The impact of track and field training on dynapenia: gender differences in age-related decline of vertical jump performance among older adults.

Introduction: Alongside sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle strength and power, known as dynapenia, increases the risk of functional disability and mortality in older adults. However, engaging in sporting activities during old age appears to enhance functional capacity. The differences in effects between athletes and sedentary individuals, as well as between genders, have yet to be fully clarified.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy: pathophysiology, imaging assessment and therapeutical strategies.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors in the general population, being associated with high morbidity and socioeconomic burden. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a non-negligible complication of DM, whose pathophysiological fundaments are the altered cardiac metabolism, the hyperglycemia-triggered formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and the inflammatory milieu which are typical in diabetic patients. These metabolic abnormalities lead to cardiomyocytes apoptosis, interstitial fibrosis and mechanical cardiac dysfunction, which can be identified with non-invasive imaging techniques, like echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance.

Atomistic insights into liquid crystals of board-like molecules via molecular dynamics simulation.

As the temperature decreases, rigid anisotropic molecules that usually incorporate polar groups, aromatic rings or multiple bonds, orient along a common direction, eventually forming liquid-crystalline phases under specific thermodynamic conditions. This study explores the phase behavior and dynamics of board-shaped mesogens with a 1,4,5,8-tetraphenyl-anthraquinone core and four lateral arms forming an oligo(phenyleneethynylene) scaffold. These molecules are promising candidates for forming the elusive biaxial nematic phase.

Acute local and non-local morphological, sensory and fluid responses to stretching and foam rolling in young females.

Background: This study aimed to compare and examine the local and non-local effects of a foam rolling (FR) and static stretching (SS) intervention applied to the plantar flexor (PF).

Methods: Fourteen female participants were investigated. Each participant underwent three conditions in a random order at least 48h apart and at the same time of the day: Control (CC), SS, and FR.