Search Results (241,328)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of physical activity levels and body mass index (BMI) on the quality of life among university students. Methods: The sample consisted of 495 students (176 males and 319 females). Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form (IPAQ-SF), while quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and regression analysis were employed to determine relationships and predictive influence. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The results indicated that male students reported significantly higher levels of moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity compared to female students (p = 0.015 and p = 0.001, respectively), as well as higher scores in the physical health and social relationships domains of quality of life (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). Both physical activity and BMI had a statistically significant impact on the physical health (p = 0.040 for males; p = 0.024 for females) and psychological health (p = 0.047 for males; p = 0.000 for females) domains. Specifically, moderate-intensity PA positively influenced physical health (β = 0.21, p = 0.005), while BMI was a predictor of psychological health in males (β = 0.18, p = 0.016). Among females, BMI negatively influenced physical health (β = −0.18, p = 0.002), and both low-intensity PA (β = 0.17, p = 0.002) and BMI (β = −0.21, p = 0.000) significantly affected psychological health. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of promoting diverse forms of physical activity and maintaining a healthy BMI in student populations, with consideration for gender-specific approaches to maximize quality of life outcomes. Full article

Quinoa protein isolate (QPI) and sodium alginate (SA) have excellent biocompatibility and functional properties, making them promising candidates for food-grade delivery systems. In this study, we developed, for the first time, a QPI/SA complex-stabilized Pickering emulsion for curcumin encapsulation. The coacervation behavior of QPI and SA was investigated from pH 1.6 to 7.5, and the structural and interfacial characteristics of the complexes were analyzed using zeta potential measurements, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle analysis. The results showed that the formation of QPI/SA complexes was primarily driven by electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions, with enhanced amphiphilicity observed under optimal conditions (QPI/SA = 5:1, pH 5). The QPI/SA-stabilized Pickering emulsions demonstrated excellent emulsification performance and storage stability, maintaining an emulsification index above 90% after 7 d when prepared with 60% oil phase. In vitro digestion studies revealed stage-specific curcumin release, with sustained release in simulated gastric fluid (21.13%) and enhanced release in intestinal fluid (88.21%). Cytotoxicity assays using HeLa cells confirmed the biocompatibility of QPI/SA complexes (≤500 μg/mL), while curcumin-loaded emulsions exhibited dose-dependent anticancer activity. These findings suggest that QPI/SA holds significant potential for applications in functional foods and oral delivery systems. Full article

Background: Peripancreatic collections (PPCs) are a frequent and severe complication of acute and chronic pancreatitis, as well as pancreatic surgery, often requiring interventions to treat and prevent infection, gastric obstruction, and other complications. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to surgical and percutaneous approaches, offering reduced morbidity and shorter recovery times. However, the effectiveness of EUS-guided drainage in post-surgical PPCs remains underexplored. Methods: This retrospective, single-center study evaluated the technical and clinical outcomes of EUS-guided drainage in patients with PPCs between October 2021 and December 2024. Patients were categorized as having post-pancreatitis or post-surgical PPCs. Technical success, clinical success, complications, recurrence rates, and the need for reintervention were assessed. Results: A total of 50 patients underwent EUS-guided drainage, including 42 (84%) with post-pancreatitis PPCs and 8 (16%) with post-surgical PPCs. The overall technical success rate was 100%, with clinical success achieved in 96% of cases. Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) were used in 84% of patients, including 7.1% as a dual-gate salvage strategy after the failure of double-pigtail drainage. The complication rate was 24%, with infection being the most common (16%). The recurrence rate was 25%, with no significant difference between post-pancreatitis and post-surgical cases. Patients with walled-off necrosis had a significantly higher reintervention rate (35%) than those with pseudocysts (18%; p = 0.042). Conclusions: EUS-guided drainage is a highly effective and safe intervention for PPCs, including complex post-surgical cases. The 100% technical success rate reinforces its reliability, even in anatomically altered post-surgical collections. While recurrence rates remain a consideration, EUS-guided drainage offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery, with comparable outcomes in both post-pancreatitis and post-surgical patients. Future multi-center studies should focus on optimizing treatment strategies and reducing recurrence in high-risk populations. Full article

A metal-ion-free method was developed to prepare κ-carrageenan/cellulose hydrogel beads for efficient cationic dye removal. The beads were fabricated using a mixture of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate and N,N-dimethylformamide as the solvent system, followed by aqueous ethanol-induced phase separation. This process eliminated the need for metal-ion crosslinkers, which typically neutralize anionic sulfate groups in κ-carrageenan, thereby preserving a high density of accessible binding sites. The resulting beads formed robust interpenetrating polymer networks. The initial swelling ratio reached up to 28.3 g/g, and even after drying, the adsorption capacity remained over 50% of the original. The maximum adsorption capacity for crystal violet was 241 mg/g, increasing proportionally with κ-carrageenan content due to the higher surface concentration of anionic sulfate groups. Kinetic and isotherm analyses revealed pseudo-second-order and Langmuir-type monolayer adsorption, respectively, while thermodynamic parameters indicated that the process was spontaneous and exothermic. The beads retained structural integrity and adsorption performance across pH 3–9 and maintained over 90% of their capacity after five reuse cycles. These findings demonstrate that κ-carrageenan/cellulose hydrogel beads prepared via a metal-ion-free strategy offer a sustainable and effective platform for cationic dye removal from wastewater, with potential for heavy metal ion adsorption. Full article

Background/Objectives: Compared to in the general pregnant population, pregnancy in women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is still associated with an increased number of perinatal complications affecting both the fetus and the mother. The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Foundation (GOCCF) program enables the use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) enhanced by a hypo-stop function and real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) during the preconception or early pregnancy period in patients with T1D. This observational study aimed to analyze the association between pregnancy planning and pregnancy outcomes in patients who qualified for the GOCCF program. Methods: Ninety-eight women with T1D, aged 21–41 years, who began using the CSII + rtCGM system at the planning/early pregnancy stage or at a later stage in the case of an unplanned pregnancy, were eligible for this study. We analyzed glucose control, the insulin requirements, the pregestational BMI, the maternal weight gain, the occurrence of preterm births, congenital malformations and the birthweight of newborns. Results: Women who planned their pregnancies had significantly better glycemic control before and throughout the entire pregnancy, and a significantly higher proportion of them achieved a TIR (time in range) > 70% (58.7% vs. 28.9%, p = 0.014) and TAR (time above range) < 25% (65.2% vs. 24.4%, p < 0.001). Their glucose variability at the end of the pregnancy was significantly lower (29.4 ± 5.5 vs. 31.9 ± 5.1, p = 0.030). They also gave birth later, at a mean of 37.8 ± 0.9 weeks compared to 36.9 ± 1.8 weeks in the non-planned group (p = 0.039). Preterm birth occurred in five women (10.4%) who planned their pregnancies and in fifteen women (30%) who did not, with p = 0.031. Conclusions: Pregnancy planning in women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with better glucose control before conception and throughout the entire pregnancy, resulting in better pregnancy outcomes. Full article

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by renal resistance to arginine vasopressin (AVP), resulting in the kidneys’ inability to concentrate urine. Approximately 90% of NDI cases follow an X-linked inheritance pattern and are associated with pathogenic variants in the AVPR2 gene, which encodes the vasopressin receptor type 2. The remaining 10% are attributed to mutations in the AQP2 gene, which encodes aquaporin-2, and may follow either autosomal dominant or recessive inheritance patterns. We present the case of a male infant, younger than nine months of age, who was clinically diagnosed with NDI at six months. The patient presented recurrent episodes of polydipsia, polyuria, dehydration, hypernatremia, and persistently low urine osmolality. Despite adjustments in pharmacologic treatment and strict monitoring of urinary output, the clinical response remained suboptimal. Given the lack of improvement and the radiological finding of an absent posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis), the possibility of coexistent central diabetes insipidus (CDI) was raised, prompting a therapeutic trial with desmopressin. Nevertheless, in the absence of clinical improvement, desmopressin was discontinued. The patient’s management was continued with hydrochlorothiazide, ibuprofen, and a high-calorie diet restricted in sodium and protein, resulting in progressive clinical stabilization. Whole-exome sequencing identified a novel homozygous missense variant in the AQP2 gene (c.398T > A; p.Val133Glu), classified as likely pathogenic according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) criteria: PM2 (absent from population databases), PP2 (missense variant in a gene with a low rate of benign missense variation), and PP3 (multiple lines of computational evidence supporting a deleterious effect)]. NDI is typically diagnosed during early infancy due to the early onset of symptoms and the potential for severe complications if left untreated. In this case, although initial clinical suspicion included concomitant CDI, the timely initiation of supportive management and the subsequent incorporation of molecular diagnostics facilitated a definitive diagnosis. The identification of a previously unreported homozygous variant in AQP2 contributed to diagnostic confirmation and therapeutic decision-making. The diagnosis and comprehensive management of NDI within the context of polyuria-polydipsia syndrome necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, integrating clinical evaluation with advanced molecular diagnostics. The novel AQP2 c.398T > A (p.Val133Glu) variant described herein was associated with early and severe clinical manifestations, underscoring the importance of genetic testing in atypical or treatment-refractory presentations of diabetes insipidus. Full article

Understanding root decomposition dynamics is essential to address declining carbon sequestration and nutrient imbalances in monoculture plantations. This study elucidates how forest gaps regulate Pinus massoniana root decomposition through comparative methodological analysis, providing theoretical foundations for near-natural forest management and carbon–nitrogen cycle optimization in plantations. The results showed the following: (1) Root decomposition was significantly accelerated by the in situ soil litterbag method (ISLM) versus the traditional litterbag method (LM) (decomposition rate (k) = 0.459 vs. 0.188), reducing the 95% decomposition time (T_0.95) by nearly nine years (6.53 years vs. 15.95 years). ISLM concurrently elevated the root potassium concentration and reconfigured the relationships between root decomposition and soil nutrients. (2) Lower-order roots (orders 1–3) decomposed significantly faster than higher-order roots (orders 4–5) (k = 0.455 vs. 0.193). This disparity was amplified under ISLM (lower-/higher-order root k ratio = 4.1) but diminished or reversed under LM (lower-/higher-order root k ratio = 0.8). (3) Forest gaps regulated decomposition through temporal phase interactions, accelerating decomposition initially (0–360 days) while inhibiting it later (360–720 days), particularly for higher-order roots. Notably, forest gap effects fundamentally reversed between methodologies (slight promotion under LM vs. significant inhibition under ISLM). Our study reveals that conventional LM may obscure genuine ecological interactions during root decomposition, confirms lower-order roots as rapid nutrient-cycling pathways, provides crucial methodological corrections for plantation nutrient models, and advances theoretical foundations for precision management of P. massoniana plantations. Full article

Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. Wang, commonly known as Yanhusuo, is an important and rare medicinal plant resource in China. Its habitat integrity is facing severe challenges due to climate change and human activities. Establishing an integrative quality zoning system for this species is of significant practical importance for resource conservation and adaptive management. This study integrates multiple data sources, including 121 valid distribution points, 37 environmental factors, future climate scenarios (SSP126 and SSP585 pathways for the 2050s and 2090s), and measured content of tetrahydropalmatine (THP) from 22 sampling sites. A predictive framework for habitat suitability and spatial distribution of effective components was constructed using a multi-model coupling approach (MaxEnt, ArcGIS spatial analysis, and co-kriging method). The results indicate that the MaxEnt model exhibits high prediction accuracy (AUC > 0.9), with the dominant environmental factors being the precipitation of the wettest quarter (404.8~654.5 mm) and the annual average temperature (11.8~17.4 °C). Under current climatic conditions, areas of high suitability are concentrated in parts of Central and Eastern China, including the Sichuan Basin, the middle–lower Yangtze plains, and coastal areas of Shandong and Liaoning. In future climate scenarios, the center of suitable areas is predicted to shift northwestward. The content of THP is significantly correlated with the mean diurnal temperature range, temperature seasonality, and the mean temperature of the wettest quarter (p < 0.01). A comprehensive assessment identifies the Yangtze River Delta region, Central China, and parts of the Loess Plateau as the optimal integrative quality zones. This research provides a scientific basis and decision-making support for the sustainable utilization of C. yanhusuo and other rare medicinal plants in China. Full article

Haemophilic arthropathy is caused by repeated joint bleeding episodes, primarily affecting knees, ankles and elbows. Conservative options should be considered prior to surgery, as well as postural evaluation, since any functional overload promotes the development of new bleeding. The aim of this study is to verify the use of foot orthoses in combination with postural rehabilitation, assessing the incidence of spontaneous haemarthroses and haematomas. In total, 15 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups: 8 in group A, composed of patients who were prescribed foot orthoses and a 20-session rehabilitation program, and 7 in group B, composed of patients who were instructed to use foot orthoses only. All patients were evaluated at baseline (T0), at 3 months (T1—end of the rehabilitation program), and at 12 months (T2), using the following scales: Functional Independence Score in Haemophilia (FISH), Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). During the 12 months between the first and the last assessment, no patient in group A developed hemarthroses or hematomas, while one case of hemarthrosis was recorded in group B. The HJHS improved significantly (≤0.05) in group A at both T1 and T2, while in group B it improved significantly only in T2. As for FISH, it showed significant improvements in both groups at T1 and T2. NRS showed a significant reduction only at T2 in both groups (p-value T0–T1 0.3 in group A e 0.8 in group B). No patient reported any adverse effects from the use of orthotic insoles. The combination of postural rehabilitation, the use of foot orthoses and pharmacological prophylaxis could improve functioning and joint status in patients affected by haemophilic arthopathy, delaying or preventing new hemarthroses by improving the distribution of joint loads and the modification of musculoskeletal system’s characteristics. Full article

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases cardiovascular risk through mechanisms such as oxidative stress and the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Glycated albumin (GA) is associated with cardiovascular risk in CKD patients, but its relationship with AGEs and systemic inflammation remains unclear. This study investigated these associations in old patients with severe CKD, with and without diabetes. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis in 122 patients aged ≥ 65 years with CKD stages G3a–G5, including 67 diabetics and 55 non-diabetics. Patients with confounding comorbidities were excluded. We measured GA, AGEs, various AGEs receptors (RAGE) isoforms, and inflammatory cytokines (CRP, IL-6, TNFα, and MCP-1) using standardized assays. Statistical analyses included group comparisons, correlation coefficients, and multivariate regression. Results: Of 122 patients (mean age 77.7 ± 11.3 years), diabetics had higher GA percentages than non-diabetics (22.0 ± 7.1% vs. 17.5 ± 5.4%, p = 0.0001), while AGEs (2931 ± 763 vs. 3156 ± 809 AU; p = 0.118) and inflammatory markers (CRP 0.240[0.380] vs. 0.200[0.280] mg/dL; p = 0.142; IL-6 3.4[4.0] vs. 3.0[3.8] pg/mL; p = 0.238) were similar between groups. Overall, GA was inversely correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (ρ = −0.189, p = 0.037) and positively with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (ρ = 0.525, p < 0.0001), but showed no significant correlation with AGEs, RAGE isoforms, or inflammatory cytokines. In multivariate analysis, only HbA1c remained independently associated with GA (β = 0.222, p = 0.005). Conclusions: In old patients with severe CKD, GA appears to be a more useful marker of glycemic control than glycation stress, the latter of which is the result of multiple factors, including impaired kidney function and systemic inflammation. Full article

Background/Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the oral health and patient satisfaction of flexible and non-metal clasp dentures (NMCD) compared to removable partial dentures (RPD) using a systematic review. Methods: The PICOS framework of this review was as follows: Do rehabilitations involving flexible dentures or NMCD have a similar success rate to those using RPD? Thus, the PICOS approach involves the following topics: (P) Population/Problem: partial edentulous adult patients; (I) Intervention: patients rehabilitated with flexible dentures or NMCD; (C) Comparison: patients rehabilitated with standard RPD; (O) Outcome: clinical parameters such as oral health, masticatory function, and patient satisfaction; and (S) Study Type: clinical trials and observational studies (cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional). No language restrictions were applied to the studies. The search strategy consisted of the following keywords in different databases: ((flexible) OR (nonmetal) OR (non-metal) OR (thermoplastic)) AND (denture). Only clinical trials and observational studies (cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional studies) from the last 15 years were included, and no language restrictions were applied. Studies that did not describe the denture material were excluded. Results: Of the 2197 potentially relevant records, 14 studies were included in the present review. Two studies reported retrospective results, while twelve reported a prospective evaluation. Considering the thermoplastic materials, five studies evaluated polyester, five polyamides, three polyacetals, and only one study evaluated polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Flexible dentures and NMCD demonstrated similar periodontal status and bone levels on abutment teeth to RPD after up to 12 months. Flexible dentures exhibited a higher degree of redness of the mucosa after 12 months. One study showed a lower maximum bite force for flexible dentures compared to RPD. No study has performed a clinical evaluation of mastication and chewing ability. Conclusions: Despite increased short-term patient satisfaction for flexible dentures and NMCD, there is weak evidence to support a similar clinical performance of flexible dentures and NMCD to RPD. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neuromodulation is under investigation as a possibly effective add-on therapy in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). While transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) has shown positive short-term effects, long-term effects have not yet been fully explored. This study aims to evaluate the long-term feasibility, safety, and potential cognitive benefits of TPS over one year in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on domains such as memory, speech, orientation, visuo-construction, and depressive symptoms. Methods: We analyzed preliminary data from the first ten out of thirty-five patients enrolled in a prospective TPS study who completed one year of follow-up and were included in a dedicated long-term database. The protocol consisted of six initial TPS sessions over two weeks, followed by monthly booster sessions delivering 6000 pulses each for twelve months. Patients underwent regular neuropsychological assessments using the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS), Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). All adverse events (AEs) were documented and monitored throughout the study. Results: Adverse events occurred in less than 1% of stimulation sessions and mainly included mild focal pain or transient unpleasant sensations, as well as some systemic behavioral or vigilance changes, particularly in patients with underlying medical conditions, with some potentially related to the device’s stimulation as adverse device reactions (ADRs). Cognitive test results showed significant improvement after the initial stimulation cycle (ADAS total improved significantly after the first stimulation cycle (M_pre = 28.44, M_post = 18.56; p = 0.001, d = 0.80, 95% CI (0.36, 1.25)), with stable scores across all domains over one year. Improvements were most notable in memory, speech, and mood. Conclusions: TPS appears to be a generally safe and feasible add-on treatment for AD, although careful patient selection and monitoring are advised. While a considerable number of participants were lost to follow-up for various reasons, adverse events and lack of treatment effect were unlikely primary causes. A multifocal stimulation approach (F-TOP2) is proposed to enhance effects across more cognitive domains. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antibiotic use is common among hospitalized pediatric patients. However, inappropriate use, including excessive use of Watch antibiotics, can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, adverse events, and increased healthcare costs. Consequently, there is a need to continually assess their usage among this vulnerable population. This was the objective behind this study. Methods: The medical records of all pediatric patients (under 12 years) admitted and treated with antibiotics at a Ghanaian Teaching Hospital between January 2022 and March 2022 were extracted from the hospital’s electronic database. The prevalence and appropriateness of antibiotic use were based on antibiotic choices compared with current guidelines. Influencing factors were also assessed. Results: Of the 410 admitted patients, 319 (77.80%) received at least one antibiotic. The majority (68.65%; n = 219/319) were between 0 and 2 years, and males (54.55%; n = 174/319). Ceftriaxone was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic (20.69%; n = 66/319), and most of the systemic antibiotics used belonged to the WHO Access and Watch groups, including a combination of Access and Watch groups (42.90%; n = 136/319). Neonatal sepsis (24.14%; n = 77/319) and pneumonia (14.42%; n = 46/319) were the most common diagnoses treated with antibiotics. Antibiotic appropriateness was 42.32% (n = 135/319). Multivariate analysis revealed ceftriaxone prescriptions (aOR = 0.12; CI = 0.02–0.95; p-value = 0.044) and surgical prophylaxis (aOR = 0.07; CI = 0.01–0.42; p-value = 0.004) were associated with reduced antibiotic appropriateness, while a pneumonia diagnosis appreciably increased this (aOR = 15.38; CI = 3.30–71.62; p-value < 0.001). Conclusions: There was high and suboptimal usage of antibiotics among hospitalized pediatric patients in this leading hospital. Antibiotic appropriateness was influenced by antibiotic type, diagnosis, and surgical prophylaxis. Targeted interventions, including education, are needed to improve antibiotic utilization in this setting in Ghana and, subsequently, in ambulatory care. Full article

Lanthanide rare earth elements possess significant promise for material applications owing to their distinctive optical and magnetic characteristics, as well as their versatile coordination capabilities. This study introduced a lanthanide-functionalized magnetic nanocellulose composite (NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃) for effective phosphorus/nitrogen (P/N) ligand separation. The hybrid material employs the adaptable coordination geometry and strong affinity for oxygen of La³⁺ ions to show enhanced DNA-binding capacity via multi-site coordination with phosphate backbones and bases. This study utilized cellulose as a carrier, which was modified through carboxylation and amination processes employing deep eutectic solvents (DES) and polyethyleneimine. Magnetic nanoparticles and La(OH)₃ were subsequently incorporated into the cellulose via in situ growth. NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃ showed a specific surface area of 36.2 m²·g⁻¹ and a magnetic saturation intensity of 37 emu/g, facilitating the formation of ligands with accessible La³⁺ active sites, hence creating mesoporous interfaces that allow for fast separation. NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃ showed a significant affinity for DNA, with adsorption capacities reaching 243 mg/g, mostly due to the multistage coordination binding of La³⁺ to the phosphate groups and bases of DNA. Simultaneously, kinetic experiments indicated that the binding process adhered to a pseudo-secondary kinetic model, predominantly dependent on chemisorption. This study developed a unique rare-earth coordination-driven functional hybrid material, which is highly significant for constructing selective separation platforms for P/N-containing ligands. Full article

Students, particularly those in the medical field, are exposed to various stressors that can affect their health-related behaviors, including smoking habits, with implications for oral health and quality of life. Background and Objectives: to analyze the relationship between smoking, oral health, perceived stress level, and self-assessed quality of life in a sample of dental students. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study included 338 students, who completed validated questionnaires and were clinically examined. Lifestyle was assessed using a smoking behavior questionnaire, stress levels were measured with the Student Stress Inventory (SSI), and quality of life was evaluated using the EQ-5D-5L instrument. The DMFT index was calculated to determine oral health status. Results: Among the 338 participating students, 53.8% were smokers. The lifestyle analysis revealed slightly higher average scores among non-smokers across all domains—social (3.26 vs. 3.09), attitudinal (2.75 vs. 2.97), and behavioral (3.82 vs. 3.49), but without statistically significant differences (p > 0.25). The mean DMFT score was 12.48, with no significant differences between smokers and non-smokers (p = 0.554). The SSI total score averaged 83.15, indicating a moderate level of perceived stress, again with no statistically significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). However, slightly higher average stress scores among smokers may suggest the use of smoking as a coping mechanism. In contrast, quality of life as measured by EQ-5D-5L showed significantly worse outcomes for smokers across all five dimensions, including mobility (78.6% vs. 95.5%, p = 0.000) and self-care (93.4% vs. 100%, p = 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression identified smoking (OR = 1.935; p = 0.047) and moderate stress levels (OR = 0.258; p < 0.001) as independent predictors of oral health status. Conclusions: The results obtained suggest that smoking may function as a stress management strategy among students, supporting the relevance of integrating specific psychobehavioral interventions that address stress reduction and oral health promotion among student populations. Full article