Following a comprehensive review, the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) has developed an official position on the role of dietary antioxidants in exercise and sport. Antioxidants play a complex, context-dependent role in vivo; they can facilitate recovery from exercise but may also hinder training adaptations when consumed at supraphysiological doses. While endogenous antioxidant systems can effectively maintain redox balance, dietary sources, particularly whole foods, can help mitigate excessive oxidative stress following intense/heavy training or inadequate recovery. The influence of dietary antioxidants depend on timing, dosage, type, and individual factors. The ISSN's official position encompasses the following: (1) Redox balance exists on a spectrum, with mild oxidative eustress driving beneficial physiological adaptations and excessive oxidative distress impairing health, recovery, and performance; (2) Moderate levels of exercise-induced reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) can support training adaptations but excessive levels can result in muscle damage, inflammation, and reduced physical performance and immune function; (3) Endogenous and exogenous antioxidants protect cells by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative damage to biomolecules; (4) FDA labeling for "antioxidant" claims applies to nutrients with established RDIs and demonstrated antioxidant activity; this typically includes vitamins C and E, β-carotene (a source of vitamin A), selenium, zinc, copper, and manganese; (5) While dietary antioxidants show potential for both direct and indirect effects, the evidence varies, and their use should be tailored to individual performance or recovery goals; (6) Long-term exercise augments endogenous antioxidant defense and should be the primary strategy for enhancing redox capacity before considering supplementation; (7) Whole foods and beverages rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals are preferred antioxidant sources; (8) Dietary supplementation is best reserved for nutrient insufficiencies or deficiencies, inadequate dietary intake, or periods of high training distress; (9) Responses to supplementation vary by individual factors, such as training status, baseline antioxidant capacity, demographics, diet, and injury risk, with some antioxidant compounds offering cognitive, behavioral, or physical-related benefits; and (10) Creatine monohydrate (i.e. 0.1 g/kg/day), omega-3 fatty acids (1000-6000 mg/day EPA+DHA for 6-12 weeks), tart cherry (480 mg powder or 60-90 mL juice/day for 7-14 days), and astaxanthin (4-12 mg/day for 4-12 weeks) rank among the top nutrients for their antioxidant effects, with moderate- to high-quality evidence supporting their use in recovery or performance without interfering with training adaptations. Most others show weak or low efficacy. This position promotes an individualized, evidence-based approach, recognizing that small to moderate exercise-induced oxidative stress aids adaptation, while excess oxidative stress causes harm; it also emphasizes food-forward and dietary supplementation strategies.
Leptospirosis in horses is associated with various clinical signs, potentially leading to fatal outcomes. Additionally, the disease may pose a zoonotic risk to individuals involved in handling infected animals. Implementing a serological monitoring programme in the equine population is one of the key tools used to reduce the risk of transmission of Leptospira infections to humans. To provide new insights into the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in domestic horses in Poland. Serological monitoring program. Data were collected from serological surveys of horse serum samples across 14 of the 16 provinces between 2019 and 2023. A total of 4474 horse serum samples were tested using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), with 8 Leptospira serovars from 7 European serogroups. Statistical analyses and data visualisation were performed using Python-based libraries. Prevalence was calculated as absolute and relative percentages. Pairwise prevalence comparisons employed chi-squared tests with adjustments for multiple comparisons. Bayesian posterior probabilities were estimated to evaluate prevalence differences between groups. The 5-year study showed a relatively high exposure (25.1%) of horses to Leptospira antigens in Poland. Dominant Leptospira serogroups were: Sejroe (39.2%), Pomona (14.6%), Bratislava (11.2%), and Grippotyphosa (10.1%). Pomorskie recorded the highest percentage of positive samples (29.2%). Conversely, Lubuskie exhibited the lowest prevalence at 16.2%. Details on the uses of horses were not available. This analysis provides valuable data on the circulation of Leptospira serogroups across different regions over time. The high seroprevalence of Leptospira in the Polish horse population underscores the necessity of ongoing monitoring, which will aid in the protection of individual horses, herds, and humans from potential infections.
This paper synthesizes current research on women's football to develop comprehensive, evidence-informed nutritional strategies tailored to the specific demands of the sport. Four key themes are addressed: (1) energy requirements in women's football; (2) macronutrient and nutrient-timing applications around training and match play, including an illustrative case study; (3) supporting a player with inadequate energy intake, including an illustrative case study; and (4) nutritional considerations relating to fluctuations in female sex hormones. Rather than providing another descriptive narrative review, this synthesis translates research findings into practical strategies for implementation in real-world performance environments. Adequate energy availability is identified as a fundamental nutritional priority. Carbohydrate and protein intake are emphasized as essential for sustaining training quality, supporting recovery, and maximizing match performance. Nutrient timing is highlighted as a critical determinant of in-season performance and effective match preparation. Consideration is also given to the influence of hormonal fluctuations on thermoregulation and menstrual cycle-related symptoms, alongside nutritional strategies to mitigate these effects. This synthesis underscores the importance of individualized nutritional strategies to optimize health, performance, and return-to-play outcomes in women footballers.
Sanders, DJ, Murray, MS, McFadden, BA, Chandler, AJ, Walker, AJ, Bozzini, BN, Cintineo, HP, Bello, ML, Arent, MA, and Arent, SM. The effects of a semester of preprofessional dance training on biomarkers and performance variables in elite adolescent ballet dancers. J Strength Cond Res 39(11): 1194-1202, 2025-Early sport specialization exposes young athletes to high volumes of training. More knowledge is needed regarding the physiologic changes that may occur, particularly identifying differences between sexes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate biomarkers and performance changes in elite, preprofessional ballet dancers from the same training program. Male ( N = 10) and female ( N = 13) dancers participated in blood draws at the beginning of their semester (T1) and every 4 weeks thereafter (T2-T5). Performance was assessed pre- and postsemester (e.g., body composition, vertical jump, and V̇ o2 max). Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance assessed performance and biomarker responses throughout the semester ( p < 0.05). Sex-by-time interactions were observed for sex-hormone binding globulin, free cortisol, follicle stimulating hormone, and omega 6:3 ratio ( p < 0.05). Sex effects were found in free triiodothyronine, testosterone, estradiol, growth hormone, creatine kinase (CK), percentage transferrin saturation, ferritin, and all performance tests ( p < 0.05). Female dancers experienced further time effects in free thyroxine, follicle stimulating hormone, tumor necrosis factor alpha, omega 6:3 ratio, iron, percentage transferrin saturation, and ferritin ( p < 0.05). Male dancers experienced further time effects in total triiodothyronine, total and free cortisol, CK, tumor necrosis factor alpha, vitamin D, percentage transferrin saturation, and ferritin ( p < 0.05). Despite similar training, differential responses were observed between male and female dancers, particularly with regard to cortisol and hematologic markers. Adequate monitoring programs can help identify sex differences in response to training demands. Performance staff should account for and address these sex differences to enhance recovery outcomes.
Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo and Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo are major bovine- and ovine-adapted pathogens that differ markedly in genome content. To investigate early events during host exposure, we compared the survival of both species using an ovine peritoneal dialysis membrane chamber (DMC) model, which exposes leptospires to simultaneous nutrient restriction, temperature and osmotic shifts and small host-derived immune factors such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). L. borgpetersenii failed to survive 24 h of in vivo exposure, whereas L. interrogans persisted and remained viable. RNA sequencing of two L. interrogans strains revealed extensive transcriptional reprogramming, with 1066 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Early host exposure triggered coordinated remodelling of membrane-associated proteins, including strong induction of adhesins (LigA/B and LenC/F) and other lipoproteins, accompanied by metabolic reprogramming that redirects cellular resources towards conservation and membrane reorganisation. Iron-related genes were also differentially regulated, and L. borgpetersenii showed reduced survival under in vitro iron-limiting conditions. A substantial proportion of downregulated genes belonged to pathways governing signal transduction, chemotaxis and motility, indicating early suppression of selected sensory and locomotive functions. Many of the genes most strongly regulated under experimental stress conditions lack orthologues in the L. borgpetersenii genome, suggesting that genome reduction has eliminated factors required for survival of the stressors encountered in this model, which further implies that this species relies on distinct early-phase survival strategies that do not support extracellular persistence under the conditions tested. Our findings show that L. interrogans serovar Hardjo rapidly modulates cellular networks to promote early survival in body fluids or within the extracellular matrix.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a widely prevalent and rising global condition whose pathophysiology is not yet completely understood. Recent studies have shown that lipid changes are crucial in the manifestation and progression of MDD. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the lipid profile and psychosocial aspects of MDD. Individuals with MDD and controls (non-MDD) were selected. The diagnosis of MDD was made using the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-Plus). Functionality analysis used the Functional Assessment Short Test (FAST) scale. The severity of depressive and anxious symptoms was assessed using the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Rating Scales (HAM-D and HAM-A). Biological rhythms were evaluated using the Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (BRIAN). Stress levels were assessed using the stress symptoms inventory. Lipid profiles were evaluated in plasma. One hundred sixty individuals were included: 31 individuals with a diagnosis of MDD and 129 non-MDD. Individuals with MDD showed more significant functional impairment, greater severity of depressive and anxious symptoms, and higher levels of stress, in addition to greater impairment in biological rhythm when compared to controls. Individuals with MDD had higher triglyceride levels (TG). Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were not significantly different between individuals with MDD and controls. In conclusion, individuals with MDD present functional impairments, psychosocial changes, and changes in the lipid profile. Longitudinal studies are recommended to assess the long-term effects of these changes and to investigate how the lipid profile influences brain function.
Elevated search for information could increase rumors and misinformation, which significantly impacted the daily lives and mental health of individuals. We tested the association between the frequency and methods of communication used and psychological symptoms. Cross-sectional study that included individuals with COVID-19 and individuals without the disease. Participants completed a questionnaire about the frequency with which were informed about COVID-19. The severity of depressive and anxious symptoms, and stress levels were assessed. The sample included 350 individuals (66% female, mean age 38.09 ± 14.18 years), and 32.6% had a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. Most of the sample was informed about COVID-19 almost always or always and the most common method used to search for information was the internet, followed by open TV, social media, WhatsApp, cable TV, radio, and newspaper. Individuals who sought information on social media had greater severity of depressive symptoms when compared to subjects who did not seek information on the media. Individuals who sought information via WhatsApp had lower anxiety symptoms and stress levels when compared to individuals who did not seek information via WhatsApp. The search for information had a negative impact on depressive symptoms and a decrease in anxiety symptoms.
Two-dimensional difference in-gel electrophoresis coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry was employed to investigate the proteome alterations induced by equilibration and freezing/thawing processes, both in turkey spermatozoa and in extracellular fluid (ECF). The freezing/thawing process resulted in reduced semen quality parameters. Viability and motility decreased threefold (90.6 %-31.2 % and 76.0 %-26.7 %, respectively), while the proportion of live spermatozoa with intact mitochondrial membrane potential decreased fivefold (54.9 %-11.4 %). Additionally, oxidative stress increased sevenfold (10.5 %-68.8 %). A total of 146 differentially abundant protein spots were found between fresh and frozen/thawed spermatozoa, while 27 spots differentiated between fresh and frozen/thawed ECF. Immunofluorescence staining showed reduced signals of mitochondrial proteins, such as aconitate hydratase, alpha-enolase, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and triosephosphate isomerase, in the spermatozoa midpiece, as well as reduced signals of acrosin in the acrosome. Freezing/thawing affected mitochondrial energy metabolism, particularly the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. The maintenance of an acetyl-CoA pool to sustain TCA cycle activity in cryopreserved spermatozoa may be insufficient owing to disturbances in fatty acid beta-oxidation and/or aerobic glycolysis. Changes in the ECF primarily reflect the leakage of spermatozoa glycolytic enzymes. The freezing/thawing process alters motile cilium assembly, primarily affecting the spermatozoa axoneme and outer dense fibres. The initial step of fertilization may be disrupted by alterations in proteins involved in spermatozoa binding to the ovum. These findings extend our knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cryodamage in turkey semen which is prerequisite for the improvement of semen preservation procedures.
We investigated recent reports of a northward expansion of Culex quinquefasciatus and hybrids of the Culex pipiens species complex, important vectors of West Nile virus in mid-latitudes of North America. Because Cx. quinquefasciatus more readily feeds on both birds and mammals, its movement into higher latitudes may increase the risk of WNV spillover from avian reservoirs to humans. Using an Ace2 PCR assay, we identified species and detected hybridization in mosquito specimens from 26 sites across the continental U.S. Our results reveal a strong latitudinal gradient in hybrid index values, consistent with climatic filtering of overwintering traits such as diapause. We detected both northward expansion of Cx. quinquefasciatus alleles and southward introgression of Cx. pipiens, with admixture occurring beyond previously defined hybrid zone boundaries. Hybrid zone structure varied regionally: the East Coast exhibited sharp latitudinal structuring of hybridization patterns; the Central U.S. showed broader corridors of admixture; and the Mountain/Southwest and West Coast zones of secondary contact displayed patchy Cx. quinquefasciatus distributions consistent with a mosaic hybrid zone. These patterns suggest incomplete reproductive isolation, with limits to interbreeding likely shaped by ecological barriers, such as winter survival constraints, and region-specific colonization histories. As climate change relaxes overwintering barriers and urbanization alters host and habitat availability, this hybrid zone may become increasingly dynamic and spatially complex. By updating the distribution of Cx. quinquefasciatus and hybrids, this study provides critical data for tracking range shifts, improving vector surveillance, and refining our understanding of WNV risk. More broadly, it advances integrated approaches to public health by linking mosquito ecology and evolution to emerging disease risk in both human and wildlife populations.
The gut microbiome has been increasingly recognized for its potential role in schizophrenia through gut-brain interactions involving immune, neural, and metabolic pathways. This pilot study evaluated the impact of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on the abundance and variability of selected fungal and archaeal species in the gut microbiota in the rat model of schizophrenia. Sprague-Dawley rats using as a prenatal methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM-E17) model of schizophrenia underwent FMT or placebo. Fecal DNA was extracted and analyzed via quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) to quantify selected fungi (Candida tropicalis, Malassezia spp., Cryptococcus neoformans) and archaea (Methanobrevibacter smithii, Methanosphaera stadtmanae) before and after intervention RESULTS: A slightly higher prevalence of C. tropicalis was noted in MAM-exposed rats compared to healthy controls (19% vs. 10%). Post-FMT, C. tropicalis colonization increased to nearly 100% across all groups, irrespective of transplantation source, indicating natural microbiome maturation rather than FMT effect. Malassezia spp. were commonly present before treatment, with their abundance significantly declining after both FMT and placebo administration, suggesting procedural impacts rather than specific FMT effects. C. neoformans and methanogenic archaea were absent. Overall, the results suggest that FMT has limited impact on gut fungal populations, possibly due to the developmental stage of microbiome maturation or procedural interventions. The absence of archaea underscores the complexity of the microbiome's role in neurodevelopmental disorders, highlighting the necessity for continued research into microbial influences on schizophrenia pathophysiology. [Image: see text]
This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of alternative σ factors in the highly invasive spirochaete Leptospira interrogans, the causative agent of leptospirosis. This globally distributed zoonosis affects both animals and humans, resulting in substantial public health and economic consequences. Together with the primary σ70, alternative σ factors provide transcriptional flexibility essential for bacterial adaptation to environmental changes and host-pathogen interactions. Comparative genomic analyses have revealed that the L. interrogans genome encodes 14 σ factors, including one housekeeping σ70-like factor and three types of alternative σ factors: σ54, σ28, and 11 predicted extracytoplasmic function (ECF, σᴱ-type) factors. This review discusses the characteristics of these regulators, with particular emphasis on the poorly understood ECF σ factors and their potential roles in gene regulation, adaptive responses, and pathogenicity.
It is known that an inflammatory response plays a key role in COVID-19 pathogenesis. An exacerbated inflammatory response can increase oxidative stress in cells. This study aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on parameters of oxidative stress including non-protein thiol antioxidants (NPSH), protein thiols (PSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), ascorbic acid, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plasma collected four to six weeks after the diagnosis. This cross-sectional study included a sex-matched sample of 296 adult individuals with 112 positives (cases) and 184 negatives (controls) for COVID-19. Oxidative stress parameters were peripherally analyzed according to previous methods. The results showed a decrease in NPSH (p = 0.004), TAC (p = 0.005), ROS (p < 0.001), and ascorbic acid (p < 0.001) in cases. TBARS were higher in moderate and severe cases of COVID-19 compared to asymptomatic and mild cases (p = 0.049). AOPP, PSH, and MPO were not significantly different between cases and controls. In the total sample, individuals who self-reported using medication to prevent or treat COVID-19 showed decreased NPSH (p = 0.034), TAC (p = 0.020), ascorbic acid (p = 0.010), and ROS (p = 0.001) compared to those who self-reported not using medication to prevent or treat COVID-19. In conclusion, individuals with COVID-19 had decreased antioxidant status. Furthermore, disease severity was associated with more lipid damage. Antioxidant therapies may be essential to prevent the impacts of COVID-19.
Position Statement: The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) presents this position based on a critical examination of the literature surrounding the effects of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 PUFA) supplementation on exercise performance, recovery, and brain health. This position stand is intended to provide a scientific foundation for athletes, dietitians, trainers, and other practitioners regarding the effects of supplemental ω-3 PUFA in healthy and athletic populations. The following conclusions represent the official position of the ISSN: Athletes may be at a higher risk for ω-3 PUFA insufficiency.Diets rich in ω-3 PUFA, including supplements, are effective strategies for increasing ω-3 PUFA levels.ω-3 PUFA supplementation, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has been shown to enhance endurance capacity and cardiovascular function during aerobic-type exercise.ω-3 PUFA supplementation may not confer a muscle hypertrophic benefit in young adults.ω-3 PUFA supplementation in combination with resistance training may improve strength in a dose- and duration-dependent manner.ω-3 PUFA supplementation may decrease subjective measures of muscle soreness following intense exercise.ω-3 PUFA supplementation can positively affect various immune cell responses in athletic populations.Prophylactic ω-3 PUFA supplementation may offer neuroprotective benefits in athletes exposed to repeated head impacts.ω-3 PUFA supplementation is associated with improved sleep quality.ω-3 PUFA are classified as prebiotics; however, studies on the gut microbiome and gut health in athletes are currently lacking.
This study aimed to determine the efficacy of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and lidocaine combined with LMWH for improving the course of acute pancreatitis (AP). A total of 30 rats were divided into three groups: the NaCl group, which received an intraarterial infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride; the Heparin group, which received a subcutaneous injection of LMWH; and the Lidocaine-Heparin group, which received an intraarterial infusion of 1% lidocaine, with subsequent subcutaneous injection of LMWH. AP was triggered using 80 μg/kg body weight of cerulein. Serum amylase and lipase levels were evaluated before induction of AP (measurement 0 - M0), after triggering AP (measurement 1 - M1), 1 h (measurement 2 - M2), 3 h (measurement 3 - M3), and 5 h (measurement 4 - M4) after treatment. After euthanasia, pancreatic tissues were collected for pathological analysis. No intergroup differences in serum amylase and lipase levels were observed between the NaCl and Heparin groups in all post-treatment evaluation points (M2, M3, and M4). Conversely, the Lidocaine-Heparin group showed significantly lower amylase values than the NaCl and Heparin groups in all post-treatment evaluation points. Furthermore, the Lidocaine-Heparin group showed significantly lower lipase values compared with the NaCl group in the first post-treatment evaluation point (M2), as well as compared with the Heparin group in the first (M2) and second (M3) post-treatment evaluation points. No significant intergroup differences were observed in pathological pancreatic tissue evaluation. Subcutaneous injection of LMWH did not impact the natural course of AP. However, the addition of intraarterially administered 1% lidocaine solution significantly reduced the severity of AP.
Optimizing human performance under stressful physical and cognitive conditions is paramount during high-stakes military operations. As such, interventions to improve warfighter performance by mitigating task-induced cognitive performance deficits are necessary. While caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world, common side effects (i.e. anxiousness, micro-saccades, irritability) may be detrimental to warfighter operations. Theacrine, a purine alkaloid similar in structure to caffeine but with a longer half-life, less habituation, and fewer side effects, is proposed as a caffeine-alternative to enhance cognitive resilience. Tactically trained participants (n = 20; F = 5; M = 16; age = 21.5 ± 3.8 y) completed one baseline and three experimental visits. Baseline included familiarization with cognitive tasks and a graded exercise test to determine VO2max. Experimental sessions, separated by ≥96 hours, were double-blind, placebo-controlled, and randomized. Participants completed cognitive testing (Dynavision, Trazer, Object Hit and Avoid, Anti-Saccade, Two-Back), consumed either 300 mg caffeine (CAF), 150 mg caffeine +150 mg theacrine (CTC), or placebo (PLA), and repeated cognitive tests 60-min post supplementation. After a high-intensity interval exercise session (10 intervals at >90% VO2max with recovery), reaction time (RT) tests were repeated after the 4th and 8th intervals, as well as immediately and 30-min post-exercise. Heart rate was measured continuously. Change scores were calculated from baseline, and data analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA (α = 0.05) with Bonferroni correction. Both CAF and CTC consistently enhanced cognitive and physical performance compared to PLA. In the Two-Back task, CTC showed significantly higher total accuracy (p < 0.01), while both CAF and CTC had fewer target (p < 0.01) and non-target errors (CAF: p = 0.03; CTC: p < 0.01) than PLA. CTC also had significantly faster RTs (p = 0.03) and lower RT variability for non-target trials compared to both PLA and CAF (p < 0.01). For the Dynavision Go/NoGo task, both CTC (p = 0.01) and CAF (p = 0.03) had significantly faster RTs than PLA, regardless of time point. Post-exercise, accuracy (p = 0.01) and RTs (p < 0.01) improved significantly compared to post-supplement. In the Object Hit & Avoid task, CAF and CTC significantly improved task accuracy (p < 0.01) while reducing omission (p < 0.01) and commission errors (p < 0.01) compared to PLA. HRV measures (RMSSD, NN intervals, SDNN) significantly increased post-supplementation (p < 0.01) but decreased immediately (p < 0.01) and 30 min post-exercise (p < 0.01). Blood lactate significantly declined at 5 (p < 0.01) and 10 min (p < 0.01) post-exercise compared to immediately post-exercise. SIngestion of CAF and CTC improved various measures of cognitive performance before, and after fatiguing exercise. Furthermore, CTC had additional cognitive benefits beyond CAF. Thus, combining lower-dose caffeine and theacrine may improve cognitive-behavioral performance before and after fatiguing exercise to an equal or greater degree than higher doses of caffeine alone. This combination offers a non-pharmacological intervention for those who experience side effects with caffeine to mitigate the impact of physical and cognitive stress. Future research should examine higher doses of theacrine alone or with caffeine, chronic supplementation, extended exercise durations, and different cognitive metrics under varied stress and environmental conditions.
The effectiveness of nafamostat for treating acute pancreatitis (AP) remains questionable. It was hypothesized that the administration of lidocaine would increase the penetration of nafamostat into the pancreas and improve its efficacy. This study evaluated the efficacy of combined management with nafamostat and lidocaine in the treatment of AP. Mild edematous AP was induced with cerulein in Wistar rats, which were distributed among 3 interventional cohorts: (1) a lidocaine cohort, with a regional intraarterial infusion of 1% lidocaine solution, (2) a lidocaine nafamostat group, with a regional intraarterial infusion of 1% lidocaine solution followed by the infusion of nafamostat mesylate, and (3) an NaCl group, with a regional intraarterial infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Following 4, 8, and 12 hours after drug administration, serum amylase and lipase levels were tested. Rats were euthanized, and the pancreas was removed for histopathological examination. A total of 16 rats were analyzed: 6 in the lidocaine group, 5 in the lidocaine–nafamostat group, and 5 in the NaCl group. Post treatment amylase and lipase levels were comparable between the groups. The NaCl group had more prevalent signs of chronic inflam mation in the pancreatic tissue and adipose tissue than both the lidocaine and lidocaine–nafamostat groups. The addition of nafamostat mesylate did not show superiority over lidocaine alone in the treatment of AP. Considering the prolonged observation period and self-healing tendency of mild edematous AP, both lidocaine and nafamostat do not impact treatment outcomes. However, both drugs may reduce the inflammatory and necrotic processes triggered by AP.
Background: Resistance training has recently focused more on a high- vs. low-load training approach, suggesting heavier loads optimize strength adaptations through maximal recruitment of motor units, whereas lower loads stimulate a greater hypertrophy response. The purpose of this investigation was to examine and determine significant differences in muscle thickness, strength, and hormonal markers over nine weeks of high- or low-load resistance training. Methods: Seventeen recreationally-trained males were recruited for this study (Mage = 20.4 ± 2.7 years). Participants were split into training with high-loads (85% 1-RM; n = 8) or low-loads (30% 1-RM; n = 9) completing 3 whole-body training sessions per week for 9 weeks. Each session included three working sets per exercise of repetitions to failure. Measures were collected at baseline and every three weeks after of muscle thickness (biceps brachii, triceps brachii, pectoral major, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris) and salivary hormones (basal and acute post-exercise testosterone and cortisol). RM-ANOVAs were conducted to analyze changes in hypertrophy and the hormones, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Muscle thickness increased significantly over time for all sites (p < 0.05), with no significant group × time interactions except for the triceps brachii (p = 0.04). There were no significant changes in basal hormone levels or changes from basal to immediately post exercise (p > 0.059). The high-load group showed greater increases in 1-RM following the training program. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate similar hypertrophy regardless of training volume and training load, but greater increases in strength in the high-load group. Hormonal data revealed no significant changes in basal cortisol and testosterone, suggesting similar stress and recovery. While nonsignificant for differences pre-post in either marker, the pattern of a slight decrease in testosterone may be an effect of receptor uptake, and additional monitoring over a longer time interval should be used to track the changes over a full recovery window.
Leptospirosis, caused by Leptospira spp., is one of the most widespread zoonoses worldwide. It affects both domestic and wild animals, with ruminants serving as a primary reservoir for serovar Hardjo. This serovar causes long-term colonisation of the kidney and genital tract. Hardjo strains are taxonomically assigned to two Leptospira species: Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira borgpetersenii. However, the molecular basis of L. interrogans serovar Hardjo adaptation remains poorly understood. Comparative genomic analysis of L. interrogans strains classified as the Hardjo serovar and other non-Hardjo serovars of the same species may help identify genetic determinants associated with host adaptation and species-specific cellular immune responses. Unfortunately, these pathogens are highly fastidious, and only a limited number of whole genomes have been sequenced to date. Four L. interrogans serovar Hardjo European isolates were sequenced. Using these new sequences alongside publicly available genomes of L. interrogans strains classified as Hardjo and non-Hardjo serovars, we performed comparative genomic analyses. Hardjo strains formed a distinct phylogenetic clade and harboured unique variants, including an intact cas3 gene and a modified thiM start codon. We identified 88 Hardjo-specific orthologues, some located in putative genomic islands outside rfb locus. Several encoded proteins related to mobile elements, toxin-antitoxin systems or signal transduction. Enhanced biofilm formation in Hardjo strains supports a host-adapted phenotype. This study expands the genomic dataset for L. interrogans serovar Hardjo and provides novel insights into its genetic distinctiveness, suggesting potential factors that may facilitate colonisation and persistence in ruminant hosts.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought significant challenges to global health, not only due to respiratory symptoms but also due to its impact on psychiatric disorders. Understanding the biological mechanisms underlying psychiatric manifestations in individuals with COVID-19 is crucial. This study aimed to investigate potential alterations in caspase 3 and 8 levels, as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, in individuals with COVID-19. The association of these markers with mental health was also assessed. A cross-sectional study was conducted, including individuals with COVID-19 and those without the disease. The stress levels were higher in individuals with COVID-19. Caspase 3 and 8 and BDNF levels were increased in individuals with COVID-19 compared to individuals without COVID-19. No significant differences were found in caspase 3 and 8 and BDNF levels between moderate/severe and asymptomatic/mild symptoms of COVID-19. The results indicate that no significant differences were observed between the diagnosis of anxiety disorders and the levels of markers. However, higher caspase 3 levels in individuals without anxiety and COVID-19 were found. No significant associations between the diagnosis of major depressive disorder or psychiatric symptoms and caspase 3, caspase 8, and BDNF levels were found. The results indicate that, although caspase 3, caspase 8, and BDNF levels are increased in individuals with COVID-19, these elevations are not associated with the severity of COVID-19 symptoms or psychiatric conditions and symptoms in post-COVID-19. These findings suggest that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may influence cellular activity and neurotrophic markers, but that other factors likely contribute to psychiatric disorders.
Filarial nematodes are parasitic roundworms transmitted by mosquitoes that can cause morbidity and mortality for their human and animal hosts. The filariae community, specifically infection prevalence of heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis (Filarioidea: Onchocercidae) (Leidy), and its primary mosquito vector species, has not been described in Connecticut since 1977. In light of the recent invasion and establishment of an important filariasis vector, Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) (Skuse), we used molecular-based sequencing methods to identify filarial species infecting field-caught mosquitoes in Connecticut, United States. The filarial parasites identified include D. immitis, Aproctella sp., and Setaria sp. (Filarioidea: Setariidae). The total minimum infection rate for D. immitis for all mosquito species tested in 2020 was 0.97 [0.56 to 1.56] and in 2021 was 1.48 [0.93 to 2.24]. Aedes albopictus had the highest infection prevalence compared to other species during both years. We determined a low but persistent mosquito infection prevalence for D. immitis and suggest that Ae. albopictus is likely to be the primary vector in the region. Aproctella sp. and Setaria sp. had lower burdens compared to D. immitis. Persistent mosquito infection with filarial parasites, particularly in invasive species, poses a risk to veterinary and public health.