Search Results (5,349)

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS). The impact and significance of AF in this patient population needs to be further clarified. Method: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing the risks of developing major arrhythmic events (MAEs) in patients with BrS with and without AF. Databases including MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from inception to July 2024, using appropriate search and MeSH terms. Data were sought on the comparison of patients with BrS with and without AF. The protocol was specified prior to the searches being performed, and standard meta-analytic techniques were used. Results: Thirteen observational studies were included (a total of 5413 patients). A significant increase in MAEs was observed in patients with both BrS and AF (20.6% vs. 7.8%; OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.82–4.34; p < 0.0001; I² = 46%). Significantly higher rates of syncope (33.3% vs. 23.4%; OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.04–3.76; p = 0.04, I² = 59%) and a significant increase in all-cause mortality (11.3% vs. 3.7%; OR 4.21, 95% CI 1.69–10.45; p = 0.002, I² = 0%) and sodium channel mutations (43.1% vs. 29.9%; OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.07–3.29; p = 0.028, I² = 0%) were observed for patients with BrS and AF. Conclusions: Patients with both BrS and AF seem to have a more severe disease phenotype. More research into the added role of AF in risk stratification of asymptomatic BrS patients is needed, but the prognostic implications of AF may need to be considered when developing future personalised medicine approaches in the BrS population. Full article

Sleeplessness (insomnia) is a significant symptom associated with stress-induced depression/anxiety. In the present study, we selected Bifidobacterium longum P77, which increased serotonin production in corticosterone-stimulated SH-SY5Y cells, from the fecal bacteria collection of healthy volunteers and examined the effects of B. longum on depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness induced by immobilization stress or by transplantation of cultured fecal microbiota (cFM) from patients with depression. Orally administered B. longum P77 decreased depression/anxiety- and sleeplessness-like behaviors in immobilization stress-exposed mice. B. longum P77 reduced immobilization stress-induced corticosterone, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 expression and the cell population of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB)⁺ in the prefrontal cortex, while the expression levels of immobilization stress-suppressed IL-10, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), its receptor GABA_ARα1, serotonin, and its receptor 5-HT_1AR increased. B. longum P77 also alleviated immobilization stress-induced colitis: it decreased TNF-α and IL-6 expression and increased IL-10 expression in the colon. Furthermore, B. longum P77, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P72, and their combination decreased cFM- or immobilization stress-induced depression-, anxiety-, and sleeplessness-like behaviors. They also decreased cFM-induced, corticosterone, TNF-α, and IL-6 expression levels in the prefrontal cortex and colon, while increasing cFM- or immobilization stress-suppressed GABA, GABA_ARα1, serotonin, and 5-HT_1AR expression levels in the prefrontal cortex. In particular, the combination of B. longum P77 and L. plantarum P72 (P7277) additively or synergistically alleviated depression-, anxiety-, and sleeplessness-like behaviors, along with their associated biomarkers. Heat-killed P7277 also alleviated immobilization stress-induced depression/anxiety- and sleeplessness-like symptoms. These results imply that L. plantarum P72 and/or B. longum P77 can mitigate depression/anxiety and sleeplessness by upregulating GABAergic and serotonergic systems, along with the suppression of NF-κB activation. Full article

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative syndrome which often leads to progressive muscular dysfunction and therefore oral health deterioration. The aim of this scoping review is to evaluate oral health status in ALS patients focusing on the importance of dental care in improving patient’s quality of life. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases until June 2025 using a combination of keywords and MeSH terms related to ALS and oral health. Studies were screened and selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on human clinical data reporting oral health outcomes in ALS. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings showed a high prevalence of oral complications in bulbar-onset ALS patients. Common issues included reduced tongue mobility, poor oral hygiene, sialorrhea, and decreased masticatory function were evaluated. Conclusions: Oral health impairment in ALS patients frequently contributes to systemic risks and reduced quality of life. A dental expert may play an important role in multidisciplinary care teams in terms of early diagnosis and conservative treatment of oral diseases ranging from periodontal disease to temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Personalized oral hygiene strategies and adjunctive therapies may serve as key elements in maintaining overall health and patient comfort in ALS. Therefore, the objective of the following review was to evaluate oral health complication in patients with ALS, highlighting the impact of oral care on patients’ quality of life. Full article

Cellular components and inflammatory mediators involved in the transmigration of HTLV-1-infected cells across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) are not fully understood. This study proposes a BBB model to identify the immunological mechanisms associated with HTLV-1 pathogenesis. PBMCs from individuals with HTLV-1-associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP) (n = 4) or HTLV-1-infected individuals without HAM/TSP (n = 4) were isolated. An indirect cell co-culture was performed between human brain microvascular endothelial (hBMEC) cells and neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. PBMCs from healthy individuals (n = 4) were used as a negative control, and MT-2 cells were used as a positive control. Supernatants and cells were collected to quantify inflammatory cytokines and assess cell death after 24, 48, and 72 h. Multiple comparisons were performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by Fisher’s LSD post hoc analysis. We observed that the production of cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF, IL-10, and IL-12p70, as well as the rate of neuronal death, was higher in co-cultures mimicking HAM/TSP carriers compared to HTLV-1-infected individuals without HAM/TSP and controls. Our results suggest that the HAM/TSP condition induces the release of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF, IL-10, and IL-12p70, along with the infiltration of mononuclear cells, which may lead to neuronal death. Full article

Background/Objectives: The study aimed to pharmacologically evaluate dually acting ligands, 5-HT₇ antagonists and sodium channel inhibitors, as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and neuropathic pain. The designed dual ligands combined structural fragments of LP-12 (a 5-HT₇ receptor ligand) and phenytoin (a sodium channel blocker). Methods: A series of 1-(2-biphenyl)piperazine derivatives with a hydantoin core was synthesized and evaluated for 5-HT₇ receptor affinity and sodium channel inhibition. The most potent ligands were further analyzed using molecular docking, cytotoxicity assays (MTT, LDH), and in vitro metabolism studies, including microsomal stability and CYP450 inhibition. In vivo pharmacological effects were assessed in behavioral models: forced swim test, four-plate test, and a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic neuropathy model in mice. Results: Compounds 10 and 20 exhibited high 5-HT₇ receptor affinity (K_i < 10 nM) and potent sodium channel inhibition (>80% at 1 µM). Docking studies revealed binding modes consistent with established 5-HT₇ ligands. Compound 10 showed lower cytotoxicity than compound 20 in both HepG2 and SH-SY5Y cells and was therefore selected for further evaluation. Metabolic profiling indicated improved microsomal stability relative to verapamil and a low risk of CYP-mediated drug–drug interactions. In vivo, compound 10 produced significant antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects, though it failed to reduce neuropathic pain symptoms in the STZ-induced model. Conclusions: Compound 10 shows potential for mood disorder treatment, but further refinement may be needed to improve analgesic efficacy. Full article

Genetic variants in nutrition-related genes exhibit variable functional consequences; however, systematic characterization across different nutritional domains remains limited. This highlights the need for detailed exploration of variant distribution and functional effects across nutritional gene categories. Therefore, the main objective of this computational study is to delve deeper into the distribution and functional impact of missense variants in nutrition-related genes. We analyzed Genetic polymoRphism variants using Personalized Medicine (GRPM) dataset, focusing on ten groups of nutrition-related genes. Missense variants were characterized using ProtVar for functional/structural impact, Pharos for functional classification, network analysis for pathway identification, and Gene Ontology enrichment for biological process annotation. The analysis of 63,581 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) revealed 27,683 missense variants across 1589 genes. Food intolerance (0.23) and food allergy (0.15) groups showed the highest missense/SNP ratio, while obesity-related genes showed the lowest (0.04). Enzymes predominated in xenobiotic and vitamin metabolism groups, while G-protein-coupled receptors were enriched in eating behavior genes. The vitamin metabolism group had the highest proportion of pathogenic variants. Network analysis identified apolipoproteins as central hubs in metabolic groups and inflammatory proteins in allergy-related groups. These findings offer insights into personalized nutrition approaches and underscore the utility of computational variant analysis in elucidating gene-diet interactions. Full article

This paper investigates the effectiveness and limitations of the traditional Fine-Kinney method for occupational risk assessment, emphasizing its shortcomings in addressing complex and dynamic work environments. To overcome these challenges, two advanced methodologies, Fine-Kinney10 (FK10) and Fuzzy Fine-Kinney10 (FFK10), are introduced. The FK10 employs a symmetric scaling system (1–10) for probability, frequency, and severity indicators, providing a more balanced quantification of risks. Meanwhile, FFK10 incorporates fuzzy logic to handle uncertainty and subjectivity in risk assessment, significantly enhancing the sensitivity and accuracy of risk evaluation. These methodologies were applied to a linemen workshop in an energy production and distribution company, analyzing various types of accidents such as falls from heights, exposure to electric currents, slips on surfaces, and more. The applications highlighted the practical benefits of these methods in effectively assessing and mitigating risks. A significant finding includes the identification of risks related to falls from heights of <2.5 m (SH1) and road traffic accidents (SH6), where all three methods yielded different verbal outcomes. Compared to the traditional Fine-Kinney method, FK10 and FFK10 demonstrated superior ability in distinguishing risk levels and guiding targeted safety measures. The study underscores that FK10 and FFK10 represent significant advancements in occupational risk management, offering robust frameworks adaptable across various industries. Full article

This study explores the combustion behavior of three biomass pellet types—wood (W), sunflower husk (SH), and a mixture of wood and sunflower husks (W/SH)—in a residential hot water boiler. Experiments were carried out under two air supply regimes (40%/60% and 60%/40% primary to secondary air) to measure flue gas concentrations of oxygen (O₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NO_x). The results indicate that SH pellets generate the highest emissions (CO: 1095.3 mg/m³, NO_x: 679.3 mg/m³), while W pellets achieve the lowest (CO: 0.3 mg/m³, NO_x: 194.1 mg/m³). The mixed W/SH pellets produce intermediate values (CO: 148.7 mg/m³, NO_x: 201.8 mg/m³). Overall boiler efficiency for all tested fuels ranged from 90.3% to 91.4%. Numerical simulations using ANSYS CFX (2024 R2 (24.2)) were performed to analyze temperature distribution, flue gas composition, and flow fields, showing good agreement with experimental outlet temperature and emission trends. These findings emphasize that both pellet composition and air distribution significantly influence efficiency and emissions, offering guidance for optimizing small-scale biomass boiler operation. Full article

This study determined the efficacy of in-feed supplementation of a medium-chain fatty acid, caprylic acid (CA), on the cecal colonization of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Heidelberg (SH) and its effect on the cecal microbiome of commercial broilers. A total of 24, 4-week-old commercial Ross 708 chickens were randomly allocated to two replicates of four treatment groups in eight BSL2 isolators (3 birds/isolator): Negative control (NC), Positive Control (PC), Antibiotic group (AB), and caprylic acid (CA) groups. The birds received a Salmonella-free standard corn–soy-based diet, with the broilers in the AB receiving 50 g/ton bacitracin methylene disalicylate, and the CA group receiving caprylic acid (1% w/w), in feed from days 1 to 35. All birds, except those in the NC group, were challenged with ~3.7 log₁₀ CFU of MDR SH/5 mL by crop gavage on day 29. Cecal samples were collected 7 days after the challenge for SH recovery by direct plating and enrichment, as well as for DNA extraction for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Compared to the PC group, a 3.6 log₁₀ CFU/g reduction in SH was observed in the CA group (p < 0.05). Although no significant effect of CA on cecal microbial composition was observed, a significant difference in taxonomic α- and β-diversities was observed in the AB. CA also resulted in significant differences in hub taxa compared to PC in the network association analysis, indicating a potential role for microbiome modulation in its mechanism of action. Full article

Background: Neuromuscular training is widely implemented in professional football to enhance performance and reduce injury risk. Although unstable surfaces are commonly used for proprioceptive and rehabilitation purposes, limited evidence supports their effectiveness in improving sport-specific force production and stability in elite athletes. This study aimed to compare the effects of multicomponent neuromuscular training performed on stable versus unstable surfaces on unilateral force production, mobility, and agility in elite male soccer players. Methods: Twenty-seven professional male soccer players from the Spanish first division were randomly assigned to either a stable surface group (SSG; n = 14) or an unstable surface group (USG; n = 13). Both groups completed a 10-week intervention in addition to their regular training routines. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included dorsiflexion range of motion (DFt), Y-Balance Test (YBT), single-leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ), single-leg hop for distance (SLH), side-hop (SH), Speedy Jump (SpJ), Agility T-test (TT), and the Lower Extremity Functional Test (LEFT). A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and Hedges’ g effect sizes were used for statistical analysis. Results: The SSG showed significant improvements in most performance variables, including DFt, YBT, SLH, SH, SpJ, TT, and LEFT (percent change range: 1.6% to 9.8%; Hedges’ g ranging from 0.52 to 2.57). The USG showed limited improvements, with significant changes only in LEFT (percent change = 1.18%; Hedges’ g = 0.53). Notably, the stable surface group demonstrated enhanced force production and agility, particularly in the non-dominant limb. Conclusions: Multicomponent neuromuscular training on stable surfaces appears more effective than training on unstable surfaces for improving unilateral strength, mobility, and agility in elite soccer players. These findings suggest that stable surface training may provide superior performance benefits and should be considered a priority in high-performance environments. Full article

This paper assesses the feasibility of metakaolin (MK)-based geopolymer (GP) composite as an environmentally friendly substitute for cement-based composite in repair applications. The Taguchi orthogonal array method was used to find the optimum GP mix in terms of mechanical properties and adhesion to concrete substrates. Four key parameters, each with three levels, are investigated including the alkaline activator-to-MK ratio (A/M: 1, 1.2, 1.4), the sodium silicate-to-sodium hydroxide ratio (S/H: 2.0, 2.5, 3.0), sodium hydroxide (SH) molarity (12, 14, 16), and curing temperature (30, 45, 60 °C). The evaluated properties include flowability, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and bond strength under various interface configurations. Experimental results demonstrated that the performance of MK-based GP composite was primarily governed by the A/M ratio and sodium hydroxide molarity. The Taguchi optimization method revealed that the mix design featuring A/M of 1.4, SS/SH of 2, 16 M sodium hydroxide, and curing at 60 °C yielded notable improvements in compressive and bond strengths compared to conventional cement-based composites. Full article

The application of microsphere molecularly imprinted materials for the targeted extraction and purification of flavonoids derived from agricultural waste has emerged as a prominent area of investigation. An innovative boronate affinity imprinted microsphere (MC-CD@BA-MIP) was successfully synthesized using the Pickering emulsion interfacial assembly strategy for the selective separation of naringin (NRG). The double-bond functionalized covalent organic framework (COF)-based microspheres were synthesized through Schiff–base reaction and secondary interfacial emulsion polymerization. Then, the synthetic mono-(6-mercapto-6-deoxy)-β-cyclodextrin (SH-β-CD) was grafted onto the surface of the microspheres (MC) using click chemistry. The 1-allylpyridine-3-boronic acid (APBA) as a functional monomer was grafted onto the initiator (ABIB) through atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Ultimately, the synthesized boronic acid-imprinted ABIB-BA-MIPs were immobilized onto the COFs microsphere surface through host–guest interactions. As expected, under neutral conditions, the MC-CD@BA-MIPs still exhibited a significant adsorption capacity (38.78 μmol g⁻¹ at 308 K) for NRG. The regenerated MC-CD@BA-MIPs maintained 92.56% of their initial adsorption capacity through six consecutive cycles. Full article

Background: Children are at high risk of influenza infections and may spread the disease to vulnerable family members. Quadrivalent influenza vaccines (QIV) provide protection against four strains of influenza recommended annually by the World Health Organization (WHO) and have the potential to provide improved protection during seasons with B-strain mismatch between vaccine and circulating virus strains. Methods: We evaluated the reactogenicity and safety of a QIV (Afluria Quad and Afluria Quad Junior, Seqirus, Parkville, Australia) in children aged 6 months to <3 years and 3 to <9 years over two Southern Hemisphere influenza seasons (2019 and 2020). The rates of solicited local and systemic adverse events (AEs) occurring on Days 1–7 after each vaccine dose were compared between three vaccine batches during each of the two seasons. Results: Overall, 73.7% of participants aged 6 months to <3 years and 77.5% of those aged 3 to <9 years reported any solicited AE between Day 1 and 7 of SH2019, and 66.7% and 69.2%, respectively, reported any solicited AE in SH2020, consistent with results from prior paediatric studies of QIV. The majority of solicited AEs were mild to moderate in severity. No consistent patterns of batch variation in solicited local or systemic reactogenicity were observed, suggesting no clinically significant differences between vaccine batches. No serious AEs or AEs of special interest (i.e., anaphylactic reaction or febrile convulsion) were reported during Days 1–7 after each vaccination, and no new safety concerns were identified. Conclusions: Together, these results support a clinically acceptable safety and tolerability profile of QIV in children aged 6 months to <9 years. Full article

This study investigates TNM-type titanium aluminide alloys, representing the third generation of β-stabilized γ-TiAl heat-resistant materials. The aim of this work is to study the combustion characteristics and to produce compact materials via the free SHS compaction method from initial powder reagents taken in the following ratio (wt%): 51.85Ti–43Al–4Nb–1Mo–0.15B, as well as to determine the effect of high-temperature isothermal annealing at 1000 °C on the structure and properties of the obtained materials. Using free SHS compression (self-propagating high-temperature synthesis), we synthesized compact materials from a 51.85Ti–43Al–4Nb–1Mo–0.15B (wt%) powder blend. Key combustion parameters were optimized to maximize the synthesis temperature, employing a chemical ignition system. The as-fabricated materials exhibit a layered macrostructure with wavy interfaces, aligned parallel to material flow during compression. Post-synthesis isothermal annealing at 1000 °C for 3 h promoted further phase transformations, enhancing mechanical properties including microhardness (up to 7.4 GPa), Young’s modulus (up to 200 GPa) and elastic recovery (up to 31.8%). X-ray powder diffraction, SEM, and EDS analyses confirmed solid-state diffusion as the primary mechanism for element interaction during synthesis and annealing. The developed materials show promise as PVD targets for depositing heat-resistant coatings. Full article

Background: Depression affects around 280 million people globally and is one of the main causes of disability. Among people with cancer, depression and anxiety affect 20–25%, significantly reducing quality of life, adherence to treatments, and survival. Despite the availability of pharmacological and psychological treatments, their application can be limited by side effects, accessibility, and costs—especially in low- and middle-income countries. Physical exercise is emerging as a valuable complementary strategy, improving both physical and mental well-being. Nevertheless, structured exercise programs are still rarely implemented in oncology. This review aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for integrating physical activity into mental health support for people with cancer. Methods: This review includes six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating physical exercise interventions for depression and anxiety in people with cancer aged over 18 years. Included studies compared exercise interventions to control or standard care and reported outcomes related to psychological well-being and adverse effects. Exclusion criteria included non-original studies, non-English articles, and works not focused on exercise. The search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library using MeSH terms and Boolean operators. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025637522). Results: Exercise interventions—such as aerobic, resistance, and mind–body practices—proved effective and feasible across cancer types. Benefits were seen in both psychological and physical outcomes. However, variations in protocols and outcome measures, as well as a lack of long-term data, limit generalizability. Conclusions: Personalized exercise programs can significantly reduce depression and anxiety in people with cancer. Standardized core methods, long-term research, and systemic support are needed to integrate exercise into routine oncology care. Full article