Search Results (35,623)

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) in Oman, necessitating targeted healthcare planning and patient support. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on MS management and disease course, incidence, and outcomes of COVID-19, psychosocial and mental health effects of the pandemic, and demographic and clinical predictors of the effects related to COVID-19 among Omani PwMS. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2021. Adult (18–60 years) Omani PwMS completed a structured interview along with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and World Health Organization Well-being Index (WHO-5). Clinical data on relapses and disease-modifying therapies and adherence were analyzed. The data was statistically analyzed. (3) Results: Of 104 PwMS (73.1% female), 22.1% contracted COVID-19, with fatigue being the most reported symptom (87%). Female sex (p = 0.042), younger age (18–34 vs. 35–45 years; p = 0.014), diagnosis of COVID-19 (p = 0.037), and low current mental well-being scores (p = 0.021) predicted greater COVID-19-related effects. (4) Conclusion: These findings highlight the need to study the mental resilience of this subgroup of PwMS and provide them with targeted support during crises. Full article

This study introduces xylitol, a natural compound, as a multifunctional additive to enhance the performance of alkali-activated slag/fly ash materials (AASFMs). A systematic investigation was conducted to elucidate xylitol’s mechanism in modifying AASFM properties, including fresh behavior, hydration kinetics, compressive strength, and autogenous shrinkage. The experimental findings demonstrated that xylitol significantly delayed early-age hydration while promoting more extensive hydration at later stages. Specifically, the initial and final setting times of AASFM pastes were extended by 640% and 370%, respectively, and paste flowability increased by 30%. At a 0.2% dosage, xylitol markedly reduced porosity and refined the microstructure of AASFMs, leading to improved mechanical properties. The 3-day and 28-day compressive strengths were enhanced by 39.8% and 39.7%, respectively, while autogenous shrinkage was suppressed by 61.4%. These results demonstrate the multifunctional potential of xylitol in AASFMs, serving as an effective retarder, plasticizer, strength enhancer, and shrinkage reducer. Notably, the refined pore structure induced by xylitol may also mitigate the risks of the alkali–silica reaction, though further durability validation is warranted. Full article

Background: Varicella remains a prevalent vaccine-preventable disease, but breakthrough infections are increasingly reported. However, long-term, population-based studies investigating the temporal and demographic characteristics of breakthrough varicella remain limited. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed surveillance data from Jinhua City, China, from 2016 to 2024. Varicella case records were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention (CISDCP), while vaccination data were retrieved from the Zhejiang Provincial Immunization Program Information System (ISIS). Breakthrough cases were defined as infections occurring more than 42 days after administration of the varicella vaccine. Differences in breakthrough interval were analyzed across subgroups defined by dose, sex, age, population category, and vaccination type. A bivariate cubic regression model was used to assess the combined effect of initial vaccination age and dose interval on the breakthrough interval. Results: Among 28,778 reported varicella cases, 7373 (25.62%) were classified as breakthrough infections, with a significant upward trend over the 9-year period (p < 0.001). Most cases occurred in school-aged children, especially those aged 6–15 years. One-dose recipients consistently showed shorter breakthrough intervals than two-dose recipients (M = 62.10 vs. 120.10 months, p < 0.001). Breakthrough intervals also differed significantly by sex, age group, population category, and vaccination type (p < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed a negative correlation between the initial vaccination age, the dose interval, and the breakthrough interval (R² = 0.964, p < 0.001), with earlier and closely spaced vaccinations associated with longer protection. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that a two-dose varicella vaccination schedule, when initiated at an earlier age and administered with a shorter interval between doses, provides more robust and longer-lasting protection. These results offer strong support for incorporating varicella vaccination into China’s National Immunization Program to enhance vaccine coverage and reduce the public health burden associated with breakthrough infections. Full article

This study investigated the possibility of partial replacement of genetically modified soybean meal (SBM) with raw white lupin (WL) seeds in growing pigs’ diets and determined its impact on performance [body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI)], meat quality, and fatty acid profile (FA). A total of 54 male crossbred pigs [(Topigs Large White × Norsvin Landrace) × Duroc], aged 12 weeks, with an initial average BW of 30.30 ± 0.77 kg, were divided into three dietary groups of 18 piglets each. The control group (CON) was fed a standardized SBM-based complete feed. In the experimental groups (WL1 and WL2) the SBM was replaced with increasing levels of WL seeds [WL1-5.0% and WL2-10.0% (grower period, 30–60 kg BW), and WL1-7.0% and WL2-14.0% (finisher period, 61–110 kg BW)]. All diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous with similar content of total lysine and sulphur amino acids, calcium, and available phosphorus. At the end of 83 days’ fattening trial, the animals were slaughtered. Longissimus dorsi muscle (LD) was sampled for analyses of the physicochemical traits. The results show that increasing the dietary raw WL concentration decreased final BW (p = 0.039), ADG (p < 0.0001), and ADFI (p = 0.004) throughout the experimental period, especially in the second phase of feeding. Dietary treatments did not affect the pigs’ blood biochemical constituents. Concerning LD muscle characteristics, the redness color (a*) and collagen content was higher (p < 0.0001) in the WL1/WL2 vs. CON group. Beneficial decrease in the values of some textural attributes (hardness, gumminess, chewiness, and resilience) of LD in the WL1/WL2 vs. CON group was registered. The use of WL had a significant effect on the content of FAs, especially for eicosapentaenoic (p = 0.014) and n-3 PUFA (p = 0.045), which were higher than those fed the CON diet. In conclusion, WL could be used as a replacement of SBM in growing–finishing pigs’ diets, with significant improvements in the meat fatty acid profile and technological properties. Full article

A series of 6:2 fluorotelomer ethoxylates (FTEOs) has been recently detected in human serum. Whether it has the potential to disrupt lipid metabolism in human populations remains largely unexplored. This study quantified serum concentrations of 6:2 FTEOs in 237 healthy Chinese adults, examined the gender- and age-specific differences in serum levels of 6:2 FTEOs, and investigated the associations between serum levels of 6:2 FTEOs and lipid profiles for the first time. Nine 6:2 FTEO homologues were detected in collected human serum, with detection frequencies of 22–81%. 6:2 FTEO8 and 6:2 FTEO9 were the more abundant 6:2 FTEO homologues in human serum, displaying the mean levels of 0.69 ng/mL (range < LOD–7.36 ng/mL) and 0.71 ng/mL (<LOD–8.12 ng/mL), respectively. Male participants had much higher (p < 0.05) mean serum levels of 6:2 FTEO6 (0.61 vs. 0.31 ng/mL), 6:2 FTEO7 (0.44 vs. 0.21 ng/mL), 6:2 FTEO8 (0.91 vs. 0.38 ng/mL), and 6:2 FTEO11 (0.35 vs. 0.18 ng/mL) than female subjects. Correlation analysis revealed a significantly positive relationship (p < 0.01) between the age of participants and human serum concentrations of 6:2 FTEO6–6:2 FTEO11. Multivariate linear regression identified significant positive associations between specific 6:2 FTEO homologues (e.g., 6:2 FTEO6, 6:2 FTEO8–6:2 FTEO10) and elevated total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental illness, accelerated cognitive decline, and deepened social inequalities. In low and middle-income countries (LMIC) such as Panama, it is unclear as to whether, and to what extent, the pandemic lockdowns affected cognitive, mental, and physical health of older adults. This study investigated changes in cognitive function, mental health, and physical health in a sample of Panamanian older adults assessed before and during the pandemic, and examined whether sociodemographic variables were associated with cognition and mental health. Participants completed in-person interviews between 2018 and early 2020 and a follow-up telephone interview between February and May 2021. Repeated measures analyses showed no significant changes in cognitive function or depression; however, participants reported fewer chronic illnesses. Linear regression analysis indicated that higher cognitive function during the pandemic was associated with younger age, higher education, and having sufficient income. An attrition analysis compared participants who completed both interviews to those who were lost to follow-up, revealing that participants who dropped out of the study had lower socioeconomic status and greater impairment at baseline. These findings highlight the need for targeted support for vulnerable older adults during public health crises. Full article

This study investigated the psychological factors related to the enjoyment of playing musical instruments among Chinese adults. Additionally, it verified a model that can predict enjoyment using psychological variables, demographic profiles, and variables related to music to provide useful information and knowledge for further studies and interventions. The participants were 416 male and female Chinese adults aged 20–68 years. Predictive models were examined using stepwise regression and decision-tree analyses. The results revealed that extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and hardiness were positively correlated with the enjoyment of playing musical instruments, whereas the behavioral activation system (BAS) and behavioral inhibition system (BIS) showed negative correlations. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that fun-seeking accounted for the greatest variance in enjoyment in playing musical instruments. Fun-seeking, agreeableness, openness, self-directedness, and conscientiousness accounted for approximately 27.2% of the variance in enjoyment in playing musical instruments among Chinese adults. The decision-tree model included enjoyment of music class in childhood, self-directedness, age, experience playing musical instruments, experience growing up in a family that enjoys music, extraversion, and agreeableness. These findings suggest that psychological variables such as fun-seeking and agreeableness may play a more important role in Chinese adults’ enjoyment of playing musical instruments. Full article

The Chating Cu-Au and Magushan Cu-Mo deposits in Anhui province are two representative deposits within the recently defined Nanling-Xuancheng ore concentration area in the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt (MLYB). Magmatism and mineralization for the area are not well known at present due to a lack of in-depth studies on the petrogenesis of ore-bearing intrusive rocks and their relationship with deposits. Here, the ore-bearing intrusive rocks of the two deposits are investigated through analyses of whole-rock geochemistry and Sr-Nd isotopes, zircon U-Pb ages, and zircon Hf isotopes. The results reflect the two intrusions, both formed in the Early Cretaceous (138.9 ± 0.8 Ma and 132.2 ± 1.3 Ma). They belong to the sub-alkaline high-K calc-alkaline series, while trace elements are enriched in LILEs and LREE and depleted in HFSEs. However, the intrusions of the Chating deposit (I_sr = 0.7064–0.7068; ε_Nd(t) = −8.5–−7.3; ε_Hf(t) = −11.9–−7.0) have obviously different Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions from the intrusions of the Magushan deposit (I_sr = 0.7079–0.7081; ε_Nd(t) = −5.7–−5.4; ε_Hf(t) = −5.4–−3.6). The characteristics indicate that the two intrusions were formed in the same diagenetic ages and tectonic settings and derived from a crust–mantle mixture with predominant mantle-derived materials. But the crust materials of sources are different, which further leads to different metallogenic elements, showing that the Chating deposit is enriched in Cu and Au, while the Magushan deposit is enriched in Mo. Moreover, the characteristics and magma sources of two intrusions and metallogenic elements correspond respectively to the Tongling Cu-Au polymetallic ore concentration area in the MLYB and the southern Anhui Mo polymetallic ore concentration area in the Jiangnan orogen. The correlation implies differences in magmatism and mineralization between the northwestern and southeastern parts of the Nanling-Xuancheng ore concentration area, demarcated by the Jiangnan Deep Fault. These variations were mainly controlled by the Pre-Sinian crustal basement. Full article

Background: China is confronted with the dual challenges of deeply interwoven population aging and the digitalization process. The digital integration and mental health issues of the elderly group are becoming increasingly prominent. Objectives: The present study aimed to analyze the pathways through which individual, family, and social factors influence Internet use in the elderly through a multi-level analysis framework, to examine the association between Internet use and mental health with a view to providing empirical evidence for digital technology-based mental health intervention programs for the elderly, and to promote the scientific practice of the goal of healthy aging. Methods: Based on the data of the 2021 China General Social Survey (CGSS) and provincial Internet development indicators, a mixed cross-sectional dataset was constructed. Logistic hierarchical regression and OLS regression methods were adopted to systematically investigate the multi-level factors associated with Internet use among the elderly group and its association with mental health. Results: The results indicate that individual resources (younger age, higher education level, and good health status) and family technical support (family members’ Internet access) are strongly associated with Internet usage among the elderly, while regional Internet penetration rate appears to operate indirectly through micro-mechanisms. Analysis of the association with mental health showed that Internet use was related to a lower score of depressive tendency (p < 0.05), and this association remained robust after controlling for variables at the individual, family, and social levels. Conclusions: The research results provide empirical evidence for the health promotion policies for the elderly, advocating the construction of a collaborative intervention framework of “individual ability improvement–intergenerational family support–social adaptation for the elderly” to bridge the digital divide and promote the digital integration of the elderly population in China. Full article

Isotopic investigations focused on determining the mobility and provenance of ancient human civilizations and sourcing of archeological artifacts continue to gain prominence in archeology. Most studies focus on the premise that the geographic variation in isotope systems of interest (e.g., Sr, Pb, Nd, O) in the natural environment is recorded in both human hard tissues of local individuals and raw materials sourced for artifacts within the same region. The introduction of multi-collection–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) and laser ablation systems are techniques that consume smaller sample sizes compared to previous mass spectrometric approaches due to their higher ionization efficiency and increased sensitivity. This development has facilitated the isotopic measurement of trace elements present at low abundances (e.g., Pb, Nd, <1-to-low ppm range) particularly in human tooth enamel. Accurate interpretation of any isotope ratio measurement for the proveniencing of such low-abundance samples requires the adequate evaluation of post-mortem diagenetic alteration. A synopsis of practices currently in use for identifying post-mortem alteration in human archeological samples is discussed here. Post-mortem shifts in radiogenic isotope signatures resulting from secondary alteration are distinct from those potentially related to the impact of climate change on the bioavailable budgets for these elements. This topic is of interest to the archeological community and discussed here in the context of Holocene-aged samples from burial sites within the Nile River Valley System, and preferred dust source areas from the neighboring Sahara Desert. Full article

With increasing interest in natural therapeutic strategies for skin aging, plant-derived compounds have gained attention for their potential to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects of flavonoids isolated from Cercidiphyllum japonicum using a tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-stimulated normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) model. The aerial parts of C. japonicum were extracted and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), leading to the identification of four major compounds: maltol, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, and quercitrin. Each compound was evaluated for its antioxidant and anti-aging activities in TNF-α-stimulated NHDFs. Among them, ellagic acid exhibited the most potent biological activity and was selected for further mechanistic analysis. Ellagic acid significantly suppressed intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) secretion (both p < 0.001), while markedly increasing type I procollagen production (p < 0.01). Mechanistic studies demonstrated that ellagic acid inhibited TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), downregulated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and upregulated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a key antioxidant enzyme. Additionally, ellagic acid attenuated the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), indicating its broad modulatory effects on oxidative and inflammatory pathways. Collectively, these findings suggest that ellagic acid is a promising plant-derived bioactive compound with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offering potential as a therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of skin aging. Full article

Sepsis-induced myocardial injury is age-related and leads to increased mortality. Considering the importance of mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiac impairment, we aimed to investigate whether aging exacerbates the cardiac mitochondrial metabolic response to inflammation, thus leading to increased cardiac dysfunction in the elderly. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was conducted in young adult (12–18 weeks) and aged (19–21 months) male C57BL/6 mice. Cardiac function was detected 20 h post-CLP. Additionally, cardiomyocytes isolated from young adult and aged male mice were used for assessments of mitochondrial respiratory function +/– TNFα or LPS. Protein levels of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), NADPH oxidase (NOX)2, NOX4, phosphor-STAT3 and STAT3 were determined in mouse hearts 24 h post-CLP and in cardiomyocytes following inflammatory stimuli. CLP significantly reduced cardiac contractility in both young and aged mice, with a higher incidence and greater severity of cardiac functional depression in the older group. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity was decreased in cardiomyocytes derived from aged mice, with increased susceptible to inflammatory toxic effects compared to those from young adult mice. The age-dependent changes were observed in myocardial OXPHOS complexes and NOX4. Importantly, CLP led to a significant increase in OXPHOS protein levels in the hearts of older mice, suggesting a possible compensatory response to decreased mitochondrial metabolic function and a greater potential for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Our findings highlight that the response of aging-impaired mitochondria to inflammation may underlie the worsened cardiac functional depression in the aged group during sepsis. Full article

Variants in COL4A3 and COL4A4 cause autosomal dominant and recessive Alport syndrome, yet data on their distribution and clinical expression in different populations remain limited. This study investigated genotype–phenotype correlations and the distribution of COL4A3/COL4A4 variants in a Lithuanian Alport syndrome cohort. A total of 221 individuals from Lithuania were analyzed for COL4A3 and COL4A4 variants using either next-generation sequencing or Sanger sequencing in order to assess variant distribution and associated clinical features. Only individuals with pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or uncertain significance variants were included. Fifty-two individuals (38 index cases) with pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or variants of uncertain significance were identified, as follows: forty-eight were heterozygous, four had autosomal recessive, and four had digenic Alport syndrome. COL4A3 variants were found in 9.5% (21/221) and COL4A4 in 17.6% (39/221). Among the 28 identified variants, 18 were novel. Glycine substitutions (n = 8) were the most frequent and associated with worse kidney outcomes and increased hearing abnormalities. Hematuria was diagnosed significantly earlier than proteinuria (p = 0.05). Most individuals with autosomal dominant Alport syndrome had normal kidney function (eGFR > 90 mL/min/1.73 m²), while those with autosomal recessive Alport syndrome had more severe disease. Kidney failure occurred in 2/4 (50%) autosomal recessive Alport syndrome and 2/48 (4%) autosomal dominant Alport syndrome cases. A significant inverse correlation was found between eGFR and age in proteinuric individuals (r = –0.737; p = 0.013). This study expands knowledge of Alport syndrome in the Lithuanian population and contributes novel variant data to the global Alport syndrome genetic database. Full article

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate caries experience in correlation with self-reported oral health-related habits in a sample of blind and low-vision individuals in Croatia. Methods: The study is a part of the research in the “Project for Oral Health Promotion in Blind and Visually Impaired Persons” conducted at the Zagreb University School of Dental Medicine from 2014 to 2018. The final sample consisted of 85 adults: 42 females and 43 males; 50 blind and 35 low-vision individuals, age range 18–98. The assessment included dental examination and a questionnaire. Results: The median DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) index score was 17.0 (IQR = 12.5–22.0), with no significant difference between sexes or between blind and low-vision individuals. The occurrence of untreated caries was low (median D-component = 1.0), while the median F-component was 6.0. There was a significant increase in M-component and DMFT in older age groups. The number of untreated caries (D-component) was significantly correlated with consummation of soft drinks and smoking. Total DMFT did not correlate with frequency of tooth brushing, time since last dental visit, smoking, or level of education. Conclusions: This study revealed high caries experience among blind and visually impaired individuals that did not correlate with factors that normally influence oral health. Similar results were found in the control group, reflecting a 30-year post-war period without organized preventive care. The low number of decayed teeth reflects the availability of public dental care in Croatia; however, preventive care should be provided for both this vulnerable group and the general population. Full article

The retina is highly sensitive to oxygen and blood supply, and hypoxia plays a key role in retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Müller glial cells, which are essential for retinal homeostasis, respond to injury and hypoxia with reactive gliosis, characterized by the upregulation of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin, cellular hypertrophy, and extracellular matrix changes, which can impair retinal function and repair. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) supports photoreceptors, forms part of the blood–retinal barrier, and protects against oxidative stress; its dysfunction contributes to retinal degenerative diseases such as AMD, retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and Stargardt disease (SD). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in intercellular communication, protein homeostasis, and immune modulation, and have emerged as promising diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Understanding the role of extracellular vesicles’ (EVs’) signaling machinery of glial cells and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is critical for developing effective treatments for retinal degeneration. In this study, we investigated the bidirectional EV-mediated crosstalk between RPE and Müller cells under hypoxic conditions and its impact on cellular metabolism and retinal cell integrity. Our findings demonstrate that RPE-derived extracellular vesicles (RPE EVs) induce time-dependent metabolic reprogramming in Müller cells. Short-term exposure (24 h) promotes pathways supporting neurotransmitter cycling, calcium and mineral absorption, and glutamate metabolism, while prolonged exposure (72 h) shifts Müller cell metabolism toward enhanced mitochondrial function and ATP production. Conversely, Müller cell-derived EVs under hypoxia influenced RPE metabolic pathways, enhancing fatty acid metabolism, intracellular vesicular trafficking, and the biosynthesis of mitochondrial co-factors such as ubiquinone. Proteomic analysis revealed significant modulation of key regulatory proteins. In Müller cells, hypoxic RPE-EV exposure led to reduced expression of Dyskerin Pseudouridine Synthase 1 (DKc1), Eukaryotic Translation Termination Factor 1 (ETF1), and Protein Ser/Thr phosphatases (PPP2R1B), suggesting alterations in RNA processing, translational fidelity, and signaling. RPE cells exposed to hypoxic Müller cell EVs exhibited elevated Ribosome-binding protein 1 (RRBP1), RAC1/2, and Guanine Nucleotide-Binding Protein G(i) Subunit Alpha-1 (GNAI1), supporting enhanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function and cytoskeletal remodeling. Functional assays also revealed the compromised barrier integrity of the outer blood–retinal barrier (oBRB) under hypoxic co-culture conditions. These results underscore the adaptive but time-sensitive nature of retinal cell communication via EVs in response to hypoxia. Targeting this crosstalk may offer novel therapeutic strategies to preserve retinal structure and function in ischemic retinopathies. Full article