Search Results (45,994)

Nutritional factors play a crucial role in many gynecological disorders, particularly those influenced by estrogen. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that affect a large proportion of women of reproductive age, especially between 30 and 40 years. These lesions may cause significant symptoms, including pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility. In younger women, the onset of fibroids is often associated with familial and genetic predisposition, whereas in adulthood, hormonal influences linked to environmental factors and states of exogenous or endogenous hyperestrogenism are more frequently observed. In both contexts, supportive management through an appropriate diet may provide clinical benefit. Although the precise pathogenesis remains incompletely understood, hormonal, genetic, and environmental components—particularly hyperestrogenism—are considered key contributors to fibroid development. Current evidence suggests that consumption of saturated fats, particularly from red meat and full-fat dairy, may raise circulating estrogen concentrations and contribute to the development of fibroids. In contrast, diets abundant in fiber, fruits, and vegetables appear to exert a protective effect, potentially lowering fibroid risk. Obesity, through increased aromatization and consequent estrogen production, also represents an established risk factor. This narrative review aims to explore the role of nutritional determinants in the onset and progression of uterine fibroids, with a specific focus on the impact of individual nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns on clinical outcomes. Particular emphasis is placed on obesity and macronutrient composition (e.g., high-fat versus high-fiber dietary regimens) as potential modulators of circulating estrogen levels and, consequently, fibroid growth dynamics. Furthermore, the potential of nutritional strategies as complementary therapeutic approaches, capable of integrating established clinical practices, is examined. Full article

This study aims to investigate the impact of digital transformation on corporate tax avoidance. In fact, this revolution has pervasively affected firms in different aspects and represents a significant opportunity to modernize their internal processes, bringing alongside a set of challenges that they must overcome. One hypothesis posits that digitalization enhances information transparency and internal control, reducing tax avoidance, while the other one suggests that the increase in digitalization leads to more complex and opaque transactions, leaving avenues for more aggressive tax strategies. This paper uses data of listed firms in the Casablanca Stock Exchange from 2020 to 2024, excluding the financial sector due to its specific tax regulation, leaving a final sample of 56 companies and 272 firm-year observations. It applies an OLS regression to assess the relation between the two variables, controlling for a set of firm and governance characteristics. The aim of the article is to address the scholarly debate by providing insights into an emerging economy where there is little research on the subject. The findings reveal that digital transformation contributes to the decrease in corporate tax avoidance in conjunction with governance variables like the presence of independent directors on the board and the duality of a CEO position, strongly supporting the first hypothesis. Notably, the OLS regression results show that an increase in digitalization by 1 point is associated with a decrease of 40.4755 in the book-tax differences, significant at the 5% level. The results provide high support for firms to invest in technologies in order to optimize their internal processes and improve their data quality; it also calls for tax authorities to strengthen their digital audit capacities and integrate data-driven tools to detect and interpret signals of potential tax-aggressive strategies. Full article

Molecular communication (MC) has emerged as a promising paradigm for nanoscale information exchange in Internet of Bio-Nano Things (IoBNT) environments, offering intrinsic biocompatibility and potential for real-time in vivo monitoring. This study proposes a cascaded MC channel framework for vascular stenosis detection, which integrates non-Newtonian blood rheology, bell-shaped constriction geometry, and adsorption–desorption dynamics. Path delay and path loss are introduced as quantitative metrics to characterize how structural narrowing and molecular interactions jointly affect signal propagation. On this basis, a peak response time-based delay inversion method is developed to estimate both the location and severity of stenosis. COMSOL 6.2 simulations demonstrate high spatial resolution and resilience to measurement noise across diverse vascular configurations. By linking nanoscale transport dynamics with system-level detection, the approach establishes a tractable pathway for the early identification of vascular anomalies. Beyond theoretical modeling, the framework underscores the translational potential of MC-based diagnostics. It provides a foundation for non-invasive vascular health monitoring in IoT-enabled biomedical systems with direct relevance to continuous screening and preventive cardiovascular care. Future in vitro and in vivo studies will be essential to validate feasibility and support integration with implantable or wearable biosensing devices, enabling real-time, personalized health management. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary olive leaf extract (OLE) on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles, focusing on growth parameters, centesimal composition, biochemical responses, and lipid peroxidation. OLE was extracted with 60% ethanol (1:20 w/v). Five diets, containing 34% crude protein and 8% lipids, were tested: a control (0 g/kg) and four with increasing OLE levels (0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg). The 46-day trial included 225 fish (0.56 ± 0.11 g) distributed in 15 tanks. Growth performance was not affected, except for a higher condition factor in OLE0.25. This dose also resulted in lower moisture and higher lipid content, while all OLE treatments increased crude protein in fish. Muscle glycogen decreased in all OLE-fed groups, and liver glycogen was reduced in OLE0.25. Plasma triglycerides decreased in OLE0.5 and OLE0.25, while total plasma protein was lower in OLE2.0. Liver triglycerides were lower in OLE0.25 and higher in OLE0.5, whereas glucose showed a glycemic peak in OLE2.0. Hepatic lipid peroxidation was reduced in OLE2.0. Overall, dietary OLE did not compromise the growth performance of Nile tilapia, and 0.25 g/kg promoted beneficial effects on centesimal composition, biochemical parameters, and lipid peroxidation, highlighting its potential as a functional ingredient in aquafeeds. Full article

Background/Objectives: The 2-minute walk test (2MWT) is a time-based gait assessment commonly employed for populations with limited walking ability for greater tolerability compared to the longer 6-minute test. The recommended distance to perform the tests is a 30 m straight path, a space requirement that is not always available in non-laboratory contexts. Shorter paths are therefore often adopted, but associated changes in gait patterns are not clear. The aim of the study is therefore to investigate how different walking path lengths affect gait patterns during the 2MWT. Methods: Twenty healthy young adults performed three walking trials on a straight hallway of 5 m, 15 m, and 30 m lengths. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured using three inertial measurement units on both distal tibiae and at pelvis level. Results: The 5 m path showed the greatest deviations, specifically in walking distance, walking speed, stride duration, stance time, swing time, single support time, and cadence, if compared to longer distances (p < 0.05). The 15 m path showed differences only in walking distance and walking speed (p < 0.05), if compared to the 30 m path. Conclusions: Shorter path lengths, particularly the 5 m, significantly impact gait patterns and should be considered when interpreting 2MWT results in clinical settings. The 30 m path is recommended as the gold standard, with 15 m as a viable alternative for assessing temporal parameters. Nevertheless, the extent to which each feature would be over/underestimated when walking in limited spaces is also addressed. Full article

Nannorrhops ritchieana (Mazri) forests are found in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Oman. These forests are ecologically and economically important to local communities and exhibit complex spatial distributions. This research examines the distribution of Mazri forests and their responses to varying phosphorus levels across different climatic zones. We collected data from 508 plots in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan, gathering 500 g of soil from each plot for phosphorus analysis, along with measurements of abundance and various traits. A distribution map was constructed to assess the impact of phosphorus levels on Mazri forest distribution and traits across climatic zones. Using a PCA biplot, we visualized the abundance and density and studied the effects of different climatic and environmental factors. Our findings suggest that phosphorus levels do not significantly influence the distribution of Mazri forests, which vary across different climatic regions. Forests are stable in the eastern wet mountain zone (EWMZ) and northern dry mountain zone (NDMZ), although without a significant pattern. A weak positive correlation was observed in the western dry mountain zone (WDMZ). In contrast, the Sulaiman piedmont zone (SPMZ) presented minor variations in abundance, indicating that phosphorus, in conjunction with other edaphic and climatic factors, affects Mazri forest distribution and abundance. Further research is needed to investigate the combined effects of various soil nutrients and climatic factors on the distribution, abundance, and functional traits of Mazri forests across different regions. Full article

Traditional food products (TFPs) hold a significant place in the cultural and gastronomic identity of Vojvodina, and consumer interest in these products is continuously growing, positioning them among the most relevant research topics in the fields of hospitality and consumer behavior. The aim of this study was to examine how consumers’ socio-demographic characteristics influence their attitudes and perception of the quality and attributes of TFPs on hospitality and tourism market. The research was conducted on a sample of 507 adult respondents from the territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, nonparametric tests (Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis) and ordinal logistic regression. The results indicate that age, gender, education level and place of residence significantly affect attitudes toward the quality, price, availability, and advantages of TFPs compared to industrial or imported products. Respondents from rural areas, those with lower education levels and lower incomes, show a greater tendency to consume traditional products. The main barriers to consumption were identified as high prices and insufficient information. The regression results showed that gender and place of residence were significant predictors of consumers’ tendency to choose dishes prepared with TFPs in hospitality establishments. The study highlights the need for tailored marketing and educational strategies to improve the accessibility, diversity, and visibility of TFPs on the market, with particular attention to their integration into the hospitality sector. However, the study is limited to the region of Vojvodina and relies on self-reported data, which may introduce response bias. Future research could explore comparative analyses across different regions or include qualitative insights into consumer motivations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pain is a common issue among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD), and palliative care (PC) aims to improve their quality of life. This study investigates the incidence, nature, and treatment of pain in chronic HD patients in Hungary, along with factors influencing pain intensity and the benefits of PC. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design involving 159 patients with chronic end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) receiving HD at the National Dialysis Center in Pécs, Hungary. Pain was assessed using a “PQRST” questionnaire, and statistical analyses were performed on clinical and laboratory data to identify potential pain triggers. We also reviewed the latest literature on PC for patients with ESKD undergoing HD. Results: Approximately 57% of patients reported pain, with 88% indicating moderate-to-severe pain levels. While 64% used regular pain medication, only 29% experienced complete pain relief. Non-pharmacological methods, along with adjuvant agents and strong notably different based on parathyroid opioids, were underutilized. Pain intensity was hormone (PTH) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Key factors affecting pain included body mass index (BMI), hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), and PTH levels. Research shows that PC is rarely used for patients on HD in many countries, despite being effective in managing symptoms. Conclusions: PC, along with pain assessment and multidisciplinary management, reduces the symptomatic burden for patients with ESKD. Effective management of mild pain should be handled by a nephrologist experienced in PC, while severe, therapy-resistant pain should be managed by PC specialists. Therefore, implementing PC is essential in the treatment of these patients. Full article

Cadherin 17 (CDH17) is a cell adhesion glycoprotein essential for epithelial integrity. It is frequently overexpressed in various cancers, where it is associated with aggressive behaviour. While evidence indicates that CDH17 functions as an upstream regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signalling, findings are inconsistent across tumour types, limiting the assessment of CDH17 as a biomarker or therapeutic target for Wnt pathway in cancer. In this study, we systematically review and meta-analyse the relationship between CDH17 and Wnt/β-catenin signalling in human cancers and evaluate whether CDH17 modulation affects tumour behaviour through Wnt-related mechanisms. Our search of Medline, Web of Science and Scopus identified five studies examining CDH17 expression in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in vitro and in vivo. All five studies identified CDH17 as a key driver of canonical Wnt signalling, directly influencing cancer progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), gastric cancer (GC), and colorectal cancer (CRC). Meta-analysis (MA) showed that CDH17 inhibition consistently reduced Wnt/β-catenin downstream T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (TCF/LEF) transcriptional activity (MD = −1.32, 95% CI: −1.64 to −0.99, p < 0.00001). Narrative synthesis found that CDH17 suppression decreased total and nuclear β-catenin, phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β), and cyclin D1 while increasing tumour suppressors, retinoblastoma (Rb) and p53/p21. These changes were associated with reduced proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion and cell cycle arrest. In vivo, CDH17 suppression resulted in 80–95% tumour growth suppression (Mean Difference (MD) = −96.67, 95% CI: [−144.35, −48.98], p < 0.0001), with immunohistochemistry confirming cytoplasmic β-catenin sequestration and lower cyclin D1 levels. Collectively, these findings show CDH17 as a critical upstream effector sustaining Wnt/β-catenin signalling, cancer progression, tumour proliferation, stem cell properties, and metastasis, and support CDH17 inhibition as a promising therapeutic target across multiple cancer types. Full article

This study explored the optimization of green hydrogen production via seawater electrolysis powered by a hybrid photovoltaic (PV)-wind system in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A Box–Behnken Design (BBD), adapted from Response Surface Methodology (RSM), was utilized to address the synergistic effect of key operational factors on the integration of renewable energy for green hydrogen production and its economic viability. Addressing critical gaps in renewable energy integration, the research evaluated the feasibility of direct seawater electrolysis and hybrid renewable systems, alongside their techno-economic viability, to support South Africa’s transition from a coal-dependent energy system. Key variables, including electrolyzer efficiency, wind and PV capacity, and financial parameters, were analyzed to optimize performance metrics such as the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH), Net Present Cost (NPC), and annual hydrogen production. At 95% confidence level with regression coefficient (R² > 0.99) and statistical significance (p < 0.05), optimal conditions of electricity efficiency of 95%, a wind-turbine capacity of 4960 kW, a capital investment of $40,001, operational costs of $40,000 per year, a project lifetime of 29 years, a nominal discount rate of 8.9%, and a generic PV capacity of 29 kW resulted in a predictive LCOH of 0.124$/kg H₂ with a yearly production of 355,071 kg. Within the scope of this study, with the goal of minimizing the cost of production, the lowest LCOH observed can be attributed to the architecture of the power ratios (Wind/PV cells) at high energy efficiency (95%) without the cost of desalination of the seawater, energy storage and transportation. Electrolyzer efficiency emerged as the most influential factor, while financial parameters significantly affected the cost-related responses. The findings underscore the technical and economic viability of hybrid renewable-powered seawater electrolysis as a sustainable pathway for South Africa’s transition away from coal-based energy systems. Full article

Restrictions on adding antibiotics to animal diets have posed challenges in managing gut pathogens, emphasizing the significance of effective non-antibiotic growth promoters to maintain animal health and productivity. This study assessed the efficacy of hydroxamic acid (HA), derived from local maize varieties, as a non-antibiotic growth promoter in broilers. Among 10 different maize varieties, the Azam variety yielded the highest HA concentration (35 ± 7 μg/g of roots), as quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In vitro antimicrobial assays demonstrated the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.022 mg for Azam-derived HA against pathogenic E. coli. To further assess in vivo efficacy, 108 birds were allocated at random to six treatment groups. The treatments include birds fed a basal diet without an E. coli challenge (negative control); an antibiotic-treated group challenged with E. coli and treated with enrofloxacin at a dosage of 5 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg), administered orally once daily from day 5 post-infection (dpi) for 7 consecutive days (standard); broilers challenged with E. coli and supplemented with a basal diet with HA at concentrations of 1, 10, or 100 mg/kg of feed from 5 dpi for one week (HA 1 mg, HA 10 mg, and HA 100 mg, respectively); and broilers challenged with E. coli without enrofloxacin/HA (positive control). The results demonstrated that birds fed a diet supplemented with the HA-100 mg improved the body weight (BW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the positive control group. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) observed for BW and FCR observed for the broilers fed on the standard and HA 100 mg groups. The addition of HA at 100 mg improved (p < 0.05) the hemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) and reduced (p < 0.05) levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to positive control group. A significantly low carcass weight (p < 0.05) was shown for positive control birds compared to other groups. Our findings indicate that maize-derived HA presents a phytogenic alternative to antibiotics by controlling enteric pathogens and improving health and performance affected by E. coli infection in broilers. Full article

Background/Objectives: Infant emotional responses during complementary feeding offer key insights into early developmental processes and feeding behaviors. AI-driven facial emotion analysis presents a novel, objective method to quantify these subtle expressions, potentially informing interventions in early childhood nutrition. We aimed to investigate how maternal and infant traits influence infants’ emotional responses during complementary feeding using an automated facial analysis tool. Methods: This multi-center study involved 117 typically developing infants (6–11 months) and their mothers. Standardized feeding sessions were recorded, and OpenFace software quantified six emotions (surprise, sadness, fear, happiness, anger, disgust). Data were normalized and analyzed via Generalized Estimating Equations to identify associations with maternal BMI, education, work status, and infant age, sex, and complementary feeding initiation. Results: Emotional responses did not differ significantly across five food groups. Infants of mothers with BMI > 30 kg/m² showed greater surprise, while those whose mothers were well-educated and not working displayed more happiness. Older infants and those introduced to complementary feeding before six months exhibited higher levels of anger. Parental or infant food selectivity did not significantly affect responses. Conclusions: The findings indicate that maternal and infant demographic factors exert a more pronounced influence on infant emotional responses during complementary feeding than the type of food provided. These results highlight the importance of integrating broader psychosocial variables into early feeding practices and underscore the potential utility of AI-driven facial emotion analysis in advancing research on infant development. Full article

The outburst of Zonag Lake in the permafrost region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) has significantly altered the local environment, particularly affecting surface conditions and permafrost dynamics. By employing remote sensing and GIS tools, this study analyzed the spatial and temporal variations in surface environmental changes (surface temperature, vegetation, and dryness) within the Zonag–Salt Lake basin. The results indicate that the outburst caused higher surface temperatures and reduced vegetation cover around Zonag Lake. Analysis using the Temperature–Vegetation Dryness Index (TVDI) reveals higher dryness levels in downstream areas, especially from Kusai Lake to Salt Lake, compared to the upstream Zonag Lake. Temporal trends from 2000 to 2023 show a decrease in average Land Surface Temperature (LST) and an increase in the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Geographical centroid shifts in environmental indices demonstrate migration patterns influenced by seasonal climate changes and the outburst event. Desertification around Zonag Lake accelerates permafrost development, while the wetting environment around Salt Lake promotes permafrost degradation. The Zonag Lake region is also an ecologically significant area, serving as a key calving ground for the Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii), a nationally protected species. Thus, the environmental changes revealed in this study carry important implications for biodiversity conservation on the Tibetan Plateau. These findings highlight the profound impact of the Zonag Lake outburst on the surface environment and permafrost dynamics in the region, providing critical insights for understanding environmental responses to lake outbursts in high-altitude regions. Full article

The poultry red mite (PRM) feeds on hens’ blood at night, disrupting sleep, harming welfare, and reducing productivity. Effective control may lie in dynamic Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which relies on routine monitoring and adaptation to farm conditions. This study investigated how PRM infestations affect the night-time activity of hens. Three groups of eight hens, housed in enriched cages, were monitored with night-vision cameras over a two-month period, both before and after artificial PRM introduction, while PRM levels were simultaneously recorded. To quantify changes in behaviour, we developed an activity-monitoring algorithm that extracts both group-level and individual night-time activity patterns from video recordings. Group activity between 18:00 and 03:00 was analyzed hourly, and individual activity between 21:00 and 00:00 was classified into four activity categories. Before infestation, group activity declined after 19:00, remained low from 20:00 to 01:00, and peaked just before the end of the dark period. After infestation, activity remained elevated with no anticipatory activity peak towards the end of the dark period. Individual data showed an increase in time spent in the most active activity category from 24% to 67% after infestation. The rise in calculated activity was supported by a nearly 23-fold increase in annotated PRM-related behaviours, specifically head shaking and head scratching. These findings suggest that PRM mostly disrupted sleep from two hours after lights-off to two hours before lights-on and may have acted as a chronic stressor. Automated video-based monitoring could strengthen dynamic IPM in commercial systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Understanding prescribing patterns for type 2 diabetes mellitus, a complex condition affecting over 10% of the global adult population, can optimise prescribing practices, guide policymakers in promoting evidence-based medicine, and help tailor first-line treatments to individual characteristics or specific subgroups, improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the prescription and non-prescription of metformin, the recommended first-line therapy in Western guidelines, and to evaluate whether these prescribing patterns align with evidence-based recommendations. It also explores factors associated with initial combination therapy, a more recent and controversial approach compared to stepwise therapy. Methods: We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science on 25 August 2023, without language or time restrictions, to identify observational analytical studies assessing factors associated with the initiation of metformin or combination therapy in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were naïve to antidiabetic medications. Studies involving pregnant or breastfeeding women were excluded. A narrative synthesis was conducted. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists (PROSPERO registration number CRD42023438313). Results: Thirty studies were included, evaluating 105 variables, most of which (62%) were assessed in one study. The 25 variables using combination therapy as the outcome were mostly (72%) evaluated also in one study. Initial metformin prescription was strongly and positively associated with younger age, lower glycated haemoglobin levels, higher body mass index, and absence of renal impairment. Initial combination therapy was associated with higher HbA1c levels and a lower burden of comorbidities. Findings also highlighted a discrepancy between clinical practice and evidence-based recommendations. However, concerns were raised regarding both the internal and external validity of the included studies. Conclusions: Our systematic review, which offers insights into real-world clinical practices, indicated that there is a misalignment between clinical practices and evidence-based recommendations, supporting the need for interventions in this field. Full article