Effects of eccentric- and concentric-based plyometric programmes on strength, speed and tensiomyography parameters of female athletes

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of eccentric- and concentric-based plyometric programmes on the strength, speed, and tensiomyography (TMG) parameters of female athletes. The study included twenty junior female participants from three different sports equally divided into two experimental groups of n = 10. Two plyometric programmes with contrasting designs were conducted for a period of six weeks, with sessions held twice per week. The first plyometric programme (ECC-CON-G) was based on exercises with eccentric, and the second (CONC-CON-G) with concentric contractions. TMG was used to evaluate neuromuscular performances of six muscles of both legs – vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (SM), gastrocnemius lateralis (GL), and gastrocnemius medialis (GM)) – and two strength and speed tests: countermovement jump (CMJ), and sprint test at 10 m and 20 m. The results show that both groups had significant effects between pre-post measurements in CMJ (Diff, ECC-CON-G = 9.02%, and CONC-CON-G = 5.59%, p < 0.05), at 10 m (Diff, ECC-CON-G = 9.23%, and CONC-CON-G = 9.35%, p < 0.001), and 20 m (Diff, ECC-CON-G = 6.16%, and CONC-CON-G = 5.35%, p < 0.001), and TMG parameters in ECC-CON-G (all 6 left leg muscles, and right leg-VL, BF, GL, GM, p < 0.05), in CONC-CON-G (left leg-BF, SM, GL, GM, and right leg-VL, BF, GL, GM, p < 0.05). There were significantly better effects in ECC-CON-G compared to CONC-CON-G for CMJ height and time, for only time in 20 m sprint, and TMG parameters for left leg VL and VM, and right leg BF and GM. A plyometric programme based on exercises with eccentric contractions proved more beneficial for strength, speed, and TMG parameters in young female athletes compared to a programme based on concentric contraction

High-density theta oscillatory-modulated tDCS over the parietal cortex for targeted memory enhancement

Objectives Associative memory (AM) declines due to healthy aging as well as in various neurological conditions. Standard transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) protocols show inconclusive facilitatory effects on AM, often lacking function specificity and stimulation focality. We tested the effectiveness of high-density electrode montage delivering anodal theta oscillatory-modulated transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-Theta-otDCS) over the left posterior parietal cortex (PPC), aiming to target AM in a spatially focused and function-specific manner.MethodsIn a sham-controlled cross-over experiment we explored the differential effects of HD-Theta-otDCS applied during either encoding or the retrieval phases of two AM tasks (Face-Word and Object-Location). The stimulation protocol consisted of an anode over the left PPC (P3) and four surrounding return electrodes (CP1, CP5, PO3, POz) with electrical current oscillating in theta rhythm (5 Hz, 1.5 ± 0.5 mA).ResultsHD-Theta-otDCS stimulation applied during both encoding and retrieval increased AM performance compared to sham control in the Face-Word task. We found no differences between the two active stimulation conditions.ConclusionsHD-Theta-otDCS showed to be a promising tool for enhancing AM, regardless of the stimulation timing. The results provide further support for our previous findings with bipolar otDCS and confirm that PPC stimulation can induce behaviorally relevant modulation in the memory-related cortico-subcortical networks.SignificanceThe presented approach is one step forward towards precision brain stimulation for memory neuromodulation. The novelty lies in the combination of increased focality and function-specific current waveform. Positive results set the ground for further research on HD-theta-otDCS effectiveness in clinical populations

Human Echinococcosis in the Russian Federation in the 21st Century: A Systematic Review

According to the WHO, echinococcosis is a neglected tropical disease of global importance. The Russian Federation (R.F.) is traditionally considered an endemic area of echinococcosis. This study aims to analyze the state of human infection in the R.F. in the 2000–2021 period, for which there is not enough consolidated data. Epidemiological data on human echinococcosis in the R.F. from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2021 were collected through literature research (both published and grey literature) and official reports. From the 2022 selected records, 12 full-text articles, three doctoral dissertations, and 17 official reports were analyzed, all of which met the criteria for inclusion in the study. In the R.F., in the period from 2000 to 2021, echinococcosis (cystic (C.E.) and alveolar (A.E.) echinococcosis) has been continuously registered in humans (0.4–0.22 cases/100,000 inhabitants). Until 2013, the incidence of echinococcosis did not change (Pearson’s r (N = 13) = 0.288, p = 0.340), but in the period 2013–2021 it decreased significantly (Pearson’s r (N = 9) = −0.709, p = 0.032). In that period, the incidence of C.E. decreased significantly (Pearson’s r (N = 9) = −0.717, p = 0.035), while the incidence of A.E. did not change (Pearson’s r (N = 9) = −0.518, p = 0.154). The infection is registered annually in 30 out of 86 federal units. The C.E. infection rate was significantly higher in the European part (0.46/100,000 population) (2 = 33,783. r < 0.00001) than in the Asian part of the R.F. (0.32/100,000 population), where A.E. was more widespread. Within the European part, the frequency of C.E. infection was significantly higher in the southern (0.70/100,000 inhabitants) (χ2 = 806.67, p < 00001) than in the central and northern parts (0.25/100,000 inhabitants). The incidence of C.E. per federal district was positively correlated with rural population representation (Pearson’s r (N = 8) = 0.866, p = 0.005). Every year, although in small numbers, deaths caused by echinococcosis (in the period 2009–2020—66 deaths) were registered in the R.F., significantly more often caused by A.E. than C.E. (χ2 = 39.4401, p < 0.00001). Our results indicate that, between 2000 and 2021, echinococcosis was still generally endemic in the R.F. The incidence of C.E. has demonstrated a decreasing trend, especially after 2014, while the rate of A.E. remained unchanged

Genetic Diversity of Canine Circovirus Detected in Wild Carnivores in Serbia

Canine circovirus (CanineCV) is an emerging virus of interest in both domestic and wild carnivores that is scarcely reported in southeastern Europe. This study examined the presence, genetic diversity, and evolutionary characteristics of CanineCV in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and golden jackals (Canis aureus) from northwestern Serbia, a region marked by expanding mesopredator populations overlapping with human habitats. Out of 98 sampled animals, circoviral DNA was detected in 31.6%. Jackals were mostly positive for CanineCV genotype 4, while genotype 5, associated with wild carnivores, was dominant in foxes. Mixed genotype 4/genotype 5 infections were only found in jackals. Phylogenetic and haplotype analyses indicated that most jackal-derived CanineCV strains clustered along sequences from Europe, Africa, and the Americas, while genotype 5 sequences grouped separately from other genotype representatives. A recombinant strain was identified as a divergent lineage, and several sequences showed evidence of recombination between Rep and Cap genes. Despite Cap protein amino acid differences, purifying selection dominated, suggesting functional constraints on viral evolution. The results indicate that jackals may act as recombination hotspots and bridging hosts between viral lineages. This study provides insight into the molecular epidemiology of CanineCV in the Balkans, highlighting the importance of ongoing surveillance

Physiological Differences in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Parameters Between Football Players from Top- and Mid-Ranked Teams in the Serbian Super League

This study investigated physiological differences in cardiorespiratory and metabolic performance parameters between professional football players from top- (TR) and mid-ranked teams (MR) in the Serbian Super League. A total of 55 male outfield players (TR: n = 29; MR: n = 26) were assessed in March 2022 using a maximal multistage treadmill protocol and lactate analysis. The key cardiorespiratory variables included maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), heart rate at the anaerobic threshold (HR AT), and recovery heart rate metrics, while the metabolic variables focused on lactate concentrations and efficiency indices. The results indicate that the TR players achieved significantly lower HR AT values (162 ± 10.26 vs. 168.77 ± 7.28 bpm; p = 0.017) and demonstrated superior second-minute recovery (%Re 2′: 66.62 ± 14.08% vs. 34.53 ± 9.13%, p < 0.001). In contrast, the MR players exhibited higher VO2max (62.65 ± 4.48 vs. 60.06 ± 3.29 mL/kg/min; p = 0.017) and greater cardiorespiratory efficiency scores. The lactate parameters were comparable between the groups, except for the metabolic efficiency index (Index ME), which were favorable among the TR players (p = 0.011). These findings highlight that while MR players possess higher aerobic capacity, TR players demonstrate superior physiological recovery and metabolic control, reflecting adaptations to different tactical demands and match intensities. The results offer practical implications for individualized training design and performance monitoring in elite football settings

Impact of physical activity on red blood cell osmotic stability and deformability

Introduction The membrane of red blood cells (RBCs) plays a crucial role in determining their functional characteristics. During exercise, RBCs undergo various mechanical and biochemical adaptations that affect their membrane characteristics and can influence whole blood rheology and perfusion dynamics [1]. In this pilot study, we investigated the effects of exercise on RBC membrane characteristics in athletes compared to healthy sedentary individuals, using deformability and osmotic fragility tests. Methods Red blood cells were isolated from the venous blood of five basketball players and age-matched healthy sedentary controls. The athletes’ blood was collected at three different time points: immediately after training (IAT), 24 hours after training (24h), and 48 hours after training (48h). Osmotic fragility was determined by exposing RBCs to decreasing concentrations of NaCl solution and measuring the optical density (OD540) of the released hemoglobin. Using ektacytometry measurements, the RBC deformability was obtained as a function of shear stress and elongation index, and the data was fitted using Hill’s function. Results and Discussion The osmotic fragility test revealed a lower half-maximal hemolytic (H50) value (% of NaCl) for athletes (IAT= 0.35, 24h = 0.34, and 48h = 0.37) compared to control (0.41). Additionally, we found that athletes’ RBCs exhibited greater responsiveness to deformation under increasing shear stress, confirmed by the higher Hill’s coefficient (slope) value and lower half-maximal shear-stress values (K coefficient) of the deformability curves (IAE = 3.09, 24h = 2, 48h = 2.17 and CTRL = 9.35). These results reflect RBC specific adaptative response in athletes at three different time points and between the athletes and sedentary controls [2]. Conclusions These results highlight differences in osmotic stability and deformation response of RBCs between athletes and controls in favor of exercise in maintaining optimal RBC function, oxygen delivery, and overall circulatory health, offering potential therapeutic benefits

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Exosomes Upregulate PIK3/AKT, PTEN, and NOTCH Signaling Pathways in Normal Fibroblasts

Exosomes, small extracellular vesicles secreted by various cell types, have gained significant attention in cancer investigations. Isolation and characterization of exosomes derived from DOK (dysplastic oral keratinocyte), SCC (squamous cell carcinoma) and HaCaT (normal skin keratinocyte) cell lines and microRNA profiling were conducted. Magnetic sorting was applied to obtain pure exosomes. Morphology and size were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Validation of membrane exosomal markers (CD9, CD63) was performed via Western blotting. MiR-21, miR-31, and miR-133 levels were analyzed in exosomes and parent cells by qPCR. Biological effects of the exosomes were tested by adding them to fibroblast cultures and determining the expression of relevant carcinogenesis markers by qPCR. Exosomes appeared as cup-shaped nano-sized particles, and there was no difference regarding particle diameter and concentration between the three types of exosomes. The oncogenic miR-21 was significantly upregulated both in SCC and SCC-derived exosomes compared to DOK and HaCaT cells and their respective exosomes. However, miR-31 unexpectedly showed the highest expression in normal cells and the lowest in HaCaT exosomes. MiR-133, the tumor suppressor miRNA, was downregulated in both SCC and DOK cells compared to normal (HaCaT) cells, while the opposite situation was observed in exosomes, with HaCaT cells showing the lowest levels of miR-133. The differences in exosome content were reflected in signaling pathway activation in exosome-treated fibroblasts, with SCC exosomes exerting the most potent effect on several cancer-related pathways, notably PIK3/AKT, PTEN, and NOTCH signaling cascades

Serum and Seminal Plasma Zinc Levels and Immunopositivity of the ZIP6 and ZIP14 Transporters in Men with Normo- and Teratozoospermia

Zinc plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis, sperm function, and fertilisation. Zinc homeostasis is regulated by ZIP and ZnT transporter proteins, which mediate Zn2+ influx and efflux across sperm cell membranes. This study analysed total Zn concentration in seminal plasma and serum of 10 normozoospermic and 32 teratozoospermic men involved in the process of infertility treatment, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In addition, the expression of Zn transporters ZIP6 and ZIP14 in the sperm of two normozoospermic and two teratozoospermic men was analysed using immunofluorescence. Applying Student’s t test and the Mann–Whitney U test, we found no significant differences in Zn concentrations in seminal plasma and serum between groups. ZIP6 was mainly localised in the sperm head, with slightly higher immunopositivity in normozoospermic than teratozoospermic samples, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. ZIP14 was mainly found in the sperm head, and some teratozoospermic samples showed immunopositivity in the tail, although there were no significant differences in ZIP14 immunopositivity between normozoospermic and teratozoospermic samples. The results suggest that Zn concentrations in seminal plasma and serum, and the expression of ZIP6 and ZIP14, do not differ in normo- and teratozospermic samples, and emphasise the complex interplay of factors underlying male fertility

Thromboinflammatory Biomarkers in Lymphomas: Linking Inflammation to Thrombosis Risk

Thrombosis is a critical complication in lymphomas, driven by chronic inflammation. To observe this systemic mechanism, we evaluated inflammatory cytokines, neutrophil and monocyte activation, and platelet function in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), with and without thrombosis using ELISA and flow cytometry according to laboratory and clinical data. Interleukin-1β was elevated across lymphomas and inversely correlated with the Khorana score for venous thromboembolism, while increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was inversely associated with the International Prognostic Index (IPI) in thrombosis-associated lymphomas. Neutrophil activation was increased in DLBCL, while elevated neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) biomarkers were inversely consistent with thrombosis and the ThroLy score. NETs were elevated in HL. Classical monocytes were increased in all lymphoma subtypes, with intermediate and tissue factor (TF)-carrying monocytes elevated in DLBCL and HL. Platelet activation was pronounced, with platelet–monocyte aggregates and platelet-associated TF elevated in DLBCL and FL but not HL. P-selectin was increased in lymphomas with thrombosis, aligned with Khorana and ThroLy scores, and reflected clinical stage while inversely correlating with IPI in non-thrombotic lymphomas. These findings highlight distinct thromboinflammatory mechanisms across lymphoma subtypes, providing insights into biomarkers for thrombosis risk and therapeutic targets in lymphoma management