Relationship between self-compassion, exercise and physical education experiences, and subjective well-being in university students.

This study examined how exercise and physical education (PE) experiences and exercise images are related to self-compassion, physical competence, and subjective well-being. One hundred eighty-three undergraduate and graduate students completed questionnaires regarding pre-college exercise and PE experiences, exercise images, self-compassion, physical competence, and subjective well-being. The participants were divided into two groups according to their extracurricular activity experience. Correlation analysis, t-tests, and multiple regression analysis were conducted. The results showed that: (a) self-compassion was positively related to subjective well-being in both groups; (b) self-compassion was positively related to physical competence in the group with extracurricular experience; (c) no significant difference in self-compassion existed between the two groups; and (d) the three factors of ‘‘physical competence,’’ ‘‘reflecting on performance in PE,’’ and ‘‘instructors’ instruction was sensory’’ increased self-compassion in the group with extracurricular experience. Finally, we discussed the nature of the exercise and PE experiences and their images that may improve self-compassion

The effects of narcissism on adaptation and maladaptation associated with "Otaku" activities. : From the perspective of passion

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in individuals, primarily among young people, engaging in otaku activities. However, the mechanisms that differentiate adaptive and maladaptive otaku activities have not been examined. This study focuses on narcissism and passion as factors that distinguish between them. Specifically, we investigate whether differences in narcissism influence variations in passion for otaku activities. Furthermore, we aim to explore a causal model in which these differences in passion affect mood states during otaku activities, post-activity, and when activity is obstructed. The analysis results revealed that individuals driven by obsessive passion to engage in otaku activities tend to become ensnared by these activities and have difficulty switching between them and their daily lives. Future research should also focus on the type of "Otaku" activities and contents type

Emerging Roles of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Stimulated Gene-6 in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Atherosclerosis

Tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6) is a 35-kDa glycoprotein that has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects in experimental models of arthritis, acute myocardial infarction, and acute cerebral infarction. Several lines of evidence have shed light on the pathophysiological roles of TSG-6 in atherosclerosis. TSG-6 suppresses inflammatory responses of endothelial cells, neutrophils, and macrophages as well as macrophage foam cell formation and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and proliferation. Exogenous TSG-6 infusion and endogenous TSG-6 attenuation with a neutralizing antibody for four weeks retards and accelerates, respectively, the development of aortic atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE-deficient mice. TSG-6 also decreases the macrophage/VSMC ratio (a marker of plaque instability) and promotes collagen fibers in atheromatous plaques. In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), plasma TSG-6 levels are increased and TSG-6 is abundantly expressed in the fibrous cap within coronary atheromatous plaques, indicating that TSG-6 increases to counteract the progression of atherosclerosis and stabilize the plaque. These findings indicate that endogenous TSG-6 enhancement and exogenous TSG-6 replacement treatments are expected to emerge as new lines of therapy against atherosclerosis and related CAD. Therefore, this review provides support for the clinical utility of TSG-6 in the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases

Legumain Promotes Atherosclerotic Vascular Remodeling

Legumain, a recently discovered cysteine protease, is increased in both carotid plaques and plasma of patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Legumain increases the migration of human monocytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). However, the causal relationship between legumain and atherosclerosis formation is not clear. We assessed the expression of legumain in aortic atheromatous plaques and after wire-injury-induced femoral artery neointimal thickening and investigated the effect of chronic legumain infusion on atherogenesis in Apoe−/− mice. We also investigated the associated cellular and molecular mechanisms in vitro, by assessing the effects of legumain on inflammatory responses in HUVECs and THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages; macrophage foam cell formation; and migration, proliferation, and extracellular matrix protein expression in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Legumain was expressed at high levels in atheromatous plaques and wire injury-induced neointimal lesions in Apoe−/− mice. Legumain was also expressed abundantly in THP-1 monocytes, THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages, HASMCs, and HUVECs. Legumain suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced mRNA expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1), but potentiated the expression of interleukin-6 (IL6) and E-selectin (SELE) in HUVECs. Legumain enhanced the inflammatory M1 phenotype and oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced foam cell formation in macrophages. Legumain did not alter the proliferation or apoptosis of HASMCs, but it increased their migration. Moreover, legumain increased the expression of collagen-3, fibronectin, and elastin, but not collagen-1, in HASMCs. Chronic infusion of legumain into Apoe−/− mice potentiated the development of atherosclerotic lesions, accompanied by vascular remodeling, an increase in the number of macrophages and ASMCs, and increased collagen-3 expression in plaques. Our study provides the first evidence that legumain contributes to the induction of atherosclerotic vascular remodeling