Effects of creatine supplementation on muscle strength gains-a meta-analysis and systematic review
Creatine (Cr) is a widely utilized nutritional supplement. Empirical evidence indicates that Cr supplementation significantly elevates intramuscular Cr content, thereby providing an energy substrate reservoir for exercise performance and facilitating improvements in muscle strength. Although numerous studies have examined the relationship between Cr and muscle strength, comprehensive investigations into population-specific ergogenic responses, optimal Cr dosage, and concomitant training intensity remain limited. These parameters are critical determinants for maximizing the efficacy of Cr supplementation. Against this backdrop, this study adopts meta-analysis, integrating conventional and Robust Variance Estimation (RVE) models, to comprehensively evaluate the intervention effects of Cr supplementation across three dimensions: population applicability, dosage optimization, and training intensity (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024547697). It aims to provide evidence-based support for precise clinical application and subsequent research directions.
Insights into the interactions between and : phytochemicals, antioxidant capacity, and enzyme inhibitory effects
(Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) induces berry-like galls on the stems of (Desf.) DC. It is also known as "Shabat El-Gabal" and is one of the most important aromatic medicinal plants in Egypt. Many researchers have reported the relationship between galling insects and plant secondary metabolites, but this relationship is not quantitative. This study investigated the impact of -induced galls on physiological traits, phytochemical profiles, antioxidant capacity, and antinutrient levels in stems. Our results reported that photosynthetic pigment levels, including chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids significantly decreased in galled stems by 63%, 14%, 44%, and 53%, respectively ( < 0.05). Antioxidant enzyme activities such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly increased in galled stems by 173%, 88%, 125% and 25%, respectively, indicating elevated oxidative stress response. The analysis of phytochemical compositions revealed that the galled stems of contained significantly higher levels of total flavonoids, flavonols, saponins, steroids, tannins, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, and total phenolic compounds compared to non-galled stems, suggesting enhanced production of secondary metabolites. Additionally, galled stems exhibited higher levels of phytates, oxalates, and cyanogenic glycosides than non-galled stems. Proximate contents, including lipids, carbohydrates and proteins, were also elevated in galled stems. Furthermore, galled stems exhibited significantly ( < 0.05) stronger antioxidant activity than non-galled stems. appears to modify the phenotype of , inducing tissue differentiation and activating defense-related responses. These results reveal that gall composition alters key physiological and biochemical traits in , possibly as a defense response or as a result of insect interference. The study provides novel insights into the complex plant-insect interaction and highlights the potential implications for the plant medicinal value and suggests that gall-induced tissues of may be valuable sources of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical applications.
Validity, reliability and minimal detectable change in the sit-to-stand test for synchronous and asynchronous tele-assessment in post-COVID-19 condition
Individuals with symptoms of long-term COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) who presented mild infection without needing invasive ventilatory support require rehabilitation and performance and monitoring evaluations. The 1-minute sit-to-stand test (STS) is used to assess individuals with COVID-19 and might be an alternative for remote use in this population.
Structure and diversity of microbial communities in the rhizosphere soil of from different cultivation patterns
To analyze the effects of different cultivation patterns on the structure and diversity of the microbial community in the rhizosphere soil of () arms to establish reasonable and effective strategies to mitigate the continuous cropping barriers and promote the high-quality cultivation of .
Biological maturation, anthropometric, and physical fitness variables of youth breaking athletes with different competition levels
This study aimed to analyze differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness performance based on chronological age, maturation status, and competition level among youth breaking athletes.
Effects of monocropping soil on plant growth and rhizosphere microbial community structure of Bge
(Danshen) is a commonly utilized remedy for various blood stasis syndromes, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular diseases. The practice of continuous cropping presents a notable challenge to the production of high-quality due to the lack of rotation or soil remediation. Despite this, the precise mechanism, particularly the impact of alterations in the rhizosphere microbial community structure on the development of obstacles related to continuous cropping, remains obscure. The constitution of the rhizosphere microbial community plays a pivotal role in plant growth and has the potential to exacerbate issues associated with continuous cropping. This study aimed to comprehensively compare the impact of continuous . non-continuous cropping soils on the growth, physiological and biochemical characteristics, accumulation of active ingredients, and rhizosphere microbial community structure of seedlings to elucidate the microbial ecological mechanism behind continuous cropping challenges. A pot experiment was executed to assess the effects of continuous cropping on the morphological and physiological parameters of . High-throughput sequencing technology utilizing the NovaSeq platform was employed to sequence and analyze the V4 region of bacterial 16S rDNA and the ITS1 region of fungi in the rhizosphere. The findings revealed that continuous cropping soil led to a reduction in biomass, manifesting as wilting and stunted growth, diminished effective leaf area, main root length and diameter, reduced levels of total chlorophyll, carbohydrates, and active ingredients, as well as compromised photosynthesis. In the rhizosphere soil, both the composition and function of the fungal community have undergone significant changes, and the fungal diversity has shown a clear increasing trend; in contrast, the change in bacterial diversity is very slight. In conclusion, continuous cropping soil substantially hinders the growth of , diminishes its physiological functions, and disrupts the structure of the rhizosphere microbial community. These changes likely contribute significantly to the exacerbation of challenges associated with continuous cropping. This investigation furnishes a theoretical foundation for comprehending the microecological mechanism underpinning continuous cropping challenges in and devising strategies for soil amelioration.
Genomics, population dynamics, immune evasion and resistance determinants foster the competence and global dissemination of
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), is a critical public health concern and an established ESKAPE (, , , , and spp.) pathogen. Mounting incidence of MDR is worrisome across the globe. is an established ubiquitous pathogen and associated with various infections in a wide range of hosts.
Bioinformatics-based identification of RAS disequilibrium involved in post-hemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph return-mediated acute kidney injury in mice
Post-hemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph (PHSML) return plays a critical role in the development of acute kidney injury (AKI). However, the molecular mechanism underlying PHSML-mediated AKI remains unclear. In this study, bioinformatics analysis identified key common targets of hemorrhagic shock and AKI, revealing significant enrichment in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). To further investigate the role of RAS in PHSML-mediated AKI, we established mesenteric lymph duct ligation (MLDL) technology in mice and confirmed that MLDL alleviated hemorrhagic shock-induced AKI. Subsequently, male C57BL/6 mice subjected to hemorrhagic shock were treated with the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril, angiotensin (1-7) (Ang (1-7)), and angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptor (AT1R) inhibitor losartan. Additionally, mice with hemorrhage and MLDL were treated with Ang II, the Mas receptor (MasR) inhibitor A-779, or subjected to knockout. Renal histomorphology, expression of ACE, ACE2, AT1R, and MasR, and levels of Ang II and Ang (1-7) were assessed 4 h after resuscitation. The results demonstrated that hemorrhagic shock upregulated ACE and AT1R, while downregulating ACE2 and MasR, accompanied by elevated Ang II and reduced Ang (1-7). These adverse effects were partially reversed by MLDL, enalapril, Ang-(1-7), or losartan. Conversely, the beneficial role of MLDL was abolished by deficiency and the administration of Ang II and A-779. Collectively, these findings indicate that disequilibrium between the ACE-AngII-AT1R and ACE2-Ang (1-7)-MasR axes is implicated in PHSML-mediated AKI.
A new species of Malmgren, 1866 (Annelida: Ampharetidae) from Washington and redescription of Webster & Benedict, 1887 and Hartman, 1961
(Grube, 1860), originally described from Greenland, has long been considered a widely distributed arctic-boreal species. However, recent morphological re-assessment of the holotype indicates that most previous records of were misidentifications, and molecular sequence data also suggest that is a multispecies complex. This study focuses on specimens of the species complex from Washington, USA, with publicly available cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence data. Specimens from Washington belonging to the Invertebrate Zoology Collection of the Florida Museum of Natural History were examined. Additional specimens were examined for morphological comparison, including type material of Webster & Benedict, 1887, and Hartman, 1961. Detailed morphological descriptions of specimens and photographs of the diagnostic characters were made. The molecular analysis includes 37 published COI sequences of and species sourced from public databases. Redescriptions of type material of and are provided. is described as a new species from Washington, USA, based on morphological and COI sequences data. Photographs of living specimens are presented, a hypothesis on the development of buccal tentacles in species is proposed, and the use of Methyl green stain is recommended as a standard practice in future descriptions of ampharetids.
Parasites influence the physiology and personality in a small mammal ()
Parasites are prevalent in animals and have coexisted with their hosts over long evolutionary periods. However, the link between individual behavioral variations and parasitic infections remains unclear. Plateau pika () is a keystone species on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau that is commonly infected with spp., an intestinal parasite.
Biochemical and molecular responses of maize to low and high temperatures in symbiosis with mixed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi cultures
In this study, changes in mineral element concentrations, physiological parameters, and gene expression of heat shock proteins were investigated in maize plants subjected to mycorrhiza under low and high temperature stress. The application of seven different temperatures (5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, 25 °C, 35 °C, 40 °C, and 45 °C) under five different mixed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) culture treatments (M0, M1, M2, M3, and M4) constituted the factors of the experiment. With the application of mycorrhiza, the plant dry weight was found to be the highest at 25 °C, and the M3 group was applied. The highest values in mineral element concentrations were detected at 25 °C in the maize plant, where M4 had N, P, K, Ca, and Fe concentrations; M3 had Cu and Mn concentrations; and M2 had Mg and Zn concentrations. Lipid peroxidation gradually increased with temperature changes in all the applications, and the protective effect of proline was more pronounced at high temperatures than at low temperatures. Antioxidant enzyme activities were altered by applications of mycorrhiza and temperature. For all mycorrhiza applications, the expression of HSP70 and HSP90 reached a maximum at 10 °C, 40 °C, and 45 °C. It has been revealed that low- and high-temperature applications in maize plants cause serious changes in the mycorrhizal symbiosis on the basis of investigated parameters, and these changes occur at different levels depending on the temperature changes and the differences between mixed AMF cultures. However, it can be said that the M3 application has the capacity to facilitate the growth of maize even in conditions of low (-10 °C) and high (45 °C) temperature.
Evaluation of water quality and soil fertility in remediated farmland for protection of wetland ecology by planting different crops
Enhancements in water quality and soil characteristics of wetlands can improve the ecological environment of the area and enrich its biodiversity. The present study examined the effects of five distinct crops (: colza oil, mustard, Chinese cabbage, wheat, barley) cultivated in remediation plots, and evaluated their impact on water quality and soil fertility. The water quality within the remediated farmland was categorized as Class III (moderately polluted). The soil exhibited low total nitrogen and organic matter levels (the mean values were respectively 0.032% and 10.84 g/kg), and high readily available phosphorus and potassium concentration (the mean values were respectively 75.71 and 247.64 mg/kg). The soil fertility was comprehensively categorized as Class III (moderately polluted). Subsequently, the different components of bird droppings in the soil were investigated for their potential effects on soil fertility. The present research demonstrated that the remediation of farmland had the potential to enhance the quality of water and soil fertility in wetland. This, in turn, might result in an increased number of migratory birds inhabiting the area.
Understanding perceived exertion in power-aimed resistance training: the relationship between perceived exertion and muscle fatigue
Perceived exertion is an inevitable outcome of power-oriented resistance training. However, it remains unknown whether perceived exertion is dominated by central or peripheral responses during this type of training. This study examined the effect of neuromuscular responses on the determination of ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during power bench press (BPress) exercise.
Application analysis of two nucleic acid detection systems in blood detection of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus
This study aimed to compare the diagnostic efficacy between the Kehua and Roche nucleic acid testing (NAT) systems for detecting hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in blood donation screening.
Prevalence and association testing of antinuclear antibodies and inflammatory bowel disease in Taiwan
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), which are autoantibodies directed against nuclear components, are commonly present in various autoimmune disorders. We investigated the prevalence and clinical significance of ANAs in Taiwanese patients with IBD.
Retrospective analysis of cervical screening abnormalities in women with type 3 transformation zone without visible lesions
Women with abnormal cervical screening but without visible lesions, particularly those with a type 3 transformation zone (TZ3), present a clinical challenge due to the non-visible squamocolumnar junction, increasing the risk of missed high-grade lesions. There is currently no consensus on optimal follow-up strategies for this group. This study aims to evaluate a risk-based management approach for these patients.
Identification and characterization of novel genes in bread wheat
The small-ubiquitin-like-modifier (SUMO), composed of approximately 100 amino acid residues, regulates the cellular activity of several proteins by posttranslational modification. Almost all plant species express a family of SUMO isoforms. Nevertheless, the genes in wheat () have not undergone complete characterization, and the roles of remain unidentified. The study identified four new genes in wheat, named , in addition to the previously known . These genes are part of the conserved SUMO family, as indicated by phylogenetic analysis. The genes contain the characteristic SUMO-acceptor site motif and the essential C-terminal diglycine motif for processing. Expression analysis showed that genes are expressed in various wheat tissues. Bioinformatics analysis predicted the biochemical properties and structures of the proteins, which were found to localize in the cytoplasm and nucleus. The study confirms that the new genes are functional members of the wheat SUMO family and lays the groundwork for further research into their specific roles.
Comparative efficacy of different exercise interventions in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Exercise interventions have been widely applied as an adjunctive treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS), effectively alleviating pain, improving function, and enhancing quality of life. However, the efficacy of different exercise modalities remains inconclusive. This study aims to systematically compare the effects of various exercise interventions on clinical outcomes in AS patients using a network meta-analysis (NMA) to determine the optimal exercise regimen.
Long-term glycemic variability and the risk of heart failure: a meta-analysis
Long-term glycemic variability (GV) has emerged as a potential cardiovascular risk factor beyond average glycemic levels. However, its association with the risk of heart failure (HF) remains unclear. This meta-analysis evaluated the relationship between long-term GV and the incidence of HF in adults.
Microbiome shifts during and (syn. )-induced root rot: endophtic bacterial protective responses and fungal pathogenic tendencies
Root rot disease is a globally significant threat to the health of diverse economically important crops. Understanding shifts in the plant microbiome during disease progression can aid in identifying beneficial microbes with disease-resistant potential and developing ecofriendly biocontrol strategies. However, microbiome changes during root rot progression in the medicinal plant remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the response of host-associated microbiomes to pathogen stress ( and syn. ) during root rot. The diversity, composition, function, and network interactions of bacterial and fungal communities were examined using high-throughput sequencing and network analysis in healthy rhizomes, healthy layers of diseased rhizomes, rotten layers of diseased rhizomes, and rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils. The bacterial diversity decreased as root rot progressed in end ophytic (from 0.72 to 0.38) and rhizosphere soils (from 0.80 to 0.68), whereas the fungal diversity showed no significant changes. The diseased samples were enriched with root rot pathogens and other potential pathogens, such as the soil bacterium and the soil fungus , whereas beneficial taxa, including endophytic and , and soil-dwelling and , were significantly reduced. Notably, in the healthy layers of diseased rhizomes, which represent a "transitional phase", fungal communities resembled those in rotten tissues with increased pathogenic taxa (, and ), whereas bacterial communities were more similar to healthy rhizomes and enriched in beneficial genera (, and ). Functional prediction indicated suppressed bacterial activity and enhanced fungal saprotrophy in rotten rhizomes. The cross-kingdom network complexity decreased in both endophytic and soil microbial communities during root rot, while positive correlations within endophytic networks increased. Overall, as root rot progresses, the stability and competitive interactions within endophytic and soil microbiomes of weaken. Early in infection, endophytic bacterial and fungal communities exhibit divergent responses: bacteria likely contribute to disease resistance, whereas fungi may promote pathogenesis. This findings suggest that a more beneficial role for endophytic bacteria in controlling root rot. Restoring microbial community complexity may offer a viable biocontrol strategy. Our findings provide a theoretical foundation for future identification of specific beneficial microbes and the development of safe biocontrol approaches.
Effectiveness of respiratory muscle training on pulmonary function recovery in patients with spinal cord injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This study conducted a thorough review and meta-analysis to examine how respiratory muscle training (RMT) affects lung function recovery in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).
