Search Results (2,524)

Background/Objectives: Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been widely studied for its effects on neuromuscular activation, circulation, and balance. This study investigates the effect of wearing frequency of vibrating sneakers (18 Hz) on lower limb muscle activation during walking and squatting in middle-aged Koreans (40–60 years old). The objective is to assess whether WBV footwear enhances muscle engagement in both active and sedentary individuals. Methods: A 16-week randomized controlled trial was conducted with 64 participants divided into exercise (walking 30 min, three times a week) and non-exercise groups. Each group was further divided into wearing and non-wearing vibrating sneaker subgroups. Muscle activation of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius was measured using surface electromyography before and after the intervention. Results: Participants wearing vibrating sneakers showed significantly increased quadriceps and gastrocnemius activation during squatting and walking compared to non-wearers (p < 0.05). The exercise group wearing WBV sneakers exhibited greater improvements in muscle activation than the non-exercise group, indicating that WBV enhances the benefits of regular walking. However, no significant differences were observed in some lower leg muscles, suggesting that WBV effects may vary based on movement type and muscle group. Conclusions: Findings suggest that WBV sneakers (18 Hz) can enhance muscle activation during dynamic movements, potentially offering a low-impact training alternative for improving lower limb strength. These results provide valuable insights for exercise professionals, rehabilitation specialists, and wearable sensor developers, highlighting the potential of WBV footwear in neuromuscular conditioning and injury prevention. Full article

The future of anxiety management lies in bridging traditional evidence-based treatments with intelligent and adaptive digital platforms. Embedding multi-agent systems capable of real-time mood detection and self-management support represents a transformative step towards intelligent care, enabling users to independently regulate acute episodes, prevent relapse, and promote sustained personal well-being. These digital solutions illustrate how technology can improve accessibility, personalization, and adherence, while establishing the foundation for integrating multi-agent architectures into mental health systems. Such architectures can continuously detect and interpret users’ emotional states through multimodal data, coordinating specialized agents for monitoring, personalization, and intervention. Crucially, they extend beyond passive data collection to provide active, autonomous support during moments of heightened anxiety, guiding individuals through non-pharmacological strategies such as breathing retraining, grounding techniques, or mindfulness practices without requiring immediate professional involvement. By operating in real time, multi-agent systems function as intelligent digital companions capable of anticipating needs, adapting to context, and ensuring that effective coping mechanisms are accessible at critical moments. This paper presents a multi-agent architecture for the digital management of anxiety episodes, designed not only to enhance everyday well-being but also to deliver immediate, personalized assistance during unexpected crises, offering a scalable pathway towards intelligent, patient-centered mental health care. Full article

Cracks in concrete structures, caused by aging, adjacent construction, and seismic activity, pose critical risks to structural integrity, durability, and serviceability. Traditional monitoring methods based solely on absolute thresholds are inadequate for detecting progressive crack growth at early stages. This study proposes a big data-driven anomaly detection model that combines absolute threshold evaluation with periodic trend analysis to enable both real-time monitoring and early anomaly identification. By incorporating relative comparisons, the model captures subtle variations within allowable limits, thereby enhancing sensitivity to incipient defects. Validation was conducted using approximately 2700 simulated datasets with an increase–hold–increase pattern and 470,000 real-world crack measurements. The model successfully detected four major anomalies, including abrupt shifts and cumulative deviations, and time series visualizations identified the exact onset of abnormal behavior. Through periodic fluctuation analysis and the Isolation Forest algorithm, the model effectively classified risk trends and supported proactive crack management. Rather than defining fixed labels or thresholds for the detected results, this study focused on verifying whether the analysis of detected crack data accurately reflected actual trends. To support interpretability and potential applicability, the detection outcomes were presented using quantitative descriptors such as anomaly count, anomaly score, and persistence. The proposed framework addresses the limitations of conventional digital monitoring by enabling early intervention below predefined thresholds. This data-driven approach contributes to structural health management by facilitating timely detection of potential risks and strengthening preventive maintenance strategies. Full article

Background: Bruxism is a multifactorial biopsychosocial condition involving repetitive jaw muscle activity, influenced by psychological stress, anxiety, and maladaptive coping strategies. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 111 health sciences students (mean age 22.29 ± 3.10 years; 66.6% women) underwent standardized DC/TMD clinical evaluation and completed the GAD-7, COPE Inventory, and a 105-item Stroop Test. Results: Bruxism prevalence was 63.96% (71/111). Students with bruxism had higher GAD-7 scores (10.63 ± 5.78 vs. 5.80 ± 3.66; mean difference 4.83, 95% CI 2.88–6.78; p < 0.001, g = 0.94), with clinically relevant anxiety nearly three times more frequent (55.4% vs. 19.6%; RR = 2.83, 95% CI 1.68–4.76). Stroop interference times were slower in the bruxism group (42.19 ± 16.87 s vs. 34.57 ± 16.25 s; mean difference 7.63 s, 95% CI 0.90–14.35; p = 0.027, g = 0.46), though accuracy was similar. COPE results showed a shift toward emotion-focused and avoidance strategies with increasing muscle pain. Conclusions: Bruxism is strongly linked to elevated anxiety, maladaptive coping strategies, and reduced inhibitory control speed. Integrating psychological screening tools such as GAD-7 and COPE into dental and medical practice could enable early identification and referral, supporting comprehensive management that combines dental treatment with psychological interventions to prevent chronic pain and long-term complications. Full article

Effective intervention on oxidative damage of bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs) is particularly important for reducing the incidence rate of mastitis. As a natural antioxidant, resveratrol (RES) can scavenge ROS, protecting cells from oxidative damage. However, the role of RES in bMECs and its potential protective mechanism have not been fully elucidated. Our results indicated that RES alleviated oxidative damage and enhanced antioxidant capacity in bMECs. Furthermore, RES increased SIRT5 expression and interacted with SIRT5, which attenuated cellular oxidative stress, inflammatory response and autophagy activity. Interestingly, SIRT5 and RES further improved mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing intracellular NADPH and GSH levels. Meanwhile, RES activated SIRT5 to regulate enzymatic activity of SDH and IDH2, which were important enzymes for producing intracellular ATP and antioxidants. RES specifically activated SIRT5 to attenuate the succinylation levels of intracellular IDH2 associated with interacting with SIRT5. Collectively, these outcomes revealed that RES might function as an activator of SIRT5 to attenuate oxidative damage of bMECs via activating SIRT5-IDH2 axis, resulting in increased GSH and NADPH production. Therefore, RES may be useful to prevent and control bovine mastitis by relieving oxidative damage. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) remains a critical public health issue in Saudi Arabia, shaped by complex interactions among genetic, lifestyle, and sociodemographic factors. This study explores interplay of modifiable and non-modifiable determinants of DM among Saudi adults. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 3411 adults aged 18 years and above in the Jazan region, southwest of Saudi Arabia, in May–June 2024. Data was collected via a structured, pretested questionnaire assessing sociodemographic, dietary patterns, physical activity, smoking habits, and family history of DM. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were used to identify associations with self-reported diabetes. Results: Out of 3411 participants (1735 males and 1676 females), 424 (12.4%) reported DM. Diabetics were older (48 vs. 32 years), more often male, married, had lower education, had larger families, had higher BMIs, and exhibited more tobacco use (p < 0.05), and a family history of diabetes was strongly associated with diagnosis of DM (p < 0.001). Diabetics were more likely to choose low-fat meats, avoid sugary foods, and select low-fat products (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, predictors were age (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.06–1.09), male sex (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.26–2.16), family history (OR = 7.68, 95% CI: 5.67–10.57), traditional housing (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.11–3.05), and whole grain intake (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.52–0.85). Conclusions: DM in Saudi Arabia is driven by both inherited and behavioral risks. These findings support the urgent need for integrated, culturally tailored prevention strategies that combine early screening for individuals with higher risk. Targeted actions such as relevant lifestyle interventions can help reduce disease burden and align with Saudi Vision 2030 health priorities. Full article

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a global public health challenge, characterized by the coexistence of cardiometabolic risk factors such as abdominal obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Non-pharmacological strategies, including the Mediterranean diet (MD) and physical activity (PA), have been widely studied for their potential to prevent and manage MetS. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence on the combined effect of MD and PA on MetS components in adults, based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Twenty-two RCTs published between 2018 and 2024 were included, involving 11,478 participants. The interventions ranged from 8 weeks to 3 years and combined adapted or hypocaloric MDs with moderate-to-high-intensity PA, typically including walking, aerobic exercise, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), performed 3 to 7 times per week. The combined interventions resulted in reductions in body weight (−2.5 to −7.2 kg), body mass index (−0.7 to −2.2 kg/m²), waist circumference (−5.1 to −7.8 cm), and blood pressure (up to −9.0 mmHg systolic and −6.7 mmHg diastolic). Improvements in HDL cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and insulin sensitivity were also observed. These findings suggest that integrated interventions based on the Mediterranean lifestyle are effective in reducing MetS components and may support future public health strategies. Full article

Introduction: The direct participation and leadership of breast cancer patients in program design and implementation can facilitate a nuanced understanding of how individuals perceive and address challenges within their unique contexts. To achieve truly patient-centered care, patients must be formally integrated as a critical component of multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, retrospective observational study was conducted. A group of 122 patients (“Breast Unit”) was formed and actively implemented initiatives related to education, prevention, peer support, co-design, and institutional guidance over two years. A second group, consisting of 466 individuals diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer, served as the Beneficiary Patient group. From the “Breast Unit”, 93 patients responded to a structured interview about their experience. Results: The Breast Unit group developed strong leadership skills and collaborated with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to improve care workflows, contributing at both strategic and operational levels. In total, 97% of patients received their first oncology evaluation within 48 h, ensuring timely intervention. The percentage of early-stage breast cancer diagnoses improved, from 67% to 76%. Furthermore, patients who participated in the support group reported no new diagnoses of clinical depression in the past two years. Conclusions: By elevating the patient voice into a substantive role within leadership, strategic planning, and co-design initiatives, healthcare systems can advance a more equitable, effective, and sustainable model of care. Integrating patient contributions with multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for optimizing care processes, improving clinical outcomes. It strengthens the person-centered culture, impacting on a personal and organizational level. Full article

Background: Speech loss is recognised as one of the most devastating outcomes for individuals with ALS, yet active speech intervention is rarely targeted in this population. Clinicians face significant challenges in managing dysarthria associated with ALS due to the rapidly progressive nature of the disease, historical concerns around intensive exercise accelerating decline, and an absence of direction on restorative and compensatory intervention strategies in current clinical care guidelines. This review evaluates the scope and quality of evidence for speech treatments in ALS to identify knowledge gaps and establish research priorities to guide clinical care. Methods: Studies were retrieved from six electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and PsycINFO). Results: Four studies met inclusion criteria. Treatment approaches included: music-based speech therapy; multisubsystem speech rehabilitation program, tongue strengthening and articulation training; and Lee Silverman Voice Treatment-LOUD^® combined with additional voice and articulation therapy. Sample sizes were small, with all studies demonstrating notable methodological weaknesses. The limited evidence base, marked by conflicting results and methodological flaws, prevents any reliable conclusions about treatment effectiveness. Conclusions: Despite the prevalence and impact of dysarthria in this population, evidence for speech treatment remains sparse, of generally low quality, and provides limited guidance for clinical practice. The changing perspective on exercise in ALS warrants rigorous investigation of tailored dysarthria interventions for this population that are minimally fatiguing and enhance speech by making use of residual physiologic support. Full article

Background: Physical activity is essential in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), yet adherence to recommended activity levels remains insufficient. Wearable electronic devices have emerged as tools to support physical activity through self-monitoring and enhanced user engagement. This review synthesizes current evidence on the effectiveness of wearable technologies in improving adherence to physical activity and promoting clinical and metabolic health in adults with T2D. Methods: The review was conducted using systematic search strategies in PubMed and Scopus. We included studies that involved the use of wearable devices to monitor physical activity for at least seven consecutive days. The reported outcomes were related to physical activity adherence or clinical–metabolic health. Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in terms of study design, device type, intervention characteristics, and outcomes. Results: Wearable devices were used either for monitoring daily activity in free-living conditions or within structured, often supervised, interventions. Most studies reported increased physical activity, particularly in step count. Several studies showed improvements in blood pressure and lipid profile, while results for HbA1c and BMI were mixed. Structured interventions with behavioural support produced more consistent and clinically relevant outcomes than passive monitoring alone. Conclusions: Wearable technologies can support physical activity in adults with T2D, especially when integrated into structured behavioural programmes. From a clinical standpoint, they may serve as useful tools to enhance lifestyle adherence, particularly when combined with professional support. Their inclusion in care pathways could help personalize interventions and improve long-term self-management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) often experience deficits in executive functioning and emotional regulation, which impact their academic, social, and behavioral development. While physical activity is increasingly recognized as a promising non-pharmacological intervention, the specific effects on cognitive and emotional domains remain heterogeneous. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of physical–motor interventions in improving executive functions and emotional regulation in youths with NDDs. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search of five databases was conducted (2010–2024) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of structured physical activity programs on executive and emotional outcomes in children and adolescents diagnosed with NDDs. A total of 22 RCTs were included in the qualitative synthesis, while 16 were included in the quantitative analysis. Effect sizes were calculated using a random effects model, while heterogeneity was assessed with the Q, I², Tau², and Egger’s tests. Results: Physical activity interventions demonstrated a non-significant effect on executive functioning (g = 0.492; p = 0.215; 95% CI: −0.286 to 1.269). Although the point estimate suggested a small-to-moderate effect, the wide confidence interval and lack of statistical significance prevent firm conclusions. In contrast, a large and significant effect was observed on emotional regulation outcomes (g = −1.204; p < 0.001; 95% CI: −1.688 to −0.655), despite moderate heterogeneity (I² = 72.3%). Several studies also reported specific improvements in working memory, cognitive flexibility, and emotional control. Conclusions: Structured physical activity may be an effective complementary intervention for improving emotional regulation in youth with NDDs, with less consistent evidence for executive functioning. Future research should clarify optimal protocols and target populations to enhance intervention effectiveness. Full article

Motor skills in students can be developed or improved through regular physical activity such as walking in nature, Nordic walking, hiking, cycling and swimming. This study aimed to examine the relationship between motor skills and various anthropometric and health-related factors, and to appraise any differences in motor performance and body mass index (BMI) on a sample of university students from Croatia. A total of 122 students (73 of them in health programs and 49 in non-health programs) aged 18 to 44 years participated in the study. Motor abilities were evaluated using standardized motor tests, while body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis, which measured fat tissue, muscle and bone mass, metabolic age, degree of obesity, total body water, and BMI. While the groups were similar in terms of BMI and weight, students in non-health-related study programs had significantly higher values across a wide array of detailed body composition measures, particularly related to fat and muscle mass. Significant negative correlations were observed between body fat percentage and trunk lift performance (r = −0.55, p < 0.01), as well as between metabolic age and trunk lift performance (r = −0.44, p < 0.01) in health students. In non-health students, the strongest negative correlation was found between body fat percentage and flexibility (r = −0.47, p < 0.01). Higher muscle mass was a positive predictor of motor performance while higher fat mass and metabolic age were significant negative predictors. These findings underscore the impact of body composition on motor performance, particularly strength and flexibility, and highlight the need for targeted preventive strategies among university students. The study supports the implementation of early interventions promoting physical activity and healthy body composition to preserve motor abilities and long-term functional health in this critical age group—especially since lifestyle habits formed during university years tend to persist into adulthood. Full article

Heat stress (HS), a pervasive environmental stressor, significantly disrupts systemic physiological homeostasis, posing substantial threats to human and animal health. Sheng Mai San (SMS), a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula, exerts its therapeutic effects by replenishing qi (the vital energy governing physiological functions) and nourishing yin (the material basis responsible for moistening and cooling actions). This formula demonstrates significant efficacy in astringing sweating and preventing collapse. However, its precise molecular mechanisms against HS-induced myocardial injury remain incompletely elucidated. This study initially employed physicochemical analytical methods to determine the contents of total polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids in SMS and evaluated its antioxidant activity. Subsequently, both in vitro and in vivo rat models of HS were established to systematically assess the alterations in reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzymes (GSH, SOD, CAT), and heat shock proteins (HSP70, HSP90) following SMS intervention, thereby investigating HS-induced myocardial injury and the protective effects of SMS. Furthermore, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and qRT-PCR techniques were utilized to quantitatively analyze key molecules in the Keap1-Nrf2-HO-1 and Stub1-HSF1 signaling pathways. The results demonstrated that total polysaccharides were the most concentrated in SMS, followed by total saponins. This formula exhibited potent free radical scavenging capacity against DPPH, ABTS, and OH⁻, along with significant reducing activity. HS-induced myocardial injury reached its peak severity at 6-12 h post-stress exposure. SMS intervention effectively suppressed excessive ROS generation, enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes (GSH, SOD, and CAT), and downregulated HSP70 and HSP90 mRNA expression levels, thereby significantly mitigating cardiomyocyte damage. Mechanistic investigations revealed that SMS conferred cardioprotection through dual modulation of the Keap1-Nrf2-HO-1 and Stub1-HSF1 signaling pathways. This study not only provides a novel TCM-based therapeutic strategy for preventing and treating HS-related cardiovascular disorders but also establishes a crucial theoretical foundation for further exploration of SMS’s pharmacological mechanisms and clinical applications. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that significantly impacts the lives of patients and their families. The pathological features of AD include the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) and Tau, which disrupt neuronal function and communication, ultimately leading to neuronal loss and brain atrophy. Efforts to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these pathological changes have led to advancements in diagnostic techniques and potential therapeutic interventions. However, the complexity of AD necessitates further research to develop more effective treatments and, ideally, preventive measures. Extensive research suggests that diminishing mTOR signaling increases lifespan and health span across various species. Increased PI3K/mTOR signaling has been linked to the progression of AD pathology, leading to neuronal degeneration and impairments in cognitive function. In this study, we explored the therapeutic potential of PF-04691502, a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, in Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-like pathology using male and female B6.Cg-Tg(APPswe, PSEN1dE9)85Dbo/Mmjax mice (APP/PS1), a well-established transgenic model of AD. Eighteen-month-old APP/PS1 and wild-type mice received oral administration of PF-04691502 at a dose of 1 mg/kg for 12 weeks. Following the treatment period, spatial learning and memory were evaluated using the Morris water maze. Subsequently, the mice brains were collected for neuropathological and biochemical assessments. Our findings showed that PF-04691502 enhanced cognitive performance in APP/PS1 mice and significantly reduced insoluble Aβ accumulation in the brain. Mechanistically, these effects were associated with enhanced autophagy induction. Treatment with PF-04691502 increased the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, upregulated Beclin-1, and elevated LAMP-2 levels, indicative of stimulated autophagosome formation and lysosomal activity. Overall, these preclinical results suggest that PF-04691502 holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for AD and other aging-related neurodegenerative diseases involving mTOR pathway dysregulation. Full article

Background: Food allergies (FAs) have become a major public health concern worldwide, with rising prevalence particularly among children. Traditional genetic and allergen exposure models do not fully explain this increase, prompting growing interest in the role of the gut microbiota. Early-life microbial colonization is now recognized as a critical determinant of immune development, with disruptions in microbial balance implicated in allergic sensitization. Objective: This review aims to synthesize recent human studies investigating the relationship between gut microbiota composition and food allergies, with an emphasis on underlying mechanisms and the potential of microbiota-targeted interventions. Methods: A literature search was conducted, including eligible studies concerning gut microbiota and food allergy. A total of 31 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: The findings indicate that early-life factors, including delivery mode, feeding practices, antibiotic exposure, and environmental microbial diversity, have a significant influence on gut microbial colonization. Allergic children consistently exhibit reduced microbial diversity and lower levels of beneficial taxa such as Bifidobacteria, Faecalibacteria, and Clostridia. Microbial dysbiosis is associated with enhanced type 2 immune responses, reduced regulatory T cell activity, and altered profiles of short-chain fatty acids. Dietary modulation through prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics has shown potential in restoring microbial balance and promoting immune tolerance, although with varying degrees of efficacy depending on the strains, formulas, and timing of intervention. Conclusions: The gut microbiota plays a central role in the pathogenesis and potential prevention of food allergies. Microbiota-targeted dietary strategies, particularly in early life, offer promising avenues for promoting immune tolerance. Full article