Saved Queries

by Andrea Corsi, Tonia De Simone, Angela Valentino, Elisa Orlandi, Chiara Stefani, Cristina Patuzzo, Stefania Fochi, Maria Giusy Bruno, Elisabetta Trabetti, John Charles Rotondo, Chiara Mazziotta, Maria Teresa Valenti, Alessandra Ruggiero, Donato Zipeto, Cristina Bombieri and Maria Grazia Romanelli

Non-Coding RNA 2025, 11(4), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/ncrna11040060 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Non-coding microRNA-34a (miR-34a) regulates the expression of key factors involved in several cellular processes, such as differentiation, apoptosis, proliferation, cell cycle, and senescence. Deregulation of the expression of these factors is implicated in the onset and progression of several human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and pathologies associated with viral infections and inflammation. Despite numerous studies, the molecular mechanisms regulated by miR-34a remain to be fully understood. The present study aimed to generate miR-34a knockout cell lines to identify novel genes potentially regulated by its expression. Methods: We employed the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system to knock out the hsa-miR-34a gene in HeLa and 293T cell lines, two widely used models for studying molecular and cellular mechanisms. We compared proliferation rates and gene expression profiles via RNA-seq and qPCR analyses between the wild-type and miR-34a KO cell lines. Results: Knockout of miR-34a resulted in a decreased proliferation rate in both cell lines. Noteworthy, the ablation of miR-34a resulted in increased expression of the long non-coding RNA MALAT1. Additionally, miR-34a-5p silencing in the A375 melanoma cell line led to MALAT1 overexpression. Conclusions: Our findings support the role of the miR-34a/MALAT1 axis in regulating proliferation processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Long Non-Coding RNA)

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19 pages, 3596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Radon Exposure to the General Population of the Fernald Community Cohort

by John F. Reichard, Swade Barned, Angelico Mendy and Susan M. Pinney

Atmosphere 2025, 16(8), 939; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16080939 (registering DOI) - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

The Fernald Feed Materials Production Center (FMPC), located in Fernald, Ohio, USA, released radon (Rn) as a byproduct of the processing of uranium materials during the years from 1951 to 1989. Rn is a colorless, odorless gas that emits charged alpha radiation that interacts with cells in the lung and trachea-bronchial tree, leading to DNA damage, mutations, and tumor initiation. The purpose of this project was to use evidence collected by the Fernald Dosimetry Reconstruction Project and other sources to estimate the outdoor Rn exposure to individuals in the community immediately surrounding the FMPC during the years of plant operation. Using previously tabulated source terms, diffusion and meteorological data, and self-reported detailed residential histories, we estimated radon exposure for approximately 9300 persons who lived at more than 14,000 addresses. The results indicated that a portion of the population cohort experiences mean annual Rn exposure exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action limit of 4 pCiL⁻¹. These exposure estimates support the analysis of the incidence of lung cancer in the Fernald Community Cohort (FCC). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Concentration Monitoring and Measurements (2nd Edition))

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14 pages, 614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Cut Scores for Feigning Spectrum Behavior on the Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale: A Simulation Study

by John Edward McMahon, Ashley Craig and Ian Douglas Cameron

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5504; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155504 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Feigning spectrum behavior (FSB) is the exaggeration, fabrication, or false imputation of symptoms. It occurs in compensable injury with great cost to society by way of loss of productivity and excessive costs. The aim of this study is to identify feigning by developing cut scores on the long and short forms (SF) of the Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire (OMPSQ and OMPSQ-SF) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS and PSS-4). Methods: As part of pre-screening for a support program, 40 injured workers who had been certified unfit for work for more than 2 weeks were screened once with the OMPSQ and PSS by telephone by a mental health professional. A control sample comprised of 40 non-injured community members were screened by a mental health professional on four occasions under different aliases, twice responding genuinely and twice simulating an injury. Results: Differences between the workplace injured people and the community sample were compared using ANCOVA with age and gender as covariates, and then receiver operator characteristics (ROCs) were calculated. The OMPSQ and OMPSQ-SF discriminated (ρ < 0.001) between all conditions. All measures discriminated between the simulation condition and workplace injured people (ρ < 0.001). Intraclass correlation demonstrated the PSS, PSS-4, OMPSQ, and OMPSQ-SF were reliable (ρ < 0.001). Area Under the Curve (AUC) was 0.750 for OMPSQ and 0.835 for OMPSQ-SF for work-injured versus simulators. Conclusions: The measures discriminated between injured and non-injured people and non-injured people instructed to simulate injury. Non-injured simulators produced similar scores when they had multiple exposures to the test materials, showing the uniformity of feigning spectrum behavior on these measures. The OMPSQ-SF has adequate discriminant validity and sensitivity to feigning spectrum behavior, making it optimal for telephone screening in clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Rehabilitation)

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18 pages, 2678 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pre-Conception Maternal Obesity Confers Autism Spectrum Disorder-like Behaviors in Mice Offspring Through Neuroepigenetic Dysregulation

by Nina P. Allan, Amada Torres, Michael J. Corley, Brennan Y. Yamamoto, Chantell Balaan, Yasuhiro Yamauchi, Rafael Peres, Yujia Qin, Vedbar S. Khadka, Youping Deng, Monika A. Ward and Alika K. Maunakea

Cells 2025, 14(15), 1201; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14151201 (registering DOI) - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with early-life origins. Maternal obesity has been associated with increased ASD risk, yet the mechanisms and timing of susceptibility remain unclear. Using a mouse model combining in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer, we separated the effects of pre-conception and gestational obesity. We found that maternal high fat diet (HFD) exposure prior to conception alone was sufficient to induce ASD-like behaviors in male offspring—including altered vocalizations, reduced sociability, and increased repetitive grooming—without anxiety-related changes. These phenotypes were absent in female offspring and those exposed only during gestation. Cortical transcriptome analysis revealed dysregulation and isoform shifts in genes implicated in ASD, including Homer1 and Zswim6. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of hippocampal tissue showed hypomethylation of an alternative Homer1 promoter, correlating with increased expression of the short isoform Homer1a, which is known to disrupt synaptic scaffolding. This pattern was specific to mice with ASD-like behaviors. Our findings show that pre-conceptional maternal obesity can lead to lasting, isoform-specific transcriptomic and epigenetic changes in the offspring’s brain. These results underscore the importance of maternal health before pregnancy as a critical and modifiable factor in ASD risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Autism Spectrum Disorder)

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22 pages, 3743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical and Performance Characteristics of Warm Mix Asphalt Modified with Phase Change Materials and Recycled Cigarette Filters

by Zahraa Ahmed al-Mammori, Israa Mohsin Kadhim Al-Janabi, Ghadeer H. Abbas, Doaa Hazim Aziz, Fatin H. Alaaraji, Elaf Salam Abbas, Beshaer M. AL-shimmery, Tameem Mohammed Hashim, Ghanim Q. Al-Jameel, Ali Shubbar and Mohammed Salah Nasr

CivilEng 2025, 6(3), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/civileng6030041 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

With rising global temperatures and increasing sustainability demands, the need for advanced pavement solutions has never been greater. This study breaks new ground by integrating phase change materials (PCMs), including paraffin-based wax (Rubitherm RT55), hydrated salt (Climator Salt S10), and fatty acid (lauric acid), as binder modifiers within warm mix asphalt (WMA) mixtures. Moving beyond the traditional focus on binder-only modifications, this research utilizes recycled cigarette filters (CFs) as a dual-purpose fiber additive, directly reinforcing the asphalt mixture while simultaneously transforming a major urban waste stream into valuable infrastructure. The performance of the developed WMA mixture has been evaluated in terms of stiffness behavior using an Indirect Tensile Strength Modulus (ITSM) test, permanent deformation using a static creep strain test, and rutting resistance using the Hamburg wheel-track test. Laboratory tests demonstrated that the incorporation of PCMs and recycled CFs into WMA mixtures led to remarkable improvements in stiffness, deformation resistance, and rutting performance. Modified mixes consistently outperformed the control, achieving up to 15% higher stiffness after 7 days of curing, 36% lower creep strain after 4000 s, and 64% reduction in rut depth at 20,000 passes. Cost–benefit analysis and service life prediction show that, despite costing USD 0.71 more per square meter with 5 cm thickness, the modified WMA mixture delivers much greater durability and rutting resistance, extending service life to 19–29 years compared to 10–15 years for the control. This highlights the value of these modifications for durable, sustainable pavements. Full article

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27 pages, 2559 KiB

Open AccessReview

Virgin Coconut Oil and Its Lauric Acid, Between Anticancer Activity and Modulation of Chemotherapy Toxicity: A Review

by Debalina Bose, Adetayo Olorunlana, Rania Abdel-Latif, Ademola C. Famurewa and Eman M. Othman

J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15(4), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15040126 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has emerged as a functional food oil with considerable health benefits and wide applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries due to its resident bioactive compounds, including lauric acid (LA). LA is the most abundant saturated medium-chain fatty acid in VCO and has been associated with several pharmacological activities. The literatures show the pharmacological effects of VCO and LA on chronic pathologies, infectious diseases, and metabolic disorders. A robust body of evidence shows that LA and other phenolic compounds are responsible for the VCO protection against toxicities and pharmacological efficacies. This review elucidates the anticancer mechanisms of VCO/LA and their modulation of the chemotherapy-induced side effect toxicity. VCO, LA, and their nanomaterial/encapsulated derivatives promote ROS generation, antiproliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, the inhibition of metastasis, and the modulation of cancer-related signaling pathways for cancer cell death in vivo and in vitro. VCO mitigates oxidative inflammation and apoptosis to block the underlying mechanisms of the side effect toxicity of chemotherapy. However, the possible beneficial effect of LA on the toxicity of chemotherapy is currently unknown. The available evidence emphasizes the anticancer effect and mechanism of VCO and LA, and the VCO potential to combat adverse side effects of chemotherapy. Thus, VCO and LA are potential adjuvant therapeutic agents in the management of various cancers. Nevertheless, future studies should be targeted at elucidating cancer-related molecular mechanisms to bridge the gap in knowledge. Full article

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14 pages, 1181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Ultrafine Bubble Water on Gut Microbiota Composition and Health Markers in Rats

by John Nicholas Jackowetz, Carly S. Hanson, Minto Michael, Kiriako Tsoukalas, Cassandra Villanueva and Peter A. Kozak

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(15), 1193; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15151193 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

Ultrafine bubbles (UFBs) represent an emerging technology with unique physicochemical properties. This study investigated the effects of air-filled UFBs infused in drinking water on gut microbiota composition and the associated health markers in Sprague Dawley rats over a 12-week period. Using a two-phase design, UFB concentration was increased from 1.7 × 10⁶ to 6.5 × 10⁹ UFBs/mL at week 7 to assess dose-dependent effects. Administration of UFBs in drinking water induced significant shifts in gut microbiome populations, characterized by increased Bacteroidetes (+122% weeks 8–12) and decreased Firmicutes (−43% weeks 8–12) compared to controls. These microbial shifts coincided with enhanced short-chain fatty acid production (butyrate +56.0%, p ≤ 0.001; valerate +63.1%, p ≤ 0.01) and reduced inflammatory markers (TNF-α −84.0%, p ≤ 0.05; IL-1β −41.0%, p ≤ 0.05; IL-10 −69.8%, p ≤ 0.05). UFB effects demonstrated systematic concentration-dependent threshold responses, with 85.7% of parameters exhibiting directional reversals between low (1.7 × 10⁶ UFBs/mL) and high (6.5 × 10⁹ UFBs/mL) concentration phases rather than linear dose–response relationships. The systematic nature of these threshold effects, with 71.4% of parameters achieving statistical significance (p ≤ 0.05), indicates concentration-dependent biological mechanisms rather than random effects on gut biology. Despite current metagenomic techniques identifying only 25% of the total gut microbiome, the observed changes in characterized species and metabolites demonstrate UFB technology’s therapeutic potential for conditions requiring microbiome modulation, providing new insights into UFB influence on complex biological systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanobubbles and Nanodroplets: Current State-of-the-Art)

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17 pages, 2855 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ballistic Performance of Lightweight Armor Aramid Fabric with Different Bounding Technologies

by István Péter Kondor, János Líska and Zsolt Ferenc Kovács

Fibers 2025, 13(8), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib13080106 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

The aim of this research was to develop a lightweight armor that could be used in bulletproof vests or vehicle protection, offering an alternative to the disadvantageous properties of high-strength steel plates. Specifically, the study focused on investigating the properties of different binders to identify the most suitable one for further development. The bulletproof characteristics of Kevlar (aramid) fiber fabric (200 g/m², plain weave, CT709) were examined using both the Ansys simulation environment and ballistic laboratory testing. In the experiments, three different layer configurations were tested on 300 × 300 mm specimens, each consisting of 20 layers of Kevlar. The layers were arranged as follows: dry lamination for the first specimen, epoxy binder for the second, and polyurethane binder for the third. Laboratory tests were conducted using 9 mm Parabellum bullets, in accordance with the parameters defined in the MSZ K 1114-1:1999 standard. Both the ballistic and simulation tests indicated that the Kevlar laminated with polyurethane resin demonstrated the most promising performance and is suitable for further development. Full article

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18 pages, 309 KiB

Open AccessReview

Geographical Indication Labels for Food Products: A Literature Review

by Bella Crespo-Moncada, Guiomar Denisse Posada-Izquierdo, Jorge Velásquez-Rivera, John Molina-Villamar and Rosa María García-Gimeno

Encyclopedia 2025, 5(3), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia5030115 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

Geographical Indication labels are an increasingly popular alternative among producers and governments seeking to protect the products and producers of their countries. This trend has grown due to the opening of markets and consumers’ increasing desire to know the origin of the products they purchase. A bibliographic review was conducted, including studies on the feasibility of applying quality labels, the associated challenges, and examples. This review identifies the processes involved in obtaining Designation of Origin and presents a positive perspective on their application. It was concluded that obtaining a differentiated quality label can improve production and quality of life, provided that it is the result of an evaluation of the area’s context and the main actors in production chains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Chemistry)

30 pages, 4529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rainwater Harvesting Site Assessment Using Geospatial Technologies in a Semi-Arid Region: Toward Water Sustainability

by Ban AL- Hasani, Mawada Abdellatif, Iacopo Carnacina, Clare Harris, Bashar F. Maaroof and Salah L. Zubaidi

Water 2025, 17(15), 2317; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152317 - 4 Aug 2025

Abstract

Rainwater harvesting for sustainable agriculture (RWHSA) offers a viable and eco-friendly strategy to alleviate water scarcity in semi-arid regions, particularly for agricultural use. This study aims to identify optimal sites for implementing RWH systems in northern Iraq to enhance water availability and promote sustainable farming practices. An integrated geospatial approach was adopted, combining Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). Key thematic layers, including soil type, land use/land cover, slope, and drainage density were processed in a GIS environment to model runoff potential. The Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) method was used to estimate surface runoff. Criteria were weighted using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), enabling a structured and consistent evaluation of site suitability. The resulting suitability map classifies the region into four categories: very high suitability (10.2%), high (26.6%), moderate (40.4%), and low (22.8%). The integration of RS, GIS, AHP, and MCDA proved effective for strategic RWH site selection, supporting cost-efficient, sustainable, and data-driven agricultural planning in water-stressed environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Remote Sensing and UAV Technologies for Water Management in Climate-Smart Agriculture Systems)

26 pages, 1697 KiB

Open AccessReview

Integrating Climate Risk in Cultural Heritage: A Critical Review of Assessment Frameworks

by Julius John Dimabayao, Javier L. Lara, Laro González Canoura and Steinar Solheim

Heritage 2025, 8(8), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8080312 - 4 Aug 2025

Abstract

Climate change poses an escalating threat to cultural heritage (CH), driven by intensifying climate-related hazards and systemic vulnerabilities. In response, risk assessment frameworks and methodologies (RAFMs) have emerged to evaluate and guide adaptation strategies for safeguarding heritage assets. This study conducts a state-of-the-art (SotA) review of 86 unique RAFMs using a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-guided systematic approach to assess their scope, methodological rigor, alignment with global climate and disaster risk reduction (DRR) frameworks, and consistency in conceptual definitions of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. Results reveal a growing integration of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)-based climate projections and alignment with international policy instruments such as the Sendai Framework and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). However, notable gaps persist, including definitional inconsistencies, particularly in the misapplication of vulnerability concepts; fragmented and case-specific methodologies that challenge comparability; and limited integration of intangible heritage. Best practices include participatory stakeholder engagement, scenario-based modeling, and incorporation of multi-scale risk typologies. This review advocates for more standardized, interdisciplinary, and policy-aligned frameworks that enable scalable, culturally sensitive, and action-oriented risk assessments, ultimately strengthening the resilience of cultural heritage in a changing climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic (World) Heritage Sites and Values in Danger: Climate-Change Related Challenges and Transformation)

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20 pages, 1622 KiB

Open AccessReview

Behavioural Cardiology: A Review on an Expanding Field of Cardiology—Holistic Approach

by Christos Fragoulis, Maria-Kalliopi Spanorriga, Irini Bega, Andreas Prentakis, Evangelia Kontogianni, Panagiotis-Anastasios Tsioufis, Myrto Palkopoulou, John Ntalakouras, Panagiotis Iliakis, Ioannis Leontsinis, Kyriakos Dimitriadis, Dimitris Polyzos, Christina Chrysochoou, Antonios Politis and Konstantinos Tsioufis

J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(8), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15080355 - 4 Aug 2025

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains Europe’s leading cause of mortality, responsible for >45% of deaths. Beyond established risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, smoking, obesity), psychosocial elements—depression, anxiety, financial stress, personality traits, and trauma—significantly influence CVD development and progression. Behavioural Cardiology addresses this connection by systematically incorporating psychosocial factors into prevention and rehabilitation protocols. This review examines the HEARTBEAT model, developed by Greece’s first Behavioural Cardiology Unit, which aligns with current European guidelines. The model serves dual purposes: primary prevention (targeting at-risk individuals) and secondary prevention (treating established CVD patients). It is a personalised medicine approach that integrates psychosocial profiling with traditional risk assessment, utilising tailored evaluation tools, caregiver input, and multidisciplinary collaboration to address personality traits, emotional states, socioeconomic circumstances, and cultural contexts. The model emphasises three critical implementation aspects: (1) digital health integration, (2) cost-effectiveness analysis, and (3) healthcare system adaptability. Compared to international approaches, it highlights research gaps in psychosocial interventions and advocates for culturally sensitive adaptations, particularly in resource-limited settings. Special consideration is given to older populations requiring tailored care strategies. Ultimately, Behavioural Cardiology represents a transformative systems-based approach bridging psychology, lifestyle medicine, and cardiovascular treatment. This integration may prove pivotal for optimising chronic disease management through personalised interventions that address both biological and psychosocial determinants of cardiovascular health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Diagnostics and Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases)

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Graphical abstract

11 pages, 579 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Thirty-Three Years Follow-Up of a Greek Family with Abetalipoproteinemia: Absence of Liver Damage on Long-Term Medium Chain Triglycerides Supplementation

by John K. Triantafillidis, Areti Manioti, Theodoros Pittaras, Theodoros Kozonis, Emmanouil Kritsotakis, Georgios Malgarinos, Konstantinos Pantos, Konstantinos Sfakianoudis, Manousos M. Konstadoulakis and Apostolos E. Papalois

J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(8), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15080354 - 4 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: The long-term clinical and laboratory results of a 33-year follow-up of a Greek family with abetalipoproteinemia (ABL) are described. Case Report: The patients (two brothers and their sister, aged 57, 49, and 62 years, respectively) are still alive, being under close surveillance. In two of the three patients, diarrhea appeared in early infancy, while in the third, it appeared during adolescence. CNS symptomatology worsened after the second decade of life. At the same time, night blindness appeared in the advanced stages of the disease, resulting in almost complete loss of vision in one of the male patients and severe impairment in the other. The diagnosis was based on the clinical picture, ophthalmological findings, serum lipid estimations, and presence of peripheral acanthocytosis. All patients exhibited typical serum lipidemic profile, ophthalmological findings, and acanthocytes in the peripheral blood. During the follow-up period, strict dietary modifications were applied, including the substitution of fat with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT oil). After 33 years since the initial diagnosis, all patients are alive without any sign of liver dysfunction despite continuous use of MCT oil. However, symptoms from the central nervous system and vision impairment worsened. Conclusion: The course of these patients suggests that the application of a modified diet, including MCT oil, along with close surveillance, could prolong the survival of patients without significant side effects from the liver. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Experimental Surgery in Personalized Molecular Medicine)

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17 pages, 12127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shoreline Response to Hurricane Otis and Flooding Impact from Hurricane John in Acapulco, Mexico

by Luis Valderrama-Landeros, Iliana Pérez-Espinosa, Edgar Villeda-Chávez, Rafael Alarcón-Medina and Francisco Flores-de-Santiago

Coasts 2025, 5(3), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/coasts5030028 - 4 Aug 2025

Abstract

The city of Acapulco was impacted by two near-consecutive hurricanes. On 25 October 2023, Hurricane Otis made landfall, reaching the highest Category 5 storm on the Saffir–Simpson scale, causing extensive coastal destruction due to extreme winds and waves. Nearly one year later (23 September 2024), Hurricane John—a Category 2 storm—caused severe flooding despite its lower intensity, primarily due to its unusual trajectory and prolonged rainfall. Digital shoreline analysis of PlanetScope images (captured one month before and after Hurricane Otis) revealed that the southern coast of Acapulco, specifically Zona Diamante—where the major seafront hotels are located—experienced substantial shoreline erosion (94 ha) and damage. In the northwestern section of the study area, the Coyuca Bar experienced the most dramatic geomorphological change in surface area. This was primarily due to the complete disappearance of the bar on October 26, which resulted in a shoreline retreat of 85 m immediately after the passage of Hurricane Otis. Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) showed that Hurricane John inundated 2385 ha, four times greater than Hurricane Otis’s flooding (567 ha). The retrofitted QGIS methodology demonstrated high reliability when compared to limited in situ local reports. Given the increased frequency of intense hurricanes, these methods and findings will be relevant in other coastal areas for monitoring and managing local communities affected by severe climate events. Full article

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13 pages, 471 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Outcomes Following Achilles Tendon Ruptures in the National Hockey League: A Retrospective Sports Database Study

by Bradley A. Lezak, James J. Butler, Rohan Phadke, Nathaniel P. Mercer, Sebastian Krebsbach, Theodor Di Pauli von Treuheim, Alexander Tham, Andrew J. Rosenbaum and John G. Kennedy

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5471; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155471 - 4 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate Achilles tendon ruptures (ATR) in NHL players and the effects on return to play and player performance metrics. The incidence, mechanism of injury, management strategy, return to play (RTP), and post-injury were assessed from official online sports databases. Methods: A retrospective review of NHL players who sustained a partial or complete tear of the Achilles tendon from 2008 to 2024 was performed. Data were collected from NHL injury databases and media reports, and included player demographics, injury mechanism, treatment, and post-injury performance metrics. A Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare pre-injury and post-injury performance metrics, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Here, 15 NHL players with a mean age of 27.8 years were identified, with a prevalence rate of 0.125 injuries per 10,000 athletic exposures. Overall, 73.3% of ATRs were non-contact in nature, with 60.0% of ATRs occurring during off-season training. Fourteen players were managed with non-operative treatment, with no re-ruptures reported. The RTP rate was 93.3%, with players missing a mean number of 45.7 games. However, there was a deterioration in post-injury performance metrics, including games played per season, plus/minus rating, and time on ice per game post-injury. Conclusions: This study found that Achilles tendon ruptures are an uncommon injury in NHL players, with a prevalence rate of 0.125 injuries per 10,000 athletic exposures. A high RTP rate of 93.3% was observed in this cohort. However, there was a deterioration in post-injury performance metrics, including games played per season, plus/minus rating, and time on ice per game post-injury, highlighting the potential devastating sequelae of ATRs in elite NHL athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Knee Surgery and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: 2nd Edition)

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