Effect of diet on cardiovascular health-related circulating parameters in men and women athletes participating in a marathon race: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study is to understand how diet affects performance and cardiovascular health in a group of women participating in a demanding aerobic race such as marathon, compared to men. METHODS: Fifteen women participating in the Barcelona Marathon-2016 were recruited to participate in the study. A group of men (n = 15) that performed the same marathon race was selected. Anthropometric parameters and diet records were collected before the race. Circulating parameters were analyzed 24 h-pre-race, immediately after the race and 48 h-post-race. These included certain minerals, lipid profile, muscle damage, inflammatory and cardiovascular health markers. RESULTS: Diets were very similar in the men and women, with inadequate amounts of carbohydrates and proteins for endurance events. Creatine kinase (CK; a muscle damage marker) and C-reactive protein (CRP; a marker of inflammation) remained elevated 48 h post-race in all participants, but was significant in women (641 vs. 143 U/L for CK and 5.8 vs. 0.7 mg/dL for CRP). Cardiac markers (high sensitivity troponin T (Hs-TnT), suppression of tumorigenicity and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide) increased post-race and returned to pre-race values after 48 h in men and women. In particular, Hs-TnT (marker of myocyte stress) increased from 2.2 to 62.5 ng/L post-race in women and from 3.1 to 52.9 ng/L in men. Finally, circulating lipid parameters were at borderline unhealthy levels in both sexes. CONCLUSION: Structural and functional cardiac advantages that women display compared to men in aerobic efforts are not manifested when diet is not adequately designed.

Analysis of Novel Immunological Biomarkers Related to Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Severity.

Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) are the most frequently used rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnostic markers, but they are unable to anticipate the patient's evolution or response to treatment. The aim of this study was to identify possible severity biomarkers to predict an upcoming flare-up or remission period. To address this objective, sera and anticoagulated blood samples were collected from healthy controls (HCs; n = 39) and from early RA (n = 10), flare-up (n = 5), and remission (n = 16) patients. We analyzed leukocyte phenotype markers, regulatory T cells, cell proliferation, and cytokine profiles. Flare-up patients showed increased percentages of cluster of differentiation (CD)3+CD4- lymphocytes (p < 0.01) and granulocytes (p < 0.05) but a decreased natural killer (NK)/T lymphocyte ratio (p < 0.05). Analysis of leukocyte markers by principal component analysis (PCA) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that CD45RO+ (p < 0.0001) and CD45RA+ (p < 0.0001) B lymphocyte expression can discriminate between HCs and early RA patients, while CD3+CD4- lymphocyte percentage (p < 0.0424) and CD45RA+ (p < 0.0424), CD62L+ (p < 0.0284), and CD11a+ (p < 0.0185) B lymphocyte expression can differentiate between flare-up and RA remission subjects. Thus, the combined study of these leukocyte surface markers could have potential as disease severity biomarkers for RA, whose fluctuations could be related to the development of the characteristic pro-inflammatory environment.

Changes in the profile of circulating HDL subfractions in severe obese adolescents following a weight reduction program.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Epidemiological studies show that obese adolescents are candidates to suffer cardiovascular pathologies in adulthood. In order to detect subfractions with a diagnostic value for future cardiovascular disorders, we analyzed the complete lipoprotein profile of severely obese adolescents. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-eight obese adolescents free from comorbidities were admitted into a weight reduction program. Anthropometric parameters were monitored. The circulating lipoproteins and glycemia were measured at the beginning and at the end of the study by conventional blood analysis as well as by using lipoprotein electrophoresis. Twenty-one puberty-matched normal-weight adolescents were recruited as controls. After 4 months, participants improved anthropometric parameters. Blood analysis indicated that circulating lipoproteins were in the healthy range during intervention. Nevertheless, results obtained from lipoprotein electrophoresis showed a significant increase in the large high-density lipoprotein subfraction in the obese population at the end of intervention, but significantly lower than normal-weight counterparts. In addition, intermediate- and low-density lipoprotein subfractions were in the healthy range in controls and in obese adolescents during intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, it seems that the obese adolescents with no comorbidities do not develop a clear dyslipidemia. However, low values of large high-density lipoprotein subfractions could be considered as candidate predictors to develop cardiovascular disease in the future. For this reason, diet and exercise are key tools to fight against this pathology. REGISTRATION NUMBER FOR CLINICAL TRIALS: ISRCTN99414527.

The Immunomodulatory Function of Vitamin D, with Particular Reference to SARS-CoV-2.

Vaccines are the only way to reduce the morbidity associated to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The appearance of new mutations urges us to increase the effectiveness of vaccines as a complementary alternative. In this context, the use of adjuvant strategies has improved the effectiveness of different vaccines against virus infections such as dengue, influenza, and common cold. Recent reports on patients infected by COVID-19 reveal that low levels of circulating vitamin D correlate with a severe respiratory insufficiency. The immunomodulatory activity of this micronutrient attenuates the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines and at the same time, increases antibody production. Therefore, the present review proposes the use of vitamin D as adjuvant micronutrient to increase the efficacy of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Weight Loss Strategies in Male Competitors of Combat Sport Disciplines.

Background and objective: The use of suboptimal weight loss strategies in order to reach specific weight ranges as observed in combat sport disciplines can give rise to severe health problems. However, particular aspects regarding management of weight category comparing three sport disciplines remain to be investigated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to obtain information regarding the weight loss strategies that competitors performed before a tournament. Materials and Methods: This article describes the most common dietary-nutritional strategies used by 140 national university male competitors of judo (n = 52), karate (n = 40) and taekwondo (n = 48) in order to achieve a specific weight, according to the rapid weight loss questionnaire (RWLQ) and the EAT-27 questionnaire. Results: Around 50% of participants were not involved in a weight loss process. Among the remaining participants, we considered three periods for weight reduction: less than 1 week (35% in judo, 8% in karate and 19% in taekwondo), less than 1 month (17% in judo, 15% in karate and 26% in taekwondo) and more than 1 month (0% in judo, 5% in karate and 21% in taekwondo). Severe fasting, focused on food/water restriction, was the most commonly used strategy, being more frequent in judo players. Light weight judo practitioners generally lost 2-5 kg before the contest. One third of participants avoided carbohydrate consumption when performing food restriction. Finally, individuals that reduced weight in the last week seemed to develop an unhealthy psychological relationship with food. Conclusion: All these aspects could be particularly relevant, providing information regarding how competitors manage basic nutritional concepts that guide dieting strategies. This information is relevant to prepare future educational interventions in the area of nutrition for competitors, coaches and technical staff.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Muscle Status in Old Patients Recovering from COVID-19 Infection.

Background and Objectives: Vitamin D, in addition to its effect on mineral homeostasis, plays a key role in muscle metabolism. Vitamin D supplementation is involved in muscle recovery after damage as a consequence of either pathology or after high-intensity exercise. In this context, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of vitamin D on muscle fitness in elderly patients in the recovery phase after SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection. Materials and Methods: This pilot study was conducted at the Soria Norte Health Center. The study consisted of a double-blind trial with two groups of men (placebo and vitamin D-supplemented) (n = 15/group). Treatment with vitamin D (cholecalciferol: 2000 IU/day) and placebo was carried out for 6 weeks. Circulating hematological and biochemical parameters (total protein, glucose, vitamin D, urea, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase/glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, alanine aminotransferase/glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aldolase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and myoglobin) and the hormones cortisol and testosterone were determined. As for respiratory function tests, FEV1 and respiratory flow were also studied. For physical fitness tests, the "six-minute walk test" (6MWT) was used. Results: After vitamin D supplementation, we observed that serum creatine kinase levels returned to optimal values. This change suggests a protective role of vitamin D against muscle catabolism compared to placebo. In terms of physical test results, we observed only slight non-significant improvements, although patients reported feeling better. Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation produces decreases in indicators of muscle damage, which may ultimately contribute to improving the health status and quality of life of patients who have suffered from COVID-19, during the recovery process.

Sarcopenia: Molecular Pathways and Potential Targets for Intervention.

Aging is associated with sarcopenia. The loss of strength results in decreased muscle mass and motor function. This process accelerates the progressive muscle deterioration observed in older adults, favoring the presence of debilitating pathologies. In addition, sarcopenia leads to a decrease in quality of life, significantly affecting self-sufficiency. Altogether, these results in an increase in economic resources from the National Health Systems devoted to mitigating this problem in the elderly, particularly in developed countries. Different etiological determinants are involved in the progression of the disease, including: neurological factors, endocrine alterations, as well as nutritional and lifestyle changes related to the adoption of more sedentary habits. Molecular and cellular mechanisms have not been clearly characterized, resulting in the absence of an effective treatment for sarcopenia. Nevertheless, physical activity seems to be the sole strategy to delay sarcopenia and its symptoms. The present review intends to bring together the data explaining how physical activity modulates at a molecular and cellular level all factors that predispose or favor the progression of this deteriorating pathology.

Effect of polyphenol supplements on redox status of blood cells: a randomized controlled exercise training trial.

PURPOSE: The effect of endogenous antioxidants can be either an immediate response (relying on enzymatic activities) or a long-term adaptation (relying on gene modulation events), both susceptible to be modified by antioxidants from diet and supplementation. The aim of this work was to delve in these aspects in circulating white blood cells in a group of volunteers (n = 33, 20-22 years) performing eccentric exercises and consuming or not (n = 8) different polyphenolic antioxidants (Lippia citriodora extract-PLX(®) n = 8, almond beverage n = 9 or a mixture of both n = 8) during 21 days. METHODS: We have designed a single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Antioxidant enzyme activities, oxidative stress markers, and antioxidant gene expression were determined. RESULTS: Neutrophils and lymphocytes expressed high amounts of oxidative markers compared to plasma. Concerning enzymatic activities, increased superoxide dismutase levels were detected when certain supplements were consumed. However, catalase levels did not change. As for glutathione peroxidase levels, no differences were detected in lymphocytes, while neutrophils expressed increased levels in both placebo and PLX(®) groups. Glutathione reductase activity was decreased in all groups, except in neutrophils of PLX(®) group. At the level of gene expression, neither PLX(®) nor the almond beverage interfered with the expression of genes coding for the corresponding enzymes. However, the combined intake of both supplements affected the expression of glutathione reductase and Cu-Zn and Mn-superoxide dismutases in neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, these results suggest that blood cell types respond and adapt differently to exercise-induced oxidative damage.

Sunflower Oil but Not Fish Oil Resembles Positive Effects of Virgin Olive Oil on Aged Pancreas after Life-Long Coenzyme Q Addition.

An adequate pancreatic structure is necessary for optimal organ function. Structural changes are critical in the development of age-related pancreatic disorders. In this context, it has been reported that different pancreatic compartments from rats were affected according to the fat composition consumed. Since there is a close relationship between mitochondria, oxidative stress and aging, an experimental approach has been developed to gain more insight into this process in the pancreas. A low dosage of coenzyme Q was administered life-long in rats in order to try to prevent pancreatic aging-related alterations associated to some dietary fat sources. According to that, three groups of rats were fed normocaloric diets containing Coenzyme Q (CoQ) for two years, where virgin olive, sunflower, or fish oil was included as unique fat source. Pancreatic samples for microscopy and blood samples were collected at the moment of euthanasia. The main finding is that CoQ supplementation gives different results according to fat used in diet. When sunflower oil was the main fat in the diet, CoQ supplementation seems to improve endocrine pancreas structure and in particular ß-cell mass resembling positive effects of virgin olive oil. Conversely, CoQ intake does not seem to improve the structural alterations of exocrine compartment previously observed in fish oil fed rats. Therefore CoQ may improve pancreatic alterations associated to the chronic intake of some dietary fat sources.

Resistance and endurance training in intermittent hypoxia reduce body fat mass and blood pressure.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia is an environmental condition that occurs in sports performed at high altitude. Adaptation to hypoxia is accompanied by changes in body composition and cardiac function that could impair sport performance in altitude. These changes concern mainly to a reduction in muscle mass and an increased heart rate. In this context, a resistance training protocol in a normobaric hypoxia chamber has been implemented. Therefore, the aim of this study was to study the changes in body composition and cardiovascular variables after a training period in intermittent hypoxia. METHODS: A single-blind experimental study was carried out for 3 weeks. Thirty-two participants were distributed in a control group resistance training in normoxia (N) at sea level and an experimental group resistance training in intermittent hypoxia (IH) between a simulated 5100-5800m during 15 sessions with a controlled diet. Anthropometry according to ISAK was used to determine body composition. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures and other cardiovascular parameters were monitored. RESULTS: IH showed a reduction in body fat (from 8.9±1.9% to 8.2±1.7%) compared to N (from 8.4±1.5% to 8.1±1.4%) (P<0.001). In addition, significant changes in blood pressure were observed at the end compared to the beginning of the intervention in the IH (from 124.7±10.2 to 116.9±8.3 mmHg and 68.3±8.8 to 62.4±5.7 mmHg in systolic a diastolic blood pressure respectively). In addition, resting heart rate was significantly reduced in IH. However, partial oxygen saturation displayed no changes in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, the training protocol in intermittent hypoxia performed in the present report allowed to adjust body weight through fat mass reduction but maintaining muscle mass. In addition, a decrease in blood pressure and basal heart rate was observed.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Post-Exercise Inflammation, Muscle Damage, Oxidative Response, and Sports Performance in Physically Healthy Adults-A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Omega-3 is a family of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which have been used to treat a wide variety of chronic diseases, due mainly to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, among others. In this context, omega-3 could be post-exercise recovery agent and sports supplement that could improve performance by preserving and promoting skeletal muscle mass and strength. No conclusive evidence, however, exists about the potential effects of omega-3 on post-exercise biomarkers and sports performance in physically healthy adults. Based on the PRISMA in Exercise, Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, and Sports Science (PERSiST) guidelines, we systematically reviewed studies indexed in Web of Science, Scopus, and Medline to assess the effects of omega-3 on post-exercise inflammation, muscle damage, oxidant response, and sports performance in physically healthy adults. The search was performed on original articles published in the last 10 years up to 5 May 2024, with a controlled trial design in which omega-3 supplementation was compared with a control group. Among 14,971 records identified in the search, 13 studies met the selection criteria. The duration of the interventions ranged from 1 day to 26 weeks of supplementation and the doses used were heterogeneous. Creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the control group in 3 of the 4 studies where these markers were analyzed. C-reactive protein (CRP) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the control group of 2 of the 13 studies where this marker was analyzed. The delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) gave mixed results. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) showed improvements with supplementation, but tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) displayed no differences. The consumption of n-3 PUFAs improved some indicators of oxidative stress such as reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio. Additional evidence is needed to establish clear recommendations regarding the dose and length of n-3 PUFA supplements. These may benefit the post-exercise inflammatory response, mitigate muscle damage, and decrease oxidative stress caused by exercise. However, studies did not evaluate omega-3 status at baseline or following supplementation and therefore the observations must be treated with caution.

Acute Antioxidant Response to Two Types of Exercises: 2000 M Run vs. Burpee Test.

Physical activity results in oxidative stress, as evidenced by the increased production of reactive oxygen, nitrogen species, and inflammatory mediators. The management of these components is instrumental for antioxidant adaptation to exercise and post-exercise recovery. Therefore, the present report aims to study the antioxidant response to two types of exercise (a 2000 m run and a burpee test) in healthy volunteers after a long period of inactivity (1-2 months). Antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative stress markers (protein carbonyls and malondialdehyde content) were measured in neutrophils, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and plasma. These parameters were determined under basal conditions and immediately post-exercise. Compared to those in basal state, neutrophil superoxide dismutase (28.3 vs. 22.9 pkat/109 cells), glutathione peroxidase (147.5 vs. 120.1 nkat/109 cells), and catalase (106.3 vs. 57.9 k/109 cells) were activated significantly (p < 0.05) after the burpee test. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells exhibited only significant (p < 0.05) catalase activation (113.6 vs. 89.4 k/109 cells) after the burpee test. Other enzymes, such as glutathione reductase and myeloperoxidase, tended to increase post-exercise, although the differences from baseline were not significant. Finally, compared to basal conditions, the protein carbonyl (24.5 vs. 14.5 mmol/L) and malondialdehyde (39.6 vs. 18.3 mmol/L) contents increased significantly (p < 0.05) in neutrophils and in plasma (115.1 vs. 97.8 and 130.2 vs. 123.4 µmol/L, respectively) after the burpee test. In conclusion, high-intensity exercise seems to induce immediate oxidative stress in inactive individuals, and the acute antioxidant response was slightly greater after the burpee test than after the 2000 m run. Glutathione-dependent antioxidant systems are activated immediately as protective mechanisms.

Impact of Melatonin Supplementation on Sports Performance and Circulating Biomarkers in Highly Trained Athletes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5 methoxytryptamine) is an indolic neurohormone that modulates a variety of physiological functions due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory properties. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to critically review the effects of melatonin supplementation in sports performance and circulating biomarkers related to the health status of highly trained athletes. Data were obtained by performing searches in the following three bibliography databases: Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. The terms used were "Highly Trained Athletes", "Melatonin", and "Sports Performance", "Health Biomarkers" using "Humans" as a filter. The search update was carried out in February 2024 from original articles published with a controlled trial design. The PRISMA rules, the modified McMaster critical review form for quantitative studies, the PEDro scale, and the Cochrane risk of bias were applied. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 articles were selected out of 294 references. The dose of melatonin supplemented in the trials ranged between 5 mg to 100 mg administered before or after exercise. The outcomes showed improvements in antioxidant status and inflammatory response and reversed liver damage and muscle damage. Moderate effects on modulating glycemia, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine were reported. Promising data were found regarding the potential benefits of melatonin in hematological biomarkers, hormonal responses, and sports performance. Therefore, the true efficiency of melatonin to directly improve sports performance remains to be assessed. Nevertheless, an indirect effect of melatonin supplementation in sports performance could be evaluated through improvements in health biomarkers.

Evaluation of Family-Based Interventions as a Therapeutic Tool in the Modulation of Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Review.

Childhood obesity is a major public health burden. The prevalence of weight excess for children and the adolescent population (8 to 16 years) is 34.9%. During childhood, lifestyles are acquired, which are developed in adulthood. In this context, the role of parents is crucial, since they are the model to imitate. We aimed to evaluate the current evidence on the effects of family-based interventions as a tool in the treatment of childhood obesity. We reviewed studies indexed in several databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Original articles published from 1 January 2014 to 30 May 2024 with a controlled trial design were considered, in which family-based interventions were carried out compared to a control group or to data before the intervention. Although 148 records were identified in the search, 6 studies met inclusion criteria. Overall, studies reported beneficial effects of family-based interventions on improving anthropometric parameters: BMI z-score, BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage. Regarding nutritional and physical activity guidelines, general recommendations must consider increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, reducing sugary drinks, controlled screen time, and 30-60 min of physical activity/day. Thus, family-based interventions could be an effective non-pharmacological strategy for modulating childhood obesity, allowing families to modify their lifestyles.

Polyphenols and metabolism: from present knowledge to future challenges.

A diet rich in polyphenols and other types of phytonutrients can reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases. However, a well-established cause-and-effect association has not been clearly demonstrated and several other issues will need to be fully understood before general recommendations will be carried out In the present review, some of the future challenges that the research on phenolic compounds will have to face in the next years are discussed: toxicological aspects of polyphenols and safety risk assessment; synergistic effects between different polyphenols; metabotype-based nutritional advice based on a differential gut microbial metabolism of polyphenols (precision nutrition); combination of polyphenols with other bioactive compounds; innovative formulations to improve the bioavailability of phenolic compounds; and polyphenols in sports nutrition and recovery.Other aspects related to polyphenol research that will have a boost in the next years are: polyphenol and gut microbiota crosstalk, including prebiotic effects and biotransformation of phenolic compounds into bioactive metabolites by gut microorganisms; molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and quantum and molecular mechanics studies on the protein-polyphenol complexes; and polyphenol-based coating films, nanoparticles, and hydrogels to facilitate the delivery of drugs, nucleic acids and proteins.In summary, this article provides some constructive inspirations for advancing in the research of the applications, risk assessment and metabolic effects of dietary polyphenols in humans.

Vascular smooth muscle function in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: In type 2 diabetes, in contrast to the well-documented endothelial dysfunction, studies assessing vascular smooth muscle (VSM) function have yielded discrepant results over the last two decades. We therefore sought to determine whether or not VSM function is impaired in individuals with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus and Web of Science databases, from their respective inceptions until December 2012, for articles evaluating VSM function in individuals with type 2 diabetes. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the standardised mean difference (SMD) in VSM function between individuals with type 2 diabetes and age-matched controls. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were used to identify sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: Twenty-seven articles (1,042 individuals with type 2 diabetes and 601 control subjects) were included in this analysis. VSM function was significantly impaired in diabetic compared with control subjects (SMD -0.68, 95% CI -0.84, -0.52; p < 0.001). Although moderate heterogeneity among studies was found (I (2) = 52%), no significant publication bias was detected. Subgroup analyses showed a further decline in VSM function assessed in the microcirculation compared with the macrocirculation of individuals with type 2 diabetes (p = 0.009). In meta-regression, VSM function in the microcirculation was inversely associated with BMI and triacylglycerols and was positively associated with HDL-cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: In addition to the endothelium, the VSM is a source of vascular dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. An exacerbation of VSM function in the microcirculation may be a distinctive feature in type 2 diabetes.

Phenotypic and functional characterization of glucagon-positive cells derived from spontaneous differentiation of D3-mouse embryonic stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Glucagon expression is being considered as a definitive endoderm marker in protocols aiming to obtain insulin-secreting cells from embryonic stem cells. However, it should be considered that in vivo glucagon is expressed both in definitive endoderm- and neuroectoderm-derived cells. Therefore, the true nature and function of in vitro spontaneously differentiated glucagon-positive cells remains to be established. METHODS: D3 and R1 mouse embryonic stem cells as well as α-TC1-9 cells were cultured and glucagon expression was determined by real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry. Functional analyses regarding intracellular calcium oscillations were performed to further characterize glucagon(+) cells. RESULTS: Specifically, 5% of D3 and R1 cells expressed preproglucagon, with a small percentage of these (<1%) expressing glucagon-like peptide 1. The constitutive expression of protein convertase 5 supports the expression of both peptides. Glucagon(+) cells co-expressed neurofilament middle and some glucagon-like peptide-1(+) cells, glial fibrillary acidic protein, indicating a neuroectodermic origin. However, few glucagon-like peptide-1(+) cells did not show coexpression with glial fibrillary acidic protein, suggesting a non-neuroectodermic origin for these cells. Finally, glucagon(+) cells did not display Ca(2+) oscillations typical of pancreatic α-cells. DISCUSSION: These results indicate the possible nondefinitive endodermal origin of glucagon-positive cells spontaneously differentiated from D3 and R1 cell lines, as well as the presence of cells expressing glucagon-like peptide-1 from two different origins.

Somatotype Analysis of International Football Players with Cerebral Palsy: A Comparison with Non-Disabled Football Players.

Football for people with cerebral palsy is a para-sport involving ambulant athletes with impairments, such as hypertonia, ataxia, or athetosis. The objective of the present study was to describe the somatotype of a representative sample of international football players according to different functional profiles of cerebral palsy, including spastic diparesis, athetosis/ataxia, spastic hemiparesis, and minimum impairment criteria, and to compare it with non-disabled football players. A total of 144 international para-footballers and 39 non-disabled footballers participated in the study, and their somatotype was calculated using anthropometric measurements. A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the groups to determine and assess the differences between the different functional profiles, and the analysis of anthropometric variables and body composition showed no differences. Regarding somatotype, a predominance of the mesomorphic component was observed in all subgroups, and differences in somatotype were also found between non-disabled footballers and para-footballers with spastic hemiparesis and minimum impairment criteria. This study suggests that there may be a degree of homogeneity in terms of somatotype among footballers with or without physical impairments, such as hypertonia, athetosis, or ataxia. Furthermore, it provides reference values of international-level para-football players for the different sport classes, which can help coaches and trainers monitor athletes' physical conditions.

Influence of Stress and Emotions in the Learning Process: The Example of COVID-19 on University Students: A Narrative Review.

Emotional instability and stress are the main disturbances that condition the learning process, affecting both teachers and students. The main objective of this review is to analyze the influence of stress and emotions (as part of stress) on the learning environment. Stress is a physiological mechanism that the organism develops to adapt and survive external and internal challenges. In this context, stress tends to be seen as a negative condition in the learning process when it is chronic. Extreme stress situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can generate anxiety and frustration in students. However, other studies indicate that controlled stress can positively enhance the learning process. On the other hand, the quality and intensity of emotions resulting from stress can influence as well the learning process. Positive emotions are healthy and can promote optimal learning. Emotions lead to sentimental, cognitive, behavioral, and physiological changes, which will have a strong influence on intellectual performance. The activation of coping strategies constitutes a key mechanism for dealing positively with problems and challenges, generating positive emotions essential for the self-regulation of learning. In conclusion, correct management of emotions in stressful situations could promote effective learning through enhanced attention and capacity to solve problems.

Is Curcumine Useful in the Treatment and Prevention of the Tendinopathy and Myotendinous Junction Injury? A Scoping Review.

Physical activity in general and sports in particular, is a mechanism that produces stress and generates great force in the tendon and in the muscle-tendon unit, which increases the risk of injury (tendinopathies). Eccentric and repetitive contraction of the muscle precipitates persistent microtraumatism in the tendon unit. In the development of tendinopathies, the cellular process includes inflammation, apoptosis, vascular, and neuronal changes. Currently, treatments with oral supplements are frequently used. Curcumin seems to preserve, and even repair, damaged tendons. In this systematic review, we focus more especially on the benefits of curcumin. The biological actions of curcumin are diverse, but act around three systems: (a) inflammatory, (b) nuclear factor B (NF-κB) related apoptosis pathways, and (c) oxidative stress systems. A bibliographic search is conducted under the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) as a basis for reporting reliable systematic reviews to perform a Scoping review. After analysing the manuscripts, we can conclude that curcumin is a product that demonstrates a significant biological antialgic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant power. Therefore, supplementation has a positive effect on the inflammatory and regenerative response in tendinopathies. In addition, curcumin decreases and modulates the cell infiltration, activation, and maturation of leukocytes, as well as the production of pro-inflammatory mediators at the site of inflammation.