Search Results (1,254)

Background: Sleep is a key determinant of recovery and performance in elite athletes, yet its optimization extends beyond sleep duration alone and encompasses multiple subjective and physiological dimensions. Environmental factors, including the sleep surface, represent modifiable components of sleep that may influence perceived sleep quality. This study aimed to examine whether an individually adjustable modular sleep system improves subjective sleep quality in elite athletes and whether alterations in objective sleep metrics, circadian timing, or nocturnal autonomic physiology accompany such changes. Methods: Forty-three elite athletes participated in this pre–post-intervention study (without a control group). Subjective sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while objective sleep and physiological parameters were recorded using a wearable device (Oura Ring, 3rd generation). Outcomes were averaged across three consecutive nights at baseline (T0) and post-intervention (T1). Baseline values were derived from the final three nights of a standardized pre-intervention monitoring period (minimum 7 nights), and post-intervention values from the final three nights following a standardized intervention exposure period (minimum 14 nights). Statistical analyses included paired frequentist tests and complementary Bayesian paired-sample analyses. Results: Subjective sleep quality improved significantly following the intervention, with a mean reduction in PSQI score of 0.67 points (p < 0.001). In contrast, no meaningful changes were observed in total sleep time (p = 0.28), REM duration (p = 0.26), circadian timing (p = 0.47), or nocturnal minimum heart rate (p = 0.42), as supported by the absence of physiological changes in these parameters. Conclusions: It seems that an individually adjustable sleep system can be able to improve perceived sleep quality in elite athletes without disrupting sleep architecture, circadian regulation, or nocturnal autonomic function. In athletes whose sleep duration and physiological sleep metrics are already near optimal, such micro-environmental interventions may offer a feasible, low-risk means of enhancing recovery by targeting subjective sleep quality. This dimension dissociates from objective sleep measures. Optimizing the sleep surface may therefore represent a practical adjunct to existing recovery strategies in high-performance sport. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is the most common benign tumor in the cerebellopontine angle. In preliminary studies, macrophage infiltration has been suggested to influence disease progression. However, the infiltration of other immune cells in VS remains largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to comprehensively characterize the immune cells in sporadic VS. Methods: Cryosections of five tumor samples from VS patients with different tumor volumes were examined. The abundance of fourteen immune-cell markers, one vascular marker, and two tumor markers were detected using multi-epitope ligand cartography (MELC). This enabled the spatial distribution and colocalization of immune- and tumor cell markers to be examined. Furthermore, using qPCR and bulk RNAseq, the mRNA levels of the immune-cell markers were examined in 204 VS samples of different tumor sizes. Results: VSs with greater tumor volumes showed an increased number of immune cells, more precisely T-helper cells (T_H cells), cytotoxic T cells (T_c cells), CD68⁺, and CD163⁺ macrophages, as well as CD279⁺ (PD-1) and CTLA4⁺ cells (p < 0.05). In addition, an increased number of CD274⁺ (PD-L1) tumor cells were detected in VSs with higher tumor volume (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results indicate that an increased diversity of immune-cell subtypes influences VS tumor size. Thus, novel diagnostic and therapeutic options could be developed by targeting the tumor-associated immune-cell populations in VSs. Full article

GNE myopathy is a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the GNE gene. The respective gene product, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE), is a bifunctional enzyme that initiates endogenous sialic acid biosynthesis. Sialic acids are important building blocks for the glycosylation machinery of cells and are typically found at the terminal ends of glycoprotein N- and O-glycans. The exact pathomechanism of GNE myopathy remains elusive, and a better understanding of the disease is urgently needed for the development of therapeutic strategies. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of hyposialylation on glycan structures and subsequent downstream effects in the C2C12 Gne knockout cell model. No overall remodeling of N-glycans was observed in the absence of Gne, but differences in glycosaminoglycan expression and O-GlcNAcylation were detected. Expression analysis of myopathogenes revealed concomitant down-regulation of muscle-specific genes. Among the top candidates were the sodium channel protein type 4 subunit α (Scn4a), voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel subunit α-1s (Cacna1s), ryanodine receptor 1 (Ryr1), and glycogen phosphorylase (Pygm), which are associated with excitation-contraction coupling and energy metabolism. The results suggest that remodeling of the glycome could have detrimental effects on intracellular signaling, excitability of skeletal muscle tissue, and glucose metabolism. Full article

The microbial ecology of acid mine drainage (AMD) systems in Armenia, with a long mining history, remains unexplored. This study aimed to characterize the microbial diversity and functional potential of AMD in the Syunik region and to isolate novel microorganisms with biotechnological value. A comprehensive analysis of the microbial communities’ structure of Kavart abandoned, Kapan exploring mines effluent, and Artsvanik tailing was conducted. Metagenomics revealed bacterial-dominated communities, comprising Pseudomonadota (previously “Proteobacteria”) (68–72%), with site-specific variations in genus abundance. A high abundance and diversity of metal resistance genes (MRGs), particularly for copper and arsenic, were identified. Carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZy) analysis showed a dominance of GT2 and GT4 genes, suggesting a high potential for extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production and biofilm formation. A novel strain of iron-oxidizing bacteria Arm-12 was isolated that shares only ~90% similarity with known Leptospirillum type species, indicating it may represent a new genus without culturable representatives. The strain exhibits enhanced copper extraction from concentrate. This study provides the first metagenomic insights into Armenian AMD systems and tailing, revealing a unique community rich in metal resistance and biofilm-forming genes. The isolation of a novel highly effective iron-oxidizer Arm-12 highlights the potential of AMD environments as a source of novel taxa with significant applications in biomining and bioremediation processes. Full article

Altitude training camps are a popular measure to enhance endurance performance at sea level. This study elucidates the effects of acute altitude-induced hypoxia, running speed and surface on cadence, peak tibial acceleration (PTA), gait asymmetry and residual shock in distance running. Ten healthy, trained native lowlanders (6 males, 4 females; 28.2 ± 9.2 years; mean ${\dot{V}}_{{\mathrm{O}}_{2,\mathrm{p}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{k}}}$ of 54.9 ± 5.9 mL min⁻¹ kg⁻¹) participated in this study. They ran 1500 m bouts of at 50, 1000 and 2300 m above mean sea level on paved roads and natural trails at three different speeds. Those speeds were chosen to represent the most common training zones and were defined as $v_1=90\%\cdot v_{\mathrm{VT}1}$, $v_2=\frac{1}{2}\left(v_{\mathrm{VT}1}+v_{\mathrm{VT}2}\right)$ and $v_3=100\%\cdot v_{\mathrm{VT}2}$, with $v_{\mathrm{VT}1}$ and $v_{\mathrm{VT}2}$ denoting the speeds at the ventilatory thresholds 1 and 2. Based on the experimental results, cadence increased by +2.2 spm per +1 km h⁻¹ (p < 0.001) and fell by −1.1. spm per +1000 m of elevation (p < 0.001), whereas surface did not show any significant effect. Likewise, PTA was not affected by surface, but grew by 0.9 g per +1 km h⁻¹ (p < 0.001), and decreased by −0.6 g per +1000 m in elevation, with significant effects particularly at speeds beyond v_VT1 (p < 0.049). Absolute lateral asymmetry was not altered by elevation, surface or running speed. Mean shock attenuation increased with running speed by +2.5 percentage points per +1 km h⁻¹ (p < 0.001) but was independent of elevation and surface. In essence, running speed seems to be the predominant factor defining biomechanical loading, even under acute hypoxia and for varying surface conditions. Full article

Objective: To provide a narrative overview of the scientific knowledge on Last Aid Courses and experiences from different countries. Background: The levels of death literacy, grief literacy, and knowledge about palliative care are low in many countries around the world. For many people, dying, death, and grief are still a taboo. Public Palliative Care Education (PPCE), the public knowledge approach, and the Last Aid Course (LAC) aim to increase death literacy, grief literacy, and public knowledge about palliative care. Methods: A literature search in the databases PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, and PsycInfo was undertaken. Other additional sources were found by hand searching, books, reference lists, and the internet. A narrative overview of the existing literature on LAC and Public Palliative Care Education (PPCE) is provided. Experiences with PPCE and LAC from different countries are presented. Based on the findings, a future agenda for research on PPCE and LAC is presented. Results and Discussion: PPCE and LAC have been introduced in 23 countries. A total of 17 articles and reviews on Last Aid were included. Research on the effects of LAC in different countries and cultural issues connected to LAC are ongoing. Conclusions: Since 2015, LACs have been introduced in 23 different countries. The LAC, the LAC-KT, and PPCE may enhance the public debate on dying, death, grief, and palliative care and may empower people to contribute to end-of-life care in the community. Future research on PPCE, the LAC, and the LAC-KT should focus on retention over time and the long-term effects of the courses. Full article

Background: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) of the hip and knee are one of the most severe complications in arthroplasty, often requiring prolonged antibiotic therapy and multiple revision surgeries. The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms and biofilm-associated PJIs has renewed interest in bacteriophage therapy as a targeted, adjunctive treatment option in refractory cases. This investigation systematically reviews and discusses the current evidence regarding the application, outcomes, and safety profile of bacteriophage therapy in the management of PJIs. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the 2020 PRISMA statement. PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Web of Science were accessed in August 2025. No time constraints were used for the search. All clinical studies investigating bacteriophage therapy for bacterial PJIs were considered for eligibility. Results: A total of 18 clinical studies, comprising 53 patients treated with bacteriophage therapy for PJI, were included. The mean follow-up was approximately 13.6 months. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent pathogen (18 cases); phage cocktails were used in 33 patients and monophage preparations in 9, all combined with suppressive antibiotic therapy. Persistent or resistant joint pain was reported in only two patients (3.8%), while signs of ongoing infection despite phage therapy were observed in four patients (7.5%). Adverse events following BT were inconsistently reported. Conclusions: Bacteriophage therapy shows promise as an adjunctive treatment for hip and knee PJIs, especially in refractory or multidrug-resistant cases. Current evidence is limited and methodologically weak, underscoring the need for well-designed clinical trials to clarify efficacy, safety, and optimal integration into existing orthopaedic infection protocols. Full article

Glucagon is an endogenous peptide that is produced in the pancreas. Via glucagon receptors, glucagon increases the beating rate in cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes and also in isolated right atrial preparations from adult rats. Moreover, in living adult mice, injections of glucagon can elevate the heart rate. It is unknown whether these effects of glucagon in living adult mice are mediated via central glucagon receptors or via a direct effect on cardiac glucagon receptors. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that glucagon can exert a direct positive chronotropic effect in the adult mouse heart. We measured the contractile effects of cumulatively increasing concentrations of glucagon (0.1–100 nM) in isolated paced (1 Hz) left atrial preparations, in isolated spontaneously beating right atrial preparations and in isolated spontaneously beating retrogradely perfused whole hearts. We detected in isolated right atrial preparations time- and concentration-dependent positive chronotropic effects of glucagon that were reversed by the glucagon receptor antagonists SC203972 and desglucagon. The positive chronotropic effects of glucagon were also attenuated by 1 µM of ivabradine, an inhibitor of the hyperpolarization-activated cation channels (HCN), but not by 100 nM rolipram, a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, nor by 10 µM of propranolol, a β-adrenoceptor antagonist. Moreover, the positive chronotropic effects of glucagon were also attenuated by stimulation of the A₁-adenosine receptor or muscarinic receptors. Glucagon decreased the force of contraction in right atrial preparations. In left atrial preparations, glucagon failed to alter the force of contraction. In isolated adult mouse hearts perfused in the Langendorff mode, 10 nM of glucagon increased the beating rate and reduced left ventricular force of contraction. The gene expression of the glucagon receptors was lowest in the left atrium, higher in the ventricle and highest in the right atrium of adult mice. In summary, glucagon exerted a positive chronotropic effect in the mouse heart via glucagon receptors, mediated, at least in part, via HCN channels in the sinus node. Full article

As part of transportation planning processes, simulators are used to mirror real-world situations to test new policies and evaluate infrastructure changes. In practice, simulator selection has often been based on availability rather than on technical suitability, particularly for microscopic-scale applications. In this study, a quantitative methodology focusing on simulation runtime, memory usage, runtime consistency, travel time, safe gap distance, and scalability is proposed. A combined index was developed to assess simulators across different scales and traffic densities. VISSIM, SUMO, and MATSim were tested, and the results indicate that SUMO and MATSim demonstrate strong performance in runtime and memory usage. In large-scale scenarios, both simulators proved suitable for high-demand simulations, with MATSim exhibiting greater scalability. VISSIM matches real-world travel times more closely and fairly handles realistic safe gap distances, making it more suitable for less dense, detailed, microscopic simulations. Full article

Fast-running flies (Diptera: Hybotidae) play an important role as predators in agricultural landscapes. This semi-field study examined the effects of pesticides on Hybotidae communities and their role in natural pest control in three winter wheat management systems (organic, conventional, and hybrid (no chemical synthetic pesticides with optimized use of nitrogen fertilizers)) in Brandenburg, Germany. To evaluate the impact of management practices, sweep netting and eclector trapping were carried out over three years (2020–2022) at the plot scale. Hybotidae abundance fluctuated across the management systems and collection methods, with no consistent trend linked to pesticide use. However, an increase in the abundance of Hybotidae in 2022, especially in eclector trapping, indicated that year-to-year fluctuations were pronounced and likely driven by environmental factors, such as climate and soil moisture, rather than management practices. The community structure showed a high degree of similarity among all management systems, but species diversity displayed pronounced interannual variation, suggesting complex ecological interactions. Sweep netting collections indicated positive predator–prey associations in every management system, pointing to a generally stable trophic structure. The study also demonstrates that using multiple insect collection methods is crucial for accurately assessing insect diversity and abundance. Further research is needed to fully understand species diversity, predator–prey dynamics, and their implications for sustainable agriculture. Full article

Background/Objectives: Root canal treatment (RCT) is a common dental procedure performed to preserve teeth by removing infected or at-risk pulp tissue caused by caries, trauma, or other pulpal conditions. A successful outcome, among others, depends on accurate identification of the root canal anatomy, planning a suitable therapeutic strategy, and ensuring a bacteria-tight root canal filling. Despite advances in dental techniques, there remains limited integration of computational methods to support key stages of treatment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of computational methods applied throughout the full workflow of RCT, examining their potential to support clinical decision-making, improve treatment planning and outcome assessment, and help bridge the interdisciplinary gap between dentistry and computational research. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify and analyze computational methods applied to different stages of RCT, including root canal segmentation, morphological analysis, treatment planning, quality evaluation, follow-up, and prognosis prediction. In addition, a taxonomy based on application was developed to categorize these methods based on their function within the treatment process. Insights from the authors’ own research experience were also incorporated to highlight implementation challenges and practical considerations. Results: The review identified a wide range of computational methods aimed at enhancing the consistency and efficiency of RCT. Key findings include the use of advanced image processing for segmentation, image analysis for diagnosis and treatment planning, machine learning for morphological classification, and predictive modeling for outcome estimation. While some methods demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity in diagnostic and planning tasks, many remain in experimental stages and lack clinical integration. There is also a noticeable absence of advanced computational techniques for micro-computed tomography and morphological analysis. Conclusions: Computational methods offer significant potential to improve decision-making and outcomes in RCT. However, greater focus on clinical translation and development of cross-modality methodology is needed. The proposed taxonomy provides a structured framework for organizing existing methods and identifying future research directions tailored to specific phases of treatment. This review serves as a resource for both dental professionals, computer scientists and researchers seeking to bridge the gap between clinical practice and computational innovation. Full article

Focal chondral defects of the knee and ankle remain a challenging clinical condition, particularly in young and active patients, as they often cause pain, mechanical symptoms, and functional limitation without necessarily progressing to osteoarthritis (OA). This narrative review summarises current evidence on non-operative strategies for managing focal chondral lesions in non-arthritic joints, emphasising the role of rehabilitation as the central component of care. A thematic literature search was conducted across major databases for studies published between 2000 and 2025, selecting articles based on clinical relevance. Structured rehabilitation programmes based on load optimisation, neuromuscular retraining, and progressive strengthening represent the foundation of conservative management. Pharmacological agents and intra-articular injectables may provide temporary relief, although the evidence supporting their efficacy remains heterogeneous and primarily short-term. Nutraceuticals and physical modalities show encouraging but inconsistent results, limited by methodological variability and undefined dosing. Overall, conservative treatment should be tailored to the individual patient’s biomechanical and biological profile, integrating rehabilitation with selected adjuncts when appropriate. Future research should focus on developing standardised rehabilitation protocols, identifying predictors of recovery, and clarifying the biological mechanisms that sustain symptom improvement in focal cartilage pathology. Full article

Background: Oral health (OH) seems to be relevant for the number of sick and injured days (NSID), missing matches (MM) and secondarily for the physical performance (PP). Aim: The objective was to clarify possible associations between OH, NSID, and PP for elite soccer players. Methods: Thirty-nine male athletes (age: 24.6 ± 4.2 years, age range: 17–34 years) from a third league professional soccer team were examined concerning several dental parameters (decayed, missing, and filled teeth, DMFT; periodontal screening index, PSI; approximal plaque index, API; papillary bleeding index, PBI) and PP parameters. The PP diagnostic contains grip strength, posturography, jump and sprint tests, and an endurance test on treadmill. Furthermore, the number of sick and injured days and missing matches was collected and assessed over four seasons. Results: We could not find any relevant (r > 0.7) correlations between sick and injured days or missing matches and variables of different dimensions (OH, PP). The soccer players showed a remarkable level of oral health (missing teeth, MT: 0.18 ± 0.56), jumping performance (44.5 ± 5.42 cm), and grip strength (53.7 ± 7.02 kg). The endurance capacity (velocity at 4 mmol/L lactate threshold, v4: 14.9 ± 1.11 km/h) was on an average level, whereas the levels of postural stability (stability indicator, ST: 20.0 ± 4.55) and sprinting performance (10 m sprint: 1.79 ± 0.09 s) were comparatively low. Only five players (13%) reported that oral health had ever had a negative impact on his physical performance. Two players (5%) reported currently tooth pain and six players (15%) bleeding gums or grinding teeth. Conclusions: Based on the high level of dental health, it was difficult to prove any relationships between OH and the NSID/MM or PP. Nevertheless, it seems that young soccer players benefit particularly from improved oral health programs. The excellent dental care appears to have a positive effect on general health and physical performance in soccer. Full article

Background: Light exposure (LE) and its influence on circadian rhythms are recognized to impact various physiological domains, yet their specific associations with hematological status, particularly in high-latitude environments, remain underexplored. Understanding these links could offer insights into maintaining hematological health. Methods: This study investigated the relationship between 24 h light exposure (LE), blue light exposure (BLE), sleep, and physical activity (PA) and hematological markers in 85 young adults (18–25 years). Participants underwent simultaneous 7-day monitoring using actigraphy and RGB sensors, coupled with morning blood sampling for hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW-CV). Results: Univariate analyses revealed significant correlations: normalized BLE amplitude (NA BLE) positively correlated with HGB (r = 0.369, p = 0.001) and MCH (r = 0.378, p < 0.001). A later BLE acrophase correlated with lower HGB and MCH, but higher RDW-CV. Later PA acrophase was associated with lower MCH and higher RDW-CV, while later bedtime correlated with lower HGB and MCH. Multivariate regressions confirmed that a larger NA BLE predicted higher HGB (β = 0.206, p = 0.037) and MCH (β = 0.377, p < 0.001), and an earlier BLE acrophase predicted higher MCH and smaller RDW-CV. Conclusions: Advantageous circadian patterns of BLE and PA are linked to a favorable hematological status in young adults during the light-deficient fall season at higher latitudes, underscoring the importance of optimizing light and activity timing for hematological health. Full article