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Perceived ethnic discrimination is a stressor that negatively affects mental and physical health. To address this issue, we tested the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an ecological momentary music intervention for stress reduction in everyday life in Turkish immigrant women perceiving chronic ethnic discrimination. Following an intra-individual randomized design, we combined subjective assessments and biological measures (salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase). Using a smartphone-based app, twenty participants responded to stress- and discrimination-related items four times a day for 35 days, and additionally reported each stressful/discriminatory event they perceived. Participants were then randomly instructed to listen to music or not. At each measurement time point, participants provided saliva samples. The feasibility of the ecological momentary music intervention was indicated by high usage rates of the app and participants’ positive self-reports. We found immediate (post 1: b  =  − 14.64, p  = .045, post 2: b  =  − 14.62, p  = .047) and intermediate ( b  =  − 0.81, p  < .001) effects of music listening on subjective stress levels but not on biological stress levels. Our study provides valuable insights into the potential of music listening for stress reduction in the everyday life of Turkish immigrant women perceiving chronic ethnic discrimination.

Effective early education is essential for academic achievement and positive life outcomes, particularly for children in poverty. Advances in neuroscience suggest that a focus on self-regulation in education can enhance children's engagement in learning and establish beneficial academic trajectories in the early elementary grades. Here, we experimentally evaluate an innovative approach to the education of children in kindergarten that embeds support for self-regulation, particularly executive functions, into literacy, mathematics, and science learning activities. Results from a cluster randomized controlled trial involving 29 schools, 79 classrooms, and 759 children indicated positive effects on executive functions, reasoning ability, the control of attention, and levels of salivary cortisol and alpha amylase. Results also demonstrated improvements in reading, vocabulary, and mathematics at the end of kindergarten that increased into the first grade. A number of effects were specific to high-poverty schools, suggesting that a focus on executive functions and associated aspects of self-regulation in early elementary education holds promise for closing the achievement gap.

Cold-adapted enzymes from psychrophilic species show the general characteristics of being more heat labile, and having a different balance between enthalpic and entropic contributions to free energy barrier of the catalyzed reaction compared to mesophilic orthologs. Among cold-adapted enzymes, there are also examples that show an enigmatic inactivation at higher temperatures before unfolding of the protein occurs. Here, we analyze these phenomena by extensive computer simulations of the catalytic reactions of psychrophilic and mesophilic α-amylases. The calculations yield temperature dependent reaction rates in good agreement with experiment, and also elicit the anomalous rate optimum for the cold-adapted enzyme, which occurs about 15 °C below the melting point. This result allows us to examine the structural basis of thermal inactivation, which turns out to be caused by breaking of a specific enzyme-substrate interaction. This type of behaviour is also likely to be relevant for other enzymes displaying such anomalous temperature optima. Enzymes from organisms inhabiting cold environments (psychrophiles) have adapted to catalyzing chemical reactions at near freezing temperatures. Here – using molecular dynamics simulations – the authors analyze cold adaptation of psychrophilic α-amylase and provide the structural basis for its low anomalous temperature optimum: the increased mobility of a surface loop involved in substrate interaction.

White kidney bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) extracts can aid weight management by reducing calorie intake from complex carbohydrates through alpha-amylase inhibition. We examined the impact of a proprietary aqueous extract from whole dried white kidney beans standardized by its alpha-amylase inhibitor activity (Phase 2 white kidney bean extract (WKBE)) on weight management in subjects with overweight and moderate obesity. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion, 81 participants completed the study and ingested either a high dose of Phase 2 (1000 mg, WKBE HIGH), a low dose (700 mg, WKBE LOW), or a matching placebo (microcrystalline cellulose, PLA) three times a day, 30 min before meals, for 12 weeks during a calorie restricted diet. In a dose-dependent manner, Phase 2 significantly reduced body weight, fat mass, BMI, waist, hip and in the WKBE HIGH group thigh circumference. Phase 2 is an effective and safe supplement aiding weight and fat loss. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02930668.

Objectives We investigated salivary biomarkers of stress, more specifically, cortisol and alpha-amylase, to evaluate effects of individualized music listening (IML) in people with dementia. Method Participants were N  = 64 nursing home residents with dementia (mean age = 83.53 ± 7.71 years, 68.8% female). Participants were randomly assigned to either listening to their favorite music every other day for a period of six weeks (intervention), or standard care (control). Using the Saliva Children`s Swab (SCS), saliva was collected before, after, and 20 min after IML sessions at the beginning and end of the intervention period for the analysis of salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol. Results Using the SCS was feasible in people with dementia. Nevertheless, there was no effect of IML on salivary stress markers. Discussion Although using SCS was feasible, active patient engagement is required. Future studies need to corroborate findings in larger samples. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00015641, ISRCTN registry: ISRCTN59052178.

This study focuses on synthesizing a new series of isoxazolinyl-1,2,3-triazolyl-[1,4]-benzoxazin-3-one derivatives 5a–5o. The synthesis method involves a double 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction following a “click chemistry” approach, starting from the respective [1,4]-benzoxazin-3-ones. Additionally, the study aims to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of these newly synthesized compounds through in silico methods. This synthesis approach allows for the combination of three heterocyclic components: [1,4]-benzoxazin-3-one, 1,2,3-triazole, and isoxazoline, known for their diverse biological activities. The synthesis procedure involved a two-step process. Firstly, a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction was performed involving the propargylic moiety linked to the [1,4]-benzoxazin-3-one and the allylic azide. Secondly, a second cycloaddition reaction was conducted using the product from the first step, containing the allylic part and an oxime. The synthesized compounds were thoroughly characterized using spectroscopic methods, including 1H NMR, 13C NMR, DEPT-135, and IR. This molecular docking method revealed a promising antidiabetic potential of the synthesized compounds, particularly against two key diabetes-related enzymes: pancreatic α-amylase, with the two synthetic molecules 5a and 5o showing the highest affinity values of 9.2 and 9.1 kcal/mol, respectively, and intestinal α-glucosidase, with the two synthetic molecules 5n and 5e showing the highest affinity values of −9.9 and −9.6 kcal/mol, respectively. Indeed, the synthesized compounds have shown significant potential as antidiabetic agents, as indicated by molecular docking studies against the enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Additionally, ADME analyses have revealed that all the synthetic compounds examined in our study demonstrate high intestinal absorption, meet Lipinski’s criteria, and fall within the required range for oral bioavailability, indicating their potential suitability for oral drug development.

Polyphenol- and fibre-rich foods (PFRF) have the potential to affect postprandial glycaemic responses by reducing glucose absorption, and thus decreasing the glycaemic response of foods when consumed together. A randomised, single-blind, cross-over study was conducted on sixteen healthy volunteers to test whether PFRF could attenuate postprandial blood glucose in healthy volunteers when added to a source of carbohydrate (starch in bread). This is the first study to examine the effects of a meal comprised of components to inhibit each stage of the biochemical pathway, leading up to the appearance of glucose in the blood. The volunteers were fasted and attended four visits: two control visits (bread, water, balancing sugars) and two test visits (single and double dose of PFRF) where they consumed bread, water and PFRF. Blood samples were collected at 0 (fasted), 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 min after consumption. The PFRF components were tested for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential in vitro. Plasma glucose was lower after consumption of both doses compared with controls: lower dose, change in mean incremental areas under the glucose curves (IAUC)=−27·4 (sd 7·5) %, P<0·001; higher dose, IAUC=−49·0 (sd 15·3) %, P<0·001; insulin IAUC was also attenuated by−46·9 (sd 13·4) %, P<0·01. Consistent with this, the polyphenol components of the PFRF inhibited α-amylase (green tea, strawberry, blackberry and blackcurrant) and α-glucosidase (green tea) activities in vitro. The PFRF have a pronounced and significant lowering effect on postprandial blood glucose and insulin response in humans, due in part to inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, as well as glucose transport.

The striped murrel ( Channa striata ) is highly priced commercially important species targeted for aquaculture diversification in India due to consumer preference, medicinal benefits, rapid growth rate, and adaptability to high-density farming, facilitated by its air-breathing ability. However, the high mortality rate during larval rearing poses a significant challenge to the commercial production of this species. A comprehensive understanding of the nutrient utilization capacity during larval development will aid in formulating suitable feed and feeding strategies. The capacity of C. striata larvae to utilize carbohydrates during ontogenetic development (up to 35 days post-hatching) was investigated by assessing the expression patterns and activity levels of pancreatic α-amylase . For this purpose, a 1014 bp long partial α-amylase cDNA was isolated from C. striata , which showed 85% identity with Channa argus amylases. The expression level of α-amylase increased significantly ( p  < 0.05) between 3 and 9 days after hatching but subsequently decreased until the end of the experiment. The activity of α-amylase peaked at 7 days after hatching and decreased gradually thereafter. In this study, we also investigated the expression of growth hormone ( GH ), insulin-like growth factor I ( IGF-I ), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein ( IGFBP ). Growth-related genes were expressed just after hatching and exhibited a dynamic trend across various developmental stages. The specific growth rate for total length was 6.39%/day, with a survival rate of 44% ± 1.8% over the 35-day rearing period. The enhanced activity and expression of α-amylase reinforce the ability of larvae to utilize dietary carbohydrates as energy substrates from early larval stages, which could aid in the development of cost-effective feed formulation for this species.

OBJECTIVE:To determine whether a workplace stress-reduction intervention decreases reactivity to stress among personnel exposed to a highly stressful occupational environment. METHODS:Personnel from a surgical intensive care unit were randomized to a stress-reduction intervention or a waitlist control group. The 8-week group mindfulness-based intervention included mindfulness, gentle yoga, and music. Psychological and biological markers of stress were measured 1 week before and 1 week after the intervention. RESULTS:Levels of salivary α-amylase, an index of sympathetic activation, were significantly decreased between the first and second assessments in the intervention group with no changes in the control group. There was a positive correlation between salivary α-amylase levels and burnout scores. CONCLUSIONS:These data suggest that this type of intervention could decrease not only reactivity to stress but also the risk of burnout.

Background This study examines the effects of laser acupuncture and electroacupuncture on anxiety in children with excessive gag reflexes during dental impressions. Methods A three-armed randomized controlled trial involved 63 pediatric dental patients aged 6–9 with excessive gag reflexes. Participants were equally divided into three groups: group 1 (laser acupuncture), group 2 (electroacupuncture), and group 3 (negative control with a deactivated device). Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) levels, Frankl scores, facial image scale (FIS), and heart rate were measured before and after interventions to assess dental anxiety. Group comparisons were conducted using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests, followed by Bonferroni-corrected pairwise comparisons for significant results, with significance defined as p  < 0.05. Results The study found no significant differences in sAA levels before the intervention, but electroacupuncture significantly reduced levels post-intervention ( p  = 0.009) compared to the laser and control groups. Frankl scores also improved significantly with electroacupuncture ( p  = 0.002), indicating better cooperation during dental procedures. Both electroacupuncture and laser groups reduced heart rates significantly compared to control ( p  < 0.001), with correlations indicating that higher sAA levels were associated with increased discomfort in the laser group, and that stress levels were linked to heart rate in the control group. Conclusions Both laser acupuncture and electroacupuncture effectively lowered anxiety level in children with gag reflex. While both methods improved objective and subjective scores, electroacupuncture demonstrated superior efficacy in managing anxiety. Clinical relevance These findings support acupuncture techniques as valuable tools in pediatric dentistry for improving patient cooperation and managing anxiety during dental procedures. Trial registration Registered on clinicaltrial.gov; NCT06422286, 16/4/2024.