Search Results (1,758)

Background and Objectives: Tunneled hemodialysis catheters (TDCs) are essential for vascular access in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This study retrospectively evaluated the clinical outcomes of permanent TDCs placed at a single center, comparing heparin-coated versus non-heparin-coated catheters. Materials and Methods: A total of 189 patients who underwent permanent TDC placement between January 2021 and January 2022 were included. Patients were categorized by catheter type (heparin-coated, n = 80; non-heparin-coated, n = 109). Catheter failure-free survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method, with arteriovenous fistula creation treated strictly as a censoring event. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify independent predictors of catheter failure. Results: Complications were significantly more frequent in the non-heparin-coated group (p = 0.004). Catheter exchange was required exclusively in the non-heparin-coated group (p < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated significantly longer failure-free catheter survival in the heparin-coated group (restricted mean 49.0 vs. 41.7 months; Log-Rank p < 0.001). On multivariable Cox regression, the complete absence of events in the heparin-coated group yielded a strong protective point estimate (HR = 0.087, 95% CI: 0.004–1.710), rendering individual patient covariates such as INR and age non-significant. Conclusions: Heparin-coated TDCs were associated with significantly longer failure-free survival and lower complication rates compared with non-heparin-coated catheters. Due to the low overall event rate, individual patient-level covariates including INR did not reach statistical significance in the multivariable model. Full article

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) imposes a substantial global health burden, with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) established as the gold standard for localized disease. While da Vinci^® Xi maintains market dominance, Toumai^® MT-1000 offers a potentially cost-competitive alternative lacking prospective validation. Objective: To evaluate perioperative safety, oncologic quality (primary endpoint: positive surgical margins), early functional recovery (continence), and surgeon learning curve between Toumai^® MT-1000 (T-RARP) and da Vinci^® Xi RARP (DV-RARP) performed in high-volume European practice. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective single-center comparative study carried out at Policlinico Gemelli, Rome (May–November 2025), enrolling 80 patients with localized or locally advanced PCa, elected for radical prostatectomy and casually allocated to receive surgery with Toumai or the da Vinci robotic platform. The primary endpoint was the comparison of positive surgical margin (PSM) rates. Secondary endpoints included the comparison of operative time (skin-to-skin), estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, 45-day postop outcomes, specifically Clavien–Dindo complications, urinary continence recovery (0–1 pad/day), and IIEF-5 scores. Learning curve was evaluated through the cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis of operative times and linear regression of operative times (n = 80 cases). The analyses used STATA 19 with two-sided tests at p < 0.05 significance. Results: Baseline characteristics showed balance between cohorts (p > 0.05 for most covariates). Perioperative outcomes proved equivalent: median operative time (OT) was 192.5 min (IQR 165–230) for Toumai^® versus 183.5 min (IQR 147–225) for da Vinci^® Xi (p = 0.38); estimated blood loss (EBL) was 150 mL in both groups (p = 0.87); length of hospital stay (LOS) was 2 days in both groups (p = 0.92). PSM rates were identical at 17.5% (p = 0.79). Continence recovery reached 72.5% versus 80% (p = 0.43). Complications (Clavien–Dindo ≥ II) occurred in 7.5% versus 12.5% of cases (p = 0.45). The CUSUM analysis demonstrated operative time proficiency after only four procedures; operative time regression showed no significant trend (p = 0.38). Conclusions: Toumai^® MT-1000 demonstrates similar performance to da Vinci^® Xi across different RARP quality metrics, with no detectable learning curve for surgeons previously experienced with da Vinci. These findings support a safe integration of cost-effective platforms into clinical practice, pending multicenter randomized confirmation. Full article

Background/Objective: In late adulthood, the increasing prevalence of diabetes overlaps with the highest prevalence of postural instability. A cross-sectional study was designed to explore the combined influence of age, gender, history of COVID-19 quadriceps strength, and Body Mass Index (B.M.I.) on the postural stability of adults with/without diabetes, under a variety of sensory conditions. Methods: A total of 263 adults aged 21 to 82 years old accepted to participate, 99 with and 164 without diabetes. They had no history of vestibular/otology/neurology/autoimmune/orthopedic disease or proliferative retinopathy/severe renal dysfunction/traumatic injury. After clinical and vestibular evaluations, postural sway was recorded on hard/soft surface, eyes open/closed, and without/with 30° neck extension. Bivariate analysis and repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance were performed with 0.05 significance. Results: In the two groups, two thirds of the participants had excess weight and almost half had history of COVID-19. Overall conditions, gender and diabetes were the main factors contributing to sway area (multiple R = 0.28–0.31, p ≤ 0.001) and to sway length (multiple R = 0.34–0.47, p ≤ 0.00001). Compared to adults without diabetes, in those with diabetes, the age was not related to sway measurements; with contribution to sway from history of COVID-19 and quadriceps strength, and decreased contribution of the study variables to both the anterior–posterior position of the center of pressure and ankle movement (velocity as a function of the anterior–posterior position of the center of pressure) (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Diabetes may interfere with the influence of individual cofactors contributing to postural sway, including decreased influence of age and reduced ankle movement. A history of mild–moderate COVID-19 may have influence on postural control in varied sensory conditions. Full article

Basketball performance is influenced by cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition. However, evidence regarding the ability of maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) to distinguish between competitive levels remains inconsistent. This study aimed to examine differences in cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition between professional and amateur basketball players and to explore their contribution to variability in relative VO₂max. This pilot study also informed sample size estimation for future studies. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 12 professional (21.0 ± 2.3 years; BMI: 25.37 ± 3.04 kg/m²) and 12 amateur (22.6 ± 1.7 years; BMI: 26.83 ± 3.24 kg/m²) male basketball players. Absolute and relative VO₂max, ventilatory thresholds, and body composition (five-component fractionation) were assessed. Between-group comparisons were performed using Welch’s t-tests, effect sizes were estimated using Hedges’ g, and covariance analyses were adjusted for height and body fat percentage. No statistically significant differences were observed in relative VO₂max between groups. However, the absolute second ventilatory threshold was significantly higher in professional players, and absolute VO₂max showed a large effect size favoring this group. Professionals also showed lower body fat percentage and greater fat-free mass (p < 0.01; g ≈ 1.2). These findings suggest that body composition differences may partly explain variability in relative VO₂max between competitive levels. Full article

Background/Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major concern in public health, given its role as a persistent sexually transmitted infection and a causative agent of non-cancerous and cancerous lesions (neoplasms). The increasing infection rates observed in recent years underscore the need for effective public health measures to address this issue. The objective of this study is to describe the challenges and the results of conducting vaccination campaigns within a university setting and its impact on the HPV vaccination rate. Methods: A multifaceted approach was adopted, entailing the implementation of two distinct interventions. Following the promotional and educational online campaign (described elsewhere), vaccination delivery took place from November 2024 to July 2025 in the university campus and in three university hospitals in Milan. Overall and covariate-specific drop-out rate is calculated; significance is tested through a chi-square test of homogeneity between the population that completed less than three doses vs. those who completed the full cycle. Overall and vaccine-specific vaccination proportion is reported. Results: The vaccination rate for first doses reached 92% of available appointments, with a slight female majority (50.9%) and the 23–26 age as the most represented group (47%). The most represented nationality was Italian (58.4%), followed by Iranian (26.5%). Regarding the vaccination sites, the university venue recorded the highest rates in terms of both vaccines booked (56.4%) and vaccines administered (64.7%). With a net loss in follow up, consistent with WHO data, the three-dose HPV vaccination campaign was completed by 82.5% of participants. A chi-squared test of homogeneity revealed significant differences in age distribution between vaccination groups, χ² (3) = 347.78, p < 0.001, Cramér’s V = 0.457. Participants who received only one dose were predominantly younger (17–22 years: 71.1% vs. 19.0%, difference = 52.1 percentage points, 95% CI [46.6, 57.7]). Meanwhile, a catch-up strategy raised interest on other crucial vaccinations. Conclusions: The findings pertaining to the vaccination rate underscore the heightened awareness among young adults concerning the HPV vaccine. They further substantiate the efficacy of the integrated strategy encompassing advisory and educational site-based campaigns as an initial measure to attain the WHO-endorsed vaccination rates. Full article

Contemporary education increasingly emphasises transferable competencies that enable learners to analyse situations, evaluate information, and make responsible decisions. This study examined the effects of a structured educational intervention based on inquiry, problem-solving, and role-play activities on the development of decision-making competence in primary school students. A quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test design with a control group was employed. The initial sample consisted of 64 second-grade students, with final analyses conducted on 39 complete cases. Decision-making competence was assessed using a researcher-developed multidimensional scale encompassing six dimensions: identification of alternatives, justification of decisions, anticipation of consequences, autonomy, collaboration, and responsibility. The results indicated a significant improvement in decision-making competence from pre-test (M = 13.23, SD = 1.68) to post-test (M = 20.05, SD = 4.49), t(38) = 8.45, p < 0.001, d = 1.35. Additionally, analysis of covariance revealed a significant effect of group on post-test scores, F(1, 36) = 9.82, p = 0.003, ηp² = 0.21, with the experimental group demonstrating greater improvement than the control group. A 2 × 2 repeated-measures ANOVA further indicated that gains were more pronounced in the cognitive domain than in the socio-emotional domain. These findings suggest that structured classroom activities involving inquiry, problem-solving, and role-play can support primary school students’ ability to analyse situations, generate alternatives, and justify decisions, particularly within the cognitive dimensions of decision-making competence. At the same time, the more moderate gains observed in collaboration and responsibility highlight the need for sustained, interaction-based learning contexts to support the development of socio-emotional dimensions. Full article

Background: Profound musculoskeletal alterations encompassing bones and soft tissues are common in people with anorexia nervosa (AN). This study aims to examine spinal posture and mobility in adolescents with AN, and to compare these outcomes with those obtained from normal-weight female controls. Methods: Spinal posture and movements were measured in 37 adolescents with AN and 31 normal-weight controls using the Idiag M360 scan tool, and between-group differences were analyzed using analysis of covariance. Results: Spinal postures and the lumbar-to-hip ratio were not different between subgroups. By contrast, AN had reduced thoracic (−21.8 degrees, p < 0.0001) and lumbar (−18.2 degrees, p < 0.0001) mobility in the frontal plane, as well as decreased hip flexion (−14 degrees, p = 0.001) and extension (−18.6 degrees, p < 0.0001) compared to the CG. Conclusions: Thoracic and lumbar spinal mobility, mainly in the frontal plane, and also hip mobility in the sagittal plane, are decreased in AN. These findings provide clinically relevant insights into spinal characteristics in adolescents with AN. Full article

Electroencephalography (EEG) provides a non-invasive and high-temporal-resolution modality for decoding cognitive states, but high-density recordings remain challenging for Transformer-based models because self-attention scales quadratically with the number of channels. In addition, conventional Euclidean representations do not fully capture the intrinsic geometry of EEG covariance features, which may limit robustness in cross-subject settings. To address these issues, we propose EEG-RCformer, a Riemannian geometry-informed channel clustering Transformer for EEG decoding. The model first computes per-channel symmetric positive definite (SPD) covariance matrices from windowed EEG features and uses the affine-invariant Riemannian metric (AIRM) to identify trial-specific functional hubs. These hubs are then integrated with capacity-constrained spatial clustering to generate anatomically plausible and computationally efficient channel groups, which are encoded as tokens for a Transformer classifier. We evaluated EEG-RCformer on the MODMA and SEED datasets under both subject-dependent and -independent paradigms, achieving area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.9802 and 0.7154 on MODMA and 0.8541 and 0.8011 on SEED, respectively. Paired statistical tests further showed significant gains for MODMA in both the subject-dependent and -independent settings and for SEED in the subject-dependent setting, while SEED still showed a positive but non-significant mean improvement in the subject-independent setting. Full article

Reliable, explainable prediction of the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is challenging in global health because country-level indicators are heterogeneous and missingness is often informative rather than random. This study aims to develop and validate a missingness-aware TabNet (MA-TabNet), an attention-based framework that treats absence patterns as learnable signals while maintaining a stable feature space for country-level MMR forecasting and interpretation. We build a country–year panel from a publicly available global nutrition and health dataset and predict MMR using socioeconomic and health indicators to test whether missingness patterns add predictive signal beyond observed covariates. The model applies a distribution-aware selective masking strategy, adding missingness indicators only for variables with high missing rates; remaining gaps are handled by median imputation, with indicators retained to explicitly encode reporting uncertainty. Country codes and regional groupings are encoded as learnable embeddings, and entmax-based sequential attention is used to improve feature selection via sparse, competition-style masks under correlated determinants. Hyperparameters are tuned using Bayesian optimization, and evaluation follows a temporally realistic protocol (train on earlier years; test on a future held-out year). MA-TabNet achieves a mean absolute error (MAE) of 21.05, root mean squared error (RMSE) of 36.24, and R² of 0.9739, outperforming strong tree-based baselines and improving on the original TabNet while avoiding the training instability observed in some transformer-style tabular models. For transparency, we report attention-derived global and local importance, compare original versus missing-mask features in model importances, and complement these with permutation-based Shapley additive explanation summaries, permutation importance (MAE drop), partial dependence plots for top drivers, and continent-stratified residual analyses to clarify how structural reporting gaps shape predictions and to support trustworthy maternal health monitoring. Overall, these findings suggest that modeling missingness as a measurable reporting signal can yield accurate, auditable forecasts that are better aligned with temporally realistic SDG 3.1 monitoring than “fill-and-forget” preprocessing. Full article

Background and Objectives: represents a major public health challenge in rapidly aging societies. While lifestyle behaviors are established modifiable risk factors for frailty, the longitudinal impact of composite lifestyle trajectories—particularly by sex—remains poorly understood. This study examined sex-stratified associations between Healthy Lifestyle Score Trajectories (HLSTs) and frailty among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults in South Korea. Using 19 years of nationally representative panel data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006–2024), we analyzed 6603 participants (2684 males; 3919 females). Materials and Methods: Group-Based Trajectory Modeling was applied to Waves 1–6 to derive sex-specific HLSTs based on smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and body mass index. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to assess longitudinal associations between HLSTs and Frailty Index (FI) scores across Waves 6–10, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates. Results: Five distinct HLSTs were identified in both sexes. In both males and females, persistently poor or deteriorating trajectories were independently associated with higher FI scores relative to the Favorable HLST reference group. The effect size for Poor HLST was more than twice as large in females (B = 0.039) than in males (B = 0.018), consistent with the sex-frailty paradox. Among females, the Improving HLST group did not demonstrate a statistically significant frailty benefit (B = 0.014, p = 0.091). Stratified analyses revealed that the lifestyle–frailty association among males was significant only in rural-dwelling participants, whereas in females the association was consistent across both urban and rural settings. Conclusions: Persistently unfavorable composite lifestyle trajectories were independently associated with higher frailty burden, with disproportionately greater impact in women. Late-life lifestyle improvement was not significantly associated with reduced frailty in women, reinforcing the importance of early and sustained behavioral maintenance. The rural-specific association in men highlights the role of structural disadvantage in amplifying lifestyle-related frailty risk. However, given the observational design of this study, the possibility of reverse causality cannot be excluded, and these findings should be interpreted as associative rather than causal. These findings support sex-sensitive, trajectory-based, and geographically tailored frailty prevention strategies. Full article

Background: Depressive symptoms have been linked to systemic inflammation, yet estimates in population-representative data vary by symptom severity and analytic specifications. We quantified the association between depressive symptom severity and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in U.S. adults using design-based inference. Methods: We analysed pooled NHANES 2015–2018 data for adults aged ≥ 20 years (unweighted n = 9164; complete-case adjusted models n = 8173). Depressive symptom severity was categorised using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) with 0–4 as the reference group and a pre-specified primary contrast of 10–14 versus 0–4. Outcomes were (i) continuous hs-CRP modelled on the log scale, reported as geometric mean ratios (GMR), and (ii) elevated inflammation defined as hs-CRP > 3 mg/L, modelled using a log-link to obtain prevalence ratios (PR). Models incorporated NHANES complex sampling and adjusted for a pre-specified core covariate set (age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, poverty-income ratio, and smoking). Sensitivity analyses excluded hs-CRP > 10 mg/L and added BMI. Results: After adjustment, the geometric mean hs-CRP was 1.43 mg/L (95% CI 1.21–1.70) for PHQ-9 0–4 and 1.63 mg/L (95% CI 1.29–2.08) for PHQ-9 10–14. For the primary contrast (10–14 vs. 0–4), the adjusted GMR was 1.14 (0.96–1.35) and the PR was 1.15 (0.95–1.39). Using a clinically relevant dichotomy (PHQ-9 ≥ 10 vs. <10), depressive symptoms were associated with higher hs-CRP (GMR 1.24 (1.07–1.43)) and a higher prevalence of hs-CRP > 3 mg/L (PR 1.19 (1.01–1.39)). Associations were strongest for PHQ-9 15–19 (GMR 1.62 (1.20–2.19); PR 1.49 (1.15–1.92)). In sensitivity analyses for the primary contrast, GMR estimates ranged from 1.01 to 1.14 and PR estimates ranged from 1.05 to 1.15, with attenuation towards the null after excluding hs-CRP > 10 mg/L and after additional adjustment for BMI. Conclusions: Higher depressive symptom severity was associated with higher hs-CRP and a higher prevalence of low-grade systemic inflammation in U.S. adults, with the clearest elevations observed among those with moderately severe symptoms. For the pre-specified moderate-symptom contrast, point estimates were modest and sensitive to handling of high hs-CRP values and adiposity-related adjustment. Full article

Background: Interactive learning resources developed with the H5P platform have been progressively adopted to support autonomous learning and conceptual consolidation. However, empirical evidence regarding their impact on academic performance in theoretically demanding university courses remains limited. The primary aim of this study was to examine the effect of the structured integration of an interactive digital pedagogical resource developed with multiple-choice H5P on the academic performance of higher education students enrolled in a Motor Control course. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted to compare two independent groups: a control group (CG; n = 90) and an intervention group (IG; n = 115), which had access throughout the semester to a multiple-choice interactive resource developed using the H5P platform. Academic performance was operationalized as the score obtained on a written summative assessment. Baseline equivalence between groups was assessed using an initial diagnostic test. Between-group comparisons were performed using robust non-parametric statistical procedures and further examined using a linear regression model adjusted for relevant covariates. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between groups in the baseline diagnostic test (p > 0.05), indicating comparable starting levels. At the end of the intervention period (≈2 months), the intervention group obtained significantly higher scores in the summative assessment (p < 0.001), with a large effect size (d = 0.87). Conclusions: The findings suggest that the structured integration of multiple-choice H5P resources may positively contribute to academic performance when used as a complementary tool alongside traditional teaching. These results reinforce the pedagogical potential of multiple-choice H5P to support autonomous learning and conceptual consolidation, while also highlighting the need for future research employing more rigorous experimental designs and process-based measures to better understand the underlying learning mechanisms. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital condition characterized by absence of ganglion cells in the distal bowel. The principle of surgical treatment is resection of the aganglionic bowel with restoration of intestinal continuity. Several operative techniques have been developed. This study aimed to compare outcomes between the Duhamel procedure and transanal endorectal pull-through (TERPT) in Hirschsprung disease using propensity score-based methods. Methods: Hirschsprung patients who underwent Duhamel or TERPT from January 2006 to December 2021 were included. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint at 6 months comprising obstructive symptoms, fecal soiling, or Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis. Propensity scores were estimated via logistic regression incorporating eight preoperative covariates. The primary analysis employed overlap weighting (ATO), with multiple sensitivity analyses performed to assess robustness. Results: A total of 239 patients were included (TERPT, n = 181; Duhamel, n = 58). Before weighting, seven of eight covariates demonstrated meaningful imbalance (SMD > 0.10); ATO weighting achieved satisfactory balance across all covariates (all SMD < 0.10). A good composite outcome was achieved in 51.9% of TERPT and 53.4% of Duhamel patients, with no significant difference in the primary ATO-weighted analysis (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.39–2.28; p = 0.897). No significant differences were observed in individual outcome components. Findings were consistent across all sensitivity analyses. TERPT was associated with significantly shorter operative time, lower estimated blood loss, and shorter hospital stay (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: No statistically significant differences were detected in 6-month postoperative functional outcomes between TERPT and the Duhamel operation. TERPT was associated with improved perioperative outcomes. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to limited statistical power and baseline differences between groups. Prospective multicenter studies with standardized outcome definitions and longer follow-up are warranted. Full article

Background/Objectives: The coparenting relationship newly formed during the transition to parenthood is a relational system focused on parenting. This study was positioned as an exploratory survey, because it evaluated a preventive intervention program developed for couples expecting their first child with the goal of promoting coparenting, focusing solely on the prenatal period. This self-guided program was primarily composed of brief video for viewing and homework that were provided to couples through the pregnant women. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, and the secondary objective was to explore its preliminary effects; all assessments were based on data collected from pregnant women. Methods: This was a pilot study employing a mixed-methods approach with intervention and comparison groups. The evaluation utilized self-reported data collected at 22–27 weeks’ and 36 weeks’ gestation, along with data gathered through responses to questions in Microsoft Forms and semi-structured interviews, particularly in the intervention group. Ultimately, 20 couples in each group were included in the analysis. Results: Approximately 80% of couples in both groups agreed to participate, enhancing the feasibility of the intervention that included approaches to couples through pregnant women. The intervention completion rate was high (87%), and many women found the program acceptable. Analysis of covariance for between-group comparisons revealed no significant differences in relationship satisfaction (p = 0.267) or prenatal coparenting (p = 0.239). Conclusions: This program was recognized as feasible and acceptable, but its preliminary effects during pregnancy were not confirmed. Randomizing participants and including outcome assessments after childbirth in future studies could contribute to enhancing the potential for beneficial interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aging is associated with declines in cognitive function and neurotrophic support. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are peripheral biomarkers discussed in relation to brain health and aging. This study investigated changes in serum BDNF, IGF-1, and cognitive screening scores after a 16-week Hatha Yoga program performed twice or four times per week in older women. Methods: Fifty-one community-dwelling women aged 70–79 years were allocated to a twice-per-week yoga group (2YG; n = 17), a four-times-per-week yoga group (4YG; n = 17), or a non-exercise control group (CON; n = 17) based on availability and participant preference; forty-three participants completed the study. Serum BDNF and IGF-1 were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and chemiluminescent immunoassay, and cognitive status was evaluated using the Cognitive Impairment Screening Test (CIST). Outcomes were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and additional ANCOVA models adjusting for corresponding baseline values. Exploratory correlations were examined between biomarker changes and CIST changes. Effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were reported. Results: BDNF showed a significant main effect of time (p < 0.05) without a significant group × time interaction; ANCOVA adjusting for baseline BDNF showed no significant group effect (p = 0.270). IGF-1 showed a significant group × time interaction (p < 0.01) with increases in both yoga groups; ANCOVA adjusting for baseline IGF-1 showed a significant group effect (p = 0.001). CIST showed a significant main effect of time (p < 0.01), but changes were small and the group × time interaction was not significant; ANCOVA adjusting for baseline CIST showed no significant group effect (p = 0.114). Biomarker changes were not clearly correlated with CIST changes (ΔBDNF–ΔCIST: r = −0.244, p = 0.115; ΔIGF-1–ΔCIST: r = −0.050, p = 0.750). Conclusions: In this quasi-experimental study with non-random allocation and limited covariate information, changes in peripheral neurotrophic factors and only small changes in cognitive screening scores were observed after participation in a 16-week Hatha Yoga program. However, frequency-dependent conclusions are limited, and findings should be interpreted cautiously as screening-level, hypothesis-generating reference data. Nevertheless, the program is considered a feasible, low-risk health promotion activity for older women and may inform future randomized or well-controlled studies. Full article