Adult Male Research Articles

Bionomics of Earhead Bug Leptocorisa acuta Thunberg (Coreidae: Hemiptera) Infesting Rice

Biology of rice earhead bug, Leptocorisa acuta (Thunberg) carried out at Laboratory of Department of Entomology, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat on rice (Gujarat Rice-11) during kharif-2023. Eggs were dark brown with an average length and breadth of 1.28±0.05 mm and 0.85±0.06 mm, respectively. The incubation period varied from 5 to 7 days with an average of 6.07±0.78 days and the average hatching percentage was 81.22±14.93 per cent. There were five nymphal instars in the life cycle of L. acuta. The average developmental periods of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth nymphal instars were 2.80±0.41, 1.67±0.55, 1.87±0.57, 2.83±0.53 and 4.23±0.63 days, respectively. The total nymphal period was an average of 13.77±0.86 days. The total developmental period (egg + nymph) was found to be an average of 19.83±1.39 days. The average adult period was 23.50±7.69 days. The average pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods lasted for 4.87±1.50, 9.03±3.36 and 15.63±3.20 days, respectively. The average longevity for male and female adults lasted for 17.47±2.83 and 29.53±3.91 days, respectively. The female laid an average of 53.96±31.90 eggs. The total life cycle from egg to adult was an average of 42.67±7.38 days.

ATIVIDADE FÍSICA E OBESIDADE NA PANDEMIA, CAUSAS E CONSEQUÊNCIAS PARA O PÚBLICO MASCULINO ADULTO NO BRASIL

Introduction: This study investigates the relationships between obesity and physical activity in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on the adult male population in Brazil. During the pandemic, obesity was intensified by an increase in sedentary lifestyle, changes in eating habits and stress. The performance of social isolation plays a crucial role in reducing the practice of physical activities, as well as increasing the consumption of ultra-processed foods. Objective: To investigate the relationships between physical activity and obesity in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on adult males in Brazil. Methodology: In this context, through a bibliographic review with a qualitative and quantitative approach. Articles that dealt with the topic and which were published in Portuguese and English in the period from 2020 to 2024 were recruited from SciELO and PubMed. Results and Discussion: The impact of a sedentary lifestyle and diet is reflected in the psychological and physical complications faced by this population, including the worsening of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, in addition to the emergence of disorders such as depression and anxiety. Furthermore, the vulnerability of the male public to complications from COVID-19 highlighted the urgent need for external public policies. Conclusion: It is concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened obesity among adults due to factors such as an increase in sedentary lifestyle, changes in eating habits and stress. Causes include increased consumption of ultra-processed foods and decreased physical activity.

Oral Cancer Incidence Among Adult Males With Current or Former Use of Cigarettes or Smokeless Tobacco: Population-Based Study.

Tobacco use has been identified as a risk factor for oral cancer worldwide. However, relative oral cancer incidence among adults who smoke cigarettes, use smokeless tobacco products (ST), have transitioned from cigarettes to ST, quit cigarettes and/or ST ("quitters"), or never used tobacco has not been well studied. We aim to present population-based oral cancer incidence rates for adults who smoke cigarettes, use ST, are former smokers who now use ST, or quit. We estimated cross-sectional incidence rates and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) using data from statewide cancer registries (Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, and Texas) and population counts derived from national surveys using combined data from 2014-2017. A random-effect meta-analysis approach was used to summarize estimates among these groups, based on multiple imputation-based IRR estimates by state and age group while considering potential heterogeneity. A total of 19,536 oral cancer cases were identified among adult males 35 years and older in the study geographies and period. The oral cancer incidence rate among adults who smoke was significantly higher than the ST group (2.6 times higher, 95% CI 2.0-3.3, P<.001), 3.6 (95% CI 3.2-4.1, P<.001) times higher than the never users, and 2.4 (95% CI 1.8-3.1, P<.001) times higher compared to former smokers who now use ST. The IRR among the ST group relative to never users was 1.4 (95% CI 1.1-1.9, P=.02). The IRR between former smokers who now use ST and those who quit was 1.4 (95% CI 1.0-2.1, P=.08). Findings from this population-based study with a large number of oral cancer cases support significantly high oral cancer incidence among adults who smoke and a lower risk of oral cancer incidence among never users, quitters, users of ST, and former smokers who now use ST compared to cigarettes. Future studies with detailed control of tobacco history and other relevant confounders are needed to confirm these findings.

Cold Tolerance and Physiological Response of Natural Overwintering Pomacea canaliculata in South China.

Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck 1822), a freshwater gastropod indigenous to lower Del Plata Basin of Argentina, has become the most destructive and invasive rice pests in south China since its introduction in the 1980s. In Guangdong, the main production areas for double rice, most of P. canaliculata overwinter in paddy field ditches after late-rice harvesting in mid-November and diapause to temporarily to avoid the damaging effects of extreme low temperatures. This pest aroused from diapause and migrated to the paddy field after early-rice reviving in next late March. Overwintering and cold tolerance of natural P. canaliculata have a non-negligible impact on population dynamics and distribution in the following year. We tested the supercooling capability, levels of cryoprotectant synthesis, activity of antioxidant defense system (antioxidant enzymes and reduced glutathione), and degree of oxidative damage (concentration of malondialdehyde as an index of lipid peroxidation) monthly, using natural P. canaliculata samples with a size-gender structure (i.e., juveniles, female, and male adults) from experimental ponds during the period of mid-November to the following April. P. canaliculata survived the winter with a monthly death rate of 7%-16.5% in coldest January. The supercooling point (SCP) of overwintering P. canaliculata decreased initially before increasing subsequently with monthly changes in water temperature. P. canaliculata accumulated a high glycogen content before December, which depleted towards the end of January, while lipid content reached peak in January and depleted since February. Activity of antioxidant defense system of P. canaliculata exhibited significant monthly differences and showed relatively higher size heterogeneity than monthly variations. The results contribute to the knowledge of adaptability in overwintering P. canaliculata and help to understand the mechanism of the invasive success of this species.

Responses in adult pied flycatcher males depend on playback song similarity to local population

Abstract Song divergence driven by social learning has been proposed to be a key factor driving allopatric speciation in oscine birds. Songbirds often respond more to songs deriving from their local population, suggesting the potential for acoustic divergence across populations to shape both intra- and intersexual interactions. However, many of these studies were conducted on species with simple songs and, as a result, we know comparatively little about the emergence of population differences and song discrimination in species with complex songs. We addressed this question in the pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) by calculating the dissimilarity of songs from two foreign populations as well as from our study site to the local centroid. We then conducted a paired-design playback experiment where both local and foreign songs were played simultaneously. We found that pied flycatcher males showed significantly stronger responses to those songs that sounded more similar to the local population. This suggests that despite the high complexity of the pied flycatcher song, individuals are still able to discriminate across populations. Our results support the hypothesis that learned song divergence can act as a mechanism for assortative mating and allopatric speciation.

Association of erectile dysfunction and peripheral arterial disease in NHANES 2001-2004: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between Erectile dysfunction (ED) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in adult American males using a large database.MethodsThe relationship between ED and PAD prevalence among participants in the 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database was assessed using a series of statistical analyses. ED was evaluated based on a single-item measure of self-reported erection problems from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. PAD was defined as ankle-brachial index (ABI) &amp;lt; 0.9 in at least one leg. Multifactorial logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between ED and PAD.ResultsA total of 2394 participants were enrolled, of whom 905 individuals (37.8%) were diagnosed with ED. After adjusting for confounding variables, the association between ED and PAD remained positive, with an odds ratio of 2.05 (95% confidence interval 1.24-3.39). Subgroup analysis revealed that the relationship between ED and PAD was significant in patients aged &amp;gt;50 years old, without hypertension, without diabetes, without cardiovascular disease, without high cholesterol, former smokers, low physical activity levels, and a body mass index of 25-30 (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In addition, all subgroups analyzed were evaluated for any potential interaction, and no statistically significant association was discovered.ConclusionsIn a sample of US adults aged ≥40, this cross-sectional study found that ED is related to a higher occurrence of PAD. ED may be an independent predictor of PAD, and thus it should be considered in the treatment of patients with ED.

Protective Role of Anthraquinone Purpurin Against Cardiotoxicity Induced by Isoproterenol in Adult Wistar Rats

Background Purpurin are naturally occurring anthraquinones derived from the roots of Rubia species. Purpurin is a red-colored bioactive compound commonly used as a food colorant. In ancient times, Rubia species plants were used in Chinese medicine to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Research studies have proven purpurin exerts antimicrobial, neuromodulatory, antigenotoxic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. The present investigation was proposed to evaluate the efficacy of purpurin against myocardial infarction in rats. Materials and Methods Purpurin was pretreated in healthy adult male rats and subjected to a myocardial infarction with isoproterenol to assess the cardioprotective effect of purpurin. CRP, total protein, and uric acid levels were quantified to analyze the efficacy against myocardial infarction. Cardiac functional markers and antioxidant levels were measured to evaluate the role of purpurin on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction. Further to prove the cardioprotective efficacy of purpurin cardiac tissue ATPases and electrolytes were assessed in the experimental animals. The anti-inflammatory property of purpurin was analyzed by quantifying proinflammatory cytokines. Histopathological analysis of cardiac tissue was to confirm the protective effect of purpurin against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction. Results The present investigation demonstrated the significant protective effect of purpurin by decreasing the levels of CRP, uric acid levels, and total protein levels in myocardial infarction-induced rats. It restored the cardiac functional markers and glutathione system in the cardiac tissue of myocardial infarction-induced rats. It increased the levels of cardiac ATPases and reinstated the electrolytes in the cardiac tissue of myocardial infarction-induced rats. Purpurin significantly demonstrated an anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effect that was evidenced with histopathological analysis. Conclusion Our findings prove purpurin suppresses the proinflammatory response of isoproterenol treatment and exerts a cardioprotective effect in myocardial infarction-induced rats.

Perinatal bisphenol A exposure has an age- and dose-dependent association with thyroid allostasis adaptive response, as well as anxiogenic-depressive-like and asocial behaviors in juvenile and adult male rats

Thyroid hormones are essential for brain development, and a shortage throughout the fetal and postnatal periods can result in mood disorders. Perinatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) affects thyroid activity and dependent processes indirectly during pregnancy or early postnatal life. This is particularly important because it may cause changes in tissue ontogeny, increasing the risk of developing disorders later in life. The study aimed to investigate the consequences of thyroid hormone deficiency on anxiety, social, and depressive behaviors, as well as disruption in thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene expression, which influences the NF-κB/Nrf-2/HO-1/iNOS signaling pathway, leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA fragmentation in perinatal BPA exposure (PND18), and whether these effects can be observed in juvenile (PND60) and adult (PND95) male offspring rats. BPA increased anxiety-like behavior while decreasing sucrose preference and sociability on a choice task between novel conspecific male rats and enhanced immobility on the forced swim test. Perinatal exposure to BPA causes thyroid insult by overproducing ROS, increasing iNOS, and NF-κB levels—these effects, in turn, down-regulate Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling, resulting in DNA fragmentation within thyroid tissues. Furthermore, perinatal BPA exposure for 60 and 95 days resulted in a significant fold decrease in TPO mRNA levels in the thyroid tissues, with an insignificant fold rise in TPO expression levels in BPA 50–60. In conclusion, the present study found that perinatal BPA exposure induced thyroid allostasis-adaptive response by inhibiting the NF-κB/Nrf-2/HO-1/iNOS signaling pathway and altering the transcriptional expression of TPO, where TSH reinforced a possible association with TPO activity, disrupting thyroid hormone synthesis in juvenile rats and gradual deterioration reaching the adult stage.

Subacute Toxicity Study of Alchornea cordifolia Ethanolic Leaf Extract on the Pituitary Gland of Wistar Rats

Introduction: Herbal medicines are plant-based products used to treat various illnesses and their uses have dramatically increased over the past years in many developed and developing nations. Alchornea cordifolia is one of these plants with reports of its use in health promotion. Some plants exhibit toxicity due to the presence of phytochemicals inherent in them, therefore further studies are necessary in evaluating their toxicity levels. In this study, the sub-acute toxicity of ethanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves was investigated on the pituitary gland of adult male Wistar rats. The objective was to determine its effect on the histology of the anterior pituitary gland. Methods: Twenty (20) adult male Wistar rats weighing 140-200 were used for the research and were randomly divided into four groups labelled A, B, C. and D. Each group consisted of five (5) rats. Group A (normal control) received normal saline, while group B, C and D received 500 mg/kg, 1,000 mg/kg and 1,500 mg/kg body weight of Alchornea cordifolia extract respectively with the aid of an oral gavage. This was done for a duration of 28 days after which the rats were sacrificed and the pituitary gland obtained for histological analysis using H&amp;E and PAS Orange G staining methods. Results: Histological observations showed that the various doses of the extract used had no detrimental effect of the anterior pituitary gland microstructure in groups B, C, and D when compared to group A. Conclusion: The findings showed that the various doses of Alchornea cordifolia leaf extract used in this study are non-toxic to the anterior pituitary gland in Wistar rats.

Acute high-intensity muscle contraction moderates AChR gene expression independent of rapamycin-sensitive mTORC1 pathway in rat skeletal muscle.

The relationship between mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activation after resistance exercise and acetylcholine receptor (AChR) subunit gene expression remains largely unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of electrical stimulation-induced intense muscle contraction, which mimics acute resistance exercise, on the mRNA expression of AChR genes and the signalling pathways involved in neuromuscular junction (NMJ) maintenance, such as mTORC1 and muscle-specific kinase (MuSK). The gastrocnemius muscle of male adult Sprague-Dawley rats was isometrically exercised. Upon completion of muscle contraction, the rats were euthanized in the early (after 0, 1, 3, 6 or 24h) and late (after 48 or 72h) recovery phases and the gastrocnemius muscles were removed. Non-exercised control animals were euthanized in the basal state (control group). In the early recovery phase, Agrn gene expression increased whereas LRP4 decreased without any change in the protein and gene expression of AChR gene subunits. In the late recovery phase, Agrn, Musk, Chrnb1, Chrnd and Chrne gene expression were altered and agrin and MuSK protein expression increased. Moreover, mTORC1 and protein kinase B/Akt-histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC) were activated in the early phase but not in the late recovery phase. Furthermore, rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTORC1, did not disturb changes in AChR subunit gene expression after muscle contraction. However, rapamycin addition slightly increased AChR gene expression, while insulin did not impact it in rat L6 myotube. These results suggest that changes in the AChR subunits after muscle contraction are independent of the rapamycin-sensitive mTORC1 pathway.

Utility of First-Morning-Voided Urinary Total Luteinizing Hormone in Detecting the Onset of Central Puberty

Introduction: Early morning basal serum luteinizing hormone (S-LH) ≥0.3 IU/L is a specific marker for the onset of central puberty. In this study, we aimed to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of the first-morning-voided (FMV) total urinary LH (U-LH) to replace this marker. Methods: We re-analyzed our previously published data set of 297 children (145 boys and 152 girls, aged 5–15 years, across Tanner stages 1 through 5) using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and determined cutoff values for FMV total U-LH in predicting early morning S-LH concentration at or above 0.3 IU/L. We also determined S-LH and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (S-FSH) concentrations in girls at different stages of sexual maturation. Results: ROC analysis showed that FMV total U-LH levels of 0.60 and 0.63 IU/L in girls and boys, respectively, predicted early morning S-LH levels of 0.3 IU/L or higher with 97.4% sensitivity and 90.6% specificity. Higher cutoff levels for U-LH (0.78 IU/L for boys and 0.79 IU/L for girls) yielded 94.7% specificity at the expense of a relatively lower level of sensitivity (94.1%). The areas under the curve were 0.98 in boys and 0.99 in girls, respectively. Additionally, the increase in FMV total U-LH (or S-LH) levels identified the activation of central pubertal development at the mean age of 10.3 (10.3) in boys and 10.5 (10.6) in girls. The S-FSH concentrations of the six biochemically prepubertal girls with thelarche, ranging between 2.3 and 2.7 IU/L, were significantly higher than those measured in biochemically and clinically prepubertal girls of the same 10–12-year-old age group and significantly lower than those measured in both biochemically and clinically pubertal girls (p = 0.039 and p = 0.018, respectively). Conclusions: A FMV total U-LH concentration of 0.6 IU/L or above reliably reflects pubertal morning S-LH levels and is effective in detecting the onset of central puberty, which occurs at similar ages in both sexes. Concurrent S-FSH or noninvasive FMV U-FSH determinations may be useful in the differential diagnosis of isolated thelarche.

Cardioprotective effects of liposomal resveratrol in diabetic rats: unveiling antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits

ABSTRACT As a consequence of chronic hyperglycemia, diabetes complications and tissue damage are exacerbated. There is evidence that natural phytochemicals, including resveratrol, a bioactive polyphenol, may be able to reduce oxidative stress and improve insulin sensitivity. However, resveratrol's limited bioavailability hampers its therapeutic effectiveness. By using liposomes, resveratrol may be better delivered into the body and be more bioavailable. The objective of this study was to assess the cardioprotective potential of liposome-encapsulated resveratrol (LR) in a streptozotocin-induced (STZ) diabetic rat model. Adult male Wistar rats were categorized into five groups: control, diabetic, resveratrol-treated (40 mg/kg), liposomal resveratrol (LR)-treated (20 mg/kg) and liposomal resveratrol (LR)-treated (40 mg/kg) for a five-week study period. We compared the effects of LR to those of resveratrol (40 mg/kg) on various parameters, including serum levels of cardiac markers, tissue levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nuclear transcription factor, oxidative stress markers, and apoptotic markers. LR treatment in STZ-diabetic rats resulted in notable physiological improvements, including blood glucose regulation, inflammation reduction, oxidative stress mitigation, and apoptosis inhibition. LR effectively lowered oxidative stress and enhanced cardiovascular function. It also demonstrated a remarkable ability to suppress NF-kB-mediated inflammation by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Additionally, LR restored the antioxidant enzymes, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, thereby effectively counteracting oxidative stress. Notably, LR modulated apoptotic regulators, including caspase, Bcl2, and Bax, suggesting a role in regulating programmed cell death. These biochemical alterations were consistent with improved structural integrity of cardiac tissue as revealed by histological examination. In comparison, resveratrol exhibited lower efficacy at an equivalent dosage. Liposomal resveratrol shows promise in alleviating hyperglycemia-induced cardiac damage in diabetes. Further research is warranted to explore its potential as a therapeutic agent for diabetic cardiovascular complications and possible cardioprotective effects.

The proteome and metabolome changes distinguish the effect of dietary energy levels on the development of ovary in chicken during sexual maturity

To deeply understanding the impact of peripheral energy level on the development of ovaries during the sexual maturation of chicken, in this study, the ovaries and serum of sexually mature and immature chickens at the same age from different energy level groups were collected, and the proteome and metabolome were detected. The results of ovarian and serum metabolomics revealed that dietary energy levels affected the energy metabolism and fatty acid oxidation of ovary in chicken, including the up-regulated expression of dihydroacetone phosphate and α-linolenic acid in high energy level groups. The results of proteomics showed that peripheral energy levels affected the catecholamine biosynthesis and metabolism in ovary before sexual maturation. The integrating analysis revealed that increased energy flux may influence ovarian development by regulating cholesterol reserves and steroid hormone synthesis in the ovaries. In vitro, the cultivation of chicken primary granulosa cells showed that sterol carrier protein 2 played a role in fatty acid synthesis and metabolism but did not significantly affect progesterone synthesis. Overall, dietary energy levels may be involved in the development of the ovaries during sexual maturation by influencing energy metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and steroid hormone within the ovaries.

A new bithiophene inhibited amyloid-β accumulation and enhanced cognitive function in the hippocampus of aluminum-induced Alzheimer's disease in adult rats.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and irreversible neurological disorder that gradually deteriorates an individual's ability to carry out even the simplest tasks. This study was undertaken to investigate the potential therapeutic efficacy of a novel bithiophene in a rat model of aluminum-induced AD pathology. A total of 108 adult male albino rats weighing 160 ± 20 g, were randomly assigned to six groups: (1) a control group administered DMSO, (2) group receiving a high dose of bithiophene (1 mg/kg), (3) a model group received AlCl3 (100 mg/kg), those rats were then treated by either (4) bithiophene low dose (0.5 mg/kg), (5) high dose (1 mg/kg), or (6) memantine (20 mg/kg). Low dose bithiophene treatment was a promising strategy for mitigating oxidative stress and improving synaptic plasticity. This was demonstrated by reductions in malondialdehyde level, and increased activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, and elevated glutathione content. Likewise, low dose bithiophene enhanced synaptic plasticity through a reduction in excitatory glutamate and norepinephrine levels, while increasing dopamine. Moreover, bithiophene significantly downregulated the expression of GSAP, GSK3-β, and p53, which are implicated in AD progression. This treatment also decreased caspase 3 and amyloid-β (Aβ1-42) accumulation in the hippocampus. Finally, behavioral assessments revealed that low dose bithiophene significantly enhanced learning abilities, as proved by Morris water maze. Low dose bithiophene mitigated AD through ameliorating oxidative stress, promoting synaptic plasticity, inhibiting the Aβ accumulation, and enhancing the cognitive functions in a rat model.

The associations between exposure to mixed environmental endocrine disruptors and sex steroid hormones in men: a comparison of different statistical models

In recent years, worldwide fertility rates have continued to decrease. Humans are frequently exposed to a combination of environmental endocrine disruptors, which can cause male reproductive disorders. The study employed three distinct analytical models to examine the correlation between exposure to a combination of 25 chemicals and sex steroid hormone levels in adult males. This involved evaluating 12 chemicals and their metabolites from personal care and consumer products, as well as 13 metabolites linked to phthalates and plasticisers. The study analysed 25 chemicals and 3 measured sex steroid hormone outcomes, as well as two calculated hormonal outcomes (free androgen index, TT/E2 ratio) in 1262 adult men who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016 in the United States. The study employed several statistical methods to estimate the relationships between single chemicals or chemical blends and sex hormones. These methods included linear regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and Bayesian kernel machine (BKMR) regression. The results of the linear regression analysis indicate that chemical exposure has a negative correlation with E2, TT, and FAI, and a positive correlation with SHBG and TT/E2. The mixture effect analyses using the WQS and BKMR models further confirmed that BP3, MECPP, and MECOP were the most highly weighted chemical mixtures. The analyses also suggested that there were differences in the effects of different concentrations of EDCs on sex steroid hormones. Exposure to environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been found to have a negative correlation with estradiol and total testosterone, as well as FAI. Conversely, this exposure has been found to have a positive correlation with sex hormone binding globulin and the TT/E2 ratio. The study also revealed differences in the effects of different concentrations of EDCs.

The Trail Making Test in Virtual Reality (TMT-VR): The Effects of Interaction Modes and Gaming Skills on Cognitive Performance of Young Adults

Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly used in neuropsychological assessments due to its ability to simulate real-world environments. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the Trail Making Test in VR (TMT-VR) and investigate the effects of different interaction modes and gaming skills on cognitive performance. A total of 71 young female and male adults (aged 18–35) with high and low gaming skills participated in this study. Participants completed the TMT-VR using three interaction modes as follows: eye-tracking, head movement, and controller. Performance metrics included task completion time and accuracy. User experience, usability, and acceptability of TMT-VR were also examined. Results showed that both eye tracking and head movement modes significantly outperformed the controller in terms of task completion time and accuracy. No significant differences were found between eye tracking and head movement modes. Gaming skills did not significantly influence task performance using any interaction mode. The TMT-VR demonstrates high usability, acceptability, and user experience among participants. The findings suggest that VR-based assessments can effectively measure cognitive performance without being influenced by prior gaming skills, indicating potential applicability for diverse populations.

The Role of Probiotics in Modulating Myocardial Infarction and Depression-like Symptoms: A Study on Sex-Specific Responses

Background/Objectives: This study explores the effects of two probiotics, Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175, on myocardial infarction (MI) and associated depression-like behaviours, with a focus on sex differences. Methods: MI was induced in adult male and female rats by occluding the left anterior coronary artery for 30 min, followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Probiotics were administered via drinking water for at least two weeks before ischemia. Infarct size, plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), estradiol levels, and intestinal permeability were then measured. Two weeks after, MI subgroups of rats were tested for depression-like behaviours. Results: We found a significant interaction between sex and probiotics in relation to infarct size. Probiotics significantly reduced the infarct size compared to the vehicle group in female rats but not in males. Probiotics increased the plasma estradiol levels and reduced the CRP concentrations in females, suggesting anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. Probiotics significantly increased intestinal resistance following MI in males only, suggesting sex-specific physiological responses to treatment. Probiotics enhanced social interaction in males with MI but not in females. Similarly, in the forced swim test, probiotics reduced immobility in males with MI but increased it in females, further underscoring the sex-dependent effects of probiotics. Conclusions: This study reports cardioprotective effects of probiotics upon MI in female rats, while benefits in male rats were rather at the behavioural level. These results highlight distinct physiological and behavioural responses between sexes, emphasizing the need to account for sex differences in future tests of probiotics as a prophylactic treatment for MI.

Conditioned Medium from Human Amniotic Membrane-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Modulates Inflammatory and Myofibrotic Factors in Vivo

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent diagnosis with a significant mortality rate. Various therapeutic approaches exist for treating HF, and human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells-conditioned medium (hAMSCs-CM) therapy has emerged as a promising option. Despite its potential efficacy, the precise mechanism of action underlying hAMSCs-CM treatment remains unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a novel animal study to investigate the mechanism of action of hAMSCs-CM in an HF model, with a specific focus on transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/galectin-3, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and aldosterone (ALD). Methods: Forty adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control, HF, culture medium, and CM. All rats, except those in the control group, received an injection of isoproterenol to induce an animal model of HF. The CM group was administered the CM, while those in the culture medium group received standard culture media. Subsequently, serum levels of fibrotic factors, including TGF-β/galectin-3, MCP1, BNP, and ALD, were measured using ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test. Results: Serum levels of TGF-β/galectin-3, MCP1, BNP, and ALD were significantly elevated in the HF, CM, and culture medium groups compared with the control group (P&lt;0.001). Additionally, these fibrotic factors were significantly reduced in the CM group compared with the HF group (P&lt;0.001). Notably, CM therapy could not restore TGF-β/galectin-3, MCP1, BNP, or ALD levels to the normal range observed in the control group. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that hAMSCs-CM modulates the expression of inflammatory and fibrotic cytokines, such as TGF-β/galectin-3, MCP1, BNP, and ALD, in isoproterenol-induced HF in male rats. These results contribute to a better understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms underlying hAMSCs-CM treatment for HF.

Beclin1/LC3II/P62 autophagy pathway activation is involved in the protective action of C-peptide against prostate injury in a rat model of type 1 diabetes

One of the undesirable complications of diabetes is sexual dysfunctions in males which may affect their fertility. This research aims to study the effect of C-peptide administration on the prostate of diabetic rats and focusing on exploring the role of the autophagy pathway in diabetic prostate and whether it is involved in C-peptide action. Forty adult male Wistar albino rats were separated into control group, diabetic group, diabetic + C-peptide and diabetic + C-peptide + 3-Methyladenine (autophagy inhibitor). Serum metabolic parameters and prostatic specific antigen (PSA) were measured. Markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, cell proliferation and cell autophagy were evaluated in prostate tissues using biochemical, western blotting and immunohistochemical techniques. C-peptide administration ameliorated the effects of diabetes on the prostate through its hypoglycaemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects which were reversed with autophagy inhibition. Thus, we concluded that C-peptide prevented the effects of diabetes on the prostate through stimulation of the autophagy pathway.

Auditory N1 event-related potential amplitude is predictive of serum concentration of BPN14770 in fragile X syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a CGG repeat expansion ≥ 200 repeats in 5’ untranslated region of the FMR1 gene, leading to intellectual disability and cognitive difficulties, including in the domain of communication. A recent phase 2a clinical trial testing BPN14770, a phosphodiesterase 4D inhibitor, showed improved cognition in 30 adult males with FXS on drug relative to placebo. The initial study found significant improvements in clinical measures assessing cognition, language, and daily functioning in addition to marginal improvements in electroencephalography (EEG) results for the amplitude of the N1 event-related potential (ERP) component. These EEG results suggest BPN14770 improved neural hyperexcitability in FXS. The current study investigated the relationship between BPN14770 pharmacokinetics and the amplitude of the N1 ERP component from the initial data. Consistent with the original group-level finding post-period 1 of the study, participants who received BPN14770 in period 1 showed a significant correlation between N1 amplitude and serum concentration of BPN14770 measured at the end of period 1. These findings strengthen the validity of the original result, indicating that BPN14770 improves cognitive performance by modulating neural hyperexcitability. This study represents the first report of a significant correlation between a reliably abnormal EEG marker and serum concentration of a novel pharmaceutical in FXS.