Search PubMedSearch

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Respiratory Muscles”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

120 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Lung function after randomization to metformin, lifestyle intervention or placebo in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS).

INTRODUCTION: Metformin and physical activity have been suggested as beneficial for chronic lung disease; however, there are no prior randomized trials. METHODS: The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) was a 3-year trial that randomized 3234 individuals at risk for diabetes to metformin, lifestyle intervention or placebo. After the DPP, 88% of participants enrolled in the DPP Outcomes Study that offered lifestyle intervention to all and open-label continuation of metformin. Spirometry was performed at approximately 19 and 22 years post-randomization. Lung function measures were compared in an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis by original randomization group. Models were unadjusted and adjusted for demographics, body size, smoking and sitting/standing at spirometry. Additional analyses tested prevalence of obstruction (FEV1/FVC <70%), restrictive pattern (FVC&#x202f;<&#x202f;LLN and FEV1/FVC &#x2265;70%), preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm: FEV1 <80% predicted, FEV1/FVC &#x2265;70%) and symptoms (COPD Assessment Test [CAT] score &#x2265;10). RESULTS: The 1888 participants with spirometry were a mean (&#xb1;SD) age of 68.2&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;9.3 years, 70% female and 6% currently smoked and 33% had previously smoked cigarettes. Mean follow-up time was 19.0&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;0.8 years. The mean FEV1 was 2.14&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;0.60&#x202f;L, FVC 2.74&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;0.74&#x202f;L, FEV1/FVC 78.4&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;6.4%, mean BMI was 32.4&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;6.7&#x202f;kg/m2 and 58% had diabetes. In both unadjusted and adjusted ITT analyses, randomization group was not associated with FEV1, FVC or FEV1/FVC. Likewise, rates of obstruction, restrictive pattern, PRISm or symptoms did not differ by randomization group. CONCLUSIONS: In this long-term follow-up after a randomized trial, we found no significant associations between randomization to metformin or lifestyle intervention and lung function or respiratory symptoms.

Humans

Congenital Laryngomalacia: Pathophysiology, Clinical Spectrum, and Holistic Management.

Congenital laryngomalacia is the most common cause of infant stridor and arises from interacting structural, neuromuscular, and inflammatory mechanisms that produce dynamic supraglottic collapse. Disease severity spans mild stridor to significant obstruction, aspiration, and failure to thrive, often influenced by comorbid medical conditions. Diagnosis relies on flexible laryngoscopy supported by instrumental swallowing studies and microdirect laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy when indicated. Most infants respond to conservative management, particularly targeted feeding modifications, while acid suppression offers benefit in selective cases. Supraglottoplasty provides effective, durable improvement for severe disease and significantly enhances infant outcomes and family quality of life.

Humans

Hypoxaemia and mortality in children with lower respiratory infection in low-income and middle-income countries: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxaemic lower respiratory infections (LRIs) are a leading cause of childhood mortality, with the highest burden in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Hypoxaemia-low peripheral capillary oxyhaemoglobin saturation (SpO2)-is a marker of severity, and WHO recommends hospitalisation and oxygen administration for patients with SpO2 <90%. We aimed to update estimates from a 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis examining the association between hypoxaemia and mortality among children with LRIs in LMICs by incorporating studies published over the subsequent decade and evaluating mortality risk across multiple SpO2 thresholds. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis by searching PubMed, Embase, LILACS, Global Index Medicus, Web of Science, and Scopus for peer-reviewed studies published between Jan 1, 2015, and June 18, 2025, with combined terms related to pneumonia, children, mortality, and LMICs. We also included selected earlier studies through citation checking. Eligible studies reported associations between hypoxaemia and mortality in children younger than 5 years with LRIs in LMICs. We excluded case reports and case series with fewer than five deaths, studies focused exclusively on the neonatal period, and those limited to children with specific comorbidities or to postoperative patients, for consistency with the original review. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed quality. Eligible studies were combined with those from the original review and analysed using random-effects models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) by hypoxaemia threshold subgroup. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023433946). FINDINGS: We identified 7734 records; 26 new studies met inclusion criteria and were combined with 18 from the original review. The 44 studies were published between 1993 and 2024 and were primarily from Africa (25 [57%] of 44) or Asia (19 [43%]); some studies spanned multiple locations. Data from 33 studies including 155&#x2009;633 participants were included in the primary meta-analysis. Hypoxaemia of any threshold was associated with higher odds of LRI mortality (OR 4&#xb7;36 [95% CI 3&#xb7;52-5&#xb7;39]) compared with no hypoxaemia. For SpO2 <90% versus 90-100%, OR for death was 4&#xb7;75 (95% CI 3&#xb7;42-6&#xb7;58). For SpO2 90-94% versus 95-100%, mortality risk was more than twice as high (OR 2&#xb7;27 [95% CI 1&#xb7;22-4&#xb7;25]). Heterogeneity was substantial (I2 64-85% across analyses), and eight (24%) of 33 studies in the primary meta-analysis had a high overall risk of bias; however, a sensitivity analysis restricted to studies with low or moderate risk of bias yielded similar results. INTERPRETATION: SpO2 <90% strongly predicts mortality in children with LRIs in LMICs. Children with SpO2 90-94% also have elevated risk, suggesting that paediatric LRI and pneumonia treatment algorithms should consider management at this hypoxaemia threshold. FUNDING: None.

Journal Article

Comparative effects of 12-week resistance training on unstable and stable surfaces on muscle stiffness, muscle co-activation, and balance in older patients with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: This randomized trial compared the effects of unstable resistance training (URT), involving resistance exercises on unstable surfaces, and stable resistance training (SRT), performed on stable surfaces, on muscle stiffness, co-activation, and balance in older adults with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). We hypothesized that URT would yield greater improvements by enhancing neuromuscular adaptability. METHODS: Fifty patients with KOA were randomly assigned to the URT group (n&#x202f;=&#x202f;25) or the SRT group (n&#x202f;=&#x202f;25). After attrition, 46 participants (URT: n&#x202f;=&#x202f;23; SRT: n&#x202f;=&#x202f;23) completed the intervention and were included in the final analysis. Both groups completed a 12-week supervised lower-limb resistance training program (3 sessions/week) consisting of 10 exercises performed under either unstable or stable support conditions. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of intervention, both groups showed significant reductions in pain intensity (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001). However, compared with the SRT group, the URT group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in quadriceps stiffness (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05), selected hamstring stiffness outcomes (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05), and quadriceps-hamstring co-activation (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001), alongside superior improvements in both dynamic balance and static balance (all p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05). CONCLUSION: While both training modalities are effective for pain relief, URT elicited greater improvements in balance-related performance and neuromuscular-mechanical outcomes than SRT in older adults with KOA. These findings suggest that incorporating unstable support conditions into resistance training may provide additional rehabilitation benefits for this population.

Humans

Muscular fiber properties and multi-omics investigation of larval and adult locomotor muscle in Microhyla fissipes.

During metamorphosis, Microhyla fissipes undergoes a critical transition from an aquatic to a terrestrial lifestyle, accompanied by significant remodeling of skeletal muscle. Notably, larval tail muscle degenerates, while adult hindlimb muscle develops. However, the molecular mechanisms that orchestrate these muscle type-specific adaptations to the changing environment remain unclear. In this study, histological observation, transcriptomics, and metabolomics were integrated to compare locomotor muscles from two stages: larval muscle from tail versus adult muscle from hindlimb. Our results revealed that adult muscle fibers exhibited reduced diameter and shorter sarcomere length compared to those of tadpoles. Transcriptomic analysis identified 4103 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 2182 up-regulated and 1921 down-regulated genes. Up-regulated genes were mainly involved in energy metabolism and cellular homeostasis pathways, including PPAR signaling and oxidative phosphorylation, whereas down-regulated genes were associated with carbohydrate metabolism and cell proliferation pathways, such as glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and PI3K-Akt signaling. Metabolic profiling indicated a metabolic shift from anaerobic to aerobic energy production, with 57 differential metabolites identified, mainly involved in protein metabolism and insulin-related pathways. Integrated multi-omics analysis further highlighted the AMPK and FoxO signaling pathways play key roles in this process. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that the metabolic and structural differences between larval and adult skeletal muscles are mediated by AMPK- and FoxO-dependent signaling pathways, providing novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying adaptive development and locomotor transition in anuran amphibians.

Animals

Muscle mechanical and architectural adaptations in response to different endurance training modalities in older adults.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined the effects of various cycling endurance training modalities, matched for total workload, on muscle mechanical and architectural characteristics in older adults. METHODS: Fifty healthy participants (25 females, 59-79&#xa0;yrs) were randomly assigned to five age and sex matched groups: one control and four workload-matched training groups (moderate-intensity continuous, heavy-intensity continuous, high-intensity interval, and heavy-intensity continuous in eccentric cycling). Training consisted of three weekly sessions over 8&#xa0;weeks, with evaluations conducted at the beginning and end of the intervention with maximal voluntary isometric contractions at five different knee angles (90, 75, 60, 45, 30&#xb0;) and maximal concentric and eccentric isokinetic contractions at five different knee angular velocities (45, 90, 150, 210, 250&#xb0;/s). Maximum voluntary isometric torque (Tmax) and optimal knee angle (KAopt) were obtained from the isometric contractions; eccentric torque (Tecc) and maximum concentric knee angular velocity (Vmax) were obtained from the isokinetic contractions. The muscle architecture of vastus lateralis (VL) at rest (muscle thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length) was investigated as well. RESULTS: No statistical differences were detected between groups or time points in VL architecture, in KAopt and in Vmax. A main effect of time was observed for Tmax (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001, &#x3b7;2p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.458) and Tecc (p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.002, &#x3b7;2p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.191) in all the investigated training groups. The within-group comparisons indicate significant increases in Tmax in the training groups, but not in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Commonly applied endurance exercises improve muscle mechanical capacity (Tmax and Tecc) in older adults, with no structural (architectural) muscle remodelling, when matched for workload.

Humans

Genome-wide characterisation of the myosin light chain gene family in Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi) and its expression patterns in muscle fibre types and injury response.

The Class II myosin light chain (myl) genes in Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi) have not yet been systematically characterised, and relationships with muscle fibre specification, development, and injury-associated remodelling remain unclear. In this study, fast and slow muscle fibres were initially distinguished using myofibrillar ATPase histochemistry. Subsequently, genome-wide mining identified 16 Class II myl genes, comprising eight essential and eight regulatory light-chain subunits. Their conserved-domain features, chromosomal distribution, phylogenetic relationships and expression profiles were analysed. Transcriptomic profiling showed that summed myl transcript abundance was higher in fast muscle than in slow muscle, accounting for 67.2% of the pooled myl transcript pool across the two muscle types (paired t-test, raw P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.036). mylpfa, myl1 and mylz3 were the major fast-muscle-associated genes, whereas myl10, myl2b and myl13 were preferentially expressed in slow muscle at the transcript level. These patterns support these genes as candidate fibre-type-associated expression markers. Developmental profiling identified stage-associated myl expression patterns, including a possible expression shift between mylpfb and mylpfa. In the descriptive injury-repair time course (d0-d7), FPKM profiles indicated that fast-muscle-associated genes (mylpfa, mylz3 and myl1) were lower at d1 and recovered by d3, whereas several slow-muscle-associated genes showed biphasic transcript-level increases. The slow-muscle-associated RLC gene mylpfb showed a delayed expression peak at d7. Notably, the embryonic isoform myl6l showed a modest increase from approximately 2 FPKM at d0 to 4-5 FPKM after injury, suggesting a possible injury-associated expression pattern that requires further validation. Together, these findings provide a genome-wide description of the Chinese perch myl gene family and identify candidate fibre-type-associated genes and descriptive injury-associated isoform expression patterns.

Animals

Intestinal content accelerates muscle protein degradation in red shrimp (Solenocera crassicornis) during refrigeration: Insights from metagenomics and metabolomics.

This study systematically explored the effects of intestinal components on muscle quality deterioration and protein degradation of red shrimp during refrigerated storage. The results demonstrated that refrigeration induced continuous quality degradation and muscle protein breakdown in red shrimp, whereas eliminating intestinal tissues effectively retarded muscle spoilage and protein degradation, and optimized muscle texture. The intestinal microorganisms could secrete extracellular proteases to promote muscle protein degradation were primarily Vibrio, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Photobacterium, and Shewanella. These microorganisms promote protein degradation by secreting zinc proteases, serine proteases, and aspartyl proteases. This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms of intestinal microbial metabolism influences the muscle protein degradation of red shrimp during refrigeration. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for precise regulation of intestinal-targeted microorganisms, thereby maintaining optimal quality of shrimps during refrigeration.

Animals

Effects of rumen fluid transplantation on longissimus dorsi muscle development in Xizang sheep: An association analysis based on transcriptomic and serum metabolomic profiles.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of rumen fluid transplantation (RFT) on the growth and development of the longissimus dorsi muscle in female Xizang sheep. After RFT, muscle lightness differed significantly between the two groups, with the LDC group showing significantly higher lightness than the LDT group. In contrast, no significant differences were observed between groups in other muscle phenotypic traits, including drip loss, pH, cooking loss, shear force, redness, and yellowness. Antioxidant-related indices (SOD, GSH-PX, MDA, CAT, and T-AOC) also showed no significant differences between groups. Histological analysis revealed that muscle fiber length, width, and density were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group. Transcriptomic analysis identified 515 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 419 were downregulated. KEGG analysis indicated that genes involved in muscle development-related pathways, such as cell adhesion and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, were predominantly downregulated. Key serum metabolites (L-kynurenine, IPA, allantoin, and propionylcarnitine) showed highly significant positive correlations with muscle fiber growth indices. In contrast, metabolites such as l-carnitine, acetylcarnitine, and citrulline were negatively correlated with muscle fiber growth, but positively correlated with the expression of muscle structure-related genes (COL11A1 and EFNA5) and with meat lightness. Overall, this study provides new insights into the potential molecular basis by which RFT influences muscle growth and development. However, the mechanisms by which RFT affects muscle development and meat quality-related traits remain unclear and warrant further investigation.

Animals

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals ncRNA-mediated regulatory networks associated with muscle crispiness in grass carp.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be involved in muscle development and to function as key regulators. However, the molecular mechanism underlying muscle crispiness in grass carp (GC) remains poorly understood, and whether these ncRNAs are involved in its regulation is still unknown. In the current investigation, differentially expressed (DE) RNAs (including lncRNAs, circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs) were identified; concomitantly, target genes prediction was conducted, and functional and signaling pathway enrichment analyses were performed. Pathways related to muscle crispiness were identified, and the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) (lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA) regulatory network was further constructed. The results showed that a total of 126 DE-lncRNAs, 17 DE-circRNAs, 329 DE-miRNAs, and 442 DE-mRNAs were identified in muscle tissues of both the GC and crisp grass carp (CGC). GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that target genes of DE-ncRNAs were significantly enriched in signaling pathways, including structural constituents of muscle, apoptosis, oxidative phosphorylation, and regulation of actin cytoskeleton, suggesting that these pathways may be involved in muscle texture remodeling. Subsequently, DE-RNAs enriched in related pathways were identified, and a core ceRNA regulation network comprising 3 lncRNAs, 4 circRNAs, 3 miRNAs, and 17 mRNAs was constructed. Additionally, 10 DE-RNAs from randomly selected groups were validated by qRT-PCR. Our findings not only provide scientific evidence elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle crispiness in GC but also establish a foundation for studying changes in muscle textural qualities across other fish species.

Animals

Transcriptomic insights into temperature regulation of proliferation and differentiation in skeletal muscle cells of Nibea albiflora.

Myogenesis involves sequential stages of muscle satellite cell activation, myoblast proliferation, differentiation, and fusion into multinucleated myotubes. Teleost muscle exhibits indeterminate growth and is highly sensitive to environmental temperature, yet the underlying mechanisms by which temperature regulate proliferation and differentiation remain poorly understood. In this study, we established a primary skeletal muscle cell culture from the yellow drum (Nibea albiflora), an economically important marine fish, and integrated morphological observations with comparative transcriptomics analysis to characterize cellular and molecular responses at 28&#xa0;&#xb0;C and 20&#xa0;&#xb0;C during both proliferation and differentiation stages. Phenotypic analysis revealed that 28&#xa0;&#xb0;C significantly enhanced both myoblast proliferation and myogenic differentiation ability compared with 20&#xa0;&#xb0;C. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that at 28&#xa0;&#xb0;C, differentiation upregulated extracellular matrix(ECM) organization, calcium signaling, and sarcomere assembly, while proliferation enhanced focal adhesion, growth factor signaling, and lipid metabolism. At 20&#xa0;&#xb0;C, differentiation was characterized by glutathione metabolism, and ferroptosis, while proliferation involved cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and negative regulation of signal transduction. Core myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), particularly myogenin, were strongly upregulated at 28&#xa0;&#xb0;C during the differentiation stage, serving as an internal control. Based on these findings, we propose a testable model that elevated temperature coordinates Ca2+-dependent MRF activation with ECM-integrin signaling to drive sarcomere assembly and muscle growth. Key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) regulating myogenesis in N. albiflora were also identified. This study provides a mechanistic framework for temperature adaptation in teleost skeletal muscle and identifies candidate genes for functional validation and marker-assisted selection, as well as a rationale for temperature management strategies to improve aquaculture yield of N. albiflora.

Animals

Muscle Massage Adding Capacitive Resistive Electric Transfer Therapy in Active or Sham Condition for Post-Exercise Recovery in Athletes: A Crossover Clinical Trial.

The increasing demands of elite sports reduce recovery time, impair performance, and increase injury risk. Efficient lactate transport is essential for postexercise recovery. Capacitive resistive electric transfer (CRET) therapy enhances deep tissue heating, induces vasodilation, and promotes circulation. To evaluate whether adding active CRET to a standardized muscle recovery massage, compared with the same massage plus sham CRET, influences indicators of muscle recovery following a maximal anaerobic effort test. A randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled, and crossover clinical trial was conducted in 25 athletes. Participants completed four visits and, after the maximal power and anaerobic capacity test (Wingate test), received a standardized muscle recovery massage combined with either active CRET or sham CRET. Blood lactate levels, muscle oxygenation, muscle thickness, echogenicity, knee extension force, and muscle activity were assessed before and after the test, after treatment, and 24&#xa0;hours later. Compared with massage plus sham CRET, massage plus active CRET was associated with lower blood lactate concentration at 60&#xa0;min postexercise (p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.029). Ultrasound-derived muscle thickness and echogenicity also differed between conditions at several time points (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in Wingate test performance, force, muscle activity, and oxygenation between conditions. In athletes performing repeated Wingate exercise, adding active CRET to massage was associated with lower blood lactate concentration at 60&#xa0;min postexercise and with differences in ultrasound-derived muscle thickness and echogenicity compared with sham CRET plus massage. However, these between-condition differences were not accompanied by clear short-term functional recovery benefits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06906146.

Humans

Comparative analysis of histological and transcriptomic characteristics in caudal muscles of nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus), siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis), and their hybrids.

Crocodylus niloticus and Crocodylus siamensis are high-value aquaculture species. C. niloticus is large-bodied but less abundant, while C. siamensis grows fast but is small-sized. Their hybrids combine parental advantages, yet relevant research is scarce. This study compared the histological and transcriptomic characteristics of the caudal muscle across the three taxa. HE staining indicated that C. niloticus had significantly larger myofiber diameters (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05); C. siamensis had the smallest, and the myofiber density of hybrids was much closer to that of C. siamensis. Masson's trichrome staining indicated that C. niloticus had the thickest collagen fibers (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05), C. siamensis the thinnest, and hybrids exhibited highly similar histological traits to C. siamensis. C. niloticus had higher LDH and SDH activities in caudal muscles, whereas the hybrid crocodile indicated the highest CK activity. Transcriptomic analysis identified numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were enriched in growth, muscle metabolism, and energy allocation pathways via GO/KEGG annotations. PPI analysis screened 24 hub genes related to energy metabolism. This study systematically reveals caudal muscle differences, providing insights into growth-related molecular mechanisms and theoretical support for crocodile artificial breeding.

Animals

Effects of passive blood flow restriction on muscle function following exercise-induced muscle damage in recreationally active males.

This investigation examined the effects of passive blood flow restriction (pBFR) on indices of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in recreationally active males. Fifteen males completed six consecutive visits (&#xb1;2&#x2009;hours). Participants completed 3&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;25 maximal, unilateral, isokinetic (60&#xb0;&#xb7;s-1), concentric-eccentric leg extensions on both legs. Each leg was randomly assigned to receive pBFR (80% arterial occlusion pressure) or sham (20&#x2009;mmHg) at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96&#x2009;hours post-EIMD. Perceived muscle soreness, range of motion (ROM), pain pressure threshold (PPT), concentric peak torque (CPT), and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque were assessed and analyzed using separate linear mixed-effects models. Perceived muscle soreness increased at 24&#x2009;hours (mean difference [meandiff] = 4.9 au; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) and recovered by 96&#x2009;hours (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.482), with no differences between conditions (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.450). ROM (meandiff&#x2009;=&#x2009;-3.1&#xb0;; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.040), PPT (meandiff&#x2009;=&#x2009;-1.63 kgf; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), CPT (meandiff&#x2009;=&#x2009;-27.7&#x2009;Nm; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), and MVIC torque (meandiff&#x2009;=&#x2009;-30.8&#x2009;Nm; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) decreased at 24&#x2009;hours, with recovery occurring between 48-96&#x2009;hours. Condition-specific differences were observed for ROM (meandiff&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.5&#xb0;; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), PPT (meandiff&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.49 kgf; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.005), CPT (meandiff&#x2009;=&#x2009;6.2&#x2009;Nm; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.020), and MVIC torque (meandiff&#x2009;=&#x2009;7.1&#x2009;Nm; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.044), which were greater in pBFR than sham. These findings suggested that pBFR may reduce impairments in ROM, PPT, CPT, and MVIC torque following EIMD, despite a similar recovery trajectory between conditions.

Humans

Developing low-carbon metered-dose inhalers: effects of propellant HFA-152a on mucociliary clearance and bronchoconstriction in two Phase 1 randomised trials.

BACKGROUND: To reduce the impact of respiratory care on climate change, metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) are being reformulated with low-global warming potential (GWP) propellants. Next-generation propellant hydrofluoroalkane (HFA)-152a has >90% lower GWP than HFA-134a. As part of the safety evaluation for HFA-152a, mucociliary clearance (MCC), bronchoconstriction and safety were compared with HFA-134a. METHODS: Two Phase 1, randomised, two-way crossover studies (NCT06506266/NCT06702462) were conducted. MCC study: healthy participants inhaled HFA-152a and HFA-134a in two 7-day sequences. MCC was quantified as area under radiolabelled particle retention time curve over 4&#x202f;h (AUC0-4h) after nebulised 99mTc sulphur colloid, following each propellant. Bronchoconstriction study: patients with mild asthma inhaled single doses of HFA-152a and HFA-134a. Non-inferiority of HFA-152a versus HFA-134a was defined as percent change in FEV1 (litres), 15&#x202f;min post dose (95% confidence intervals [CI]: lower limit >-10%, upper limit >0%). Both studies assessed safety. RESULTS: In 22 healthy participants, the impact on MCC did not differ between HFA-134a and HFA-152a (AUC0-4h geometric mean ratio [90% CI]: 1.00 [0.99,&#xa0;1.01]). In 19 patients with mild asthma, neither HFA-152a nor HFA-134a induced bronchoconstriction (percent change in FEV1 at 15&#x202f;min: -0.37% [HFA-152a] vs -0.60% [HFA-134a]); HFA-152a was non-inferior to HFA-134a (mean difference [95% CI]: 0.23% [-3.61,&#xa0;4.07]). Adverse event (AE) rates were low and similar for both propellants in both studies; all AEs were mild, with no serious AEs or deaths. CONCLUSION: HFA-152a and HFA-134a had almost identical effects on MCC, neither induced bronchoconstriction, supporting MDI reformulation with the low-GWP propellant HFA-152a.

Humans

Integrated miRNA-mRNA profiling reveals candidate regulatory relationships associated with high-fat diet-induced muscle lipid deposition in black seabream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii).

High-fat diets are increasingly used in aquaculture due to their protein-sparing effects; however, the post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of fish muscle in response to high-fat diets (HFD) remain unclear. In this study, juvenile black seabream were fed either a normal-fat diet (NFD) or a HFD to investigate the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network associated with diet-induced muscle lipid deposition. Oil Red O staining and biochemical analysis showed that high-fat diet feeding markedly increased lipid droplet accumulation and crude lipid content in muscle, indicating significant induction of muscle lipid deposition. Integrated mRNA and miRNA expression profiling revealed substantial transcriptomic and post-transcriptional responses to high-fat diet challenge. A total of 271 differentially expressed genes were identified, including 120 upregulated and 151 downregulated genes. Through combined target prediction and expression correlation analysis, thirteen candidate inverse miRNA-mRNA relationships were subsequently identified, and RT-qPCR supported the expression patterns of selected miRNAs and mRNAs. These pairs included miR-499-x-dmgdh, miR-499-y-gatm, miR-727-y-ass1, miR-4649-x-foxo4, miR-9129-z-myl7, and several novel miRNA-mediated interactions involving adk, chst11, lypla2, frem2, kcnc4, wars1, bag2, and capn2. Functional analysis suggested that these regulatory pairs were mainly associated with metabolic adaptation, structural remodeling, and cellular stress responses. In particular, gatm, dmgdh, ass1, and adk were associated with energy metabolism-related processes, including pathways previously linked to Ampk regulation, whereas myl7, frem2, and kcnc4 may contribute to muscle structural maintenance and excitability regulation. Overall, this study provides candidate miRNA-mRNA regulatory relationships potentially involved in high-fat diet-induced muscle lipid deposition and adaptive remodeling in black seabream, offering a basis for future functional studies on muscle metabolism and quality regulation in marine fish.

Animals

Prognostic value of the lactate-to-albumin ratio in adult sepsis: An updated systematic review of prognostic evidence.

BACKGROUND: The lactate-to-albumin ratio (LAR) has emerged as a potential prognostic biomarker in sepsis. This systematic review evaluated the prognostic value of LAR for mortality in adults with sepsis or septic shock. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception through March 2026. Studies evaluating mortality-related prognostic performance of LAR in adults with sepsis or septic shock were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality In Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were evaluated separately because of methodological heterogeneity. Discrimination was assessed using study-specific area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and LAR thresholds. RESULTS: Fourteen primary studies were included. Higher LAR was consistently associated with increased mortality across emergency department and intensive care populations. AUC values generally ranged from approximately 0.65 to 0.87, although one smaller cohort reported an AUC of 0.976. Several multivariable analyses demonstrated associations between higher LAR and mortality after adjustment for clinical covariates. Adjusted ORs and HRs were not pooled because of differences in LAR scaling, thresholds, mortality endpoints, and adjustment strategies. Considerable variability was observed in reported cut-offs and diagnostic performance. CONCLUSIONS: Higher LAR is associated with mortality in adult sepsis and may provide complementary prognostic information. However, clinical and methodological heterogeneity precludes a universal cut-off or single pooled adjusted effect. Standardized prospective multicenter studies are required before routine clinical implementation.

Humans

Low Carbohydrate Availability in Energy Balance Alters Bone Turnover and Muscle Proteomic Response With Limited Endocrine Disruption.

Training with low carbohydrate availability (LCA) has been proposed as an independent determinant of physiological perturbations commonly attributed to low energy availability (LEA) and to increase skeletal muscle oxidative machinery, yet the effects of LCA in isolation from LEA remain unclear. We examined whether short-term carbohydrate restriction under energy balance alters endocrine and metabolic markers associated with LEA and skeletal muscle proteomic response. In a randomized crossover design, eight trained males completed 4&#x2009;days of either a low-carbohydrate high-fat diet (LOW; 12% carbohydrate, 69% fat, 19% protein) or a normal-carbohydrate diet (NORM; 62% carbohydrate, 19% fat, 19% protein), while undertaking daily cycloergometer exercise (15&#x2009;kcal kg FFM-1 day-1) and maintaining energy availability at 45&#x2009;kcal kg FFM-1 day-1. LOW induced a clear metabolic shift consistent with LCA, evidenced by elevated circulating free fatty acids, glycerol and &#x3b2;-hydroxybutyrate, in fasting conditions and fat oxidation at rest and during exercise, alongside reduced exercise glucose concentrations. Despite these responses, LOW did not alter insulin, testosterone, triiodothyronine, leptin, hepcidin, or P1NP. In contrast, &#x3b2;-CTX increased and IGF-1 decreased relative to NORM. Muscle glycogen concentration decreased only in LOW (40%&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;14%). Proteomic analysis identified 671 proteins; 57 differentially expressed in LOW relative to NORM were limited to fatty acid metabolism pathways and suppression of ribosomal, sarcomeric, and extracellular matrix proteins. These findings indicate that isolated LCA exerts limited endocrine disruption but may selectively compromise bone turnover and muscle anabolic response, suggesting that without acute LEA, LCA has limited influence on muscle oxidative phenotype.

Male