Search Results (327)

Intestinal fungal overgrowth (IFO) is an increasingly recognized yet underexplored component of gut dysbiosis with potential implications for gastrointestinal and systemic disease. While bacterial microbiota have historically garnered research attention, recent advances in sequencing technologies have highlighted the importance of the gut mycobiome in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Disruption of fungal–bacterial balance, particularly involving Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. glabrata, may contribute to symptom generation through immune activation, epithelial barrier dysfunction, biofilm formation, and the production of toxic metabolites such as acetaldehyde and candidalysin. Emerging clinical evidence suggests that IFO is associated with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating, abdominal discomfort, and altered bowel habits, particularly in patients who do not respond to conventional therapies targeting bacterial overgrowth. Furthermore, fungal dysbiosis involving Malassezia restricta and Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders, and systemic immune dysregulation; however, the nature and directionality of these relationships remain incompletely understood. Despite increasing recognition, the diagnosis of IFO remains challenging due to a lack of standardized criteria and validated non-invasive tools. Therapeutic strategies, including antifungal agents such as fluconazole and nystatin, as well as microbiome-targeted interventions, show promise but require further validation. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current evidence regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic implications of IFO, with particular emphasis on species-specific mechanisms. Recognition of the intestinal mycobiome as a potentially important component of gut health may provide new perspectives for understanding gastrointestinal disorders and inform future precision medicine approaches. Full article

Behavioral interventions are widely used to promote sustainable consumption, but their effectiveness under high-friction real-world conditions remains uncertain, especially when multiple tools are combined. We report a quasi-experimental natural field study conducted in a busy urban café in Tel Aviv, Israel, examining the isolated and combined effects of a localized identity-based social-norm cue and a small financial incentive on reusable cup adoption. Across four consecutive weeks and 9414 hot-beverage transactions, a baseline week was followed by a norm condition, a 1 NIS discount condition, and a combined condition. Reusable cup use increased from 3.33% at baseline to 3.59% in the norm week, 4.19% in the incentive week, and 3.72% in the combined week, but none of these changes reached statistical significance. The financial incentive produced the largest descriptive increase, whereas the combined intervention did not outperform the incentive alone. Across the intervention period, reusable cup use exceeded the number expected under the baseline rate by approximately 35 purchases. These bounded null findings suggest that low-cost behavioral tools may yield only modest gains in convenience-driven consumption settings and that combining policy tools does not necessarily generate additive effects. The study contributes ecologically grounded evidence on the boundary conditions of sustainable behavior change and highlights the importance of testing behavioral policies under realistic implementation constraints. Full article

Background/Objectives: Paprosky Type IIC acetabular defects encountered during revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) present substantial challenges in terms of surgical planning and implant stability. This study evaluates the outcomes of indication-based reconstruction strategies using dual mobility cups (DMC) and reconstruction cages (RC) in patients with Paprosky Type IIC acetabular defects. Methods: This retrospective, non-randomized study included 41 patients who underwent revision total hip arthroplasty for Paprosky Type IIC acetabular defects between 2014 and 2023, reflecting an indication-based treatment strategy. Patients were categorized into two groups: the DMC group (n = 25) and the RC group (n = 16). Clinical evaluation was performed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS), while radiographic assessment focused on the restoration of the hip center of rotation. Complications, revision rates, and implant survivorship were also analyzed. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant functional improvement; however, the differences in postoperative HHS were observed between groups (86.1 vs. 74.7; p < 0.001). The DMC group also showed a shorter operative time, reduced blood loss, and a shorter hospital stay (p < 0.05). Although the dislocation rate was lower in the DMC group (4% vs. 12.5%), the difference was not statistically significant. The overall complication rate was markedly higher in the RC group (68.8% vs. 28.0%; p = 0.010). Implant survivorship was high in both groups (92.7%), with no significant difference between them. Mean follow-up duration was 49.9 ± 16.0 months. Conclusions: Both dual mobility cups and reconstruction cages can achieve successful outcomes in revision total hip arthroplasty for Paprosky Type IIC acetabular defects. However, the observed differences in perioperative and functional outcomes should be interpreted within the context of indication-based patient selection and do not imply superiority of one reconstruction strategy over the other. Rather, these findings reflect outcomes of reconstruction strategies applied according to defect reconstructability in a real-world clinical setting. Full article

Measles represents a critical public health challenge due to its high transmissibility and the resurgence of outbreaks of the disease, linked to gaps in vaccination coverage. In this study, we analyze the epidemiological dynamics of the outbreak that began in Mexico in 2025 and focus on Jalisco as the epicenter during the first quarter of 2026. A descriptive, retrospective, ecological time-series analysis was conducted using official epidemiological surveillance data, correlating incidence with immunization strategies. The results reveal that 6681 cases were recorded in Jalisco, with the highest prevalence among adults aged 20 to 49 years (41.96%), which highlights the accumulated gaps in immunity coverage. The public health response, comprising the administration of three million doses, focusing on zero-dose children and vaccination blockades, contributed to a notable decrease in infections by epidemiological week 17 of 2026. It was concluded that the outbreak was controlled through intensive and coordinated intervention. However, the proximity of the 2026 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup requires vaccination coverage to be maintained at over 95%, in addition to vigilance, to mitigate the risk of viral reintroduction and to safeguard global health security. Full article

The variables determining performance under different wind conditions in Olympic RS:X class sailors have not yet been fully clarified. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between race performance (final ranking) and GPS-derived variables, including velocity made good (VMG), distance covered, and number of maneuvers, under different wind conditions in Olympic RS:X class sailors. Fifty-four Olympic RS:X class sailors (26 women and 28 men) who competed in a World Cup event were analyzed. Using GPS devices, the first-leg ranking, VMG, number of maneuvers, and distance covered in each segment (upwind, beam reach, and downwind) of every race were evaluated under three wind conditions (light wind: ≥8 to ≤12 knots; moderate wind: >12 to ≤15 knots; strong wind: >15 knots). A total of nine races were analyzed for both the men’s and women’s groups. For both groups and under all wind conditions, first-leg ranking was the variable most strongly associated with overall performance. VMG in upwind and downwind legs was among the most decisive variables in moderate wind conditions for both men and women. In strong wind conditions, VMG during the beam reach was a key variable influencing performance in both groups. In the women’s group, regardless of wind speed, VMG during the first upwind leg was the determining factor for achieving a better first-leg position. In the men’s group, particularly in medium wind conditions, a favorable first-leg position was mainly determined by VMG during the first upwind leg. Full article

Deploying modern deep learning-based vision systems on humanoid robots remains challenging due to limited onboard computational resources and legacy software constraints. This paper presents a modular vision system for practical object detection on resource-constrained humanoid platforms, based on the YOLOv9 framework. The proposed architecture adopts a dual-environment design, decoupling the perception pipeline from the robot control system to enable compatibility between modern deep learning libraries and a ROS-based platform. To support efficient deployment, task-specific lightweight models are trained and integrated into a modular pipeline optimized for CPU-only inference. The system is evaluated across multiple task scenarios derived from the FIRA RoboWorld Cup (Hurocup) competition, including Marathon, Basketball, and Archery. Performance is assessed in terms of detection accuracy and computational efficiency, demonstrating that reliable perception can be achieved at 4–8 FPS under constrained hardware conditions. The results show that the proposed approach improves robustness compared to traditional geometric vision methods, particularly in dynamic and visually complex environments, while maintaining practical responsive task-level perception for robotic decision-making. The work highlights the trade-offs between accuracy, computational cost, and system responsiveness and demonstrates the feasibility of deploying modern object detection models on embedded humanoid platforms. Full article

Surface orientation can influence the aerodynamic response of modern soccer balls, particularly in the drag crisis regime. This study quantified the orientation-dependent aerodynamic characteristics of the FIFA World Cup match ball Trionda using a single specimen and examined how these differences affect simulated flight at sea level and 1500 m altitude. Two reproducible reference orientations were defined: a red-panel-centered orientation (Series A) and a seam-junction-centered orientation (Series B). Each reference orientation was rotated by 0°, 90°, and 180°, resulting in six fixed-orientation conditions. Wind tunnel measurements were repeated three times per condition to obtain drag, lift, and side-force coefficients, and two-dimensional non-spinning flight simulations were performed for representative long-kick and free-kick conditions. All six orientations exhibited drag crisis behavior, but the transition response magnitude, subcritical drag level, and supercritical drag state differed among conditions. The representative transition region occurred at approximately Re = 2.0 × 10⁵ to 2.5 × 10⁵. Among the tested conditions, B-90 showed the lowest full-range mean drag coefficient (0.231), whereas A-90 showed the highest (0.266). In the simulations, lower drag orientations consistently produced longer flight ranges, and the B-90 > A-90 ordering was preserved across representative launch conditions and the expanded parametric comparison. These findings indicate that the aerodynamic response of Trionda cannot be represented adequately by a single mean drag coefficient and that surface orientation should be considered in aerodynamic characterization and flight prediction. Full article

Styrene, a constituent of polystyrene food-contact materials, can migrate into hot beverages, but data on short-term consumer exposure and associated biological responses remain limited. In this single-arm longitudinal human biomonitoring pilot study, 40 healthy adults consumed tea or coffee daily in Styrofoam cups for approximately two weeks. Biomarkers were measured at baseline, day 6, and day 11, including urinary mandelic acid (MA) and phenylglyoxylic acid (PGA), salivary malondialdehyde (MDA), comet assay parameters in peripheral blood lymphocytes, and micronucleus (MN) frequency in buccal cells. Measured styrene migration into beverages ranged from 3.3 to 7.1 μg/L, below the World Health Organization guideline value. Urinary metabolites and salivary MDA showed substantial interindividual variability and no consistent temporal pattern. In contrast, generalized estimating equation models showed progressive increases in comet assay indicators over the exposure period. Tail intensity and tail moment increased over time, with stronger changes among participants consuming two cups daily. MN frequency did not change significantly. These findings suggest that repeated short-term consumption of hot beverages in polystyrene cups was associated with modest changes in selected early biomarkers of biological effect under consumer-use conditions. The results should be interpreted cautiously in light of the modest sample size, short follow-up, and absence of more specific mechanistic endpoints, but they support further study of repeated low-level exposure to food-contact materials. Full article

High-performance athletes are increasingly exposed to frequent trans-meridian travel, leading to profound circadian desynchronization and gastrointestinal distress. This review examines the complex interplay between the host’s central circadian system and the gut microbiota (GM), both of which exhibit synchronised daily oscillations essential for homeostasis. Rapid time-zone transitions, such as those anticipated for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, induce a state of “gut jet lag,” characterised by the loss of rhythmic microbial functions and impaired intestinal barrier integrity. Circadian misalignment is associated with increased systemic inflammation and disrupted metabolic regulation, which may contribute to impairments in cognitive performance, sleep quality, and muscle recovery. Critically, travel-induced dysbiosis may reduce the production of microbial metabolites, specifically short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These SCFAs serve as energy substrates that may enhance glucose uptake, lipid oxidation, and glycogen storage in skeletal muscle. Evidence suggests that travel-related stressors—including dehydration, psychological stress, and shifts toward highly processed diets—further exacerbate the loss of beneficial taxa. To mitigate these effects, this article proposes evidence-informed strategies: timed light exposure to reset the master clock, chronobiotic meal timing to entrain peripheral tissues, and targeted symbiotic supplementation to restore SCFA-producing populations. Integrating these personalised, evidence-informed protocols may support the optimisation of physiological resilience and performance. Full article

Purpose: Proton pump inhibitors are commonly used during oral anticoagulant therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation, but evidence regarding outcomes beyond upper gastrointestinal bleeding remains limited. We evaluated whether concomitant proton pump inhibitor use during oral anticoagulant therapy was associated with thromboembolic events, bleeding outcomes, and all-cause mortality. Methods: This retrospective multicenter cohort study included patients with atrial fibrillation who initiated oral anticoagulant therapy. Concomitant proton pump inhibitor use was modeled as a time-varying exposure with a prespecified 7-day lag. The primary outcome was a composite of thromboembolic events, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included each component outcome and gastrointestinal bleeding. Associations were estimated using time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models after multiple imputation of missing baseline variables. Results: Among 11,203 patients (median age 71 years [interquartile range 62–78]; 4743 women [42.3%]), 7-day lagged time-varying proton pump inhibitor exposure was associated with a higher risk of the composite outcome (hazard ratio 1.29, 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.55), major bleeding (1.80, 1.36–2.37), gastrointestinal bleeding (1.77, 1.18–2.66), and all-cause mortality (1.58, 1.00–2.48). No statistically significant association was observed for thromboembolic events. Across robustness analyses, the overall pattern was broadly maintained, although estimates varied according to exposure timing. Conclusions: In this observational cohort of patients with atrial fibrillation receiving oral anticoagulant therapy, concomitant proton pump inhibitor use modeled with a 7-day lagged time-varying framework was associated with higher risks of several bleeding-related outcomes and all-cause mortality, but not thromboembolism. These findings should be interpreted as associations rather than causal effects. Full article

Background: Mega-events like the FIFA World Cup (FWC) present unique and substantial challenges for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs), primarily by increasing the risk of relapse. We employed a qualitative design using reflexive thematic analysis to explore the behavior of patients with SUDs during the 2022 FWC and to evaluate institutional strategies for mitigating related risks. Methods: We purposively sampled 32 participants who were present at the Naufar Center during the 2022 FWC: (i) thirteen adult patients with SUDs who were receiving treatment, and (ii) nineteen healthcare practitioners. Semi-structured patient interviews were conducted, and focus group discussions were held with a multidisciplinary team, including psychologists, nurses, and physicians. Individuals’ experiences regarding patterns in substance use behavior, environmental triggers, and the effects of institutional interventions were examined. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns, risks, and effective strategies. Results: Most patients maintained abstinence and only had cravings for alcohol. Triggers included public celebrations, emotional excitement, and the increased availability of addictive substances. Psychologists and physicians reported signs of behavioral destabilization; nurses observed some behavioral changes and noted logistical challenges. The participants acknowledged the supportive measures provided by Naufar, including the accessibility of clinical services, individualized therapy, social and recreational programming, and protective fan zones, which enabled them to participate in various activities during the event. Conclusions: The 2022 FWC created considerable psychological and environmental triggers for high exposure to alcohol and other substances. The supportive structured activities and tailored interventions were helpful in mitigating the risk of relapse, maintaining treatment engagement and ensuring recovery. Further research is required to explore the implications for recovery-oriented practices during culturally and socially high-risk events. Full article

Humans rely heavily on vision for information-gathering, decision-making, and communication, making it difficult to imagine how our perception of the world might change if our primary sensory modality were entirely different. Dogs (Canis familiaris), for instance, rely as much or more on olfaction as on vision in information-gathering. Nonetheless, canine cognition research has largely emphasized visual tasks. In the present study (N = 48 dogs) we aim to begin to remedy this by designing an olfactory version of a prototypical dog-cognition experimental design: the object choice test. In the standard design, subjects respond to an experimenter’s pointing gesture to choose between two overturned cups, one of which is baited with a food treat. We extended this paradigm by adding trials using an “olfactory point” in place of the visual gesture. In these trials, two cotton strings extended from the cups toward the subject and converged in front of the subject. The string leading to the baited cup was scented with either the odor of the treat or the subject’s owner, while the string leading to the non-baited cup remained unscented as a control. Subjects followed both visual and olfactory points at rates significantly above chance. These findings suggest that dogs can use experimentally presented olfactory cues to guide choice behavior, supporting the development of experimental designs that better reflect species-specific sensory systems. Full article

This study systematically reviews the evolution of Qatar’s tourism sector to evaluate the historical barriers impeding its development and the strategic initiatives deployed to enhance destination competitiveness. The research’s primary aim is to provide a theory-driven longitudinal analysis of Qatar’s tourism evolution, identifying systemic barriers and adaptive responses required for long-term sustainability. Grounded in the theoretical synthesis of Butler’s Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) and Dynamic Capability Theory (DCT), the research employs a systematic literature review (SLR) guided by the PRISMA framework, screening 4846 records to analyze 24 final studies. The findings reveal five primary structural and perceptual barriers: a price–value mismatch (luxury perception), regional political instability, cultural and regulatory constraints, environmental vulnerabilities, and gaps in tourist infrastructure. Utilizing DCT, the results demonstrate how the destination exhibited adaptive governance by sensing these barriers and seizing strategic opportunities—such as mega-event hosting and visa reforms—to partially transform its tourism system. These insights highlight that while created resources drive initial visibility, sustaining long-term competitiveness and sustainable growth relies on continuous institutional reconfiguration and socio-cultural alignment. Full article

Methane, as an abundant and relatively clean resource, has primarily been converted into various chemical products via indirect conversion through synthesis gas, a mixture of CO and H₂. Recently, interest in direct methane conversion technologies with lower energy consumption has increased. Compared to research on methanol production via selective oxidation of methane, studies on the direct conversion of methane to acetic acid have been relatively scarce, but significant research progress has been made recently. This review classifies reports on the direct conversion of methane into acetic acid according to catalyst type (homogeneous vs. heterogeneous catalysts) and reaction conditions, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. A relatively high yield of acetic acid can be achieved using CO as a carbonylating agent. However, the direct conversion of methane and CO₂ into acetic acid is more attractive from an environmental perspective. Recent advances in the field of electrocatalysis for this purpose are noteworthy. Other non-thermal catalytic methods, including photocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, and plasma processes, are also included. Based on the current state-of-the-art research trends in this field, future research directions are proposed. Full article

Wind-tunnel experiments were conducted on Trionda, the official match ball of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Aerodynamic force coefficients derived from these measurements were incorporated into numerical trajectory simulations of kicked balls. The resulting aerodynamic characteristics and simulated flight behavior were compared with those of the four previous World Cup match balls: Al Rihla (2022), Telstar 18 (2018), Brazuca (2014), and Jabulani (2010). Relative to its predecessors, Trionda exhibits a drag crisis at lower flow speeds, consistent with an apparently rougher surface. Although its turbulent-regime drag coefficient is more stable than those of earlier designs, its magnitude is modestly larger. Trajectory simulations therefore indicate the potential for small but perceptible reductions in range for long kicks. This study therefore provides the first aerodynamic characterization of the 2026 FIFA World Cup match ball (Trionda) and places its drag-crisis behavior and flight characteristics in direct quantitative comparison with those of recent World Cup balls examined under identical experimental conditions. Full article