Search Results (2,011)

Phenolic compounds contribute significantly to the nutritional and functional properties of wheat, particularly due to their antioxidant activity. In this study, a genome-wide association study was conducted to elucidate the genetic basis of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) in a panel of 144 tetraploid wheat accessions representing diverse subspecies. The panel was evaluated under two different environments, located in Chile and Italy, to assess the influence of genotype, environment, and their interaction. Significant variability was observed for both TPC and AA, with TPC ranging from 0.26 to 0.82 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and AA from 0.04 to 0.99 µmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/g. Substantial phenotypic variation and high broad-sense heritability were observed for both traits, underscoring the predominant genetic control. The genome-wide association study, using a mixed linear model (MLM), and the Bayesian information and Linkage-disequilibrium Iteratively Nested Keyway (BLINK) approaches identified 17 significant marker–trait associations, including quantitative trait loci on chromosomes 2B, 3A, 4B, 5A, 5B, and 6B. Notably, QTLs on chromosome 5A were co-localized for both TPC and AA, suggesting potential pleiotropic loci. Candidate genes linked to these loci included flavonol 3-sulfotransferase and peptidylprolyl isomerase, which are involved in phenylpropanoid metabolism and oxidative stress response, respectively. These findings offer valuable insights into the genetic basis of wheat phenolic traits and provide molecular targets for the development of biofortified cultivars through marker-assisted selection. Full article

With environmental and economic disruptions occurring faster than ever before, the link between green innovation and national competitiveness deserves further analysis. This article investigates how sustainability-oriented strategies (particularly investments in research and development (R&D), renewable energy, and innovation capacity) affect the performance of environmental goods exports and national economic resilience. An exploratory cross-sectional analysis is conducted using multiple linear regression models applied to a sample of 14 countries, including the seven most sustainability-oriented economies and seven countries whose economic growth relies predominantly on fossil fuels. The results suggest a strong positive relationship between R&D expenditure and green trade competitiveness, while renewable energy consumption indicators produce mixed or even negative short-term effects. Adjusted net savings emerge as a robust indicator of both growth and competitiveness. However, no significant associations were found between renewable energy indicators and economic resilience, highlighting transitional trade-offs and institutional barriers inherent in ecological transformation. The study contributes to the growing literature on green transitions by combining macroeconomic indicators of innovation and sustainability with export performance. Policy implications include aligning innovation strategies with trade objectives, improving the measurement of green competitiveness, and supporting institutional preparedness for the transition. Full article

Pervious concrete is a promising sustainable pavement material for sponge city construction. The incorporation of Steel Slag Aggregate (SSA) as a substitute for natural aggregates has the double role of clean production with significant economic and environmental benefits. While the strength and permeability, known as two critical design parameters of pervious concrete, are closely linked to its porosity, there is limited research on the influence of the porosity on the mechanical properties of pervious concrete. In this paper, both experimental and numerical investigations were performed, focusing on the influence of target porosity on the strength and permeability of pervious concrete with and without SSA. Three different target porosities (15%, 20%, and 25%), five distinct water-to-cement (w/c) ratios (0.25, 0.28, 0.30, 0.33, and 0.35), and five SSA replacement ratios (0, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) were considered in this study. A two-dimensional (2D) finite-element (FE) model was developed, with which the failure mode and the strength variation of pervious concrete under different target porosities were analyzed and verified with the experimental results. The results showed that the porosity had a significant influence on both the strength and permeability of pervious concrete, while the influence of the w/c ratio is marginal. There existed an optimal w/c ratio of 0.3, for which pervious concrete with porosities of 15%, 20%, and 25% achieved 28-day compressive strengths of 27.8, 20.6, and 15.6 MPa and permeability coefficients of 0.32, 0.58, and 1.02 cm/s, respectively. Specifically, at the lowest porosity of 15%, the replacement of 100% SSA resulted in the largest improvement in the compressive strength up to 37.86%. Based on the regression analysis, a series of empirical equations correlating the porosity, strength and permeability of pervious concrete was formulated and validated against the experimental data. The findings presented herein are expected to provide references to the practical evaluation of the optimal mix proportion of previous concrete, considering specific and demanding engineering requirements. Full article

Emotion regulation strategies, specifically expressive suppression (ES) and cognitive reappraisal (CR), are known to influence mental health outcomes in the general population and adult elite athletes. Young elite athletes, who face unique academic and athletic pressures, remain understudied in this regard. The main aim of this study was to examine the relationship between ES and CR and mental health in young elite athletes. This longitudinal study included 93 young elite athletes (aged 15–17) attending upper secondary education in Sweden. Participants completed the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire at three time points over 12 months. Linear mixed models were used to examine associations between ES, CR, and mental health. Higher use of ES was significantly associated with poorer mental health (β = 0.34, p < 0.001), while greater use of CR predicted better mental health (β = −0.33, p < 0.001) across the study period. Expressive suppression and CR are both important for the mental health of young elite athletes, with CR being protective and ES conferring risk. Given the observed associations, future research could examine whether interventions aiming to enhance CR and reduce ES are linked to better mental health in young elite athletes. Full article

Background/Objectives: The relationship between dairy consumption and cardiovascular or bone health outcomes remains controversial, with inconsistent findings across existing meta-analyses. In this study, we aimed to systematically evaluate and synthesize the evidence from published meta-analyses on dairy consumption and cardiovascular and bone health outcomes in adults, and to conduct updated meta-analyses incorporating recently published prospective cohort studies. Methods: We performed an umbrella review following PRISMA guidelines, searching published and grey literature up to April 2024. Meta-analyses evaluating dairy intake and its impact on cardiovascular and bone health outcomes were included. Updated meta-analyses were conducted for cardiovascular outcomes, while bone health outcomes were synthesized qualitatively. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Random-effects models were applied, and heterogeneity, small-study effects, excess significance, and prediction intervals were evaluated. Results: We included 33 meta-analyses (26 on cardiovascular, 7 on bone health outcomes). Updated meta-analyses showed that total dairy (RR: 0.96), milk (RR: 0.97), and yogurt (RR: 0.92) were significantly associated with reduced CVD risk. Total dairy and low-fat dairy were inversely linked to hypertension (RRs: 0.89, 0.87), and milk and low-fat dairy were associated with reduced stroke risk. Small-study effects were absent for most associations. Credibility was rated as “weak” for most associations, with total dairy and stroke, and total dairy and hypertension showing "suggestive" evidence. For bone health, dairy—especially milk—was linked to higher bone mineral density (BMD). Evidence on osteoporosis risk was mixed, and while total dairy and milk showed inconsistent associations with fractures, cheese and yogurt showed more consistent protective effects. Limited evidence suggested milk may reduce bone resorption markers. Conclusions: This review suggests that dairy consumption, particularly milk and yogurt, is modestly associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, while dairy intake appears to benefit BMD and fracture prevention. However, further research is needed to confirm these associations. Full article

This study investigates the psychological and emotional mechanisms underlying women’s reactions to breast cancer awareness advertisements through the dual lens of Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and neuromarketing methods, addressing a gap in empirical research on the integration of biometric and cognitive approaches in health marketing. Utilizing a lab-based experiment with 78 women aged 40 and older, we integrated Facial Expression Analysis using Noldus FaceReader 9.0 with semi-structured post-exposure interviews. Six manipulated health messages were embedded within a 15 min audiovisual sequence, with each message displayed for 5 s. Quantitative analysis revealed that Ads 2 and 5 elicited the highest mean fear scores (0.45 and 0.42) and surprise scores (0.35 and 0.33), while Ad 4 generated the highest happiness score (0.31) linked to coping appraisal. Emotional expressions—including fear, sadness, surprise, and neutrality—were recorded in real time and analyzed quantitatively. The facial analysis data were triangulated with thematic insights from interviews, targeting perceptions of threat severity, vulnerability, response efficacy, and self-efficacy. The findings confirm that fear-based appeals are only effective when paired with actionable coping strategies, providing empirical support for PMT’s dual-process model. By applying mixed-methods analysis to the evaluation of health messages, this study makes three contributions: (1) it extends PMT by validating the emotional–cognitive integration framework through biometric–qualitative convergence; (2) it offers practical sequencing principles for combining threat and coping cues; and (3) it proposes cross-modal methodology guidelines for future health campaigns. Full article

Background/Objectives: The transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) rs7903146 polymorphism has been strongly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in various populations; however, its impact on different ethnic groups is not fully understood. Given the distinct minor allele frequency in Chinese populations, this study aimed to analyze the association of rs7903146 with the risk of T2DM in a Han Chinese cohort and its relationship with relevant clinical parameters. Methods: We conducted a case–control study including 600 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 511 sex-matched non-diabetic controls of Han Chinese descent. The TCF7L2 rs7903146 (C/T) polymorphism was genotyped using a TaqMan™ SNP assay. Clinical parameters, including body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, lipid profile, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), were compared between genotypes. Logistic regression analyses were performed under a dominant genetic model (CT/TT vs. CC), adjusting for age, sex, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, BMI, and smoking status. Subgroup analyses were conducted by sex, BMI category, age at diagnosis, and family history of T2DM. Given the exploratory nature of this study and the low frequency of the TT genotype, no formal correction for multiple testing was applied. Results: Frequencies of the CT and TT genotypes were higher in the diabetic group (p = 0.045) and were significantly associated with an increased risk of T2DM under a dominant genetic model (adjusted OR = 2.24, p = 0.025). Individuals with CT/TT genotypes had elevated fasting glucose and hs-CRP levels; these genotypes were also linked to higher BMI in the female T2DM patients. The T allele frequency varied across ethnic groups, being lowest in East Asians and highest in Latin (Brazilian/mixed ancestry) populations. Mechanistically, the T allele may contribute to T2DM via altered TCF7L2 expression, impaired insulin secretion, inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation. Conclusions: The TCF7L2 rs7903146 T allele was associated with an increased risk of T2DM and higher fasting glucose and hs-CRP levels in this Han Chinese cohort. The CT/TT genotypes were also associated with higher BMI in the female T2DM patients. While the findings are consistent with the known effects of this variant in other populations, mechanistic hypotheses such as the involvement of inflammatory or metabolic pathways remain hypothetical and warrant further functional validation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a growing public health concern in South Korea, with incidence rising alongside dyslipidemia. Statins, widely prescribed for lipid control, have been proposed to reduce CRC risk, but evidence remains inconsistent, particularly in Asian populations. Methods: Using Korean National Health Insurance Service data (2002–2019), we conducted a nested case–control study of 9920 CRC patients and 39,680 matched controls. To reduce confounding, we applied a matching process with a propensity score and overlap weighting based on demographic and clinical variables. Statin use within two years before CRC diagnosis was categorized by type (lipophilic vs. hydrophilic) and duration. Lifestyle data such as smoking and diet were not available. Results: Short-term statin use was associated with a 17% reduced CRC risk, particularly in younger, metabolically healthier Korean males. Lipophilic statins were consistently associated with lower CRC risk and mortality. However, hydrophilic statins showed mixed results: while short-term use lowered CRC risk, long-term use was linked to increased all-cause mortality. These associations varied by patient subgroup. Conclusion: Among Korean adults, short-term statin use—especially lipophilic agents—was associated with favorable CRC outcomes. However, the observational design, the absence of lifestyle data, and increased mortality linked to long-term hydrophilic statin use limit causal interpretation. Further research using clinically enriched or prospective datasets is warranted to validate these findings and guide personalized preventive strategies. Full article

Background: Handgrip strength asymmetry is a critical yet underexplored basketball component. While the digit ratio (2D:4D) is linked to strength, its interplay with age, body composition, and biomechanics is unclear. This study aimed to quantify these independent and interactive effects on asymmetry in female basketball players. Methods: Maximum handgrip strength was measured bilaterally in three arm postures in 26 adolescent and adult players. Linear Mixed Model with a random intercept tested the effects. Results: Omnibus tests revealed no statistically significant main effects or interactions for age group, lean body mass (LBM), or 2D:4D ratio. However, a planned contrast showed that asymmetry was significantly lower in an overhead arm posture compared to an extended arm posture (p = 0.035). A simulation-based power analysis determined the study was significantly underpowered (11.5%) to detect small-to-medium interaction effects. Conclusions: While biomechanical position subtly modulates strength asymmetry, the influence of age, lean mass, and digit ratio may be negligible or require substantially larger samples to detect. Individual differences, which accounted for 57% of the variance, appear to be the dominant drivers of handgrip asymmetry in this athletic cohort, highlighting the complexity of strength imbalances and the critical need for adequately powered research in this domain. Full article

RNA sequencing is a high-throughput sequencing method essential for unbiased detection and characterization of known and emerging plant viruses. Its high sensitivity makes it particularly well-suited for identifying low-abundance viral sequences, even in asymptomatic plants or those affected by complex, mixed infections. Here, we conducted a metatranscriptomic survey of Petunia hybrida plants from the Bulgarian market, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, and their corresponding in vitro plantlets. Viruses were detected in all tested samples demonstrating that visual symptoms are not a reliable indicator of infection. The viromes were dominated by petunia vein clearing virus (PVCV, Petuvirus venapetuniae), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV, Cucumovirus CMV), and tomato aspermy virus (TAV, Cucumovirus TAV), along with bacteriophages and fungus-associated viruses. However, the PVCV and CMV abundance was elevated in in vitro samples, possibly due to cutting-induced activation and/or prolonged cultivation. Phylogenetic analysis of the Bulgarian CMV, TAV, and PVCV isolates highlights their genetic links to strains from a wide geographic range and diverse hosts, emphasizing the potential for virus movement and genetic exchange among plant viruses across regions and species. It also suggests that petunias may contribute to the transmission dynamics of viruses within ornamental trade networks. These findings also emphasize the phytosanitary risks to horticulture and establish a basis for further investigation into plant virus ecology. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality. Cetuximab improves survival by combining EGFR inhibition with immune activation. This study evaluated the influence of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)-mediated immune responses on cetuximab efficacy in 124 metastatic CRC patients: 55 with wild-type (WT) KRAS and 69 with KRAS mutations. Peripheral blood was genotyped for 19 KIR genes and relevant HLA alleles, focusing on key KIR–HLA interactions (2DL1–C2, 3DL1–Bw4, 3DS1–Bw4). KRAS-WT patients showed better outcomes, receiving more treatment cycles (median: 17 vs. 4) and showing slower disease progression (60% vs. 92.8% at 12 months). WT patients had higher frequencies of inhibitory KIRs and the Bw4 allele, with KIR3DS1–Bw4 heterozygosity linked to longer survival (p = 0.013). In KRAS-mutant patients, heterozygous KIR genotypes (AB) and mixed A/B semi-haplotypes were associated with improved survival (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis confirmed KIR3DS1–Bw4 as a favorable factor in WT patients and AB genotypes as beneficial in KRAS-mutants. In conclusion, KIR–HLA interactions significantly impact cetuximab efficacy in metastatic CRC, with distinct immunogenetic profiles in WT and KRAS-mutant patients. These results highlight the potential of KIR–HLA profiling to guide personalized treatment strategies. Full article

This work draws on the principles of Environmental Education as a framework for designing meaningful teaching interventions that foster a critical understanding of socio-environmental issues. The proposal focuses on the specific case of plastic pollution and its impact on marine ecosystems, adopting an integrative perspective that connects animal, environmental, and human health. To this end, the One Health approach is incorporated, highlighting the close interdependence between the health of ecosystems, animals, and people, which allows the issue to be analyzed from a systemic and global perspective. The intervention is grounded in the principles of Transformative Environmental Education—a pedagogical orientation that seeks to promote deep changes in how students understand their environment and engage with the challenges of today’s world. This approach encourages ethical reflection, critical thinking, and the ability to imagine sustainable futures, as well as the development of competencies for action and civic engagement. The teaching proposal takes the form of a learning experience designed and implemented in three 7th-grade classrooms (1º ESO) in Cádiz, Spain, through a mixed-methods approach with 79 students (12–13 years old), structured around an escape box activity. This is a variation of the escape room format in which students, working in teams, must open a series of boxes by solving a sequence of puzzles. In this case, the escape box is set in a marine context. Through a gamified narrative, students receive a suitcase containing objects, clues, and materials that require the application of scientific knowledge about ocean acidification, biodiversity loss, and types of plastics. Data were collected through field notes, student artifacts, and a final questionnaire. The proposal is designed to foster critical environmental literacy, a holistic vision of environmental challenges, and the capacity to propose collective solutions from a One Health perspective. The results revealed high levels of motivation, engagement with the storyline, and a solid understanding of the link between marine plastic pollution and its effects on animal and human health, aligned with the One Health perspective. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed major structural deficiencies in global health governance, including stark inequities in vaccine access, intervention timing, and mortality outcomes. While economic resources played a role, the influence of governance performance remains insufficiently examined. This study addresses a significant gap by integrating governance metrics with pandemic response data to assess how governance quality, independent of income level, affected national outcomes. Although the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT) dataset has been widely used to document policy responses, this study offers a novel contribution by linking these policy interventions with governance performance and evaluating their joint effect on health outcomes and vaccine equity. Methods: This mixed-methods study combines quantitative analysis of global datasets with a qualitative literature review. Quantitative data were mainly obtained from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT), the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGIs), and World Bank/WHO databases. A governance performance index was constructed using two WGI components: Government Effectiveness and Regulatory Quality. Countries were grouped into high, medium, or low governance categories. Statistical tests included ANOVA, Kaplan Meier survival analysis, and multivariable OLS regression. The qualitative component reviewed 45 academic and institutional sources on governance performance during COVID-19. Results: Countries with high governance performance had earlier public health interventions, lower mortality, and broader vaccine coverage, independent of income level. Kaplan Meier analysis revealed faster school closures in these countries (p < 0.01). Multivariable regression showed governance remained a significant predictor after adjusting for income and health spending. Qualitative findings highlighted recurring weaknesses in legal enforceability, intergovernmental coordination, and global financing mechanisms. Conclusions: Governance performance had a decisive impact on pandemic outcomes. The COVID-19 crisis revealed the need for robust governance systems capable of responding to complex emergencies that extend beyond the health sector into institutional, economic, and social spheres. Full article

Background: Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) encompasses a spectrum of symptoms—including motor, cognitive, and seizure-like manifestations—that are not fully explained by structural neurological disease. Accumulating evidence suggests that comorbid psychiatric and somatic conditions significantly influence the clinical course, diagnostic complexity, and treatment response in FND. Objective: This study systematically explores psychiatric and medical comorbidities across major FND subtypes—Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD), Functional Movement Disorder (FMD), and Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES)—with an emphasis on subtype-specific patterns and shared vulnerabilities. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of the published literature, guided by systematic principles for transparency, covering both foundational and contemporary sources to examine comorbid conditions in patients with FCD, FMD, PNES, PPPD and general (mixed) FND populations. Relevant studies were identified through structured research and included based on methodological rigor and detailed reporting of comorbidities (PRISMA). Extracted data were organized by subtype and comorbidity type (psychiatric or medical/somatic). Results: Across all FND subtypes, high rates of psychiatric comorbidities were observed, particularly depression, anxiety, PTSD, and dissociative symptoms. FCD was predominantly associated with internalizing symptoms, affective misattribution, and heightened cognitive self-monitoring. FMD demonstrated strong links with trauma, emotional dysregulation, and personality vulnerabilities. PNES was characterized by the highest burden of psychiatric illness, with complex trauma histories and dissociation frequently reported. Somatic comorbidities—such as fibromyalgia, chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and fatigue—were also prevalent across all subtypes, reflecting overlapping mechanisms involving interoception, central sensitization, and functional symptom migration. Conclusions: Comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions are integral to understanding the presentation and management of FND. Subtype-specific patterns underscore the need for individualized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, while the shared biopsychosocial mechanisms suggest benefits of integrated care models across the FND spectrum. Full article

Background: The relationship between occupational sun exposure and melanoma risk is complex and multifaceted, with existing evidence yielding contradictory findings. Unlike Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC), for which occupational sun exposure is a well-established risk factor, the link with cutaneous melanoma remains contentious. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate whether, in a cohort of patients with cutaneous melanoma, an association existed between occupational sun exposure and melanoma, specifically with histotype, site of occurrence, and Breslow index. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort analysis conducted to evaluate whether occupational sun exposure constitutes a risk factor for the development of cutaneous melanoma in patients diagnosed between January 2005 and October 2023 at the Dermatology Unit, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Florence. Occupational ultraviolet (UV) exposure was examined by classifying each participant’s job into categories based on solar UV exposure levels—outdoor (e.g., agriculture and construction roles), mixed indoor/outdoor (e.g., trades and public safety professions), and indoor settings (e.g., office-based work). Results: A final total of 1417 patients were analyzed. Occupational categorization revealed that 1171 patients (82.64%) were classified as non-occupationally exposed (indoor), while 246 (17.36%) were occupationally exposed to solar UV radiation (including 14.82% mixed indoor/outdoor and 2.54% outdoor workers). A significant association was observed between occupational sun exposure and lentigo maligna, which was more prevalent among exposed workers and even more so in the outdoor subgroup. Anatomical site distribution exhibited a significant association with occupational sun exposure. Indeed occupationally exposed individuals showed a higher prevalence of melanomas in the head and neck region, a distribution pattern particularly evident among outdoor workers, suggesting that these sites may be more susceptible to chronic sun exposure in outdoor and mixed occupations. Moreover, a significant association was found between occupational exposure and Breslow thickness, with exposed workers presenting with thicker melanomas at diagnosis, suggesting more advanced disease. Conclusions: The finding of this study may reflect variations in occupational sun exposure patterns and warrants further investigation into protective measures and early-detection strategies tailored to occupational groups. Full article