Search Results (1,585)

Piglets weaning is a critical developmental stage marked by significant metabolic and inflammatory challenges. The hepatic responses during this period may differ among pig breeds with distinct genetic backgrounds. To explore the phenotypic and molecular differences in the livers between the Zaozhuang Heigai (HG) pig and Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire (DLY) piglets and elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of genetic background on liver function, five 35-day-old piglets from each breed were selected. Body weight and liver coefficients were measured; histological features of liver sections were observed, and the transcriptome and metabolome of the liver were determined using mRNA sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics analysis. The results showed that HG piglets had significantly lower body weight (p < 0.01) and slightly higher liver coefficients than DLY piglets. Histological examination revealed that the hepatic lobule structure was intact in both breeds, while mild hepatic congestion was observed in some DLY piglets. Transcriptome analysis identified 429 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with criteria of FDR adjusted p-values < 0.01 and |log₂(Fold Change)| > 1, and they were significantly enriched in oxidoreductase activity, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling, and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways. Metabolome analysis identified 169 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) with criteria of p < 0.05, VIP > 1, and |log₂(Fold Change)| > 1, and they were significantly enriched in nucleotide metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways. Integrative analysis of DEGs and DEMs showed that arachidonic acid metabolism was the common pathway. Within this pathway, key genes (GPX3, ALOX5, and CBR3) were significantly associated with specific metabolites (15-deoxy-PGJ₂ and phosphatidylcholines) (FDR adjusted p < 0.05), suggesting a gene–metabolite interaction network that coordinates inflammatory regulation and oxidative stress. These findings provide molecular evidence for breed-specific hepatic metabolic regulation during the weaning period and are therefore conducive to the management of weaned piglets and the investigation of local pig characteristics. Full article

The domestic donkey (Equus asinus) remains an essential component of agricultural systems worldwide, particularly in rural Tunisia. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive morphological characterization of the Tunisian donkey population, focusing on phaneroptic variation, sexual dimorphism and live weight prediction. A total of 556 clinically healthy donkeys, consisting of 207 males and 349 females, were sampled from various governorates in Tunisia. Descriptive statistics revealed significant variability in withers height (98–147 cm), thoracic circumference (100–165 cm) and body length (86–144 cm). Principal Component Analysis identified coat color and belly pigmentation as major contributors to phaneroptic variation, explaining 69.556% of the total variance. Hierarchical Ascendant Classification further classified the population into three distinct groups, with Group I exhibiting smaller body dimensions, Group II having medium sizes, and Group III consisting of larger donkeys. Sexual dimorphism was detected in neck circumference (females: 64.30 cm vs. males: 61.97 cm; FDR-adjusted p = 0.0468). Regression models for predicting live weight indicated that thoracic circumference was the most reliable single predictor (R² = 95.4%). Overall, the study documents a wide range of morpho-biometric variation within the Tunisian donkey population and provides practical tools for field-based weight estimation, offering valuable insights for future conservation strategies and management programs. Full article

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are becoming increasingly prevalent. Incretin-based obesity treatments—glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dual glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonists (GIP/GLP-1 RAs or dual agonists)—are a major stride in the evolution of obesity management. However, like weight loss with other means, they are associated with an inadvertent significant loss of lean body mass, including muscle. This has led to a resurgence in research for the preservation of lean body mass, the loss of which occurs with weight loss. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss the mechanisms involved with lean body loss and capture the research landscape of the different classes of pharmacological agents being developed to address this problem. Methodology: We queried PubMed, Medline, and Scopus for randomized controlled trials and phase II or phase III trials using key words to capture the breath of this topic—obesity, weight loss, muscle loss, lean mass, and muscle preservation. Animal studies were excluded. We analyzed the studies conducted to date. Results: Weight loss, regardless of the method used to achieve it, is inadvertently accompanied by lean body mass loss, to varying degrees. There are several mechanisms that govern the loss of lean body mass and, more specifically, the loss of muscle mass; as such, several classes of medications have been explored, targeting different pathways and receptors—including bimagrumab (activin receptor agonist), tesamorelin (growth hormone releasing hormone agonists), and enobosarm (selective androgen receptor modulator). Most of these drugs are in the early phases of research development, but some show great promise. Conclusion: This narrative review attempts to detail the physiology of muscle mass loss when accompanied by weight loss and identify pharmacological targets that can be utilized to minimize it with mechanisms, effects, side effects, and research developmental progress. Full article

This study proposes a multi-dimensional, fuzzy logic-based decision-making framework to assess airport sustainability performance under uncertainty, addressing a notable gap in the literature. The proposed model integrates the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to determine the weights of sustainability criteria and the Intuitionistic Fuzzy COPRAS (IF-COPRAS) method to evaluate airport alternatives. The assessment considers four main sustainability dimensions: environmental, economic, social, and technical/institutional. A case study involving five major airports in Türkiye reveals that environmental and economic indicators play a pivotal role in shaping sustainability performance. While Istanbul Airport (IST) demonstrated the highest performance across all scenarios, a comparison with Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) levels indicates that carbon-focused certification alone is insufficient to reflect the full spectrum of sustainability outcomes. This research presents a novel and robust evaluation framework, contributing to the limited body of fuzzy logic-based MCDM applications for airport sustainability in the Turkish context. The findings offer actionable strategic insights for policymakers and airport managers regarding investment prioritization, operational strategy reinforcement, and the alignment of airport development with long-term sustainability goals. The results are validated through rigorous sensitivity analyses, confirming the robustness of the model despite the focused expert panel. Full article

Obesity and metabolic disorders are an increasing concern in companion animals, creating demand for herb-derived nutraceuticals and functional feeds. This study evaluated whether a water extract of Aster pekinensis (AP) ameliorates high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity and metabolic dysfunction in mice. The phytochemical profile of AP was characterized by mass spectrometry, revealing oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins and dicaffeoylquinic acids. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD and orally given AP (10–200 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks, with normal diet and untreated HFD groups as controls. AP at 50–200 mg/kg/day reduced body-weight gain, adipose tissue mass and food efficiency without lowering food intake, and improved fasting glucose and atherogenic lipid indices. AP also enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, attenuated hepatic steatosis, hepatocellular ballooning, lobular inflammation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) Activity Score, and decreased serum liver enzyme activities. These effects were accompanied by modulation of hepatic genes involved in lipogenesis and inflammation. Together, these findings indicate that AP extract mitigates diet-induced obesity and NAFLD-like liver injury and supports further development as a herb-derived nutraceutical or functional feed ingredient for managing obesity-related metabolic disorders in companion animals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Women’s wrestling is one of the fastest growing sports within the United States at the high school and collegiate level. Weight-class sports, such as wrestling, present unique challenges for female athletes, particularly in managing acute weight fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle. However, less is known regarding how sex-specific physiology may influence weight management strategies among female wrestlers. The purpose of this review was to highlight current weight loss trends among high school and collegiate female wrestlers and summarize the physiological mechanisms driving potential menstrual-related fluid retention and subsequent changes in body mass or composition. Methods: A literature review was conducted to include studies evaluating weight loss trends in female wrestlers competing in the United States. Additional literature focused on fluid, body mass, and body composition changes throughout the menstrual cycle was also included. Results: Recent evidence has provided observational data that can be used to develop descriptive summaries of current body composition profiles and weight loss trends among female wrestlers. These data can help to quantify the typical magnitude of weight loss changes observed in female wrestlers competing at the high school and collegiate level within the United States. Conclusions: These findings help provide insight into the magnitude of weight loss wrestlers undergo in an effort to compete in their minimal weight class, thus informing practitioners of potential health risks and helping guide optimal weight management efforts. Full article

Poor satisfaction with one’s body is associated with obesity and emotional eating (EmE), especially in women. To improve behavioral obesity treatments, this study aimed to identify the effects of targeting the mediators of the body satisfaction–EmE relationship to improve weight-reduction outcomes. Women with Class II obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 35–39.9 kg/m²) were randomized into 6-month treatments targeting either increased physical activity and self-regulation (TARGETED group, n = 44) or standard weight management education (STANDARD group, n = 33). Improvements over 6 months in EmE, body satisfaction, mood, eating-related self-efficacy and self-regulation, and physical activity, and in weight over 6, 12, and 24 months, were significantly greater in the TARGETED group. Mood and eating-related self-efficacy mediated the body satisfaction–EmE relationship at baseline and the group–EmE change relationship. In the consideration of the treatment targets, increased physical activity predicted reduced EmE, mediated by mood change, and increased self-regulation predicted reduced EmE, mediated by self-efficacy change. Reduced EmE predicted weight losses. This research (a) identified psychological/behavioral mediators of the body satisfaction–EmE relationship; (b) ascertained methods associated with the improvement of those variables, their correlates, and interrelations; and (c) confirmed the viability of the indicated behavioral targets on EmE within a community-based obesity treatment. Given the identified associations with short- and longer-term weight losses, treatments were effectively informed. Full article

Rapid weight loss (RWL) is a common strategy among combat sports athletes aiming for a competitive advantage. However, it imposes significant immunological stress that compromises both innate and adaptive immune defenses. This systematic review synthesizes current experimental and mechanistic evidence on the effects of RWL in combat sports, focusing on cellular immunity, neuroendocrine regulation, and inflammatory pathways. Acute RWL activates the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, elevating plasma cortisol and suppressing lymphocyte proliferation, T-cell function, and natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Although neutrophil counts increase, their phagocytic and oxidative burst capacities decline, reflecting impaired host defense. Monocyte and macrophage systems shift toward proinflammatory phenotypes, while mucosal immunity is weakened by reductions in secretory immunoglobulin A, leading to increased upper respiratory tract infection risk. The magnitude and speed of weight loss are critical determinants of immune dysfunction, with reductions exceeding 5% of body mass producing particularly severe consequences. Evidence-based intervention strategies—including gradual weight management, nutritional optimization, and biomarker monitoring—are essential to mitigate immunosuppression and safeguard athlete health. This review highlights key gaps in combat sports-specific protocols and proposes integrated approaches to preserve immune competence and optimize performance. Full article

This study was conducted to investigate potential regulatory mechanisms of hybridization increased the meat production performance in sheep. Thirty-six 3-month-old male lambs of Suffolk sheep (SFK, n = 12), Hu sheep (HH, n = 12), and their F₁ hybrids (SH, n = 12) were selected and raised in individual pens under identical nutritional supply and husbandry management regimes over a 95-day (including a 15-day pre-trial period) experimental period. At the end of the feeding trial, six sheep closest to the average body weight were selected from each group for the subsequent trial, involving the collection of Longissimus dorsi samples and the determination of production performance, muscle fiber characteristic and transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. The results showed that the SH sheep had significantly higher pre-slaughter live weight and carcass weight than the HH sheep, while lower than those of the SFK sheep (p < 0.05). The muscle fiber density of the SH group was significantly higher than that of the parental groups, while the muscle fiber diameter and cross-sectional area were significantly smaller (p < 0.05). The collagen fiber content of the SH group was intermediate between the two parental groups and significantly higher than that of the SFK group (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis identified 2920 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were mainly enriched in the AMPK, PI3K-Akt, and PPAR signaling pathways. Metabolomic analysis detected 1617 differential metabolites (DMs), which were enriched in the fatty acid degradation and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways. Integrated analysis revealed that core genes SESN3 and metabolites (malate, testosterone) enhance energy supply capacity through AMPK pathway, thereby promoting muscle fiber proliferation and increasing meat yield in the hybrid sheep. In conclusion, the heterosis of the SH group originates from the remodeling of muscle fiber structure and the synergistic regulation of related pathways, which provides a theoretical basis for sheep crossbreeding. Full article

Background/Objectives: Incretin-based medications have transformed obesity management by enabling substantial body weight reduction. However, the rapid and pronounced loss of body mass necessitates a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach incorporating nutritional and physical activity strategies to preserve lean mass, optimize functional outcomes, and prevent long-term complications. This narrative review provides a critical overview of this emerging clinical concern, which is expected to gain increasing relevance in the coming years. Methods: A literature review was conducted up to 31 October 2025, focusing on studies addressing nutritional, physical activity, and adjunctive interventions in adults with obesity treated with incretin-based medications. Results: Incretin-based agents induce significant weight loss, comparable to bariatric surgery, predominantly targeting adipose tissue. Nevertheless, these medications also cause rapid reductions in muscle and bone mass, often accompanied by nutrient deficiencies, which may compromise metabolic health and physical function. Tailored nutritional strategies—including hypocaloric diets enriched in protein and fiber, as well as amino acid, vitamin, and mineral supplementation—are critical to preserve lean mass and support sustained weight maintenance. Concurrently, structured, supervised physical activity, encompassing aerobics, resistance, and strength training, mitigates muscle loss and enhances functional capacity. Emerging pharmacological agents designed to promote adipose tissue reduction while preserving lean mass, as well as interventions targeting gut microbiota modulation, may represent promising adjunctive strategies to optimize long-term outcomes further. Conclusions: While incretin-based medications produce substantial weight loss, their impact on lean mass underscores the necessity of integrating personalized nutrition, supplementation, and structured exercise to preserve muscle, prevent malnutrition, and optimize long-term health and obesity outcomes. Full article

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a transformative procedure for managing severe hip disorders, yet implant longevity remains a critical challenge, particularly for younger, active patients. Wear-related complications are a leading cause of revision surgery, emphasizing the need for optimized design and material performance. This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence on the wear behavior, material properties, and design parameters of hip implants with a focus on finite element analysis (FEA)-based predictive approaches. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, MDPI, and Cochrane databases following PRISMA guidelines. Studies published between 2010 and 2025 were included if they addressed THA biomechanics, wear analysis, or material optimization using FEA, hip simulators, or radiostereometric techniques. Key findings reveal that larger femoral heads, while reducing contact pressure, increase wear due to greater sliding distance. Gravimetric wear rates ranged from 3.15 ± 0.27 mg/Mc to 2.18 ± 0.31 mg/Mc, while linear and volumetric wear reached 0.0375 mm/Mc and 33.6 mm³/Mc, respectively. Stress analysis showed custom stems exhibited markedly lower von Mises stress (194.9 MPa) compared to standard designs (664.3 MPa), and fatigue assessments confirmed a factor of safety > 1 across profiles. Patient-specific factors, such as body weight, significantly influenced wear with a 26% increase in metal wear observed between 100 kg and 140 kg. This systematic review synthesizes current research on total hip arthroplasty, emphasizing biomechanical and material factors critical for implant longevity and patient care. It uniquely integrates FEA-based wear prediction with clinical implications, bridging computational modeling, geometry optimization, and material performance to provide actionable insights for next-generation, patient-specific hip implant design. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Adhera^® Caring Digital Program (ACDP) is a digitally delivered intervention aimed at enhancing the mental and physical well-being of family caregivers of children with chronic conditions. Tailored for the context of childhood obesity, ACDP leverages the Adhera AI Precision Digital Companion to support caregivers in promoting effective treatment adherence and healthy behaviors at home. While children in this study received GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment as part of their obesity management, the ACDP was designed to empower caregivers through educational, behavioral, and emotional support tools. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between engagement with the ACDP as a DHI and clinical outcomes in participants receiving GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment for obesity. Methods: This study analyzed data from approximately 40 pediatric patients receiving GLP-1-based pharmacological treatment for obesity and their caregivers enrolled in the ACDP. Caregiver engagement was assessed through a composite score derived from digital activity metrics and classified as low, medium, or high. Children’s clinical parameters (BMI, weight, fat mass %, muscle mass %, and waist circumference) were collected at baseline and Day 150. Biometric, physical activity, and sleep data were also collected through a wearable device, enabling continuous and objective monitoring of participants’ physiological and behavioral patterns in real-world conditions. Statistical analyses included paired comparisons, Pearson correlations, and group comparisons by engagement level. Results: Data from 40 pediatric participants and their caregivers were analyzed over 150 days. Observed changes over the time in children showed a reduction in waist circumference (−6.0%, p = 0.0056) and a modest decrease in BMI. Higher levels of caregiver engagement with the Adhera^® Caring Digital Program correlated with reduction in body fat (ΔFat% r ≈ 0.5, p = 0.091) representing the strongest correlation observed in the study, albeit not reaching statistical significance. From baseline to Day 150, significant improvements were observed across all clinical outcomes, including reductions in BMI (−4.51 kg/m²), body weight (−11.42 kg), body fat percentage (−5.63%), and waist circumference (−8.69 cm), alongside an increase in muscle mass (+4.47%) (all p < 0.0001). Conclusions: At the mid-point of the intervention, combined GLP-1 pharmacotherapy and the Adhera^® Caring Digital Program led to meaningful improvements in BMI, adiposity, and central obesity. While caregiver engagement was not significantly associated with short-term outcomes, observed trends suggest that digital support may provide complementary benefits to pharmacological treatment, warranting further evaluation at Day 300. Full article

Background/Objectives: Emotional eating is defined as a coping mechanism characterized by food consumption in response to negative emotions, and it typically involves overconsumption and a preference for energy-dense and highly palatable foods. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of experienced stress and emotional eating on body mass in a population of Polish female adolescents. Methods: This study included 816 participants (aged 15–20 years) recruited within the nationwide PLACE-19 Study using random quota sampling of Polish secondary schools, and data were collected by the Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI). Perceived stress was measured with the Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ), emotional eating was measured with the Emotional Eating Subscale (EE-3) of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), and self-reported body mass was also recorded. Body mass was interpreted either using standard BMI values for adults or growth reference values for minors. Results: Adolescents with excessive body weight reported higher levels of stress on the peer pressure (p = 0.0011 for continuous variables; p = 0.0016 for categories) and financial pressure component scales (p = 0.0319 for continuous variables) than their normal-weight and underweight counterparts. They also displayed higher emotional eating scores across all subscales and for the total emotional eating score (p < 0.05 for continuous variables), particularly for anxiety (p = 0.0345 for categories). The association was confirmed within mediation analysis, as the direct influence explained 79% of the influence of stress on body mass, and the indirect influence, mediated by emotional eating, explained 21% of the influence of stress on body mass. Conclusions: Adolescents with excessive body weight are more prone to stress and emotional eating. The stress itself affects body weight not only directly, but also by affecting emotional eating; therefore, adolescent girls should be taught how to cope with negative emotions using strategies other than increasing food consumption in response to negative emotions. Further studies should assess the mediating role of emotional eating among adolescent girls and evaluate the impact of stress management interventions on body weight. Full article

To meet market supply and demand, producers must accurately schedule processing dates to ensure optimal pricing. This study developed a practical feeding program system for local Taiwanese chicken breeds, including Guzao males, Huangjin females, and Red Junglefowl males. The system integrates daily predictions of cage-level body weight to guide each flock toward a target weight before the planned processing date. Four prediction models were evaluated, including random forest, XGBoost, Extra Trees, and an artificial neural network. The best-performing model was embedded into the system, and an Extra Trees model was used to estimate the total remaining ration and update daily feed allocations under standard feeding conditions. A validation experiment was conducted using a 54-day batch of Guzao males, during which cage-level data were collected. The feed conversion ratio of birds managed under the feeding program was compared with that of conventional feeding. The results provide preliminary support for the feasibility of a data-guided feeding program system with potential agricultural application value, although additional batches and cross-farm evaluations are needed to confirm generalizability and operational performance. Full article

Background: Despite the lack of formal indication for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM), their use in clinical practice is growing. While robust evidence supporting their use in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) remains limited, PTDM remains a major driver of adverse outcomes, including cardiovascular morbidity, accelerated graft dysfunction, graft loss, and reduced survival. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed adult KTRs with PTDM treated with SGLT2is and/or GLP-1 RAs between 2013 and 2024. Metabolic, kidney, and safety parameters were assessed from baseline to follow-up. Results: After a median treatment duration of 1.8 years, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) changed from 7.22% to 7.01% (p = 0.558), whereas fasting plasma glucose increased from 112.62 mg/dL to 125.01 mg/dL (p = 0.03). Body mass index decreased from 27.27 kg/m² to 25.95 kg/m² (p < 0.001). The lipid profile improved, with reductions in total cholesterol (p < 0.01) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c, p = 0.02). Kidney function remained stable throughout the observation period, and adverse events were infrequent. Conclusions: In KTRs with PTDM, GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2is were associated with significant improvements in weight and lipid metabolism, alongside stable kidney function and a favorable safety profile. These findings support the consideration of these agents in the management of PTDM. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these results. Full article