Search Results (1,497)

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with systemic alterations in body composition, including muscle mass loss and fat redistribution, which may influence patient-reported outcomes. However, the independent contribution of bioimpedance-derived parameters, particularly phase angle, to quality of life (QoL) remains unclear. Methods: This exploratory pilot study included 75 clinically stable patients with moderate-to-severe COPD (GOLD stages II–III). Body composition was assessed using segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis with the InBody 770 system. Evaluated parameters included fat-free mass (FFM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), percent body fat (PBF), visceral fat area (VFA), extracellular water-to-total body water ratio (ECW/TBW), bone mineral content (BMC), and phase angle (PhA). Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Associations between body composition parameters and QoL domains were analyzed using Spearman correlation analysis and multivariable linear regression models. Results: Despite a median body mass index (BMI) within the normal range (23.4 kg/m²), body fat mass exceeded reference values in both men and women. Fat-free mass and skeletal muscle mass were located near the lower range of expected values. Correlation analysis demonstrated predominantly weak associations between body composition parameters and QoL domains. Significant positive correlations were identified between the psychological QoL domain and fat-free mass (ρ = 0.238, p = 0.041), skeletal muscle mass (ρ = 0.240, p = 0.040), basal metabolic rate (ρ = 0.236, p = 0.043), and bone mineral content (ρ = 0.249, p = 0.033). In multivariable regression models, fat-free mass and skeletal muscle mass demonstrated consistent positive associations with both physical and psychological QoL domains. Whole-body and segmental phase angle parameters did not demonstrate significant associations with QoL outcomes. Conclusions: In patients with COPD, BMI alone may inadequately reflect underlying alterations in body composition. Muscle-related parameters, particularly fat-free mass and skeletal muscle mass, demonstrated more consistent associations with physical and psychological aspects of quality of life than obesity-related indicators. These findings suggest that bioelectrical impedance analysis may provide additional clinically relevant information beyond BMI when assessing body composition and quality of life in patients with COPD. Full article

Background: Numerous gene variants are linked to an individual’s propensity to become overweight or obese. A commonly studied gene variant is the FTO single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs9939609. The FTO risk (A/-) allele associated with this SNP is linked with increased body fat percentage, body mass, BMI, and other lifestyle factors that may perpetuate an individual’s risk for obesity. This study investigated dietary behaviors in individuals engaged in varying levels of physical activity with and without the FTO risk allele. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, adults completed the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R18) and Food Craving Inventory (FCI) to assess dietary behaviors. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (in-body analyses). Results: Findings indicated that individuals with the FTO risk allele exhibited higher levels of cognitive restraint. No other significant differences were reported in all outcomes between groups. Regression analyses found that physical activity was significantly associated with multiple dietary behaviors (emotional eating, cravings for sweets, the behavioral aspect of fried and sweet cravings), while the FTO risk allele was related to higher cognitive restraint and lower behavioral fried food cravings. Conclusions: Combined, these findings indicate that anthropometric measures and most dietary behaviors did not differ across FTO risk variants in physically active individuals, although individuals with higher-risk genotypes exhibited greater cognitive restraint. Full article

Background: Muscle function determines overall health and is often impaired in metabolic syndrome and cancer, largely due to oxidative stress and inflammation. Olive mill wastewater (OMWW) is rich in bioactive polyphenols (e.g., hydroxytyrosol and verbascoside) that may hinder these potential pro-sarcopenic mechanisms, representing a potential nutraceutical to limit muscle health decline. Objective: To evaluate the effects of short-term supplementation with an OMWW-derived polyphenol extract (Oliphenolia^®, OMWW-OL) on muscle-related parameters and antioxidant biomarkers in adults at metabolic risk while maintaining dietary habits. Methods: This exploratory, hypothesis-driven secondary analysis was based on a single-arm longitudinal pilot study assessing patients at baseline (T0), after 30 days of supplementation (T1), and 30 days post-discontinuation (T2). Anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance, and biochemical assessments were performed. Results: Supplementation was associated with modest increases in skeletal muscle mass, muscle mass percentage, and wrist, arm, and calf circumferences. Fat mass decreased progressively, while total body water percentage and hydration status improved. Ferritin levels rose at T2, alongside increases in protein thiols (PSH) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), suggesting improved iron status and reduced oxidative stress. Body weight and BMI decreased, as expected in a dietary intervention for metabolic syndrome, while muscle health showed a tendency toward improvement. Conclusions: Although the findings require cautious interpretation, short-term OMWW-OL supplementation was associated with modest but consistent directional changes in muscle-related and metabolic indicators in adults at metabolic risk. The results support hypothesis generation and highlight the need for larger studies to further explore the potential role of OMWW-OL in the context of cancer-associated sarcopenia. Full article

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the associations between dietary branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) intake and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) as well as handgrip strength in Chinese adults. Methods: A total of 36,086 observations (54.32 ± 14.63 y) were included from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) across three waves (2015, 2018, and 2022–2024). ASM was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and handgrip strength was measured using a digital dynamometer. Dietary BCAA intake was assessed using three consecutive 24 h dietary recalls and adjusted for energy intake. Multilinear mixed-effect models were employed to examine the longitudinal association between BCAA intake and ASM. Multivariable regression was used to assess the cross-sectional association between BCAA intake and handgrip strength. Results: Dietary BCAA intake was significantly associated with ASM (β = 0.074, p < 0.05) with adjustment for potential confounding factors. This estimated positive effect increased with age in both males and females, and was consistently stronger in males. Compared with the lowest quintile (Q1), Q4 of dietary BCAA intake had higher handgrip strength (β = 0.721, p < 0.001). Stratified analyses showed that this association was more pronounced in males (Q4 vs. Q1: β = 1.016, p = 0.005) and in participants aged ≥65 years (Q4 vs. Q1: β = 1.024, p = 0.008). Conclusions: Dietary BCAA intake is recommended to maintain muscle mass and strength in Chinese adults. Full article

Background/Objectives: Evidence-based nutritional recommendations for obesity management require understanding of sex-specific and age-specific body composition patterns and their associations with metabolic biomarkers, habitual dietary intake and chronic low-grade inflammation. This study aimed to characterize body composition phenotypes in a large clinical cohort of adults with obesity, to evaluate associated metabolic and inflammatory biomarker patterns, to contextualise these patterns against habitual nutrient intake assessed in a dietary subcohort, and to derive age- and sex-specific nutritional recommendations based on the identified patterns. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 29,544 adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30; 21,374 women, 8170 men; age 30–69) who underwent multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA; InBody 770). Biochemical assessments (fasting glucose, lipid profile, uric acid, HbA1c, insulin) were available for 2019 hospitalized patients from the same population. Habitual dietary intake was quantitatively assessed in a dietary subcohort of 423 patients using the validated Russian software-based questionnaire “Scientific Nutrition Analysis Tool”. Inflammatory biomarkers (high-sensitivity CRP, IL-6) and adipokines (leptin, adiponectin) together with serum 25(OH)D were measured in an inflammation/adipokine subcohort of 116 patients. A body composition phenotype with low relative muscle mass and high visceral fat (VFA ≥ 100 cm²) was defined using FNIH criteria (ALM/BMI < 0.789 men, <0.512 women). Benjamini–Hochberg FDR correction (q < 0.05) was applied for multiple comparisons. Results: The body composition phenotype prevalence increased progressively with age: men 24.6% (30–39) to 42.0% (60–69); women 10.3% (30–39) to 31.8% (60–69). Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) was positively associated with uric acid (r = +0.347, p < 0.001, FDR q < 0.05) and inversely associated with HDL-cholesterol (r = −0.321, p < 0.001, FDR q < 0.05)—both associations with direct nutritional implications. BMI was associated with fasting insulin (r = +0.233, p < 0.001, FDR q < 0.05). Women showed significant age-related metabolic differences between the 30–39 and 60–69 age groups: fasting glucose +12.9%, triglycerides +34.8%, uric acid +15.0% (all p < 0.001); in men, significant differences were observed for fasting glucose (+7.0%) and HbA1c (+5.2%) (both p < 0.001), while lipid parameters did not reach significance. In the dietary subcohort, habitual saturated-fat intake exceeded recommended values in 70–72% of patients of both sexes, dietary fibre intake was below recommended levels in 73–85%, and habitual calcium intake decreased significantly with age in women (1022 → 746 mg/day, p = 0.028). Serum CRP was elevated (median 5.59 mg/L, n = 59). In a separate extended laboratory subcohort, serum oestradiol declined markedly with age in women (55.0 → 16.8 pmol/L between 30–39 and 50–59 years, p < 0.001), consistent with the menopausal transition; serum testosterone in men remained stable across age groups; and 25(OH)D insufficiency (<30 ng/mL) was prevalent in 49.7–55.8% of patients. Conclusions: The identified sex-specific and age-specific body composition patterns provide a rationale, supported by observed dietary and inflammatory patterns, for targeted nutritional intervention: increased dietary protein, omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, low-glycemic-index dietary patterns, and purine restriction with hyperuricemia. Routine BIA-based nutritional screening combined with quantitative dietary assessment should begin at age 30, with preventive monitoring at age 40 and intensification of control at age 50, to guide personalized dietary planning in obesity. Full article

Sarcopenia in inflammatory bowel disease can significantly influence disease course. Since current assessment focuses mainly on muscle quantity, we aimed to evaluate muscle function in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients and identify those at increased risk of muscle function impairment. This cross-sectional study included 84 patients with CD (76.2% male, mean age 35 ± 11 years) receiving infliximab. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis, muscle strength by handgrip strength (HGS), and physical performance by gait speed. Half of the cohort demonstrated reduced muscle strength relative to age- and sex-adjusted norms, while none met criteria for confirmed sarcopenia. One third of the patients had low physical performance and only one patient screened positive for sarcopenia. In multivariable linear regression, sex was the strongest independent predictor of HGS (p < 0.001), followed by ileocolonic disease localization, which was independently associated with lower HGS compared to ileal (p = 0.045) and colonic (p = 0.046). Hemoglobin remained an independent predictor of HGS after multivariable adjustment (p = 0.021). Low muscle strength is common in patients with CD treated with infliximab, even in the absence of low muscle mass. Ileocolonic disease localization and lower hemoglobin levels are predictors of low muscle strength, highlighting the importance of early and comprehensive muscle function assessment in this population. Full article

Neuronal excitability manifests itself mainly in the form of non-linear, self-regenerative waves of electricity moving along the surface of neuronal axons. These waves are commonly known as action potentials (APs). Theoretical and experimental investigations of the physical and functional characteristics of APs have broadly followed along the lines of the ionic hypothesis and the associated mathematical model introduced by Hodgkin and Huxley (HH). In the current form of this bioelectrical framework, adopted in mainstream physiology and other biological sciences, the axonal membrane is conceptualized as an electronic circuit where electric current is generated and propelled as a result of the time-dependent opening and closure of voltage-operated ion channel proteins, allowing passive flow of specific ions across and along the membrane, powered by their respective electrochemical gradients. Although representing mainstream research, the bioelectric perspective has been criticized for its narrow focus on the electrical characteristics of APs, whilst ignoring other physical manifestations of the nerve signal, particularly mechanical and thermal changes coinciding with AP propagation. As an alternative, a macroscopic thermodynamics-based acoustic theory has been outlined, in which all electric and non-electric manifestations of the nerve signal are considered as a result of a single density pulse in the axonal membrane carried by a reversible lipid membrane phase transition and momentum conservation. Representing a minority view, however, this unified, acoustic perspective on the physical nature of neuronal excitability is largely ignored by representatives of the bioelectric perspective. Here, we draw special attention to the philosophical dimension of the communication failure between the two communities of scientists. We argue that adherents of the bioelectric perspective favor a mechanist type of explanation, whilst supporters of the acoustic perspective are committed to so-called covering-law types of explanation. We conclude that it is this thus far unrecognized philosophical rift, rather than specific scientific differences in opinion, that blocks fruitful interdisciplinary cooperation necessary for building a comprehensive, fully integrated notion of the physical nature of neuronal excitability. Suggestions of how to bridge this conceptual gap are formulated. Full article

Peripheral nerve injuries cause profound medical and socioeconomic consequences. Despite substantial microsurgical advances, including nerve autografting, nerve transfers, and the commercial availability of effective conduits, functional recovery remains incomplete for most patients. Current outcomes underscore the need for novel adjunctive therapies capable of enhancing axonal regeneration, accelerating reinnervation, and mitigating denervation-induced target atrophy. Tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor widely used in organ transplantation, has emerged as a potent immunomodulatory and neuroregenerative agent. However, its systemic use is constrained by severe dose-limiting toxicities and metabolic derangements. This limitation has driven a paradigm shift toward localized tacrolimus delivery, leveraging biomaterials to achieve therapeutic drug concentrations at the repair site while minimizing systemic toxicity. This review synthesizes the state-of-the-art advances in biomaterial-based tacrolimus local delivery systems. We highlight biological mechanisms underlying tacrolimus-mediated neuroregeneration and immunomodulation. Engineering strategies including nerve conduits, wraps, injectable hydrogels, electrospun scaffolds, and stimuli-responsive carriers are discussed, with attention to polymeric composition, fabrication technologies, degradation kinetics, and pharmacological performance. We also explored the regulatory, manufacturing, and scalability challenges inherent to drug–device combination products. Finally, we identify emerging directions including multimodal biomaterials that integrate tacrolimus with trophic factors, extracellular vesicles, or bioelectrical stimulation. Collectively, biomaterial-enabled tacrolimus delivery represents a transformative strategy to bridge traditional nerve surgical repair and functional recovery. This review provides a roadmap for future interdisciplinary innovation at the interface of biomaterials science, neurobiology, pharmacology, and surgery. Full article

The valorization of dairy industry by-products and simultaneous energy recovery remain important challenges in sustainable waste management. In this study, waste buttermilk was evaluated as a substrate for bioelectricity generation in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) equipped with a gas diffusion anode (GDE) and non-precious metal cathodes. Three electrode configurations were investigated: GDE/GDE, GDE/Cu–B, and GDE/Ni–Co. Stable operation was achieved for all MFC systems, confirming that waste buttermilk can support electroactive biofilm development. The GDE/Ni–Co configuration exhibited the highest performance, reaching a maximum power density of 25 mW·m⁻², compared to 22 mW·m⁻² and 17 mW·m⁻² for GDE/Cu–B and GDE/GDE, respectively. Coulombic efficiency ranged from 10.83% to 18.82%, depending on the electrode system. A cyclic performance decrease was observed, likely caused by membrane fouling and electrode surface blockage. The results indicate that waste buttermilk can be utilized for simultaneous waste treatment and energy recovery in MFC systems, although further optimization is required to improve long-term stability. Full article

Background/Objectives: University students frequently exhibit suboptimal dietary habits, and even those enrolled in nutrition-related programmes may fail to meet recommended intakes of several key nutrients. This study aimed to assess changes in dietary intake and body composition over a single academic semester among university nutrition students. Methods: A prospective pre–post study was conducted with 102 students at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague. Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day food record and evaluated for energy, macronutrients, and specific micronutrients. Body composition was measured by a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Changes between baseline and follow-up were analysed using paired statistical tests with the false discovery rate correction. Predictors of follow-up body fat percentage were examined using an analysis of covariance. Results: At baseline, mean daily energy intake was 2114 ± 632 kcal. A particularly low intake was observed for dietary fibre (15.45 ± 8.46 g/day), potassium (2013 ± 954 mg/day), iodine (63.5 ± 69.8 µg/day), and vitamin D (2.31 ± 3.01 µg/day), whereas protein intake was relatively high. During follow-up, significant increases were observed in the intake of carbohydrates (+54.2 g/day), dietary fibre (+9.3 g/day), potassium (+766 mg/day), vitamin C (+69.2 mg/day), and magnesium (+86.2 mg/day), together with lower sodium and saturated fat intake (all adjusted p < 0.001). No significant short-term changes were found in body weight, body fat percentage, or skeletal muscle mass. Follow-up body fat percentage was primarily associated with baseline adiposity. Conclusions: One semester of nutrition-related education was associated with improved dietary intake, particularly for fibre and selected micronutrients, but not with measurable short-term changes in body composition. These findings suggest that nutrition education may support healthier dietary behaviour and may contribute to preventive healthcare strategies in young adults. Full article

Objectives: This study investigated the associations of biochemical and body water distribution parameters with dengue status, as well as their discriminatory ability, among hospitalized adults with febrile illnesses and evaluated whether dynamic changes in body water volumes were associated with length of hospital stay (LOS) in dengue patients. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital involving 186 hospitalized adults (age ≥ 18 years) with fever onset ≤ 5 days and suspected dengue. Body water parameters were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) using the InBody S10 body composition analyzer at admission (T1), defervescence (T2), and discharge (T3) in dengue patients and at admission only in other febrile illness (OFI) cases. Laboratory data and LOS were retrieved from the hospital information system. Linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the associations and interactions. Discriminative performance was assessed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The proportion of dengue cases was 55.9% (n = 104). Higher levels of lymphocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, AST, and ALT were associated with an increased likelihood of dengue, whereas elevated WBC counts, neutrophils, platelets, CRP, sodium, chloride, and the extracellular water-to-total body water ratio (ECW/TBW) were associated with a reduced likelihood of dengue. ROC analysis indicated that WBC showed the best diagnostic performance. In dengue patients, a greater increase in ECW volume from admission to defervescence was associated with a longer LOS in males, and ratio-based body water parameters showed longitudinal variation across dengue phases. Conclusions: Several hematologic, biochemical, and BIA-derived body water parameters were associated with dengue status. Among dengue patients, dynamic ECW changes were associated with longer LOS in males, and ratio-based fluid indices were more sensitive than absolute water volumes in reflecting fluid redistribution throughout the dengue course. Full article

Background and Objective: Body mass index (BMI) is a worldwide screening standard but fails to distinguish between fat mass and fat-free mass. This study examines the prevalence and metabolic profile of the normal weight obesity (NWO) phenotype in a large cohort of young adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 4793 young adults (18–35 years) was conducted using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Participants were stratified into four phenotypes: underweight, healthy weight (HW), NWO, and obesity. Anthropometric indices, visceral fat area (VFA), and phase angle (PhA) were analyzed. Results: Within the normal BMI range (n = 2491), 40.6% (n = 1012) of patients were classified as NWO (percentage of body fat (PBF) >30% for women, >20% for men). NWO subjects showed a significantly higher VFA compared to the HW (+33.0 cm² in men and +24.3 cm² in women; p < 0.001) with a very large effect size (Cohen’s d > 2.0). Furthermore, a state of relative sarcopenia was identified, characterized by significantly lower skeletal muscle mass percentage (SMM%) and PhA (p < 0.001; d = −0.82), indicating compromised cellular integrity despite a normal BMI. Conclusions: BMI misclassifies 4 out of 10 young adults with excess adiposity. NWO is a high-risk phenotype linked to visceral adiposity and early cellular frailty. Incorporating BIA in routine screenings is essential to identify this invisible risk group. Full article

As life expectancy for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) increases, long-term comorbidities, such as bone mineral density (BMD) loss, have emerged as significant clinical challenges. This study evaluated the prevalence and determinants of skeletal demineralization in a contemporary Romanian HIV cohort. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 PLWH (mean age 41.86 ± 12.69 years) undergoing stable antiretroviral therapy. Bone health was assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), while body composition and metabolic status were evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and serum lipid profiling. A high prevalence of reduced skeletal mass (58.3%) was observed, with 10% of the cohort diagnosed with osteoporosis at a mean age of only 45.7 years. Significant correlations were identified between osteoporosis and a history of AIDS, active smoking, and hypertriglyceridemia. Notably, women with osteoporosis exhibited significantly lower current CD4+ T-cell counts (268.4 ± 180.5 cells/μL) compared to those with normal BMD. While the body mass index was an inconsistent predictor of bone health, BIA-derived bone mass effectively identified subclinical depletion. Our findings underscore a phenotype of premature skeletal aging in PLWH, driven by an interplay of immunological history, metabolic disturbances, and lifestyle factors. Early screening via DXA and BIA, alongside aggressive management of modifiable risks, is essential for mitigating fragility fractures in this aging population. Full article

Biodegradable magnesium implants offer significant clinical promise, but their safe use requires reliable real-time in vivo monitoring of coating integrity. Existing methods lack sufficient sensitivity and temporal resolution to detect degradation at early stages, and there are no computational tools able to predict the success of a given sensor design before animal experiments. In the present paper, we present BioElectroSynth—a digital simulator of an implantable zero-resistance ammetry (ZRA) corrosion sensor in a mouse model. The simulator combines electrochemical noise, cardiac and muscular bioelectric interference, and instrumental limitations into a unified model, enabling virtual experiments, which mimic the complexity of the in vivo system. Using Monte Carlo analysis, we establish that a 2% breach in a chitosan coating on an AZ91 magnesium alloy electrode is statistically detectable from approximately 30 recordings of 30 s each, and quantify how electrode area, its location, sampling rate, and coating quality jointly determine detection sensitivity. The framework provides the first quantitative tool for predicting in vivo experiment feasibility from standard in vitro electrochemical data alone. By identifying instrument and design configurations that are statistically underpowered before any animal use, the approach directly supports the 3R principles of humane research. Full article

Limited data are available regarding the physiological profile of youth triathletes. The aim of this study was to characterize the physiological and body composition profile of Hungarian youth triathletes and to examine the relationships between anthropometric characteristics and aerobic performance indicators. Forty-one youth triathletes (20 females and 21 males; age: 15.8 ± 1.7 years), members of the Hungarian national development squad, participated in the study. Anthropometric and body composition parameters were assessed using standardized procedures and multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Aerobic performance was evaluated using a graded cardiopulmonary exercise test on a treadmill with breath-by-breath gas analysis. Male athletes demonstrated higher body height, body mass, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle mass compared with females (p < 0.05). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing revealed high aerobic capacity, with mean VO₂max values of 73.2 ± 5.4 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ in males and 63.1 ± 5.0 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ in females. The second ventilatory threshold occurred at approximately 82–86% of VO₂max. Strong positive correlations were observed between anthropometric parameters and absolute oxygen uptake (mL·min⁻¹), particularly for fat-free mass, skeletal muscle mass, and body surface area (r = 0.83–0.95). However, these relationships are influenced by body size and were weaker or inverse when relative oxygen uptake (mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) was considered. Regression analyses further indicated that body composition variables, especially fat-free mass and skeletal muscle mass, were positively associated with aerobic performance, while body fat percentage was not a significant predictor when body size and sex were controlled. These findings are based on cross-sectional associations and should be interpreted as descriptive reference data for this population rather than predictive criteria. The results contribute to the characterization of physiological and anthropometric profiles in youth triathletes and may support future research and athlete monitoring. Full article