 year after PCI. There were no significant differences in NYHA functional class between CMG and WMG at different follow-up timepoints; it was notable that P value was 0.054 when comparing the cases of NYHA functional class between the two groups at 1-year follow-up. During the 1-year follow-up, 3 MACE and 11 MACE occurred in CMG and WMG, respectively; the MACE rate in CMG was lower than that in WMG （6% vs 22%, P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Chinese herbs for supplementing qi, nourishing yin and activating blood circulation could improve heart function, reduce the CM symptom scores and blood stasis syndrome scores, and decrease the incidence of MACE in patients with ACS after successful PCI.

Spleen-kidney supplementing formula alleviates insulin resistance via regulating AKT/glycogen synthase kinase 3β pathway in rats with type 2 diabetic induced by high-fat diet

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular mechanism underpinning the action by investigating its effect on glycogen content and AKT(also known as protein kinase B)/glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK-3β) pathway in the liver of rats with type 2 diabetic induced by high-fat diet.METHODS: The rat model of type 2 diabetes was induced by high-fat diet and multiple low-dose streptozotocin injection. Diabetic rats were divided into five groups: the model control group, the Metformin group, spleen-kidney supplementing formula groups of low, medium and high doses. Fasting blood glucose(FBG) levels were measured before treatment and every two weeks during treatment.After the treatment, oral glucose tolerance test was performed, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and C-peptide were measured to assess the formula's effect on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. The protein expression levels of AKT, GSK-3βand their phosphorylated forms in the liver were also measured to study the formula's role in insulin signaling pathway.RESULTS: Spleen-kidney supplementing formula significantly relieved the symptoms of polydipsia,polyuria and weight loss in type 2 diabetic rats, reduced FBG and HbA1c levels, increased glycogen content, and improved insulin sensitivity. The anti-diabetic effects of spleen-kidney supplementing formula are dose dependent. It also increased the total AKT protein level and the GSK-3β phosphorylation in the liver of type 2 diabetic rats.CONCLUSION: Spleen-kidney supplementing formula has hypoglycemic effect and relieves insulin resistance by enhancing AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway in the liver of type 2 diabetic rats.

Influence of TCM Therapy for Supplementing Pi(脾) and Nourishing Shen(肾) on Dendritic Cell Function in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Treated by Lamivudine

Objective:To observe the influence of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) therapy for supplementing Pi(脾) and nourishing Shen(肾,SPNS) on dendritic cell function in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treated by lamivudine.Methods:Sixty CHB patients with positive HBeAg were equally randomized by digital table into two groups:the observation group and the control group.Patients in the control group were treated with lamivudine only,while patients in the observation group were treated with lamivudine combine...

Dose-response effect of pre-exercise carbohydrates under muscle glycogen unavailability:Insights from McArdle disease

Background:This study aimed to determine the effect of different carbohydrate(CHO)doses on exercise capacity in patients with McArdle disease—the paradigm of“exercise intolerance”,characterized by complete muscle glycogen unavailability—and to determine whether higher exogenous glucose levels affect metabolic responses at the McArdle muscle cell(in vitro)level.Methods:Patients with McArdle disease(n=8)and healthy controls(n=9)underwent a 12-min submaximal cycling constant-load bout followed by a maximal ramp test 15 min after ingesting a non-caloric placebo.In a randomized,double-blinded,cross-over design,patients repeated the tests after consuming either 75 g or 150 g of CHO(glucose:fructose=2:1).Cardiorespiratory,biochemical,perceptual,and electromyographic(EMG)variables were assessed.Additionally,glucose uptake and lactate appearance were studied in vitro in wild-type and McArdle mouse myotubes cultured with increasing glucose concentrations(0.35,1.00,4.50,and 10.00 g/L).Results:Compared with controls,patients showed the“classical”second-wind phenomenon(after prior disproportionate tachycardia,myalgia,and excess electromyographic activity during submaximal exercise,all p<0.05)and an impaired endurance exercise capacity(-51%ventilatory threshold and55%peak power output,both p<0.001).Regardless of the CHO dose(p<0.05 for both doses compared with the placebo),CHO intake increased blood glucose and lactate levels,decreased fat oxidation rates,and attenuated the second wind in the patients.However,only the higher dose increased ventilatory threshold(+27%,p=0.010)and peak power output(+18%,p=0.007).In vitro analyses revealed no differences in lactate levels across glucose concentrations in wild-type myotubes,whereas a doseresponse effect was observed in McArdle myotubes.Conclusion:CHO intake exerts beneficial effects on exercise capacity in McArdle disease,a condition associated with total muscle glycogen unavailability.Some of these benefits are dose dependent.

Role of copper chelating agents: between old applications and new perspectives in neuroscience

The role of copper element has been an increasingly relevant topic in recent years in the fields of human and animal health, for both the study of new drugs and innovative food and feed supplements. This metal plays an important role in the central nervous system, where it is associated with glutamatergic signaling, and it is widely involved in inflammatory processes. Thus, diseases involving copper(Ⅱ) dyshomeostasis often have neurological symptoms, as exemplified by Alzheimer's and other diseases(such as Parkinson's and Wilson's diseases). Moreover, imbalanced copper ion concentrations have also been associated with diabetes and certain types of cancer, including glioma. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive overview of recent results that show the importance of these metal ions in several pathologies, mainly Alzheimer's disease, through the lens of the development and use of copper chelators as research compounds and potential therapeutics if included in multi-target hybrid drugs. Seeing how copper homeostasis is important for the well-being of animals as well as humans, we shortly describe the state of the art regarding the effects of copper and its chelators in agriculture, livestock rearing, and aquaculture, as ingredients for the formulation of feed supplements as well as to prevent the effects of pollution on animal productions.

A systematic scoping review of study methodology for randomized controlled trials investigating probiotics in athletic and physically active populations

Background:The purported ergogenic and health effects of probiotics have been a topic of great intrigue among researchers,practitioners,and the lay public alike.There has also been an increased research focus within the realm of sports science and exercise medicine on the athletic gut microbiota.However,compared to other ergogenic aids and dietary supplements,probiotics present unique study challenges.The objectives of this systematic scoping review were to identify and characterize study methodologies of randomized controlled trials investigating supplementation with probiotics in athletes and physically active individuals.Methods:Four databases(MEDLINE,CINAHL,Cochrane CENTRAL,and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)were searched for randomized controlled studies involving healthy athletes or physically active individuals.An intervention with probiotics and inclusion of a control and/or placebo group were essential.Only peer-reviewed articles in English were considered,and there were no date restrictions.Results were extracted and presented in tabular form to detail study protocols,characteristics,and outcomes.Bias in randomized controlled trials was determined with the RoB 2.0 tool.Results:A total of 45 studies were included in the review,with 35 using a parallel group design and 10 using a cross-over design.Approximately half the studies used a single probiotic and the other half a multi-strain preparation.The probiotic dose ranged from 2×10^(8)to 1×10^(11)colony forming units daily,and the length of intervention was between 7 and 150 days.Fewer than half the studies directly assessed gastrointestinal symptoms,gut permeability,or the gut microbiota.The sex ratio of participants was heavily weighted toward males,and only 3 studies exclusively investigated females.Low-level adverse events were reported in only 2 studies,although the methodology of reporting varied widely.The risk of bias was generally low,although details on randomization were lacking in some studies.Conclusion:There is a substantial body of research on the effects of prob iotic supplementation in healthy athletes and physically active individuals.Considerable heterogeneity in probiotic selection and dosage as well as outcome measures has made clinical and mechanistic interpretation challenging for both health care practitioners and researchers.Attention to issues of randomization of participants,treatments and interventions,selection of outcomes,demographics,and reporting of adverse events will facilitate more trustworthy interpretation of probiotic study results and inform evidence-based guidelines.

Iron supplementation during malaria infection in pregnancy and childhood:A review

Malaria presents a significant global public health challenge,with severe malarial anaemia being a primary manifestation of the disease.The understanding of anaemia caused by malaria remains incomplete,making the treatment more complex.Iron is a crucial micronutrient essential for haemoglobin synthesis,oxygen delivery,and other vital metabolic functions in the body.It is indispensable for the growth of human beings,as well as bacteria,protozoa,and viruses in vitro and in vivo.Iron deficiency is among the most common nutritional deficiencies and can have detrimental effects during developmental stages of life.Malaria-induced iron deficiency occurs due to the hemolysis of erythrocytes and the suppression of erythropoiesis,leading to anaemia.Meeting iron requirements is particularly critical during pivotal life stages such as pregnancy,infancy,and childhood.Dietary intake alone may not suffice to meet adequate iron requirements,thus highlighting the vital role of iron supplementation.While iron supplementation can alleviate iron deficiency,it can exacerbate malaria infection by providing additional iron for the parasites.However,in the context of pregnancy and childhood,iron supplementation combined with malaria prevention and treatment has been shown to be beneficial in improving birth outcomes and ensuring proper growth and development,respectively.This review aims to identify the role and impact of iron supplementation in malaria infection during the life stages of pregnancy and childhood.

Kentish Plover(Charadrius alexandrinus) and Little Tern(Sternula albifrons) prefer shells for nesting:A field experiment

Shorebird populations are declining worldwide,mainly due to human disturbances and loss of coastal wetlands.However,supratidal habitats as saltpans could play a role in buffering human impact.Saltpans have shown to be important as feeding or breeding sites of some shorebird species.A potential conservation strategy to increase shorebird populations in saltpans is to manipulate the cues that birds use to select optimal breeding habitat.Here it is hypothesized that shorebirds are attracted to bivalve shells due to the advantages they offer.Following this hypothesis,we supplemented a restored saltpan in 2019 and 2021 with bivalve shells,expecting an increase in the number of breeding birds’ nests.More than 75% of Kentish Plover(Charadrius alexandrinus) and Little Tern(Sternula albifrons) nests were found in patches with shells in both years.The best model for both species indicates that the presence of shells is the factor that most correlates with the location of nests.The probability of choosing one place over another to settle their nest increases in areas with an abundance of shells,double in the case of the Kentish Plover and triple in the case of the Little Tern.The result of this study may constitute a valuable tool for attracting birds to restored saltpans and could contribute to the success of expensive restoration projects where time is usually a constraint.