Search Results (30,229)

Background: Football has a high injury risk due to speed and contact, and injury patterns may vary by playing position. Positional roles affect physical and physiological demands and may influence injury characteristics. Although this has been examined in professionals, data from amateur players are scarce. This study examined the incidence, type, and severity of injuries among amateur footballers in Greece with respect to playing position. Methods: A retrospective epidemiological study analyzed musculoskeletal injuries in 222 amateur male football players during the 2022–2023 season. Data were collected via a CHERRIES-compliant online survey (SurveyMonkey^®) from May to July 2023. Eligible participants were active male athletes aged ≥18 years competing in amateur Greek leagues. Injuries were defined according to the FIFA–UEFA consensus and expressed as incidence rates per 1000 h of exposure. Statistical analyses used SPSS v25 with significance at p < 0.05. Results: Among players (mean age: 25.3 ± 5.7 years), injury prevalence ranged from 65.1% (DFs) to 79.3% (GKs) with no significant association between playing position and injury risk (p = 0.379). Injury incidence ranged from 4.5 to 5.7 per 1000 h, highest among MFs. Incidence rates ranged between 1.33 and 2.74 injuries/1000 h in matches versus 1.33 to 2.09/1000 h in training, with DFs, FWs, and MFs more prone to match injuries, whereas GKs had slightly higher training rates; however, the number of injuries did not significantly differ between games and training across positions (χ² = 5.21, p = 0.517). Muscle strains and lower-limb injuries predominated. Injury severity differed significantly by position (p = 0.001), but injury type and mechanism did not. Conclusions: GKs and MFs showed the highest prevalence and incidence, but position was not linked to overall risk. Severity differences highlight the need for position-specific prevention strategies. Full article

Objective: The study aimed to analyze the relationship between screen time (ST) duration, body weight status (BWS), and selected lifestyle behaviors in children aged 10–12. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 7763 (50.8% girls) Polish schoolchildren was conducted in 2023–2024. Data on ST, physical activity (PA), sleep duration (SD), frequency of consumption of unhealthy foods, family meals (FM), and sociodemographic data were collected using a paper questionnaire. Anthropometric data were obtained from measurements; body mass index (BMI) was used to assess BWS, and the waist-to-height ratio to measure central obesity. A logistic regression model was performed to assess the effect of unhealthy food consumption, FM, BWS, PA level, and SD on the odds of excessive ST (>2 h/day). Results: Girls were less likely to extend ST than boys (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.70–0.86). Increased PA had a limiting effect on the dependent variable (moderate OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.53–0.77; vigorous OR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.31–0.45). Sleeping 6–8 h per day was associated with a 41.6% increase in prolonged ST (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.27–1.57). Overweight/obese individuals were 39.6% more likely to exceed ST compared to normal-weight peers (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.16–1.68). Living in a village and a smaller city increased the odds of excessive ST (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.07–1.41 and OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.03–1.34). Conclusions: Excessive body mass and unhealthy dietary habits, particularly sugary beverages, have been identified as significant risk factors for excessive ST. Optimal SD, high PA, and regular FM might have a protective effect on ST. This knowledge will contribute to designing more tailored and effective educational interventions promoting healthy lifestyles in children. Full article

This study systematically investigates soil and stream sediment along the 165 km Ibar River to examine the origin and transfer of pollutants. The research focuses on the environmental impact of long-term mining and irregular waste management, as well as natural enrichment related to weathering processes. A comprehensive sampling campaign was conducted, collecting 70 samples from 14 locations. At each location, samples of river sediment, floodplain soil (0–5 cm and 20–30 cm depths), and river terrace soil (same depths) were collected. The contents of 21 elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, V, and Zn) were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed to identify statistically significant differences in element contents between defined zones, sampled materials (river sediments, floodplain soils, and river terrace soils), and sampled soil horizons (topsoil, 0–5 cm, and subsoil, 20–30 cm). Multivariate analysis, including correlation coefficient, cluster analysis, and principal component analysis, revealed two distinct groups of elements with highly significant correlation coefficients (r > 0.7). The first group, comprising Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Zn, indicates anthropogenic enrichment, likely resulting from mining and smelting activities in the middle flow of the Ibar River (The Mining and Metallurgical Complex Trepča). The second group, consisting of Cr, Mg, and Ni, suggests enrichment related to the weathering of elements from the ophiolite zone in the lower Ibar River. The study found high enrichment ratios of toxic elements like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and zinc, particularly in stream sediments and floodplains. Notably, arsenic contents exceeded European averages by up to 57 times in stream sediments, posing a significant environmental concern due to its high content. Full article

Objectives: Adolescence is a pivotal stage of development characterized by significant physical, psychological, and social changes. Establishing healthy lifestyle habits during this period is crucial for long-term health and the prevention of chronic diseases. Despite this, global trends show a marked decline in physical activity among adolescents, particularly girls, who are more susceptible to sedentary behaviors. One potential site for intervention to eliminate physical inactivity at the population level is the school educational setting during childhood. Traditional school-based physical exercise programs often adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, which may not address the diverse needs and interests of students, leading to reduced motivation and participation. Personalized physical exercise programs, tailored to individual capabilities and preferences, offer a promising alternative to enhance physical fitness and foster lifelong engagement in physical activity. Methods: A total of 170 Hungarian high school girls (mean age ≈ 15.3 years) were randomly assigned to either a personalized physical exercise group or a control group following the standard curriculum. The intervention spanned two academic years and consisted of five traditional gym classes per week (control group) or three traditional and two individually tailored classes with cardiorespiratory and resistance training per week (intervention group), each lasting 45–60 min. Individual goals were set based on baseline assessments, emphasizing self-referenced progress. Results: The personalized physical exercise group showed significant improvements in body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, maximum oxygen uptake capacity (VO₂max), muscular strength, and flexibility (p < 0.05), while the control group exhibited minimal or negative changes. Conclusions: The personalized physical exercise program has been shown to be more effective in achieving higher cardiorespiratory performance and favorable body composition among adolescent girls than a traditional school physical education class, highlighting its potential role in school settings. Full article

Objective: The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is characterized by its emphasis on plant-based foods, olive oil, and fish products, and has been associated with providing relevant fatty acids (FAs) for adolescent physiology. This study aims to investigate the relationship between adherence to the MedDiet and the FA composition of red blood cell (RBC) membranes in an adolescent population. Methods: The current research examines the relationship between MedDiet adherence, assessed using the KIDMED questionnaire, and the composition of RBC membranes, specifically measuring 22 FAs in a cross-sectional analysis of adolescents from two cohorts (mean age = 14.55). Baseline data from 552 participants with complete dietary adherence and FA information were analyzed using multivariable regression models and principal component analysis (PCA) as confirmatory analysis. All regression models were adjusted by age, sex, body mass index, physical activity, maternal education and cohort enrollment. Results: Main results shown that “Good adherence” to the MedDiet was positively associated with omega-3 FAs, including eicosapentaenoic acid (β = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.52; p-value < 0.001) and docosahexaenoic acid (β = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.46; p-value = 0.001), and inversely associated with specific omega-6 FAs, such as arachidonic acid (β = −0.28; 95% CI: −0.46, −0.11; p-value = 0.002) and adrenic acid (β = −0.19; 95% CI: −0.30, −0.08; p-value < 0.001). PCA identified distinct FA patterns, with “Good adherence” to the MedDiet being associated with an increase in the omega-3 FAs pattern (β = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.49; p-value < 0.001). These findings remained robust after multiple test comparisons. Conclusions: This study underscores the potential of the MedDiet to promote optimal RBC FA composition in healthy adolescents, characterized by high levels of omega-3 FAs and reduced levels of arachidonic acid and adrenic acid in RBC membranes. Full article

This mixed-method study explores the impact of the Raising Climate Heroes: Ecological Game Camp on climate change knowledge, awareness, behavior, and emotional engagement among primary school students and adult participants. Designed with experiential and game-based learning approaches, the program aimed to enhance environmental literacy through interactive, nature-centered activities. The quantitative findings from pre- and post-tests revealed significant increases in climate-related knowledge, awareness, climate-friendly behavior, hope, and reductions in climate anxiety. All measurement tools demonstrated high internal consistency (α = 0.809–0.914), indicating strong reliability across both age groups. Qualitative data, analyzed using descriptive thematic analysis, showed high levels of participant satisfaction. The adults emphasized educational gains, professional relevance, and appreciation of academic facilitation. The children focused on enjoyment, outdoor experiences, and social interaction. Activities such as ecological experiments, composting, and collaborative cooking were most favored. The results suggest that combining cognitive and emotional elements through play and hands-on learning can effectively promote pro-environmental attitudes. This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating how climate education can be both engaging and transformative for diverse learner groups. Full article

Background: Novel therapies are needed for children, adolescents, and young adults with relapse/refractory leukemia or solid tumors. The proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib has demonstrated pre-clinical activity against several pediatric malignancies when used alone or in combination. Therefore, a multicenter dose-escalation phase 1 study of carfilzomib administered in combination with cyclophosphamide and etoposide was conducted. Methods: Study eligibility included an age of 6 months to <30 years with relapsed/refractory leukemia (stratum A) or a relapsed/refractory non-CNS solid tumor (stratum B), Karnofsky/Lansky score ≥ 50, and adequate organ function. A 5-day regimen of cyclophosphamide 440 mg/m²/day, etoposide 100 mg/m²/day, and carfilzomib was administered every 28 days with growth factor support. The carfilzomib starting dose was 11 mg/m²/day, and dose escalation followed a rolling-six design, managed independently for each stratum. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was assessed during the first cycle, and disease response was assessed after one cycle (stratum A) or two cycles (stratum B). Results: Thirty-eight patients were treated (14 in stratum A; 24 in stratum B). For stratum A, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for carfilzomib was 11 mg/m²/day. Three DLTs were observed: thrombocytopenia, pericarditis, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Most patients received one cycle. For stratum B, an MTD was not reached. The highest dose level administered and recommended in phase 2 was 20 mg/m²/days 1–2 and 36 mg/m²/days 3–5 for cycle 1, then 36 mg/m² for days 1–5 of all subsequent cycles. There was a single DLT of PRES. A dose expansion for additional toxicity data was conducted. Overall, twenty patients received ≥ 2 cycles (range, 2–14). Conclusions: A 5-day schedule of carfilzomib/cyclophosphamide/etoposide was well-tolerated in patients with solid tumors. Patients with sarcomas benefited most, warranting further evaluation. Full article

Background/Objectives: The health benefits of Tamus communis fruits have been associated with their high phenolic content, which comprises several flavonoids. However, the extraction methods might significantly impact these valuable compounds’ bioactivity. Therefore, the current study assesses how different extraction techniques affect T. communis extracts’ antioxidant, anti-aging, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and phenolic contents. Methods: Conventional method (TCE-CM) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (TCE-UM) were the methods employed. Results: The increased phenolic content of TCE-UM, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids, was demonstrated to be a contributing factor to its higher biological activity. Key enzymes linked to dermatological conditions, such as elastase, collagenase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase, were significantly inhibited by both extracts at 1 mg/mL; TCE-UM showed the highest tyrosinase inhibition (65.61  ±  5.21%) compared to TCE-CM (21.78  ±  2.19%). TCE-UM also demonstrated exceptional antibacterial performance, showing notable antibiofilm and metabolic inactivation effects and potent activity against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Both extracts showed concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory properties; TCE-UM had a lower IC50 value (26.46 ± 2.30%) in nitric oxide inhibition tests, suggesting stronger anti-inflammatory capabilities. Conclusions: These findings underscore the superior bioactivity of TCE-UM and suggest that ultrasonic extraction is a more efficient method for isolating bioactive phenolic compounds from T. communis fruits, presenting promising applications in anti-aging and antimicrobial formulations. Full article

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) can improve efficiency, documentation, and diagnostic quality in ophthalmology. This study examined clinical AI adoption, institutional readiness, perceived utility, trust, ethical concerns, and educational needs among Swiss ophthalmologists and residents. Methods: In May 2025, an anonymous online survey was distributed to board-certified ophthalmologists and residents across Switzerland. The structured questionnaire addressed clinical AI use, institutional infrastructure, perceptions of diagnostic utility, trust, ethical–legal concerns, and educational preparedness. Responses were recorded on five-point Likert scales. Results: Of 106 respondents (mean age 42.4 ± 11.4 years, 48.1% female), 20.8% reported current clinical AI use. Willingness to use AI exceeded 65% across all 10 diagnostic scenarios, but active use remained ≤12.1%. Institutional readiness was low: 6.6% reported AI-related guidelines, 26.4% had access to an institutional AI contact person, and 28.3% received supervisor support (more often among residents). While 80% agreed that AI can support diagnostics, only 12.1% trusted AI recommendations as much as those from colleagues; 87.9% critically reviewed the results, and 93.9% endorsed the use of AI in an assistive but not independently decision-making role. Ethical–legal concerns included unresolved liability (74.8%), informed consent (66.7%), and data protection adequacy (49.5%). Structured AI education was supported by 77.8%, yet only 15.1% felt prepared, and two-thirds (66.7%) indicated they would use AI more with better training. Conclusions: Ophthalmologists and residents in Switzerland express strong interest in the clinical use of AI and recognize its diagnostic potential. Major barriers include insufficient institutional structures, lack of regulatory clarity, and inadequate educational preparation. Addressing these deficits will be essential for responsible AI integration into ophthalmologic practice. Full article

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression during seed development and physiology. This review examines the diverse roles of lncRNAs in key stages of seed development, including embryogenesis, maturation, dormancy, germination, and aging. It integrates the current understanding of the biogenesis and classification of lncRNAs, emphasizing their functional mechanisms in seeds, particularly those acting in cis and trans. These mechanisms include the scaffolding of polycomb and SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes, the guidance of RNA-directed DNA methylation, the ability to function as molecular decoys, and the modulation of small RNA pathways via competitive endogenous RNA activity. This review highlights the regulatory influence of lncRNAs on abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellin (GA) signaling pathways, as well as light-responsive circuits that control dormancy and embryonic root formation. Endosperm imprinting processes that link parental origin to seed size and storage are also discussed. Emerging evidence for epitranscriptomic modifications, such as m6A methylation, and the formation of LncRNA–RNA-binding protein condensates that maintain resting states and coordinate reserve biosynthesis are also reviewed. Advances in methodologies, including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, nascent transcription, direct RNA sequencing, and RNA–chromatin interaction mapping, are expanding the comprehensive lncRNA landscape during seed development and germination. These advances facilitate functional annotation. Finally, possible translational research applications are explored, with a focus on developing lncRNA-based biomarkers for seed vigor and longevity. Full article

Water consumption in adults usually reaches lower levels than the recommendations, and evidence of the beverage consumption habits of women in the stages around menopause is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the consumption of beverages and to determine how physical, psychological, and environmental factors modify the hydration habits of reproductive-age and postmenopausal women in the northeast of Mexico. We carried out a cross-sectional study of 40–65-year-old female (n = 690) residents in the metropolitan area of Monterrey, Nuevo León state, Mexico, who were classified as reproductive (n = 263) and postmenopausal (n = 427). Anthropometrics, including body composition, beverage consumption, physical activity, and physical, psychological, and environmental factors, were assessed. There were no differences between the BMI and waist-to-height ratio of reproductive-age and postmenopausal women. The total daily beverage consumption did not differ between reproductive-age and postmenopausal women, with an average beverage consumption of 2723–2915 g/day. A third of the women studied consumed less than 1.5 L/day, and another third—mainly the younger participants—consumed between 1.5 and 2.0 L/day. The most consumed beverage was plain water, followed by regular soda, flavored beverages, coffee, and diet soda. Consumption of regular soda, flavored beverages, and milk was higher among reproductive-age women. The postmenopausal women indicated a higher consumption of plain water and juices. Similar effects of physical and psychological factors and environmental temperature on the beverage consumption of reproductive and postmenopausal women were observed. Physical activity, maximum daily temperature, and body composition were the factors that conditioned beverage intake. Full article

Background/Objectives: Several studies indicate that physical activity is both safe and beneficial for most cancer survivors—before, during and after treatment. These benefits include improved mental health and a subsequent positive impact on quality of life. This study aimed to (1) assess the mental health of cancer survivors in terms of depression and anxiety, (2) analyze levels of physical activity within the sample, and (3) explore the relationship between psychopathological symptoms, physical activity, and perceived quality of life. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 55 cancer survivors, with a mean age of 62.27 ± 11.91, living in inland of Portugal and not undergoing palliative care. Data were collected using a sociodemographic, clinical and physical activity questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), and the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s coefficient to assess the internal consistency, Spearman’s correlation, and multiple linear regression. Results: The results revealed significant associations between physical activity, psychopathological symptomatology, and quality of life. Specifically, the interaction between depression and physical activity had a negative impact on quality of life (B = −0.181; 95% CI −0.291 to −0.070; p = 0.002), whereas the interaction between anxiety and physical activity showed a positive effect (B = 0.165; 95% CI 0.037 to 0.293; p = 0.013). Conclusions: Physical activity enhances the quality of life of cancer survivors and moderates the negative impact of psychopathological symptoms. This highlights the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles and empowering healthcare professionals to recommend supervised physical activity as part of integrated and personalized care. Further studies should explore the relationship between other psychopathological symptoms, such as somatization, and physical activity in relation to quality of life. Full article

Background/Objectives: The correlation between fecal calprotectin (FC) levels and small bowel (SB) inflammation in Crohn’s Disease (CD) remains a subject of debate. This study aims to investigate the association between FC and SB inflammatory activity. Methods: Retrospective cohort study involving patients with SB-CD who underwent small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) and FC testing, excluding those with colonic inflammation. Patients were categorized based on the Lewis Score (LS): no inflammation (all SB tertiles with LS < 135); proximal SB inflammation (first and/or second tertiles with LS ≥ 135, without inflammation in the third tertile); distal SB inflammation (third SB tertile with LS ≥ 135, no inflammation in the proximal SB); or pan-SB inflammation (proximal and distal SB with inflammation). Results: Eighty-seven patients were included (median age 35 years, 75.9% female). Inflammation was absent in 21.8% of patients, proximal inflammation in 4.6%, distal inflammation in 33.3% and pan-SB inflammation in 40.4%. FC median values exhibited an ascending trend along the SB: no inflammation 58 µg/g; proximal SB inflammation 65 µg/g; distal SB inflammation 122 µg/g; or pan-SB inflammation 400 µg/g. FC correlated with LS in the second (ρ = 0.464) and third tertiles (ρ = 0.435), but not in the first tertile. FC levels were significantly higher in pan-SB disease compared to isolated proximal (p = 0.014) and distal inflammation (p = 0.012). A cutoff of 178 µg/g differentiated pan-SB from isolated distal disease (AUC = 0.716; sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 58.6%). Conclusions: FC levels correlate positively with the presence of SB lesions in the second and third tertiles. However, it is not a reliable marker for detecting inflammation in the first tertile, highlighting the importance of performing a SBCE in these patients. Full article

This study aims to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with different concentrations of oligofructose (FOS) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and intestinal microbial composition in growing rabbits. One hundred female Dehua black rabbits (34 d of age) were randomly assigned to four groups (CON, FOS-1, FOS-2, and FOS-3), with twenty-five rabbits in each group. The CON group received only a basal diet, while the FOS-1/FOS-2/FOS-3 group received the diet supplemented with 0.3%/0.6%/0.9% FOS, respectively. The trial period lasted for 72 days. Our results revealed that FOS supplementation could improve the growing performance of rabbits and decrease the feed/gain ratio. FOS significantly enhanced serum antioxidant enzyme (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA). The levels of plasmic immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, and IgM) and intestinal immune factors (IL-1α, IL-2, and sIgA) were significantly improved with the FOS supplement. Additionally, FOS can improve intestinal morphology and enhance the activity of intestinal enzymes, including cellulase, lipase, and protease. Furthermore, FOS supplementation influenced the composition of intestinal microflora by increasing the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group (barrier-enhancing) and Monoglobus (fiber-degrading). In conclusion, the addition of FOS has a positive impact on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and intestinal health of growing rabbits. The optimal dietary addition for rabbits was identified as 0.6% oligofructose. Full article

To accelerate maturation of intestinal function and promote growth and development, the effect of maternal clofibrate on intestinal fatty acid (FA) metabolism was investigated in suckling piglets. Twenty-seven pregnant sows were fed either 0, 0.25, or 0.5% clofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) agonist, during late gestation and early lactation. [1-¹⁴C]-Oleic acid metabolism was measured in vitro in intestinal mucosa of piglets with/without L-carnitine and/or malonate. Clofibrate increased oleic acid metabolism on d1, and the increase was higher from 0.5% than 0.25% of maternal clofibrate (p < 0.005). Flux to CO₂ increased with age, while flux to acid-soluble products (ASP) remained constant after d1. Flux to esterified products (ESP) increased on d7, but the increase was dampened by clofibrate (p < 0.0001). Carnitine increased flux to CO_2, and malonate decreased it (p < 0.0001), but neither affected ASP or ESP. Intestinal non-esterified FA and triglyceride levels decreased linearly, and carnitine palmitoyl-transferase (CPT) activity increased quadratically with age. Clofibrate increased acyl-CoA oxidase (ACOX) abundance but decreased the ratio of CPT1A and CPT1B on d1. Postnatal age increased FA binding protein 2 (FABP2) but decreased PPARα. In conclusion, maternal supplementation of clofibrate promotes intestinal energy generation from fat oxidation in postnatal piglets, but the stimulation is influenced by age, in which ACOX, FABP2, and CPT1 might play modulatory roles. Full article