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Amyloid beta peptides (Aß) have been identified as the main pathogenic agents in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Soluble Aß oligomers, rather than monomer or insoluble amyloid fibrils, show red blood cell (RBC) membrane-binding capacity and trigger several morphological and functional alterations in RBCs that can result in impaired oxygen transport and delivery. Since bioactive lipids have been recently proposed as potent protective agents against Aß toxicity, we investigated the role of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in signaling pathways involved in the mechanism underlying ATP release in Ab-treated RBCs. In RBCs following different treatments, the ATP, 2,3 DPG and cAMP levels and caspase 3 activity were determined by spectrophotometric and immunoassay. S1P rescued the inhibition of ATP release from RBCs triggered by Ab, through a mechanism involving caspase-3 and restoring 2,3 DPG and cAMP levels within the cell. These findings reveal the molecular basis of S1P protection against Aß in RBCs and suggest new therapeutic avenues in AD.
Assuntos
Trifosfato de Adenosina , Peptídeos beta-Amiloides , Caspase 3 , AMP Cíclico , Eritrócitos , Lisofosfolipídeos , Esfingosina , Lisofosfolipídeos/metabolismo , Esfingosina/análogos & derivados , Esfingosina/metabolismo , Peptídeos beta-Amiloides/metabolismo , Eritrócitos/metabolismo , Eritrócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , AMP Cíclico/metabolismo , Trifosfato de Adenosina/metabolismo , Caspase 3/metabolismo , Doença de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Doença de Alzheimer/tratamento farmacológico , 2,3-Difosfoglicerato/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Primary objectives of neurofeedback training (NFT) are to improve concentration, stress and anxiety management, and performance optimisation. This narrative review examines the role of NFT as a tool to improve mental and cognitive skills of target shooting and archery athletes. Current research discusses how neurofeedback training can act on brain waves by influencing specific EEG frequency bands in order to improve cognitive flexibility. This contribution reports studies that have applied neurofeedback protocols in precision disciplines such as archery and shooting. The results of the studies considered showed that neurofeedback can lead to faster reaction times, more sustained attention, and better emotion management, contributing significantly to athletes' performance. Furthermore, it is emphasised that neurofeedback could be combined with other techniques such as motor imagination to maximise effectiveness in precision sports training. This review emphasises the importance of future studies that focus on the integration of neurofeedback with biofeedback in neuromodulation protocols. Current perspectives and limitations of research in this area are also indicated. Neuromodulation by means of neurofeedback represents a promising strategy to improve the overall mental and cognitive abilities of target shooting and archery athletes with an interesting potential for high-level performance. Future research should focus on integrated approaches and customised protocols to optimise the use of neurofeedback in a precision sports context.
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In recent years, the scientific community has begun tо explore the efficacy оf an integrated neurofeedback + biofeedback approach Ñn various conditions, both pathological and non-pathological. Although several studies have contributed valuable insights into its potential benefits, this review aims tо further investigate its effectiveness by synthesizing current findings and identifying areas for future research. Our goal Ñs tо provide a comprehensive overview that may highlight gaps Ñn the existing literature and propose directions for subsequent studies. The search for articles was conducted on the digital databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies to have used the integrated neurofeedback + biofeedback approach published between 2014 and 2023 and reviews to have analyzed the efficacy of neurofeedback and biofeedback, separately, related to the same time interval and topics were selected. The search identified five studies compatible with the objectives of the review, related to several conditions: nicotine addiction, sports performance, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The integrated neurofeedback + biofeedback approach has been shown to be effective in improving several aspects of these conditions, such as a reduction in the presence of psychiatric symptoms, anxiety, depression, and withdrawal symptoms and an increase in self-esteem in smokers; improvements in communication, imitation, social/cognitive awareness, and social behavior in ASD subjects; improvements in attention, alertness, and reaction time in sports champions; and improvements in attention and inhibitory control in ADHD subjects. Further research, characterized by greater methodological rigor, is therefore needed to determine the effectiveness of this method and the superiority, if any, of this type of training over the single administration of either. This review Ñs intended tо serve as a catalyst for future research, signaling promising directions for the advancement оf biofeedback and neurofeedback methodologies.
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Canyoning activities require physical effort, highlighting the importance of maintaining a proper physical fitness. Canyoning guides emerge as key figures, not only to ensure safety during the experience but also to handle unforeseen situations promptly. This study aims to assess the physiological profile of canyoning guides and the cardiorespiratory demands experienced during rope activities by means of oxygen uptake and heart rate measurements. Seventeen canyoning guides (42.6 y ± 10.78; BMI of 24.0 kg/m2 ± 2.95) carried out coordinative and conditional tests. The participants showed good values in strength tests (27.3 cm ± 5.97 and 23.3 rep ± 8.06 in SJ and PUp tests, respectively), while the flexibility of males and females was below and well above the average, respectively. A noteworthy result was observed in the reaction test, in which a better performance was recorded with the non-dominant hand (168.1 ms vs. 202.0 ms). All subjects exhibited a low aerobic capacity by means of an RD test (10.6 ua ± 6.62). During rope activities and emergency/support simulations, metabolic and cardiovascular data indicated that a moderate/high effort was exerted, confirmed by an oxidative stress analysis. In conclusion, this study demonstrated how canyoning guides face significant physical requirements, but their physiological profile regarding aerobic power was not appropriate. Therefore, these findings could offer valuable insights into the development of specific training to ensure an appropriate aerobic fitness to perform canyoning safely.
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(1) Background. The post-COVID-19 era has imposed unique challenges on educators, significantly impacting their psychological and physical well-being. This study examines the interrelationships among psychological stress, sleep quality, and somatization in a sample of teachers, elucidating the impact of these factors during the ongoing recovery from the pandemic. (2) Methods. Using validated instruments such as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Mesure du Stress Psychologique (MSP), this research investigates how stress and sleep disturbances correlate with somatization among teachers. The study also considers the influence of demographic factors such as age, gender, and years of experience. (3) Results. The results indicated that sleep quality significantly correlates with both psychological stress and somatic pain, emphasizing the crucial role of sleep in managing stress-induced physical symptoms. Additionally, the fear of COVID-19 significantly exacerbates these effects, illustrating the complex interplay of psychological and physical health factors during the pandemic. Contrary to initial hypotheses, demographic factors such as gender, age, and years of experience did not significantly influence these primary relationships. (4) Conclusions. The findings emphasize the necessity of addressing both psychological stress and sleep quality to mitigate their combined effects on somatization. Educational institutions and policymakers are urged to develop targeted interventions that address these issues to support teachers' health and well-being in a post-pandemic landscape.
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The prevalence and impact of chronic pain in individuals worldwide necessitate effective management strategies. This narrative review specifically aims to assess the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an emerging non-pharmacological intervention, on the management of chronic pain. The methodology adopted for this review involves a meticulous search across various scientific databases. The search was designed to capture a broad range of studies related to neurofeedback and chronic pain management. To ensure the quality and relevance of the included studies, strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. These criteria focused on the study design, population, intervention type, and reported outcomes. The review synthesizes the findings from a diverse array of studies, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and case reports. Key aspects evaluated include the types of neurofeedback used (such as EEG biofeedback), the various chronic pain conditions addressed (like fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and migraines), and the methodologies employed in these studies. The review highlights the underlying mechanisms by which neurofeedback may influence pain perception and management, exploring theories related to neural plasticity, pain modulation, and psychological factors. The results of the review reveal a positive correlation between neurofeedback interventions and improved pain management. Several studies report significant reductions on pain intensity, improved quality of life, and decreased reliance on medication following neurofeedback therapy. The review also notes variations in the effectiveness of different neurofeedback protocols and individual responses to treatment. Despite the promising results, the conclusion of the review emphasizes the need for further research. It calls for larger, well-designed clinical trials to validate the findings, to understand the long-term implications of neurofeedback therapy, and to optimize treatment protocols for individual patients.
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(1) Background: Neurofeedback training (NFT) has emerged as a promising approach for enhancing cognitive functions and reducing anxiety, yet its specific impact on university student populations requires further investigation. This study aims to examine the effects of NFT on working memory improvement and anxiety reduction within this demographic. (2) Methods: A total of forty healthy university student volunteers were randomized into two groups: an experimental group that received NFT and a control group. The NFT protocol was administered using a 14-channel Emotiv Epoc X headset (EMOTIV, Inc., San Francisco, CA 94102, USA) and BrainViz software version Brain Visualizer 1.1 (EMOTIV, Inc., San Francisco, CA 94102, USA), focusing on the alpha frequency band to target improvements in working memory and reductions in anxiety. Assessment tools, including the Corsi Block and Memory Span tests for working memory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-2 (STAI-2) for anxiety, were applied pre- and post-intervention. (3) Results: The findings indicated an increase in alpha wave amplitude in the experimental group from the second day of NFT, with statistically significant differences observed on days 2 (p < 0.05) and 8 (p < 0.01). Contrary to expectations based on the previous literature, the study did not observe a concurrent positive impact on working memory. Nonetheless, a significant reduction in state anxiety levels was recorded in the experimental group (p < 0.001), corroborating NFT's potential for anxiety management. (4) Conclusions: While these results suggest some potential of the technique in enhancing neural efficiency, the variability across different days highlights the need for further investigation to fully ascertain its effectiveness. The study confirms the beneficial impact of NFT on reducing state anxiety among university students, underscoring its value in psychological and cognitive performance enhancement. Despite the lack of observed improvements in working memory, these results highlight the need for continued exploration of NFT applications across different populations and settings, emphasizing its potential utility in educational and therapeutic contexts.