Search Results (26,135)

Background: Despite evidence of potential benefits, variability in exercise types, psychological outcomes, and methods hinders comprehensive cost-effectiveness evaluation, framed through Stimulus–Organism–Response (S–O–R) theory. In this context, Workplace Physical Activity-Based Programs (WPABPs) serve as environmental stimulation that influences employees’ emotional states, which in turn shape mental health outcomes and behavioral responses. Research Purpose: This systematic review examines WPABPs through the social dimension of the Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG-S) framework, with a focus on their impact on employees’ mental health. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, eligibility was assessed via the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework. The ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases were searched using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) aligned keywords and Boolean operators. Results: Of the 961 articles identified, 15 studies (2021–2025) met the inclusion criteria. WPABPs were found to improve employee mental health, reduce stress, and enhance well-being. Individualized interventions supported targeted psychological benefits, while group formats promoted social cohesion and engagement. Variations in type, duration, and delivery, as well as accessibility barriers for underrepresented employees, were noted. WPABPs enhance employee well-being and organizational outcomes, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Conclusions: Hybrid models combining individual and group approaches with managerial and digital support are recommended. Integrating WPABPs within ESG-S and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) frameworks can institutionalize sustainable workplace health promotion, while future research should focus on standardized, inclusive, and long-term evaluations. Full article

Antioxidants are essential bioactive compounds widely recognized for their health benefits in preventing oxidative stress-related diseases. However, many lipophilic antioxidants suffer from poor aqueous solubility, low chemical stability, and limited bioavailability, restricting their application in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. Cyclodextrins (CDs), a class of cyclic oligosaccharides with a hydrophilic exterior and lipophilic interior, present an effective strategy to encapsulate and deliver these compounds by improving their solubility, stability, and therapeutic efficacy. This review critically examines the structural features and derivatives of cyclodextrins relevant for antioxidant encapsulation, mechanisms and thermodynamics of inclusion complex formation, and advanced characterization techniques. It evaluates the influence of CD encapsulation on the oral bioavailability and antioxidant activity of various lipophilic antioxidants supported by recent in vitro and in vivo studies. Moreover, sustainable preparation methods for CD complexes are discussed alongside safety and regulatory considerations. The comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge contributes to guiding the rational design and development of CD-based antioxidant nutraceuticals, addressing formulation challenges while promoting efficacy and consumer safety. Full article

Background/Objectives: Insufficient dietary fiber intake contributes to gut microbiota dysbiosis, systemic inflammation, and the onset of obesity-related metabolic disorders. Agro-industrial by-products have emerged as sustainable sources to restore microbial and metabolic balance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a mango bagasse- and peel-based confectionery (MC) on gut microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and hepatic gene expression in Wistar rats fed either a standard diet (STD) or a high-fat diet (HFD). Methods: Twenty-four rats were randomly assigned to four groups (STD, MC-STD, HFD, MC-HFD) and treated for 11 weeks. Eating behavior, body composition, microbiota composition, SCFAs, and hepatic transcriptomics were evaluated. Results: MC supplementation did not significantly alter weight gain or SCFA levels but shifted clustering patterns in principal component analysis, indicating a distinct dietary response. Microbiota analysis revealed a trend toward lower relative abundances of obesogenic species such as Phascolarctobacterium faecium and Ruminococcus torques, while Intestimonas butyriciproducens and Anaerostipes hadrus were modulated according to diet type. Transcriptomic profiling demonstrated consistent downregulation of lipid metabolism–related genes (Cyp4a14, Hmgcs1, Cyp51, Fads1), linked to PPAR signaling pathways. Conclusions: MC supplementation may beneficially modulate the gut–liver axis and highlights the nutritional potential of fruit by-products as functional ingredients to promote metabolic health under high-fat dietary conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: The accelerated digitalisation of dental practice is significantly influencing how patients perceive and accept modern treatments. This study uses a structured questionnaire to evaluate patients’ knowledge of, and attitudes towards, digital technologies in dentistry, adopting an original, patient-centred perspective within routine clinical settings. Methods: Non-parametric statistical methods (Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis H test and Spearman correlations) were employed to analyse the responses of 397 participants. To reduce selection bias, a systematic sampling technique was employed, and thorough validation ensured the consistency of the instrument. The questionnaire covered socio-demographic information, prior dental experience and opinions regarding specific digital applications (intraoral scanning (IOS), cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), CAD-CAM workflows, 3D printing). Knowledge was operationalised as awareness; no keyed objective knowledge test was administered. Results: The findings show that patients generally accept digital technologies, with perceptions of costs, prior experience of digital dental procedures and educational level having a significant impact. The duration of the patient–clinician relationship, the patient’s dental health, and the history of orthodontic and prosthetic procedures also impacted the acceptance of digital technologies. Notably, clinical staff members were the main source of information, highlighting the importance of professional–patient communication. Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of patient-friendly communication in healthcare and provide a solid basis for the implementation of patient-centred digital dentistry. Future plans should focus on creating specialised educational materials, improving digital literacy, and promoting equal access to cutting-edge technologies in urban and disadvantaged communities. Full article

To contrast the COVID-19 pandemic brought by the corona virus SARS-CoV-2, two mRNA-based anti-COVID-19 vaccines (by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) were made available relatively quickly and deployed worldwide based on an emergency approval. Being considered vulnerable and at risk of infection, cancer patients have been prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination and vaccinated repeatedly because of the short time protection provided by these vaccines. Recently, a surge in the incidence and rapid progression of cancers has been observed in many countries, which could (at least partially) represent cancers undiagnosed or untreated during the pandemic. It has also been suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 itself or even the anti-COVID-19 mRNA vaccines could have contributed to the recurrence and worse clinical outcome in cancer patients, given the high incidence of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients and that these patients have been vaccinated with priority several times and in a short period. Although it appears extremely unlikely that SARS-CoV-2 and anti-COVID-19 mRNA vaccines elicit genotoxic events and cause neo-cancerogenesis in a short time, they could still cause non-genotoxic pro-carcinogenic effects by triggering an exaggerated inflammatory reaction, compromising immune homeostasis, stimulating cell proliferation, and negatively affecting cellular stress response and damage repair machinery. This could result in the promotion of regrowth of dormant micrometastases or relapses of stable minimal residual disease. Such a harmful outcome may likely result from a synergy between the virus and the vaccine, especially in multi-vaccinated and multi-infected individuals. Here, I bring the cell pathologist’s point of view and discuss the multiple possible mechanisms by which the virus and the anti-COVID-19 mRNA vaccine might favor tumorigenesis. While a causal link cannot be established at this stage, knowledge of potential carcinogenic risks could help doctors and health policymakers take the best actions to protect vulnerable patients and convince the vaccine developer to design a vaccine free from such harm. Full article

Objectives: The introduction of universal prophylaxis with Nirsevimab represents a major innovation in preventing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in newborns. In Sicily, Nirsevimab administration began on 1 November 2024, for all newborns under one year and at-risk infants during the 2024–2025 season. This study assessed the real-world impact of this strategy in reducing RSV-related hospitalizations. Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined newborns residing in Sicily from 2015 to May 2025, evaluating hospitalization incidence rates attributable to RSV during the first year of life. RSV hospitalizations were identified using ICD-9 codes (079.6, 466.11, 480.1) in any diagnostic position. Incidence rates in the 2024–2025 season (intervention period) were compared with preceding seasons. Results: During the study period, 4431 RSV hospitalization cases occurred (19.84 cases per 1000 person-years), peaking in 2023–2024 (53.47 cases per 1000 person-years). A statistically significant 40% reduction in RSV hospitalizations was observed during the 2024–2025 season (October–April) compared with the preceding season, with a relative reduction ranging between 33.4% and 54.8% across sensitivity models. Conclusions: These results confirm the significant impact of the universal prophylaxis program in real-world practice, consistent with other European programs. These findings support universal RSV prevention strategies and provide insights for optimizing regional and national health policies. Full article

Anthocyanins pigment plant tissues, mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses, and deliver human health benefits; raising their content in mung bean (Vigna radiata) sprouts is a long-standing research target. Transcriptome analysis identified VrNAC25, a NAC transcription factor whose expression closely parallels anthocyanin accumulation; functional validation in mung bean confirmed that VrNAC25 acts as a positive regulator of the pathway. Although VrNAC25 does not bind to the promoters of the key structural genes VrDFR or VrLDOX, it indirectly controls anthocyanin synthesis by interacting with the core R2R3-MYB activator VrMYB90, previously established as the central regulator of anthocyanin production in mung beans. This interaction operates at both transcriptional and protein levels, thereby amplifying the expression of downstream structural genes and boosting pigment accumulation. Our findings refine the molecular network governing anthocyanin biosynthesis in sprouts and provide a clear theoretical basis for breeding or biotechnological strategies aimed at enhancing the nutritional quality and commercial value of mung bean products through light treatment or by selecting an anthocyanin-rich mung bean variety. Full article

Colistin, a polymyxin antibiotic considered a last-line treatment for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections, has been widely used in livestock, promoting resistance in bacterial populations that can disseminate through the environment. Although rarely used in companion animals, dogs and cats can acquire and spread colistin-resistant strains through shared environments, acting as potential reservoirs of resistance. Reliable detection of resistant strains remains challenging due to technical limitations of routine susceptibility tests. Despite these constraints, epidemiological studies demonstrate the global presence of colistin-resistant bacteria in companion animals, with multiple plasmid-mediated colistin-resistant genes (mcr) identified in different bacteria species. Evidence of clonal and plasmid-mediated sharing of resistant strains between companion animals, humans, and, in some cases, food-producing animals highlights the complex and multidirectional nature of transmission. Although the directionality of transmission remains difficult to establish, the detection of colistin-resistant bacteria in companion animals is concerning. Addressing this challenge requires a One Health approach, integrating coordinated surveillance and infection and control measures in veterinary practices to safeguard the effectiveness of this critical last-resort antibiotic. This review summarizes current knowledge on colistin resistance mechanisms, diagnostic challenges, epidemiology, and the potential for interhost transmission, highlighting the role of dogs and cats as potential reservoirs of colistin resistance. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and in vitro antidiabetic properties of extracts obtained from ripe, unripe, and fermented (unripe) cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits. Polyphenols were identified using UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS and quantified by HPLC-PDA. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays, while enzyme inhibitory activity was determined for α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Additionally, the effects of C. mas extracts on insulin sensitivity in adipocytes were investigated. The study’s results showed that each of the extracts tested contained varying proportions of substances with proven health-promoting properties. The extract from ripe fruits was characterized by the highest loganic acid content, whereas the extract from fermented unripe fruits contained a high amount of gallic acid, released through the hydrolysis of tannins during fermentation. The extract from unripe fruits exhibited the highest tannin content and the strongest antioxidant activity. All extracts inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase to a similar extent and improved insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes without affecting INSR or SLC2A4 expression. In conclusion, extracts from unripe and fermented C. mas fruits may represent promising agents for alleviating insulin resistance and preventing type 2 diabetes. Full article

Air pollution, soil contamination, and rising illness demand integrated, nature-based solutions. Willow trees (Salix spp.) uniquely combine ecological resilience with therapeutic value, remediating polluted environments while supporting human well-being. This review synthesizes recent literature on the established role of Salix spp. in phytoremediation and growing contribution to forest therapy through emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). As urbanization accelerates and environmental pressures intensify globally, the surprising adaptability and multifunctionality of Salix justify the utilization of this genus in building resilient and health-promoting ecosystems. The major points discussed in this work include willow-based phytoremediation strategies, such as rhizodegradation, phytoextraction, and phytostabilization, contributing to restoring even heavily polluted soils, especially when combined with specific strategies of microbial augmentation and trait-based selection. Salix plantations and even individual willow trees may contribute to forest therapy (and ‘forest bathing’ approaches) through volatile compounds emitted by Salix spp. such as ocimene, β-caryophyllene, and others, which exhibit neuroprotective (against Parkinson’s disease), anti-inflammatory, and mood-enhancing properties. Willow’s significantly extended foliage season in temperate regions allows for prolonged ‘forest bathing’ opportunities, enhancing passive therapeutic engagement in urban green infrastructures. Remarkably, the pharmacological potential of willow extends beyond salicin, encompassing a diverse array of phytocompounds with applications in phytomedicine. Finally, willow’s ease of propagation and adaptability make this species a convenient solution for multifunctional landscape design, where ecological restoration and human well-being converge. Overall, this review demonstrates the integrative value of Salix spp. as a keystone genus in sustainable landscape planning, combining remarkable environmental resilience with therapeutic benefits. Future studies should explore standardized methods to evaluate the combined ecological and therapeutic performance of Salix spp., integrating long-term field monitoring with analyses of BVOC emissions under varying environmental stresses. Full article

Background: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by progressive cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. In Italy, AD represents a major public health and socio-economic challenge. This review aims to summarize current Italian research on pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, including preclinical studies, clinical trials, rehabilitative approaches, and emerging neuromodulation techniques, highlighting contributions and future directions. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted, focusing on Italian preclinical and clinical studies, observational and real-world evidence, cognitive and physical interventions, music therapy, non-invasive brain stimulation (rTMS, tDCS, tACS), and digital or home-based rehabilitation programs. Results: Italian research has explored different pharmacological strategies, including multitarget compounds, eptastigmine, rotigotine, and combinatorial therapies (donepezil-memantine, citicoline addition). Non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive stimulation, motor rehabilitation, music therapy, and multidimensional programs, demonstrated benefits on cognition, behavior, daily functioning, and caregiver well-being. Non-invasive neuromodulation techniques, targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and precuneus, showed promising effects on memory, attention, and executive functions, especially when combined with cognitive training. Digital health technologies, including telerehabilitation and home-based brain stimulation programs, further enhanced accessibility and adherence. Challenges remain due to fragmented research, small sample sizes, and limited standardization. Conclusions: Italian research on AD reflects a growing emphasis on integrated, multidimensional, and technologically advanced approaches. Strengthening preclinical studies, promoting multicenter collaborations, and combining pharmacological, cognitive, and neuromodulatory strategies may enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient quality of life. Continued investment in innovation and multidisciplinary research positions Italy to contribute meaningfully to global AD management and prevention. Full article

Long-term monitoring of tree crown condition is essential for assessing forest resilience under increasing climatic variability. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of oak (Quercus spp.) defoliation trends in Poland from 2015 to 2024, based on national forest health monitoring data. Mean defoliation remained relatively stable until 2018, followed by a significant increase in 2019 (+5.1 percentage points; p < 0.001), coinciding with a major drought event across Central Europe. In subsequent years, defoliation gradually decreased and stabilised, indicating partial canopy recovery. Segmented regression and spline models revealed a consistent breakpoint in 2019 across all age classes, with the most severe crown damage recorded in stands older than 100 years. Younger stands showed lower defoliation levels and higher regenerative capacity. A nonlinear relationship between defoliation and growing-season precipitation was also identified, showing that when rainfall fell below 40 mm, canopy loss exceeded 30%. The results confirm that oak defoliation reflects both short-term climatic stress and long-term structural changes. Integrating monitoring data with climatic analyses and statistical modelling improves the detection of stress-related drivers and the assessment of recovery processes. The combined use of these approaches supports adaptive forest management strategies, including the promotion of mixed-species and multi-aged stands, improvement of soil nutrient conditions, and targeted monitoring of drought-sensitive age classes, thereby enhancing the resilience of oak ecosystems to climate change. Full article

Lipid droplet (LD) coalescence is a critical cellular process that reshapes lipid storage, drives metabolic disease progression, and dictates the stability of LD-mimetic drug carriers. However, the rate-limiting step—fusion of the phospholipid monolayers surrounding neutral-lipid cores—remains poorly quantified compared to bilayer fusion. Here, we quantitatively determine the activation barrier for LD coalescence by tracking the kinetics in protein-free adiposome models. Using a multi-technique approach combining time-resolved dynamic light scattering and small-angle X-ray scattering, we reveal that monolayer fusion is the kinetic bottleneck. We demonstrate that lipid composition is a powerful regulator of this barrier: cone-shaped lipids (e.g., dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine) lower the barrier and promote fusion, while phosphatidylcholine-rich monolayers enhance stability. A continuum fusion model, adapted for curved monolayers, explains these results through changes in spontaneous curvature, hydration repulsion, and stalk energetics. Our findings establish composition-dependent design rules for controlling LD dynamics in metabolic health and for engineering stable or triggerable lipid-based delivery vehicles. Full article

Exposure to environmental pollutants, including toxic metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), has been increasingly linked to impaired kidney function. However, the combined effects of these exposures, along with essential elements, on kidney health remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the independent and cumulative or mixture effects of toxic metals (cadmium, lead, and mercury), essential elements (iron, manganese, and selenium), PFAS (PFOA and PFOS), and VOCs (m-/p-xylene and o-xylene) on kidney function as measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we applied multiple imputation to address missing data and implemented statistical techniques, including Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR), quantile g-computation, and Weighted Quantile Sum Regression (WQSR) to assess complex exposure–response relationships, including non-linear, potential synergistic, and antagonistic effects. The results indicated that several exposures were correlated, particularly o-xylene with m-/p-xylene (r = 0.77), Cd with Pb (r = 0.46), and PFOS with PFOA (r = 0.61). eGFR was negatively associated with Pb, PFOS, PFOA, and Hg. In the BKMR analysis, overall posterior inclusion probabilities (PIPs) highlighted PFOS, Cd, Se, Mn, and Fe as the most influential exposures. Quantile g-computation highlighted Cd and Mn as major contributors, while WQSR modeling confirmed Mn as a key contributor. The findings underscore the importance of considering complex interactions in environmental exposure assessments. While essential elements may offer protective effects, toxic metals, PFAS, and VOCs remain critical contributors to kidney dysfunction. These insights highlight the need for integrative risk assessment approaches and public health strategies aimed at mitigating harmful exposures while promoting optimal nutrient balance. Full article

Nutrition knowledge is essential for optimizing performance, recovery, and overall health in athletes. This study aimed to (1) adapt and validate the Hungarian version of the ANSKQ (Trakman et al., 2017) (ANSKQ-HU) and (2) assess the nutrition knowledge of Hungarian elite and recreational athletes. Following standard translation procedures and expert review, face validity was established. Data were collected from 1.335 athletes, and item difficulty, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and reliability analyses were performed. A three-factor structure emerged: (1) Fundamentals of nutrition, energy needs, and prohibited substances; (2) Micronutrients and performance-enhancing sports nutrition; and (3) Utilization of macronutrients. While Cronbach’s alpha values were low (α = 0.41–0.62), this seemed acceptable given the dichotomous nature of the questionnaire. Most participants scored poorly (63.3%), with the lowest results in the micronutrients and performance-enhancing nutrition factor. Only 6.9% had formal nutrition education and most frequently respondents received help from coaches, family members, and friends. These findings highlight a significant gap in sports nutrition knowledge among Hungarian athletes and support the need for educative activities organized by sport nutrition professionals. The ANSKQ-HU is a reliable and valid tool for assessing nutrition knowledge in Hungarian athletes and can be a useful questionnaire for their support team (nutritionists, physicians). Full article