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Evidences of apoptosis during the early phases of soleus muscle atrophy in hindlimb suspended mice

2026-03-19T07:48:27Z

Title: Evidences of apoptosis during the early phases of soleus muscle atrophy in hindlimb suspended mice Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence and time-course of apoptosis in soleus skeletal muscle during the first 48 hours of unloading. Fifty Charles River mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10 each) according to the time of hindlimb suspension (HS). Mice were suspended for 0 (Control), 6 (6HS), 12 (12HS), 24 (24HS), and 48 hours (48HS). Soleus muscle atrophy was confirmed by a significant decrease of 20 % in muscle-wet weight and of 5 % in the ratio protein concentration/muscle wet-weight observed after 48 hours of unloading. The apoptotic index, the AIF (apoptosis-inducing factor) and p53 expression presented their uppermost value (304 %, 241 % and 246 %, respectively) at 24HS, and were preceded by the highest activity of caspase-3 and -8 at 12HS (170 % and 218 %, respectively) and of Bax/Bcl-2 content at 6HS (160 %). There were no marked ultrastructural alterations until 24 hours of simulated weightlessness. Lysosomal autophagic activity and infiltration of phagocytic cells were observed at 24HS and 48HS and might have contributed to the degenerative changes noticed in both groups. Though not consistently supported by morphological evidences, the biochemical parameters sustain the concept that the occurrence of apoptosis parallels the soleus atrophic response in its early phase.

Vigorous physical activity and vagal modulation in young adults

2026-03-19T07:47:21Z

Title: Vigorous physical activity and vagal modulation in young adults Abstract: Background Aerobic exercise leads to reduced sympathetic and increased cardiac vagal modulation, providing an antiarrhythmic effect The optimal exercise intensity to promote this adaptation remains undefined. The aims of the present investigation were twofold. First, to examine differences in heart rate variability (HRV) measures in participants with different levels of objectively measured physical activity (PA). Second, to identify the characteristic of PA which most influences the cardiac autonomic nervous system (cANS) function in young adults. Methods Cross-sectional evaluation of 84 adults examining relationships between PA amount and intensities, measured by accelerometry, CANS function derived from HRV. Groups were created based on tertiles of PA and analysis of covariance was used to assess between-group differences in HRV. Stepwise regression analysis was used to determine the characteristic of PA, which best predicted vagal HRV indices. Results There were significantly higher levels of vagal HRV indices in the most active group compared with the least active group. Regression analysis revealed that the number of bouts of vigorous PA undertaken was the best predictor of the vagal HRV indices assessed. Conclusion This study suggests that vagal modulation is enhanced with high levels of PA and that it is the number of bouts of vigorous PA that is most closely associated with CANS function. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 16:705-711 (C) 2009 The European Society of Cardiology Description: BACKGROUND: Aerobic exercise leads to reduced sympathetic and increased cardiac vagal modulation, providing an antiarrhythmic effect. The optimal exercise intensity to promote this adaptation remains undefined. The aims of the present investigation were twofold. First, to examine differences in heart rate variability (HRV) measures in participants with different levels of objectively measured physical activity (PA). Second, to identify the characteristic of PA which most influences the cardiac autonomic nervous system (cANS) function in young adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional evaluation of 84 adults examining relationships between PA amount and intensities, measured by accelerometry, cANS function derived from HRV. Groups were created based on tertiles of PA and analysis of covariance was used to assess between-group differences in HRV. Stepwise regression analysis was used to determine the characteristic of PA, which best predicted vagal HRV indices. RESULTS: There were significantly higher levels of vagal HRV indices in the most active group compared with the least active group. Regression analysis revealed that the number of bouts of vigorous PA undertaken was the best predictor of the vagal HRV indices assessed. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that vagal modulation is enhanced with high levels of PA and that it is the number of bouts of vigorous PA that is most closely associated with cANS function.

Exploring physical literacy in school contexts: A systematic review of qualitative evidence

2026-03-16T07:43:47Z

Title: Exploring physical literacy in school contexts: A systematic review of qualitative evidence

Positive youth development through sport and physical education: A systematic review of empirical research conducted with grade 5 to 12 children and youth

2026-01-10T07:29:19Z

Title: Positive youth development through sport and physical education: A systematic review of empirical research conducted with grade 5 to 12 children and youth

Mental imagery use: the perspective of national team coaches in the U-19 beach volleyball world championship

2025-12-18T07:18:39Z

Title: Mental imagery use: the perspective of national team coaches in the U-19 beach volleyball world championship

An optimization based on simulation approach to the patient admission scheduling problem: Diagnostic imaging department case study

2025-12-02T07:14:05Z

Title: An optimization based on simulation approach to the patient admission scheduling problem: Diagnostic imaging department case study Abstract: The growing influx of patients in healthcare providers is the result of an aging population and emerging self-consciousness about health. In order to guarantee the welfare of all the healthcare stakeholders, it is mandatory to implement methodologies that optimize the healthcare providers' efficiency while increasing patient throughput and reducing patient's total waiting time. This paper presents a case study of a conventional radiology workflow analysis in a Portuguese healthcare provider. Modeling tools were applied to define the existing workflow. Re-engineered workflows were analyzed using the developed simulation tool. The integration of modeling and simulation tools allowed the identification of system bottlenecks. The new workflow of an imaging department entails a reduction of 41 % of the total completion time. (c) 2013 Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine.

Relevance of a Hypersaline Sodium-Rich Naturally Sparkling Mineral Water to the Protection against Metabolic Syndrome Induction in Fructose-Fed Sprague-Dawley Rats: A Biochemical, Metabolic, and Redox Approach

2026-01-10T07:41:14Z

Title: Relevance of a Hypersaline Sodium-Rich Naturally Sparkling Mineral Water to the Protection against Metabolic Syndrome Induction in Fructose-Fed Sprague-Dawley Rats: A Biochemical, Metabolic, and Redox Approach Abstract: The Metabolic Syndrome increases the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Increased fructose consumption and/or mineral deficiency have been associated with Metabolic Syndrome development. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 8 weeks consumption of a hypersaline sodium-rich naturally sparkling mineral water on 10% fructose-fed Sprague-Dawley rats (Metabolic Syndrome animal model). The ingestion of the mineral water (rich in sodium bicarbonate and with higher potassium, calcium, and magnesium content than the tap water used as control) reduced/prevented not only the fructose-induced increase of heart rate, plasma triacylglycerols, insulin and leptin levels, hepatic catalase activity, and organ weight to body weight ratios (for liver and both kidneys) but also the decrease of hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity and oxidized glutathione content. This mineral-rich water seems to have potential to prevent Metabolic Syndrome induction by fructose. We hypothesize that its regular intake in the context of modern diets, which have a general acidic character interfering with mineral homeostasis and are poor in micronutrients, namely potassium, calcium, and magnesium, could add surplus value and attenuate imbalances, thus contributing to metabolic and redox health and, consequently, decreasing the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Antagonist Coactivation of Muscles of Ankle and Thigh in Post-Stroke vs. Healthy Subjects during Sit-to-Stand Task

2025-10-01T06:24:40Z

Title: Antagonist Coactivation of Muscles of Ankle and Thigh in Post-Stroke vs. Healthy Subjects during Sit-to-Stand Task Abstract: This study aims to analyse the coactivation of antagonist muscles of the thigh and ankle during the sit-to-stand task in post-stroke subjects, specifically during forward and antigravity sub-phases. A group of 18 healthy subjects and another with 18 subjects with a history of stroke participated voluntarily in this study. Bilateral surface electromyography (EMGs) of the soleus, gastrocnemius medialis, tibialis anterior, rectus femoris and biceps femoris muscles were collected synchronously with ground reaction forces (GRF) during the sit-to-stand task. The magnitude of electromyographic (EMG) activity was analysed during forward translation and antigravity sub-phases which were determined through GRF signals. The coactivation was calculated to quantify the degree of antagonist coactivation according to the role of the muscles during the task. Statistically significant values were found between antagonist coactivation on both sub-phases of the sit-to-stand task when comparing healthy and post-stroke subjects (healthy with ipsilesional (IPSI); healthy with contralesional (CONTRA); and healthy with IPSI and with CONTRA limbs) in all muscle pairs analysed (p < 0.01), except on thigh muscles (p > 0.05), in the antigravity sub-phase. When comparing IPSI with CONTRA sides in post-stroke subjects, no statistically significant differences were found. Increased values of antagonist coactivation were observed in post-stroke subjects compared to healthy subjects (both IPSI and CONTRA limb) in the two sub-phases analysed. The forward sub-phase CONTRA limb showed higher antagonist coactivation compared to IPSI, while in the antigravity sub-phase, IPSI antagonist coactivation was higher than in the CONTRA. In conclusion, post-stroke subjects presented an antagonist coactivation more dysfunctional at the ankle joint muscles compared to the thigh segment. So, it seems that the distal segment could express more accurately the central nervous system dysfunction in post-stroke subjects, despite the need for further studies to achieve a better spatiotemporal understanding of the variability on coactivation levels.

Living, doing and learning in sport, civic and political activities: possible paths for positive youth development

2025-07-24T06:21:51Z

Title: Living, doing and learning in sport, civic and political activities: possible paths for positive youth development

La actividad físico-lúdica en los tratados de príncipes en el siglo XV: Portugal, el Livro da Montaria del Rey D. João I

2025-02-20T07:21:48Z

Title: La actividad físico-lúdica en los tratados de príncipes en el siglo XV: Portugal, el Livro da Montaria del Rey D. João I

Mediterranean Diet-Based Sustainable Healthy Diet and Multicomponent Training Combined Intervention Effect on Body Composition, Anthropometry, and Physical Fitness in Healthy Aging

2025-02-18T07:20:26Z

Title: Mediterranean Diet-Based Sustainable Healthy Diet and Multicomponent Training Combined Intervention Effect on Body Composition, Anthropometry, and Physical Fitness in Healthy Aging Abstract: Background: Diet and exercise interventions have been associated with improved body composition and physical fitness. However, evidence regarding their combined effects in older adults is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a combined 12-week Mediterranean diet-based sustainable healthy diet (SHD) and multicomponent training (MT) intervention on body composition, anthropometry, and physical fitness in older adults. Methods: Diet intervention groups received a weekly SHD food supply and four sessions, including a SHD culinary practical workshop. The exercise program included MT 50 min group session, three times a week, on non-consecutive days. Body composition and physical fitness variables were assessed through dual X-ray absorptiometry, anthropometric measurements, and senior fitness tests. Repeated measures ANOVA, with terms for group, time, and interaction, was performed. Results: Our results showed that a combined intervention significantly lowered BMI and total fat. Also, significant differences between assessments in all physical fitness tests, except for aerobic endurance, were observed. Adjusted models show significant differences in BMI (p = 0.049) and WHR (p = 0.037) between groups and in total fat (p = 0.030) for the interaction term. Body strength (p < 0.001), balance tests (p < 0.001), and aerobic endurance (p = 0.005) had significant differences amongst groups. Considering the interaction term, differences were observed for upper body strength (p = 0.046) and flexibility tests (p = 0.004 sit and reach, p = 0.048 back scratch). Conclusions: Our intervention study demonstrates the potential of implementing healthy lifestyle and sustainable models to promote healthy and active aging.

Combined mediterranean diet-based sustainable healthy diet and multicomponent training intervention impact on plasma biomarkers and metabolome in older adults

2024-11-21T07:19:51Z

Title: Combined mediterranean diet-based sustainable healthy diet and multicomponent training intervention impact on plasma biomarkers and metabolome in older adults Abstract: Background and aims: Healthy dietary patterns and exercise practices have been associated with improved metabolic and inflammatory profiles. However, studies regarding the combined effect of these interventions on plasma biomarkers and metabolome in older adults are sparser. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a combined Mediterranean Diet-based Sustainable Healthy Diet (SHD) and Multicomponent Training (MT) intervention on the plasma biomarkers and metabolome and how dietary intake and exercise could modulate these effects. Methods: SHD intervention included a weekly supply of Mediterranean Diet-based SHD food and four nutrition sessions involving a Mediterranean-Diet culinary workshop, and the exercise program included 50-min MT group sessions, held three times a week, lasting both 12 weeks. Plasma biomarkers were obtained through standard biochemical analysis. A proton (1H) 1 H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy-based metabolomics approach was used to study the metabolome in blood plasma. Repeated measures ANOVA were performed and adjusted for confounders. Results: SHD + MT intervention significantly decreased HDL-C and calcium. SHD + MT showed some changes in common with the SHD and MT group, namely a significant decrease in citrate levels (p = 0.009 for SHD + MT; p = 0.037 for SHDT) and an increase in pyruvate (p < 0.001 for MT and SHD + MT). The SHD + MT group also revealed specific changes in the levels of some amino acids (decrease in alanine, glutamine and lysine: p = 0.026; p < 0.001; p = 0.038, respectively). Increases in formate (p = 0.025) and unsaturated lipids (p = 0.011) are consistent with changes in energy and lipoprotein metabolism. Conclusion: Our data show that a combined lifestyle intervention program, including a Mediterranean Diet-based SHD and MT, could modulate biomarker and metabolome and there seems to be a metabolic path associated to these interventions in older adults. Due to its wide-ranging relevance, it is pertinent to assess to what extent combined SHD and MT can contribute to better clinical profiles. (c) 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Heterogeneous contributions of change in population distribution of body mass index to change in obesity and underweight

2024-10-01T06:18:06Z

Title: Heterogeneous contributions of change in population distribution of body mass index to change in obesity and underweight

Compromiso deportivo y fuerza mental en la alta competición: un estudio con tenistas de Ecuador y de Portugal

2024-09-24T06:20:39Z

Title: Compromiso deportivo y fuerza mental en la alta competición: un estudio con tenistas de Ecuador y de Portugal

Learning and the experience of social, civic, and political participation in old age

2024-09-10T06:18:09Z

Title: Learning and the experience of social, civic, and political participation in old age Abstract: espite the increase in life expectancy and the intensification of research with older populations, little is known about the relation between adult learning and engagement in social, civic, and political participation experiences. In this study, we interviewed 18 older adults involved in a diversity of contexts, from senior universities to civic associations or political organizations to explore whether and how these were perceived as learning experiences. Our findings reinforce the vision of social, civic, and political participation as learning experiences with a strong intergenerational component, where teaching and learning coexist. Participants recognize gains in a variety of knowledge and skills, from the more technical to the more interpersonal/social and political. Previous educational background and the lack of learning opportunities in old age are recognized as barriers to participation. Therefore, social, civic, and political participation clearly seems to transcend the strictly feel good and/or recreational perspective, emerging as valid adult education experiences.

Aprendizaje basado en desafíos sociales en la formación universitaria: Experiencias pedagógicas en Portugal y España

2024-09-05T06:21:29Z

Title: Aprendizaje basado en desafíos sociales en la formación universitaria: Experiencias pedagógicas en Portugal y España

Consumption of ultra-processed foods and relationship with sodium and potassium excretion: A cross-sectional study

2024-07-13T06:17:59Z

Title: Consumption of ultra-processed foods and relationship with sodium and potassium excretion: A cross-sectional study Abstract: Introduction: Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) had been associated with higher risk of non-communicable diseases (NCD) and NCD-promoting nutrient profile such as high sodium content and low potassium content. The objective of the study was to evaluate the level of food processing according to the NOVA classification and its relationship with sodium and potassium intake estimated by 24-hour urinary excretion. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Data collection included 107 workers from a public university (51.4% female; mean age 47 years) participating in an iMC Salt clinical trial). A 24-hour urinary collection was used to estimate sodium and potassium intake, validated by the creatinine coefficient. The corresponding 24-hour dietary recall was used to assess food intake and foods were categorized using the NOVA classification according to the degree and purpose of processing, into four groups. Nutri-score was also used to categorize UPF and provide more information about the nutritional quality of products. Results: The largest energy contribution came from the group of unprocessed or minimally processed foods (51.6%), followed by UPF (24%), processed foods (21.8%) and processed culinary ingredients (2.6%). Individuals with the lowest caloric contribution of the consumption of UPF had higher average values of potassium (K) intake (1438 vs 1136 mg/1000kcal; p=0.007), as individuals with the highest weight contribution of the consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods (1434 vs 1109 mg/1000kcal; p=0.010). For sodium (Na) intake no significant results were found between individuals with the lowest and the highest consumption of each NOVA group. Conclusions: Higher consumption of fresh or minimally processed foods and lower UPF intake were associated with higher K intake values. On the other hand, higher UPF intake was not associated with higher Na intake values. Funding: This work was supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia by Grant POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029269) and by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through NORTE 2020 (Northern Regional Operational Program 2014/2020) - NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-072687.

Association between urinary sodium excretion and body fat in school-aged children: Insights from the ARIA Study

2024-07-13T06:17:43Z

Title: Association between urinary sodium excretion and body fat in school-aged children: Insights from the ARIA Study Abstract: Childhood obesity has been associated with increased sodium intake. Nonetheless, evidence linking sodium intake to Body Mass Index (BMI) and Body Fat Mass Percentage (%BF) remains limited, especially in the pediatric age group. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether there is an association between 24 h urinary sodium excretion with BMI and %BF in a sample group of children from the ARIA study. This cross-sectional analysis included 303 children aged 7 to 12 from across 20 public schools in Porto, Portugal. Weight and %BF were assessed using the Tanita (TM) BC-418 Segmental Body Analyzer. Children's Total Energy Intake (TEI) was estimated through a single 24 h Recall Questionnaire, and urinary sodium and potassium excretion was estimated by a 24 h urine collection. The association of %BF and BMI with 24 h sodium excretion was estimated by a binary logistic regression adjusted for sex, age, physical activity, total energy intake, parental education, and 24 h urinary excreted potassium. There was a significant positive association between higher levels of urinary sodium excretion and higher %BF values, even after adjusting for confounders. However, the same was not observed for BMI. Our findings suggest that higher sodium intake is associated with higher values of %BF among children, regardless of TEI and potassium intake.

Academic performance and perceptions of undergraduate medical students in case-based learning compared to other teaching strategies: a systematic review with meta-analysis

2024-04-12T06:15:29Z

Title: Academic performance and perceptions of undergraduate medical students in case-based learning compared to other teaching strategies: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Análise das relações pedagógicas construídas no estágio curricular supervisionado

2024-02-21T07:18:34Z

Title: Análise das relações pedagógicas construídas no estágio curricular supervisionado