Search Results (29)

Background/Objectives: More children and adolescents are adopting vegetarian diets. A balanced diet is particularly important for growth and bone development in children. It is important to clarify whether a vegetarian diet affects these processes. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies investigating differences in anthropometric data, nutrient intake, and biomarkers between vegetarian and omnivorous children. Methods: PUBMED, MEDLINE, and Web of Science Core Collections were searched between the end of 2014 and 2023. We included peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials, intervention, or observational studies that were published in English or German and investigated the differences between healthy children and adolescents from high-income countries who consumed either a vegetarian or an omnivorous diet. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. If at least five values with the same unit were available from different studies, a cumulative analysis of selected parameters was conducted. Due to the participants’ varying ages across the studies, limited cumulative analyses were conducted additionally by age category. Results: A total of 1681 studies were screened, of which 20 met the inclusion criteria. Significant differences were found in fiber and energy intake from carbohydrates and proteins. The results were strengthened by the restricted cumulative analysis of the 2–10 age category, which also revealed significant differences when comparing VG and OM. Conclusions: A higher intake of fiber, more energy from carbohydrates, and sufficient energy from proteins and less from fat can be regarded as the benefits of a vegetarian diet, according to this review. There are also the first indications of enhanced vitamin C and E, iron, folate, and magnesium intake. These characteristics can be regarded as potential benefits of a vegetarian diet. A lower vitamin B12 and vitamin D intake has been identified as a potential risk factor. Further longitudinal, prospective, observational studies are needed. Prospero registration date and number: 6 March 2023, CRD42023402301. Full article

Background: Despite the significant global disease burden associated with HPV infection, the vaccination coverage among female college students in China remains suboptimal. This study aimed to examine HPV vaccination coverage, knowledge levels, and determinants influencing vaccination behavior among female college students in northern China, utilizing the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a theoretical framework. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from December 2024 to January 2025, involving 4076 female students from six universities in Jinan, China. The participants were categorized into three groups: vaccinated (VG), willing-to-vaccinate (WTG), and unwilling-to-vaccinate (UTG). Data on sociodemographic characteristics, HPV knowledge, health beliefs, and vaccination behavior were analyzed using ANOVA, chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The vaccination rate was 18.11%, with 40.19% expressing willingness to vaccinate and 41.71% expressing unwillingness. Vaccinated students demonstrated higher levels of HPV knowledge (6.66 ± 2.67 compared to 4.76 ± 3.10 in the UTG, p < 0.001) and were predominantly from urban areas (OR = 0.64, p < 0.001). The key determinants of vaccination uptake included perceived benefits (OR = 1.54, p < 0.001), perceived barriers (OR = 3.34, p < 0.001), self-decision-making ability (OR = 1.80, p < 0.001), and social motivation (OR = 0.21, p < 0.001). Notably, increased knowledge was associated with vaccine hesitancy in the WTG group (OR = 0.45, p < 0.001), indicating that information overload may adversely affect decision-making processes. Structural barriers, such as cost (42.63%), safety concerns (46.59%), and misconceptions (e.g., 57.76% cited “no sexual activity” as a reason for refusal), significantly impeded vaccine uptake. Conclusions: The low coverage of HPV vaccination is indicative of deficiencies in knowledge, socioeconomic disparities, and cultural perceptions. Tailored interventions should focus on educational efforts to correct misconceptions, provide subsidized access to vaccines, and implement empowerment strategies that enhance self-efficacy and informed decision-making. Policymakers should incorporate these findings into national cervical cancer prevention programs to address the gap between vaccination intention and behavior among young women in China. Full article

Urban heat islands and increasing energy consumption in subtropical regions such as Taiwan present substantial challenges, particularly in densely populated areas where traditional green spaces are limited. To address these issues, vertical green systems (VGSs) have emerged as a sustainable solution to improve building energy efficiency and mitigate urban heat. This study investigates the impact of VGSs on building temperature regulation, specifically focusing on the effects of shading density and the distance from the building facade. Two experimental setups were assessed, with VGSs positioned at distances of 50 cm and 100 cm, and shading densities of 70% and 95%. Experiments conducted between May and September 2022, under full sunlight (average temperature of 33 °C), revealed that a VGS with a 95% shading density significantly reduced solar radiation to below 50 W/m². Additionally, it lowered interior temperatures by 0.5–2.1 °C and decreased surface temperatures by 5–12 °C when positioned 100 cm from the building. The VGS also enhanced temperature stability, maintaining interior temperature fluctuations within 1 °C compared to 4 °C in the control group. These results demonstrate that higher shading densities and increased distances from the building facade optimize temperature control and energy efficiency. The findings offer valuable insights for sustainable urban building design, suggesting that VGSs with greater shading densities and appropriate distances provide significant benefits in reducing solar radiation, surface temperatures, and interior temperature fluctuations. Full article

The surging global population and urbanization trends present new challenges to food production systems and energy, especially in resource-limited urban environments. Vertical farming on façades (VFOF) is an innovative strategy to address this challenge by growing crops on building skins, efficiently using urban space, increasing food self-sufficiency, and reducing the environmental impact of carbon emissions. This article is a comprehensive review of VFOF and closely related topics based on 166 journal articles. It covers the latest research advances in design, technology, social impact, and environmental benefits. In addition to enhancing the autonomy of urban food supply and improving residents’ quality of life, VFOF also has the potential to optimize the thermal performance of buildings and promote energy conservation by having some of the qualities of vertical greening systems (VGS). The planting system design and technical support factors for different façade locations are explained in detail. The symbiotic relationship between VFOF and architecture is examined to enhance sustainability. The popularity of VFOF is increasing in terms of social acceptance, and the government, together with the private sector and communities, play a vital role in promoting its development. In addition, this review also collates the cases of VFOF implementation in recent years. Research shows that the implementation of VFOF has many advantages, especially when considering future urban challenges under climate change scenarios and the need to provide solutions to achieve carbon neutral buildings and cities. Still, high initial investment, operating costs, technical complexity, security issue, policy and regulatory constraints, and public acceptance are all challenges to overcome. Further research should be carried out in the above fields. Full article

Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) materials are used as substitutes for new materials in asphalt pavement construction, leveraging the engineering and commercial benefits of the aged binders and aggregate matrixes in RAP. These asphalt mixtures impart significant variations in volumetric properties and asphalt mixture characteristics. The current study investigates the Marshall properties, moisture susceptibility, and rutting behavior of 24 recycled asphalt mixtures developed with nanosilica and nanoclay. RAP material percent, nanomaterial content, binder grade, and extra binder were considered the factors influencing asphalt mixture performance. The above factors were analyzed using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to predict the Marshall and volumetric properties. Also, this investigation covers the moisture susceptibility and rut characteristics of recycled nanomaterial-modified Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) and Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) mixes developed with Viscosity Grade 30 (VG-30) and Polymer-Modified Bitumen-40 (PMB-40). The chemical additive Zycotherm was used to develop WMA mixes. The test results indicate that adding RAP material at higher percentages and modifying the binder with nanomaterials affected moisture susceptibility with reduced moisture damage. Recycled nanosilica-modified HMA mixes developed with PMB-40 at higher RAP percentages reported higher tensile strength ratio (TSR) values in contrast with VG-30 mixes, indicating their greater susceptibility toward moisture-induced damage. The rutting potential of all of the recycled asphalt mixture combinations was enhanced by densely packed aggregate structures optimized with nanomaterials, total binder content, and RAP materials developed using the Marshall method. Overall, the nanosilica-modified recycled asphalt mixes developed with PMB40 at higher RAP percentages showed better performance in terms of strength and durability. Full article

Vortex generators (VGs) attached to the leading edge of an agricultural aircraft are purported to control airflow over the upper surface of the wing by creating small vortices that delay boundary layer separation, thereby improving the performance of the aircraft. These devices are commercially available for use in the aviation industry, primarily to increase pilot control of the aircraft. The benefits attributed to VGs remain largely descriptive and anecdotal in nature without rigorous empirical assessment in the field. The intent of this study was to evaluate whether this aerodynamic device could improve deposition or reduce drift when mounted on an agricultural aircraft. Airborne drift and ground deposition were measured with monofilament lines and Mylar cards, respectively. Deposits were expressed as percent of fluorometric response using a spectrofluorophotometer. There were 46% fewer downwind drift deposits on monofilament lines when VGs were installed than when VGs were not installed. Whether or not VGs were installed on the aircraft was the predominant factor which influenced deposition on monofilament lines. Spray deposits on Mylar cards placed at ground level downwind of the applications at three different locations (5, 10, and 20 m) varied significantly (p < 0.0001) between treatments, with corresponding 31, 54, and 61% reductions in downwind deposits when VGs were installed. While these findings overall are positive, this is the first known study of its type, and more research is warranted to better understand the role of vortex generators in the reduction in drift relative to aerially applied sprays. Full article

The development of effective cancer vaccines remains a significant challenge due to immune tolerance and limited clinical benefits. Oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 (oHSV-1) has shown promise as a cancer therapy, but efficacy is often limited in advanced cancers. In this study, we constructed and characterized a novel oHSV-1 virus (VG22401) expressing the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), a transmembrane glycoprotein overexpressed in many carcinomas. VG22401 exhibited efficient replication and HER2 payload expression in both human and mouse colorectal cancer cells. Mice immunized with VG22401 showed significant binding of serum anti-HER2 antibodies to HER2-expressing tumor cells, inducing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). Furthermore, mice primed with VG22401 and intratumorally boosted with the same virus showed enhanced antitumor efficacy in a bilateral syngeneic HER2(+) tumor model, compared to HER2-null backbone virus. This effect was accompanied by the induction of anti-HER2 T cell responses. Our findings suggest that peripheral priming with HER2-expressing oHSV-1 followed by an intratumoral boost with the same virus can significantly enhance antitumor immunity and efficacy, presenting a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Full article

Vertical greening systems (VGSs) represent an emerging technology within the field of building-integrated horticulture that have been used to help counteract the global issues of urbanisation and climate change. Research and development within the field of building-integrated horticulture, despite being in the infancy stage, is steadily progressing, highlighting a broad range of achievable social, environmental, and economic benefits this sustainable development technology could provide. However, as VGS technology is relatively new, an array of different designs and technologies have been categorized collectively as VGSs, each having various performances towards the proposed and desired benefits. The purpose of this paper is to review existing VGS technologies and analyse the impact of implementation on sustainable development, and subsequently to propose a new VGS design that theoretically achieves the best possible outcomes when aiming to obtain the maximum benefits of installing a VGS. The resultant design creates new opportunities for VGS environmental amenities and maintenance, increases the scope of applications, and improves the environmental performance of the host building. The proposed design has the potential to transform VGSs beyond conventional functions of aesthetic greening to create novel ecosystems, which enhances the formation of habitats for a more diverse range of flora and fauna. Full article

Ferulic acid (FA) is a naturally occurring phenolic antioxidant that is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries due to its low toxicity. Its derivatives also find numerous industrial applications and may have even higher biological activity than ferulic acid. In this study, the effect of the addition of FA and its derivatives—including vanillic acid (VA), dihydroferulic acid (DHFA), and 4-vinylguaiacol (4-VG)—on the oxidative stability of cold-pressed flaxseed oil and the degradation of bioactive compounds during oxidation was investigated. The results showed that FA and its derivatives affected the oxidative stability of flaxseed oil, but their antioxidant activity depended on the concentration (25–200 mg/100 g oil) and temperature of treatment (60–110 °C). Based on Rancimat test results, flaxseed oil oxidative stability predicted at 20 °C increased linearly with ferulic acid concentration, while its derivatives effectively prolonged the induction time at lower concentrations (50–100 mg/100 g oil). The addition of phenolic antioxidants (80 mg/100 g) generally showed a protective effect against polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHFA and 4-VG), sterols (4-VG), tocols (DHFA), squalene, and carotenoids (FA). The exception was VA, which increased the degradation of most bioactive compounds. It is believed that adding properly composed mixtures of FA and its derivatives (DHFA and 4-VG) can extend the shelf life of flaxseed oil and provide nutritional benefits. Full article

Research on the effects of videogames (VGs) on health has produced mixed results. Here, we assess the relationships of VG playing with sleep; chronotype; sleepiness; and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress; and how they are modulated by the level of exposure to VGs. Four hundred-and two adult participants (age = 26.2 ± 7.84; 227 F) completed an online survey including questions on VG use and a set of standardized questionnaires. The sample was divided into three groups: habitual gamers (HGs, 42.2%), nonhabitual gamers (NHGs, 36.5%), and non-gamers (NGs, 21.3%). No between-group differences emerged in sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) or Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index measures except the sleep disturbances subscore, which was higher in NHGs. HGs showed delayed bed- and risetimes and higher eveningness (reduced Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire). HGs and NHGs showed higher depression subscores (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale) but remained in the subclinical range. Moreover, hours/week of VG playing predicted delayed sleep timing, lower daytime dysfunction, and lower sleepiness. Our data suggest that VG playing does not necessarily compromise sleep quality and may even benefit daytime functioning, underlining the need to reconsider the relationships between VG use and health by taking into account possible modulating factors such as habitual VG exposure. Full article

Background: The addition of dendritic cell vaccines (DCV) to NAC could induce immune responses in those patients with residual disease (RD) by transforming the tumor microenvironment. Methods: Core diagnostic biopsies and surgical specimens from 80 patients (38 in the vaccinated group plus NAC (VG) and 42 in the control group (CG, treated only with NAC) were selected. We quantify TILs (CD8, CD4 and CD45RO) using immunohistochemistry and the automated cellular imaging system (ACIS III) in paired samples. Results: A CD8 rise in TNBC samples was observed after NAC plus DCV, changing from 4.48% in the biopsy to 6.70% in the surgical specimen, not reaching statistically significant differences (p = 0.11). This enrichment was seen in up to 67% of TNBC patients in the experimental arm as compared with the CG (20%). An association between CD8 TILs before NAC (4% cut-off point) and pathological complete response in the VG was found in the univariate and multivariate analysis (OR = 1.41, IC95% 1.05–1.90; p = 0.02, and OR = 2.0, IC95% 1.05–3.9; p = 0.03, respectively). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that patients with TNBC could benefit from the stimulation of the antitumor immune system by using DCV together with NAC. Full article

The optimal endovascular therapy for vein graft stenosis (VGS) following infrainguinal arterial bypass is yet to be established. Drug-coated balloons (DCB) have rapidly improved the inferior patency outcomes of angioplasty using a conventional plain balloon (PB). This study compares the efficacy of DCBs and PBs for the treatment of infrainguinal VGS. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA statement. Multiple electronic searches were conducted in consultation with a health science librarian in September 2022. Studies describing the comparative outcomes of angioplasty using DCBs and PBs in the treatment of infrainguinal VGS were eligible. Datasets from one randomized controlled trial and two cohort studies with a total of 179 patients were identified. The results indicated no significant difference in target lesion revascularization between DCBs and PBs (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.32–1.28; p = 0.21), with no significant heterogeneity between studies. Additionally, differences in primary patency, assisted primary patency, secondary patency, and graft occlusion were not significant. Subgroup analysis showed similar effects for different DCB devices. In conclusion, DCBs showed no significant benefit in the treatment of VGS compared to PBs. Given the small population size of this meta-analysis, future trials with a larger population are desired. Full article

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) can specifically replicate in the host and cause cancer cell lysis while inducing an antitumor immune response. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of either pre-existing immunity against herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) or multicycle treatment with OVs on anticancer efficacy of VG161, an HSV-1 OV in phase 2 clinical trial. VG161 efficacy was tested in CT26 mouse models by comparing the efficacy and immune response in naïve mice or in mice that were immunized with VG161. Moreover, VG161 efficacy in HLA-matched CD34+ humanized intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models was also tested in multicycle treatment and was compared to standard chemotherapy for this type of cancer (gemcitabine). The HSV-1-immunized mice significantly inhibited tumor growth in VG161-treated mice compared to control naïve treated mice. RNA expression profiling and ELISPOT analyses indicated changes in the tumor’s immune profile in the immunized and treated group compared to naïve and treated mice, as well as enhanced T cell function depicted by higher numbers of tumor specific lymphocytes, which was enhanced by immunization. In the ICC PDX model, repeated treatment of VG161 with 2 or 3 cycles seemed to increase the anticancer efficacy of VG161. In conclusion, the anticancer efficacy of VG161 can be enhanced by pre-immunization with HSV-1 and multicycle administration when the virus is given intratumorally, indicating that pre-existing antiviral immunity might enhance OV-induced antitumor immunity. Our results suggest potential clinical benefits of HSV-1-based OV therapy in HSV-1-seropositive patients and multicycle administration of VG161 for long-term maintenance treatment. Full article

Vertical Green Structures (VGS) emerged as a building skin Nature-based Solution (NbS) aside from green roofs. The motivation underlying this VGS exploitation is fast urbanisation and the need to limit both land consumption and vegetation loss. These structures can provide several ecosystem services like air purification, biodiversity enhancement, and noise reduction. Although the usage of VGS offers different versatile and multi-scalar benefits in the built environment, they still need to respond to all the requirements of social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Over the last decades, technologies of VGS have been developed and new product types have become available in the market. This paper presents the overall development and benefits of VGS, and aims to provide a taxonomy by considering a systematic and interdisciplinary approach. The current market overview analyses and compares different aspects (i.e., environmental and economic features) of the products for a better understanding of the current state-of-the-art—from single component to system scale. The findings of this review lead to some suggestions to enhance the level of sustainability and increase the potential benefits. They look at both research and practice requirements to orient the users in selecting the most optimal VGS solution available in the market. Full article

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation with aerobic exercises is the first strategy for nonpharmacological treatment in the postoperative period of individuals undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to improve functional capacity and vascular health. However, other exercise modalities remain uncertain regarding the same benefits. Objectives: Evaluation of the effect of different modalities of exercise, such as early cardiac rehabilitation on subjects submitted to CABG in the six-minute walk test (6-MWT) and on the percentage of flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Methods: A randomized clinical trial in which 15 patients (62.7 ± 6.7 years) who underwent CABG were randomly assigned to the following groups: isometric (IG, Handgrip Jamar^®), ventilatory muscle training (VG, PowerBreathe^®) and control (CG, conventional respiratory and motor physiotherapy). All patients were attended to physically twice a day (20 min/session) for a consecutive week after the CABG (hospital admission). Functional capacity was assessed by 6-MWT and endothelial function was assessed through the technique of FMD, before and after (~7 days) admission to CABG. The doppler ultrasound videos were analyzed by Cardiovascular Suite^® software (Quipu, Pisa, Italy) to measure %FMD. Statistics: Generalized estimation equation, followed by Bonferroni post hoc (p < 0.05). Results: Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure (SBP/DBP/MAP, respectively) were 133, 76 and 95 mmHg. The groups presented walking meters (m) distance before and after intervention of: IG_basal 357.80 ± 47.15 m vs. IG_post 306.20 ± 61.63 m, p = 0.401 (+51 m); VG_basal 261.50 ± 19.91 m vs. VG_post 300.75 ± 26.29 m, p = 0.052 (+39 m); CG _basal 487.83 ± 83.23 m vs. CG_post 318.00 ± 31.08, p = 0.006 (−169 m). %FMD before and after intervention was IG_basal 10.4 ± 4.8% vs. IG_post 2.8 ± 2.5%, p = 0.152; VG_basal 9.8 ± 5.1% vs. VG_post 11.0 ± 6.1%, p = 0.825; CG_basal 9.2 ± 15.8% vs. CG_post 2.7 ± 2.6%, p = 0.710 and resting mean basal blood flow was IG_basal 162.0 ± 55.0 mL/min vs. IG_post 129.9 ± 63.7 mL/min, p = 0.662; VG_basal 83.74 ± 12.4 mL/min vs. VG_post 58.7 ± 17.1 mL/min, p = 0.041; CG_basal 375.6 ± 183.7 mL/min vs. CG_post 192.8 ± 115.0 mL/min, p = 0.459. Conclusions: Ventilatory muscle training for early cardiac rehabilitation improved acute functional capacity and modulated mean flow of individuals undergoing CABG. Full article