Search Results (187)

Optimizing tillage and fertilization practices is of vital importance for enhancing soil carbon retention, improving soil quality and increasing crop productivity in the intensive wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–maize (Zea mays L.) double cropping system (WM). However, the combined effects of subsoiling (ST) and liquid manure (LM) application on yield sustainability and the dynamic changes in labile organic carbon (LOC) fractions (LOCs) remain insufficiently quantified in WM in the North China Plain (NCP). A two-year field experiment evaluated the responses of grain yields, the sustainable yield index (SYI), soil organic carbon (SOC), LOCs, C pool management indexes (CPMIs), and the soil quality index (SQI) to both patterns of tillage [conventional shallow rotary tillage (RT) and ST] and fertilization [conventional fertilization (CF), LM broadcast (LMB), and LM injection (LMI)] in WM in the NCP. Compared with RT, ST significantly enhanced crop grain yields (3.5~4.1%) and the annual SYI (4.1%) (p < 0.05). The contents of SOC, total labile OC (TLOC), high LOC (HLOC), and medium LOC (MLOC) and the values of SQI were higher in soil layers at both 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm under ST than those under RT. Compared with CF, LMI significantly enhanced grain yields (5.8~6.1%) and the annual SYI (5.4%). LMI significantly increased the contents of SOC, TLOC, HLOC, and MLOC and the SQI values in both soil layers relative to CF, while no significant difference was observed for grain yields, the annual SYI, and the SQI between LMB and CF. The higher contents of SOC and LOC led to an increase in the values of CPMIs based on TLOC (TCPMI), HLOC (HCPMI), and MLOC (MCPMI). The combination of both ST and LMI enhanced SOC retention through the increase in recalcitrant organic carbon (ROC) content and the transformation process of LOCs. It was obvious that HLOC and MLOC affected SOC, HCPMI, and MCPMI in the soil layers at both 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm, and thus can be regarded as sensitive indicators reflecting the dynamic changes in SOC and soil quality. Therefore, the combination of subsoiling and liquid manure injection can promote labile OC transformation, SOC retention, soil quality, and yield sustainability, providing an effective management strategy for the achievement of sustained agricultural production in the NCP or other regions with similar conditions. Full article

There are numerous ways in which generative artificial intelligence (GAI) can be applied in the teaching and learning process. This paper presents one application in the Business Decision Analysis (BDA) course. BDA is considered as the most challenging course in the Graduate Study Program in Economic Entrepreneurship at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Organisation and Informatics; consequently, the teachers continuously analyse possibilities to make the course more attractive for students. The innovative teaching activity at BDA was implemented as a betting shop during the first colloquium (which accounts for 50% of the overall grade). In the activity, GAI analysed learning management system (LMS) data of students’ results (attendance, self-assessment test results, logs in the system) of the initial (pre-course) test, as well as their results of the pub quiz (activity organised a week before the colloquium as a preparatory activity). GAI analysed all the data and predicted the number of points each student will achieve. Additionally, GAI calculated the risk index, average growth (among self-assessment tests) and learning consistency for each student. Finally, GAI created a message for each student that explained what went well in their learning activity, what could be improved, and included a motivational note for the test. The rule was: if a student achieved a higher result than the GAI predicted, the teacher would buy a chocolate for that student. More than 60% percent of students achieved a higher score than was predicted. Surprisingly, exceeding the expected result was not in correlation with the risk indices determined by the GAI. Cluster analysis identified four student profiles consistent with the correlation results, showing weak overall agreement between the predicted and achieved scores, except in the male subgroup, while higher predicted scores were associated with higher average growth and lower risk indices. Qualitative analysis of the GAI application in teaching yielded positive comments, as students perceived the activity as helpful, motivating, and engaging, and would have liked more similar activities. Full article

This study examines the relationship between house prices and the factors driving their growth during the transition from a long-standing currency board regime to Eurozone membership. The main objective is to identify and quantify the key factors explaining the variation in house price growth in Bulgaria under conditions of prolonged currency convergence. The study applies a set of econometric techniques, including stationarity tests (ADF and KPSS), diagnostic checks for normality, serial correlation and heteroscedasticity, and robustness checks. The study is based on 40 quarterly observations covering the period 2015Q4–2025Q3 and 48 selected predictors of the General house price index. The final ARIMAX(0,2,1) model is estimated using second-differenced data. The model includes a first-order moving average component and three exogenous regressors: the owner-occupiers’ housing expenditures, the actual rentals for housing in Bulgaria and the homeowners’ utility expenses. The model explains 87% of the variation in house price acceleration, with a comparatively low mean squared error. The diagnostic analysis confirms model adequacy. The three exogenous regressors are statistically significant at the 1% level with strong and stable effects on house price dynamics. No statistically significant relationship is found for the set of traditional macroeconomic, demographic, financial, and sectoral factors. The results show that during Bulgaria’s transition from a currency board to the Eurozone, the sustained house price growth was driven by country-specific factors. The three statistically significant determinants of the house price acceleration in Bulgaria reflect, respectively, the active investment behaviour of homeowners in improving existing properties, the rational assessment by housing market participants of the balance between mortgage and rental payments, and the burden of utility and maintenance costs borne by owners and tenants, depending on property size and energy efficiency. The first factor is most influential for homeowners, the second for tenants, and the third has a similarly significant impact on both groups. Full article

Background: The rising prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity (OWOB) and elevated blood pressure (EBP) parallels a global decline in muscular fitness. However, evidence linking whole-body muscular strength to the comorbidity of these cardiometabolic risks remains scarce. Methods: Data were obtained from five nationally representative waves of the Chinese National Survey on Students’ Constitution and Health (CNSSCH, 2000–2019), including 1,072,404 children and adolescents aged 7–18 years. A novel Muscle Strength Index (MSI) was developed by integrating handgrip strength (HGS) and standing broad jump (SBJ), standardized for body weight and height, respectively. Generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMMs) with restricted cubic splines (RCS) were first applied to characterize dose–response associations. Subsequently, categorical analyses and forest plots were conducted to quantify risks of OWOB, EBP, and their comorbidity across five waves and subgroups. Sex-specific normative reference curves were established using the LMS method, and population-attributable fractions (PAFs) were estimated to assess the potential public health benefits of improving muscular strength. Results: Between 2000 and 2019, the prevalence of OWOB, EBP, and comorbidity increased markedly, reaching 25.80%, 12.23%, and 4.83% in 2019, and are projected to rise further to 37.88%, 20.16%, and 10.01% by 2030. Over the same period, mean MSI increased from 2000, peaked in 2005, and subsequently declined by 2019 with the values for boys and girls, being 1.73, 1.75, 1.63 and 1.46, 1.49, 1.41, respectively. Dose–response analyses revealed consistent L-shaped associations, with the greatest risk reductions observed when moving from low to moderate MSI levels. In 2019, participants with low MSI had higher odds of OWOB (OR 4.81, 95% CI 4.65–4.97), EBP (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.36–1.49), and comorbidity (OR 3.49 95% CI 3.26–3.73) compared with those at middle levels. PAF analyses indicated that improving MSI to at least the 40th percentile could potentially avert 43.5% of OWOB cases, 12.3% of EBP cases, and 48.2% of comorbidity cases. The highest potential benefits were observed in northern and northeastern provinces, particularly Tianjin and Heilongjiang. Conclusions: Chinese children and adolescents face a dual burden of rising cardiometabolic comorbidity and declining muscular strength. Muscular strength demonstrates a strong nonlinear protective association with OWOB, EBP, and their co-occurrence. Targeted improvement among those with low muscular strength may substantially reduce future cardiometabolic burden. Full article

Background: Among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), lifestyle improvements can restore glycemic control, yet few studies have examined deprescribing in settings where it was necessitated by improvements in health. This study aimed to (1) identify instances of medication deprescribing among adults with T2D in a primary care setting where patients had access to lifestyle medicine (LM), (2) document lifestyle changes among deprescribed patients, (3) assess changes in body mass index (BMI), glucose, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) following deprescribing, and (4) assess the safety of deprescribing in the context of LM-informed care by identifying adverse events. Methods: A retrospective review of electronic health records (EHR) was conducted among 650 adults with a diagnosis of T2D per ICD-10 code at two primary care practices. To be included in the study, individuals had to be seen at least two times during the study period, from 2014 to 2023. Using a previously developed deprescribing framework, records were reviewed to identify deprescribing events. Among patients who were identified as deprescribed, BMI, glucose, and HbA1c, were extracted from the EHR, and age-, sex-, and time-adjusted differences in least squares means were calculated. Mentions of lifestyle change in provider notes in the EHR were also extracted pre- vs. post-deprescribing. Results: Forty-one deprescribing events were confirmed, totaling 6.3% of the study population. The most common medication changes included metformin dose reduction 34%, metformin discontinuation 19.5%, and insulin dose reduction 19.5%. Among patients with follow-up data, mean BMI decreased by 2.25 kg/m², p = 0.0003. Mean decreases of 25% in glucose and 13% in HbA1c were also observed, p < 0.0003 and p < 0.0013, respectively. Lifestyle modifications were specifically cited in 51% of records among deprescribed patients, most frequently related to diet and exercise. No serious adverse events were identified in patients who were deprescribed. Conclusions: In a primary care setting where patients had access to lifestyle medicine, a subset of adults with T2D experienced meaningful health improvements and were able to reduce glucose-lowering medications without any serious adverse events noted in the EHR. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cancer has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly related to chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, it is essential to investigate alternative sources of non-toxic antitumor compounds. The cactus Lophocereus marginatus is native to Mexico and is commonly used to treat gastrointestinal infections and diabetes in traditional medicine. Methods: The in vitro antitumor activity of L. marginatus extract fractions against murine L5178Y-R lymphoma cells was evaluated. The crude extract and its solvent-derived fractions were evaluated for cytotoxicity, selectivity, and hemolytic activity. Results: The crude extract exhibited an IC₅₀ of 9.09 μg/mL, demonstrating a high selectivity index (SI: 330.03), with no hemolytic activity observed at 1000 μg/mL. The LM-HP, LM-CP, and LM-MP partitions showed varying IC₅₀ values (6.74, 7.93, and 45.38 μg/mL, respectively) and selectivity indices of 445.1, 378.31, and 66.1, respectively. Only LM-HP induced hemolysis at 200 μg/mL. The most promising fraction, CP-F8, exhibited an IC₅₀ of 11.2 μg/mL, high selectivity index (354.29), and antioxidant activity, without hemolytic effects. Phytochemical analysis of CP-F8 identified phenolic compounds, triterpenes, and sterols, which are known for their anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. In vivo tests showed no significant liver damage or changes in body weight, indicating the safety of CP-F8. Conclusions: These results suggest that CP-F8 is a promising antitumor candidate with selective cytotoxicity and minimal toxicity to normal cells. Full article

Background: Solid organ transplantation (SOT) is a life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage diseases and/or organ failure. However, access to healthy organs is often limited by challenges in organ preservation. Furthermore, upon transplantation, ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) can lead to increased organ rejection or graft failures. The work presented aims to address both challenges using an innovative nanomedicine platform for simultaneous drug and oxygen delivery. In recent studies, resveratrol (RSV), a natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging agent, has been reported to protect against IRI by inhibiting ferroptosis. Here, we report the design, development, and scalable manufacturing of the first-in-class dual-function perfluorocarbon-nanoemulsion (PFC-NE) perfusate for simultaneous oxygen and antioxidant delivery, equipped with a near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) reporter, longitudinal, non-invasive NIRF imaging of perfusate flow through organs/tissues during machine perfusion. Methods: A Quality-by-Design (QbD)-guided optimization was used to formulate a triphasic PFC-NE with 30% w/v perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB). Drug-free perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions (DF-NEs) and RSV-loaded nanoemulsions (RSV-NEs) were produced at 250–1000 mL scales using M110S, LM20, and M110P microfluidizers. Colloidal attributes, fluorescence stability, drug loading, and RSV release were evaluated using DLS, NIRF imaging, and HPLC, respectively. PFC-NE oxygen loading and release kinetics were evaluated during perfusion through the BMI OrganBank^® machine with the MEDOS HILITE^® oxygenator and by controlled flow of oxygen. The in vitro antioxidant activity of RSV-NE was measured using the oxygen radical scavenging antioxidant capacity (ORAC) assay. The cytotoxicity and ferroptosis inhibition of RSV-NE were evaluated in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Results: PFC-NE batches maintained a consistent droplet size (90–110 nm) and low polydispersity index (<0.3) across all scales, with high reproducibility and >80% PFOB loading. Both DF-NE and RSV-NE maintained colloidal and fluorescence stability under centrifugation, serum exposure at body temperature, filtration, 3-month storage, and oxygenation. Furthermore, RSV-NE showed high drug loading and sustained release (63.37 ± 2.48% at day 5) compared with the rapid release observed in free RSV solution. In perfusion studies, the oxygenation capacity of PFC-NE consistently exceeded that of University of Wisconsin (UW) solution and demonstrated stable, linear gas responsiveness across flow rates and FiO₂ (fraction of inspired oxygen) inputs. RSV-NE displayed strong antioxidant activity and concentration-dependent inhibition of free radicals. RSV-NE maintained higher cell viability and prevented RAS-selective lethal compound 3 (RSL3)-induced ferroptosis in murine macrophages (macrophage cell line RAW 264.7), compared to the free RSV solution. Morphological and functional protection against RSL3-induced ferroptosis was confirmed microscopically. Conclusions: This study establishes a robust and scalable PFC-NE platform integrating antioxidant and oxygen delivery, along with NIRF-based non-invasive live monitoring of organ perfusion during machine-supported preservation. These combined features position PFC-NE as a promising next-generation acellular perfusate for preventing IRI and improving graft viability during ex vivo machine perfusion. Full article

This study presents a structured evaluation framework for inter-module connections in the context of steel–concrete composite modular structures, addressing a gap in existing reviews that have focused almost exclusively on steel modular systems. The paper examines tie-rod (TR), locking mechanism (LM), and bolted inter-module connections, while introducing a new sub-classification of bolted connections into direct bolted (DB) and plug-assisted bolted (PB) types based on assembly methods. A novel four-metric, five-point rating framework is introduced to assess the Composite Compatibility Score (CCS), proposed as a new metric to evaluate the applicability of steel-oriented connections to composite modules; the Validation Evidence Score (VES), which reflects the extent of experimental and numerical validation; the Demountability and Reusability Score (DRS), which measures the ease of assembly and disassembly; and the newly developed Normalised Capacity Index (NCI), which standardises structural capacity assessment across studies reporting different load capacity types. When applied to nearly 50 inter-module connections, the framework reveals that PB connections provide the most well-rounded performance across all evaluation metrics. Overall, the framework establishes a conceptual benchmark for composite modular connection technologies, providing a basis for future research and design practice. Full article

Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is highly susceptible to motion artifacts that degrade fine structural details and undermine quantitative analysis. Conventional U-Net-based deep learning approaches for motion artifact reduction typically operate only in the image domain and are often trained on data with simplified motion patterns, thereby limiting physical plausibility and generalization. We propose Sim-DDNet, a simulation-data-based dual-domain network that combines k-space-based motion simulation with a joint image-k-space reconstruction architecture. Motion-corrupted data were generated from T2-weighted Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative brain MR scans using a k-space replacement scheme with three to five random rotational and translational events per volume, yielding 69,283 paired samples (49,852/6969/12,462 for training/validation/testing). Sim-DDNet integrates a real-valued U-Net-like image branch and a complex-valued k-space branch using cross attention, FiLM-based feature modulation, soft data consistency, and composite loss comprising L1, structural similarity index measure (SSIM), perceptual, and k-space-weighted terms. On the independent test set, Sim-DDNet achieved a peak signal-to-noise ratio of 31.05 dB, SSIM of 0.85, and gradient magnitude similarity deviation of 0.077, consistently outperforming U-Net and U-Net++ across all three metrics while producing less blurring, fewer residual ghost/streak artifacts, and reduced hallucination of non-existent structures. These results indicate that dual-domain, data-consistency-aware learning, which explicitly exploits k-space information, is a promising approach for physically plausible motion artifact correction in brain MRI. Full article

Sludge management is one of the most costly and technically challenging components of municipal wastewater treatment, highlighting the need for sustainable and low-cost stabilization technologies. This study evaluated a pilot-scale vermifiltration system for municipal sewage sludge stabilization under varying hydraulic and organic loading conditions. Three vermifilter pilots incorporating Eisenia andrei earthworms were operated using lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic media, and mineral pumice. The systems were tested at hydraulic loading rates (HLRs) of 150, 300, and 450 L/m²·d. Performance was assessed using chemical oxygen demand (COD), total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), VS/TS ratio, sludge volume index (SVI), and sludge dewaterability indicators, including specific resistance to filtration (SRF) and time to filtration (TTF). Optimal performance occurred at an HLR of 150 L/m²·d, achieving maximum reductions of 49% in COD, 30% in TS, and 40% in VS, along with an SVI reduction of up to 78%. Increasing HLR significantly reduced treatment efficiency due to shorter retention times and biofilm washout. A regression analysis showed the strongest association between COD removal and organic loading rate (R² = 0.63) under the coupled HLR–OLR conditions tested, while weaker correlations were observed for SVI and VS/TS. Dewaterability improved markedly after vermifiltration, particularly in the LECA-based system. Although filter media type did not significantly affect COD or SVI removal, pumice and plastic media provided greater hydraulic stability at higher loadings. These results demonstrate that vermifiltration is an effective and environmentally sustainable option for municipal sludge stabilization when operated under controlled hydraulic conditions. Full article

Objective: To assess whether chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) severity is associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adult people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center study of 44 adults with CF who underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) assessment, and sinus computed tomography (CT). CRS severity was quantified using the Lund–Mackay score (LMS) and the main nasal cavity score (MNCS). OSA was defined by Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI) thresholds per American Academy of Sleep Medicine criteria. Results: Participants had a mean age of 31.1 ± 8.4 years and a mean percent predicted FEV1 of 51.8 ± 15.7. Sinus CT showed radiological evidence of CRS in all participants. Mean AHI was 5.3 ± 4.4/h; 48% had AHI ≥ 5/h. There were no significant differences between pwCF with and without OSA in age, sex, BMI, lung function, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, or ESS score (all p > 0.05). Mean LMS and MNCS did not differ between OSA and non-OSA groups (both p > 0.05), and neither score correlated with PSG parameters or ESS (all p > 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated low discriminative ability of LMS and MNCS for predicting OSA (AUCs < 0.70, p < 0.05). Conclusions: In this cohort of adults with CF, CT-based CRS severity was not associated with OSA. Given the substantial prevalence of OSA observed, PSG screening should be considered irrespective of CRS severity. Full article

This paper evaluates neural-network approaches for lithium-ion battery state-of-charge (SoC) estimation under a unified pipeline, fixed data partitions, and identical preprocessing. We study FNNs trained with Levenberg–Marquardt (LM), Bayesian Regularization (BR), and Scaled Conjugate Gradient (SCG) across three hidden sizes (10, 20, 30) and three topologies: Fitting, Nonlinear Input–Output (Nonlinear I/O), and time-series NAR/NARX. Models are assessed using test MSE and RMSE, correlation (R), generalization gap, convergence indicators (final gradient, damping factor), wall time per epoch, and a relative compute-cost index. On the Fitting task, BR-Fitting-FNN with 20 neurons provides the best accuracy-efficiency balance, while LM-Fitting-FNN with 30 neurons reaches slightly lower error at a higher cost. For Nonlinear I/O, BR-Nonlinear I/O-FNN with 30 neurons achieves the lowest test MSE with clear evidence of effective weight shrinkage; LM-Nonlinear I/O-FNN with 20 neurons is a close alternative. In time-series settings, LM-NAR-FNN with 10 neurons attains the lowest test error and fastest epochs but shows a very negative gap that suggests test-split favorability; BR-NAR-FNN with 30 neurons is more costly yet consistently strong. For NARX, LM-NARX-FNN with 20 neurons yields the best test accuracy and robust convergence. Overall, BR delivers the most reliable accuracy–robustness trade-off as networks widen, LM often achieves the best raw accuracy with careful split validation, and SCG offers the lowest training cost when resources are limited. These results provide practical guidance for selecting SoC estimators to match accuracy targets, computing budgets, and deployment constraints in battery management systems. Full article

Mn⁴⁺-activated fluoride phosphors possess outstanding luminescent properties, making them highly suitable for applications in lighting and display technologies. However, the synthesis of such phosphors generally requires the use of large amounts of highly toxic aqueous HF, leading to serious environmental pollution. To eliminate the use of hazardous HF solution, a low-temperature molten salt method employing NH₄HF₂ was developed to synthesize the narrow-band red emitter Cs₂GeF₆: Mn⁴⁺ phosphor. Following the reaction, the product was washed with a dilute H₂O₂ solution to remove residual NH₄HF₂ and other impurities. The phase purity and morphology were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively, and the luminescence properties were examined via photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The obtained phosphors exhibit bright red emission characteristics of Mn⁴⁺ under blue-violet excitation. Among them, Cs₂GeF₆: 0.08 Mn⁴⁺ shows the highest emission intensity, with an internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of 78%. A white light-emitting diode (WLED) fabricated by combining this phosphor with a blue chip and commercial Y₃Al₅O₁₂: Ce³⁺ (YAG) phosphor achieved a high luminous efficacy (LE) of ~146 lm/W, a correlated color temperature (CCT) of ~4396 K, and a color rendering index (Ra) of ~83, alongside excellent operational color stability. Full article

Background and Objectives: Elastodontic appliances made of medical-grade silicone are increasingly used in interceptive orthodontics, but prolonged intraoral exposure may affect their stability. This study evaluated structural changes in LM-Activator^TM 2 appliances after clinical use, using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Materials and Methods: Eight appliances (one unused control and seven worn for 3–24 months) were analyzed by FTIR-ATR in the 4000–650 cm⁻¹ range. Absorption bands characteristic of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were quantified, and indices reflecting backbone crosslinking, side-group retention, hydrophilicity, and relative reduction in methyl-related spectral contributions were calculated. Results: The PDMS backbone remained chemically intact across all samples. However, progressive molecular reorganization was detected with wear duration. The Backbone Dominance Index increased significantly from control to 24 months, while side-group indices decreased, confirming apparent depletion of methyl-related FTIR bands. Hydrophilicity and crosslinking indices rose over time, particularly after 12 months, indicating increased surface polarity and network densification. Conclusions: LM-Activator^TM 2 appliances undergo gradual intraoral aging, marked by backbone crosslinking and apparent reduction in methyl-associated vibrational contributions inferred from FTIR ratio side-groups. These changes, while not compromising the polymer identity, may influence surface properties, biofilm retention, and long-term mechanical behavior. Periodic replacement is recommended to ensure optimal clinical performance. Full article

Background: Lipedema is a progressive disorder of subcutaneous connective tissue, predominantly affecting women, and characterized by an increase in subcutaneous adipose tissue, particularly in the lower body. This study aims to explore the gut microbiota (GM) profile in lipedema patients to characterize the associated GM and compare it with the control group. Methods: A prospective randomized case–control pilot study was conducted from September 2023 to May 2024, involving 55 Caucasian women, aged 20–60. The participants were divided into two groups: 35 with lipedema (LIPPY) and 20 controls (CTRL). Body composition was assessed using Dual X-ray Absorbimetry (DXA), and GM analysis was performed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: LIPPY subjects showed increased Intramuscular Adipose Tissue (IMAT) and reduced Lean Mass (LM)/Fat Mass (FM) ratios. While alpha and beta diversity metrics did not differ significantly between groups, differential abundance analysis identified a significant reduction in Eggerthellaceae (Log Fold Change (LFC) = −0.19, p = 0.04) and enrichment of Propionibacteriaceae (LFC = +0.18, p = 0.009) and Acidaminococcaceae (LFC = +0.32, p = 0.013) in the LIPPY group. Genus-level analysis showed a significant reduction in Blautia and Ruminiclostridium (LFC = −0.32 and −0.02; p = 0.02 and 0.04) and enrichment of Anaerostipes, Propionibacterium, and Phascolarctobacterium (LFC = +0.07, +0.17, and +0.34; p = 0.02, 0.005, 0.005, respectively). In correlation analyses, within LIPPY, Eggerthellaceae correlated negatively with Body Mass Index (BMI) (ρ = −0.61, p < 0.05) and positively with Appenicular (Appen) LM/Weight and AppenLM/BMI (ρ = +0.43 and +0.41, p < 0.05), while Anaerostipes correlated positively with these lean mass indices (ρ = +0.40, p < 0.05). In CTRL, only Anaerostipes showed a significant negative correlation with BMI (ρ = −0.64, p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence of a distinct GM profile in LIPPY, with notable links to adverse body composition markers such as IMAT. Trial Registration: Trial registered on 24 June 2013 with ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT01890070). Full article