Effect of gradual increase of salt on performance and microbial community during granulation process.

Salinity was considered to have effects on the characteristics, performance microbial communities of aerobic granular sludge. This study investigated granulation process with gradual increase of salt under different gradients. Two identical sequencing batch reactors were operated, while the influent of Ra and Rb was subjected to stepwise increments of NaCl concentrations (0-4 g/L and 0-10 g/L). The presence of filamentous bacteria may contribute to granules formed under lower salinity conditions, potentially leading to granules fragmentation. Excellent removal efficiency achieved in both reactors although there was a small accumulation of nitrite in Rb at later stages. The removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) in Ra were 95.31%, 93.70% and 88.66%, while the corresponding removal efficiencies in Rb were 94.19%, 89.79% and 80.74%. Salinity stimulated extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secretion and enriched EPS producing bacteria to help maintain the integrity and stability of the aerobic granules. Heterotrophic nitrifying bacteria were responsible for NH4+-N and NO2--N oxidation of salinity systems and large number of denitrifying bacteria were detected, which ensure the high removal efficiency of TN in the systems.

Disentangling microbial coupled fillers mechanisms for the permeable layer optimization process in multi-soil-layering systems.

The multi-soil-layering (MSL) systems is an emerging solution for environmentally-friendly and cost-effective treatment of decentralized rural domestic wastewater. However, the role of the seemingly simple permeable layer has been overlooked, potentially holding the breakthroughs or directions to addressing suboptimal nitrogen removal performance in MSL systems. In this paper, the mechanism among diverse substrates (zeolite, green zeolite and biological ceramsite) coupled microorganisms in different systems (activated bacterial powder and activated sludge) for rural domestic wastewater purification was investigated. The removal efficiencies performed by zeolite coupled with microorganisms within 3 days were 93.8% for COD, 97.1% for TP, and 98.8% for NH4+-N. Notably, activated sludge showed better nitrification and comprehensive performance than specialized nitrifying bacteria powder. Zeolite attained an impressive 89.4% NH4+-N desorption efficiency, with a substantive fraction of NH4+-N manifesting as exchanged ammonium. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that aerobic and parthenogenetic anaerobic bacteria dominated the reactor, with anaerobic bacteria conspicuously absent. And the heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification (HN-AD) process was significant, with the presence of denitrifying phosphorus-accumulating organisms (DPAOs) for simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal. This study not only raises awareness about the importance of the permeable layer and enhances comprehension of the HN-AD mechanism in MSL systems, but also provides valuable insights for optimizing MSL system construction, operation, and rural domestic wastewater treatment.

m6A-YTHDF1 Mediated Regulation of GRIN2D in Bladder Cancer Progression and Aerobic Glycolysis.

The modification of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), primarily orchestrated by the reader protein YTHDF1, is a pivotal element in the post-transcriptional regulation of genes. While its role in various biological processes is well-documented, the specific impact of m6A-YTHDF1 on the regulation of GRIN2D, a gene implicated in cancer biology, particularly in the context of bladder cancer, is not thoroughly understood. Utilizing a series of bioinformatics analyses and experimental approaches, including cell culture, transfection, RT-qPCR, and western blotting, we investigated the m6A modification landscape in bladder cancer cells. The relationship between m6A-YTHDF1 and GRIN2D expression was examined, followed by functional assays to assess their roles in cancer progression and glycolytic activity. Our analysis identified a significant upregulation of m6A modification in bladder cancer tissues. YTHDF1 was found to regulate GRIN2D expression positively. Functionally, GRIN2D was implicated in promoting bladder cancer cell proliferation and enhancing aerobic glycolysis. Inhibition of the m6A-YTHDF1-GRIN2D axis resulted in the suppression of cancer progression and metabolic alterations. Through this research, we have elucidated the significant influence of the m6A-YTHDF1 axis on the modulation of GRIN2D expression, which in turn markedly impacts the progression of bladder cancer and its metabolic pathways, particularly aerobic glycolysis. Our findings uncover critical molecular dynamics within bladder cancer cells, offering a deeper understanding of its pathophysiology. Furthermore, the insights gained from this study underscore the potential of targeting the m6A-YTHDF1-GRIN2D pathway for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies in the treatment of bladder cancer.

Dynamic Response of Musclin, a Myokine, to Aerobic Exercise and Its Interplay with Natriuretic Peptides and Receptor C.

OBJECTIVES: Musclin, recently identified as a myokine, has been recognized for its physiological significance in potentiating the functional properties of natrieutic peptides (NPs) through competitive inhibition of their clearance receptor, natrieutic peptide receptor C (NPR-C). This study, for the first time in the literature, investigated the dynamic response of musclin during and after aerobic exercise in humans, exploring its potential as a myokine and its interaction with NPs and NPR-C in the context of exercise-induced metabolic responses. METHODS: Twenty-one inactive young males participated, and we assessed changes in serum levels of musclin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), epinephrine (Epi), and glycerol as an indicative of lipid mobilization, during and after moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Furthermore, we evaluated the gene expression of NPR-C in subcutaneous fat biopsies. RESULTS: Serum musclin levels increased significantly during aerobic exercise, followed by a decline during recovery, remaining elevated compared to baseline. Significant correlations were found between musclin responses and lean body mass (LBM), indicating its regulation by skeletal muscle mass and exercise. Exercise-induced changes in musclin positively correlated with those of ANP, potentially preventing ANP degradation. Additionally, a potential interplay between NPR-C expression and musclin dynamics on ANP was suggested. However, musclin's influence on lipid mobilization was not predominant when considering other lipolytic factors during exercise. DISCUSSION: Musclin's classification as a myokine is supported by its response to aerobic exercise and its association with LBM. Additionally, its interactions with NPR-C and NPs suggest its physiological relevance and potential clinical implications.

Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins synergistically inhibit the growth of gastric cancer cells in vitro: exploring the potential physiological activity of grape and red wine.

Red wine is rich in anthocyanins and procyanidins which possess multiple health-promoting properties. However, the synergistically anticancer effects of them on gastric cancer cells still undefined. The results showed that combination of malvidin-3-O-(6-O-coumaroyl)-glucoside-5-O-glucoside (M35GC) and procyanidin C1 could effectively inhibited the viability of MKN-28 cells with the lowest IC50 value. Mechanistically, M35GC and procyanidin C1 significantly induced cell apoptosis by reducing the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, blocked cell cycle in G0/G1 phase by decreasing CDK4 protein and decreased glucose consumption and lactate production during aerobic glycolysis through suppressing the expression of HK2 protein in MKN-28 cells. In conclusion, induction of cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, as well as the inhibition of HK2 protein that participates in the glycolytic pathway and the suppression of aerobic glycolysis by M35GC and procyanidin C1 contributed to the anti-cancer effects in gastric cancer.

Cardiac autonomic modulation and exercise capacity in older adults with intellectual disability: A 6-month randomised control trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite reported physical and functional improvements with aerobic and sprint interval training (SIT) protocols in individuals with intellectual disability (ID), it is not known if these interventions' effectivity would promote improvements in cardiac autonomic modulation. This study aimed to investigate if a 6-month SIT or a continuous aerobic programme could enhance physical performance and cardiac autonomic modulation at rest, during physical activity (PA) and after it in older adults with an ID. METHODS: This is a randomised control trial. Participants with ID (age: 50.58 ± 7.25) were allocated to one of three groups [multicomponent aerobic training group (MATG), multicomponent interval sprint training group (MISTG) and control group (CG)]. The programmes lasted 24 weeks, with three sessions/week, 75-90 min per session. The HRV was analysed at rest and recovery, the delta of heart rate (HR) was analysed during 6MWT, and the HR t-off kinetics was analysed in recovery after 6MWT. RESULTS: There were not found differences between groups, moments, or interaction for cardiac autonomic modulation at rest and recovery. During exercise, only MSITG showed a significant increase of HR between rest and the first 30 s of exercise (P < 0.05). Physical performance increased only in MSITG (P < 0.05), while CG showed a significant reduction (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The MSITG improved the physical performance and the vagal withdrawal at the beginning of the submaximal exercise. These findings suggest that high-intensity exercise may positively impact baroreflex function, mitigating the decline in autonomic reflex response capacity associated with aging in individuals with ID.

Metabolic Engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum for the High-Level Production of l-Valine under Aerobic Conditions.

l-Valine, an essential amino acid, serves as a valuable compound in various industries. However, engineering strains with both high yield and purity are yet to be delivered for microbial l-valine production. We engineered a Corynebacterium glutamicum strain capable of highly efficient production of l-valine. We initially introduced an acetohydroxy acid synthase mutant from an industrial l-valine producer and optimized a cofactor-balanced pathway, followed by the activation of the nonphosphoenolpyruvate-dependent carbohydrate phosphotransferase system and the introduction of an exogenous Entner-Doudoroff pathway. Subsequently, we weakened anaplerotic pathways, and attenuated the tricarboxylic acid cycle via start codon substitution in icd, encoding isocitrate dehydrogenase. Finally, to balance bacterial growth and l-valine production, an l-valine biosensor-dependent genetic circuit was established to dynamically repress citrate synthase expression. The engineered strain Val19 produced 103 g/L of l-valine with a high yield of 0.35 g/g glucose and a productivity of 2.67 g/L/h. This represents the highest reported l-valine production in C. glutamicum via direct fermentation and exhibits potential for its industrial-scale production, leveraging the advantages of C. glutamicum over other microbes.

Should I stay or should I go? An exploratory study comparing wheelchair-adapted rowing at home vs. in community gyms.

PURPOSE: Wheelchair users experience many barriers to physical activity as affordable and accessible exercise equipment options are limited. Thus, the home-based adapted rower (aROW) and gym-based aROW were developed. The objectives were to determine: 1) wheelchair users' preferences, perspectives, facilitators, and barriers to using the home-based versus the gym-based aROW, 2) perceived usability of the home and gym aROWs, and 3) recommendations to adapt the aROW further for home and community use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this two-phase exploratory mixed-methods study, participants completed one month of using a home aROW, followed by one month of using a community gym aROW. After each phase, participants completed a semi-structured interview and the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire. Interview data were analyzed using conventional content analysis and effect size comparing SUS data was calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Four categories were identified: what worked well, barriers to using the aROWs, what could be improved and important considerations. There was a large effect size in perceived usability between the aROWs with participants preferring the home aROW. Overall, rowing was enjoyable, and participants achieved positive physical outcomes. As preferences are individual, the home aROW provides wheelchair users with a potential choice between home or gym exercise.

Rowing is an enjoyable and effective form of aerobic exercise for wheelchair usersWheelchair users experience social, environment and financial barriers to engaging in exerciseThe home aROW provides a low-cost and accessible option for wheelchair-adapted aerobic exercise.

EFFECTS OF VARIATION IN EXERCISE TRAINING LOAD ON COGNITIVE PERFORMANCES AND NEUROTROPHIC BIOMARKERS IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE.

PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of linear (LP) and non-linear (NLP) training periodization on resting cognitive functions, neurotrophic biomarkers (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1]), and cathepsin-B in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Forty-four patients with CAD reported to our laboratory on two occasions to undergo testing procedures before and after training sessions, and were then blindly randomized to NLP or LP for 36 training sessions. Visit 1 included blood samples and a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing to get maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak). Visit 2 included cognitive functions assessment. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients completed the study (LP: n=20, NLP: n=19), with no observed changes in cognitive performances after the training intervention in either group. IGF-1 concentration decreased in both groups (time-effect: p<0.001), while BDNF concentration increased (time-effect: p<0.05) without interaction (p=0.17 and p=0.65, respectively), and cathepsin-B did not change after the intervention (p>0.05). Associations were found between ΔV̇O2peak and ΔBDNF (R2=0.18, p=0.04), and ΔIGF-1 and Δ short-term/working memory (R2=0.17, p=0.01) in the pooled sample, with Δ IGF-1 and ΔBDNF accounting for 10% of the variance in Δ short-term/working memory. In the LP group, associations were found between ΔV̇O2peak and ΔBDNF (R2=0.45, p=0.02), ΔBDNF and Δ short-term/working memory (R2=0.62, p=0.004), ΔIGF-1 and Δ short-term/working memory (R2=0.31, p=0.01), and Δ IGF-1 and Δ executive function (R2=0.22, p=0.04). CONCLUSION: This finding highlights the potential importance of monitoring and targeting BDNF and IGF-1 concentration as potential biomarkers for improving short-term and working memory in the population with CAD.

Effects of carrier surface hydrophilic modification on sludge granulation: From sludge characteristics, extracellular polymeric substances, and microbial community.

Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) is a powerful biotechnological tool capable of treating multiple pollutants simultaneously. However, the granulation process and pollutant removal efficiency still need to be further improved. In this study, Fe2O3- and MnO2-surface-modified straw foam-based AGS (Fe2O3@SF-AGS and MnO2@SF-AGS), with an average particle size of 3 mm, were developed and evaluated. The results showed that surface modification reduced the hydrophobic groups of carriers, facilitating the attachment and proliferation of microorganisms. Notably, MnO2@SF-AGS showed excellent granulation performance, reaching a stable state about one week earlier than the unmodified SF-AGS. The polymeric substance content of MnO2@SF-AGS was found to be 1.28 times higher than that of the control group. Furthermore, the removal rates for NH4+-N, TN, and TP were enhanced by 27.28%, 12.8%, and 32.14%, respectively. The bacterial communities exhibited significant variations in response to different surface modifications of AGS, with genera such as Saprospiraceae, Terrimonas, and Ferruginibacter playing a crucial role in the formation of AGS and the removal of pollutants specifically in MnO2@SF-AGS. The charge transfer of metal ions of MnO2@SF promotes the granulation process and pollutant removal. These results highlight that MnO2@SF-AGS is an effective strategy for improving nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiency from wastewater.

Survival strategies of aerobic methanotrophs under hypoxia in methanogenic lake sediments.

BACKGROUND: Microbial methane oxidation, methanotrophy, plays a crucial role in mitigating the release of the potent greenhouse gas methane from aquatic systems. While aerobic methanotrophy is a well-established process in oxygen-rich environments, emerging evidence suggests their activity in hypoxic conditions. However, the adaptability of these methanotrophs to such environments has remained poorly understood. Here, we explored the genetic adaptability of aerobic methanotrophs to hypoxia in the methanogenic sediments of Lake Kinneret (LK). These LK methanogenic sediments, situated below the oxidic and sulfidic zones, were previously characterized by methane oxidation coupled with iron reduction via the involvement of aerobic methanotrophs. RESULTS: In order to explore the adaptation of the methanotrophs to hypoxia, we conducted two experiments using LK sediments as inoculum: (i) an aerobic "classical" methanotrophic enrichment with ambient air employing DNA stable isotope probing (DNA-SIP) and (ii) hypoxic methanotrophic enrichment with repeated spiking of 1% oxygen. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicons revealed the enrichment of Methylococcales methanotrophs, being up to a third of the enriched community. Methylobacter, Methylogaea, and Methylomonas were prominent in the aerobic experiment, while hypoxic conditions enriched primarily Methylomonas. Using metagenomics sequencing of DNA extracted from these experiments, we curated five Methylococcales metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and evaluated the genetic basis for their survival in hypoxic environments. A comparative analysis with an additional 62 Methylococcales genomes from various environments highlighted several core genetic adaptations to hypoxia found in most examined Methylococcales genomes, including high-affinity cytochrome oxidases, oxygen-binding proteins, fermentation-based methane oxidation, motility, and glycogen use. We also found that some Methylococcales, including LK Methylococcales, may denitrify, while metals and humic substances may also serve as electron acceptors alternative to oxygen. Outer membrane multi-heme cytochromes and riboflavin were identified as potential mediators for the utilization of metals and humic material. These diverse mechanisms suggest the ability of methanotrophs to thrive in ecological niches previously thought inhospitable for their growth. CONCLUSIONS: Our study sheds light on the ability of enriched Methylococcales methanotrophs from methanogenic LK sediments to survive under hypoxia. Genomic analysis revealed a spectrum of genetic capabilities, potentially enabling these methanotrophs to function. The identified mechanisms, such as those enabling the use of alternative electron acceptors, expand our understanding of methanotroph resilience in diverse ecological settings. These findings contribute to the broader knowledge of microbial methane oxidation and have implications for understanding and potential contribution methanotrophs may have in mitigating methane emissions in various environmental conditions.

A training goal-oriented categorization model of high-intensity interval training.

There are various categorization models of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in the literature that need to be more consistent in definition, terminology, and concept completeness. In this review, we present a training goal-oriented categorization model of HIIT, aiming to find the best possible consensus among the various defined types of HIIT. This categorization concludes with six different types of HIIT derived from the literature, based on the interaction of interval duration, interval intensity and interval:recovery ratio. We discuss the science behind the defined types of HIIT and shed light on the possible effects of the various types of HIIT on aerobic, anaerobic, and neuromuscular systems and possible transfer effects into competition performance. We highlight various research gaps, discrepancies in findings and not yet proved know-how based on a lack of randomized controlled training studies, especially in well-trained to elite athlete cohorts. Our HIIT "toolbox" approach is designed to guide goal-oriented training. It is intended to lay the groundwork for future systematic reviews and serves as foundation for meta-analyses.

Effect of Cardiovascular Endurance Training on the Exercise Capacity and Endurance in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy (CP) is non-progressive brain damage that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. CP is associated with poor physical fitness, which is linked to health problems and the development of secondary illnesses like obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Compared to healthy peers without CP, children with CP have considerably lower VO2 peaks, which reduces their performance and aerobic capacity. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate changes in exercise capacity and endurance among children with CP, as well as fatigue levels among their parents and caregivers, after participation in cardiovascular endurance training. METHODOLOGY: This study included 16 children aged 7-12 years with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I, II, or III). Participants completed a 12-week cardiovascular endurance program consisting of 60-minute sessions three times weekly designed to achieve 64-95% of their heart rate maximum,based on the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were recorded for the following: distance covered in a six-minute walk, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) level, Early Activity Scale for Endurance rating, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric Fatigue Scale score and PROMIS Parent Proxy Scale and Fatigue Scale scores.  Result: Upon completing the cardiovascular endurance training, the distance covered during a six-minute walk improved by 20.95 points, resting heart rate by 5.19 points, VO2 max by 0.06 points, Early Activity Scale for Endurance by 4.06 points, PROMIS Pediatric Fatigue Scale by 7.29 points, PROMIS Parent Proxy Scale by 6.81 points, and PROMIS Fatigue Scale by 5.07 points. The maximum heart rate also showed a slight improvement of 0.33 points (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: A structured exercise protocol aimed at improving cardiovascular endurance can benefit children with CP by improving their exercise capacity and endurance, which in turn can help decrease fatigue levels among their parents and caregivers.

Thermal tolerance of giant salmonfly nymphs (Pteronarcys californica) varies across populations in a regulated river.

Warming of aquatic ecosystems is transforming the distribution, phenology and growth of the organisms dependent upon these ecosystems. Aquatic insects such as stoneflies are especially vulnerable to warming because the aquatic nymph stage of their life cycle depends on cool, well-oxygenated, flowing water habitat. We tracked thermal effects on available aerobic capacity of the aquatic nymph stage of an iconic and vulnerable stonefly species, the giant salmonfly (Pteronarcys californica), to compare habitat thermal regime measurements for two salmonfly populations from habitats separated by a gradient in summer weekly maximum temperatures. Contrary to expectations, the thermal optima range of the warmer habitat population was cooler than for the cooler habitat population. We posit that this unexpected interpopulation variation in thermal response is more strongly driven by diel and seasonal thermal variability than by the highest summer temperatures experienced within respective habitats. Additionally, we show that summer daily maximum temperatures could result in periodic limits in available aerobic capacity to support work of the warmer habitat nymphs and may be the mechanism underlying reduced abundance relative to the upstream cooler habitat population. Our findings provide insight into potential thermal and metabolic mechanisms that could regulate the success of ecological and culturally important aquatic insect species experiencing global change. We conclude that thermal regimes and thermal variation, not just mean and maximum temperatures, are critical drivers of aquatic insect responses to water temperatures.

Gas supply apparatus using rotational motion of shaking incubator for flask culture of aerobic microorganisms.

Shake flask cultivation, a cornerstone in bioprocess research encounters limitations in supplying sufficient oxygen and exchanging gases, restricting its accuracy in assessing microbial growth and metabolic activity. In this communication, we introduce an innovative gas supply apparatus that harnesses the rotational motion of a shaking incubator to facilitate continuous air delivery, effectively overcoming these limitations. We measured the mass transfer coefficient (kLa) and conducted batch cultures of Corynebacterium glutamicum H36LsGAD using various working volumes to assess its performance. Results demonstrated that the gas supply apparatus significantly outperforms conventional silicone stoppers regarding oxygen delivery, with kLa values of 2531.7 h-1 compared to 20.25 h-1 at 230 rpm. Moreover, in batch cultures, the gas supply apparatus enabled substantial improvements in microbial growth, maintaining exponential growth even at larger working volumes. Compared to the existing system, an increase in final cell mass by a factor of 3.4-fold was observed when utilizing 20% of the flask's volume, and a remarkable 9-fold increase was achieved when using 60%. Furthermore, the gas supply apparatus ensured consistent oxygen supply and efficient gas exchange within the flask, overcoming challenges associated with low working volumes. This approach offers a simple yet effective solution to enhance gas transfer in shake flask cultivation, bridging the gap between laboratory-scale experiments and industrial fermenters. Its broad applicability holds promise for advancing research in bioprocess optimization and scale-up endeavors.

Impact of steroid biosynthesis on the aerobic adaptation of eukaryotes.

Steroids are indispensable components of the eukaryotic cellular membrane and the acquisition of steroid biosynthesis was a key factor that enabled the evolution of eukaryotes. The polycyclic carbon structures of steroids can be preserved in sedimentary rocks as chemical fossils for billions of years and thus provide invaluable clues to trace eukaryotic evolution from the distant past. Steroid biosynthesis consists of (1) the production of protosteroids and (2) the subsequent modifications toward "modern-type" steroids such as cholesterol and stigmasterol. While protosteroid biosynthesis requires only two genes for the cyclization of squalene, complete modification of protosteroids involves ~10 additional genes. Eukaryotes universally possess at least some of those additional genes and thus produce modern-type steroids as major final products. The geological biomarker records suggest a prolonged period of solely protosteroid production in the mid-Proterozoic before the advent of modern-type steroids in the Neoproterozoic. It has been proposed that mid-Proterozoic protosteroids were produced by hypothetical stem-group eukaryotes that presumably possessed genes only for protosteroid production, even though in modern environments protosteroid production as a final product is found exclusively in bacteria. The host identity of mid-Proterozoic steroid producers is crucial for understanding the early evolution of eukaryotes. In this perspective, we discuss how geological biomarker data and genetic data complement each other and potentially provide a more coherent scenario for the evolution of steroids and associated early eukaryotes. We further discuss the potential impacts that steroids had on the evolution of aerobic metabolism in eukaryotes, which may have been an important factor for the eventual ecological dominance of eukaryotes in many modern environments.

Neurophysiological effects of acute aerobic exercise in young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Evidence continues to accumulate that acute aerobic exercise (AAE) impacts neurophysiological excitability as measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Yet, uncertainty exists about which TMS measures are modulated after AAE in young adults. The influence of AAE intensity and duration of effects are also uncertain. This pre-registered meta-analysis (CRD42017065673) addressed these uncertainties by synthesizing data from 23 studies (including 474 participants) published until February 2024. Meta-analysis was run using a random-effects model and Hedge's g used as effect size. Our results demonstrated a decrease in short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) following AAE (g = 0.27; 95 % CI [0.16-0.38]; p <.0001), particularly for moderate (g = 0.18; 95 % CI [0.05-0.31]; p <.01) and high (g = 0.49; 95 % CI [0.27-0.71]; p <.0001) AAE intensities. These effects remained for 30 minutes after AAE. Additionally, increased corticospinal excitability was only observed for high intensity AAE (g = 0.28; 95 % CI, [0.07-0.48]; p <.01). Our results suggest potential mechanisms for inducing a more susceptible neuroplastic environment following AAE.

Characterization of HDPE microparticles in sludge aerobic digestion and their influence on the process.

The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in wastewater has been studied in the last years. The high efficiency of their removal from wastewater is linked to their transfer to the sludge. In this work, the effect of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) on aerobic digestion was evaluated and these MPs were monitored, characterizing them by three different techniques. Two parallel batch digesters were monitored. AD-Control (meaning Aerobic Digester) operated as a reference, with no external HDPE particles, whereas these polymeric fragments were introduced to the second aerobic digester (AD-HDPE) using ring pulls as microplastic support. FTIR, Raman spectroscopies and fluorescence analysis of these microparticles showed some relevant results that should be highlighted. Higher fluorescence appeared after 7 days in the digester. It coincided with an increase of active volatile suspended solids (AVSS) in the AD-HDPE, which means that an increase of the microbial activity took place. Despite the presence of HDPE particles in the sludge, the digester performance was not compromised. Besides, the HDPE particles did not affect the microbial diversity (Shannon index) of the bacterial community at the end of the experiment compared to the bacterial community of the aerobic digester control tank. Based on the analysis of the relative abundances of microbial taxa, it was concluded that HDPE had selective effects on sludge microbial community, increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroridota phylum.

Effect of music therapy combined with aerobic exercise on sleep quality among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy after a radical mastectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: We aimed to study the effect of music therapy combined with aerobic exercise on the sleep quality of patients undergoing chemotherapy after a radical mastectomy. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Shaanxi Province Tumor Hospital, from July 2017 to June 2019. 110 female breast cancer patients who underwent a radical mastectomy were recruited and randomly allocated into an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group completed music therapy combined with aerobic exercise from the first to the sixth admission to the hospital for chemotherapy, while the control group received only routine nursing care. The sleep quality of these patients was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A linear mixed model was used to adjust the PSQI of patients after controlling for other confounding factors. RESULTS: The mean sleep quality score of the breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy after a radical mastectomy (baseline) was 8.86 ± 2.34. The intervention group had a significantly lower mean global PSQI score than the control group from the first test to the third test, with an adjusted mean difference of -1.05 (95%CI: -1.86, -0.24; P = 0.01), -2.89 (95%CI: -3.70, -2.08; P < 0.001) and - 4.84 (95%CI: -5.65, -4.03; P < 0.001), respectively. A change in the global PSQI score from baseline for the intervention group was from 0.55 (95%CI: -0.24, 1.34; P = 0.171) at the first test to 2.75 (95%CI: 1.96, 3.53; P < 0.001) at the last test, and for the control group was from - 0.51 (95%CI: -1.31, 0.29; P = 0.213 at the first test to -2.10 (95%CI: -2.91, -1.30; P < 0.001) at the last test. CONCLUSIONS: An intervention of music therapy combined with aerobic exercise can significantly improve the sleep quality of female breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy after a radical mastectomy, and this intervention continuously improves many aspects of sleep reactivity. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100042975, 02/02/2021).

Unfolding the role of exercise in the management of sleep disorders.

Sleep disorders are prevalent among the general population and even more in individuals suffering from chronic diseases. Recent data reveal promising effects of physical exercise as a non-pharmacological approach for improving sleep and managing various sleep disorders. However, more studies with proper design and methodology should be conducted in the future to obtain a clearer understanding of the subject. The role of exercise in preventing and improving sleep disorders is probably much higher than what is currently exploited. To fully exploit the potential benefit of physical activity on sleep disorders in the future, it is necessary to identify the relevant tools to assess sleep-wake disorders and establish specific exercise protocols tailored to different sleep disorders. The present manuscript aims to review the literature on the use of exercise in managing selected sleep disorders. Regular exercise, including short-term aerobic activity, resistance training, and mind-body exercises, can effectively improve sleep quality, particularly in cases of insomnia and sleep-disordered breathing. Additionally, increasing evidence supports the effectiveness of aerobic and strength training, and body-mind exercises such as yoga in managing sleep-related movement disorders. Exercise can be a safe, affordable, and efficient tool in enhancing sleep quality and improving sleep disorders. Per se, regular exercise could play an adjuvant role alongside with established therapies, or a valid alternative when the pharmacological approach is limited by side effects, interactions, or inefficacy. More research is needed to define how exercise affects the physiology of sleep, and consequently how to use exercise in patients with sleep disorders.