Search Results (9,671)

Gout and calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition disease (CPPD) are frequently associated with comorbid disorders, including coronary artery disease and osteoarthritis, in which ectopic calcification with basic calcium phosphate crystals commonly affects arteries and articular cartilage, respectively. Accepting the 2024 G-CAN Gold Medal, I review my research philosophy for translational etiopathogenesis investigation in gout and CPPD, atherosclerosis, responses to arterial injury, and osteoarthritis. Since molecular homeostasis points to pathophysiology and vice versa, I have followed selected molecular players and pathways to phenotypes. Typically, behind each disease target is another target. Illuminating passageways between etiopathogenic pathways is especially productive when using approaches beyond conventional “omics” to reveal the impact of specific post-translational protein modifications, and changes in protein conformation, complex assembly, and interactomes. Highlighting these concepts, I review my past studies on specific molecular pathways, and current perspectives for the following: (i) PP_i, NPP1, ANKH, and transglutaminase 2 (TG2); (ii) relationships between NPP1, ANKH, Vanin-1 Pantetheinase, and ectopic chondrogenesis; (iii) intersections between adenosine, AMPK, CXCL8 and its receptor CXCR2, the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) and chondrocyte hypertrophy; (iv) lubricin homeostasis and proteolysis; (v) receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) and TG2-catalyzed post-translational calgranulin modification; (vi) complement activation and C5b-9 assembly, and the nucleotide-bound conformation of TG2. The inescapable conclusion is that these molecular pathways tightly knit crystal arthropathy with both arterial and osteoarthritis comorbidity. Full article

Basketball requires high-intensity, multidirectional movements that place significant stress on the ankle joint. Limited dorsiflexion and reduced change-of-direction (COD) ability are associated with impaired movement efficiency and may contribute to injury mechanisms. Isometric training may help address these limitations in professional players. To assess the effects of a season-long isometric intervention program on ankle dorsiflexion and COD performance in professional basketball players. Fourteen professional players (mean age 25.6 ± 3.9 years) completed a season-long isometric intervention program (5 days/week), which included three force-steady sustained running postures and two gym-based exercises performed at 80% maximal voluntary contraction for 15–20 s per repetition (12 reps/set, 3 sets/session). Significant improvements were observed in both ankle dorsiflexion and COD performance. Dorsiflexion increased by 34.0% in the left leg and 19.4% in the right leg (Lunge Test). COD performance in the L-Test improved by 10.0% for the leftwards side and 11.6% for the rightward side from pre- to post-intervention. Isometric training improved ankle dorsiflexion and COD performance in professional basketball players, suggesting potential performance benefits and enhanced movement efficiency in multidirectional tasks. Full article

DNA repair is a multifaceted biological process that involves multiple pathways to counter the types of damage the genome encounters throughout life. In the past decade zebrafish became a popular model organism to study various aspects of vertebrate DNA repair, and the characterization of several mutant lines deficient in key players of the repair pathways has significantly contributed to our understanding of the roles the corresponding proteins play in the maintenance of genomic integrity. Interestingly, the base-excision repair (BER) pathway remained one of the less characterized DNA repair processes in fish. Here we provide a detailed characterization of zebrafish deficient in one of the key components of BER, the uracil-DNA glycosylase Unga. We show that while these fish are viable, they display an altered response to genotoxic stress and unga mutant males show an interesting form of subfertility. Full article

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) that cannot be fully explained by traditional cardiometabolic risk factors. The observed ‘lipid paradox’, where RA patients with lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels exhibit higher CVD risk, may be attributed to post-translational modifications (PTMs). These lipoprotein PTMs likely arise from inflammatory pathways. While PTMs like citrullination and carbamylation are well recognized in RA joint pathology, their occurrence in other protein compartments and their role in CVD have been less well explored. This scoping review summarizes the current literature on PTMs of lipoproteins, including oxidation, nitration, carbamylation, and citrullination, and their impacts on CVD in RA. We also discuss immune responses to these PTMs, their interactions with scavenger receptors, and the effects of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Further research on PTMs may uncover new pathways linking autoimmunity, inflammation, and vascular damage, offering novel diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities for RA-associated CVD. Full article

Potential variability in neuromuscular function or physiology throughout the menstrual cycle (MC) or a cycle of using hormonal contraceptives may affect muscular performance variables that are relevant to exercise, training, or sport. Collegiate softball players (n = 11) that reported using and not using hormonal contraceptives completed three testing sessions during their respective early follicular, ovulatory, and mid luteal phases of the MC or early, mid, or late phases of their hormonal contraceptive cycle (HCC). Each testing session included a series of performance tests: countermovement jump on a force plate, 15-yard sprints, velocity assessment of the back squat performed at 70% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM), one-repetition maximum bench press, and 70% 1-RM repetitions to failure testing on the bench press. No significant differences were found for any of the performance tests between the three phases, though performance on most tasks peaked during the mid luteal/late phases of the MC/HCC. It is important to note that this study was underpowered and this could have masked any observed differences. Collectively, muscular performance was not significantly different throughout phases of the MC or HCC in these athletes, indicating that potential hormonal variability throughout the MC or HCC did not seem to have an effect on performance outcomes in this study. Full article

Background: Action video games—particularly first-person-shooter (FPS), real-time-strategy (RTS), multiplayer-online-battle-arena (MOBA), and battle-royale (BR) titles—have been linked to enhanced visuospatial skills, yet their impact on brain structure remains unclear. Purpose: To examine, using a cross-sectional design, whether long-term exposure to high-speed genres is associated with variations in cortical thickness and white matter microstructure. Methods: Structural and diffusion MRI were acquired from 27 video-game players (VGPs) and 19 non-video-game players (NVGPs). FreeSurfer-derived cortical thickness and DSI-Studio quantitative anisotropy (QA) were compared between groups, co-varying for intracranial volume. All p-values were Holm–Bonferroni- and FDR-corrected; bootstrap 95% CIs are reported. Results: VGPs showed greater cortical thickness in right inferior and superior parietal, supramarginal, and precuneus cortices (η_p² = 0.12–0.21) and higher QA along right SOG–SPL and left SOG–IPL tracts. Conclusions: Frequent action gaming is associated with greater cortical thickness in the dorsal stream and enhanced occipito-parietal connectivity. However, causal inference is precluded; longitudinal work is warranted. Full article

Mosses are key players in semi-arid ecosystems; however, the functional roles of mosses on hydrologic buffering and water quality have hardly been assessed. In the present study, the water storage, saturation dynamics, and ion release experiment of a set of four moss species (Hypnum lacunosum, Homalothecium lutescens, Dicranum scoparium, and Tortella tortuosa) was performed by a more simplified immersion and drainage procedure with water chemistry analyses. All species reached a sorption equilibrium between 10 and 20 min, with pleurocarpous taxa retaining 20–35% more water than acrocarpous species and possessing water-holding capacities (WHCs) between 300% and 700% of dry weight. Species-specific differences in water chemistry (pH, EC, and TDS) were observed: Tortella tortuosa presented the greatest ionic flux, and Hypnum lacunosum presented little variation in pH and electrical conductivity. These findings imply that the mosses operate as micro-scale buffers regulating both water quantity and water quality, and thereby the soil stability, infiltration, and drought resilience. The combined hydrological and biogeochemical view offers a novel understanding of bryophyte ecohydrology and highlights the significance of mosses in the practice of watershed management and climate-change mitigation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Peak force (PF) reflects maximal strength, while early rate of force development (RFD; 0–100 ms) indicates explosive neuromuscular output. The Athletic Shoulder (ASH) test is gaining popularity in overhead athlete profiling, but its use for assessing explosive strength in various shoulder positions is underexplored. This study compared PF and RFD at shoulder abductions of 180° (ASH-I), 135° (ASH-Y), and 90° (ASH-T) in baseball players. Methods: Seventeen male athletes (age 22.7 ± 4.2 years; height 186.3 ± 7.3 cm; body mass 83.9 ± 10.1 kg) performed isometric ASH tests with the dominant arm. PF, PF relative to body mass (PF/BM), and early RFD were analysed. Results: ASH I showed 25% significantly higher PF (182 ± 41 N), PF/BM (2.15 ± 0.39 N/kg), and 40% higher RFD (545 N/s) than ASH Y or T (all p < 0.001), which did not differ significantly. PF showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.86–0.93); RFD showed moderate-to-good reliability (ICC = 0.75–0.81). Smallest worthwhile changes were ~5% for PF and ~15% for RFD. Conclusions: Maximal isometric shoulder strength and explosiveness were highest at 180° abduction in baseball athletes, with no significant difference between 135° and 90°. PF demonstrated excellent reliability, while early RFD showed moderate to good reliability and higher variability, highlighting the need for repeated measures. These findings provide specific position reference values and support the inclusion of multiple abduction angles in shoulder strength assessment to detect neuromuscular deficits and monitor training adaptations in baseball athletes. Full article

Background/Objectives: To analyze how the different phases of the menstrual cycle affect agility in female football players. Methods: A total of 11 female football players were selected from the third tier of the Spanish Football Federation (Third RFEF) and an agility test (t-test) was conducted to measure agility during the three phases of the menstrual cycle: the menstrual, late follicular, and mid-luteal phases. These phases were determined through self-reporting and the use of ovulation test strips for luteinizing hormone detection. Perceptual variables, such as sleep quality, stress, muscle pain, and fatigue, as well as the rating of perceived exertion, were measured. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in agility performance across menstrual cycle phases (F_(2,20) = 1.86; p = 0.18). However, performance in the mid-luteal phase was slightly better compared to other phases. Similarly, no significant differences were found in perceptual variables such as fatigue, sleep quality, stress, and muscle soreness (p > 0.05), although slightly better perceptual responses were observed in the late follicular phase. Conclusions: No significant differences were found when analyzing the influence of menstrual cycle phases on agility, although performance appeared slightly better in the mid-luteal phase. No significant differences were observed in the perceptual variables. Both objective and perceptual variables should be considered in future studies or training programs based on the menstrual cycle. Full article

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries are a major concern in baseball because of repetitive valgus stress from overhead throwing, often leading to surgical intervention. In recent years, UCL reconstruction has become increasingly frequent. Although this procedure has a high success rate, revision surgery is often required. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the incidence of UCL surgery and revision procedures in baseball players, explored potential risk factors, and identified areas for future research. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Embase, and SportDiscus databases was conducted for studies published between 2014 and 2024. Studies reporting the incidence of primary and revision UCL reconstructions in baseball players were included. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS). A meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 software calculated the pooled proportions and 95% confidence intervals for UCL surgery and revision rates. Six studies met the inclusion criteria, including data from 27,366 baseball players. The pooled incidence of UCL surgery was 4.52% (95% CI: 4.20–4.84%), and the pooled incidence of revision surgery was 8.42% (95% CI: 5.49–11.35%). Statistical analyses showed high heterogeneity (I² = 100%, p < 0.00001). Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the results, both in the incidence of surgery and in the revision surgery. UCL surgery is a common procedure in baseball, and a notable proportion of athletes require revision. Further research is necessary to identify the risk factors and develop preventive strategies to reduce UCL injury rates. Full article

Virtual reality (VR) is widely used across various areas of human life. One field where its application is rapidly growing is sport and physical activity (PA). Training applications are being developed that support various sports disciplines, motor skill acquisition, and the development of motor abilities. Immersive technologies are increasingly being used to assess motor and cognitive capabilities. As such, validation studies of these diagnostic tools are essential. The aim of this study was to estimate the validity and reliability of reaction speed (RS) measurements using the Rezzil Player application (“Reaction” module) in immersive VR compared to results obtained with the SMARTFit device in a real environment (RE). The study involved 43 university students (17 women and 26 men). Both tests required participants to strike light targets on a panel with their hands. Two indicators of response were analyzed in both tests: the number of hits on illuminated targets within a specified time frame and the average RS in response to visual stimuli. Statistically significant and relatively strong correlations were observed between the two measurement methods: number of hits (r_S = 0.610; p < 0.001) and average RS (r_S = 0.535; p < 0.001). High intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were also found for both test environments: number of hits in VR (ICC = 0.851), average RS in VR (0.844), number of hits in RE (ICC = 0.881), and average RS in RE (0.878). The findings indicate that the Rezzil Player application can be considered a valid and reliable tool for measuring reaction speed in VR. The correlation with conventional methods and the high ICC values attest to the psychometric quality of the tool. Full article

The livestock sector, a crucial source of revenue and global food security, is facing serious challenges due to climate change driven by global warming. This leads to serious effects on animal health and productivity, making it difficult for the livestock industry to meet the global demand and sustain the livelihoods of farmers. The main factor affecting livestock’s productivity is heat stress. However, animals develop various adaptive mechanisms to cope with the effects of heat stress. Cellular and molecular responses act as key defense mechanisms, enabling animals adapt to environmental changes. The recent advancements in molecular biology have opened up opportunities for extensive research on epigenetics, which has a key role in regulating gene expression in animals in response to environmental stimuli. Such studies have gained considerable attention regarding heat acclimation in animals due to the fact that epigenetic mechanisms have been recognized as key players in long-term adaptation to high temperatures in farm animals. This review summarizes the different mechanisms and methodologies used to assess heat stress-associated epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, which is an extensively studied epigenetic regulatory mechanism in relation to gene expression. The review also highlights the mechanisms and regulation of adaptation to heat stress in animals and collates information related to various epigenetic markers to assess the heat stress response, thereby aiding in improving thermal resilience in animals. Full article

This paper propose a practical field-based screening protocol for evaluating the risk of hamstring injury. This is done by discerning the most important factors that better explain the underlying structure among various measurements. Following a cross-sectional study design, ninety-nine professional and semi-professional football players were assessed at the team’s facilities during the preseason period. The collected data included aspects of demographic characteristics; previous injuries; athlete sense of burnout (Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ)); hamstring (HS) flexibility (passive single leg raise test); isometric hamstring strength (make and brake test); isometric quadriceps strength; single-leg triple hop for distance; endurance of the core muscles (prone bridge, side bridge and Biering–Sørensen tests); and hamstring strength endurance (single leg hamstring bridge test). Subsequently, Exploratory Factor Analysis was performed. Following a summarized dimension reduction process, the twenty-three assessment variables were grouped into a parsimonious model of six main risk factors. Specifically, the resulting model explains 55.7% of the total variance, comprising HS and core endurance (20.2% of the variance), HS strength (12.8%), previous injuries (8.9%), ABQ (5.8%), lower limb strength (4.1%), and strength limb symmetry (3.8%). The proposed model provides a practical protocol, facilitating sports scientists in evaluating the risk for HI in the highly complex reality of field-based situations. Full article

The transition period in football can negatively affect players’ fitness indicators. However, if appropriate training programs are implemented during this period, these effects can be reversed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a high-frequency exercise program during the transition period on aerobic capacity, isokinetic torque of the lower limbs, jumping ability, and body composition. The transition period was divided into two phases: the first phase lasted two weeks and involved complete rest from exercise, and the second phase lasted four weeks during which the players completed three aerobic-focused training sessions and two maximum strength training sessions per week. A total of 13 young football players (age 17.8 ± 0.7 years, height 1.78 ± 0.07 m, weight 70.3 ± 8.4 kg) participated in the study. A paired samples t-test was applied, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The results showed that players improved their maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ max) after the program (p = 0.037, t = −2.348). The performance in countermovement jump performance and in the isokinetic torque of the right quadriceps showed a decline (p = 0.009, t = 3.112 & p = 0.004, t = 2.299, respectively), while no changes were observed in any other parameter (p > 0.05). The findings suggest that a program with these characteristics can counteract the negative effects typically observed during the transition period. Moreover, with specialized stimuli, improvement may also be observed during the transitional period. Full article

The purpose of the present study was twofold: (i) to examine within-group differences in external load metrics during practice and official competition, and (ii) to examine between-group differences in external load metrics across the U16 and U18 levels of play. A total of thirty-six female athletes participated in the present study, of which nineteen were U16 and seventeen were U18 basketball players. The athletes wore an inertial measurement unit system (Kinexon) sampling at 20 Hz during practice and official games. The average values for each external load metric across ten practices and five games were used for performance analysis. Dependent and independent t-tests were used to examine within- and between-group statistically significant differences, respectively (p < 0.05). The findings reveal that the external load placed on the athletes during the game (e.g., distance covered, average speed, total number of accelerations and decelerations) was considerably greater than the external load during practice sessions, both on the U16 and U18 levels of play. Conversely, while the game-induced external load remained consistent across the two competitive levels, U18 players tended to spend more time and cover more distance in low-speed zones than in high-speed zones during practice, compared to their U16 counterparts, suggesting their superior movement efficiency. Full article