Search Results (9,148)

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major cardiovascular risk factor that induces monocyte dysfunction and contributes to their accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions. Monocyte recruitment and accumulation in the tissues contribute to chronic inflammation and are essential to the pathobiology of diabetes-induced atherosclerosis. However, the mechanisms that drive the accumulation of monocytes in the diabetic environment are not clearly understood. Methods: Primary monocytes from type 2 (T2) DM and non-T2DM individuals were isolated using magnet-assisted cell sorting. To examine the influence of a diabetic milieu on monocyte function, monocytes from T2DM patients, db/db mice, or human monocytes subjected to hyperglycaemia were analysed for their responses to pro-atherogenic cytokines using Boyden chamber assays. Furthermore, the interactions of non-diabetic and diabetic monocytes with TNFα-inflamed endothelium were studied using live-cell imaging under physiological flow conditions. RT-qPCR and FACS were used to study the expression of relevant molecules involved in monocyte-endothelium interaction. Results: CD14⁺CD16⁻ monocytes isolated from T2DM patients or monocytes exposed to hyperglycaemic conditions showed reduced chemotactic responses towards atherosclerosis-promoting cytokines, CCL2 and CX3CL1, indicating monocyte dysfunction. Under flow conditions, the transendothelial migration (TEM) capacity of T2DM monocytes was significantly reduced. Even though these monocytes adhered to the endothelial monolayer, only a few transmigrated. Interestingly, the T2DM monocytes and monocytes exposed to hyperglycaemic conditions accumulated in the ablumen following transendothelial migration. The time period in the ablumen of T2DM cells was prolonged, as there was a significant impairment of the reverse transendothelial migration (rTEM). Mechanistically, the T2DM milieu specifically induced the activation of monocyte integrins, Macrophage-1 antigen (Mac-1; integrin αMβ2 consisting of CD11b and CD18), and Lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1; αLβ2 consisting of CD11a and CD18). Furthermore, elevated levels of CD18 transcripts were detected in T2DM monocytes. Junctional Adhesion Molecule 3 (JAM-3)–MAC-1 interactions are known to impede rTEM and T2DM milieu-potentiated JAM-3 expression in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC). Finally, the overexpression of JAM-3 on HCAEC was sufficient to completely recapitulate the impaired rTEM phenotype. Conclusions: Our results revealed for the first time that the enhanced T2DM monocyte accumulation in the ablumen is not secondary to the elevated transmigration through the endothelium. Instead, the accumulation of monocytes is due to the direct consequence of a dysfunctional rTEM, potentially due to enhanced JAM3-MAC1 engagement. Our results highlight the importance of restoring the rTEM capacity of monocytes to reduce monocyte accumulation-dependent inflammation induction and atherogenesis in the T2DM environment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Race-based cardiac screening criteria in sports cardiology, including the “Black athlete’s heart” concept, assume biological distinctions that may not reflect physiological reality. This systematic review evaluates whether geographic ancestry provides more clinically relevant predictors of cardiac adaptation than racial categorization. Methods: PubMed was searched (January 2005–July 2025) for studies examining cardiac adaptations in athletes by ethnicity. Data extraction captured demographics, geographic origin, cardiac assessments, and outcomes. Narrative synthesis was employed due to methodological heterogeneity. Results: Forty-seven studies (n = 66,130) revealed substantial within-race heterogeneity. The “Black athlete repolarization variant” prevalence ranged from 1.8% (Brazilian) to 30% (Ghanaian) Black athletes. Left ventricular wall thickness >12 mm (normal <11 mm) occurred in 7.1% of Black versus 0.4% of White athletes, yet varied significantly within Black populations—10.8 ± 1.2 mm in Sub-Saharan versus 9.4 ± 1.1 mm in African-American athletes (p < 0.001). Relative wall thickness ≥0.44 (normal ≤0.42) was presented in 43% of West/Middle African, 23% of East African, and 7% of White athletes. T-wave inversion showed four-fold variation within Black populations (3.6–8.5% West African versus 0.5–2.0% African-American/Caribbean). Current International Criteria demonstrated inequitable specificity: 3.3% false-positive rate in Black versus 1.4% in White athletes. Conclusions: Geographic ancestry explains more cardiac variation than racial categories, supporting contemporary understanding of race as a sociopolitical construct. The persistent diagnostic disparities in ECG screening specificity highlight the need for reform. Transitioning toward protocols incorporating continental origin, anthropometric factors, and social determinants of health—while eliminating terminology like “Black athlete’s heart”—represents an important step toward achieving equity in cardiovascular care for diverse athletic populations. Full article

Academic performance in adolescence is influenced by both cognitive capacity and physiological factors such as sleepiness. However, the interaction between these dimensions remains understudied. This pilot study examined whether daytime sleepiness moderates the relationship between working memory and academic achievement in a sample of 601 schoolchildren aged 11 to 17 years. Participants completed a digital visuospatial working memory task and self-reported their daytime sleepiness using the Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS). Academic performance was assessed through official grades in Mathematics, Language, and Literature. Regression analyses showed that working memory (total score and average reaction time) and daytime sleepiness were independent predictors of academic performance. These findings support our hypotheses that cognitive and physiological factors each contribute to school success. However, no significant moderation effects were found in the full sample. Subgroup analyses revealed that working memory predicted academic outcomes only among students with normal sleepiness levels, whereas in high-sleepiness students, cognitive predictors lost significance and PDSS scores emerged as the dominant predictor. These results suggest that elevated daytime sleepiness can undermine the positive impact of working memory on academic performance. The findings highlight the importance of assessing both cognitive skills and physiological readiness when evaluating students. They also suggest that sleep-focused interventions may improve learning outcomes, especially during adolescence. Full article

CrossFit performance is influenced by physiological, neuromuscular, and perceptual factors, yet the extent to which these determinants vary by sex or training experience in standardized CrossFit Workouts of the Day (WODs) remains unclear. This study examined whether variables such as lactate accumulation, oxygen uptake dynamics, jump performance loss, and ventilatory responses relate differently to performance when stratified by sex and expertise. Fifteen trained athletes (eight males, seven females; overall mean age 27.7 ± 4.6 years) took part. Assessments included body composition, squat (SJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ), and maximal oxygen consumption [VO₂max]. On a separate day, they performed Fran (21-15-9 thrusters and pull-ups, Rx or scaled) The prescribed (‘Rx’) version used standardized barbell loads (43 kg for men, 29 kg for women), while the scaled version involved reduced loads or pull-up modifications. Respiratory gas exchange and heart rate were continuously monitored, while blood lactate and jump performance were measured pre- and post-WOD. Workout completion time [s] was the primary outcome. Correlation heatmaps explored associations in the overall sample and by sex and expertise. Mean completion time was 422.1 ± 173.2 s (range: 200–840). Faster performance correlated with higher ventilatory responses [ΔVe, r = −0.60, p = 0.018], greater mean VO₂ (r = −0.62, p = 0.014), superior jump power [CMJ pre, r = −0.65, p = 0.009], and higher post-WOD lactate [r = −0.54, p = 0.036]. Sex-stratified analyses showed that males relied on ventilatory efficiency and neuromuscular power, whereas females were more constrained by performance loss and higher resting perceived exertion (RPE). Experts depended on ventilatory and neuromuscular efficiency, while initiates showed stronger associations with decrements in jump performance and higher RPE. These findings highlight subgroup-specific performance profiles and reinforce the need for tailored training strategies in CrossFit athletes. Full article

Salt stress is a major abiotic factor limiting crop productivity worldwide, as it disrupts plant growth, metabolism, and survival. In this study, we report that the genes PvPR10-2 and PvPR10-3 were significantly up-regulated in bean leaves and stems in response to combined salt and jasmonic acid (NaCl–JA) treatment. Foliar application of JA with salt induced physiological alterations, including stem growth inhibition, H₂O₂ accumulation, and activation of antioxidant enzymes. To investigate the role of PvPR10-3 in response to salt and phytohormones, we introduced this gene into Arabidopsis and found that its heterologous expression conferred salt tolerance to the transgenic lines. Interestingly, exogenous JA contributed to salt tolerance by reducing H₂O₂ levels, inducing ROS-scavenging enzymes, and promoting the accumulation of phenolic compounds and ABA. Furthermore, gene expression analysis of the transgenic lines revealed that PvPR10-3 expression under NaCl–JA stress is associated with the induction of JA-related genes like MYC2, JAZ2, JAZ11, and JAZ12, as well as SA-responsive genes, like ALD1 and TGA2, and two ABA-independent components DREB2A and ERD1, suggesting potential coordination between JA, ABA, and SA signaling in salt stress response. Additionally, key flowering regulators (FT, GI) were upregulated in transgenic lines under NaCl–JA treatment, suggesting a previously unexplored link between salt tolerance pathways and the regulation of flowering time. Taken together, our findings suggest a role of PvPR10-3 in enhancing salt stress tolerance and the involvement of exogenous JA in tolerance potentially by modulating ROS balance, hormone-associated gene expression, and protective secondary metabolites. Full article

The taste, aroma, and sensory characteristics of cherries are key factors influencing consumer acceptance. In this study, the sensory evaluation, biochemical characteristics, and their relationships with consumer satisfaction of several representative cherry cultivars were analyzed during cold storage to establish systematic quality evaluation parameters. Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed significant differences in physiological quality and metabolic profiles among the tested cultivars. Specifically, ‘Benitemari’ demonstrated more contents of soluble solids and titratable acid, while ‘Tieton’ and ‘Skeena’ showed higher concentrations of volatile organic compounds and polyphenolics. Furthermore, hexanal and (E)-2-hexenal were identified as the dominant VOCs, while cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside was confirmed as a major phenolic component across the cultivars. Finally, the comprehensive score of the principal component model was significantly positively correlated with the scores of firmness, chewiness, sweetness, sourness, and taste and bitterness in the sensory evaluation. The results were expected to provide valuable guidance for standardizing the sweet cherry supply chain and cultivating high-quality sweet cherry cultivars. Full article

Background: Physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep are interdependent components of the 24 h movement profile that may influence appetite control. While acute exercise can alter appetite perceptions and food reward, less is known about how reallocating time between daily behaviours affects appetite outcomes under free-living conditions. Methods: We applied isotemporal-substitution modelling in a cross-sectional study of 130 young, healthy, active adults. Accelerometer-derived estimates of sedentary time, light physical activity (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sleep were analysed in relation to energy intake (food diaries, laboratory meals), subjective appetite perceptions, appetite-related hormones (acylated ghrelin, PYY, leptin), and psychological traits, including food reward (Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire, LFPQ), food cravings (Control of Eating Questionnaire, CoEQ), and eating behaviour traits (Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, TFEQ). Results: Reallocating 30 min/day of sedentary time to MVPA was associated with higher energy intake in free-living (+113 kcal/day, 95% CI: 34–192) and laboratory settings (+120 kcal/day, 95% CI: 55–185), along with greater postprandial hunger and prospective food consumption, reduced fullness, elevated fasting acylated ghrelin, and lower postprandial PYY. No associations were observed for reallocations to LPA or sleep. Furthermore, sedentary time reallocations were unrelated to leptin or psychological eating traits assessed by the LFPQ, CoEQ, or TFEQ. Conclusions: In this population, reallocating sedentary time to MVPA was linked to physiological and behavioural compensation consistent with elevated energy demands, whereas reallocating to LPA or sleep showed no associations. Trait-level eating behaviours were unaffected, suggesting MVPA influences appetite primarily through acute physiological rather than enduring cognitive or hedonic pathways. Full article

Background: Joint hypermobility (JH) is an increase in the range of joint movements beyond physiological limits. To date, there is no common understanding of the pathogenesis of this condition. The aim of the study was to analyze the intergenic interactions of SNPs of candidate genes involved in connective tissue metabolism in order to assess their total contribution to the pathogenesis of JH. Methods: A single-stage cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 181 healthy young men (N = 54) and women (N = 127); the average age was 21.86 ± 0.22 years. JH was determined by the Beighton scale (1998). SNPs of the VDR, LUM, GDF5, BMP5, TRPM6 and ADAMTS5 genes were identified. The analysis of gene–gene interactions was carried out using the MDR and GeneMANIA.org, and protein–protein interactions were analyzed using STRING. Results: Models of intergenic interactions were constructed: a one-factor model (rs11144134 (TRPM6)) and a three-factor model (rs229077 and rs9978597 of the ADAMTS5 gene and rs11144134 of the TRPM6 gene), with the identification of risky genotypes. In addition, the possible mechanisms of intergenic interaction were predicted. Interaction at the level of expression products was found for GDF5 and ADAMTS5, and with the expansion of the network, possible functional partner genes such as GREM2, HJV, and ACAN were discovered. Conclusions: Models of intergenic interactions were constructed, a one-factor model and a three-factor model, and the risk genotypes were identified. Rs11144134 of the TRPM6 gene can be considered a promising new marker of JH. Full article

Background: The multifactorial nature of CrossFit performance remains incompletely understood, particularly regarding sex- and experience-related physiological and biomechanical factors. Methods: Fifteen trained athletes (8 males, 7 females) completed assessments of anthropometry, estimated one-repetition maximums (bench press, back squat, deadlift), squat jump (SJ), maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), ventilatory responses ($\dot{\mathrm{V}}$E), and heart rate (HR). Spearman, Pearson, and partial correlations were calculated with Holm and false discovery rate (FDR) corrections. Results: Males displayed greater body mass, lean and muscle mass, maximal strength, and aerobic capacity than females (all Holm-adjusted p < 0.01). Experienced athletes completed Fran faster than beginners despite broadly similar anthropometric and aerobic profiles. In the pooled sample, WOD time showed moderate negative relationships with estimated 1RM back squat (ρ = −0.54), deadlift (ρ = −0.56), and bench press (ρ = −0.65) before correction; none remained significant after Holm/FDR adjustment, and partial correlations controlling for training years were further attenuated. Conclusions: This exploratory study provides preliminary evidence suggesting that maximal strength may contribute to Fran performance, whereas conventional aerobic measures were less influential. However, given the very small sample (n = 15, 8 males and 7 females) and the fact that no relationships remained statistically significant after correction for multiple testing, the results must be regarded as preliminary, hypothesis-generating evidence only, requiring confirmation in larger and adequately powered studies. Full article

Background: Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) complex, leading to toxic buildup of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and their ketoacid derivatives. While newborn screening (NBS) and molecular testing are standard diagnostic tools, they face challenges such as delayed results and false positives. Untargeted metabolomics has emerged as a complementary approach, offering comprehensive metabolic profiling and potential for novel biomarker discovery. We previously applied untargeted metabolomics to neonates with MSUD, identifying distinct metabolic signatures. Objective: This follow-up study investigates metabolic changes and biomarkers in pediatric MSUD patients and explores shared dysregulated metabolites between neonatal and pediatric MSUD. Methods: Dried blood spot (DBS) samples from pediatric MSUD patients (n = 14) and matched healthy controls (n = 14) were analyzed using LC/MS-based untargeted metabolomics. Results: In pediatric MSUD, 3716 metabolites were upregulated and 4038 downregulated relative to controls. Among 1080 dysregulated endogenous metabolites, notable biomarkers included uric acid, hypoxanthine, and bilirubin diglucuronide. Affected pathways included sphingolipid, glycerophospholipid, purine, pyrimidine, nicotinate, and nicotinamide metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Seventy-two metabolites overlapped with neonatal MSUD cases, some exhibiting inverse trends between age groups. Conclusion: Untargeted metabolomics reveals that the metabolic profiling of MCUD pediatric patients different from that of their controls. Also, there are valuable age-specific and shared metabolic alterations in MSUD, enhancing the understanding of disease progression in MSUD patients. This supports its utility in improving diagnostic precision and developing personalized treatment strategies across developmental stages. Full article

Blue fescue (Festuca glauca) is a widely used ornamental grass worldwide. Drought is an important limiting factor for the growth and development of blue fescue; therefore, cultivating new strains of blue fescue with a strong drought tolerance is of great significance for its production practice. To investigate the drought tolerance mechanism of ds-1, this study subjected both ds-1 and “Festina” to a natural drought treatment and measured their physiological and biochemical indicators. A transcriptomic analysis was also conducted to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results showed that, after the drought treatment, the relative water content (RWC), water use efficiency (WUE), and photosynthetic rate (Pn) of ds-1 leaves were significantly higher than those of “Festina”; in addition, the contents of H₂O₂ and O₂⁻, the relative electrical conductivity (REC), the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, the gas conductance (Gs), and the transpiration rate (Tr) were significantly lower than those of “Festina”. The peroxidase (POD) activity of ds-1 was significantly higher than that of “Festina”, while the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of ds-1 was significantly lower than that of “Festina”. The transcriptome data analysis showed that there were a total of 9475 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ds-1 and “Festina”. A Venn plot analysis showed 692 DEGs between ds-1—8d vs. “Festina”—8d and ds-1—16d vs. “Festina”—16d. A KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these 692 genes were mainly enriched in 86 pathways, including those related to the photosynthesis antenna protein, plant hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling, starch and sucrose metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism. Further screening identified genes that may be associated with drought stress, including PYL, PP2C, SnRK2, ABF, BRI1, JAZ, MYC2, Lhc, and MPK6. The qRT-PCR results indicated that the expression trends of the DEGs were consistent with the transcriptome sequencing results. Our research results can provide a basis for exploring candidate genes for drought tolerance in blue fescue. In addition, our research results provide valuable genetic resources for the development of drought-resistant ornamental grass varieties, which can help reduce water consumption in cities and decrease labor and capital investment. Full article

Background: Rowing is a highly demanding endurance sport, requiring simultaneous work of approximately 70% of the body’s muscle mass and the combined contribution of aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the cardiorespiratory responses and performance characteristics of elite junior male and female rowers during maximal effort over 2000 m on a rowing ergometer. Methods: Fifteen junior rowers (six males aged 15–17 and nine females aged 15–18) participated in the study. Anthropometric data (body height, weight, and body surface area) were recorded. All participants performed a maximal 2000 m test on a Concept2 D-model ergometer. Throughout the test, oxygen uptake (VO₂), carbon dioxide production (VCO₂), heart rate, and ventilation parameters were continuously measured. Performance and physiological data were analyzed in three intensity zones, defined by ventilatory thresholds (VT1–VT3), as well as at peak exercise. Results: Significant anthropometric differences were observed between genders. In terms of performance, males completed the 2000 m test significantly faster than females (208.83 ± 87.66 s vs. 333.78 ± 97.51 s, p = 0.0253). Relative VO₂ at peak exercise was higher in males (58.73 ± 5.25 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) than females (48.32 ± 6.09 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, p = 0.0046). In most cardiorespiratory parameters, males outperformed females significantly, except for heart rate and ventilatory equivalents. Ranking analysis revealed that higher VO₂max values were generally associated with a better placement in both genders, though this relationship was not perfectly linear. Performance time was negatively correlated with VO₂Peak (r = −0.8286; p < 0.001), rVO₂Peak (r = −0.6781; p < 0.01), and O₂P_Peak (r = −0.7729; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The findings confirm significant gender differences in anthropometric and cardiorespiratory characteristics of elite junior rowers and reinforce VO₂max as a key determinant of performance. Yet, deviations from a direct VO₂max–rank correlation highlight the influence of tactical, psychological, and biomechanical factors. Future research should provide practical recommendations for monitoring performance and tailoring training to optimize adaptation and long-term athlete development. Full article

(1) Background: The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a natural scaffold for cells, creating a three-dimensional architecture composed of fibrous proteins (mainly collagen) and proteoglycans, which are synthesized by resident cells. In this study, a physiological hypoxic environment was utilized to enhance ECM production by human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), a process relevant to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. (2) Methods: hMSCs were treated with deferoxamine (DFO), a pharmaceutical hypoxia-mimetic agent that induces cellular responses similar to low-oxygen conditions through stabilization of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). The time points 0 h 24 h, 3 h 24 h, and 24 h 24 h refer to DFO being added immediately after cell seeding (before cells adhesion), 3 h after cell seeding (during initial cells attachment), and 24 h after cell seeding (after focal adhesions formation and actin organization), respectively, to evaluate the influence of cell adhesion on ECM deposition. hMSCs incubated in culture media were subsequently exposed to DFO for 24 h. Samples were then subjected to cell viability tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and laser scanning confocal microscopy (CLSM) assessments. (3) Results: Viability tests indicated that DFO concentrations in the range of 0–300 µM were non-toxic over 24 h. The presence of collagen fibers in the DFO-derived ECM was confirmed with anti-collagen antibodies under CLSM. Increased ECM secretion was observed under the following conditions: 3 μM DFO (24 h 24 h), 100 μM DFO (0 h 24 h) and 300 μM DFO (3 h 24 h). SEM and AFM images revealed the morphology of various stages of collagen formation with both collagen fibrils and fibers identified. (4) Conclusions: Our preliminary study demonstrated enhanced ECM secretion by hMSC treated with DFO at concentrations of 3, 100, and 300 µM within a short cultivation period of 24–48 h without significant affecting cell viability. By mimicking physiological processes, it may be possible to stimulate endogenous tissue regeneration, for example, at an injury site. Full article

Citrus creasing is a physiological rind disorder. Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) is the most widely cultivated mandarin variety worldwide and exhibits a high susceptibility to creasing. To investigate the physiological mechanisms underlying creasing, satsuma mandarin trees were treated with different drought stress during fruit expansion, then the relationship between the soil water content and creasing incidence was analyzed, while also examining the rind morphology, oil gland distribution in the flavedo, antioxidant enzyme activities, hormone concentrations, cell wall components, mineral content of creasing fruit, and the impact of creasing on fruit quality. Results showed that severe water stress (35% SRWC) increased the creasing incidence rate by 28% compared to well-irrigated treatments (80% SRWC). The creasing fruit oil gland diameter reduced by 35.7% and the density increased by 149.7% compared to healthy fruits. Simultaneously, the content of H₂O₂ and proline elevated by 47.1% and 8.3% respectively, and the activities of SOD, POD, and CAT of the creasing rind were enhanced significantly. Additionally, the content of IAA, ZR, and MeJA decreased by 17.2%, 7.8%, and 50.2%, respectively. Cell wall components such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and protopectin content reduced by 44.6%, 31.7%, and 33.1%, while soluble pectin increased by 36.3%. Significant alterations were observed in several minerals (Al, Fe, Na, Ni, V, Ga, Zn, Ba, Sn, Hg, Sc, Y, and La). However, fruit quality remained unaffected by creasing. These results demonstrate that drought is a key factor inducing creasing. Increased oil gland density, the degradation of cell wall components, elevated oxidative stress, reductions in phytohormones, and altered mineral element content work together to contribute to rind cells’ structural instability and lead to creasing in the satsuma mandarin. Full article