Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) carry substantial extra-muscular comorbidities. The purpose of this review is to provide a focused synthesis of recent population-based data on the epidemiology of key comorbidities in IIMs: atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), venous thromboembolism (VTE), psychiatric and neurocognitive disorders, and bone health. IIM patients have approximately two-fold increased risk of ASCVD and of other cardiovascular events, like VTE. These risks likely result from several factors, including chronic systemic inflammation, physical inactivity, treatment side effects. Anti-HMGCR immune necrotizing inflammatory myopathy (IMNM), is a subtype of IIM that requires special consideration regarding dyslipidemia management, where statin alternatives are necessary. Furthermore, psychiatric and neurocognitive comorbidities are common, and likely under-recognized among IIM patients, and perhaps especially so in inclusion body myositis (IBM) patients. Finally, IIM patients have an increased risk of accelerated bone loss likely due to systemic inflammation, muscle damage and physical inactivity, and glucocorticoid exposure. Cardiovascular care, psychiatric/neurocognitive disorders, and osteopenia/osteoporosis are highly prevalent and often underrecognized in IIMs. Effective management of these IIM-associated comorbidities requires a multidisciplinary, comprehensive care approach, and further work is needed to adapt existing risk-stratification and screening tools for the unique needs of IIMs patients.

Low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) has gained popularity for eliciting muscular adaptations comparable to high-load resistance training. However, its acute metabolic and electrolyte responses within the exercising limb, particularly under exhaustive conditions, remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to assess these responses using simultaneous arterial and venous blood sampling during unilateral elbow flexion to volitional failure under three conditions: low-load (LL-RT, 30%1RM), low-load with BFR (LL-BFR-RT, 30%1RM, 50%LOP), and high-load (HL-RT, 75%1RM). Ten healthy men (26.8 ± 4.6 years) completed all exercise conditions in a randomized cross-over design. Catheters were placed in the radial artery and antecubital vein of the exercising arm. Serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were assessed as indirect muscle damage markers. LL-RT produced the highest total workload (692 ± 251kg), exceeding both LL-BFR-RT (378 ± 58.7kg) and HL-RT (327 ± 65.1kg, p < 0.001). Muscle pain perception assessed using a visual analog scale increased during exercise, with a highest level in LL-BFR-RT (p < 0.01). LL-BFR-RT also induced the most pronounced venous perturbations (e.g., reduced pH and sO2, elevated pCO2 and K+), while arterial responses remained modest across conditions. CK increased slightly at 48h post-exercise across all conditions (p = 0.036), while LDH was highest following HL-RT (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that LL-BFR-RT to failure induces substantial local metabolic and ionic stress within the exercising limb despite reduced mechanical loading. The marked venous disturbances, alongside minimal increases in systemic damage markers, support its use as a metabolically potent yet mechanically efficient training modality when applied with care.

Purpose: This review examines the ergogenic potential of taurine in athletes, focusing on its effects on aerobic and anaerobic performance, exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), recovery, and neurological aspects such as pain perception and cognitive focus. It also considers how dose, timing, and duration (acute vs. chronic use) influence outcomes.Materials and Methods: A narrative review of 19 peer-reviewed studies (RCTs, meta-analyses, observational research) from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted. Studies involved swimming, running, cycling, speed skating, and resistance training. Taurine doses ranged from 0.05–6 g/day. Outcomes included VO2max, time to exhaustion, time-trial performance, anaerobic power (Wingate, vertical jump), biomarkers of muscle damage (CK, LDH), oxidative stress (MDA, SOD, GSH), pain, and RPE.Results: Effects varied by exercise type and dosing. In anaerobic tasks, acute taurine (6 g) enhanced peak and mean power and lowered RPE in elite athletes, while broader data indicate improved vertical jump. Endurance results were inconsistent: some studies showed no changes in VO2max or time-trial performance, whereas others reported increased time to exhaustion and greater lipid use. Taurine consistently reduced CK, LDH, and MDA after exercise, especially 24–48 hours post-effort. It also affected pain perception up to 96 hours and showed neuroprotective properties in animal models.Conclusions: Taurine is a safe option for reducing EIMD and oxidative stress, supporting recovery. Ergogenic benefits appear stronger in anaerobic, high-power activities than in endurance sports, where outcomes are mixed and may relate to non-responder effects in elite athletes. Taurine’s influence on lipid metabolism and lactate kinetics suggests support for anaerobic energy processes. Further research should refine dosing strategies and explore neuroprotective roles in contact sports.

The journal retracts the article titled "Muscle Damage and Performance after Single and Multiple Simulated Matches in University Elite Female Soccer Players" [...].

Eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is commonly assessed using isokinetic dynamometer in research; however, their limited accessibility necessitates exploration of alternative resistance modalities, such as free weights. This study compared the magnitude and time course of EIMD in the elbow flexors following eccentric exercises using either free weights or an isokinetic dynamometer in trained men. Seventeen resistance-trained males (&gt;3 years experience) were randomly assigned to free weights (n = 8) or isokinetic dynamometer (n = 9) groups and performed four sets of 10 maximal eccentric contractions. EIMD was assessed using maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), muscle thickness, and echo intensity at baseline, immediately postexercise, and across 96 h of recovery. Significant time effects were observed for MVIC (−37% immediately post, −18% at 96 h) and DOMS (∼4 cm increase) in both groups (p &lt; 0.001), with no significant group differences or interactions (p &gt; 0.05). Muscle thickness increased transiently (∼12% postexercise; p &lt; 0.001), whereas echo intensity remained unchanged (p &gt; 0.285). Although statistical differences were absent between the modalities, the magnitude of functional decline (−20–50% MVIC) and DOMS increases are practically relevant for coaches and practitioners, as they provide guidance for planning eccentric training and managing recovery. These findings indicate that free weights eccentric training using 140% of concentric 10RM induces muscle damage comparable to that of isokinetic protocols. Free weights thus represents a viable and accessible option for coaches seeking to apply eccentric loading in trained individuals, provided sufficient recovery is ensured.

Background: Ultramarathon running represents an extreme physiological and metabolic challenge. Despite its growing popularity among recreational and competitive runners, evidence-based guidance for nutrition, energy balance, and recovery remains limited. Understanding metabolic response and hormonal regulation during such events is crucial for improving athletes’ health and performance. Methods: This prospective observational study examined participants of the 2024 TorTour de Ruhr® (100 km, 160.9 km, and 230 km). Pre- and post-race assessments included body composition, energy intake and expenditure, metabolic and hormonal biomarkers (leptin, ghrelin, insulin, glucagon, irisin, creatine kinase muscle type (CKM), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)), and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Blood and saliva samples, bioimpedance analysis, and validated symptom questionnaires (General Assessment of Side Effects (GASE)) were used. Results: Of the 43 ultra runners (16 women, 27 men), 39 finished the race: 19 participants of the 100 km group, 8 of the 160.9 km group, and 16 of the 230 km group. Mean energy deficit was 6797 kcal (range: 417–18,364 kcal) with carbohydrate-dominant fueling (79%). Significant reductions in leptin and insulin and increases in ghrelin, glucagon, CKM, and LDH were observed, indicating disrupted energy homeostasis and muscle damage. The 230 km subgroup showed the greatest changes. Gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal symptoms increased post-race, aligning with biomarker patterns. Conclusions: Ultramarathon participation induces profound disturbances in metabolic and structural integrity, regardless of race distance. These findings underline the importance of developing individualized nutritional and recovery strategies and highlight the need for future research to investigate how energy deficit and macronutrient composition interact to influence metabolic strain and post-race recovery.

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) compromises neuromuscular function and reduces exercise tolerance. Whether muscle oxidative capacity (MOC), an index of mitochondrial function, is reduced by EIMD or influences neuromuscular recovery remains unknown. This study tested the hypotheses that EIMD would reduce MOC and that higher baseline (BL) MOC would be associated with faster recovery of neuromuscular efficiency (NME). Fourteen healthy adults (23 ± 3 yrs; 7M/7F) completed neuromuscular testing, and a subset of nine participants (24 ± 3 yrs; 6M/3F) underwent MOC assessment. MOC was determined from the recovery kinetics of muscle oxygen consumption using near-infrared spectroscopy during repeated arterial occlusions. MOC was determined at BL and 1H, 24H, 48H, and 1 week after damage. EIMD was induced by eccentric contractions until maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was reduced by 40%. Participants returned 1H, 24H, 48H, and 1 week after damage to perform intermittent isometric contractions to task failure. NME at exercise onset was determined as the ratio of MVC-normalized EMG root mean square (%) to torque output (Nm). EIMD did not reduce MOC (BL: 1.93 ± 1.39min- 1; 1H: 2.14 ± 2.20min- 1). Compared to BL (0.23 ± 0.11 Nm/%), NME was reduced at 1H (0.15 ± 0.07 Nm/%; p < 0.05) and 24H (0.18 ± 0.10 Nm/%; p < 0.01) but not 48H (0.27 ± 0.11 Nm/%; p = 0.99). Higher MOC at BL was associated with faster recovery of NME (p = 0.04; r2 = 0.44). These findings suggest MOC may support neuromuscular recovery despite being unaffected by muscle damage.

In modern poultry production, oxidative stress has emerged as a pivotal factor compromising the health status and overall performance of broiler. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary quercetagetin (QG) supplementation on hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )-induced oxidative damage in breast muscle of broilers, focusing on growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant function, and elucidating the underlying mechanisms. Two hundred and forty one-day-old Cobb broilers were randomly divided into three treatment groups: the control group, the H 2 O 2 group and the H 2 O 2 + QG group. The control and H 2 O 2 groups were fed a basal diet, and the QG group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg QG. The control group was intraperitoneally injected with normal saline, and the other two groups were treated with the same volume of 10% H 2 O 2 solution on day 37. The experimental period was 42 days. The results showed that H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress increased the levels of drip loss, cooking loss, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and oxidation products in the breast muscle, and damaged the mitochondrial function. Compared with the control group, the mRNA expressions of glutathione peroxidase ( GSH-Px ), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 ( NQO1 ), catalase ( CAT ), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 ( Nrf2 ), transferrin receptor protein 1 ( TFR1 ), and ferritin heavy chain 1 ( FTH1 ) in the breast muscle were decreased ( p &amp;lt; 0.05). The addition of QG to the diet reduced the levels of ROS and oxidation products ( p &amp;lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, the addition of QG to the diet increased the mRNA expressions of Nrf2 and TFR1 , showing no significant difference from those of the control group. In conclusion, H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress impairs breast muscle quality, mitochondrial function, and antioxidant capacity in broilers. Dietary QG alleviates oxidative stress and improves meat quality by regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and ferroptosis-related mechanisms. This mechanism-based finding supports QG as a safe and effective dietary additive for broiler production, providing a practical solution to enhance animal health, stabilize meat quality, and promote the sustainability of intensive poultry farming.

Heterogenous quadriceps femoris inter-head but consistent intra-head rigidity changes after voluntary eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is an idiosyncratic reaction to neuroleptic antipsychotic drugs that work on central dopaminergic receptors. The typical symptoms of NMS are fever, decreased consciousness, rigidity, and autonomic disorders that arise when the patient takes neuroleptics. With an incidence of 0.01% - 3.2% of patients using neuroleptic drugs NMS is a rare condition, but has a high mortality rate (5-20%) Management includes stopping the causative agent, supportive therapy aimed at lowering the temperature and management of complications due to NMS. We report our patient, a 49 year old man with symptoms of high fever, decreased consciousness and rigidity, with a history of using aripiprazole, a neuroleptic antipsychotic drug, supporting evidence of muscle damage (CK 25,451 U/L) and Acute Kidney Injury (BUN/Cr). : 142/7.16), hyperthermia to 41.3 degrees was controlled on the second day of treatment, NMS war succesfully managed at 14th day, with the muscle damage parameter returned to normal (CK 188 U/L).Patient shows signs of sepsis and died at 19th day of treatment because of sepsis and multiorgan failure. Early recognition of NMS, aggressiveness in treating hyperthermia is very essential and can reduce morbidity or mortality due to NMS.

Effects of oral and intravenous dimethylglycine treatment on hematobiochemical profiles and total oxidant/antioxidant status in low-intensity exercised horses.

Is thermography capable of identifying physiological stress induced by a protocol of repeated sprints in university athletes?

Quantitative proteomic analysis to comprehend the Trimeresurus erythrurus (Red-Tailed Bamboo Pit Viper) venom proteins (toxins) and their correlation with lethality, preclinical toxicity, and clinical manifestations in envenomed patients.

How can Mentha piperita oil affect Trichinella spiralis adults and larvae? In vitro and in vivo studies.

Assessing Postpartum Levator Ani Muscle Recovery: A Feasibility Study on Automated Texture Analysis in Transvaginal Ultrasound.

Effect of cold compression and ice therapy on muscle recovery after plyometric exercise: A randomized crossover trial.

Background. Cold-water immersion (CWI) is a commonly used recovery strategy among athletes, but evidence of its effectiveness remains inconsistent due to variations in protocols and outcome measures. Objectives. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of CWI on post-exercise recovery in athletes, focusing on physiological, performance, and perceptual outcomes. Materials and Methods. Following PRISMA guidelines and PROSPERO registration (CRD420251068097), four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2000 and 2024. Studies were included if they achieved a PEDro score ≥6. Twelve RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Data were synthesized narratively, supported by vote-counting and harvest plots, as heterogeneity prevented meta-analysis. Results. CWI consistently reduced delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and muscle damage biomarkers (e.g., creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase) within 24–48 hours post-exercise. Several trials also reported improvements in subjective recovery. The effects on neuromuscular performance (e.g., sprinting, countermovement jump) were mixed and appeared context-dependent. Evidence regarding inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6, CRP) was limited and inconclusive. Variability in water temperature, immersion duration, and timing contributed to inconsistent outcomes across studies. Conclusions. The findings indicate that moderate-to-strong evidence supports the short-term use of CWI to reduce muscle soreness and damage, as well as to enhance perceptual recovery. The effects on performance and inflammation remain unclear, emphasizing the need for protocol standardization. CWI remains a practical tool for athletes, especially in high-load or congested schedules, but its application should be individualized.

Background Cold water immersion (CWI) is widely used to aid post-exercise recovery in athletes. It can reduce soreness and accelerate readiness, but routine use may blunt hypertrophic adaptations after resistance training. The effects on acute recovery, neuromuscular function and long-term adaptations remain debated. Aim This study reviews physiological and functional outcomes of post-exercise CWI, focusing on recovery and adaptation across training modalities. Materials and methods A systematic search in PubMed and Google Scholar identified studies on post-exercise CWI in healthy participants (2008–2023). Included studies were mechanistic, acute, longitudinal interventions and meta-analyses. Outcomes assessed were soreness, perceived recovery, neuromuscular performance, anabolic signaling and long-term adaptations in resistance and endurance training. Data extracted included participants, exercise type, CWI protocol (temperature, duration, site, timing), comparators and outcomes. Findings emphasized randomized trials and meta-analyses. Results Meta-analyses show that CWI reduces delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) at 24–96 h and improves perceived recovery. Markers of muscle damage or inflammation are inconsistent. CWI aids short-term performance, especially with limited recovery or heat stress. In hypertrophy-focused resistance training, regular use may reduce muscle growth and type II fiber adaptations. In endurance training, effects are largely neutral. Responses vary according to sex, training status and context; protocol differences and expectancy effects add variability. Conclusions CWI should be used strategically: most useful for rapid recovery (e.g., tournaments, multiple sessions, heat stress), but avoided after hypertrophy-focused resistance training. In endurance phases, CWI is adaptation-neutral and may support day-to-day recovery.

Muscle damage and systemic stress responses are common consequences of intense physical exertion. However, the extent to which these responses vary according to the severity of muscular strain remains unclear. We conducted a field-based study involving 24 active-duty elite military personnel who participated in five distinct operational missions in Brazil. Circulating levels of 36 plasma biomarkers were assessed and compared between individuals presenting moderate or exacerbated muscular response, defined by serum creatine kinase (CK) concentrations below or above 1000 U/L, respectively. Statistical comparisons and multivariate logistic regression were performed to evaluate associations between biomarker levels and muscular response severity. Our analysis revealed that individuals with exacerbated response exhibited distinct systemic profiles, marked by elevated tissue injury markers, reduced eosinophil and lymphocyte counts, and lower adrenal steroid hormone concentrations. Furthermore, regression models identified creatine kinase muscle-brain (CKMB) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as independently associated with higher CK levels, while heightened eosinophil counts showed a potential protective trend. These findings suggest that greater degrees of muscular stress are associated with broader systemic dysregulation, and that specific circulating biomarkers may serve as indicators of individual susceptibility to acute stress in high-demand physical environments.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-26196-6.

Background. Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by multisystem involvement. Treatment can be challenging, particularly in refractory cases unresponsive to conventional therapies, for which standardized management protocols are lacking. An increased activation of the type I interferon (IFN-I) pathway has been demonstrated in patients with dermatomyositis, providing a rationale for the use of anifrolumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the IFN-I receptor, already approved for systemic lupus erythematosus and particularly effective on cutaneous manifestations. Materials and Methods We report the case of a 57-year-old woman with anti–TIF-1γ–positive dermatomyositis, diagnosed in May 2024, with a history of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma treated with surgery and chemotherapy (August 2024–February 2025). At rheumatologic evaluation in March 2025, the disease was clinically active with extensive cutaneous involvement, including heliotrope rash, malar rash without sparing of the nasolabial folds, diffuse erythema of the limbs, back, and décolleté, palmar and facial telangiectasias, and distal ulcers on the hands and right ear (Cutaneous Dermatomyositis Disease Area and Severity Index – CDASI: Activity 29, Damage 5). The patient also reported disabling myalgia and progressive gait impairment (Medical Research Council scale – MRC 45/60). Previous treatments (steroids, hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate mofetil, intravenous immunoglobulins, and anakinra) were ineffective or discontinued due to adverse events, while rituximab was considered inappropriate because of her oncologic history. Therefore, monthly intravenous anifrolumab therapy was initiated. Results. After two months of anifrolumab treatment, marked clinical improvement was observed in both cutaneous (CDASI Activity 12; Damage 4) (Figure 1A–C, Figure 2A–B) and muscular domains (MRC 50/60), with no adverse events reported, including serious infections. The improvement allowed progressive corticosteroid tapering (from 25 mg to 5 mg of prednisone) without elevation of muscle damage markers or disease flare. Conclusions. This case suggests that anifrolumab may represent a promising therapeutic option for refractory dermatomyositis. Controlled studies are warranted to confirm its efficacy and safety in this indication.