Objectives:Poor sleep quality may contribute to autonomic dysfunction in older adults, but evidence regarding its effect on stress-associated baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), an important physiological indicator, is limited. Methods:data were derived from the MIDUS 3 Biomarker Project (2017-2022). Stress-associated BRS was measured using the sequence method while participants are taking a math-task (used as a psychological stressor) to solve in prespecified limited time. Sleep quality was assessed via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between sleep quality and stress-associated BRS, adjusting for insulin resistance (measured using HOMA-IR), age, sex, smoking history, physical activity, systolic blood pressure (SBP) measured during stress, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol-to-HDL ratio, medications, respiratory rate measured during stress, and anxiety and depression (measured as a composite of general distress-anxiety and depression scales from Mood and Symptom Questionnaire (MASQ)). Log transformation was applied to BRS values to meet analysis assumptions. Results:The final sample included 401 participants (58.6% female; mean age 63.9 ± 8.6 years). In crude analysis, sleep quality was not associated with BRS. After adjustment, poorer sleep quality was significantly associated with impaired stress-associated BRS (Beta = -0.121; 95% CI: [-0.233 to -0.008], P = 0.035). In addition, higher SBP was the only covariate associated with significant decrease in BRS (Beta = -0.117; 95% CI: [-0.214 to -0.019], P = 0.019). Mediation analysis revealed that heart rate fully mediated the association between sleep quality and BRS, with near-significant total association and significant indirect association (estimate = -0.01; 95% CI: [-0.0160 to -0.003], P = 0.003). Conclusion:Poor sleep quality is associated with impaired stress-associated BRS in older adults, with important mediating role for autonomic arousal represented by heart rate.
Purpose:To determine whether short-term dehydration and hyperhydration affect OCT-derived retinal thickness in healthy young adults in a randomized cross-over design. Methods:Sixty volunteers aged 18-35 years completed two morning sessions ≥7 days apart: 12-h fluid restriction, representing relative dehydration, and water loading, defined as ≥2 L within 4 h. Spectral-domain OCT (Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT 7000) was performed by a masked examiner. Primary outcomes were central subfield thickness (CST) and mean peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness; secondary outcomes were cube average thickness (CAT) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCL-IPL) thickness. Hydration was documented using a self-reported thirst scale and recorded water intake. Within-subject comparisons used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results:Median age was 28.5 years and 65% of participants were female. Thirst was higher during dehydration than hyperhydration (P < 0.001). After review of OCT outputs and exclusion of outlying paired observations for GCL-IPL and CAT, the direction and statistical interpretation of the findings remained unchanged. CAT was slightly lower during dehydration in both eyes. CST was lower during dehydration in the left eye, with a similar non-significant trend in the right eye. RNFL thickness did not differ between hydration states in either eye. GCL-IPL thickness showed only a small right-eye difference and no significant difference in the left eye. Conclusions:Acute fluid restriction was associated with small reductions in macular OCT thickness measures, whereas RNFL thickness remained stable. The magnitude of these changes was modest and close to expected OCT test-retest variability, suggesting limited clinical relevance for routine individual interpretation but potential relevance for highly standardized research or longitudinal imaging settings.
Background:Propranolol (a non-selective β-blocker), metoprolol (a β1-selective blocker), and nebivolol (a β1-selective blocker with nitric oxide (NO)-releasing properties) are widely used in the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases. Based on their distinct pharmacological profiles at β-adrenergic receptors, we aimed to comparatively evaluate their effects on chronotropic, inotropic, and vascular responses in isolated rat atria and thoracic aorta preparations. Methods:In this study, isolated right, left atria and thoracic aorta preparations were used and mounted in organ bath systems. The right atrium was used to assess spontaneous beating rate (chronotropic responses), whereas the left atrium was used to evaluate contractile force (inotropic responses). Cumulative concentration-response curves were obtained by administering increasing concentrations (10-9-10-5 M) of propranolol, metoprolol, and nebivolol in noradrenaline (NA)-stimulated atrial preparations. To determine the contribution of NO, nebivolol-induced negative chronotropic and inotropic responses were also examined in the presence of the NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME (10-5 M). In endothelium-intact thoracic aorta rings, NA-induced contractile responses were also evaluated in the presence of each β-blocker with different concentrations (10-7, 10-6, 10-5 M). Results:Propranolol, metoprolol, and nebivolol produced negative chronotropic and inotropic effects in a concentration-dependent manner in isolated right and left atrial preparations. The negative chronotropic and inotropic effects of nebivolol were significantly attenuated in the presence of L-NAME (P < 0.05). NA induced a concentration-dependent increase in contractile responses in endothelium-intact aortic rings. Propranolol, metoprolol, and nebivolol caused rightward shifts of the NA concentration-response curves and Schild plot analysis revealed pA2 values of 6.64 ± 0.47, 6.47 ± 0.46, and 6.95 ± 0.35, respectively. Conclusion:These findings demonstrate that propranolol, metoprolol, and nebivolol show differential pharmacological profiles affecting atrial and vascular responses under NA stimulation in isolated rat atrial and aorta preparations. Notably, NO appears to be a key mediator of nebivolol's cardiac effects, reflected in its pronounced negative chronotropic and inotropic responses in isolated atrial tissues.
Assessment of cutaneous microcirculation contributes to studying pathophysiological mechanisms and the progression of systemic and local diseases. However, the available quantitative data demonstrate heterogeneity across studies by different authors. In this narrative review, we briefly discuss the main factors influencing heterogeneity in cutaneous microcirculation assessment. We divided all factors into three groups: (1) factors related to microcirculation per se; (2) factors influencing the thickness of individual skin layers and, consequently, the depth of blood vessels; and (3) factors associated with the measurement technique.
Objectives:The transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase c-MET has a central role in granulosa cells in many physiological and pathological processes of granulosa cells, including cell survival and folliculogenesis. We therefore hypothesized that c-MET may be expressed in granulosa cell tumors (GCTs). Methods:c-MET immunostaining was performed retrospectively on human GCT specimens, including adult (n = 19) and juvenile GCTs (n = 2). Data was collected on patient demographics, tumor stage, and size. Furthermore, staining intensity was analyzed by a staining intensity score, and the presence or absence of membranous staining was noted. Multivariate logistic regression was used for statistical analysis, with P < 0.05 being considered statistically significant. Juvenile GCTs were excluded from the statistical analysis. Results:Both cytoplasmic and membranous staining was seen in GCT tissues, with the majority (∼74%) of the adult and both juvenile cases showing positive membranous staining. As expected, vascular endothelial cells were also c-MET positive in the tumor tissue. Amongst the adult GCT patients, tumor mitotic activity was higher with older age (r = 0.531; P = 0.019). Also, smaller tumors had higher c-MET intensity scores (r = -0.579, P = 0.038). Conclusions:Most GCTs were c-MET positive by immunostaining along with the vascular endothelial cells, highlighting the potential of c-MET inhibition as a therapeutic option in these tumors.
Workplace stress is one of the main sources of stress for adults, although physiological and cognitive factors may impact each person's stress response. Numerous studies have shown heart rate, heart rate variability, neural activity, and cognitive performance are affected by stress. Additionally, visual and auditory stimuli in one's environment have been shown to affect individuals' reaction to stressful events. To our knowledge, few studies have examined how each of these physiological and cognitive measures relate to one's perception of stress, the ability to recover from stress, and what environmental factors may help with stress recovery. Here, 80 healthy adults performed a laboratory-controlled stress induction task where they experienced and recovered from an acute psychological stressor (Trier Social Stress Test, TSST, using verbal math skills and a public presentation that was videotaped). Throughout the assessment, heart rate, heart rate variability, and neural activity were measured using wearable devices to assess changes before, during, and after the stressor. Additionally, participants were assessed their perceived stress levels at specific times throughout the assessment. After the psychological stressor, participants were randomly assigned to one of four recovery conditions within a multisensory relaxation room: Control (C), Auditory Only (A), Visual Only (V), or Combined Auditory and Visual (AV). During the stressor, anxiety, heart rate, and beta EEG power increased and high-frequency power and heart rate variability decreased, confirming participants reactivity to the stressor (P < 0.01 for all vs. baseline). Only the V and AV conditions led to notable reductions in anxiety (15 and 17%, respectively) vs. the C condition, but these did not reach statistical significance. There was no difference between V and AV, suggesting a stronger impact of V. We observed no differences between conditions during recovery for HR and HRV. Overall, these findings suggest the visual features of the relaxation room impacted self-reported anxiety, however physiological and neurological effects did not demonstrate a statistically meaningful response.
Introduction:Although monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), monocyte-to-HDL cholesterol ratio (MHR), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) - have been associated with renal function in patients with diabetes mellitus, their repeatability and predictive value remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the 6-month repeatability of these indices in diabetic patients using metrics such as the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), compare their reliability indices, and investigate longitudinal associations between these indices with change in renal function. Material and methods:This longitudinal study included 51 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, each assessed at two visits separated by 6 months. Inflammatory indices were calculated using standard formulas. The 6-month measurement repeatability of each inflammatory index was evaluated using the ICC. Longitudinal associations were based on changes in inflammatory indices and renal function over a 6-month period. Results:PNI showed good to excellent 6-month reliability (ICC(3,1) = 0.81; ICC(3,2) = 0.90), while MLR and MHR demonstrated moderate reliability. Baseline inflammatory indices were not independent predictors of eGFR at 6 months after adjustment for baseline renal function. In contrast, longitudinal analyses showed that changes in MLR and PNI were associated with changes in renal function, and ΔPNI was independently associated with ΔeGFR after adjustment. Conclusion:Inflammatory indices were reproducible over 6 months, with PNI showing the highest reliability. While baseline values had limited short-term predictive value, changes in PNI were independently associated with changes in eGFR, indicating longitudinal assessment of inflammatory-nutritional status in patients with T2DM.
Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate circulating levels of heat shock protein 27 (HSPB1, Hsp27), heat shock protein 60 (HSPD1, Hsp60) and heat shock protein 90 (HSPC1, Hsp90) in a large cohort of healthy non-pregnant and pregnant women, as well as in patients with preeclampsia. In addition, we investigated whether serum levels of these heat shock proteins are associated with clinical characteristics and routine laboratory parameters of the study population. Methods:The study included 60 women with preeclampsia, 60 healthy pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies and 59 healthy non-pregnant controls. Serum concentrations of Hsp27, Hsp60 and Hsp90 were measured with ELISA. Standard clinical chemistry parameters were assessed on an automated analyzer. Statistical analyses were performed using nonparametric methods. Results:Serum levels of Hsp27, Hsp60 and Hsp90 were significantly higher in healthy pregnant women compared with healthy non-pregnant controls. Moreover, preeclamptic patients exhibited significantly elevated levels of all three heat shock proteins compared with both control groups. In the preeclamptic group, serum Hsp27 levels showed significant positive correlations with serum bilirubin and lactate dehydrogenase activity. Hsp60 levels were positively correlated with blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase activity and lactate dehydrogenase activity. Hsp90 levels showed a significant positive correlation with aspartate aminotransferase activity. Conclusions:Moderately increased circulating levels of Hsp27, Hsp60 and Hsp90 in otherwise healthy pregnancies may reflect adaptive physiological responses. In contrast, markedly elevated levels observed in preeclampsia may be associated with placental ischemia and oxidative stress, as well as maternal systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and tissue injury in both placental and maternal organs.
Human embryo selection in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments is traditionally based on evaluating cell number, morphology, and fragmentation to select the most viable embryos. However, this static evaluation method has limitations, as it captures only a snapshot of the embryo at a single time point. Recent advancements in time-lapse imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) have improved embryo assessment by enabling dynamic and continuous observation of embryonic development.This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate morphometric and morphokinetic parameters of 102 human embryos cultured during IVF cycles. Embryos were included if they reached the blastocyst stage on Day 5 and were selected for fresh single embryo transfer. Morphological and morphokinetic parameters were assessed using time-lapse technology to compare embryos resulting in clinical pregnancy and those that did not.Clinical pregnancy was achieved in 47.1% of transfers. Although no significant differences were observed in blastocyst area, diameter, or inner cell mass (ICM) size between embryos that implanted (P+) and those that did not (P-), trends toward larger dimensions were observed in the P+ group. Morphokinetic parameters showed slightly faster developmental kinetics in P+ embryos, although not significantly.Morphokinetic scores were calculated using time-lapse embryo evaluation systems (KIDScore D5 and iDAScore, Vitrolife). iDAScore values were significantly higher in implanted embryos. iDAScore, which incorporates AI-based scoring, showed better predictive performance compared with KIDScore in ROC and logistic regression analyses, indicating its potential as a reliable tool for embryo selection. These findings support the use of AI-based morphokinetic analysis for improved embryo selection in IVF.
Objective:We explored the effects of continuation care based on trans-theoretical model (TTM) in adult patients with acute leukemia (AL). Methods:Patients with AL who had been discharged from our hospital were randomly assigned to the control group (n = 68) and intervention group (n = 74). The control group received routine nursing, while the intervention group received a structured psychoeducational follow-up program based on the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). 2 months after intervention, the quality of life (QoL), mood, self-care ability, and incidence of complications were assessed and compared. The patients were then followed up for 18 months to observe their long-term survival. Results:The incidence of complications was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group, whereas the QoL scores, positive mood scores, and self-nursing ability scores were higher (P < 0.05). At a median follow-up of 18 months, the overall survival was significantly better in the intervention group than in the control group (P = 0.013). Conclusion:The Program effectively reduced the incidence of complications and improved the QoL, emotional well-being, and self-nursing ability, thereby offering certain advantages in enhancing the AL patients' survival rates. Implications for Practice:The TTM-based continuation care can be implemented to improve the QoL in patients with AL, and is worth promoting.
This study aimed to examine how horizontal resistance affects spatiotemporal kinematics and the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the biceps femoris long head (BFlh) and semitendinosus (ST) in sprinting.Eleven trained male football players (n = 10) performed 40 m sprints under three resistance conditions (0, 10, and 20% decrements in maximum sprint velocity, %vdec). Spatiotemporal variables were captured using a photoelectric system, while high-density surface EMG recorded regional muscle activity in BFlh and ST. Analyses were conducted at both maximum speed and matched running speed across conditions to isolate the effects of resistance and velocity. Regional EMG distribution (centroid analysis) was evaluated in a subset of participants with sufficient signal quality (n = 5).At matched speed, spatiotemporal variables showed no differences across resistance levels, however ST EMG activity was higher at 0 %vdec condition compare to 10 %vdec condition during the swing phase (70.50-75.70% P = 0.001). At maximum speed, moderate differences were found in step length and frequency. ST EMG activity was higher at 0 %vdec compare to 20 %vdec during stance phase (10.22-18.02% P = 0.001) and 0 %vdec compare to 10 %vdec during swing phase (68.50-71.00% P = 0.004). Centroid analysis revealed individual-specific shifts in the region of the highest EMG amplitude within the muscles.Moderate horizontal resistance has no or small impact on global hamstring EMG activity or sprint mechanics at matched speed but may induce individual shifts in regional EMG activity. Future studies should examine how these acute neuromuscular responses translate into long-term neuromuscular adaptations.
Background:Thalassemia major (TM) is characterized by anemia, and a synthesis defect occurs in both beta globin genes on the short arm of chromosome 11. Thalassemia patients suffer fatigue, and decreases in VO2max and aerobic exercise capacity are observed. Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) data are valuable for interpreting the responses of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and locomotor systems to exercise. The main purpose of our study was to reveal the effects of transfusion on respiratory parameters, oxygen uptake, the ventilatory threshold, and maximal exercise capacity in the adolescent population. Methods:Twelve boys with TM (age: 16.0 ± 0.6 years) participated in our study. Pulmonary function tests and incremental symptom-limited CPETs on cycle ergometers were performed before and after blood transfusion. Results:The exercise capacity (VO2max, mL kg-1min: 27.3 ± 1.9 vs 30.0 ± 2.1; P < 0.005) and maximal watt value (89.1 ± 5.1 and 101.6 ± 5.5 W; P < 0.001) were increased after transfusion. The changes in ventilatory equivalents and end-tidal CO2 - O2 partial pressures were compared before and after transfusion at five different stages. These stages are determined as rest (pre), VT, maximum (max) points, and exercise intensities corresponding to 50% of rest and VT (Mid1) and 50% of VT and maximum (Mid2). Compared with transfusion, transfusion significantly reduced the VE/VO2 Mid1 and VT values (P < 0.05). In addition, the VE/VCO2 values were significantly lower at Mid1 and VT than before transfusion (P < 0.05). Conclusions:Although no significant change in the ventilatory threshold was detected after transfusions, the significant decrease in the minute ventilation to oxygen and carbon dioxide ratios may be interpreted as a sign that respiration is more efficient in these patients. The absence of a significant change in the VO2/work rate after transfusion suggests that patients can tolerate an increased workload. The ability of the cardiopulmonary system and skeletal muscle to cope with the increased workload indicates that these systems are not adversely affected in these patients. A well-tailored activity routine may be important to recommend for TM patients to prevent the adverse effects of a sedentary lifestyle, which may threaten their wellness during adulthood.
Background:Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is frequently associated with altered cervical sensorimotor control, reduced range of motion and impaired postural stability. Prior work has shown that proprioceptive retraining with gaze direction recognition (GDR) can reduce pain and improve postural stability in CGH and chronic neck pain. Purpose:To examine whether adding a GDR-based proprioceptive training to standard physiotherapy reduces headache frequency and duration and improves postural balance (COP path length) in CGH patients. Methods:Thirty-eight participants with CGH (aged 35-49 years) were randomly assigned to receive either standard physiotherapy (Control, n = 19) or physiotherapy plus GDR proprioceptive training (Treatment, n = 19) for 8 weeks (3 sessions/week). Outcomes measured pre- and post-intervention included headache frequency (attacks/month), headache duration (hours/attack), and center-of-pressure (COP) path length during quiet standing. Results:Multivariate analyses revealed significant effects of time and group × time interaction (Wilks' Λ = 0.142, F (3,30) = 60.55, P < 0.001; Wilks' Λ = 0.193, F (3,30) = 41.77, P < 0.001), indicating greater improvements in the treatment group. Follow-up ANOVAs showed significant time and interaction effects for COP path length (F (1,32) = 186.0, P < 0.001; F (1,32) = 130.0, P < 0.001), headache duration (F (1,32) = 16.0, P = 0.00035; F (1,32) = 7.43, P = 0.010), and headache frequency (F (1,32) = 11.7, P = 0.002; F (1,32) = 7.61, P = 0.010). Groups did not differ at baseline. Conclusion:Adding GDR-based proprioceptive training to standard physiotherapy produced greater improvements in headache burden and markedly improved postural balance compared with standard physiotherapy alone.
Purpose:To test whether ultrasound-triggered pre-landing quadriceps focal vibration acutely improves knee mechanics and coordination during single-leg drop landings under fresh vs combined cognitive-physical fatigue. Methods:Twenty-four healthy males (25.4 ± 2.1 years; 175.0 ± 3.1 cm; 73.2 ± 4.9 kg) performed randomized-crossover single-leg forward drop landings. Quadriceps vibration was off or ultrasonically triggered. Landings were tested pre- and post-combined fatigue (15 min dual-task cognitive +90 s burpees). Results:In the pre-fatigued state, vibration increased peak knee flexion angle by 2.67% (P = 0.001) and knee flexion range of motion by 1.36% (P = 0.008), reduced knee flexion work by 1.69% (P = 0.024), peak vertical ground reaction forces loading rate by 6.67% (P < 0.001), peak patellar tendon force by 5.92% (P < 0.05), time to stabilization by 3.88% (P = 0.003), and maximal diagonal line length by 2.32% (P = 0.008). Post-fatigue, vibration increased determinism (P = 0.023), Shannon entropy (P = 0.041), and dynamic time warping distance (P = 0.045) without significant kinematic or energetic changes. Conclusions:Pre-landing quadriceps vibration acutely enhances sagittal-plane landing biomechanics, increasing knee flexion, reducing eccentric work and impact loading, and improving adaptive coordination in fresh conditions, with no significant effects under combined fatigue.
Obesity has become one of the main risk factors threatening human health, and it is the core cause of various major chronic diseases. Although the efficacy of exercise intervention on obesity remains controversial, it has long been considered one of the most effective and safest approach for managing obesity and providing benefits to patients with obesity. Metabolic flexibility, especially skeletal muscle metabolic flexibility, has a profound impact on exercise weight loss due to its association with muscle fiber types. To understand the effect of exercise intervention on obese individuals with different muscle types, this review emphasizes high calorie diet induced obesity, investigates the interrelationships among obesity, exercise, and metabolic flexibility, and identifies potential molecular targets within this framework to inform future combined therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic inflexibility.
Objective:To develop and validate a predictive nomogram for oocyte retrieval and embryo quality based on personalized growth hormone (GH) pretreatment in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART) with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Methods:2,000 women ≤40 years, diagnosed with DOR, were non-randomly assigned to one of four groups based upon hormonal and metabolic markers: G1 (1-month GH pretreatment followed by ART), G2 (2-month GH pretreatment), G3 (GH given only during ovarian stimulation), and G4 (standard ART without GH). 2 IU/day of GH was given to women from G1-G3, hormonal profile was repeated and dynamic stratification was done. Results:The G2 group showed significantly higher estradiol levels, more oocytes retrieved, and a higher proportion of good-quality embryos compared to G1, G3, and G4 (P < 0.001). HOMA-IR levels were elevated in the G2 group, indicating increased insulin resistance with prolonged GH exposure. Multivariate regression identified GH dose (β = 0.48, P < 0.0001) and AMH (β = 0.35, P = 0.0013) as strong positive predictors, while HOMA-IR (β = -0.22, P = 0.012) and testosterone (β = -0.29, P = 0.028) negatively impacted outcomes. The nomogram modelled through multivariate regression provides a clinically effective tool for personalization of GH pretreatment. Conclusions:The study demonstrates that GH pretreatment significantly enhances oocyte retrieval and embryo quality. A nomogram-based predictive model stratifies patients, supports the personalization of GH treatment duration, and offers a clinically useful tool toward precision reproductive medicine.
Purpose:Ligustilide, an active ingredient from Rhizoma Chuanxiong, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. We aim to evaluate the protective effects of ligustilide against cuprizone-induced sciatic nerve injury in rats by assessing autophagy, fibrosis and apoptosis. Methods:Cuprizone-induced sciatic nerve injury was investigated in rats. The severity of injury was evaluated using the open field test, the rotarod test, the wire grip test, and nerve conduction velocity measurements. Additionally, sections of the sciatic nerve were stained with Masson trichrome and immune-stained using an anti-mTOR antibody. Samples from the sciatic nerve were utilized to analyze gene expression and protein levels of mTOR, ATG5, beclin-1, TGF-β, β-catenin, and AMPK. The enzyme activities of caspases 3, 8, and 9 were assessed. Results:Ligustilide significantly improved performance in the open field test, extended grip endurance, and yielded enhanced results in the rotarod test among rats. Additionally, it increased nerve conduction velocity and restored the structural integrity of the sciatic nerves. Furthermore, ligustilide reduced the expression levels of mTOR, TGF-β, β-catenin, and AMPK, which are associated with the overexpression of ATG5 and beclin-1. Finally, ligustilide reduced the enzyme activities of caspases 3, 8, and 9. Conclusion:Ligustilide has demonstrated significant therapeutic effects in rat models of sciatic nerve injury. It enhances autophagy and inhibits fibrosis and apoptosis.
Purpose:To examine muscle oxygenation during running with and without blood flow restriction (BFR). Methods:Fifteen aerobically trained males randomly completed four, three-minute running bouts at 70%BFR, 80%BFR, and 90%BFR of their top speed with BFR and 100%NOBFR of their top speed without BFR. Oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb), deoxygenated Hb (HHb), total Hb (tHb), Hb difference (HbDiff) and muscle tissue oxygenation (StO2) were assessed continuously throughout the running bouts. Separate two-way, 4 (Intensity [70%BFR, 80%BFR, 90%BFR, 100%NOBFR]) × 3 (Time [120, 150, and 180 s]), repeated-measure ANOVA models were constructed to examine O2Hb, HHb, tHb, HbDiff, and StO2 responses. Results:O2Hb decreased (120- [65.25 ± 6.58%] > 150-s [63.72 ± 6.75%]), while HHb increased (120- [14.4 ± 12.55%] < 150- [16.91 ± 12.6%] < 180-s [18.26 ± 12.87%]) (P < 0.001). tHb was similar across time (P = 0.159) and between intensities (P = 0.454). HbDiff decreased (120- [73.56 ± 6.54%] > 150- [71.66 ± 6.61%] > 180-s [70.98 ± 6.93%]). StO2 decreased and then plateaued (120- > 150- and 180-s) during the 70%BFR (51.87 ± 5.09% > 51.20 ± 5.37% and 51.02 ± 5.21%) (P = 0.004), 80%BFR (52.2 ± 3.93% > 51.34 ± 4.17% and 51.01 ± 4.09%) (P = 0.008), and 100%NOBFR (51.69 ± 4.6% > 50.84 ± 4.87% and 50.62 ± 4.89%) (P < 0.001) bouts, while there were no differences for 90%BFR (P > 0.05). Conclusions:Submaximal running with BFR induced similar responses as maximal running without, despite large differences (i.e., ≤30%) in running speed.
Background:Ketogenic diet (KD) is increasingly recognized as a strategy to combat obesity. However, its effects on cognition in sedentary healthy young adults remain underexplored. Methods:In a quasi-experimental design, 186 participants were screened, 78 excluded based on predefined criteria, leaving 108 healthy adults (age 25-45 years, BMI 18-29.9 kg m-2, sedentary <5,000 steps/day) assigned to either KD group (<5% carbohydrates, 20-25% protein, 70-75% fat; n = 54) or control group (regular diet ∼50-65% carbohydrates; n = 54). Participants underwent a 4 weeks' dietary intervention. Cognitive domains were assessed at baseline and post intervention using validated computer-based test battery. Pre, mid and post weight, BMI, blood ketones and fasting glucose were also measured. Forty-three participants in the KD group and 38 in the control group completed the trial. Results:Four weeks of non-energy restricted KD improved processing speed, semantic memory, working memory, episodic memory, fluid cognition, crystallized cognition and overall cognitive composite scores (all P ≤ 0.001) versus controls. Attention and inhibitory control (P = 0.46) and cognitive flexibility (P = 0.21) showed no significant differences. Blood ketones increased (0.12-1.32 mmol L-1, P < 0.001) in KD participants versus controls (0.118-0.105 mmol L-1, P = 0.94). KD reduced weight (P < 0.001), BMI (P < 0.001) and fasting glucose (P < 0.001). Post intervention ketones predicted cognitive gain in most cognitive domains except attention & inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. Conclusion:Short term KD intervention enhances memory, processing speed, fluid, crystallized and overall cognitive function composite scores in sedentary healthy adults.
To compare the mitigating effects of different interventions-low-concentration oxygen-enriched air and exercise-on mental fatigue. Researchers recruited 25 healthy male subjects and had them perform a Stroop task to induce cerebral fatigue, then different interventions (meditation, placebo, low-concentration oxygen-enriched air, exercise, and low-concentration oxygen-enriched air plus exercise) were used to provide recovery interventions to subjects, and recovery from cerebral fatigue was assessed by measuring psychometric scales, galvanic skin activity, heart rate variability, and cognitive executive tasks. The results showed that low-concentration oxygen-enriched air and exercise were effective in relieving cerebral fatigue and improving cognitive executive function, and the combined intervention was particularly effective, showing the most comprehensive benefits.
