Beyond bar and line graphs: time for a new data presentation paradigm

Regional flexion relaxation phenomenon in lumbar extensor muscles under delayed-onset muscle soreness: high-density surface electromyography insights

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate whether lumbar delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) impacts the magnitude of the flexion relaxation phenomenon regionally.

METHODS

Eighteen adult participants (9 men and 9 women) performed flexion extension movement under two conditions (with and without DOMS). Lumbar muscle activation strategies were recorded using high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) on both sides of the trunk. To determine the spatial distribution of flexion relaxation phenomenon, flexion relaxation ratio of muscle activity was computed for all electrodes of the HDsEMG grid and the coordinates of the centroid (average position of flexion relaxation ratio across the HDsEMG grid) in the mediolateral and craniocaudal axis were calculated.

RESULTS

The results revealed a cranial shift (~ 6 mm) of flexion relaxation phenomenon within the lumbar extensor muscles when DOMS was present (both sides: p < 0.05), possibly attributed to the increased recruitment of lumbar stabilizing muscles located caudally, which may serve as a guarding mechanism to pain.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the importance of evaluating the entire lumbar region when assessing the flexion relaxation phenomenon.

Randomised controlled trial of HOYA one-day multifocal contact lenses: The HOMCL trial

Trial design

Double-masked crossover RCT (Research Registry: #8136) comparison of a new HOYA one-day disposable multifocal contact lens (HOMCL) with Alcon DAILIES TOTAL1® Multifocal (ADT1).

Methods

Sixty presbyopic participants from three countries attended for baseline measurements and fitting of both lens types and then for a fortnight completed daily diaries of symptoms with habitual optical correction, and VF-14 questionnaire. Participants collected either HOMCL or ADT1, when the vision was measured again, and they wore this product for a fortnight, completing daily diaries and VF-14. Participants then collected the other type and had vision and symptoms recorded in the same way.

Results

There were no serious adverse events. Primary outcomes were no significant differences between the lens types in willingness to purchase nor stated preference; no significant differences in the daily symptom ratings of comfort; statistically significant findings with the daily symptom ratings and VF-14 of better near vision with HOMCL and better distance vision with ADT1. Secondary outcomes were better high contrast distance visual acuity with ADT1 (<1 line), better low contrast distance visual acuity with ADT1; faster Wilkins rate of reading test with HOMCL; no significant differences in near visual acuity, wearing time, or number of lenses required during fitting process. Exploratory analyses were better handling scores with ADT1; and some, but not all of the dry eye data indicating better acceptance of HOMCL by patients with relatively dry eyes. For all measures, there were some participants who preferred/performed better with each lens type.

Conclusions

The differences between the performance of the two products were small. There was a trend in some clinical measurements and the daily diary data and VF-14 questionnaire, for HOMCL to outperform ADT1 for near vision and vice versa for distance vision.

Subjective social status and health-related quality of life after critical illness: results from a three-year prospective cohort study

Subjective Social Status (SSS) reflects one's perceived rank within a given social structure and has been shown to be a unique correlate of physical and mental health. However, no research has been conducted to address populations of (recovering) critically ill patients. To shed light on the relationship between SSS and health in critically ill patients, we focus on survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A cohort study with N = 877 ARDS survivors was conducted in 61 intensive care units (ICUs) in Germany between 2014 and 2019. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL, Physical and Mental Component Scale: PCS, MCS of the SF-12) and SSS (MacArthur Scale) were assessed at 12, 24, and 36 months after discharge from ICU. Objective social status (Socioeconomic status [SES]) was assessed once at ICU baseline. Bivariate correlations between SSS and HRQoL (PCS and MCS) remain significant throughout the study period (r = .29 - .50, all p-values < .05). Subsequent hierarchical regression shows that SSS remains predictive for PCS and MCS even after controlling for SES (β = .335 - .486, all p values < .001). The results indicate the importance (and unique contribution) of the subjective localization within the status hierarchy for long-term HRQoL after critical illness.

Women in Dental Clinical and Translational Research

This article presents a summary of the third American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research Meeting within a Meeting, which was held during the 2024 annual meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana. Speakers were challenged to reflect on how women are differentially affected by health and societal issues by factors that go beyond biology. The goal was to promote current research on women's issues that are relevant to dental, oral, and craniofacial scientists.

"I don't know who you are": anomia for people's names in Alzheimer's disease

It is well known that difficulty in the retrieval of people's names is an early symptom of Alzheimer's Disease Dementia (ADD), but there is a controversy about the nature of this deficit. In this study, we analyzed whether the nature of the difficulty in retrieving proper names in ADD reflects pre-semantic, semantic, or post-semantic difficulties. To do so, 85 older adults, 35 with ADD and 50 cognitively healthy (CH), completed a task with famous faces involving: recognition, naming, semantic questions, and naming with phonological cues. The ADD group scored lower than the CH group in all tasks. Both groups showed a greater capacity for recognition than naming, but this difference was more pronounced in the ADD group. Additionally, the ADD group showed significantly fewer semantic errors than the CH group. Overall results suggest that the difficulties people with ADD have in naming reflect a degradation at semantic level.

Daidzin improves neurobehavioral outcome in rat model of traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with the etiology of multiple neurological disorders, including neurodegeneration, leading to various cognitive deficits. Daidzin (obtained from kudzu root and soybean leaves) is known for its neuroprotective effects through multiple mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacological effects of Daidzin on sensory, and biochemical parameters, cognitive functions, anxiety, and depressive-like behaviors in the TBI rat model. Rats were divided into four groups (Control, TBI, TBI + Ibuprofen (30 mg/kg), and TBI + Daidzin (5 mg/kg)). Rats were subjected to TBI by dropping a 200 g rod from a height of 26 cm, resulting in an impact force of 0.51 J on the exposed crania. Ibuprofen (30 mg/kg) was used as a positive control reference/standard drug and Daidzin (5 mg/kg) as the test drug. Neurological severity score (NSS) assessment was done to determine the intactness of sensory and motor responses. Brain tissue edema and acetylcholine levels were determined in the cortex and hippocampus. Cognitive functions such as hippocampus-dependent memory, novel object recognition, exploration, depressive and anxiety-like behaviors were measured. Treatment with Daidzin improved NSS, reduced hippocampal and cortical edema, and improved levels of acetylcholine in TBI-induced rats. Furthermore, Daidzin treatment improved hippocampus-dependent memory, exploration behavior, and novel object recognition while reducing depressive and anxiety-like behavior. Our study revealed that Daidzin has a therapeutic potential comparable to Ibuprofen and can offer neuroprotection and enhanced cognitive and behavioral outcomes in rats after TBI.

Polygenic Indices (a.k.a. Polygenic Scores) in Social Science: A Guide for Interpretation and Evaluation

Polygenic indices (PGI)-the new recommended label for polygenic scores (PGS) in social science-are genetic summary scales often used to represent an individual's liability for a disease, trait, or behavior based on the additive effects of measured genetic variants. Enthusiasm for linking genetic data with social outcomes and the inclusion of premade PGIs in social science datasets have facilitated increased uptake of PGIs in social science research-a trend that will likely continue. Yet, most social scientists lack the expertise to interpret and evaluate PGIs in social science research. Here, we provide a primer on PGIs for social scientists focusing on key concepts, unique statistical genetic considerations, and best practices in calculation, estimation, reporting, and interpretation. We summarize our recommended best practices as a checklist to aid social scientists in evaluating and interpreting studies with PGIs. We conclude by discussing the similarities between PGIs and standard social science scales and unique interpretative considerations.

How adverse childhood experiences get under the skin: A systematic review, integration and methodological discussion on threat and reward learning mechanisms

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a major risk factor for the development of multiple psychopathological conditions, but the mechanisms underlying this link are poorly understood. Associative learning encompasses key mechanisms through which individuals learn to link important environmental inputs to emotional and behavioral responses. ACEs may impact the normative maturation of associative learning processes, resulting in their enduring maladaptive expression manifesting in psychopathology. In this review, we lay out a systematic and methodological overview and integration of the available evidence of the proposed association between ACEs and threat and reward learning processes. We summarize results from a systematic literature search (following PRISMA guidelines) which yielded a total of 81 articles (threat: n=38, reward: n=43). Across the threat and reward learning fields, behaviorally, we observed a converging pattern of aberrant learning in individuals with a history of ACEs, independent of other sample characteristics, specific ACE types, and outcome measures. Specifically, blunted threat learning was reflected in reduced discrimination between threat and safety cues, primarily driven by diminished responding to conditioned threat cues. Furthermore, attenuated reward learning manifested in reduced accuracy and learning rate in tasks involving acquisition of reward contingencies. Importantly, this pattern emerged despite substantial heterogeneity in ACE assessment and operationalization across both fields. We conclude that blunted threat and reward learning may represent a mechanistic route by which ACEs may become physiologically and neurobiologically embedded and ultimately confer greater risk for psychopathology. In closing, we discuss potentially fruitful future directions for the research field, including methodological and ACE assessment considerations.

Effects of a 10-Week Integrated Curriculum Intervention on Physical Activity, Resting Blood Pressure, Motor Skills, and Well-Being in 6- to 7-Year-Olds

BACKGROUND

Integrated curriculum interventions have been suggested as an effective means to increase physical activity (PA) and health. The feasibility of such approaches in children living in deprivation is unknown. This study sought to pilot an integrated curriculum pedometer intervention in children living in deprivation on school-based PA, body fatness, resting blood pressure, motor skills, and well-being.

METHODS

Using a pilot cluster randomized intervention design, children (6-7 y old, n = 64) from 2 schools in central England undertook: (1) 10-week integrated curriculum intervention or (2) control (regular school-based activity). School-based PA, body fatness, resting blood pressure, motor skills, and well-being were assessed preintervention and postintervention.

RESULTS

For the intervention group, PA was higher on school days when children had physical education lessons or there were physically active integrated curriculum activities. Body fatness significantly decreased, and well-being and perceived physical competence increased, pre-post for the intervention group compared with the control group. Accelerometer-derived PA, motor skills, and resting blood pressure were not significantly different pre-post for intervention or control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A 10-week integrated curriculum PA intervention is feasible to conduct and can positively impact aspects of health in 6- to 7-year-old children in England.

Four-week experimental plus 1-week taper period using live high train low does not alter muscle glycogen content

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 4-week live high train low (LHTL; FiO2 ~ 13.5%), intervention, followed by a tapering phase, on muscle glycogen concentration. Fourteen physically active males (28 ± 6 years, 81.6 ± 15.4 kg, 179 ± 5.2 cm) were divided into a control group (CON; n = 5), and the group that performed the LHTL, which was exposed to hypoxia (LHTL; n = 9). The subjects trained using a one-legged knee extension exercise, which enabled four experimental conditions: leg training in hypoxia (TLHYP); leg control in hypoxia (CLHYP, n = 9); leg trained in normoxia (TLNOR, n = 5), and leg control in normoxia (CLNOR, n = 5). All participants performed 18 training sessions lasting between 20 and 45 min [80-200% of intensity corresponding to the time to exhaustion (TTE) reached in the graded exercise test]. Additionally, participants spent approximately 10 h day-1 in either a normobaric hypoxic environment (14.5% FiO2; ~ 3000 m) or a control condition (i.e., staying in similar tents on ~ 530 m). Thereafter, participants underwent a taper protocol consisting of six additional training sessions with a reduced training load. SpO2 was lower, and the hypoxic dose was higher in LHTL compared to CON (p < 0.001). After 4 weeks, glycogen had increased significantly only in the TLNOR and TLHYP groups and remained elevated after the taper (p < 0.016). Time to exhaustion in the LHTL increased after both the 4-week training period and the taper compared to the baseline (p < 0.001). Although the 4-week training promoted substantial increases in muscle glycogen content, TTE increased in LHTL condition.

Instructions for meaningful figures in radiological research publications

In this paper, we explain the structure and function of different types of figures and provide guidance on how to create effective figures for radiological research publications.Based on scientific literature and our own experience, we have compiled a series of instructions to support the purposeful creation of effective figures for radiological research publications.Effective figures play a crucial role in radiological research publications by clearly visualizing complex content and thereby enhancing its comprehensibility. Different types of figures have distinct strengths that should be strategically employed for optimal impact. The interplay between figures weaves the "common thread" of a publication, facilitating reader comprehension and providing a straightforward path to the answer of the central research question. The systematic coordination (line of evidence) and effective design of individual figures are crucial to compellingly support the publication's central hypothesis.The deliberate creation and coordination of figures in radiological research publications are decisive factors for successful publishing. · Different types of figures have distinct strengths that should be strategically employed for optimal impact.. · The interplay between figures weaves the "common thread" of a publication, facilitating reader comprehension and providing a straightforward path to the answer of the central research question.. · The appropriate coordination of different types of figures enables an effective and precise presentation of the research findings.. · The systematic coordination (line of evidence) and effective design of individual figures are crucial to compellingly support the publication's central hypothesis.. · The deliberate creation and coordination of figures in radiological research publications are decisive factors for successful publishing.. · Pape LJ, Hambach J, Bannas P. Instructions for figures in radiological research publications. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2285-3223.

Catalyzing communities of research rigour champions

The biomedical sciences must maintain and enhance a research culture that prioritizes rigour and transparency. The US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke convened a workshop entitled 'Catalyzing Communities of Research Rigor Champions' that brought together a diverse group of leaders in promoting research rigour and transparency (identified as 'rigour champions') to discuss strategies, barriers and resources for catalyzing technical, cultural and educational changes in the biomedical sciences. This article summarizes 2 days of panels and discussions and provides an overview of critical barriers to research rigour, perspectives behind reform initiatives and considerations for stakeholders across science. Additionally, we describe applications of network science to foster, maintain and expand cultural changes related to scientific rigour and opportunities to embed rigourous practices into didactic courses, training experiences and degree programme requirements. We hope this piece provides a primer for the wider research community on current discussions and actions and inspires individuals to build, join or expand collaborative networks within their own institutions that prioritize rigourous research practices.

Key HPI axis receptors facilitate light adaptive behavior in larval zebrafish

The vertebrate stress response (SR) is mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and contributes to generating context appropriate physiological and behavioral changes. Although the HPA axis plays vital roles both in stressful and basal conditions, research has focused on the response under stress. To understand broader roles of the HPA axis in a changing environment, we characterized an adaptive behavior of larval zebrafish during ambient illumination changes. Genetic abrogation of glucocorticoid receptor (nr3c1) decreased basal locomotor activity in light and darkness. Some key HPI axis receptors (mc2r [ACTH receptor], nr3c1), but not nr3c2 (mineralocorticoid receptor), were required to adapt to light more efficiently but became dispensable when longer illumination was provided. Such light adaptation was more efficient in dimmer light. Our findings show that the HPI axis contributes to the SR, facilitating the phasic response and maintaining an adapted basal state, and that certain adaptations occur without HPI axis activity.

Sea stack plots: Replacing bar charts with histograms

Graphs in research articles can increase the comprehension of statistical data but may mislead readers if poorly designed. We propose a new plot type, the sea stack plot, which combines vertical histograms and summary statistics to represent large univariate datasets accurately, usefully, and efficiently. We compare five commonly used plot types (dot and whisker plots, boxplots, density plots, univariate scatter plots, and dot plots) to assess their relative strengths and weaknesses when representing distributions of data commonly observed in biological studies. We find the assessed plot types are either difficult to read at large sample sizes or have the potential to misrepresent certain distributions of data, showing the need for an improved method of data visualisation. We present an analysis of the plot types used in four ecology and conservation journals covering multiple areas of these research fields, finding widespread use of uninformative bar charts and dot and whisker plots (60% of all panels showing univariate data from multiple groups for the purpose of comparison). Some articles presented more informative figures by combining plot types (16% of panels), generally boxplots and a second layer such as a flat density plot, to better display the data. This shows an appetite for more effective plot types within conservation and ecology, which may further increase if accurate and user-friendly plot types were made available. Finally, we describe sea stack plots and explain how they overcome the weaknesses associated with other alternatives to uninformative plots when used for large and/or unevenly distributed data. We provide a tool to create sea stack plots with our R package 'seastackplot', available through GitHub.

From means to meaning in the study of sex/gender differences and similarities

The incorporation of sex and gender (S/G) related factors is commonly acknowledged as a necessary step to advance towards more personalized diagnoses and treatments for somatic, psychiatric, and neurological diseases. Until now, most attempts to integrate S/G-related factors have been reduced to identifying average differences between females and males in behavioral/ biological variables. The present commentary questions this traditional approach by highlighting three main sets of limitations: 1) Issues stemming from the use of classic parametric methods to compare means; 2) challenges related to the ability of means to accurately represent the data within groups and differences between groups; 3) mean comparisons impose a results' binarization and a binary theoretical framework that precludes advancing towards precision medicine. Alternative methods free of these limitations are also discussed. We hope these arguments will contribute to reflecting on how research on S/G factors is conducted and could be improved.

Dynamite plots in surgical research over 10 years: a meta-study using machine-learning analysis

PURPOSE

Bar charts of numerical data, often known as dynamite plots, are unnecessary and misleading. Their tendency to alter the perception of mean's position through the within-the-bar bias and their lack of information on the distribution of the data are two of numerous reasons. The machine learning tool, Barzooka, can be used to rapidly screen for different graph types in journal articles.We aim to determine the proportion of original research articles using dynamite plots to visualize data, and whether there has been a change in their use over time.

METHODS

Original research articles in nine surgical fields of research were sampled based on MeSH terms and then harvested using the Python-based biblio-glutton-harvester tool. After harvesting, they were analysed using Barzooka. Over 40 000 original research articles were included in the final analysis. The results were adjusted based on previous validation data with 95% confidence bounds. Kendall τ coefficient with the Mann-Kendall test for significance was used to determine the trend of dynamite plot use over time.

RESULTS

Eight surgical fields of research showed a statistically significant decrease in use of dynamite plots over 10 years. Oral and maxillofacial surgery showed no significant trend in either direction. In 2022, use of dynamite plots, dependent on field and 95% confidence bounds, ranges from ~30% to 70%.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that the use of dynamite plots in surgical research has decreased over time; however, use remains high. More must be done to understand this phenomenon and educate surgical researchers on data visualization practices.

PARP-1 inhibitor alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by reducing PARylation of HK-1 and LDH in mice

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) activity significantly increases during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. PARP-1 is an NAD+-consumption enzyme. PARP-1 hyperactivity causes intracellular NAD+ deficiency and bioenergetic collapse, contributing to neuronal death. Besides, the powerful trigger of PARP-1 causes the catalyzation of poly (ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation), a posttranslational modification of proteins. Here, we found that PARP-1 was activated in the ischemic brain tissue during middle-cerebral-artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) for 24 h, and PAR accumulated in the neurons in mice. Using immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and 3D-modeling analysis, we revealed that the activation of PARP-1 caused PARylation of hexokinase-1 and lactate dehydrogenase-B, which, therefore, caused the inhibition of these enzyme activities and the resulting cell energy metabolism collapse. PARP-1 inhibition significantly reversed the activity of hexokinase and lactate dehydrogenase, decreased infarct volume, and improved neuronal deficiency. PARP-1 inhibitor combined with pyruvate further alleviated MCAO/R-induced ischemic brain injury in mice. As such, we conclude that PARP-1 inhibitor alleviates neuronal death partly by inhibiting the PARylation of metabolic-related enzymes and reversing metabolism reprogramming during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice. PARP-1 inhibitor combined with pyruvate might be a promising therapeutic approach against brain ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Supporting Student Competencies in Graph Reading, Interpretation, Construction, and Evaluation

Graphs are ubiquitous tools in science that allow one to explore data patterns, design studies, communicate findings, and make claims. This essay is a companion to the online, evidence-based interactive guide intended to help inform instructors' decision-making in how to teach graph reading, interpretation, construction, and evaluation within the discipline of biology. We provide a framework with a focus on six instructional practices that instructors can utilize when designing graphing activities: use data to engage students, teach graphing grounded in the discipline, practice explicit instruction, use real world "messy" data, utilize collaborative work, and emphasize reflection. Each component of this guide is supported by summaries of and links to articles that can inform graphing practices. The guide also contains an instructor checklist that summarizes key points with actionable steps that can guide instructors as they work towards refining and incorporating graphing into their classroom practice and emerging questions in which further empirical studies are warranted.

Sex as a biological variable for cardiovascular physiology

There have been ongoing efforts by federal agencies and scientific communities since the early 1990s to incorporate sex and/or gender in all aspects of cardiovascular research. Scientific journals provide a critical function as change agents to influence transformation by encouraging submissions for topic areas, and by setting standards and expectations for articles submitted to the journal. As part of ongoing efforts to advance sex and gender in cardiovascular physiology research, the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology recently launched a call for papers on Considering Sex as a Biological Variable. This call was an overwhelming success, resulting in 78 articles published in this collection. This review summarizes the major themes of the collection, including Sex as a Biological Variable Within: Endothelial Cell and Vascular Physiology, Cardiovascular Immunity and Inflammation, Metabolism and Mitochondrial Energy, Extracellular Matrix Turnover and Fibrosis, Neurohormonal Signaling, and Cardiovascular Clinical and Epidemiology Assessments. Several articles also focused on establishing rigor and reproducibility of key physiological measurements involved in cardiovascular health and disease, as well as recommendations and considerations for study design. Combined, these articles summarize our current understanding of sex and gender influences on cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology and provide insight into future directions needed to further expand our knowledge.

Chronic Effects of Inter-Set Static Stretching on Morphofunctional Outcomes in Recreationally Resistance-Trained Male and Female

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of resistance training (RT) with inter-set static stretching (IS) versus traditional RT (TRT) on morphofunctional outcomes in recreationally resistance-trained male and female. Methods: Twenty-two recreationally-trained subjects were allocated to IS group (n = 12) or TRT (n = 10) and completed eight weeks of RT. The only difference between the groups was that IS group included static stretching between sets, while the TRT rested between the sets. Ultrasound images, dynamic and isometric strength tests for the elbow flexors and elbow extensors were evaluated pre- and post-intervention period. Results: Total training volume (TTV) was greater in TRT than IS (p = .031). TRT and IS caused similar increases in maximal dynamic and isometric strength. Fascicle length of the brachialis increased following TRT (p = .033); muscle thickness and the pennation angle of the distal portion of the triceps brachii increased following IS (p = .035 and p = .007, respectively). There were no significant changes in thickness and architecture for biceps brachii in either group. There were no significant differences between groups for any muscle strength and morphology outcome. Conclusion: IS negatively affects TTV but does not affect muscle strength and architecture of recreationally resistance-trained male and female.

Effects of L-Dopa, SKF-38393, and quinpirole on exploratory, anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors in pubertal female and male mice

Adolescence is a phase of substantial changes in the brain, characterized by maturational remodeling of many systems. This remodeling allows functional plasticity to adapt to a changing environment. The dopaminergic system is under morphological and physiological changes during this phase. In the present study, we investigated if changes in the dopaminergic tone alter mice behavior in a receptor and sex-specific manner, specifically at the beginning of the puberty period. We administered L-Dopa, SKF-38393 (D1 dopamine receptor agonist), and Quinpirole (D2 dopamine receptor agonist) and tested male and female mice's motor, anxiety- and depressive-like behavior. While females displayed an impaired exploratory drive, males presented an intense depressive-like response. Our results provide insights into the function of dopaminergic development in adolescent behavior and highlight the importance of studies in this time window with male and female subjects.

Zingiber officinale Root Capsule Extract Synergistically Enhance the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Diclofenac Sodium in Experimental Acute Inflammation

The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) root capsule extract (GRCE) in doses of 100 mg/kg b.w. (body weight) and 200 mg/kg b.w. alone and in combination with a low dose (5 mg/kg b.w.) of diclofenac sodium (D) on carrageenan-induced acute inflammation (AI). The association of GRCE in a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. with D offered the highest inhibition percentage for edema, reaching the maximum level of inhibition (95%) after 24 h. The association of GRCE in a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. with D showed the ability to reduce tissue inflammatory changes when compared to D alone, while GRCE alone did not exhibit such properties. The association of both doses of GRCE with D showed significantly lower plasma and tissue levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) by up to 55% (p ≤ 0.0317), with the best results obtained by the group who received GRCE in the higher dose. These associations reduced the serum and tissue levels of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (COX-2) by up to 71% (p ≤ 0.0371). In conclusion, the association of GRCE with a low dose of D could be an appropriate combination to decrease the dose used to reduce serum and tissue levels of inflammatory molecules, edema, and histological changes in acute inflammation. Further research will be necessary to achieve clinical evaluation.

Reuse of coir, peat, and wood fiber in strawberry production

Introduction

Production of strawberries in greenhouses and polytunnels is gaining popularity worldwide. This study investigated the effect of reuse of coir and peat, two substrates commonly adapted to soilless strawberry production, as well as stand-alone wood fiber from Norway spruce, a promising substrate candidate.

Methods

The experiment was performed in a polytunnel at NIBIO Apelsvoll, Norway, and evaluated both virgin substrates, as well as spent materials that were used in one or two years. Yield, berry quality and plant architecture of the strawberry cultivar 'Malling Centenary' were registered. In addition, chemical and physical properties of virgin and reused substrates were investigated.

Results

While plants grown in peat and wood fiber had highest yield in the first year of production, the berry yield was slightly reduced when these substrates were utilized for the second and third time. However, yield was comparable to the yield level attained in new and reused coir. Interestingly, berries grown in wood fiber had a tendency to a higher sugar accumulation. This substrate also produced the highest plants. Stand-alone wood fiber was the substrate with the highest accumulation of nitrogen during the three consecutive production cycles. All three investigated materials revealed a trend for decreased potassium accumulation. Wood fiber is characterized by the highest percentage of cellulose, however after three years of production the cellulose content was reducedto the same levels as for coir and peat.

Discussion

Implementation of wood fiber as a growing medium, as well as general practice of substrate reuse can be therefore an achievable strategy for more sustainable berry production.

Peer review of clinical and translational research manuscripts: Perspectives from statistical collaborators

Research articles in the clinical and translational science literature commonly use quantitative data to inform evaluation of interventions, learn about the etiology of disease, or develop methods for diagnostic testing or risk prediction of future events. The peer review process must evaluate the methodology used therein, including use of quantitative statistical methods. In this manuscript, we provide guidance for peer reviewers tasked with assessing quantitative methodology, intended to complement guidelines and recommendations that exist for manuscript authors. We describe components of clinical and translational science research manuscripts that require assessment including study design and hypothesis evaluation, sampling and data acquisition, interventions (for studies that include an intervention), measurement of data, statistical analysis methods, presentation of the study results, and interpretation of the study results. For each component, we describe what reviewers should look for and assess; how reviewers should provide helpful comments for fixable errors or omissions; and how reviewers should communicate uncorrectable and irreparable errors. We then discuss the critical concepts of transparency and acceptance/revision guidelines when communicating with responsible journal editors.

Molecular weight-dependent antitumor effects of prunes-derived type I arabinogalactan on human and murine triple wild-type melanomas

The regulation of metastasis-related cellular aspects of two structurally similar AGIs from prunes tea infusion, with different molar masses, was studied in vitro against Triple Wild-Type metastatic melanoma (TWM) from murine and human origin. The higher molar mass AGI (AGI-78KDa) induced TWMs cells death and, in murine cell line, it decreased some metastasis-related cellular processes: invasiveness capacity, cell-extracellular matrix interaction, and colonies sizes. The lower molar mass AGI (AGI-12KDa) did not induce cell death but decreased TWMs proliferation rate and, in murine cell line, it decreased cell adhesion and colonies sizes. Both AGIs alter the clonogenic capacity of human cell line. In spite to understand why we saw so many differences between AGIs effects on murine and human cell lines we performed in silico analysis that demonstrated differential gene expression profiles between them. Complementary network topological predictions suggested that AGIs can modulate multiple pathways in a specie-dependent manner, which explain differential results obtained in vitro between cell lines. Our results pointed to therapeutic potential of AGIs from prunes tea against TWMs and showed that molecular weight of AGIs may influence their antitumor effects.

Guidelines on the use of sex and gender in cardiovascular research

In cardiovascular research, sex and gender have not typically been considered in research design and reporting until recently. This has resulted in clinical research findings from which not only all women, but also gender-diverse individuals have been excluded. The resulting dearth of data has led to a lack of sex- and gender-specific clinical guidelines and raises serious questions about evidence-based care. Basic research has also excluded considerations of sex. Including sex and/or gender as research variables not only has the potential to improve the health of society overall now, but it also provides a foundation of knowledge on which to build future advances. The goal of this guidelines article is to provide advice on best practices to include sex and gender considerations in study design, as well as data collection, analysis, and interpretation to optimally establish rigor and reproducibility needed to inform clinical decision-making and improve outcomes. In cardiovascular physiology, incorporating sex and gender is a necessary component when optimally designing and executing research plans. The guidelines serve as the first guidance on how to include sex and gender in cardiovascular research. We provide here a beginning path toward achieving this goal and improve the ability of the research community to interpret results through a sex and gender lens to enable comparison across studies and laboratories, resulting in better health for all.

Training, Pharmacological Ergogenic Aids, Dehydration, and Nutrition Strategies during a Peak Week in Competitive Brazilian Bodybuilders: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study in a Non-World Anti-Doping Agency Competitive Environment

BACKGROUND

this observational and cross-sectional study aimed to describe training, pharmacological ergogenic aids, dehydration, and nutrition strategies during a peak week in competitive bodybuilders and monitor changes that occurred across this period.

METHODS

Ten amateur bodybuilders were followed during a peak week phase and one day post-contest. Training, diet, dehydration protocol, anabolic steroid use, and nonsteroidal agents were recorded, prescribed, and supervised by the same coach in charge. Body composition, resting metabolic rate, and circumferences were assessed by the research team.

RESULTS

Overall, during the peak week phase, the use of anabolic steroids, diuretics, and other pharmacological aids was high among athletes, and the dose and frequency were similar between competitors. Despite the use of supraphysiological doses of drugs, bodybuilders displayed a statistical reduction of lean mass markers, resting metabolic rate, and fat mass markers, possibly influenced by the performance of high volumes of aerobic exercise combined with dietary energy restriction.

CONCLUSIONS

The main findings of this study display that the coach in charge of Brazilian bodybuilders applied the same anabolic steroid, diuretic, and other pharmacological protocols for all competitors. Moreover, the protocols employed by bodybuilders did not fully attenuate the loss of lean mass during the peak week period.

Metabolomic Profiling of the Secretome from Human Neural Stem Cells Flown into Space

The change in gravitational force has a significant effect on biological tissues and the entire organism. As with any alteration in the environment, microgravity (µG) produces modifications in the system inducing adaptation to the new condition. In this study, we analyzed the effect of µG on neural stem cells (NSCs) following a space flight to the International Space Station (ISS). After 3 days in space, analysis of the metabolome in culture medium revealed increased glycolysis with augmented pyruvate and glycerate levels, and activated catabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and glutamine. NSCs flown into space (SPC-NSCs) also showed increased synthesis of NADH and formation of polyamine spermidine when compared to ground controls (GC-NSCs). Overall, the space environment appears to increase energy demands in response to the µG setting.

Plant mycorrhizal associations mediate the zoogeochemical effects of calving subsidies by a forest ungulate

Animals interact with and impact ecosystem biogeochemical cycling-processes known as zoogeochemistry. While the deposition of various animal materials (e.g. carcasses and faeces) has been shown to create nutrient hotspots and alter nutrient cycling and storage, the inputs from parturition (i.e. calving) have yet to be explored. We examine the effects of ungulate parturition, which often occurs synchronously during spring green-up and therefore aligns with increased plant nitrogen demand in temperate biomes. Impacts of zoogeochemical inputs are likely context-dependent, where differences in material quality, quantity and the system of deposition modulate their impacts. Plant mycorrhizal associations, especially, create different nutrient-availability contexts, which can modify the effects of nutrient inputs. We, therefore, hypothesize that mycorrhizal associations modulate the consequences of parturition on soil nutrient dynamics and nitrogen pools. We established experimental plots that explore the potential of two kinds of zoogeochemical inputs deposited at ungulate parturition (placenta and natal fluid) in forest microsites dominated by either ericoid mycorrhizal (ErM) or ectomycorrhizal (EcM) plants. We assess how these inputs affect rates of nutrient cycling and nitrogen content in various ecosystem pools, using isotope tracers to track the fate of nitrogen inputs into plant and soil pools. Parturition treatments accelerate nutrient cycling processes and increase nitrogen contents in the plant leaf, stem and fine root pools. The ecosystem context strongly modulates these effects. Microsites dominated by ErM plants mute parturition treatment impacts on most nutrient cycling processes and plant pools. Both plant-fungal associations are, however, equally efficient at retaining nitrogen, although retention of nitrogen in the parturition treatment plots was more than two times lower than in control plots. Our results highlight the potential importance of previously unexamined nitrogen inputs from animal inputs, such as those from parturition, in contributing to fine-scale heterogeneity in nutrient cycling and availability. Animal inputs should therefore be considered, along with their interactions with plant mycorrhizal associations, in terms of how zoogeochemical dynamics collectively affect nutrient heterogeneity in ecosystems.

Application of an Interactive, Hands-On Nutritional Curriculum for Pediatric Residents

Currently, there exists a scarcity of suitable nutrition training resources for the primary care physician (PCP) and a paucity of educational materials for pediatric residency programs. Barriers to nutritional education include: a lack of well-defined competencies, a dearth of centralized resources for nutritional education, and a reliance on didactic teaching methodology. Because PCPs often cite a lack of confidence as a primary reason for not providing nutritional counseling, we created an interactive 3-pronged nutritional curriculum for pediatric residents with the aim of increasing their confidence to provide nutritional counseling to patients. This curriculum included an in-person visit to a local supermarket, an online, interactive case during the resident's continuity clinic, and an interactive lecture. There was a statistically significant change in pediatric residents' confidence to manage issues of outpatient nutrition management. We find this particularly relevant as increasing physician confidence is key to increasing nutritional counseling in a clinical setting.

Seasonal advance of intense tropical cyclones in a warming climate

Intense tropical cyclones (TCs), which often peak in autumn1,2, have destructive impacts on life and property3-5, making it crucial to determine whether any changes in intense TCs are likely to occur. Here, we identify a significant seasonal advance of intense TCs since the 1980s in most tropical oceans, with earlier-shifting rates of 3.7 and 3.2 days per decade for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, respectively. This seasonal advance of intense TCs is closely related to the seasonal advance of rapid intensification events, favoured by the observed earlier onset of favourable oceanic conditions. Using simulations from multiple global climate models, large ensembles and individual forcing experiments, the earlier onset of favourable oceanic conditions is detectable and primarily driven by greenhouse gas forcing. The seasonal advance of intense TCs will increase the likelihood of intersecting with other extreme rainfall events, which usually peak in summer6,7, thereby leading to disproportionate impacts.

Personalized redox biology: Designs and concepts

Personalized interventions are regarded as a next-generation approach in almost all fields of biomedicine, such as clinical medicine, exercise, nutrition and pharmacology. At the same time, an increasing body of evidence indicates that redox processes regulate, at least in part, multiple aspects of human physiology and pathology. As a result, the idea of applying personalized redox treatments to improve their efficacy has gained popularity among researchers in recent years. The aim of the present primer-style review was to highlight some crucial yet underappreciated methodological, statistical, and interpretative concepts within the redox biology literature, while also providing a physiology-oriented perspective on personalized redox biology. The topics addressed are: (i) the critical issue of investigating the potential existence of inter-individual variability; (ii) the importance of distinguishing a genuine and consistent response of a subject from a chance finding; (iii) the challenge of accurately quantifying the effect of a redox treatment when dealing with 'extreme' groups due to mathematical coupling and regression to the mean; and (iv) research designs and analyses that have been implemented in other fields, and can be reframed and exploited in a redox biology context.

Understanding biochemistry: basic aspects of statistics for life sciences

If the biological world is one thing it is variable. As scientists we seek to measure, quantify and explain the causes of this variation. The approach we take to this is remarkably similar whether our research is exploring global temperature, blood pressure, cancer incidence or enzyme kinetics. This approach involves defining clear research questions and applying statistical methods to answer them robustly. This article will introduce a practical example that will be used throughout, specifically whether genetic variation can explain variation in coffee consumption. We assume little experience with statistics and walk through the statistical approach that biologists can use, firstly by describing our data with summary statistics and then by using statistical tests to help arrive at answers to our research question. A General Linear Model (GLM) approach will be used as this is what many common statistical tests are. We explore how to visualise and report results, while checking the assumptions of our analysis. The better we can understand and apply statistics to biological problems, the better we can communicate results and future research to others. The popular statistical programming language R will be used throughout.

Metabolomics Profile of the Secretome of Space-Flown Oligodendrocytes

Intracranial hypertension (ICP) and visual impairment intracranial pressure (VIIP) are some of the sequels of long-term space missions. Here we sought to determine how space microgravity (µG) impacts the metabolomics profile of oligodendrocyte progenitors (OLPs), the myelin-forming cells in the central nervous system. We report increased glutamate and energy metabolism while the OLPs were in space for 26 days. We also show that after space flight, OLPs (SPC OLPs) display significantly increased mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis. These data are in agreement with our previous work using simulated microgravity. In addition, our global metabolomics approach allowed for the discovery of endogenous metabolites secreted by OLPs while in space that are significantly modulated by microgravity. Our results provide, for the first time, relevant information about the energetic state of OLPs while in space and after space flight. The functional and molecular relevance of these specific pathways are promising targets for therapeutic intervention for humans in long-term space missions to the moon, Mars and beyond.

The canonical HPA axis facilitates and maintains light adaptive behavior

The vertebrate stress response (SR) is mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and contributes to generating context appropriate physiological and behavioral changes. Although the HPA axis plays vital roles both in stressful and basal conditions, research has focused on the response under stress. To understand broader roles of the HPA axis in a changing environment, we characterized an adaptive behavior of larval zebrafish during ambient illumination changes. The glucocorticoid receptor (nr3c1) was necessary to maintain basal locomotor activity in light and darkness. The HPA axis was required to adapt to light more efficiently but became dispensable when longer illumination was provided. Light adaptation was more efficient in dimmer light and did not require the mineralocorticoid receptor (nr3c2). Our findings show that the HPA axis contributes to the SR at various stages, facilitating the phasic response and maintaining an adapted basal state, and that certain adaptations occur without HPA axis activity.

Social information facilitates learning about novel food sources in adult flower-visiting bats

Incorporating novel food sources into their diet is crucial for animals in changing environments. Although the utilization of novel food sources can be learned individually, learning socially from experienced conspecifics may facilitate this task and enable a transmission of foraging-related innovations across a population. In anthropogenically modified habitats, bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) frequently adapt their feeding strategy to novel food sources, and corresponding social learning processes have been experimentally demonstrated in frugivorous and animalivorous species. However, comparable experiments are lacking for nectarivorous flower-visiting bats, even though their utilization of novel food sources in anthropogenically altered habitats is often observed and even discussed as the reason why bats are able to live in some areas. In the present study, we investigated whether adult flower-visiting bats may benefit from social information when learning about a novel food source. We conducted a demonstrator-observer dyad with wild Pallas' long-tongued bats (Glossophaga soricina; Phyllostomidae: Glossophaginae) and hypothesized that naïve individuals would learn to exploit a novel food source faster when accompanied by an experienced demonstrator bat. Our results support this hypothesis and demonstrate flower-visiting bats to be capable of using social information to expand their dietary repertoire.

The intracortical excitability changes underlying the enhancing effects of rewards and punishments on motor performance

Monetary rewards and punishments enhance motor performance and are associated with corticospinal excitability (CSE) increases within the motor cortex (M1) during movement preparation. However, such CSE changes have unclear origins. Based on converging evidence, one possibility is that they stem from increased glutamatergic (GLUTergic) facilitation and/or decreased type A gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA)-mediated inhibition within M1. To investigate this, paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation was used over the left M1 to evaluate intracortical facilitation (ICF) and short intracortical inhibition (SICI), indirect assays of GLUTergic activity and GABAA-mediated inhibition, in an index finger muscle during the preparation of sequences initiated by either the right index or little finger. Behaviourally, rewards and punishments enhanced both reaction and movement time. During movement preparation, regardless of rewards or punishments, ICF increased when the index finger initiated sequences, whereas SICI decreased when both the index and little fingers initiated sequences. This finding suggests that GLUTergic activity increases in a finger-specific manner whilst GABAA-mediated inhibition decreases in a finger-unspecific manner during preparation. In parallel, both rewards and punishments non-specifically increased ICF, but only rewards non-specifically decreased SICI as compared to neutral. This suggests that to enhance performance rewards both increase GLUTergic activity and decrease GABAA-mediated inhibition, whereas punishments selectively increase GLUTergic activity. A control experiment revealed that such changes were not observed post-movement as participants processed reward and punishment feedback, indicating they were selective to movement preparation. Collectively, these results map the intracortical excitability changes in M1 by which incentives enhance motor performance.

A decade of study on the condition of western Cuban coral reefs, with low human impact

Background

The long-time study of coral reefs with low human impacts can provide information on the effects of regional pressures like climate change, and is an opportunity to document how these pressures are reflected in coral communities. An example of minimal local anthropogenic impacts are the Guanahacabibes coral reefs, located in the westernmost region of Cuba. The objectives of this study were: to evaluate the temporal variability of six benthic biological indicators of coral reefs, and to explore the possible relationship between predictive abiotic variables and biological response variables.

Methods

Four coral reef sites were sampled between 2008 and 2017, to analyze biological indicators (living coral cover, fleshy algae index, coral species richness, coral species abundance, coral trait groups species abundance, Functional Reef Index). Seven abiotic variables (wave exposure, sea surface temperature, degree heating week, chlorophyll-a concentration, particulate organic carbon, photosynthetically available radiation, and the diffuse attenuation coefficient) were compiled between 2007 and 2016, from remote sensing datasets, to analyze their relationship with the biological indicators. Permanova statistical analysis was used to evaluate trends in biological variables between sites and years, and Routine Analysis Based on Linear Distances (DISTLM) was used to explore some dependencies between biotic and abiotic variables.

Results

We found significant variability in the temporal analysis, with a decrease in living coral cover, a decline in the predominance of the branching and massive framework reef-building species, a decline in Orbicella species abundance, and an increase in the fleshy algae index. Some abiotic variables (average of degree heating weeks, standard deviation of the diffuse attenuation coefficient, average of the sea surface temperature, among others) significantly explained the variability of biological indicators; however, determination coefficients were low.

Conclusions

Certain decrease in the functionality of the coral reef was appreciated, taking into account the predominance of secondary and nom-massive framework reef-building species in the last years. A weak association between abiotic and biological variables was found in the temporal analysis. The current scenario of the condition of the coral reefs seems to be regulated by the global effects of climate change, weakly associated effects, and in longer terms.

An illusion of predictability in scientific results: Even experts confuse inferential uncertainty and outcome variability

Traditionally, scientists have placed more emphasis on communicating inferential uncertainty (i.e., the precision of statistical estimates) compared to outcome variability (i.e., the predictability of individual outcomes). Here, we show that this can lead to sizable misperceptions about the implications of scientific results. Specifically, we present three preregistered, randomized experiments where participants saw the same scientific findings visualized as showing only inferential uncertainty, only outcome variability, or both and answered questions about the size and importance of findings they were shown. Our results, composed of responses from medical professionals, professional data scientists, and tenure-track faculty, show that the prevalent form of visualizing only inferential uncertainty can lead to significant overestimates of treatment effects, even among highly trained experts. In contrast, we find that depicting both inferential uncertainty and outcome variability leads to more accurate perceptions of results while appearing to leave other subjective impressions of the results unchanged, on average.

Enhancing precision in human neuroscience

Human neuroscience has always been pushing the boundary of what is measurable. During the last decade, concerns about statistical power and replicability - in science in general, but also specifically in human neuroscience - have fueled an extensive debate. One important insight from this discourse is the need for larger samples, which naturally increases statistical power. An alternative is to increase the precision of measurements, which is the focus of this review. This option is often overlooked, even though statistical power benefits from increasing precision as much as from increasing sample size. Nonetheless, precision has always been at the heart of good scientific practice in human neuroscience, with researchers relying on lab traditions or rules of thumb to ensure sufficient precision for their studies. In this review, we encourage a more systematic approach to precision. We start by introducing measurement precision and its importance for well-powered studies in human neuroscience. Then, determinants for precision in a range of neuroscientific methods (MRI, M/EEG, EDA, Eye-Tracking, and Endocrinology) are elaborated. We end by discussing how a more systematic evaluation of precision and the application of respective insights can lead to an increase in reproducibility in human neuroscience.

Effects of Aerobic and Speed Training Versus Active Control on Repeated Sprint Ability and Measures of Self-confidence and Anxiety in Highly Trained Male Soccer Players

BACKGROUND

While there is ample evidence on the effects of single-mode aerobic and speed training on physical fitness in soccer players, less is known on the combined effects of these exercise regimens on physical and psychological factors.

AIM

This study aimed to compare the effects of aerobic and speed training with soccer-specific training versus soccer-specific training only on aerobic performance during the YOYO intermittent fitness test level 1 (final velocity, total distance [TD], maximal oxygen consumption [VO2max]), repeated sprint ability (best, total sprint time [RSABT, RSATT], sprint decrement [RSA dec]) performance and somatic anxiety (SA), cognitive anxiety (CA), and self-confidence (SC) adaptations in soccer players.

METHODS

Thirty-eight highly trained male athletes aged 18.9 ± 0.5 years were randomly assigned to an aerobic and speed training group (COMB-G; n = 20) or an active control group (CON-G; n = 18). Aerobic training comprised intermittent exercises at 110-120% of the final velocity achieved at the end of the YOYO IL1 test. Speed training involved maximal sprints over 15-20-m with 5-6 sets per session. Aerobic or speed training lasted 20 min per session and replaced parts of the soccer-specific training. CON-G performed the soccer-specific training including technical, tactical drills and small-sided games. Training volume was similar between groups. Pre, post intervention, all participants performed a repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test, the YO-YO IL1 test and the players completed a Competitive Scale Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2).

RESULTS

A two (group: COMB-G, CON-G) by two (time: pre, post) mixed ANOVA (group-by-time) was computed. Significant group-by-time interactions were found for RSATT (F = 117.3; p < 0.001; Pη2 = 1.78), RSABT (F = 82.4; p < 0.001; Pη2 = 1.53), final velocity (F = 85.8; p < 0.001; Pη2 = 1.53), TD (F = 87.1; p < 0.001; Pη2 = 1.56), and VO2max (F = 18.0; p < 0.001; Pη2 = 0.72). In addition, significant group-by-time interactions were observed for SC (F = 90.2; p < 0.001; d = 1.60), SA (F = 60.5; p < 0.001; Pη2 = 1.70), and CA (F = 20.7; p < 0.001; Pη2 = 0.75). Post-hoc analyses indicated significant improvements for all dependent variables from pre- to post-training in favor of COMB-G.

CONCLUSION

Aerobic and speed training in combination with soccer-specific training is a safe and effective training method as it exerts positive effects not only for physical fitness but also for self-confidence and the coping of anxiety in male soccer players.

Role of Human Epicardial Adipose Tissue-Derived miR-92a-3p in Myocardial Redox State

BACKGROUND

Visceral obesity is directly linked to increased cardiovascular risk, including heart failure.

OBJECTIVES

This study explored the ability of human epicardial adipose tissue (EAT)-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) to regulate the myocardial redox state and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

This study screened for miRNAs expressed and released from human EAT and tested for correlations with the redox state in the adjacent myocardium in paired EAT/atrial biopsy specimens from patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Three miRNAs were then tested for causality in an in vitro model of cardiomyocytes. At a clinical level, causality/directionality were tested using genome-wide association screening, and the underlying mechanisms were explored using human biopsy specimens, as well as overexpression of the candidate miRNAs and their targets in vitro and in vivo using a transgenic mouse model. The final prognostic value of the discovered targets was tested in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, followed up for a median of 8 years.

RESULTS

EAT miR-92a-3p was related to lower oxidative stress in human myocardium, a finding confirmed by using genetic regulators of miR-92a-3p in the human heart and EAT. miR-92a-3p reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase-derived superoxide (O2.-) by targeting myocardial expression of WNT5A, which regulated Rac1-dependent activation of NADPH oxidases. Finally, high miR-92a-3p levels in EAT were independently related with lower risk of adverse cardiovascular events.

CONCLUSIONS

EAT-derived miRNAs exert paracrine effects on the human heart. Indeed miR-92a-3p suppresses the wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 5a/Rac1/NADPH oxidase axis and improves the myocardial redox state. EAT-derived miR-92a-3p is related to improved clinical outcomes and is a rational therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of obesity-related heart disease.

The Relationship of Anthropometric and Physical Performance Characteristics on Competitive Success in Amateur, Elite, and Professional Rodeo Athletes

ABSTRACT

Oranchuk, DJ, Gullett, LK, Kicia, M, Thome, B, and Game, A. The relationship of anthropometric and physical performance characteristics on competitive success in amateur, elite, and professional rodeo athletes. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1495-1506, 2023-Reference anthropometric and physical performance qualities can improve understanding of sporting needs and streamline preparation and rehabilitation programs. However, these data and their relationships with competitive success are absent in rodeo athletes. We hypothesized that riding performance would be most correlated with hip adductor, neck, and grip strength, whereas jump, reactive strength index (RSI), and change of direction abilities would best predict bull-fighting performance. Forty-three amateur ( n = 9), professional ( n = 23), or internationally ranked ( n = 11) male rodeo athletes (bareback = 9, bull riders = 16, saddle bronc = 7, bullfighters = 11) (26.8 ± 5.6 years) volunteered for this study. Anthropometrics included body mass, height, and body fat percentage. Performance measures included isometric hip adduction and abduction, neck flexion and extension, handgrip strength, squat and countermovement jump heights, eccentric utilization ratio, reactive strength index, change of direction, bike sprints, and several pneumatic power measures. Bullfighters were taller and heavier than bull riders (effect size [ES] = 0.84-0.87, p = 0.008-0.017). Bull riders were leaner than bullfighters (ES = 0.74, p = 0.012). Fighters had greater RSI than riders (ES = 0.73-1.47, p < 0.001-0.030). Competitive level of rodeo riders ( n = 32) correlated with age, rodeo experience (ρ = 0.37-0.43, p = 0.013-0.049), bent-leg abduction (ρ = 0.43, p = 0.014), straight-leg hip adduction and abduction (ρ = 0.49-0.56, p < 0.001-0.005), neck flexion force (ρ = 0.43, p = 0.016), and rotational power (ρ = 0.50, p = 0.004). The competitive level of the fighters correlated with age (ρ = 0.64, p = 0.036) and time trial performance (ρ = -0.76, p = 0.006). This is the first study providing normative and correlational strength and power performance data in a rodeo population. These data highlight the need for more event-specific physical preparation. Riders should focus their physical preparation on hip and neck strength and rotational power. Bullfighters should prioritize stiffness and anaerobic power.

Hydroponic potato production in wood fiber for food security

The resilience of global food security is a critical concern. Facing limited access to land and potential disruption of the food markets, alternative, scalable, and efficient production systems are needed as a complementary buffer for maintenance of food production integrity. The purpose of this study was to introduce an alternative hydroponic potato growing system where potatoes are grown in bare wood fiber as a growing medium. A system utilizing drip irrigation and plastic bags as containers was tested for three different types of wood fiber, two cultivars and two fertigation strategies. Implementation of the system resulted in ~300% higher tuber production when compared to the local conventional farming. Mineral composition of the tubers obtained from hydroponic system was similar to the composition of tubers grown in the field and revealed potential for biofortification. In addition, a fertigation strategy where the two application points were separated across the root zone resulted in tubers with dry matter content comparable to the potatoes grown in soil. The recyclability, reusability, and simplicity of this solution may encourage its application for improving security of food production in selected areas of the world as well as its utilization in urban agriculture.

Case study of IMU loads and self-reported fatigue monitoring of water polo goalkeepers preparing for the Olympic games

Introduction

Measurement of training in water polo goalkeepers has focused first on psycho-physiological variables, but also on external volume estimated with wearable sensors. However, there are limited studies exploring training monitoring in water polo goalkeepers longitudinally.

Methods

Three female senior national team goalkeepers participated in this study from May to August 2021. Internal loads were defined using session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). Tri-axial accelerations and angular velocities were measured with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) placed on the lower back to measure external loads. Relationships between self-reported and IMU-derived metrics were explored using Spearman correlations. Two-way ANOVAs were used to assess differences between session types and between athletes.

Results

In total, 247 sessions were collected (159 practices, 67 matches and 21 game warm up), with 155 sessions having complete data. IMU metrics, such as number of kicks, number of jumps or player-load showed high correlation with each other (ρ = 0.80-0.88). There was also a moderate correlation (ρ = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.33-0.58) between sRPE and player-load measured with the IMU. ANOVA tests showed that there were significant differences between athletes for sRPE (p < 0.01) but not for player load (p = 0.47). There were no interactions between athletes and training types, except for index score (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

This study shows that monitoring of training loads can be performed successfully in water polo goalkeepers using a combination of self-reported and IMU measures. Self-reported outcomes can be expected to vary significantly across athletes within the same session, while IMU metrics vary across training situations. Finally, coaches should be mindful of missing data, as they can skew the interpretation of training loads.

Lower memory specificity in individuals with dysphoria is not specific to autobiographical memory

BACKGROUND

A core cognitive attribute of depression is lower specificity in the expression of autobiographical memories. Despite interventions targeting memory specificity in depression, its underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Depression also relates to poorer memory for episodic details; here we examine whether reduced specificity might simply reflect broader episodic memory deficits and weakened memory traces with the passage of time.

METHODS

Undergraduate students with and without symptoms of depression completed the Autobiographical Interview and prose-reading episodic memory tasks to assess both same-day and delayed memory.

RESULTS

Dysphoria and nondysphoria groups performed similarly on the tasks of immediate episodic and autobiographical memory; notably, the dysphoria group did not display evidence of lower specificity at this time point. After a delay, however, both groups demonstrated less specific memory responses on both memory tasks, and these declines were more pronounced in the group with dysphoria. That is, after a delay, individuals high in dysphoria showed a greater decrease in the quantity of specific event details reported on both the episodic and the autobiographical memory task. Additional analyses incorporating other clinical and cognitive measures indicated that these relations are largely unique to symptoms of depression.

LIMITATIONS

The sample comprised mostly female students; the study should be replicated with more diverse samples.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the claim that lower memory specificity is not peculiar to autobiographical memory, but rather, reflects impoverished memory more generally. This is an important consideration for theories and remedial strategies targeting memory specificity.

Effects of Flywheel Resistance Training on Muscle Function and Sport-Specific Performance in Collegiate Club Water Polo Players

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of flywheel squat training on lower body muscle function adaptations and sport-specific performance in collegiate club water polo players. Methods: Thirteen collegiate club water polo athletes (5 women, 8 men) performed flywheel squat training for 4 weeks. Isokinetic knee extension (KE) peak power (PP) and peak torque (PT), flywheel squat peak power (FPP) and mean power (FMP), countermovement jump (CMJ), in-water jump height (WJH) and foot speed were assessed at baseline (Pre1), 4 weeks (Pre2), and 8 weeks (Post) with the first 4 week block being a control period and the second 4 week block being the experimental training. Throughout the training period muscle soreness was assessed using a VAS scale, and FPP and FMP were assessed during every other session. Results: Isokinetic KE PP and PT increased from Pre1 to Post, and FPP and FMP increased between Pre1 and Post, and Pre2 and Post. CMJ and foot speed were unchanged. WJH displayed a change between Pre1 and Post. FPP increased 19% from session 2 to 4 and FMP increased 27% from session 2 to 6, and each remained elevated through session 8. Conclusion: 4 weeks of flywheel squat training in collegiate club water polo players elicited large gains (47-52%) in flywheel-specific squat power, but did not influence sport-specific performance measures including CMJ, WJH, and foot speed. Water-based exercises and stretch-shortening cycle movements (plyometrics) in combination with effective resistance training programs, which may include flywheel-based training, are likely needed for marked sport skill improvements.

An Updated Guide to Robust Statistical Methods in Neuroscience

There is a vast array of new and improved methods for comparing groups and studying associations that offer the potential for substantially increasing power, providing improved control over the probability of false positives, and yielding a deeper and more nuanced understanding of data. These new techniques effectively deal with four insights into when and why conventional methods can be unsatisfactory. But for the non-statistician, this vast array of techniques for comparing groups and studying associations can seem daunting. This article briefly reviews when and why conventional methods can have relatively low power and yield misleading results. The main goal is to suggest guidelines regarding the use of modern techniques that improve upon classic approaches such as Pearson's correlation, ordinary linear regression, ANOVA, and ANCOVA. This updated version includes recent advances dealing with effect sizes, including situations where there is a covariate. The R code, figures, and accompanying notebooks have been updated as well. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.