Search Results (85)

Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a critical developmental period during which dietary quality and physical activity (PA) may influence insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell function. This observational cohort study investigated how adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and participation in structured physical activity (PA) relate to metabolic changes over six months in Spanish male adolescents. Methods: A total of 78 participants (median age 11 years; IQR 10–12) were followed in a school-based study (2020–2021) and categorized by MedDiet adherence using the KIDMED index into medium (M) and high (H) groups. Metabolic health was assessed at baseline (T1) and after six months (T2) using lipid profiles, glucose, insulin, and several indirect indices of insulin resistance and β-cell function, including HOMA-IR, QUICKI, and SPINA indices. Statistical analyses included correlations and adjusted linear models, with false discovery rate correction applied. Results: At baseline, higher MedDiet adherence was associated with lower fasting insulin and improved insulin resistance markers (p ≤ 0.002). Over six months, adolescents with high adherence showed more favorable changes in insulin sensitivity (fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, QUICKI) and β-cell function (SPINA indices), with results remaining significant after correction (all pFDR < 0.05). LDL cholesterol levels also improved more markedly in participants combining high MedDiet adherence with structured PA (pFDR < 0.001). In contrast, triglycerides and TG-related indices increased across all groups, without differences between them (pFDR < 0.001). Conclusions: High MedDiet adherence combined with structured PA was associated with more favorable trajectories in insulin sensitivity, attenuated β-cell secretory demand, and a more favorable LDL-c profile. These findings support integrated lifestyle approaches for early cardiometabolic prevention in male adolescence. Full article

Sit-to-stand (STS) is a fundamental functional task frequently impaired after stroke and widely used in rehabilitation to assess motor control and balance. While lower-limb kinematic and muscular asymmetries during STS have been documented, the contribution of trunk muscle coordination to compensatory strategies has received limited attention. We investigated STS performance in seven individuals with chronic right-sided hemiparesis under two conditions (free arms and crossed arms) to characterize phase-dependent kinematic asymmetries and side-dependent trunk muscle modulation relevant to rehabilitation practice. Optoelectronic motion capture was synchronized with bilateral surface electromyography, providing time-aligned kinematic and neuromuscular signals for sensor-based assessment of STS. Participants exhibited prolonged and highly variable STS durations, along with ankle asymmetries during the rising and lowering phases and hip asymmetries during upright standing, indicating increased reliance on the less impaired limb. Electromyography revealed side-dependent modulation of trunk muscles, notably latissimus dorsi, erector spinae longissimus, and multifidus, characterized by a prolonged relative contribution on the more impaired side. These findings suggest that altered trunk muscle modulation contributes to compensatory STS strategies after stroke and highlight the importance of trunk-focused neuromuscular assessment to guide individualized rehabilitation interventions aimed at improving symmetry, postural stability, and movement efficiency. Full article

Urban forest management practices generate substantial amounts of twig biomass that is commonly treated as waste, despite its potential as a source of bioactive compounds. Biological and chemical properties of methanolic extracts of 19 urban forest tree and shrub species were assessed using a multidisciplinary approach combining high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and HPTLC-DPPH bioautography with spectrophotometric determination of radical scavenging activity (RSA), total phenolic content (TPC), inhibition assays of skin aging-related enzymes (tyrosinase and elastase), and testing against skin pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results revealed marked differences in biological activity among extracts, driven primarily by specific phytochemical profiles. Torminalis glaberrima (Gand.) Sennikov & Kurtto (108.8 ± 6.6 μmol TE/mL) and Paliurus spina-christi Mill. (106.6 ± 1.6 μmol TE/mL) exhibited the highest RSA, correlating with elevated TPC. Acer campestre L. (51.6 ± 9.1%) showed the strongest elastase inhibition. The most pronounced tyrosinase inhibition was observed for Torminalis glaberrima (39.0 ± 3.5%), indicating a significant contribution of TPC. In contrast, the strongest antibacterial activity was recorded for Acer platanoides L. and Carpinus betulus L., despite their lower TPC values, suggesting the contribution of non-phenolics. Phenolic zones (R_F 0.10, 0.28, 0.57, 0.58) were identified as putative markers of the observed bioactivities. Overall, twigs emerge as an underexplored source with considerable potential for natural cosmetics development, warranting further investigations. Full article

We investigated the effects of manipulating visual information on motor control indicators during the Waiter’s Bow Test. The results suggested that visual information occlusion reduced the maximum flexion angles of the lumbar spine and upper lumbar region. Furthermore, subjects who tested negative under the open-eye condition tested positive under the closed-eye condition. Regarding muscle activity in the rectus abdominis and erector spinae muscles, it was suggested that this activity was not affected by visual information. These findings indicate that visual sensory feedback is one factor influencing lumbar motor control. The integration of electromyography and accelerometer systems in this study highlights the role of wearable sensor technologies in quantifying neuromuscular function in Bioengineering. By restricting visual information, a model for sensory reweighting can be established for the design of biofeedback systems, rehabilitation robotics, and assistive devices. The results of this study demonstrate how sensor-based evaluation and sensory manipulation can inform the engineering of diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for motor control assessment. Full article

Crete’s rich heritage of indigenous wine grapes remains underexplored in terms of chemical composition, with many cultivars yet to be fully characterized. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the phenolic profile of 67 monovarietal Cretan wines produced by 10 wineries (42 white, 25 red) from 12 varieties—eight white (Assyrtiko, Dafni, Malvazia, Melissaki, Moschato Spinas, Plito, Vidiano, and Vilana) and four red (Kotsifali, Liatiko, Mandilaria, and Romeiko). A targeted LC–QTOF–MS workflow covering 45 phenolic compounds (flavonoids and non-flavonoids) was applied. Varietal differences were assessed using heteroscedasticity-robust univariate statistics (Welch’s ANOVA with Games–Howell post hoc comparisons and effect-size estimation) and explored by multivariate analyses (PCA and HCA); cross-validated PLS-DA was used for descriptive classification, and MFA integrated the targeted phenolic matrix with classical indices (e.g., total phenolics, tannins, and color metrics). Red wines exhibited stronger variety-linked phenolic structuring than white wines, whereas white-wine differentiation was driven by a limited subset of marker phenolics. Given the central role of phenolic composition in overall wine quality, this study provides the first detailed phenolic characterization of 12 key indigenous Cretan grape varieties. Full article

Background: Water inertia load training using equipment such as water vests provides unstable resistance that enhances trunk muscle activation. However, practical methods for prescribing exercise intensity without expensive electromyography (EMG) equipment remain limited. This pilot study aimed to develop prediction models for estimating trunk muscle activation using rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during water inertia load exercises. Methods: Seventeen healthy adults (20.45 ± 2.02 years) performed lateral trunk flexion exercises wearing a water vest at five progressive loads (8–16 kg in 2 kg increments). Surface EMG was recorded from four trunk muscles (rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, erector spinae) and normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed using the Borg CR-10 scale. Load-dependent changes in muscle activation were examined using repeated-measures ANOVA, and relationships between RPE and EMG were analyzed using regression and linear mixed-effects models. Results: All trunk muscles showed significant increases in activation with increasing load (all p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.381). RPE demonstrated significant positive correlations with all abdominal muscles (r = 0.37–0.46, p < 0.001). Simple regression analyses indicated predictive accuracy (R² = 0.267), representing a 29% increase compared with the strongest individual muscle model. Linear mixed-effects modeling confirmed RPE as a significant predictor after accounting for inter-individual variability. Conclusions: This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that RPE can be used to estimate trunk muscle activation during water inertia load exercise. The proposed composite activation index enhances prescription when EMG measurement is not feasible. Full article

Aim: This study examined how load size and symmetry affect trunk muscle activation patterns, vertical ground reaction forces, and estimated lumbar spine compression during overground walking in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and those without symptoms. Methods: Thirty male participants (15 with CLBP, 15 controls; ages 23–28 years) performed walking tests under four load conditions: symmetric and asymmetric carriage at 10% and 20% of body weight. Bilateral surface electromyography measured activation from seven trunk muscles (rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, latissimus dorsi, lumbar erector spinae, multifidus) and the thoracolumbar fascia region, normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contractions (%MVIC). Force plates recorded vertical ground reaction forces synchronized with heel-strike events. A repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni corrections was used to analyze the effects of load configuration and magnitude. Results: Asymmetric loading at 20% body weight caused significantly higher peak vertical ground reaction forces compared to symmetric loading (mean difference = 47.3 N, p < 0.001), with a significant interaction between load magnitude and configuration (p = 0.004, ηp² = 0.26). Participants with CLBP showed consistently higher trunk muscle activation throughout the gait cycle (peak: 37% MVIC vs. 30% MVIC in controls; p < 0.001, d = 1.68), with maximum recruitment at shorter muscle lengths and 24% less activation at optimal length (95% CI: 18.2–29.8%). The lumbar erector spinae and multifidus muscles exhibited the highest activation during asymmetric 20% loading in CLBP participants (0.282 and 0.263%MVIC, respectively), indicating compensatory neuromuscular strategies. Conclusion: Asymmetric load carriage creates disproportionately high mechanical and neuromuscular demands, effects that are greatly amplified in individuals with CLBP. These findings support rehabilitation strategies that improve load distribution and restore motor control, thereby reducing compensatory strain and enhancing trunk stability. Full article

This study provides a seasonal and cross-shore characterization of sediments along the Ferrara coastal area (Italy). Four sites (Goro, Volano, Estensi, and Spina) were investigated through an integrated approach including textural and geochemical analyses. Surface sediments were sampled seasonally from summer 2023 to summer 2024 and analyzed to determine granulometry, major oxides composition, carbonate content, and potentially toxic element (PTE) contents. Results revealed that both grain-size and geochemistry vary seasonally and along the cross-shore profile, reflecting the combined effects of hydrodynamic forcing, sediment transport, and fluvial inputs. Elevated contents of Ce, Cr, La, V, and Zr were detected at various sites, seasons, and geomorphological zones. In some cases, the environmental quality indices applied allowed the sediments to be classified as polluted. Furthermore, some exceedances of the legal limits for Cr and V contents were observed at Goro and Volano. These pollution levels are attributable to the presence of PTE-bearing minerals originating from the source basins (geogenic sources). Overall, the results highlight the interplay between hydrodynamics and sediment provenance, emphasizing the dominance of geogenic contributions along the northern Adriatic coast, providing updated geochemical data for future monitoring and environmental management of coastal systems. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of a passive upper-limb exoskeleton in agricultural work using a repeated-measures design with 24 adult males across three exoskeleton conditions (No Exo, Prototype, and Airframe), three work directions (left, front, and right), and two work distances (near and far). Outcomes included muscle activity, center of pressure travel, task completion time, perceived exertion, body part discomfort, and usability. Airframe use significantly reduced shoulder and upper-arm muscle activity by about 25–35 percent, consistent with the mechanical sharing of shoulder elevation torque. Erector spinae activity showed a compensatory increase trend, suggesting heightened trunk stabilization demands. Center of pressure varied by direction and distance, with greater excursion for leftward and far tasks, but did not differ among exoskeleton conditions, indicating preserved postural stability. Task time was unaffected by exoskeleton and distance but was longest for leftward tasks. Perceived exertion and discomfort varied by direction and distance and tended to be lower on average with Airframe. Usability differed only in the effectiveness factor, which favored Airframe. An integrated evaluation emphasizing EMG, center of pressure, and perceived fatigue, with usability as needed, is recommended for field validation. Full article

Background: Accurately tracking body-composition changes in endurance field settings remains methodologically challenging. This study aimed to evaluate whether changes in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) across a 7-day ultramarathon are better reflected by anthropometric indices than by body mass (BM) alone. Methods: Twenty ultrarunners were assessed using both anthropometric indices and ultrasound measurements of SAT thickness, applying a novel method that distinguishes layers including (D_I) versus excluding (D_E) embedded fibrous structures. Measurements were obtained before the race and after Stages 4 and 7. Indices included body mass index (BMI), mass index (MI_I), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Results: Total SAT thickness decreased significantly for both D_I (p = 0.001) and D_E (p < 0.001). BM, BMI, MI_I, and WHtR also declined significantly post-race (p < 0.001). SAT reduction was most pronounced at the abdominal and thigh sites. Additionally, ultrarunners with lower D_E values exhibited lower fat at the abdomen and distal triceps. BMI was significantly related to D_E at the upper and lower abdomen and erector spinae; MI_I was significantly associated with D_E at the upper and lower abdomen; and WHtR correlated with both D_E and D_I at abdominal and erector spinae sites. BM showed no significant association with any SAT parameter. Conclusions: Ultrasound-derived SAT thickness, in combination with BMI, MI_I, and WHtR, offers a field-feasible approach to evaluate body-composition change during multistage ultramarathons. In contrast, BM alone does not reliably reflect SAT distribution or loss. Full article

The ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a locoregional anaesthesia technique primarily used to provide analgesia to anatomical structures innervated by the dorsal branches (DB) of the spinal nerves. However, several clinical studies in humans have demonstrated its analgesic efficacy in areas innervated by the ventral branches (VB) of the spinal nerves, such as thoracic and abdominal surgeries. In veterinary medicine, the ESP block has been extensively studied in dogs at the thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar regions. In contrast, only one cadaveric study, focused on the lumbar area, has been published in cats. The objective of this research was to evaluate the feasibility of an ultrasound-guided longitudinal approach to the thoracic ESP block in feline cadavers. A total of 15 feline cadavers were used for this purpose: 3 for the anatomical study, and 12 for the ultrasound-guided approach (24 sides). The needle tip was ultrasound-guided to the transverse process of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), and a mixture of methylene blue (0.5%), lidocaine, and iopromide (0.4 mL kg⁻¹) was administered. A computed tomography (CT) scan was subsequently performed to assess the distribution of the contrast medium, followed by anatomical dissection to evaluate the distribution of dye. Contrast medium was observed within the erector spinae musculature, between T1 and T13 (24 out of 24 sides), with a distribution spanning 8 (4–11) vertebral bodies. Anatomical dissection showed staining of two (0–9) DB, mainly T6, T7, and T8, and 0.5 (0–1) VB, with T7 the only one stained. Additionally, staining of the sympathetic trunk was observed in 7 out of 24 sides. Based on these findings, this technique may be indicated in surgeries involving the epaxial region. However, further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in providing analgesia to structures associated with the VB of the spinal nerves and the sympathetic trunk. Full article

Background/Objectives: Thoracic trauma remains a leading cause of trauma-related illness and death. Despite advances in imaging, ventilation strategies, and surgical fixation, its management remains a topic of debate, with varying practices across hospitals. Current Gaps: Although surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) has shown a mortality benefit in cases of flail chest and in elderly patients, its indications for non-flail cases remain uncertain. Analgesia strategies are evolving, and epidural remains the gold standard; however, it is limited by contraindications. In contrast, regional blocks, such as the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and serratus anterior plane block (SAPB), are emerging as safer alternatives to opioid and thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA). Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming imaging interpretation and risk stratification; however, its integration into daily trauma care is still in its early stages of development. Perspective: This article examines the integration of surgical innovation, regional anesthesia, and AI-powered diagnostics as integral components of future thoracic trauma care. We emphasize the importance of standardized surgical criteria, multimodal pain management approaches, and AI-assisted decision-making tools. Conclusions: Thoracic trauma care is shifting toward a personalized, multidisciplinary, and technology-enhanced approach. Incorporating evidence-based SSRF, advanced pain management techniques, and AI-supported imaging can help reduce mortality, enhance recovery, and optimize resource utilization. Full article

Manual lifting is a major risk factor for low back pain, with intra-abdominal pressure playing a key role in spinal stability. This study investigated the effects of a pneumatic external abdominal pressure assist belt on trunk and lower limb muscle activity and joint kinematics during lifting. Twenty-four healthy adults performed lifting tasks under four external abdominal pressure assist conditions. Trunk and lower limb muscle activities were measured using surface electromyography. Sagittal limb angles were assessed using 3D motion analysis. Peak and mean muscle activities (%MVIC) and joint angles were analyzed with repeated-measures ANOVA or Friedman tests. Peak muscle activity significantly decreased in the internal oblique, erector spinae, and biceps femoris (all p < 0.05), while increases were observed in the multifidus, rectus femoris, and vastus lateralis (all p < 0.05). Mean amplitude analysis showed reduced internal oblique activity (p < 0.001) and significant increases in rectus femoris and multifidus (p < 0.05). Hip and knee flexion angles were significantly greater under assisted conditions (p = 0.002), indicating a shift toward squat-type lifting. The pneumatic external belt redistributed peak loads from the back to the knee extensors, reduced internal oblique activity, and modestly increased multifidus activation. It also induced greater hip and knee flexion, suggesting a shift toward squat-type lifting. These effects were statistically significant but small, indicating limited practical relevance. Full article

This study examined muscle coordination during cutting movements in athletes with a history of groin pain. A total of 15 athletes who had experienced groin pain in the past two years (GP) and 14 healthy controls (CON) participated. Electromyography (EMG) and ground reaction force (GRF) data were collected, and EMG was analyzed using non-negative matrix factorization to extract muscle synergies. Three synergies were identified in both groups: Synergy 1 (landing), Synergy 2 (deceleration), and Synergy 3 (acceleration). No group differences were observed in GRF. However, compared with the CON, the GP demonstrated a 58.1% greater contribution of the latissimus dorsi and a 31.5% greater contribution of the erector spinae (SES) in Synergy 1, suggesting excessive trunk involvement during landing. In Synergy 2, SES contribution was 97.0% lower in the GP. In Synergy 3, the external oblique contribution decreased by 118.4%, while rectus abdominis contribution increased by 54.3%. These muscles are critical for pelvic stability, and their altered contributions indicate disrupted neuromuscular coordination in athletes with GP. Full article

This feasibility study evaluated a wearable sensor-based haptic feedback system designed to promote ergonomic awareness and influence posture and muscle activation patterns during a standard dental procedure. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) monitored posture by tracking back and neck angles, while four surface electromyography sensors recorded muscle activation in the lower erector spinae (LES) and upper trapezius (UT) muscles. Two IMUs with vibrotactile motors delivered real-time haptic feedback when participants maintained mechanically disadvantageous postures for extended periods during a cast metal crown preparation procedure on a manikin typodont. Data from four dental students participating in a total of 24 trials, half with and half without feedback, were analyzed via a two-way ANOVA to determine the effects of feedback and activity (e.g., inspections or drilling) on posture and muscle activation. Feedback slightly increased neck angles, but back angles remained nominally unchanged. Reduced UT activation and increased right LES activation suggests altered muscle recruitment strategies. Heatmap and RULA analyses indicated a shift toward more varied and potentially safer postural distributions during feedback trials. Postural and muscle activation data were also analyzed across four activity labels, which revealed that Drilling was consistently associated with higher ergonomic risk. Real-time haptic feedback influenced posture and muscle activation in dental students, particularly by reducing UT strain despite increased neck flexion. These findings support the integration of wearable feedback systems into preclinical training to enhance ergonomic awareness and potentially reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders, to which dentists are particularly prone. Full article