Search Results (615)

We study certain eta-quotients of weight zero evaluated at CM points of imaginary quadratic orders. Using the theory of extended form class groups, we show that these special values generate the corresponding ring class fields and we provide explicit descriptions of their minimal polynomials. Finally, we apply these results to certain Diophantine problems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Exercise is essential for older adults to maintain or improve their physical condition. This study aimed to investigate whether improvements in physical performance, functional mobility, and balance through targeted physical function exercises could positively influence Concerns about Falling (CaF) and frailty in pre-frail community-dwelling older adults. Methods: We conducted an 18-month randomized controlled trial involving 112 pre-frail community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years or older. 55 individuals in the control group (CG) and 57 in the intervention group (IG) were assessed. The IG participated in a home-based physical function exercise program. Primary outcomes included Physical Performance (Short Physical Performance Battery, SPPB), Functional Mobility (Timed Up and Go, TUG), Balance (Berg Balance Scale, BBS), CaF (Falls Efficacy Scale–International, FES-I), and Frailty status (SHARE-FI). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. Results: The IG showed significant improvements in BBS (p < 0.01, partial eta² 0.17), SPPB (p < 0.01, partial eta² 0.13), TUG (p < 0.01, partial eta² 0.14) and FES-I (p < 0.01, partial eta² 0.07) compared to the CG and their baseline after 6, 12 and 18 months of intervention. By 18 months, frailty status improved in the IG, with 12.3% classified as non-frail compared to 2.0% in the CG, while 14.5% of the CG transitioned to frailty versus none in the IG. Discussion: The intervention appears to support improvements in physical function and may contribute to reductions in CaF and beneficial changes in frailty status among pre-frail community-dwelling older adults. Full article

By combining modular invariance of characteristic forms and the family index theory, we obtain some new anomaly cancellation formulas for any dimension under the not top degree component. For a fiber bundle of dimension $(4l-2)$, we obtain the anomaly cancellation formulas for the determinant line bundle. For the fiber bundle with a dimension of $(4l-3)$, we derive the anomaly cancellation formulas of the index gerbes. For the fiber bundle of dimension $(4l-1)$, we obtain some results of the eta invariants. Moreover, we give some anomaly cancellation formulas of the Chen–Connes character and the higher elliptic genera. Full article

The objective of this study was to assess the changes in adiponectin concentrations and inflammatory markers in men with abdominal obesity following physical exercise and exercise combined with dietary intervention. This study included 44 males with abdominal obesity (mean age 34.7 ± 5.5 years, waist circumference [WC] 110.3 ± 8.5, BMI 32.0 ± 3.9), who were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group without interventions (CG, n = 12), an experimental group engaging in aerobic-resistance exercise (EG, n = 16) and a group engaging in aerobic-resistance exercise combined with an ad libitum high-protein, low-glycemic index carbohydrate diet (EDG, n = 16). Body composition metrics: the body fat-, fat-free mass-, and abdominal fat-to body mass (BF/BM, FFM/BM, ABD/BM) indexes and the body adiposity index (BAI), along with biochemical blood analyses—adiponectin (ADIPO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Castelli-II Index (CRI II) and fasting glucose–insulin (FG/I) ratio—were measured at baseline and after the intervention. The effects of the interventions on the analyzed variables across groups were assessed using mixed ANOVA tests with post hoc comparisons. Effect size (ES) was also calculated using partial eta squared (ηp²). The exercise intervention (EG) resulted in a significant reduction in the BAI (p < 0.01), insulin resistance FG/I (p < 0.02), and IL-6 concentrations (p < 0.01) and initiated an increase in ADIPO secretion (p = 0.03). The combined intervention (EDG) reduced the insulin resistance FG/I (p = 0.02) and atherogenic index CRI II (p = 0.01), decreased inflammatory markers IL-6 (p = 0.01) by 48% and hs-CRP (p = 0.04) by 30%, and simultaneously increased the ADIPO (p = 0.02) concentration by 15%. These effects were accompanied by significant changes in body composition: reductions in visceral fat ABD/BM (p < 0.01), total fat BF/BM (p < 0.01), and BAI (p = 0.02) and an increase in FFM/BM (p < 0.01). A crucial role in achieving these outcomes was played by dietary modifications, i.e., the inclusion of low-glycemic index carbohydrates (p < 0.01), a 23% increase in protein intake (p < 0.01), and a 50% increase in dietary fiber intake (p < 0.01), which consistently deepened the energy deficit (p < 0.01) and reduced fat intake (p < 0.01). These findings underscore that short-term interventions, whether exercise alone or combined with dietary modifications, can effectively reduce inflammation and lower insulin resistance in men with visceral obesity. However, the combined intervention, involving both exercise and dietary modifications, resulted in more pronounced beneficial changes in both body composition and concentrations of adipokines, inflammatory markers, and atherogenic indices and insulin resistance. Full article

Background/Objectives: With the expected growth in the number of people with dementia and the effect it has on their daily life, physical therapists will be required to provide competent care across all settings for people with dementia. This study aimed to explore the effects of a competency-based education (CBE) intervention consisting of interprofessional education (IPE) and experiential learning on perceived dementia care competence and confidence among physical therapy students and to determine recruitment and retention rates of the multi-phasic study. Methods: A total of 13 sixth-semester Doctor of Physical Therapy students participated in IPE (Phase 1) and experiential learning (Phase 2) and completed the Dementia Care Competency Model (DCCM) 2.0 and Confidence in Dementia Scale (CODE) at three time points (pre-test and after Phases 1 and 2). Results: The recruitment and retention rates were 89% and 36%, respectively. The DCCM 2.0 (F-test = 10.57, partial eta squared = 0.66) and the CODE (F-test = 21.27, partial eta squared = 0.80) showed large effect sizes between the three measurement time points. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that CBE facilitates the development of core dementia care competencies of interprofessional collaborative practice and person-centered care, as well as practitioner confidence development in dementia care. Full article

Ports and maritime operations generate massive real-time data streams, particularly from Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals, which are challenging to query effectively using natural language. This study proposes a prototype AISStream-MCP, a memory-augmented real-time maritime question-answering (QA) system that integrates live AIS data streaming with a Model Context Protocol (MCP) toolchain to support port operations decision-making. The system combines a large language model (LLM) with four MCP-enabled modules: persistent dialogue memory, live AIS data query, knowledge graph lookup, and result evaluation. We hypothesize that augmenting an LLM with domain-specific tools significantly improves QA performance compared to systems without memory or live data access. To test this hypothesis, we developed two prototype systems (with and without MCP framework) and evaluated them on 30 queries across three task categories: ETA prediction, anomaly detection, and multi-turn route queries. Experimental results demonstrate that AISStream-MCP achieves 88% answer accuracy (vs. 75% baseline), 85% multi-turn coherence (vs. 60%), and 38.7% faster response times (4.6 s vs. 7.5 s), with user satisfaction scores of 4.6/5 (vs. 3.5/5). The improvements are statistically significant (p < 0.01), confirming that memory augmentation and real-time tool integration effectively enhance maritime QA capabilities. Specifically, AISStream-MCP improved ETA prediction accuracy from 80% to 90%, anomaly detection from 70% to 85%, and multi-turn query accuracy from 65% to 88%. This approach shows significant potential for improving maritime situational awareness and operational efficiency. Full article

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a major zoonotic and foodborne pathogen with substantial One Health implications, yet its prevalence, resistance, and virulence potential within the aquaculture sector in Nigeria remains poorly characterized. Objectives: To supplement existing information, this current study investigated the prevalence, clonal distribution, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence gene profiles of S. aureus isolates from fish, fish water, and occupationally exposed fish handlers in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria. Methods: A total of 607 samples—comprising 465 surface swabs from raw and processed fish, 36 fish water samples, and 106 nasal swabs from fish handlers—were processed using selective culture, biochemical tests, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, DNA microarray analysis, spa typing, and SCCmec typing. Results: S. aureus was recovered from 16.5% (100/607) of the samples. Fourteen (14%) isolates were methicillin-resistant (MRSA), harboring mecA and SCCmec types IV and V, with a combined MRSA prevalence of 2.3%. Multidrug resistance was observed in 52.2% of isolates (mean Multiple Antimicrobial Resistance index: 0.23), with 19 resistance genes spanning nine antimicrobial classes—including heavy metal and biocide resistance. Twenty-eight spa types across 13 clonal complexes (CCs) were identified, with CC1, CC5, and CC8 predominating. The detection of shared spa types between fish and handlers indicates potential cross-contamination. Detected virulence genes included those for accessory gene regulators (agrI-IV), Pantone–Valentine leucocidin (lukFS-PV), toxic shock syndrome (tsst-1), hemolysins (hla, hlb, hld/hlIII, hlgA), biofilm formation (icaA, icaD), immune evasion (chp, scn, sak), enterotoxins (sea, seb, sec, sed, egc, and others), exfoliative toxins (etA, etB), epidermal cells differentiation (edinA, edinB), and capsular types (cap5, cap8). Conclusions: This study reveals that the aquaculture sector in Southeast Nigeria serves as a significant reservoir of genetically diverse, multidrug-resistant S. aureus strains with robust virulence profiles. These findings highlight the necessity of integrated One Health surveillance and targeted interventions addressing antimicrobial use and hygiene practices within aquatic food systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: The remodeling of adipose tissue occurring in obesity is associated with dysregulated production of various adipokines with vasoactive properties. Among the local mediators physiologically involved in vascular homeostasis, the endothelin (ET-1) system is upregulated in obesity, leading to vasoconstriction and vascular damage. We hypothesized that in human obesity, a link might exist between changed circulating levels of vasoactive adipokines and ET-1-dependent vasoconstriction; Methods: We compared plasma concentrations of selected adipokines (Luminex assay) and the vasoactive response to blockade of endothelin type A receptors (ET_A) by BQ-123 (strain-gauge plethysmography) in lean and obese individuals; Results: Plasma levels of adipokines with deleterious vascular actions, such as chemerin, visfatin, adipsin, and leptin, were higher in obese than in lean subjects (all p < 0.05). In contrast, circulating adiponectin, an adipokine with vasoprotective properties, showed no difference between groups (p > 0.05). The blood flow response to BQ-123 was greater in obese subjects than in lean subjects (p < 0.001), indicating an obesity-associated enhancement in ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction. In the entire population, circulating chemerin showed a direct correlation with the vasodilator response to BQ-123 (r = 0.30; p = 0.01). In contrast, no significant correlation was observed between concentrations of other adipokines and the response to BQ-123 (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: In human obesity, a direct link exists between increased circulating chemerin and augmented ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction. This observation contributes to explaining the detrimental vascular actions of chemerin and supports the view that targeting this adipokine might help prevent obesity-related vasculopathy. Full article

The fixation time of alleles is a fundamental concept in population genetics, traditionally studied using the Wright–Fisher model and classical coalescent theory. However, these models often assume homogeneous environments and equal reproductive success among individuals, limiting their applicability to real-world populations where environmental heterogeneity plays a significant role. In this paper, we introduce a new forward-time model for estimating fixation time that incorporates environmental heterogeneity through the use of fractional calculus. By introducing a fractional parameter α, we capture the effects of heterogeneous environments on offspring production. To solve the resulting fractional differential equations, we develop a novel spectral method based on Eta-based functions, which are well-suited for approximating solutions to complex, high-variation systems. The proposed method reduces the problem to an optimization framework via the operational matrix of fractional derivatives. We demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of this approach through numerical examples and show that it consistently captures fixation dynamics across various scenarios. This work offers a robust and flexible framework for modeling evolutionary processes in heterogeneous environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS) is a clinical condition primarily characterized by inattention, hypoactivity, and mind-wandering, which has not yet been recognized as an official diagnostic category. Although there are overlaps between CDS and ADHD, evidence supports the semi-independence of CDS from the ADHD-Inattentive subtype. Importantly, while the impact of ADHD on parenting styles has been studied, no previous research has investigated the potential influence of CDS difficulties on parenting behaviors. Both CDS and ADHD are associated with internalizing and externalizing symptoms, which are influenced by negative parenting styles. The severity of ADHD is known to predict the use of dysfunctional parenting patterns; however, no studies have yet investigated how CDS difficulties might affect parenting styles. Due to the similarities between CDS and ADHD, it is reasonable to hypothesize a similar relationship. This study aims to examine the potential mediating role of parenting styles—both negative and positive—in the relationship between CDS difficulties and internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Methods: The sample is composed of 369 Italian school-aged children (9.38 ± 2.34 years old). Parents reported on their children’s psychopathology, CDS difficulties, and their own parenting strategies. Results: Analyses conducted using Hayes’ PROCESS tool indicated that only negative parenting styles partially mediated the relationship between CDS difficulties and parent-reported youth anxiety, depression, and oppositional defiant disorder. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of interventions aimed at both addressing CDS in children and improving parenting strategies to enhance youth psychopathological outcomes. Full article

Background: ETAS^®, a standardized extract of Asparagus officinalis stem, has been found to alleviate cognitive impairment in senescence-accelerated mice prone 8 (SAMP8) and is now considered a functional food in aging. The present study aimed to investigate the impacts of ETAS^® on relieving aging-related muscle atrophy in SAMP8 mice. Methods: The SAMP8 mice were fed a regular diet supplemented with 200 or 1000 mg/kg BW ETAS^®50 for 12 weeks. Grip strength, muscle mass, and molecular markers of protein synthesis, degradation, and mitochondrial quality were assessed. Results: We found that ETAS^® significantly increased grip strength and muscle mass in SAMP8 mice. At the molecular level, ETAS^® significantly upregulated protein synthesis via PI3K/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K and downregulated protein degradation via FoxO1a/atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 and myostatin via NFκB expression. In addition, ETAS^® improved mitochondrial quality via promoting mitochondrial biogenesis genes, oxidative respiration genes, fusion/fission genes, PGC1α, and PINK1 proteins and maintained the autophagic flux via reducing ATG13, LC3-II/LC3-I, and p62. Conclusions: ETAS^® exerts beneficial effects on sarcopenia by modulating the positive protein turnover and improving mitochondrial quality in aging. Full article

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious, often fatal disease, rarely occurring in dogs via infection with Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. The development of TSS is mainly dependent on the presence of bacterial toxins recognized to be potent superantigens causing the release of massive amounts of host inflammatory cytokines, notably TNF-α, progressing to high fever, hypotension, haemoconcentration, thrombosis and neutrophil and endothelial activation with multiple organ failure. Rarely, TSS is associated with erythematous and exfoliative dermatitis progressing to ulceration with extremely extensive dermo-epidermal detachment, which is often very painful. Like in humans, very little is known about the transmission and prevention of this condition. In our paper, a case of TSS-like caused by a mixed bacterial infection with Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus halichoeri and Dermatophilus spp. has been described in an 11 year-old, cross-breed male dog, most probably following injury due to biting and fighting. Lesions consisted of severe and diffuse ulceration on the dorsum, and bacterial culture/cytology led to the isolation and identification of Gram-positive staphylococci and streptococci associated with an intense neutrophil reaction. Dermatophilus spp. was presumed morphologically based on cytological preps, not by culture or molecular analysis. PCR demonstrated the presence of the nuc thermonucleaze gene (for S. aureus confirmation) together with the genes encoding enterotoxin H (seh), protein A (spa), toxic shock syndrome toxin TSST-1 (tst) and methicillin resistance (mecC); the exfoliative toxins (eta, etb) were detected. Clinical signs, cytology, bacterial culture and the response to systemic antibiotic therapy were compatible with a TSS-like diagnosis. The patient has completely recovered after 1 year of treatment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Olfactory impairment has been proposed as an early marker for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), yet the mechanisms linking sensory decline to genetic and environmental risk factors remain unclear. We aimed to identify early biomarkers and brain network alterations associated with AD risk by multimodal analyses in humanized APOE mice. Methods: We evaluated olfactory behavior, diffusion MRI connectomics, and brain and blood transcriptomics in mice stratified by APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4 genotypes, age, sex, high-fat diet, and immune background (HN). Behavioral assays assessed odor salience, novelty detection, and memory. Elastic Net-regularized multi-set canonical correlation analysis (MCCA) was used to link behavior to brain connectivity. Blood transcriptomics and gene ontology analyses identified peripheral molecular correlates. Results: APOE4 mice exhibited accelerated deficits in odor-guided behavior and memory, especially under high-fat diet, while APOE2 mice were more resilient (ANOVA: APOE x HN, F(2, 1669) = 77.25, p < 0.001, eta squared = 0.08). Age and diet compounded behavioral impairments (diet x age: F(1, 1669) = 16.04, p < 0.001). Long-term memory was particularly reduced in APOE4 mice (APOE x HN, F(2,395) = 5.6, p = 0.004). MCCA identified subnetworks explaining up to 24% of behavioral variance (sum of canonical correlations: 1.27, 95% CI [1.18, 1.85], p < 0.0001), with key connections involving the ventral orbital and somatosensory cortices. Blood eigengene modules correlated with imaging changes (e.g., subiculum diffusivity: r = −0.5, p < 1 × 10⁻³⁰), and enriched synaptic pathways were identified across brain and blood. Conclusions: Olfactory behavior, shaped by genetic and environmental factors, may serve as a sensitive, translatable biomarker of AD risk. Integrative systems-level approaches reveal brain and blood signatures of early sensory–cognitive vulnerability, supporting new avenues for early detection and intervention in AD. Full article

This study addresses the challenge of optimizing envelope retrofit strategies for aged residential buildings across China’s five distinct climate zones. A simulation-based frame work is proposed, applying a standardized Taguchi L27 experimental design to ensure direct comparability across climates. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and effect size (partial eta squared, η²) are used to identify and quantitatively rank the sensitivity of each retrofit parameter, while interaction analysis reveals the independence or synergy between measures. Technical results are linked with discounted payback period (DPP) analysis to evaluate economic feasibility. The findings show that insulation thickness is most influential in cold climates (η² > 0.95), whereas glazing system upgrades are dominant in warmer regions (η² > 0.97), with parameter interactions generally insignificant. The resulting climate-responsive retrofit priority matrix offers practical guidance for region-specific design and investment decisions. This scalable and replicable method enables policymakers and practitioners to tailor low-carbon, cost-effective retrofit solutions to diverse building and climate contexts, bridging the gap between technical performance and financial viability. Full article

Background: Age is considered an independent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor, but limited data exist concerning the impact of age and years in the fire service on firefighter health and physical performance. Objectives: We assessed the impact of age and years in the fire service on structural firefighter health and physical performance. Methods: 142 firefighters completed an annual clinical assessment. General linear model (GLM) multivariate and univariate analyses were performed across age groups, with years of fire service experience as a covariate. Partial Eta squared (η_p²) values for the GLM statics and Cohen’s d for pairwise comparisons were used to assess effect size. Results: GLM analyses revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) for several demographic, body composition, blood biomarker, and physical performance parameters. Pairwise comparisons revealed that younger firefighters displayed more favorable health and fitness profiles than their older counterparts. Interestingly, when accounting for years of fire service experience, differences for only the following variables remained: body mass index, waist circumference, lean mass, visceral adipose tissue, triglycerides, cardiopulmonary exercise test time-to-exhaustion, and VO₂max. Conclusions: These findings suggest differences in CVD risk biomarkers, physical fitness levels, and body composition metrics across age groups. However, years of fire service experience appears to have a greater impact on these variables, suggesting that firefighters’ time in the fire service may accelerate the effects of aging on these outcomes. While age-specific health interventions are recommended to manage and mitigate CVD risk effectively, there also should be consideration for the years of fire service. Full article