BACKGROUND: Exercise therapy improves glycemic control and reduces cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, access to professionally supervised programs is limited, particularly for older adults. Home-based, weather-independent, exercise options have yet to be investigated in detail. OBJECTIVE: The present study examined the effects of a self-directed, low-to-moderate intensity dance exercise program performed at home on glycemic control and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older adults with T2D. METHODS: In this single-arm, intervention study, 20 elderly patients with T2D (median age, 70.5 years) participated in a standardized, unsupervised, home-based, aerobic dance program ("DaredeMo Dance") for at least 20 min per day for 12 weeks. The program was designed to be of low-to-moderate intensity, namely < 4 metabolic equivalents (METs). Primary outcomes were changes in HbA1c, glycoalbumin (GA), and HRQOL (assessed using SF-36v2). Secondary outcomes included body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). RESULTS: After 12 weeks, significant improvements were observed in BMI (23.4 to 23.2 kg/m2, P = 0.002), systolic BP (134.0 to 125.0 mmHg, P = 0.004), diastolic BP (72.0 to 67.5 mmHg, P = 0.040), HbA1c (7.3 to 7.0%, P = 0.0012), and FPG (150 to 140 mg/dL, P = 0.034). HRQOL improved in all eight domains of SF-36v2, with significant improvements in Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, and Mental Health. CONCLUSIONS: A standardized, indoor, low-to-moderate intensity, dance program improved glycemic control and HRQOL in older adults with T2D. This approach offers a safe, accessible, and sustainable exercise option for those with limited access to professional guidance. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13340-025-00854-6.
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- časopisecké články MeSH
AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Glucagon plays a pivotal role in the development of hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that hyperglucagonemia based on measurements of pancreas-specific glucagon is present in diabetic ketosis/ketoacidosis (DK/DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), and if so, to explore factors contributing to that hyperglucagonemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 109 patients (92 with DK/DKA, and 17 with HHS) were investigated. Pancreas-specific glucagon levels were measured with a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at treatment initiation. The relationships of plasma glucagon levels, serum ketone bodies levels, and endogenous insulin secretion were assessed. The change in plasma glucagon levels after treatment was also assessed. RESULTS: The median plasma glucagon level was significantly higher in the HHS group (142.9 pg/mL) than in the DK/DKA group (63.6 pg/mL). In the DK/DKA group, the plasma glucagon level was positively correlated with the serum ketone bodies level (ρ = 0.55, P < 0.0001), but there was no correlation in the HHS group. In the DK/DKA group, a negative correlation was seen between the plasma glucagon level and the serum C-peptide immunoreactivity (CPR)/plasma glucose ratio in type 1 diabetes patients (n = 26) (ρ = - 0.67, P = 0.0002). In the HHS group, a positive correlation was seen between the plasma glucagon level and the serum CPR/plasma glucose ratio (ρ = 0.71, P = 0.0013). The plasma glucagon level was significantly lower after treatment in both the DK/DKA and HHS groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperglucagonemia was found in DK/DKA and HHS with pancreas-specific glucagon measurements. The results suggest that the causes of hyperglucagonemia differ in DK/DKA due to type 1 diabetes mellitus and HHS. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13340-025-00852-8.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
UNLABELLED: This study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of Panax notoginseng-Bletilla striata (PN-BS) in reflux esophagitis (RE) and its molecular mechanism. Using the '4.2 mm pyloric clamp + 2/3 fundoplication' method, a rat model of RE was developed. RE cell model was established by exposing HET-1 A (esophageal epithelial cells) to bile salt. Esophageal mucosal injury was observed by HE staining, and epithelial barrier dysfunction was assessed using Toluidine blue staining. HET-1 A cell viability was measured by CCK-8. Inflammatory factors in tissues and cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Claudin-4, Claudin-5, NLRP3, cleaved-caspase-1, p-p38 MAPK, and p38 MAPK protein levels were detected by Western blot. PN-BS attenuated esophageal mucosal injury and inflammation and improved esophageal barrier dysfunction in RE rats. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS, the main active ingredient of PN) and Bletilla striata polysaccharides (BSP, the main active ingredient of BS) attenuated acid and bile salt-induced esophageal barrier dysfunction. PNS and BSP inhibited NLRP3 inflammasomes and p38 MAPK pathway activation. An inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasomes (MCC950) or an inhibitor of the p38 MAPK pathway (SB203580) further enhanced the ameliorative effects of PNS and BSP. PN-BS reduces esophageal barrier dysfunction by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and p38 MAPK pathway, thereby improving RE. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-025-00858-9.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
UNLABELLED: Modern humans dispersed throughout the entire world during the Pleistocene, completing an important part of our evolutionary history. Central Asia, one of the most challenging territories to be colonized, is characterized by continental climate and stark geographic contrasts and therefore offers an ideal context for testing hypotheses about the role of human behavior in dispersals under adverse conditions. Here, we introduce an evolutionary theoretical agent-based model exploring the effects of cooperation on dispersal under different climate constraints in two study sub-regions, the Altai and Tian Shan Mountains. The model uses an evolutionary framework to test cooperation dilemmas in four theoretical climate scenarios based on the average temperature during glacial and interglacial periods. We show that (a) population size can significantly influence the pressure on the group, such that a larger population implies more pressure to cooperate; (b) cooperative behaviors are needed for survival in the harshest conditions; and (c) if the initial probability of non-cooperation is higher, then human groups will tend to be non-cooperative even if a cooperative subgroup pushes them to cooperate. Our results demonstrate that the degree of cooperation significantly impacts survival during periods of extreme climatic deterioration. This work provides valuable insights into the mechanisms influencing the settlement of climatically challenging regions by prehistoric groups. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10816-025-09739-z.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
INTRODUCTION: The use of signal dogs for cancer detection is not yet routinely performed,but dogs and their powerful olfactory system have proven to be a unique and valuable tool for many lineages and are beginning to be incorporated into medical practice. This method has great advantages; the dog can detect a tumour in the human body already in preclinical stages, when the patient has no symptoms yet. The identification of cancer biomarkers to enable early diagnosis is a need for many types of cancer, whose prognosis is strongly dependent on the stage of the disease. However, this method also has its various pitfalls that must be taken into account. AIM: The aim of the study was to identify and highlight the factors that affect the level of detection accuracy, but also the conditions associated with olfactometric diagnosis. METHODS: The study included 48 dogs and 48 handlers, that were part of the training between 2016 and 2023.All those who started olfactometry training and remained in training for at least one year were included in the study. The dogs ranged in age from 8 months to 12 years and were of different races and sexes. After long-term observation, a qualitative analysis was performed and factors that may play a role in the early detection of the disease were listed. RESULTS: The results of the search for the different factors have been compiled into two groups, focussing on the actual handling of the patient biological sample from collection, processing, storage until transport, preparation of the sample,and detection. Focus on the actual work and behaviour of the dog and handler. CONCLUSION: There are many factors; however, it is worth addressing them because the canine sense of smell is one of the possible uses as a diagnostic method.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to identify parameters influencing DNA extraction and PCR amplification efficiencies in an attempt to standardize Mucorales qPCR. The Fungal PCR Initiative Mucorales Laboratory Working Group distributed two panels of simulated samples to 26 laboratories: Panel A (six sera spiked with Mucorales DNA and one negative control serum) and Panel B (six Mucorales DNA extracts). Panel A underwent DNA extraction in each laboratory according to the local procedure and were sent to a central laboratory for testing using three different qPCR techniques: one in-house qPCR assay and two commercial assays (MucorGenius and Fungiplex). Panel B DNA extracts were PCR amplified in each laboratory using local procedures: nine in-house qPCR assays and two commercial kits (MucorGenius and MycoGENIE). All data were compiled and anonymously analyzed at the central laboratory. For Panel A, a total of six different automated platforms and five manual extraction methods were used. Positive rates were 64%, 70%, and 89%, for the MucorGenius, Fungiplex, and the in-house qPCR assay, respectively. Using a large volume of serum for DNA extraction provided the highest analytical sensitivity (82.5% for 1 mL compared with 62.7% for smaller volumes, P < 0.01). For Panel B, five in-house qPCR assays and two commercial kits had >78% positivity. Using larger PCR input volumes (≥7 μL) was associated with the highest sensitivity at 95.5% compared to 58.3% when lower input volumes were used (P < 0.01). Using larger sample volumes for nucleic acid extraction and DNA template volumes for PCR amplification significantly improves the performance of Mucorales qPCR when testing serum. IMPORTANCE: Mucormycosis is a life-threatening mold infection affecting immunosuppressed patients but also other patients with diabetes or trauma. Better survival is linked to shorter delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation. Detection of Mucorales-free DNA in serum or plasma using quantitative PCR allows a prompt diagnosis and earlier treatment. Several techniques and protocols of quantitative Mucorales PCR are used in Europe, and improving performance remains a common objective of laboratories participating in the fungal PCR Initiative Working Group. This study, which combined results from 26 laboratories in Europe, showed that the main parameters underpinning sensitivity are the preanalytical variables (volume of serum used for DNA extraction and DNA template volume), irrespective of the extraction platforms and qPCR assay/platform.
- MeSH
- diagnostické techniky molekulární normy metody MeSH
- DNA fungální * krev genetika MeSH
- kvantitativní polymerázová řetězová reakce * normy metody MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- Mucorales * genetika izolace a purifikace MeSH
- mukormykóza * diagnóza mikrobiologie krev MeSH
- senzitivita a specificita * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- hodnotící studie MeSH
