Search Results (57,680)

Background: Nutrition is a fundamental factor in the healthy growth and development of young athletes, as well as in supporting optimal sports performance. This study aimed to explore associations between Mediterranean diet adherence score, BMI and selected physical performance measures in youth handball players, by identifying distinct player profiles through a clustering approach. Methods: Thirty-five male youth handball players participated in the study. Mediterranean diet adherence was evaluated by means of a 16-item KIDMED questionnaire and total score, and physical performance was assessed using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test, the 505-change of direction test, linear straight sprints and isometric handgrip strength. Results: Cluster 1 goes more than one day a week to a fast-food restaurant, skips breakfast on more occasions and consumes sweets and candy more often. In addition, Cluster 2 showed better sprint (p = 0.019–0.053, ES = 0.39–0.47) and CMJ (p = 0.042; ES = 0.40) performance than Cluster 1. Conclusions: These findings present associations between dietary adherence, BMI, and selected physical performance measures in this specific cohort. Given the cross-sectional design and the small sample size, these findings should be interpreted with caution and do not allow causal inferences. Full article

The rupture of the B-I dam at the Córrego do Feijão mine in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil, on 25 January 2019, prompted the implementation of environmental remediation actions. Among these actions is the need for groundwater quality monitoring in the Feijão Pit (“Cava de Feijão”) area due to the disposal of tailings from dams B-I, B-IV, and B-IVA at this site. In order to assess potential impacts on groundwater, the determination of baseline values for elements of interest was proposed for ten monitoring wells installed in and around the pit, with monitoring results from 2019 to 2024, totaling 854 samples. Due to the lack of hydrochemistry data and local hydrogeological complexity of the existing aquifers within the context of the Iron Quadrangle (IQ), it was necessary to evaluate and determine individual baseline values for each monitoring well, assessing data variability and population distribution. For this purpose, the 95–95 Upper Tolerance Limit (UTL) method was applied to establish baseline values providing a robust statistical approach that encompasses 95% of observations with a 95% confidence interval as it is a widely used standard in statistics due to its practical balance between confidence and precision. This methodology proved effective and has potential for application in groundwater monitoring in areas that may present high compositional variability due to the chemical heterogeneity of the groundwater. The baseline values obtained for the main elements of interest, which are iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), were consistent with findings from previous studies conducted in the hydrogeological units of the study area, also demonstrating that the adopted methodology was effective in identifying representative concentrations for the region. Full article

In this narrative review, we provide an overview of morphology-based body composition measurement techniques and introduce evaluation methods relevant to veterinary practice. We specifically focus on previous work on the feline body mass index and body composition assessment methods using ultrasonography, creating new figures and tables from previously reported data. Based on these modalities, we introduce an objective, easy-to-use method for estimating obesity and assessing body composition. We highlight that adiposity and muscularity evaluation via the feline body mass index and ultrasonography appropriately reflects the total fat mass, fat percentage, and lean body mass assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The proposed method objectively assesses obesity and can be easily and stably used in clinical veterinary practice. Full article

Background and Objectives: Totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement (TE-AVR) is a minimally invasive technique offering potential benefits of reduced surgical trauma and faster recovery compared with median sternotomy or other minimally invasive access. While isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) is well established through conventional and minimally invasive access, large-scale evidence for the totally endoscopic approach remains limited. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically assess the safety and feasibility of TE-AVR by aggregating perioperative outcomes, including mortality, stroke, conversion, bleeding, paravalvular leak (PVL), and atrial fibrillation (AF). Materials and Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials reporting outcomes of totally endoscopic or thoracoscopic AVR were eligible. After independent screening and selection, data were analyzed using a single-arm proportion model. Leave-one-out sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the influence of individual studies. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024610128). Results: A total of 11 studies comprising 1135 patients were included. The pooled perioperative mortality was 0.00% (95% CI 0.00–0.23; I² = 0.0%), indicating highly consistent results across cohorts. The stroke incidence was 0.69% (95% CI 0.00–2.07; I² = 42.7%), confirming the low cerebrovascular risk of this approach. Conversion to sternotomy occurred in 0.00% of cases (95% CI 0.00–0.17; I² = 0.0%), with no statistical heterogeneity observed. Reintervention for bleeding occurred in 1.75% (95% CI 0.34–3.85; I² = 43.4%), while PVL was reported in 1.24% (95% CI 0.00–4.22; I² = 64.0%). AF incidence was 10.54% (95% CI 3.79–19.70; I² = 90.5%), with substantial between-study heterogeneity, likely related to non-standardized definitions of new-onset AF and variability in postoperative rhythm monitoring and reporting across studies. Conclusions: TE-AVR is a safe and feasible technique associated with very low perioperative mortality, bleeding, and stroke rates, as well as low PVL incidence. The absent conversion rate in our pooled analysis highlights the technical reliability of the procedure. Variability in AF reporting underscores the need for future randomized studies with harmonized definitions. Overall, TE-AVR offers a promising minimally invasive alternative for aortic valve replacement, with potential advantages in recovery (pooled ICU stay 1.86 days), hospital stay (pooled 7.98 days), and aesthetic outcomes. Full article

Objective: To systematically evaluate the potential of Saussurea involucrata cultures (SICs) against high-altitude illness under hypobaric hypoxia and establish a progressive experimental evidence chain covering acute hypoxia tolerance enhancement and acute/chronic hypoxic injury protection. Methods: A tiered experimental strategy was employed. Key findings were derived from primary rat models of acute (5500 m, 8 h) and chronic intermittent (5500 m, 8 h/d, 4–8 weeks) hypobaric hypoxia. A mouse acute tolerance model (10,000 m lethality, closed-system endurance) provided supplementary verification. Comprehensive analyses included survival, hemorheology, multi-organ function, and core mechanistic indicators of endothelial function and oxidative stress. Diamox, Rhodiola, and Compound Danshen Dripping Pills served as positive controls. Normoxic/hypoxic blank groups served as negative controls. Results: SICs significantly enhanced acute hypoxia tolerance in mice. In the rat models, SICs demonstrated dose-dependent and selective regulation of the endothelial–oxidative stress/hemorheology axis. Specifically, it downregulated endothelin-1, upregulated nitric oxide, enhanced total antioxidant capacity, and improved chronic hypoxia-induced blood hyperviscosity. Medium doses showed consistent optimal efficacy. SICs had limited effects on macroscopic organ remodeling. Conclusions: The core protective effect of SICs lies in enhancing hypoxic tolerance and selectively modulating the interconnected pathways of endothelial function, oxidative stress, and microcirculatory health. This mechanistic profile supports its potential as a preventive or early adjuvant intervention for high-altitude illness, providing a systematic preclinical foundation for translational development. Full article

Aim: This study compared spectral profile analysis thresholds, speech-in-noise perception, and cerebral asymmetry among Carnatic musicians, Bharatanatyam dancers, and non-trained individuals and examined the influence of training duration on these measures. Method: A total of 105 right-handed adults (18–30 years) with normal hearing were divided into Carnatic musicians (n = 35), Bharatanatyam dancers (n = 35), and non-trained controls (n = 35). Spectral stream segregation was measured using the spectral profile analysis task, and speech-in-noise perception was evaluated using the Kannada QuickSIN under right, left, and binaural conditions. Cerebral asymmetry was derived from the Laterality Index. As data were non-normally distributed, non-parametric tests were used. Results: Significant group differences emerged for spectral profile thresholds, with dancers outperforming musicians and controls. Both trained groups showed superior speech-in-noise performance compared to non-trained individuals across all listening conditions, though no differences were observed between musicians and dancers. Non-trained listeners displayed a clear right-ear advantage, whereas trained groups showed minimal or no hemispheric asymmetry. Training duration negatively correlated with selected spectral profile thresholds in both trained groups and with binaural SNR-50 in dancers, indicating training-related auditory enhancement. Conclusions: Musicians and dancers demonstrate better spectral discrimination, improved speech-in-noise perception, and reduced cerebral asymmetry compared to non-trained peers. These findings underscore training-induced auditory neuroplasticity and suggest that long-term engagement in music or dance promotes efficient auditory processing and greater bilateral hemispheric involvement. Full article

Background and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is frequently encountered in critically ill patients and is associated with increased short-term mortality. However, the biological and clinical determinants of mortality within the diabetic intensive care unit (ICU) population remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to evaluate laboratory parameters at ICU admission and key early ICU course variables, including acute complications and organ support interventions, associated with short-term ICU mortality in critically ill patients with diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study including adult patients with diabetes mellitus admitted to a tertiary care ICU between January and December 2024. Demographic data, laboratory parameters at ICU admission, acute complications, and ICU interventions were collected. Patients were stratified according to ICU outcome (survivors vs. non-survivors). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of ICU mortality. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC/ROC), Hosmer–Lemeshow test, and Brier score. Results: A total of 443 critically ill patients with diabetes mellitus were included, of whom 239 (54.0%) died during ICU hospitalization. Non-survivors exhibited higher admission blood glucose, lactate levels, and serum creatinine, as well as lower lymphocyte counts compared to survivors. Acute complications, including sepsis, acute kidney injury, and acute respiratory failure, were significantly more frequent among non-survivors. In multivariate analysis, admission lactate levels (OR = 1.02 per mg/dL increase), mechanical ventilation (OR = 47.30), and hemodialysis (OR = 3.38) remained independently associated with ICU mortality. The predictive model demonstrated good discrimination (AUC = 0.87) and adequate calibration. Conclusions: Critically ill patients with diabetes mellitus who do not survive ICU hospitalization present with early metabolic stress, immune dysregulation, and organ dysfunction. Admission lactate levels and the need for advanced organ support are key predictors of short-term mortality, supporting their role in risk stratification within the diabetic ICU population. Full article

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted social structures, healthcare access, and psychological well-being, potentially intensifying substance use and suicidal behavior. Although both phenomena have been independently studied, their co-occurrence during the pandemic has not been systematically synthesized. To evaluate the prevalence and patterns of suicidal behavior among individuals with substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic through a systematic review and random-effects proportions meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCO Host was conducted from 11 March 2020 to 15 October 2022 for studies published between March 2020 and October 2022. Eligible studies included observational designs reporting substance use and suicidal behavior in adults during the pandemic. Risk of bias was assessed using National Institutes of Health tools. Proportional meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model with Freeman–Tukey double arcsine transformation. Heterogeneity was quantified using the I² statistic. Results: Twenty studies comprising 70,684 individuals were included. Substance use during the pandemic was reported in 24.6 percent of participants, while 30.7 percent exhibited suicidal behavior. A total of 16.1 percent presented with both substance use and suicidal behavior. The pooled prevalence of any suicidal behavior among individuals with substance use was 33.8 percent (95 percent CI, 22.8 to 45.7), with substantial heterogeneity. Alcohol showed a pooled prevalence of 36.2 percent, cannabis 48.1 percent, and tobacco 11.5 percent. Suicidal ideation was the most frequent outcome, with a pooled prevalence of 36.8 percent among substance users. Most studies reported an increased association between substance use and suicidal behavior compared with pre-pandemic periods. Conclusions: Substance use and suicidal behavior frequently co-occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly suicidal ideation and alcohol use. These findings highlight the need for integrated mental health and substance use interventions during public health crises. Full article

Rural freight mobility and logistics face persistent challenges, including inadequate road infrastructure, high transportation costs, safety risks, tolls at link access points, and dispersed demand. Traditional inventory routing models often fail to address these complexities, especially in rural contexts where alternative routing options and integrated in-haul/back-haul operations are essential for improving efficiency and reducing empty miles. This study proposes a bi-objective mathematical model for the inventory routing problem in rural logistics, incorporating multiple routing attributes (transportation costs, risks, link-access tolls, and distances) and inventory dynamics (integrated in-haul and back-haul visits). The model aims to minimize total logistics costs and accident risk while balancing operational expenses and safety considerations. Risk estimation is derived from crash data along rural road links connecting distribution nodes. A real-world case study involving Walmart distribution centers in Macclenny, Baker County, Florida, and several rural Supercenters is conducted to validate the model. A modified Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) is developed and compared with CPLEX for solution efficiency across small and large-scale problem instances. Results indicate that the proposed approach outperforms classical methods, improves routing decisions in rural logistics systems, and achieves cost savings of up to 17% for the evaluated objectives, emphasizing the importance of using multi-attribute, multi-route network structures in rural logistics optimization. Full article

Drying chili peppers is a crucial technique for their preservation, as it extends shelf life while minimizing the degradation of high-value bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the impact of modulated solar irradiation on the drying kinetics and quality retention of “Chile de Agua” (Capsicum annuum L.) peppers across three maturity stages (unripe, ripe, and overripe). Two cylindrical solar dryers were employed: a conventional solar dryer (CSD) and a novel Solar Dryer with Dynamic Irradiance Control (SDIC) utilizing Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) technology. Drying behavior was analyzed through moisture ratio and drying rate, while quality attributes were assessed via color parameters, capsaicinoid content, and flavonoid profiling using UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS. Results demonstrated that the maturity stage significantly influences drying kinetics; unripe fruits exhibited the fastest dehydration rate, reducing drying time by approximately 14% compared to overripe fruits. Regarding quality, the CSD better preserved color (ΔE of 15.29 for ripe chilies). At the same time, the SDIC system significantly favored the retention of bioactive compounds, maintaining higher concentrations of total capsaicinoids (up to 1700 µg/g DW) and flavonoids such as luteolin (15.9 mg/100 g DW) and quercitrin (11.5 mg/100 g DW), especially in ripe fruits. The findings suggest that optimal processing requires selecting the drying method based on the targeted final use: CSD for color preservation in unripe chilies, or SDIC for maximizing bioactive retention in ripe fruits. Full article

Background/Objectives: Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel type 2) is a rare, progressive retinal disease that can lead to central vision loss. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) plays a crucial role in the early diagnosis, monitoring, and prognostic assessment of this condition. This narrative review aims to summarize the clinical features, OCT findings, and current management strategies for MacTel type 2. Methods: A literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar was performed for articles published from October 1993 to September 2025 using keywords related to MacTel type 2, OCT, clinical features, and treatment. All relevant clinical studies, including observational studies, clinical trials, and case series, were considered. The literature was screened independently by two authors, and a total of 69 articles were included. Results: Characteristic OCT findings include foveal cavitation, hyperreflective middle retinal layers, inner and outer retinal cavities, ellipsoid zone disruption, and retinal pigment clumps. Central macular thickness is consistently reduced, and structural biomarkers identified on OCT correlate with visual acuity decline. Treatment strategies vary by disease stage: non-proliferative MacTel type 2 currently has no universally effective therapy, although neuroprotective interventions such as ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) show promising results. Proliferative MacTel type 2 is primarily managed with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy (anti-VEGF), demonstrating functional and anatomical improvements. Conclusions: OCT provides essential structural evaluation for monitoring MacTel type 2, while treatment approaches remain stage-dependent. Emerging therapies, including CNTF implants and novel anti-VEGF agents, hold potential for improving outcomes. Full article

Background: Caffeine contributes to improvements in physical performance by enhancing muscular strength and endurance. However, it is necessary to evaluate the effects of different dosages on resistance training (RT) performance. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of different caffeine doses (i.e., 3 mg·kg⁻¹ and 6 mg·kg⁻¹) on the maximum number of repetitions in a muscular endurance test. Methods: The study included 11 male participants (25.7 ± 5.9 years) who completed six in-person visits. During the first visit, a 24 h dietary recall (24HDR) was administered, anthropometric measurements were assessed, and one-repetition maximum (1RM) was determined in the flat bench press (BP). The second visit (baseline; BL) included a new 24HDR, assessment of muscle thickness using portable ultrasound (pre- and post-test), and a muscular endurance test in the BP at 80% of 1RM performed until concentric failure. The four subsequent visits followed the same protocol, with the administration of caffeine or placebo capsules 60 min before testing in a randomized, double-blind manner: low-dose caffeine (3 mg·kg⁻¹; LC), high-dose caffeine (6 mg·kg⁻¹; HC), low-dose placebo (3 mg·kg⁻¹; LP), and high-dose placebo (6 mg·kg⁻¹; HP). The first three interventions were conducted with 48 h intervals, and the remaining interventions were separated by a 7-day interval. Results: The number of repetitions and total workload (TWL) increased in all conditions compared with baseline; however, no significant differences were observed (p > 0.05). LC and HP achieved the highest repetition values (LC: 12.09 ± 3.33 reps; HP: 12.27 ± 2.72 reps). Muscle thickness was greater in all conditions in the post-test assessment, showing a significant increase (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Low- or high-dose caffeine supplementation appears to moderately influence responses in a muscular endurance test, suggesting that caffeine may be a potential supplement for resistance training. Full article

Interest in replacing petroleum-based lubricants with bio-based alternatives is driven by growing demand for lubricants, in contrast to a decreasing supply of products derived from fossil resources, coupled with environmental concerns. Biolubricants offer several advantages over conventional petroleum-based lubricants, such as biodegradability and renewability. Researchers have been seeking solutions for these challenges over the years, employing various approaches, including the use of different raw materials, chemical modifications, and different types of additives. This review evaluates a total of 504 articles published between 2010 and 2025 in the Scopus database, with the help of RStudio, using the bibliometrix package. The objective is to provide an integrated bibliometric and systematic analysis, presenting the research landscape on the tribological properties of biolubricants, which may contribute to the development of novel investigation initiatives in the field. The main thematic trends, researchers, journals, and most active countries and institutions have been evaluated. Additionally, the most cited studies, recent advances and existing gaps are presented and discussed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Rapid pathogen identification is essential to optimize antimicrobial therapy and improve patient outcomes, particularly in severe infections. Syndromic molecular diagnostics have been introduced to overcome the limitations of conventional culture-based methods. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance and real-life implementation of BioFire^® FilmArray^® syndromic panels compared with routine microbiological diagnostics. Methods: A total of 955 clinical specimens collected between 2022 and June 2025 were retrospectively analyzed, including positive blood cultures (n = 400), lower respiratory tract samples (n = 309), cerebrospinal fluid (n = 158) and stool specimens (n = 88). FilmArray^® BCID2, Pneumonia Plus, Meningitis/Encephalitis and Gastrointestinal panels were performed on the Biofire Fimarray^® instrument according to clinical indication and compared with conventional culture-based identification and phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results: Overall diagnostic concordance between BioFire^® FilmArray^® syndromic panels and conventional methods was high across all specimen types, with the highest positive percent agreement (PPA) observed for bloodstream infections (97.7%) and gastrointestinal pathogens (100%). In respiratory samples, the Pneumonia Plus panel detected a considerable number of microorganisms that could not be identified by culture, including viral pathogens and fastidious bacteria. Molecular detection of antimicrobial resistance markers showed excellent concordance with phenotypic profiles, with 100% agreement for CTX-M, carbapenemases (KPC, NDM, OXA-48-like, IMP), and vanA/B, while lower concordance was observed for mecA/C in staphylococci. In parallel, semi-quantitative bacterial loads provided by the Pneumonia Plus panel showed a strong essential agreement with culture-based quantification (97.4%, ±1 log₁₀). Across all panels, syndromic testing significantly reduced diagnostic turnaround time. Conclusions: Syndromic molecular panels provide rapid and reliable simultaneous detection of pathogens, as well as early resistance marker detection, thereby supporting timely antimicrobial optimization and stewardship when integrated with conventional microbiological diagnostics. Full article

Preventing spoilage in food products, particularly in those highly susceptible to rapid deterioration like mutton, has been a persistent challenge in the food industry. In this study, an Active Biological Film (ABF) was developed using chitosan (CS) and whey protein isolate (WPI), with the addition of 0.01 wt% titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and 0.1 wt% white pepper essential oil (WPEO). This ABF was applied to preserve fresh mutton at super-chilling temperatures of −1.7 ± 0.2 °C. The effects of ABF on myofibrillar protein (MP) oxidation and structural characteristics, as well as on the microbial status, physicochemical properties, and sensory quality of mutton, were systematically evaluated. The results demonstrated that, compared to the control group (CK), ABF treatment significantly enhanced the total sulfhydryl content, protein solubility, and zeta potential of MPs, while reducing carbonyl content, surface hydrophobicity, and particle size. MPs in the ABF group showed a higher α-helix proportion and a lower random coil content, along with a notable increase in intrinsic fluorescence intensity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a denser gel structure. Additionally, ABF effectively inhibited microbial growth in mutton, delayed pH increase, reduced thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and improved sensory scores, extending mutton shelf life by over 10 days. Therefore, the ABF effectively inhibited oxidation in MPs, maintained their structural integrity, and preserved mutton quality during super-chilling storage. Full article