Search Results (10,461)

Background/Objectives: Among more than 300 candidate genes for obesity, FTO, MC4R, and BDNF have been approved for DTC genetic testing. However, population-specific evidence supporting their relevance to obesity-related phenotypes in Koreans remains limited. Methods: A total of 231 healthy adults aged 19–64 years were recruited between March and May 2024. Anthropometric and clinical measurements, genotyping, dietary intake, and questionnaires on socioeconomic status, family history, and lifestyle behaviors were obtained. Associations between genotypes and obesity-related phenotypes were evaluated using ANOVA and ANCOVA, multivariable-adjusted models and multicollinearity analysis-based stepwise regression. Results: In Koreans, MAFs for FTO (3 SNPs), MC4R rs17782313 and BDNF rs6265 were 13–16%, 27.1% and 47.4%, respectively. OB frequency (%) differed significantly between BDNF GG and A allele carriers (p < 0.05). Compared to GG, BDNF A allele carriers showed higher WHR, ALT, HbA1c and sodium intake (p < 0.05). BDNF A allele carriers were observed to have higher drinking frequency and elevated ALT levels. Significant genotype–obesity interactions were identified for RMR/BW status, dietary fiber, Vit E, folate, P, K, cholesterol, and PUFA (p < 0.05). Among A allele carriers, OB-related indicators (BMI, RMR, WHR) were independently associated with age, sex, RMR, SBP, ALT, leptin, and dietary intakes of Vit A and sugars. Conclusions: These findings support the relevance of BDNF rs6265 in obesity phenotypes among Korean adults and provide Korean-specific evidence for genotype-based nutrition strategies. Given the cross-sectional study, the interpretation of personalized nutrition approaches for genetic risk carriers should be made with caution. Full article

Background: Second primary tumors (SPTs) are a major survivorship challenge in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), yet their biological phenotypes may differ according to exposure status and immune background. Methods: In this retrospective cohort (2011–2020), 242 surgically treated primary OSCC patients were classified as non-smoking, non-drinking (NSND; never smokers/never drinkers) or smoking and/or drinking (SD; any history of smoking and/or alcohol consumption). SPTs were categorized as extra-oral SPTs (eoSPTs) or multifocal oral SCC (mOSCC), with mOSCC (≥3) denoting ≥3 oral primaries. Immune background was assessed by documenting immune-modulating conditions (including oral lichen planus as an immune-mediated mucosal disorder). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of eoSPTs and mOSCC. Results: SPT occurred in 82/242 (33.9%), comprising 54 eoSPT (22.3%) and 28 mOSCC (11.6%). Overall SPT prevalence was similar in NSND and SD patients (29.8% vs. 36.1%), but phenotype composition differed significantly (chi-square p = 0.004): eoSPTs were more common in SD (27.8% vs. 11.9%), whereas mOSCC was more common in NSND (17.9% vs. 8.2%); mOSCC (≥3) occurred in 10.7% of NSND versus 1.3% of SD patients. Immune-modulating conditions were associated with mOSCC but not eoSPTs. Within the immune-modulating spectrum, OLP showed strong phenotype specificity (0/20 eoSPTs; mOSCC in 7/20 [35.0%), particularly among NSND patients (38.9% with OLP vs. 12.1% without). In adjusted models, NSND status was associated with lower odds of eoSPT (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15–0.96), while OLP independently predicted mOSCC (OR 3.47, 95% CI 1.04–11.52). Conclusions: SPTs in OSCC comprise distinct phenotypes: SD patients predominantly develop eoSPTs consistent with carcinogen-associated aerodigestive field effects, whereas NSND patients exhibit an immune-associated, oral-restricted pattern with frequent mOSCC, supporting phenotype-tailored surveillance. Full article

The Ecuadorian Amazon, particularly in the provinces of Sucumbíos and Orellana, has been heavily impacted by oil activity since the 1970s. In this context, this study analyzed 161 groundwater samples taken from deep domestic wells in both provinces, with the aim of determining the concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and their implication on the health of consumers. The results showed that, in Orellana, TPH concentrations ranged between 0.11 and 7.30 mg/L, while in Sucumbíos they varied between 0.13 and 7.45 mg/L. More than 95% of water samples exceeded the maximum permissible limit of 0.2 mg/L for drinking water, according to the quality criteria established by Ecuadorian regulations. These levels of contamination reflect a significant exposure of local communities to health risks. In particular, the study revealed that the consumption of groundwater with high concentrations of TPH can generate non-cancer and carcinogenic risks greater than the levels recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). This situation endangers the health of people, especially children, who are the most vulnerable. The findings of this study highlight the urgency of implementing control measures and risk management strategies to mitigate contamination in areas affected by oil activity and protect the health of communities that depend on groundwater in the Amazon region. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a form of fatty liver disease characterized by fat accumulation, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis. Lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), a partially deacylated product of phosphatidylethanolamine, plays significant roles in anti-inflammatory responses and mitochondrial homeostasis. Although serum LPE levels are reduced in patients with MASH, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated LPE metabolism using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and protein expressions in MASH mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol, and cholic acid diet, along with 2% hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin in drinking water (HFCC/CDX) for three weeks to induce MASH. LPE was primarily distributed in the liver and kidneys, with lower levels in the white adipose tissue. HFCC/CDX mice exhibited accumulation of cholesterols and oxidized triglycerides, accompanied by inflammation and fibrosis in the liver. In the plasma and liver of HFCC/CDX mice, most LPE species were decreased and showed negative correlations with hepatic inflammation, with the exception of LPE 18:1. Mechanistically, enhanced degradation of LPE to glycerophosphorylethanolamine was associated with upregulation of Pnpla6/7 in the liver. These findings suggest that Pnpla6/7-driven LPE catabolism is contributing to LPE depletion. This study provides a new perspective to understand the association between disrupted phospholipid metabolism and MASH pathogenesis. Full article

Selenium (Se) is a trace element that is essential for the human body and has dual significant biological effects. The boundary between its ‘beneficial dosage’ and ‘toxic level’ is extremely narrow. Se is prone to accumulate in the body. Even if the concentration in drinking water is very low but consistently exceeds the limit, it may cause long-term health problems and pose risks and hazards to humans. Therefore, the detection of selenium is of great importance. The distribution and pollution of Se in water, the impact of Se on health and the limit requirements for Se in drinking water are introduced. The development of Se detection techniques is presented, including atomic spectrometry, spectrofluorometry, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, voltammetry, among others. Different analytical methods for selenium have their own characteristics and different applicability. It is necessary to establish a safety monitoring mechanism that primarily relies on laboratory-based instrumental analysis, supplemented by on-site rapid screening methods, to provide effective technical support for environmental Se analysis. Full article

Nitrate and Escherichia coli (E. coli) are two common pollutants present in dairy cattle drinking water troughs. At elevated levels, both pollutants can be of immediate health concern, but longer-term exposure to these pollutants at higher levels can also increase the risks of decreased fertility, diseases, and decreased milk production. This research focuses on evaluating several farms in central California and aims to survey levels of both nitrate and E. coli levels across the period of a year, while also determining the sources of each contaminant for assessing drinking water quality conditions and to help inform any future treatment or prevention considerations, which can potentially improve water quality. From the troughs sampled, nitrate was elevated in a significant portion (47%), and while not at highly toxic levels, the nitrate levels may be harmful over long-term exposure, especially if their feed has high nitrate content as well. The source of each contaminant is different; however, research showed nitrate already existing in groundwater supplies. In terms of E. coli, in general, groundwater had much lower levels of E. coli than water in the troughs, suggesting that the cattle themselves and trough surroundings are major contributors of E. coli in trough water. Full article

Groundwater, a vital resource for drinking water supply, must be managed sustainably to ensure its availability and quality. In France, the SISE-Eaux database on water intended for human consumption, archived by the Regional Health Agencies (ARS) since 1990, constitutes a rich source of information. This study focused on the groundwater of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, the largest administrative region in metropolitan France, covering 84,061 km² with 6 million inhabitants. It is based on a 22-year data extraction, resulting in a matrix of 121,649 observations and 51 physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters. Following logarithmic transformation of the data and fitting of variograms using the mean value of each parameter for each sampling point, the spatial distribution of numerous parameters across the region is presented. From this initial sparse matrix, a dense matrix of 23,319 samples (rows) and 15 key parameters (columns) was selected for a multivariate approach. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to condense the information and create summary maps capturing over 68% of the information contained in the dense matrix. The combined results of the multivariate analysis (dense matrix) and the distribution of individual parameters (sparse matrix) highlight the diversity of sources contributing to the spatial variability of groundwater, such as the role of lithology, the origin and pathways of fecal contamination, and the influence of redox processes. Neither the large size of the study area nor the high number of parameters proved to be an obstacle to the analysis. The understanding of ongoing processes and the factorial axis distribution maps, which enable the spatial representation of these mechanisms, can be used to facilitate groundwater monitoring and protection. Full article

The third place refers to the social environment that is separate from the two usual social environments of the home “first place” and the workplace “second place”. Places that fulfil other functions in addition to food and drink, such as book cafés, where today’s people spend time alone in addition to socializing and which they sometimes use as offices to do their daily work on the computer, have been defined as hybrid third places. This study examines the spatial characteristics of hybrid third places that affect the social interactions between people using these spaces. In this context, comprehensive research was carried out on the literature on the relationship between social interaction and space, third places and the design of consumption spaces such as cafes, coffee houses and book cafes. In the second phase of the study, the impact of spatial characteristics obtained through literature research on social interactions in hybrid third places was revealed through a case study. Participant observation, behaviour maps, surveys and interviews were conducted in three different hybrid third-place book cafes. As a result of the study, it was found that the spatial characteristics of hybrid third places that affect social interaction consist of four main variables, namely physical, atmospheric, social and functional, as well as related sub-variables. For each variable identified in the study, suggestions were developed for the design of third places that would promote social interaction. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of immersion and brushing on resins used for temporary crowns, including two 3D-printed resins (Nanolab and PrintaX) and one self-curing resin (Duralay), with different surface finishing protocols. Materials and Methods: Printed specimens were designed using specialized software, followed by slicing and printing. Self-curing resin samples were fabricated using silicone matrices, with the printed specimens serving as references. Square samples (7.0 × 7.0 × 2.0 mm, n = 90) were divided into three groups based on surface finishing: extrinsic pigment with glaze, glaze only, and polish only. The samples were immersed in 15 mL of cola soft drink, energy drink, or distilled water for six days at 37 °C in a dark environment before undergoing a brushing test (180 cycles/minute, 65,700 cycles, 2 N, 37 °C). Color alterations, surface roughness, and Knoop microhardness were then analyzed. Results: Statistical analyses revealed that all factors significantly influenced the tested properties (p < 0.05). Nanolab exhibited the most pronounced color alterations, with ∆E₀₀ values reaching up to 22.21 ± 3.13 in specific conditions (e.g., Glaze, Cola soft drink). It also presented increased surface roughness, particularly when compared to PrintaX. Conversely, Duralay consistently displayed the highest Knoop microhardness changes (e.g., ranging from −1.84 ± 0.36 to 0.47 ± 0.45 in different conditions) across most experimental groups. Polishing consistently provided better outcomes in terms of color stability, surface roughness, and microhardness compared to extrinsic pigment + glaze or glaze-only treatments. The first immersion generally led to the greatest color change. Conclusions: The acidic challenge promoted significant changes in the optical and surface properties of the evaluated resins, increasing ∆E₀₀ and roughness and reducing microhardness to different extents depending on the material. Clinically, these findings highlight the relevance of material selection and limiting exposure to acidic beverages during provisional use. Full article

Background: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a major contributor to global morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic burden. Cravings, defined as intense urges to consume alcohol, play a central role in relapse and are recognized as a diagnostic criterion in DSM-5. Pharmacological strategies targeting cravings may offer immediate or short-term relief, complementing existing long-term approaches. However, evidence on short-term (up to approximately three months) anti-craving interventions remains fragmented. Objective: To systematically review randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the short-term effects of pharmacological treatments on cue-induced alcohol cravings. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and PsycINFO using terms related to alcohol, craving, and randomized controlled designs. Eligibility included clinical trials on alcohol-dependent participants that evaluated craving as an outcome. Exclusion criteria encompassed non-clinical studies, non-pharmacological interventions, animal studies, single-blind trials, and studies with psychiatric comorbidities. Study quality was appraised using Cochrane and Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Results: From 442 studies screened, 26 RCTs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In total, 1097 participants were enrolled across the trials (range = 16–125 per study; mean = 44), predominantly male outpatients aged 15–65 years. Craving was assessed primarily with the Visual Analog Scale and Alcohol Urge Questionnaire. Intervention duration ranged from 1 to 98 days. Naltrexone consistently reduced cue-induced craving across four trials, with additional benefit observed when combined with ondansetron. Varenicline and acamprosate also demonstrated reductions in craving and drinking. Memantine showed efficacy in craving reduction but was not assessed for abstinence. Topiramate was effective, whereas gabapentin showed limited short-term benefit. Other agents (e.g., citalopram, oxytocin, ondansetron, quetiapine) yielded mixed findings, often limited to single studies. Overall, 58% of trials reported positive anti-craving effects, 23% no difference, and 8% increased craving versus placebo. However, these findings should be interpreted in light of important methodological limitations, including small sample sizes and heterogeneous experimental paradigms. Conclusions: This review suggests that naltrexone and varenicline appear to be the most consistently supported short-term pharmacotherapies for alcohol craving within the available evidence, with promising but less consistent findings for memantine, acamprosate, and topiramate. These results highlight potential candidates for immediate craving management in AUD, while underscoring the need for larger and longer-term trials to confirm their efficacy and safety. Full article

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is recognized as a Group I carcinogen and a primary driver of the gastric precancerous cascade. Andean populations in Peru experience disproportionately high rates of gastric cancer, yet data characterizing the association between H. pylori colonization and intestinal metaplasia remain limited in this setting. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 169 patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at Hospital II EsSalud Abancay, Apurímac, Peru, between January and August 2025. Histopathological assessment determined H. pylori status, colonization intensity (negative, +, ++, +++) and intestinal metaplasia presence using the Updated Sydney System. Binary logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals. Results: H. pylori infection was detected in 71 patients (42.0%), and intestinal metaplasia was present in 78 (46.2%). A dose–response pattern was observed: metaplasia prevalence increased from 18.4% in uninfected patients to 70.0%, 87.0%, and 92.9% across increasing colonization intensities (Cochran–Armitage p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, colonization intensity (aOR = 10.19; 95% CI: 4.38–23.71), smoking (aOR = 11.70; 95% CI: 1.98–69.03), and alcohol consumption (aOR = 6.32; 95% CI: 1.74–22.95) remained independently associated with metaplasia. The primary binary logistic regression model demonstrated excellent discrimination (AUC = 0.921). Conclusions: H. pylori colonization intensity is strongly associated with intestinal metaplasia in this Andean population, with a clear dose–response gradient. These findings support prioritizing H. pylori screening and eradication strategies for gastric cancer prevention in highland Peru. Full article

This study investigates the occurrence and electrochemical removal of four commonly used pesticides—lufenuron, ethoprophos, dichlobenil, and picloram—from groundwater in a semi-arid agricultural basin in Southeastern Türkiye. Groundwater samples were collected from two locations within the study area. At the first sampling site, pesticide concentrations were 0.54 µg/L (lufenuron), 0.14 µg/L (ethoprophos), 0.38 µg/L (dichlobenil), and 0.61 µg/L (picloram), while corresponding values at the second site were 0.48 µg/L, 0.42 µg/L, 0.26 µg/L, and 0.17 µg/L, respectively. An electrocoagulation (EC) process employs aluminum electrodes. Following electrocoagulation treatment, the concentrations of all target pesticides were reduced to levels below the European Union drinking water limit for individual pesticides (0.1 µg/L), as defined by Directive (EU) 2020/2184. Full article

Water kefir is a non-dairy fermented water drink which includes lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria and yeasts which provide probiotic as well as antioxidant properties. Prunus armeniaca (apricot) is a promising raw material to develop a functional beverage because it is rich in carotenoids, vitamins, and phenolics. Coconut water is a natural hydrating substance and plant-based substrate. The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize apricot-coconut water kefir beverage, (ACWB) a fermented beverage having 20 g (w/v) dried apricot, 8 g (w/v) brown sugar, and 8 g (w/v) water kefir grains fermented together in 100 mL coconut water and compare its physicochemical, microbial, and antioxidant properties with a control sample excluded with dried apricot but having same concentration of rest of the ingredients. After fermentation, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, titratable acidity (TA), water activity (aw), total bacterial count (TBC), DPPH radical-scavenging activity, and total phenolic contents (TPC) were measured. ACWB exhibited significantly higher values (p < 0.05) in terms of TSS (10.07 ± 0.01 °Brix), TA (0.298 ± 0.01%), and TBC (1.92 × 10⁷ CFU/mL), with lower pH (3.98 ± 0.07) and aw (0.94 ± 0.02) compared to the control. Enhanced antioxidant activity (DPPH = 62.7 ± 0.86%) and TPC (19.92 ± 0.32 mg CE/100 mL) confirmed its superior bioactive potential. Sensory evaluation of ACWB also found it to be more preferred, with statistically significant difference in majority of the tested attributes. The apricot supplement enhanced the fermentation activity, microbial growth, as well as the antioxidant capacity of the end product, creating a stable, tangy, and nutritionally enriched non-dairy functional beverage that could be consumed by healthy and lactose intolerant consumers. Full article

Stochastic Process Mining, in particular, Markov processes, is used to represent uncertainty and variability in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). However, the Markov models inherently assume that the time spent in each state must follow an exponential distribution. This presents a significant challenge to model real-life complexities in ADLs. Therefore, this paper employs semi-Markov models on publicly available ADL event logs to model state durations, where results are validated via goodness-of-fit tests (Kullback–Leibler, Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Cramér–von Mises). Synthetic durations are generated using the inverse transform sampling technique. To simulate dementia-based behaviours, the weights of the mixture model are altered to reflect prolonged duration in napping, toileting, meal, and drink preparation. These anomalies are then detected through the employment of log-likelihood ratio and chi-square tests. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach can be used to reliably identify abnormal ADL durations, offering a proven framework to track early detection of behavioural shifts, and showcasing the effectiveness of detecting duration-based anomalies in ADL. By identifying such anomalies, our work aims to detect deterioration in the smart home resident’s condition, focusing in particular on their ability to execute different ADLs. Full article

As a novel theoretical and practical advantage, preclinical to clinical evidence, this systematic review of PRP, growth factors, and stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 efficacy in complex musculoskeletal and junctional injuries emphasizes the cytoprotection concept, healing to restore tissue integrity. Notably, the concept holds tendon, ligament, and muscle healing, in particular. Then, it holds their healing together as interconnected lesions. Consequently, this review presents the possibilities for cytoprotective therapies suited for tendon/ligament/muscle and recovery of osteotendinous, myotendinous, and the muscle-to-bone junction. The estimated key was the success of injury recovery amid each agent’s direct exogenous administration, alone or with a carrier, locally or systemically, without reliance on complex scaffolds, carriers, or tissue-engineering constructs. As reviewed, while with commonly acknowledged physiological significance, and acting throughout cytoprotection principles, growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β1, IGF-1, FGF, VEGF, BMPs) delivered locally with various carriers improve tendon, ligament, and muscle healing; however, some (PDGF, TGF-β1, IGF-1) may fail in muscle lesions, and all show limited or no efficacy in junctional healing. Contrarily, proposed as a cytoprotection mediator, BPC 157 acts alone with a full cytoprotection range, given systemically or locally. Moreover, without any carrier, BPC 157 acts alone, combining beneficial effects on tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries with osteotendinous, myotendinous, and muscle-to-bone healing. In rat studies, across systemic (intraperitoneal, intragastric, or drinking water) and local (cream) administration, BPC 157 consistently demonstrated efficacy, indicating considerable translational potential. Further clinical studies will strengthen cytoprotective therapy and, particularly, BPC 157 in complex musculoskeletal and junctional injuries. Full article