Search Results (258)

Control strategies for leishmaniasis increasingly target sand fly vectors through sugar feeding approaches containing bioactive compounds. This study investigated the behavioral and toxicological effects of the iridoids plumericin and isoplumericin, isolated from Himatanthus sucuuba, on Lutzomyia longipalpis by integrating computational and experimental approaches focused on gustatory system interactions. The iridoids were purified by column chromatography and characterized by GC-MS. The gustatory receptor A0A1B0CHD5 was structurally characterized through homology modeling, followed by molecular docking and 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations. Behavioral assays evaluated survival, repellency, and feeding preferences using sugar solutions supplemented with an iridoid mixture. Toxicity was assessed in Drosophila melanogaster as a non-target organism model. Molecular docking results revealed comparable binding affinities between sucrose (ChemPLP score 57.96) and the iridoids plumericin (49.08) and isoplumericin (47.75). Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of the ligand–receptor complexes and revealed distinct conformational changes. The iridoids did not affect L. longipalpis survival, showed no repellency, and did not reduce sugar feeding acceptance. Preference for the control diet was observed only after continuous exposure (48 h), suggesting involvement of post-ingestive sensory processing. No acute toxicity was observed in D. melanogaster (96% survival). These findings demonstrate that iridoids preserve vector feeding behavior and survival while exhibiting low toxicity to non-target organisms, supporting their potential use in gustatory modulation strategies in leishmaniasis vector control without compromising ecological safety. Full article

Purpose: We evaluated the feasibility of individualized sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) supplementation and its physiological effects on simulated artistic swimming duet performance, including blood buffering responses, perceived exertion, gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance, and performance scores. Methods: Seventeen (n = 17) elite adolescent female artistic swimmers completed an initial trial to determine individual time-to-peak blood bicarbonate concentration (Part 1). Subsequently, a subset (n = 7) completed a randomized, double-blind, crossover intervention (Part 2), performing competition duet routines (4 min) after ingesting either 0.3 g/kg NaHCO₃ or a placebo timed to their individual alkalosis peak. Blood gas and lactate samples were taken pre- and post-performance. Performance was scored by blinded FINA adjudicators. GI discomfort was assessed before and after each routine. Results: Peak blood bicarbonate occurred at 52 ± 9 min post-ingestion, with a mean increase of 6.7 ± 1.8 mmol/L (g = 5.03). In Part 2 (n = 7), NaHCO₃ significantly elevated pre- and post-performance pH (7.46 ± 0.02 vs. 7.37 ± 0.01; 7.34 ± 0.02 vs. 7.26 ± 0.03), HCO₃⁻ (29.5 ± 0.9 vs. 22.4 ± 0.4 mmol/L; 21.5 ± 1.2 vs. 15.7 ± 1.5 mmol/L), and base excess (5.9 ± 0.6 vs. −2.9 ± 0.5 mmol/L; −4.3 ± 0.8 vs. −10.3 ± 1.1 mmol/L) compared to the placebo (all p < 0.05, g = 3.99–14.93). Post-performance lactate was higher (9.3 ± 1.0 vs. 8.4 ± 0.9 mmol/L, g = 0.89), while rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was lower (12.9 ± 0.7 vs. 14.4 ± 0.7, p < 0.05, g = −2.14). Propulsion improved (6.66 ± 0.16 vs. 6.52 ± 0.20, g = 0.85), with no change in execution. Mild gastrointestinal symptoms were transiently elevated with NaHCO₃. Conclusions: Individualized NaHCO₃ dosing is a feasible and effective ergogenic strategy for artistic swimmers, enhancing systemic alkalosis and perceptual tolerance while preserving technical execution. These findings support the sport-specific integration of NaHCO₃ to optimize anaerobic performance elements in high-level artistic swimming. Full article

Tall fescue toxicosis, caused by ingestion of endophyte-infected tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum), impairs growth and reproduction in beef cattle and results in over USD 3 billion annual loss to the U.S. livestock industry. While the effects on host metabolism and rumen function have been described, the impact on the rectal microbiome remains poorly understood. In this study, we performed whole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing on fecal samples collected before and after a 30-day toxic fescue seed supplementation from eight pregnant Angus × Simmental cows and heifers. We generated 157 Gbp of sequencing data in 16 metagenomes, and assembled 13.1 Gbp de novo microbial contigs, identifying 22 million non-redundant microbial genes from the cattle rectum microbiome. Fescue toxicosis significantly reduced alpha diversity (p < 0.01) and altered beta diversity (PERMANOVA p < 0.01), indicating microbial dysbiosis. We discovered significant enrichment of 31 bacterial species post-treatment, including multiple core rumen taxa. Ruminococcaceae bacterium P7 showed an average of 16-fold increase in fecal abundance (p < 0.01), making it the top-featured species in linear discriminant analysis. Functional pathway analysis revealed a shift from energy metabolism to antimicrobial resistance and DNA replication following toxic seed consumption. Comparative analysis showed increased representation of core rumen taxa in rectal microbiota post-treatment, suggesting disrupted rumen function. These findings demonstrate that fescue toxicosis alters both the composition and functional landscape of the hindgut microbiota. Ruminococcaceae bacterium P7 emerges as a promising biomarker for monitoring fescue toxicosis through non-invasive fecal sampling, with potential applications in herd-level diagnostics and mitigation strategies. Full article

Background: Dietary polyphenols, particularly flavonoids, have been associated with improved glycemic control and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Raspberry leaf (RL) is a rich but underexplored source of such bioactives, including ellagitannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. While raspberry fruit has received some attention in nutritional science, the metabolic effects of raspberry leaf—especially its influence on postprandial glucose and insulin responses—remain largely unstudied. Objective: This study is the first to investigate the acute effects of RL tea consumption on postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels in healthy individuals following intake of common dietary carbohydrates (sucrose and glucose). Methods: In a randomized crossover study, 22 healthy adults (12 males, 10 females) consumed 50 g of glucose or sucrose with or without 10 g of RL tea in four separate sessions. Blood glucose and insulin levels were measured at fasting and at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min post-ingestion. A total of 37 polyphenolic compounds were identified in the RL infusion using LC–MS, following a 5-minute hot water extraction. The contents of ellagitannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids were 38 mg, 7 mg, and 4 mg per 10 g of RL, respectively, contributing to a total polyphenol content of 50 mg per 10 g. Results: When RL tea was consumed with sucrose, postprandial blood glucose levels were significantly reduced at 15 and 30 min by 1.19 ± 0.88 mmol/L (25.59% reduction, p = 0.001) and 2.03 ± 1.05 mmol/L (43.57% reduction, p = 0.0004), respectively. Insulin concentrations were also significantly lower at 15 min (113.90 ± 59.58 pmol/L, p = 0.019), 30 min (161.76 ± 91.96 pmol/L, p = 0.0008), and 60 min (139.44 ± 75.96 pmol/L, p = 0.025). No significant differences were observed with glucose ingestion. Conclusions: This study provides the first clinical evidence that RL tea can blunt early postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses to sucrose in healthy individuals. The data suggest that these effects are likely mediated by relatively low levels of polyphenols—particularly ellagic acid—through inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes such as α-glucosidase and β-fructofuranosidase. These findings support the potential of RL tea as a simple, dietary approach to modulate glucose metabolism and warrant further investigation in populations at risk for metabolic disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study examined the effects of 2 weeks of betaine versus placebo supplementation (3 g/d) on 60 km cycling performance, gut permeability, and shifts in plasma metabolites. Methods: Participants included 21 male and female non-elite cyclists. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover design was used with two 2-week supplementation periods and a 2-week washout period. Supplementation periods were followed by a 60 km cycling time trial. Six blood samples were collected before and after supplementation (overnight fasted state), and at 0 h, 1.5 h, 3 h, and 24 h post-exercise. Five-hour urine samples were collected pre-supplementation and post-60 km cycling after ingesting a sugar solution containing lactulose 5 g, ¹³C mannitol 100 mg, and ¹²C mannitol 1.9 g in 450 mL water. Other outcome measures included plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein-1 (I-FABP), muscle damage biomarkers (serum creatine kinase, myoglobin), serum cortisol, complete blood cell counts, and shifts in plasma metabolites using untargeted metabolomics. Results: The time to complete the 60 km cycling bout differed significantly between the betaine and placebo trials (mean ± SE, 112.8 ± 2.3, 114.2 ± 2.6 min, respectively, (−1.41 ± 0.7 min) (effect size = 0.475, p = 0.042). No trial differences were found for I-FABP (interaction effect, p = 0.076), L:¹³CM (p = 0.559), the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.171), serum cortisol (p = 0.982), serum myoglobin (p = 0.942), or serum creatine kinase (p = 0.694). Untargeted metabolomics showed that 214 metabolites exhibited significant trial treatment effects and 130 significant trial x time interaction effects. Betaine versus placebo supplementation was linked to significant increases in plasma betaine, dimethylglycine (DMG), sarcosine, methionine, S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), alpha-ketoglutaramate, and 5′methylthioadensone (MTA), and decreases in plasma carnitine and numerous acylcarnitines. Conclusions: Betaine supplementation modestly improved 60 km cycling performance but had no effect on gut permeability. The metabolomics data supported a strong influence of 2-week intake of betaine on the one-carbon metabolism pathway during the 24 h recovery period. Full article

Background and Objectives: Acute poisoning is a frequent cause of pediatric emergency department visits and represents a significant public health issue, with children particularly vulnerable due to developmental and behavioral factors. This study aimed to characterize the clinical and demographic profiles of pediatric patients presenting with acute intoxication over a ten-year period (2014–2023) and to assess the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on patterns of pediatric poisoning. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli in Rome, including all patients under 18 years presenting with acute intoxication between September 2014 and June 2023. Data were extracted from electronic medical records and categorized by age group (0–5, 6–11, and 12–18 years) and by three pandemic-related periods: Pre-COVID-19 (to March 2020), COVID-19 (March 2020–June 2021), and Post-COVID-19 (June 2021 onwards). Statistical analyses included chi-squared tests and Cramér’s V for effect size. Results: Of 794 PED admissions for acute intoxication, 64.5% involved children aged 0–5 years, and 24.9% involved adolescents. Most events occurred at home (63.2%) and were accidental (76.4%), with voluntary intoxications exclusively among adolescents. Drug ingestion was the leading cause (39.3%), followed by solvents (17.8%) and alcohol (7.8%), with alcohol-related cases rising markedly post-pandemic. Statistically significant associations were found between the pandemic period and both age group and intentionality of poisoning (p < 0.00001), but not gender. Voluntary and recreational intoxications increased during and after the pandemic, particularly among adolescents. Conclusions: Pediatric acute poisoning displays a bimodal age distribution, with accidental exposures predominant in young children, and intentional cases predominant in adolescents. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an increase in adolescent voluntary and recreational intoxications. These findings underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies addressing both household safety for young children and mental health and substance use interventions for adolescents. Full article

Background: The rate at which amino acids (AAs) are absorbed from casein glycomacropeptide (CGMP) when given as a protein substitute in phenylketonuria (PKU) is unknown. This three-way randomised, controlled, crossover study aimed to compare the AA absorption profile of phenylalanine (Phe)-free L-amino acids (L-AAs), low-Phe CGMP (CGMP) and casein in healthy adult subjects. Methods: Area under the curve (AUC) was measured over 240 minutes after ingesting one dose of each protein source on three separate occasions, under the same test conditions. A total of 0.4 g/kg protein equivalent of each test product (L-AA, CGMP and casein) was given. Fasted blood samples were collected from healthy volunteers at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 and 240 minutes post-test. Insulin, blood urea nitrogen, glucose and total (TAAs), essential (EAAs), large neutral (LNAAs) and branch chain (BCAAs) amino acids were measured at each time point. Results: A total of 20 subjects (11 females), median age 43 y (range 23–49), with a median BMI 24.2 (20–30.5) were recruited. AUC was compared across groups. Statistically significant differences were noted for: AUC for TAAs and BCAAs between CGMP and L-AAs vs. casein [TAAs p = 0.008 and p = 0.03; BCAAs p = <0.001 and p = 0.002]. There were no AUC differences between L-AAs and CGMP. AUC was largest for L-AAs, then CGMP and finally casein. For LNAAs, EAAs, insulin, glucose and urea, there were no statistically significant differences. There was a consistent delivery of AAs for casein demonstrated by a sustained curve, but the absorption curves for L-AAs and CGMP were transient, rising rapidly and falling, with the exception of tyrosine with CGMP which showed a gradual increase over 240 minutes in contrast to L-AAs and casein. Conclusions: Amino acids from CGMP and L-AAs were absorbed more rapidly than casein, inferring CGMP did not mimic casein, a slow-release protein source. The tyrosine concentration curve for CGMP suggests a beneficial effect on the Phe: tyrosine ratio. Kinetic labelled studies will help bring greater understanding on the utilisation of AAs particularly important for protein synthesis. Full article

Background: Ingestion of dietary fibers (DFs) is a safe and accessible intervention associated with reductions in blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular mortality. However, the mechanisms underlying the antihypertensive effects of DFs remain poorly defined. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates how DFs influence BP regulation by modulating gut microbial composition and enhancing short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched for interventional studies published between January 2014 and December 2024. Eligible studies assessed the effects of DFs or other prebiotics on systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in addition to changes in gut microbial or SCFA composition. Results: Of the 3010 records screened, nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria (seven human, twelve animal). A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted on six human trials reporting post-intervention BP values. Prebiotics were the primary intervention. In hypertensive cohorts, prebiotics significantly reduced SBP (−8.5 mmHg; 95% CI: −13.9, −3.1) and DBP (−5.2 mmHg; 95% CI: −8.5, −2.0). A pooled analysis of hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients showed non-significant reductions in SBP (−4.5 mmHg; 95% CI: −9.3, 0.3) and DBP (−2.5 mmHg; 95% CI: −5.4, 0.4). Animal studies consistently showed BP-lowering effects across diverse etiologies. Prebiotic interventions restored bacterial genera known to metabolize DFs to SCFAs (e.g., Bifidobacteria, Akkermansia, and Coprococcus) and increased SCFA levels. Mechanistically, SCFAs act along gut–organ axes to modulate immune, vascular, and neurohormonal pathways involved in BP regulation. Conclusions: Prebiotic supplementation is a promising strategy to reestablish BP homeostasis in hypertensive patients. Benefits are likely mediated through modulation of the gut microbiota and enhanced SCFA production. Full article

Pesticide residues pose risks to the environment and human health. Little is known about how tillage and straw management affect herbicide behavior in soil. This study investigated the effects of different tillage practices under varying straw incorporation scenarios on the degradation of five commonly used herbicides in a long-term experimental field located in the maize belt of Siping, Jilin Province. Post-harvest soil samples were analyzed for residual herbicide concentrations and basic soil physicochemical properties. A human health risk assessment was conducted, and a controlled incubation experiment was carried out to evaluate herbicide degradation dynamics under three management systems: straw incorporation with traditional rotary tillage (ST), straw incorporation with strip tillage (SS), and no-till without straw (CK). Residual concentrations of atrazine ranged from not detected (ND) to 21.10 μg/kg (mean: 5.28 μg/kg), while acetochlor showed the highest variability (2.29–120.61 μg/kg, mean: 25.26 μg/kg). Alachlor levels were much lower (ND–5.71 μg/kg, mean: 0.34 μg/kg), and neither nicosulfuron nor mesotrione was detected. Soil organic matter (17.6–20.89 g/kg) positively correlated with available potassium and acetochlor residues. Health risk assessments indicated negligible non-cancer risks for both adults and children via ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation. The results demonstrate that tillage methods significantly influence herbicide degradation kinetics, thereby affecting environmental persistence and ecological risks. Integrating straw with ST or SS enhanced the dissipation of atrazine and mesotrione, suggesting their potential as effective residue mitigation strategies. This study highlights the importance of tailoring tillage and straw management practices to pesticide type for optimizing herbicide fate and promoting sustainable agroecosystem management. Full article

Background: Dyspeptic symptoms are very common in the general population, with an estimated prevalence of 14% to 41%, and the majority of patients experience symptoms without an organic cause for them (so-called functional dyspepsia). While the pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia remains elusive, the impact of functional dyspepsia on quality of life is detrimental. The treatment involves a change in lifestyle—a healthy diet and physical activity—in combination with pharmacological treatments. However, currently, there is no standard therapy for this condition, although a nutritional approach appears to be feasible and well accepted by patients. In this context, the intake of some mineral water types might be able to play an important role. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the regular intake of bicarbonate natural mineral water (Aqua Carpatica from source “F2 Păltiniș”) is able to positively influence the symptomatic process of dyspepsia, promoting digestion and improving the quality of life of patients. Methods: The patients enrolled in this open-label study had diagnosis of functional dyspepsia formulated in accordance with the Rome III criteria. During the 4-week study, patients had to ingest tap water at 1.5 L/day (wash-out period: 2 weeks), and in the 2-week subsequent period, they had to ingest alkaline natural mineral water at 1.5 L/day. The primary efficacy endpoint of this study includes a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the “heartburn”, “regurgitation”, and “dyspepsia” subscales and the total Reflux Disease Questionnaire’s (RDQ) score with respect to the effects of alkaline natural mineral water. As secondary endpoints, we considered statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in quality-of-life scores (Psychological General Well-Being Index—Short form; PGWB-S), the patient’s self-assessment of the state of efficiency of their digestion, and their sense of post-prandial fullness, as well as the use of antacids. Results: Forty-five patients were enrolled: all were Caucasian and mostly women (25, 55.6% vs. 20 men, 44.4%), and they were aged between 25 and 75 years (50.6 ± 13.5 years; mean ± SD). The results of this preliminary study show a significant improvement in functional dyspepsia symptoms—as assessed via the RDQ—and an improvement in quality of life—as assessed using the PGWB-S score—after the intake of alkaline natural mineral water. Conclusions: This preliminary study provides clinical evidence for a recommendation of alkaline natural mineral water as a symptomatic treatment of dyspepsia. Full article

Background: Optimal nutrition and training regimens are essential for athletes to maximize performance and recovery. Probiotic supplementation, through the modulation of the gut microbiota, and omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, may enhance physiological adaptations when combined with targeted training. This study evaluated the effects of probiotics and omega-3 supplementation, alongside ultra-short race pace training (USRPT), on performance metrics in competitive sprint swimmers. Methods: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 male sprint swimmers (age: 19.2 ± 3.6 years; height: 182.2 ± 5.2 cm; weight: 81.6 ± 4.4 kg) with a minimum of five years of training experience, were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 10 per group): (1) Control (CON), (2) USRPT only, (3) Placebo + USRPT (PLA + USRPT), (4) Probiotics + USRPT (PRO + USRPT), (5) Omega-3 + USRPT (OMEGA + USRPT), and (6) Probiotics + Omega-3 + USRPT (PRO + OMEGA + USRPT). Over the eight-week intervention, the participants in PRO + USRPT consumed one multi-strain probiotic capsule daily (4.5 × 10¹¹ CFU) and a placebo capsule. Those in OMEGA + USRPT ingested 1000 mg of fish oil after lunch (500 mg EPA and 180 mg DHA per capsule) paired with a placebo capsule. The combined supplementation group (PRO + OMEGA + USRPT) received both probiotic and omega-3 capsules. The PLA + USRPT group consumed two starch capsules daily. The USRPT protocol was implemented across all the training groups, where the swimmers performed 17 sets of 25 m and 12.5 m sprints based on weekly recorded race times. Performance assessments included pre- and post-test measurements of sprint times (50 m and 100 m freestyle), vertical jump tests (both in water and on dry land), and other strength and endurance metrics (reaction time, agility T-test, sprint index, fatigue index, and velocity). Results: The combined intervention of probiotics and omega-3 with USRPT produced the greatest improvements in performance. The PRO + OMEGA + USRPT group reduced 50 m freestyle time by 1.92% (p = 0.002, pEta² = 0.286) and 100 m freestyle time by 2.48% (p = 0.041, pEta² = 0.229), demonstrating significant Time × Group interactions consistent with a synergistic effect. Additionally, the sprint index improved (pEta² = 0.139, p = 0.013) and reaction time decreased (pEta² = 0.241, p = 0.009) in the combined group, indicating enhanced anaerobic capacity and neuromuscular responsiveness compared to single interventions. Conclusions: This study suggests that combining probiotics and omega-3 supplementation with USRPT leads to synergistic improvements in sprint swimming performance, enhancing anaerobic power and recovery beyond what is achieved with individual interventions. This integrated approach may provide a practical strategy for competitive swimmers seeking to optimize their performance. Future studies should incorporate mechanistic markers, longer intervention durations, and diverse athlete populations to clarify further and extend these findings. Full article

Background: Modulating ethanol metabolism and attenuating alcohol-induced oxidative stress are promising therapeutic strategies for reducing the severity of hangovers and alleviating their associated physiological burden. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the probiotic strain Leuconostoc mesenteroides VITA-PB2 on ethanol metabolism, oxidative stress, and hangover-related symptoms in 28 healthy adults. The participants consumed either VITA-PB2 or a placebo before standardized alcohol intake, with a 7-day washout period and subsequent crossover. Primary outcomes included blood ethanol, acetaldehyde levels, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. Secondary outcomes measured hangover severity assessed by the Acute Hangover Scale (AHS), liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), oxidative stress indicators reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), and antioxidant responses measured by glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity. Results: VITA-PB2 supplementation led to a sustained reduction in blood ethanol concentrations beginning at 0.5 h post-ingestion compared with the placebo group, indicating more efficient ethanol clearance. Additionally, VITA-PB2 significantly reduced acetaldehyde levels at 1 h post-ingestion (p < 0.05) and increased ALDH activity by 42.15% at 30 min (p < 0.05). It also markedly reduced ROS levels at 1 h (p < 0.05), enhanced glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity at 2 h (p < 0.01), and significantly improved the subjective hangover symptoms, particularly thirst (p < 0.05). Conclusions: No adverse effects were reported during the trial, indicating that Leuconostoc mesenteroides VITA-PB2 is a safe probiotic. These findings suggest its efficacy in mitigating alcohol-induced oxidative stress and alleviating hangover-related symptoms. Full article

Background and Objectives: Hyperthermia significantly limits endurance performance in hot environments. To enhance heat loss and optimize athletic performance, pre-cooling interventions can be employed to accelerate body cooling. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an internal pre-cooling intervention combined with external pre-cooling or hydrogen-rich water on endurance performance in the heat. Materials and Methods: In a double-blind crossover with counterbalanced trials, all participants underwent a shuttle run test after 30 min under the following conditions: (1) hydrogen-rich cold water ingestion (HRCW); (2) cold water ingestion and external pre-cooling (IEPC); and (3) cold-water ingestion (control). Maximal aerobic speed (MAS), number of shuttle run repetitions, dehydration, temperature, heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate, and feeling scale (FS) were measured during the 20 m shuttle run test. Results: Our results revealed a significant variation in dehydration, MAS, number of shuttle run repetitions, blood lactate, RPE, and FS (p = [0.001–0.036]); additionally, a significant group × time interaction was found for body temperature (p = 0.021). Post hoc tests revealed a significant change for MAS (HRCW: p < 0.001), number of shuttle run repetitions (HRCW: p < 0.001), dehydration (HRCW: p= 0.009; IEPC: p = 0.008), blood lactate (HRCW: p < 0.001; IEPC: p < 0.001), RPE (HRCW: p = 0.05; IEPC: p = 0.004), and FS (HRCW: p = 0.05; IEPC: p = 0.004), as well as a significant decrease in body temperature (IEPC: p < 0.001; HRCW: p = 0.028) compared to the control condition after the test. However, no significant differences were reported in HR among the different conditions. Conclusions: In conclusion, findings from this study suggest that ingesting hydrogen-rich cold water effectively mitigates the effects of heat stress, thereby improving endurance performance, enhancing mood, and reducing ratings of perceived exertion. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sleep and recovery are critical for optimising exercise performance. However, the efficacy of melatonin supplementation in improving sleep quality and next-day physical performance remains unclear. This study examined the effects of melatonin ingestion on sleep and performance-related outcomes the following day in trained males. Methods: In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 12 trained males (age: 21.92 ± 2.84 years) ingested 6 mg of melatonin (MEL) or a placebo (PLA) the night before performing the 5 m shuttle test (5mSRT). Before and after the 5mSRT, blood samples were collected. Peak heart rate (HR_peak) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded throughout the test. Perceived recovery status (PRS) and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were measured before, 5 min, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after the test. The sleep/wake cycle was monitored during the night after ingestion. Results: Data were analysed using paired t-tests, Wilcoxon tests, and two-way ANOVAs, with significance set at p < 0.05. Compared to PLA, MEL did not modify any sleep parameters or blood markers (all p > 0.05). However, MEL improved total distance, fatigue index, the percentage decrement between sprints, and HR_peak (all p < 0.05) in the 5mSRT compared to PLA. MEL also enhanced PRS values up to 72 h post-exercise and reduced DOMS (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: In summary, 6 mg of melatonin taken at night enhanced next-day high-intensity exercise performance and improved perceived recovery up to 72 h post-exercise. Full article

Objective: This study focused on the effect of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) intake on psychological state and game performance during esports gameplay. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted with eight healthy male university students aged 20–24 years who regularly play esports. The participants ingested either 200 mg of GABA or a placebo prior to gameplay and then completed a standardized esports task using the Mobalytics Proving Ground™ (MPG), a perceptual-cognitive task within “League of Legends” designed to train and evaluate player performance. Subjective psychological states were assessed pre- and post-gameplay using the Profile of Mood States 2 (POMS2^®) short version. Esports task performance was evaluated based on MPG scores. Results: GABA intake significantly reduced psychological confusion–bewilderment and fatigue in the POMS 2^® short version during esports gameplay. Furthermore, the game scores were significantly higher in the GABA group compared to the placebo group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that GABA intake may serve as a potential strategy to enhance both the mental state and performance of esports players. Full article