Search Results (194)

Hamstring-strain injuries (HSIs) are the most prevalent time-loss injuries in professional football. While player monitoring of muscular strength is ubiquitous in professional football, the utility of in-season testing for predicting HSI in non-league football (NLF) settings is unclear. This study aimed to investigate if short-term, in-season changes in eccentric hamstring strength are associated with HSI risk and compare the predictive performance to a baseline model. This was a single-season prospective cohort study (36 weeks) in 20 male professional NLF players (nine HSI events). Eccentric hamstring strength was measured twice weekly during Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) using a NordBord device. Cox proportional hazard models (Andersen–Gill) evaluated the association of HSI with bilateral peak force and inter-limb asymmetry as time-varying and baseline predictors. Nine HSIs occurred (29% of all time-loss injuries; n = 31). The predictive analysis revealed that the baseline model with hazard ratio (HR) of 0.20 (95% CI: 0.09–0.46; C-index = 0.824) outperformed the time-varying model (HR 0.29; 95% CI: 0.15–0.56; C-index = 0.776), with higher bilateral peak force protective across both models. Conversely, inter-limb asymmetry showed no association with HSI risk (HR 1.10; 95% CI: 0.95–1.27; C-index = 0.527). A key related finding was that while single test inter-limb asymmetry measurements were unreliable, stability across the season was good (ICC(1,k) = 0.895). In this cohort, a greater bilateral peak force was protective against HSI, with baseline testing more effective than twice-weekly in-season testing. Inter-limb asymmetry did not predict HSI, and the utility of its isolated use remains unclear despite the stability of players’ season-long profiles. These exploratory findings require confirmation in larger cohorts. Full article

The synthesis of phthalaldehyde-based polymers has exclusively been carried out in dichloromethane, which causes environmental problems due to its halogen content and ozone-depleting attributes. In this study, an alternative solvent for the polymerization of o-phthalaldehyde-based polyaldehydes is disclosed. Ethyl acetate, a solvent that is widely used in consumer products, dissolves a sufficient amount of reactants and polymer product at the reaction conditions, −86 °C, to provide a comparable yield to synthesis in dichloromethane. A significant learning from this study is that the reaction solvent does not have to fully dissolve all the reactants and products to produce stable polymer, compared to dichloromethane, which fully dissolves reactants and products. The polymer product precipitated from the ethyl acetate solution as the polymer formed. Although the reactants and products were not fully soluble in ethyl acetate, they retained sufficient mobility to allow the catalyst to initiate polymer chains and achieve molecular weights as high as 83.4 kg/mol. The synthesis of cyclic copolymers from o-phthalaldehyde and aliphatic aldehydes is also possible in ethyl acetate if the catalyst is added at a temperature below the ceiling temperature of the monomers and above the point where they crystallize from solution. Full article

Limb amputation is a growing health concern worldwide, driven largely by the rising incidence of vascular and metabolic diseases and military conflicts. In the past two decades, remarkable advancements in surgical techniques, prosthetic technologies, and rehabilitation strategies have made a profound impact on outcomes for individuals with limb loss. In this article, we explore the evolving landscape of limb care in the United States, highlighting innovations in prosthetic technology and amputation surgery including osseointegration, neuromuscular surgeries and interfaces, artificial intelligence, sensory feedback, and the importance of prosthetic embodiment. We discuss limb care systems and the continuum of limb loss rehabilitation, focusing on the need for coordinated models of patient-centered care. We present the demographic biases and healthcare disparities related to insurance coverage and reimbursement in the United States and the explore ethics and equitability considerations pertaining to prosthetic standard of care and advanced treatments for limb loss. Finally, we lay out the systemic reform, policy advocacy, and future research needed to ensure that everyone with limb loss has equitable access to the benefits of modern amputee care. Full article

Panulirus ornatus, the ornate spiny lobster, is a stenohaline weak hyper-osmoregulator, yet its osmoregulatory response to salinity stress remains poorly understood. This study investigated six osmoregulatory genes—Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (nka), V-type H⁺-ATPase (vhe), Na⁺/HCO₃⁻ exchanger (nbc), Na⁺/K⁺/2Cl⁻ co-transporter (nkcc), Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger (nhe), and carbonic anhydrase (ca)—in juvenile gills exposed to 25 ppt, 34 ppt (control), and 40 ppt salinities during acute (48 h) and chronic (>38 d) phases. Transcriptome analysis revealed that all genes were unresponsive following either 25 ppt or 40 ppt salinity acute exposure. However, nkcc showed a tendency toward for upregulation under 25 ppt salinity during acute exposure. Additionally, glutathione S-transferase and putative ferrous reductase 1 were upregulated under 25 ppt salinity, suggesting increased metabolic demand. In contrast, glutathione peroxidase and an ammonia transporter were upregulated in 40 ppt salinity, indicating protein catabolism. Quantitative PCR confirmed nkcc- and nka upregulation under chronic 25 ppt salinity. Vhe, nbc, nhe and ca showed no response, and 40 ppt salinity did not affect the six target genes. These findings suggest P. ornatus relies on nkcc- and nka-mediated ion transport and lacks mechanisms to tolerate high salinity, resulting in reduced growth and survival. These findings define optimal salinity range for aquaculture (25–34 ppt), highlighting the need to avoid high-salinity stress in lobster water quality management Full article

Management zones (MZs) are a key precision agriculture strategy for managing spatial variability in crops, but conventional delineation methods are costly, time-consuming, and rely on specialized equipment. Previous studies in potato production have primarily relied on single-year NDVI or proximal soil sensor data analyses, limiting their ability to capture temporal stability and variability across multiple fields. This study addresses this gap by applying multi-year, multi-source NDVI composites to characterize spatial and temporal patterns of agricultural potential across 17 commercial potato fields at McCain’s Farm of the Future, Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick. A total of 230 NDVI images from Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 (2015–2023) were processed into composite metrics (mean, standard deviation, skewness) to delineate three agricultural potential (AP) MZs. Validation was conducted using 2023 potato tuber yield and soil physicochemical properties. The results showed statistically significant correlations between NDVI metrics and key soil nutrients (total carbon: |r| < 0.19; total nitrogen: |r| < 0.28), with tuber yield (|r| < 0.41). Spatial patterns of total carbon and nitrogen corresponded with delineated MZs, and tuber yield variability partially aligned with these zones. These findings demonstrate that multi-year NDVI composites provide a cost-effective and scalable approach for mapping agricultural potential, capturing both spatial and temporal variability, and supporting data-driven management decisions in potato production systems. Full article

Objectives: Latinx Americans represent the largest ethnic minority group (nearly 19% of the U.S. population). Their behavioral health has received increasing attention as they exhibit elevated prevalence rates of anxiety (ANX), depression (DEP), and substance use disorders (SUDs). The National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS) is the first national population-based mental health study of Latinx Americans and is the most comprehensive resource for understanding their behavioral health. This systematic review aims to synthesize peer-reviewed publications using the NLAAS dataset to identify psychosocial determinants of the three key outcomes. Method: We followed PRISMA to search for English peer-reviewed articles published in EBSCO, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and PubMed. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) Latinx in the NLAAS database; (2) ANX, DEP, or SUD; (3) risk or protective factors; and (4) peer-reviewed publications in English. Search terms such as Latino, Latina, anxiety, depressive symptoms, substance abuse, and NLAAS were used to search for relevant articles. Two authors screened the articles independently and extracted data from each study. Results: Thirty-two studies published between 2007 and 2024 were included in our final review. Among them, 12 studies investigated ANX, and 17 studies examined DEP and SUD, respectively. Sixteen studies assessed protective factors. Ten articles assessed multiple key outcomes. All risk factors were grouped into three categories: Trauma and negative relationships (e.g., childhood maltreatment, negative family relationship, traumatic life experience), acculturation- and immigration-related factors (e.g., nativity, acculturation experience, English proficiency, discrimination), and sociodemographic and social participation factors (e.g., gender, education, income level). Protective factors such as family cohesion, religious activity, gender, and education were also identified. Conclusion: This first systematic review provided comprehensive NLAAS findings on multifaceted cultural, social, and intrapersonal factors that were either negatively or positively associated with three behavioral health outcomes within the U.S. Latinx population. Potential mechanisms by which risk and protective factors influence their mental health, as well as limitations of this review, were discussed. Findings of this review can inform culturally responsive prevention strategies and interventions to reduce behavioral health disparities and to improve mental health outcomes among Latinx Americans. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ingestion of galactooligosaccharides (GOSs) or GOS mixtures has been purported to improve exercise-induced gastrointestinal (GI) distress and post-exercise recovery. However, the effects have not been explored in recreationally trained endurance athletes. This triple-blind randomised controlled trial, therefore, investigated whether 12 weeks of B-GOS^® supplementation affects gastrointestinal comfort and psychological wellbeing in recreational athletes. Methods: Eighteen physically active individuals (12 males, 8 females, 44 ± 14 years, 1.7 ± 0.1 m and 73 ± 14 kg) volunteered for this study. Participants were assigned to independent groups in a placebo-controlled, triple-blind manner via stratified randomisation. A 20 min run at 80% VO_2max was completed, with measures for GI distress and Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 questionnaire (CSAI-2) pre- and post-exercise. A 12-week supplementation period then ensued, where participants ingested either 3.65 g of B-GOS or an appearance-matched maltodextrin placebo. During this time, physical activity levels (IPAQ-7), general stress (REST-Q), mental wellbeing (WEMWBS), and sleep (core consensus sleep diary) were measured at regular time points. Results: There were no significant differences in VO_2max (p = 0.437), GI discomfort (p = 0.227), or CSAI-2 (p = 0.739–0.954) from pre- to post-exercise at any time point or between conditions. Over the 12 weeks there were no significant differences between B-GOS and placebo in IPAQ-7 (p = 0.144–0.723), REST-Q (p = 0.282–0.954), WEMWBS (B-GOS pre = 51 ± 10, post = 53 ± 7; PLA pre = 51 ± 4, post 54; p = 0.862), or sleep (p = 0.065–0.992). The linear mixed model suggests that some may benefit on an individual level in terms of WEMWBS, general stress score, recovery-related scores, sleep, and sport-specific recovery score. Conclusions: There were no group benefits of B-GOS supplementation compared with placebo, although the individual variation may warrant further research in larger sample sizes and longer-duration studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients that undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) require effective antiplatelet therapies to minimize the risk of thrombotic cardiovascular events. Oral P2Y12 inhibitors are often utilized, however co-administered opioids may lead to gastric absorption issues in these patients, affecting the efficacy of oral inhibitors. Cangrelor is an intravenous, direct-acting, reversible P2Y12 inhibitor that could be explored as a potential treatment option for patients with gastric absorption issues during ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The objective was to estimate the UK budget impact of introducing cangrelor for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with gastric absorption issues undergoing PCI. Methods: A budget impact model was developed to calculate the impact of introducing cangrelor to treat STEMI patients with gastric absorption issues undergoing PCI, to the UK National Health Service and personal social services, over 5 years. Oral P2Y12 inhibitors (clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor), glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (eptifibatide and tirofiban), and aspirin and heparin alone were included as base case comparators. Cangrelor uptake ranged from 10% to 30% in years 1–5. The cangrelor-eligible population was estimated at 10,903 patients per year. Results: Over 5 years, cangrelor leads to a small cost saving (0.29%), varying from −GBP 261,989 in year 1 to GBP 174,778 in year 5. The introduction of cangrelor is estimated to lead to 314 fewer hospital days and 190 clinical events avoided over 5 years. Conclusions: Introducing cangrelor to STEMI patients with gastric absorption issues undergoing PCI in the UK is estimated to generate a small cost saving and reduced length of stay for some patients. Full article

Previous research demonstrates that expert witness education and experience have an influence on mock juror perceptions of credibility. However, whether this relationship extends to cases involving the insanity defense remains unclear, leaving an important gap in the literature given the high stakes of such trials. The current study used an experimental design to examine the impact of expert witness knowledge (high vs. low) on perceived credibility and subsequent NGRI endorsement. Participants (N = 425) read a case summary and the credentials and testimony of the expert witness, completed questionnaires, and reported the likelihood that they would endorse NGRI for the defendant. Results indicated that, regardless of expert witness testimony, prior attitudes about the insanity defense (IDA-R) predicted NGRI endorsement. Specifically, positive attitudes towards the insanity defense resulted in an increased likelihood of NGRI endorsement. These findings underscore that juror attitudes toward the insanity defense, rather than expert witness characteristics, may be the decisive factor shaping NGRI endorsement. This highlights the need for courts to consider such attitudes during jury selection in NGRI cases, paralleling the practice of death qualification in capital trials. Full article

There is widespread agreement that the components of the Primeval Story (Genesis 1:1-11:27) fall into two separate narrative complexes, with minimal editorial transitions. Dividing the texts into Primeval P and Primeval J (or non-P) yields two accounts of the distant past that each set the stage for the emergence of the Israelite ancestors. While identification of the components of Primeval J has reached a near consensus, the question of order has received too little attention. The current order of the J elements in Genesis has been the default starting point, perhaps because this seems true of the P elements. The discussion below begins differently, by asking what order produces the most coherent plot. The primary result of this process is the placement of the flood story near the end of the account, while producing a central sequence of texts: Cain and the development of human civilization (4:17-25), the intervention of divine beings (6:1-4), the career of Nimrod (10:8-12), the demise of Babylon (11:1-9). Full article

The exploration of alternative sources of extracellular matrix (ECM) is driven by increasing demand and the need for sustainable biomaterials. Tuna (Thunnus albacares) bones, a by-product of the fishing industry, represent a potential ECM source due to their abundance, collagen-rich composition, and biocompatibility. This study investigated the effects of demineralization using hydrochloric acid (HCl) at concentrations of 0.5 M and 1.0 M for varying durations (0.5, 1, 6, 12, and 24 h), and decellularization using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Triton X-100 (TX100) at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0%. Demineralization effectively reduced inorganic content, with residual calcium levels dropping below 5% after 6 h. Kinetic analysis indicated a second-order reaction, and ATR–FTIR spectra confirmed the disappearance of phosphate and carbonate peaks alongside the preservation of amide bands. Demineralized bone matrix (dBM) retained good thermal stability and mechanical properties. Decellularization efficiency was assessed through H&E staining, dsDNA quantification, and SDS-PAGE analysis. Decellularized extracellular bone matrix (dEBM) treated with 1.0% SDS showed the lowest dsDNA levels (14.00 ± 7.94 ng/mg) and absence of cellular material. SDS-PAGE confirmed type I collagen preservation, particularly in samples treated with ≤0.5% SDS or TX100. This study establishes that tuna fish bones can be effectively processed into ECM, supporting their potential as a sustainable biomaterial for advanced biomedical applications. Full article

Oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) is a promising cancer immunotherapy that induces tumor cell lysis and stimulates anti-tumor immunity. Our previous single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of oHSV-treated medulloblastoma tumors revealed expansion and activation of tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells (DCs), and direct oHSV infection of DCs within the brain. While the therapeutic effects of oHSVs have been primarily attributed to tumor cell infection, we hypothesize that direct infection of DCs also contributes to therapeutic efficacy by promoting DC maturation and immune activation. Although the oHSV infection in DCs was abortive, it led to increased expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I/II and co-stimulatory molecules. oHSV-infected DCs activated naïve CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, inducing expression of CD69 and CD25. These primed T cells exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity against CT-2A glioma cells. Adoptive transfer of oHSV-infected DCs via subcutaneous injection near inguinal lymph nodes delayed tumor growth in a syngeneic CT-2A glioma model, independent of tumor viral replication and lysis. Mechanistically, our in vitro studies demonstrate that oHSV can directly infect and functionally activate DCs, enabling them to prime effective anti-tumor T cell responses. This study highlights the anti-tumor potential of leveraging oHSV-infected DCs to augment viroimmunotherapy as a cancer therapeutic. Full article

In this study we report on the structural, mechanical, and electrical characterization of different structures of vertically aligned zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (NWs) synthesized using hydrothermal methods. By optimizing the growth conditions, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs show that the ZnO NWs could reach an astounding 51.9 ± 0.82 µm in length, 0.7 ± 0.08 µm in diameter, and 3.3 ± 2.1 µm⁻² density of the number of NWs per area within 24 h of growth time, compared with a reported value of ~26.8 µm in length for the same period. The indentation modulus of the as-grown ZnO NWs was determined using contact resonance (CR) measurements using atomic force microscopy (AFM). An indentation modulus of 122.2 ± 2.3 GPa for the NW array sample with an average diameter of ~690 nm was found to be close to the reference bulk ZnO value of 125 GPa. Furthermore, the measurement of the piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃) using the traceable ESPY33 tool under cyclic compressive stress gave a value of 1.6 ± 0.4 pC/N at 0.02 N with ZnO NWs of 100 ± 10 nm and 2.69 ± 0.05 µm in diameter and length, respectively, which were embedded in an S1818 polymer. Current–voltage (I-V) measurements of the ZnO NWs fabricated on an n-type silicon (Si) substrate utilizing a micromanipulator integrated with a tungsten (W) probe exhibits Ohmic behavior, revealing an important phenomenon which can be attributed to the generated electric field by the tungsten probe, dielectric residue, or conductive material. Full article

Background: Plant-based protein supplementation in supporting muscle recovery following resistance exercise remains an area of growing interest, particularly among vegan athletes, as a potential alternative to animal-based proteins. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of plant-based proteins on recovery from resistance exercise-induced muscle damage in healthy young adults. Methods: A systematic and comprehensive search was administered in eight databases up to 1 May 2025, identifying 1407 articles. Following deduplication and screening, 24 studies met the eligibility criteria, including 22 randomized controlled trials and 2 non-randomized studies, with the majority from high income western countries. Results: Interventions primarily involved soy, pea, rice, hemp, potato, and blended plant protein sources, with doses ranging from 15 to 50 g, typically administered post resistance exercise. Outcomes assessed included muscle protein synthesis (MPS), delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), inflammatory biomarkers, muscle function, and fatigue. The review findings reaffirm that single-source plant proteins generally offer limited benefits compared to animal proteins such as whey, particularly in acute recovery settings, a limitation well-documented consistently in the literature. However, our synthesis highlights that well-formulated plant protein blends (e.g., combinations of pea, rice, and canola) can stimulate MPS at levels comparable to whey when consumed at adequate doses (≥30 g with ~2.5 g leucine). Some studies also reported improvements in subjective recovery outcomes and reductions in muscle damage biomarkers with soy or pea protein. However, overall evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, moderate to high risk of bias, and heterogeneity in intervention protocols, protein formulations, and outcome measures. Risk of bias assessments revealed concerns related to detection and reporting bias in nearly half the studies. Due to clinical and methodological variability, a meta-analysis was not conducted. Conclusion: plant-based proteins particularly in the form of protein blends and when dosed appropriately, may support muscle recovery in resistance-trained individuals and offer a viable alternative to animal-based proteins. However, further high-quality, long-term trials in vegan populations are needed to establish definitive recommendations for plant protein use in sports nutrition. Full article

Background: The profile of germline genetic variants among colorectal cancer patients in Panama has not yet been explored. Methods: We recruited 95 patients with colorectal cancer in an Oncology Reference Hospital Unit in the Azuero region of central Panama, which exhibited the highest prevalence of colorectal cancer in Panama. DNA analysis was performed with a panel of 113 genes with germline mutations for cancer (TruSight^® Cancer Sequencing Panel from Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). Results: Among the 95 cases, 10 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (P/LP) were identified in the MUTYH, TP53, CHEK2, PALB2, ATM, and BARD1 genes, representing 10% of the total. The variant 1103G>A (p.Gly368Asp) in MUTYH was the most prevalent. The variant at c.1675_1676delCAinsTG (p.Gln559Ter) in PALB2 is new and is reported for the first time in this study. Variants were most frequently detected in the MUTYH and CHEK2 genes, affecting four and two patients, respectively. Notably, none of the 95 Panamanian patients in the initial colorectal cancer cohort had mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes. These genes are among the most frequently mutated in other cohorts around the world. Conclusions: The atypical profile of germline genetic variants in this population may be related to the unique characteristics of the Azuero population in Panama’s central region. This profile may partly explain the high prevalence of colorectal cancer among its inhabitants. Full article