Search Results (5,560)

Background/Objectives: Although tomato consumption has been associated with positive health outcomes, it remains unclear whether it can prevent or exacerbate allergic diseases by regulating eosinophils. We explored the association between dietary tomato intake and blood eosinophil counts in Japanese individuals. Methods: This population-based, cross-sectional study included 1013 participants aged ≥ 40 years. The dietary intake of tomatoes was assessed using a validated, self-administered diet history questionnaire. The peripheral blood eosinophil count was measured, and an elevated blood eosinophil count was defined as a value that exceeded the ≥75th percentile. Results: The mean age of the participants was 62.5 ± 11.2 years, with 474 (46.8%) being male. Overall, 252 participants exhibited elevated blood eosinophil counts (≥204/μL). In the multivariable logistic regression model with adjustment for potential confounders, an increase in tomato intake of 10 g was inversely associated with an elevated blood eosinophil count (odds ratio [OR], 0.895; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.834–0.961). Except for chronic kidney disease, the baseline participant characteristics did not influence this association. Conclusions: Low dietary tomato intake was associated with an elevated blood eosinophil count in middle-aged and older Japanese individuals. These results may provide insight into the dietary management of eosinophil-related allergic and type 2 inflammatory diseases. Full article

Background/Objectives: Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is an acute, reversible cardiac condition that represents an increasingly recognized acute heart failure syndrome affecting 2–3% of patients presenting with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS), with significant morbidity and mortality comparable to myocardial infarction. The InterTAK Diagnostic Score was developed to differentiate TS from ACS at initial presentation. However, its performance characteristics and optimal cutoff values in Middle Eastern populations have not been established, despite potential ethnic and cultural variations in the clinical presentation and trigger patterns. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, case–control, diagnostic accuracy study of patients admitted to Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, between June 2012 and June 2022. Power analysis indicated 80% power to detect an AUC difference of 0.15 with our sample size. Results: Eleven patients with confirmed TS (mean age 53.4 ± 14.1 years, 72.7% female) were compared with 26 age-matched patients with ACS (mean age 54.6 ± 11.0 years, 23.1% female). TS diagnosis was based on modified Mayo Clinic criteria with independent adjudication by two cardiologists (κ = 0.92). The InterTAK score was calculated for each patient based on seven clinical variables. The mean InterTAK score was significantly higher in TS patients (49.1 ± 14.8) compared with ACS patients (13.0 ± 9.3; p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.974 (95% confidence interval, 0.92–1.00), exceeding the original validation cohort’s performance (AUC 0.971). An InterTAK score ≥ 40 identified TS with 81.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Remarkably, when the cutoff was lowered to ≥36, sensitivity improved to 90.9% while maintaining 100% specificity. Conclusions: The InterTAK Diagnostic Score demonstrated exceptional discriminatory ability (AUC 0.974, 95% CI 0.92–1.00) in differentiating TS from ACS in our Middle Eastern cohort, surpassing the original validation study’s performance. A regionally optimized cutoff of ≥36 points achieved 90.9% sensitivity with 100% specificity, compared to the original ≥40 cutoff (81.8% sensitivity, 100% specificity). These findings establish the score’s trans-ethnic validity while highlighting the importance of regional calibration. Larger prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings and establish region-specific cutoff values. Full article

Background/Objectives: Exercise-induced hypertension (EIH) in runners predisposes them to cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial hypertrophy, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training has been reported to exert non-pharmacological benefits in runners with EIH by improving blood pressure, myocardial workload, and cardiorespiratory fitness. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether changes in myocardial structure and function accompany these effects of BFR training in middle-aged runners with EIH. Methods: Participants who exhibited a maximal systolic blood pressure of ≥210 mmHg during an exercise stress test were assigned either to a BFR training group (BFRTg, n = 15) or to a control group without BFR training (non-BFRTg, n = 14). The BFRTg underwent a two-month BFR training program, performed twice per week for 20 min per session. Cardiac structure and function were evaluated before and after the intervention, and exercise stress test data were obtained from secondary sources of a previous study. Results: Compared with controls, the BFR group showed lower maximal exercise SBP, longer exercise duration, and higher VO_2max. Echocardiography revealed reduced interventricular septal thickness and improved diastolic indices (higher E′/A′, lower E/E′), while systolic function remained unchanged. Conclusions: In conclusion, reductions in septal thickness and improvements in diastolic function induced by blood flow restriction training in runners with exercise-induced hypertension suggest a favorable cardiac adaptation, accompanied by concurrent improvements in exercise blood pressure and cardiorespiratory fitness. Full article

Background: Some studies have suggested that physical fitness and body composition may influence individual and collective performance. However, it is necessary to be able to define the relationships between these variables in soccer players of different ages. Objective: To determine the relation between physical fitness level, body composition, and somatotype in female youth soccer players in response to age. Materials and methods: A total of 56 players were evaluated: 19 early adolescents (EA–U13) with a body mass of 48.35 ± 5.67 kg and a height of 157.63 ± 5.55 cm, 21 middle adolescents (MA–U15) with a body mass of 54.02 ± 5.96 kg and a height of 160.37 ± 5.25 cm and 16 late adolescents (LA–U17) with a body mass of 55.37 ± 6.15 kg and a height of 162.39 ± 5.77 cm. The physical fitness tests were: Squat Jump (SJ), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Countermovement Jump with Arms (CMJA), Single Leg Countermovement Jump, COD-Timer 5-0-5, COD-Timer 5+5, Speed 15 m, Hamstring Strength, and Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST). The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocols were used to determine anthropometric measurements (skinfolds, circumferences, bone diameters), and the Heath-Carter method was used to assess body composition and somatotype, with z-scores calculated using the Phantom strategy. Results: The analysis revealed that the most significant differences between groups were observed in general anthropometric measurements (ω² = 0.84), followed by sitting height (ω² = 0.51) and percentage of body fat according to Carter’s method (ω² = 0.24), all with large and statistically significant effect sizes (p < 0.05). Larger muscle and bone dimensions, especially in the hip, thigh, and calf, are closely related to better strength, power, and initial sprint speed performance in female soccer players. Conclusions: This study reaffirms that muscle mass is a key predictor of athletic performance, along with strength at high speeds, promoting improvements in power and sprinting in the initial meters. Adiposity is a limiting factor for youth soccer players. Age progression and biological maturation favor the development of the mesomorphic profile, optimizing strength and power. Full article

Background/Objectives: Migrants are recognized as a vulnerable population for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) due to unique socio-cultural and environmental challenges associated with acculturation. Despite a growing migrant population, evidence on NCD risk among migrants in Japan is scarce. This study examined the prevalence, co-occurrence, and clustering of modifiable NCD risk factors among middle-aged foreign residents in Japan. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among foreign residents aged 30–60 years (n = 384). Eight risk factors were assessed: tobacco use (including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewable tobacco), harmful alcohol consumption, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods, insufficient physical activity (PA), poor sleep, high stress levels, and high BMI. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify risk clusters, and associations with demographic and socioeconomic characteristics were examined. Results: The prevalence of risk behaviours was high, with 96% reporting inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, 55% poor sleep, and 50% insufficient PA. Risk factor co-occurrence was common: 32% reported three concurrent risks, 27.1% reported four, and 17.2% reported five or more. LCA identified two clusters. Cluster 1 (46.9% of participants) was characterized by tobacco and alcohol use, with inadequate diet and poor sleep. Cluster 2 (53.1% of participants) was defined by insufficient PA, inadequate diet, and poor sleep, but low tobacco and alcohol use. Cluster membership varied significantly by sex and employment. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence of the high prevalence and clustering of modifiable NCD risk factors among middle-aged migrants in Japan. Findings highlight the need for comprehensive, multi-behavioral interventions tailored to migrant populations, while considering gender roles and occupational contexts. Full article

This article commences from a transdisciplinary research setting where students, artists, activists, and researchers come together to investigate medieval travelling accounts. The article is structured in two main parts. The first part presents an exploration of the theoretical framework of an hermeneutics of charity and suspicion as well as a development of a methodology that probes at the “cracks” of colonial pedagogical and scholarly structures. In the second part, the article uses critical inquiry and shared learning experiences to examine Marco Polo’s The Travels, focusing on his descriptions of dancing. Specifically, it investigates what Polo’s text conveyed—and omitted—about the relationship between intimacy, eroticism, and dance for a European audience. Combining auto-ethnographic reflections with stories from the communal learning process, the article invites readers to consider how collective inquiry reshapes our understanding of historical texts. In addition to questioning Polo/Rustichello’s portrayal of religious dance through his mercantile and sexualised gaze, the author also challenges some previous scholarly interpretations of Polo as an agent of European colonial endeavours. Finally, the paper offers a method for rethinking how researchers approach dance and university education, as well as practical tools for how historical accounts can be explored in a way that prevents discernment from overshadowing what can be gained from attunement. Full article

Background/Objectives: Muscle aging is a complex, dynamic process that impairs overall metabolism and physiological function. The molecular mechanisms underlying declines in muscle performance and metabolic efficiency remain poorly understood, largely due to the time and resource demands of traditional model organisms. The hawk moth Manduca sexta offers a promising alternative, with a short adult lifespan (~10 days) and notable similarities to vertebrate muscle systems, making it well-suited for time-course molecular dissection of muscle aging. Methods: In this study, we performed high-resolution temporal analysis of muscle tissues from aging M. sexta, spanning the physiomuscular aging process from middle age to advanced age. Results: We observed decreased expression of genes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation, ATP synthase subunits, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferases, and heat shock proteins. In contrast, genes associated with proteolysis, catabolic processes, insulin signaling, akirin, titin, high-affinity choline transporters, and vesicular acetylcholine transporters were increased in expression. Conclusions: These changes suggest a shift toward increased proteolysis and protein catabolism with age. Our findings support the use of M. sexta as a complementary model for muscle aging research. However, it remains unclear whether the observed gene expression changes are driven by intrinsic, sex-specific age-related muscle aging or confounded by potential starvation effects in older males. Full article

Thorium-rare earth-iron oxide deposits of the Lemhi Pass district, Idaho and Montana, are enriched in the middle rare earth elements (REE), and particularly neodymium (Nd). Overall, thorium (Th) and total rare earth oxide (TREO) grades of the deposits are sub equal at 0.4 wt. % but locally exceed 1 wt. % TREO. Nd-monazite, the major REE phase (35 wt. % Nd₂O₃) occurs in hydrothermal Th-REE mineralized quartz veins and biotite-rich shear zones of enigmatic origin. Hosted in Mesoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks, the deposits are modest in size but present over a large area with no obvious source pluton exposed. This paper documents the geochemistry of the monazite and provides the first geochronological data to constrain its origin. Elemental mapping and U-Th-total Pb EPMA dating of the monazite and thorite document a Paleozoic age for mineralization centered in the Late Devonian at approximately 355 Ma ± 20 Ma. A second period of volumetrically minor Th and REE remobilization is dated as Mesozoic (ca. 100 Ma). For context, a reactivated passive continental margin was present during the Devonian in eastern Idaho, while the Mesozoic was a time of major accretionary tectonics and arc magmatism further west. Nd and Pb isotopic data require a significant interaction of the fluids with an ancient crustal component represented by regional Mesoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks and granitoids. A source–transport–deposition model is hypothesized with metasomatic fractionation and enrichment of Nd during regional hydrothermal circulation. The aqueous fluids were hot, oxidizing, and likely saline, but the exact source of the Th and REEs and the mechanism of enrichment remains problematic. Additional analytical work and increased knowledge of the regional and district geology will improve this unconventional hypothesis for formation of Lemhi Pass’ unusual Nd-rich Th-REE-Fe mineralization. Full article

Gypsum alabaster as material for European sculpture emerged in the 12th century and soon rivalled marble due to its accessibility, ease of sculpting, and aesthetic qualities. Lack of clear terminology and the visual similarity of the two materials have led to a considerable amount of confusion and deliberate misnomers. Despite attempts, since early modern times, to make a clear physical and chemical distinction between both materials, mistakes persist, even in modern collections. Here we present a non-invasive, cost-effective, reliable technique to differentiate the two, using an ultra-portable near-infrared spectrometer. The characteristic NIR spectrum of gypsum alabaster over the range of 900–1700 nm strongly contrasting with the near-featureless spectra of marble, allows for a simple and straightforward differentiation of these materials. Our technique enables rapid lithological identification of complex composite sculptural ensembles. We illustrate this through two case studies: The 15th century Saint Catherine of Alexandria from Kortrijk, attributed to André Beauneveu, one of the most prominent artists of the late Middle Ages, was supposedly made of alabaster, but is in fact made of marble and restored with alabaster replacement parts. The tomb of Prince-Bishop Julius Echter in Würzburg Cathedral is an example of the variety of materials used for such monuments in the 17th century. Here we highlight a previously undocumented but extensive use of multi-coloured alabaster. Full article

Background: A comprehensive medical history is fundamental to dental care, supporting accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and the prevention of adverse outcomes. Despite its importance, patients may underestimate its relevance or hesitate to disclose information to dental professionals. This study aimed to assess patients’ awareness and willingness to disclose medical histories to dental professionals, as well as the effect of an educational intervention on their knowledge. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 December 2023 to 30 September 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through a structured bilingual questionnaire assessing demographics, awareness of the importance of medical history, willingness to disclose information, and post-intervention knowledge. The questionnaire’s validity and reliability were established through expert evaluation and test–retest reliability, yielding Aiken’s V values greater than 0.90. Internal consistency was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.8. A convenience sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. Results: A total of 515 participants completed the survey, with 43.9% withholding medical information from their dentists. Chi-square analysis revealed that disclosure practices were significantly associated with demographic factors, particularly age (p ≤ 0.05). Although 90.7% acknowledged the importance of sharing their medical history, only 67.8% reported disclosing it to dental professionals. The regression analysis revealed that participants under 18 years of age (Odds Ratio (OR) 7.08, Confidence Interval (CI) 3.53–50.90) and those aged 18–29 years (OR 14.36, CI 3.45–25.26), as well as participants with elementary (OR 4.55, CI 2.72–20.57) and middle school education levels (OR 4.55, CI 2.72–20.57), were less likely to disclose any underlying medical condition to their dentist. The younger age group (under 18) respondents were significantly more likely to indicate that it was not essential to inform the dentist about their medical condition (OR 6.60, CI 1.05–41.42). Additionally, a significant number of these respondents (OR 5.77, CI 1.87–17.84) reported being unaware of the reasons why dentists request this information, compared to the older age groups. Conclusions: The findings reveal a significant knowledge gap concerning patient disclosure of medical history in dental care and highlight the importance of patient education. Implementing targeted educational initiatives is recommended to promote patient disclosure, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and improve overall patient safety and treatment outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Since 2016, 14 countries previously verified to have eliminated endemic measles transmission have lost their elimination status. To explore whether there were identifiable risk factors for re-establishing measles transmission in these countries, a narrative review of the literature was undertaken. This identified several potential factors: national vaccination coverage, age at first and second measles-containing vaccine dose, the country’s socioeconomic status, surveillance quality, bordering countries endemicity status, supplementary vaccination campaigns just prior to elimination verification, population density, island status, and tourism volume. Methods: World Health Organization (WHO) vaccination and surveillance data were utilized, together with public-facing datasets from the World Bank and the United Nations. An exploratory analysis was undertaken with descriptive epidemiology used for comparing countries where elimination was sustained with those where endemic measles transmission was re-established. Regression modelling was then undertaken with those factors identified as of potential importance. Conclusions: Both descriptive epidemiology and regression modelling indicated that the most important factor is vaccination coverage, although the quality of vaccination coverage estimates from different data sources should be considered. Low–middle income socioeconomic status and bordering endemic countries increased the risk of re-establishment of measles transmission for verified countries. Without coordinated global efforts towards measles eradication, it will be challenging for some countries to maintain elimination. Full article

Background: Few studies have simultaneously examined how blood biomarkers for inflammation, metabolic, and cardiovascular function are associated with disability incidence. This study aimed to comprehensively examine these associations. Methods: We used data from adults aged 50 and older in the Health and Retirement Study (n = 9250) and the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (n = 6844), with biennial follow-up over a 4-year period. We defined abnormal biomarker values using standard clinical cut-off points for three biological systems. Disability burden was quantified as the cumulative number of impairments in basic and instrumental activities of daily living. Multivariate linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze the associations. Results: At baseline, 42% of participants had abnormal biomarker values in at least one system, 28% in two systems, and 7% in all three. A dose–response relationship was observed between the rate of disability accumulation and the number of systems with abnormal biomarker values. Compared to individuals with normal values across all systems, those with abnormalities in two systems had a significantly faster annual increase in disability burden (β = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.02–0.09), while those with abnormalities in all three systems exhibited an even steeper increase (β = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.05–0.16). Conclusions: The presence of abnormal levels in any two or all three of the systems significantly accelerated the rate of disability accumulation over a 4-year period. These findings highlight the importance of integrated biomarker monitoring for early identification of individuals at risk and inform the development of targeted preventive strategies. Full article

Understanding luxury tourists required a more comprehensive approach than traditional expenditure-based segmentation, which often overlooked travelers’ financial capacity. This study therefore aimed to develop and validate a new typology of luxury tourists by jointly analyzing income and expenditure patterns using the International Visitor Survey of South Korea. The study addressed the need to capture both tourists’ economic capability and consumption behavior to enhance the precision of market segmentation and support sustainable destination management. Using the Jenks natural breaks classification and logistic regression, four distinct tourist types were identified: economy, spurious, scrooge, and premier, each reflecting unique combinations of income and expenditure. The results revealed that age, nationality, occupation, and trip purpose significantly influenced tourists’ classification. Younger and middle-aged professionals from East Asia were more likely to belong to high-income and high-expenditure groups, whereas Western tourists tended to spend more relative to their income. This income–expenditure typology advanced theoretical understanding of luxury tourism segmentation and provided practical insights for destination marketing organizations. The findings offered new insights for understanding how the alignment between tourists’ financial capacity and spending behavior can redefine strategies for sustainable and inclusive tourism development. Full article

The adherents of various religions have during times of prayer and worship oriented themselves toward a fixed, sacred direction or location. Since ancient times, followers of Judaism have turned in prayer to Jerusalem. Traditionally, Zoroastrians have prayed facing a source of light—typically the sun or a fire—representing divine truth and presence. By the second and third centuries of the common era, many Christian communities prayed facing the east when offering the Lord’s prayer and other supplications. Initially, Muḥammad and his followers prayed toward Jerusalem, called the “Qiblih” (a technical word first used in the Qur’án for the direction of ṣalát, the Islamic obligatory prayer), but near the midpoint of Muḥammad’s ministry, the Qiblih was changed to the Kaabah in Mecca. In the mid-nineteenth century, the Báb, founder of the Bábí religion, redefined the Qiblih as “Him Whom God shall make manifest,” a figure whose imminent appearance the Báb anticipated. Years later, Bahá’u’lláh, founder of the Bahá’í Faith, confirmed the Báb’s designation of the Qiblih and claimed to be the figure promised by the Báb—and, thus, the Qiblih. Since Bahá’u’lláh’s passing in 1892, Bahá’ís have regarded the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh near ‘Akká as their Qiblih. This paper considers three issues related to the concept of the Qiblih. First, it briefly surveys the concept in Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Islam, and other traditions. Second, it examines the significance and implications of the Qiblih in Bahá’í texts and their antecedents in Bábí texts. In this regard, it argues that in Bahá’í theology, the Qiblih symbolizes the role, station, and authority of the Manifestation of God, the figure who, in Bahá’í thought, serves as the intermediary between God and humanity from age to age. Moreover, Bahá’u’lláh’s designation of a new Qiblih signaled the independence of the Bahá’í religion. Third, this study explores how from a Bahá’í perspective, Quranic verses concerning the Qiblih may be viewed. These include how Muḥammad’s alteration of the Qiblih to the Kaabah reflected his authority as the Manifestation of God to change a prior law. Further, attention is given to Qur’án 2:143 (“And thus We have made you a middle community…”), which occurs in the midst of the only verses in the Qur’án that decree a change in the Qiblih. Whereas Quranic commentators and scholars of Islam, influenced by the doctrine of Islam’s finality, interpreted the word “middle” (vasaṭ) in this verse as meaning just, moderate, or exemplary, Bahá’u’lláh affirmed the word’s more basic meaning and regarded the Muslim community as a religious community between other communities that preceded it and that will come after it, thus anticipating the emergence of a new religious community, which could potentially have its own Qiblih. Full article

Background: The introduction of prophylactic HPV vaccination has transformed cervical cancer prevention worldwide, yet many low- and middle-income countries face persistent challenges in implementation, coverage gaps, and vaccine hesitancy. This article presents a narrative review of global and Brazilian HPV vaccination programs, highlighting achievements, pitfalls, and lessons for future strategies. Methods: We reviewed peer-reviewed literature and official reports from WHO, PAHO, CDC, Brazilian institutions, and others, focusing on programmatic performance, coverage trends, and vaccine acceptance. Results: In high-income settings such as Australia and the United Kingdom, school-based vaccination programs have driven sharp declines in HPV prevalence, genital warts, and precancerous lesions, in some cases approaching elimination thresholds. The United States has made progress but continues to struggle with disparities in uptake linked to socioeconomic and cultural factors. In India and several African nations, recent evidence supports single-dose regimens as a cost-effective and logistically feasible strategy. In Brazil, HPV vaccination was introduced in 2014 via the National Immunization Program (PNI), initially targeting girls aged 9–13 years through school campaigns. First-dose coverage exceeded 80% in the first year but subsequently declined, with full-schedule completion rates dropping below 60%. Contributing factors include misinformation, weakening of school-based delivery, and pandemic-related disruptions. Brazil later expanded eligibility to boys and immunocompromised populations and, more recently, extended catch-up vaccination to older adolescents. Conclusions: HPV vaccination has the potential to substantially reduce cervical cancer incidence globally. However, sustained impact depends not only on infrastructure and universal access but also on consistent school-based delivery, adaptive policies such as single-dose regimens, and robust communication strategies to counter misinformation. Brazil’s experience offers both inspiration and caution, providing lessons for countries striving to meet the WHO 90-70-90 targets. Full article