Search Results (158,762)

Background: Migraine is a highly prevalent neurological disorder associated with substantial disability and socioeconomic burden. Although pharmacological therapies remain the mainstay of treatment, their effectiveness may be limited by incomplete response and adverse effects. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a non-invasive neuromodulatory technique that may modulate cortical excitability and pain-processing networks involved in migraine pathophysiology. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of rTMS compared with sham stimulation in individuals with migraine. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed (MEDLINE), PsycNet, and Ovid (including MEDLINE and Embase) from database inception to December 2025 in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies investigating rTMS in adults with migraine and including a sham comparator were eligible for inclusion. Data regarding study design, participant characteristics, rTMS parameters, outcomes, and adverse events were extracted using a predefined template. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Results: Seven studies comprising a total of 301 participants were included. Most trials evaluated high-frequency rTMS targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Across studies, rTMS was generally associated with reductions in migraine frequency and severity compared with sham stimulation, although results varied depending on stimulation parameters and study design. Treatment was consistently well tolerated, with only mild and transient adverse effects reported. However, considerable heterogeneity was observed in diagnostic criteria, stimulation protocols, outcome measures, and follow-up duration. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence suggests that rTMS may represent a promising and well-tolerated neuromodulatory approach for migraine management. Nevertheless, methodological variability, limited sample sizes, and concerns regarding risk of bias restrict definitive conclusions. Larger randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols and longer follow-up periods are needed to clarify the clinical role of rTMS in migraine treatment. Full article

Fungal endophytes are symbiotic microorganisms that establish strong relationships inside plant tissues, providing potential advantages, especially in grasses, by enhancing tolerance to both abiotic and biotic stresses. This review investigates the molecular mechanisms through which fungal endophytes mediate stress tolerance, targeting host–pathogen interactions. By modulating pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and effector proteins, fungal endophytes may contribute to priming the plant’s immune system, enhancing its resistance to pathogen invasion. Moreover, endophyte colonization regulates core processes such as osmotic regulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis that enable plants to tolerate environmental stresses like drought, heat, and salinity. The review highlights the impact of endophytes on immune priming, systemic acquired resistance (SAR), and the regulation of non-coding RNAs that regulate host gene networks associated with stress tolerance. Furthermore, the integration of advanced multi-omics techniques genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and fluxomics has revealed emerging insights into the genetic and metabolic pathways driving these symbiotic associations. However, grass-specific molecular datasets remain limited, and the consistency of endophyte-mediated tolerance across host species and environmental conditions is not yet fully resolved. Fungal endophytes increase grass stress resilience through coordinated pathogen recognition, RNA regulation, and metabolic reprogramming while AI-assisted multi-omics approaches are emerging as tools for identifying candidate regulatory networks, although empirical validation in grass–endophyte systems remains limited. Together, these advances highlight the potential for climate-smart and sustainable crop improvement. Future research integrating functional genomics, field validation, and biosafety assessment will be essential for translating endophyte-based strategies into reliable agricultural applications. Full article

Background: Blood flow restriction (BFR) resistance exercise has emerged as a training methodology capable of inducing muscular adaptations comparable to traditional high-load training despite substantially lower mechanical loads. While low-load BFR protocols (20–50% 1RM) are well-established, emerging evidence supports applications across the full loading spectrum, including moderate-to-high loads (>50–90% 1RM), contralateral training effects, and proximal–distal adaptations. In this second installment of the Blood Flow Restriction in Athletic Populations series, we review current evidence on BFR resistance exercise in athletic populations, with emphasis on morphological, neuromuscular, and functional adaptations across diverse application contexts. Methods: A narrative review of research examining BFR resistance exercise in trained and athletic populations was conducted via a PubMed/MEDLINE search. Search terms: (“blood flow restriction” OR “BFR” OR “occlusion training” OR “KAATSU”) AND (“resistance training” OR “resistance exercise” OR “strength training”) AND (“athletes” OR “athletic” OR “trained” OR “elite” OR “sport”) AND (“cross-education” OR “contralateral” OR “cross transfer” OR “proximal” OR “distal”). Studies investigating low-load (20–50% 1RM) and moderate-to-high load (>50% 1RM) protocols, contralateral cross-education effects, and proximal–distal adaptations were evaluated. Primary outcomes included muscle hypertrophy, strength, power, and sport-specific performance measures. Results: Low-load BFR resistance exercise has been shown to produce significant improvements in muscle hypertrophy and strength gains over 4–12 week interventions compared to low-load control conditions. Moderate-to-high load BFR enhanced barbell velocity and power output, particularly at loads > 80% 1RM with intermittent inflation protocols. Contralateral and cross-transfer effects of BFR training demonstrate variable efficacy across muscle groups, with the most consistent evidence supporting cross-transfer enhancement of training adaptations when BFR is applied to one body region while exercising another. Proximal BFR application induced adaptations in both proximal and distal musculature, suggesting systemic mechanisms beyond local vascular restriction. Conclusions: BFR resistance exercise represents a versatile training modality producing meaningful morphological and neuromuscular adaptations across the loading spectrum. Contralateral and proximal–distal effects expand practical applications for injury rehabilitation and targeted adaptation. These findings support BFR integration within periodized training programs when mechanical load management is prioritized. Full article

Punch velocity is a key performance indicator in boxing and reflects effective coordination along the kinetic chain. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between punch acceleration and plantar pressure distribution using wearable sensing technologies. Twenty-four collegiate boxers (12 professional-level and 12 amateur-level athletes) performed jab and cross punches under controlled conditions. Punch acceleration was measured using a glove-mounted inertial measurement unit (IMU), while plantar pressure distribution was recorded using pressure-sensing insoles. Professional boxers demonstrated significantly higher punch acceleration (22–31%, p < 0.05) and greater forefoot plantar pressure (18–27%, p < 0.05) compared to amateur athletes. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between forefoot pressure and punch acceleration (r = 0.62–0.71, p < 0.01), indicating that increased lower-limb force contributes to higher upper-limb striking performance. These findings demonstrate that combined wearable sensing provides a practical approach for quantifying punching biomechanics and identifying level-dependent kinetic-chain characteristics in boxing. Full article

A novel urea complexation technology was developed based on the agglomeration phenomenon induced by ambient-temperature agitation of a ternary system consisting of urea, water and fatty acid ethyl esters (EEs). The agglomeration phenomenon can be regarded as an intuitive indicator to judge the occurrence of urea complexation. Using docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) containing EE (DHA-EE) from Crypthecodinium cohnii oil as the substrate, key variables including agglomeration time, urea/DHA-EE ratio, water/DHA-EE ratio, and temperature were investigated. The urea complexation predominantly occurred within 15 min following agglomerate formation. Temperature in the range of 0–40°C exerted no significant effect on the yield of the non-urea-complexed fraction or its DHA content, enabling the operation to be conducted at room temperature without heating or cooling. Under unoptimized conditions, the proposed method effectively increased the DHA content of EE from Crypthecodinium cohnii oil from 40.73% to 89.87%. For EE from Schizochytrium sp. oil, the contents of DHA and docosapentaenoic acid were improved from 47.17% and 13.93% to 69.30% and 20.29%, respectively. Meanwhile, the contents of eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA in two EE form fish oils were enhanced from 18.26% and 11.76% to 34.86% and 22.96%, and from 13.30% and 57.24% to 15.66% and 68.68%, respectively. The present study provided a novel technical pathway for the efficient enrichment of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Full article

Background: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulate in tissues with age and are associated with the risk of chronic diseases. However, evidence regarding lifestyle factors related to AGE accumulation in healthy adolescents is limited. The aim of this study was to explore dietary and lifestyle factors that may attenuate tissue AGE accumulation, using skin autofluorescence (SAF) as a noninvasive proxy marker, in healthy Japanese early adolescent girls. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 315 first-year junior high school girls aged 12–13 years from a private school in Japan. SAF was measured on the volar forearm using an AGE Reader MU. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated brief diet history questionnaire (BDHQ-15y). Lifestyle factors, including weekday sleep duration, were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Health-related variables (including weight-loss dieting) were also collected. Associations between SAF and each factor were analyzed using generalized linear models and nonparametric tests, with multivariable adjustment for potential confounders. Results: The mean SAF was 1.06 ± 0.13 arbitrary units. No significant associations were observed between SAF and health-related characteristics, nutrient intakes, or major food-group intakes. Longer weekday sleep duration was significantly associated with lower SAF (p for trend = 0.019) and remained significant after multivariable adjustment (p for trend = 0.018). A similar association was observed for better perceived restorative sleep (p for trend = 0.033; adjusted p for trend = 0.048). Conclusions: In healthy early adolescent girls, longer weekday sleep duration and better perceived restorative sleep were associated with lower SAF, whereas dietary intake was not. Given the largely irreversible age-related accumulation of AGEs, promoting healthy sleep during adolescence may help attenuate AGE accumulation early in life and reduce long-term AGE-related disease risk. Prospective studies with more detailed dietary assessments are needed to clarify dietary influences and confirm temporality. Full article

Postural control is essential for daily function, and while stochastic resonance (SR) enhances balance in clinical populations, its efficacy in healthy young people remains underexplored. This study investigated (1) biomechanical effects of multisite plantar vibration on postural stability using center-of-pressure (CoP) parameters, and (2) short-term and sustained effects on balance performances. Phase 1 enrolled six participants to identify the optimal plantar stimulation configuration and to evaluate acute electromyographic responses under threshold-level vibration. Phase 2 evaluated long-term efficacy through an eight-week sham-controlled parallel-group randomized controlled trial. In this trial, eight participants received vibration combined with balance training, and another eight participants completed the same training protocol using sham insoles without vibration, analyzing CoP parameters (95% ellipse area, path length) and muscle activation (tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, peroneus longus, extensor digitorum longus). Results showed full-site vibration reduced CoP area versus control (265.66 ± 188.6 mm² vs. 437.84 ± 190.95 mm², p < 0.05) without altering ankle muscle activation (all p > 0.05). Longitudinal analysis revealed CoP area reduction (−4.88 ± 10.42%) in the intervention group versus sham (p < 0.001), with maximum anterior displacement increasing by 25.03% during vibration (p < 0.05). Plantar white-noise vibration modulates CoP oscillations without neuromuscular activation changes, demonstrating that full-site stimulation acutely enhances postural stability while sustained intervention improves dynamic balance control. Full article

Robotic process automation, data analytics abilities and artificial intelligence, among other technological advances, have increased the volume of data usage and applications. The increase in data is affecting various industries and roles, including accounting. Accountants are now required to collect, analyse, and transform data quickly and efficiently, with fewer errors and more insightful information for decision-making. The literature indicates that, now more than ever, accountants need critical thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate these new roles brought about by the changes in the technological landscape. However, developing these skills in accounting programmes has been challenging due to a lack of alignment in critical thinking. This study aimed to develop an aligned definition of critical thinking in accounting based on interviews with three important stakeholders: academics, professional bodies, and employers. The study employed a two-phase sequential approach, beginning with an SLR of 14 articles, to examine how CT is conconceptualised. Phase 2 employed thematic analysis, yielding seven themes regarding how critical thinking is understood as a process-orientated construct. The results indicate that CT in accounting is defined as a structured and iterative process involving problem definition, data evaluation, data transformation, decision-making, and communication, underpinned by reflective and inquisitive dispositions. Full article

Historically, technological progress has driven shifts in the labour market, leading to the disappearance of certain jobs while simultaneously creating new roles fueled by the need to work with emerging technologies. The technological advancements of the early 2020s are inherently linked to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the rise in chatbots, whose accessibility and ease of use have become paramount for business development. Given this context, the aim of this study is to analyse frameworks describing the AI competencies of students who will constitute the future workforce. Based on an analysis of existing frameworks, a new framework is formulated through synthesis and operationalized into survey items representing AI-related competencies. These survey items are measured by primary research focused on a sample of undergraduate students at a selected faculty and university. The research provides valuable insights for curriculum development policy by highlighting competencies that students perceive as significant versus those they find less important. Building on these findings, the study offers policy recommendations for curriculum designers. The proposed recommendations enable the creation of educational programmes with relevance to the practical needs of the business sector, increasingly impacted by the emergence of AI. Full article

Background: Evening meal-timing chronotypes often exhibit lower calcium intake; however, whether this relationship remains significant after accounting for overall diet quality remains unclear. This study examined the association between meal-timing chronotypes and calcium intake and evaluated whether this association is maintained after adjusting for overall diet quality. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 3465 adults aged 30–49 years from the 2016–2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Meal-timing chronotypes were identified using dynamic time warping-based K-means clustering of 24-h energy intake distributions. Survey-weighted linear regression assessed the association between meal-timing chronotype and calcium intake and tested their interaction with the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI; excluding dairy) to evaluate the moderating effect of diet quality. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for low calcium intake according to meal-timing chronotypes. Models were adjusted for age, sex, education, occupation, household income, and physical activity. Results: After adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, the evening meal-timing chronotype was significantly associated with higher odds of low calcium intake (OR = 2.2, p < 0.001). A significant interaction between chronotype and KHEI tertiles on calcium intake was observed (p < 0.001). Specifically, while calcium intake generally decreased as diet quality declined, individuals with an evening preference consistently showed significantly lower calcium intake across all KHEI tertiles compared to the morning preference group (β = −7.9, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The evening meal-timing chronotype showed a significant association with lower calcium intake, which remained significant even after accounting for overall diet quality. These findings suggest that circadian-related eating patterns, rather than just overall diet quality, play a structural role in determining calcium intake. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the updated (March 2025) version of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised, with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F) in Greek by examining its reliability, validity, and screening efficacy in a Greek sample. Methods: The M-CHAT-R/F was administered to Greek parents/primary caregivers of children aged 16–48 months, with no prior diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), severe sensory impairments, or other chronic conditions causing neurodevelopmental delay. Parents/primary caregivers were invited to participate in the nationwide Program “Child and Family Health Promotion through the Paediatric Framework” of the Greek Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNICEF, implemented by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Results: The final sample comprised 280 parents of children 16 to 48 months old (mean age ± SD 24.64 ± 7.75 months) with an almost equal sex distribution. Mean (±SD) parental age was 35.31 (±3.14) years, ranging from 30 to 48 years, and most respondents were mothers (94.3%). The Greek M-CHAT-R/F demonstrated acceptable reliability (KR-20 = 0.789) and acceptable scalability (monotonicity). Conclusions: The present study provides compelling evidence that the Greek M-CHAT-R/F is a reliable, valid, culturally appropriate instrument for screening children for the presence of ASD. The psychometric properties of the Greek version are consistent with previous international reports and warrant its use in routine pediatric practice in Greece. Full article

The visual presentation of textbook materials is critical in shaping the learning process. This study examined the effects of typeface, type size, and prior knowledge on students’ reading time and comprehension. Sixty seventh- and eighth-grade students read history passages from an eighth-grade textbook printed in two typefaces (Times New Roman and Helvetica) and two sizes (9 pt and 11 pt). Helvetica at 11 pt yielded the fastest reading times, and Times New Roman at 9 pt was the second fastest, suggesting that the efficiency depends on the combination of typeface and type size. Comprehension was measured using five post-reading questions and was influenced by the type size only, with larger sizes producing higher scores. Prior knowledge significantly enhanced the comprehension of new content, whereas gender and overall academic performance did not. The results highlight the importance of typographic choices and support the consideration of typeface–size combinations and learners’ prior knowledge when developing educational materials. These findings provide applied evidence for evidence-based design decisions in educational publishing and the development of instructional materials. Full article

Background/Objectives: Human immunodeficiency virus remains a significant public health challenge, with breastfeeding contributing to the risk of mother-to-child transmission. Although antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces this risk, obstetric nurses face complex challenges in translating evolving guidelines into clinical practice. This scoping review aims to map existing scientific evidence on obstetric nurses’ approaches to evidence-based practice regarding breastfeeding in the context of HIV. Methods: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus and EBSCOhost (MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Nursing & Allied Health Collection: Comprehensive) for studies published in Englissh and Portuguese between 2015 and 2025. Studies were included if they focused on the role of obstetric nurses, nurse-midwives, or midwives in infant-feeding practices for women living with HIV. Results: Eight studies were included, predominantly from sub-Saharan Africa, with additional evidence from Europe and Canada. Findings reveal that infant-feeding counseling is shaped by a complex interplay of clinical protocols and personal beliefs. Significant gaps in knowledge translation were identified. While nurses demonstrate high technical confidence in lactation support, their distinct professional contribution is often obscured by research that aggregates all healthcare providers. Conclusions: The challenge of supporting breastfeeding in the context of HIV extends beyond technical protocol adherence. It points to persistent gaps in knowledge translation, variability in counselling practices, and the influence of contextual and professional factors on guideline implementation. Strengthening care requires sustained investment in profession-specific education, institutional support, and evidence-informed practice frameworks that enable obstetric nurses to exercise informed clinical judgement. Full article

This study compared the physicochemical properties, nutritional composition, and flavor characteristics of broccoli stalk and floret juices fermented with Limosilactobacillus reuteri 18 (Lr18) to enhance the valorization of broccoli processing by-products. Four sample groups were analyzed: non-fermented stalks, fermented stalks, non-fermented florets, and fermented florets. After 48 h of fermentation, total viable counts and total phenolic content were slightly higher in florets than in stalks. Total titratable acids, total sugars, total soluble solids (TSS), total flavonoids, and vitamin C were initially higher in florets but decreased after fermentation in both groups. Organic acid analysis revealed that fermentation increased citric acid, reduced oxalic acid, and promoted the conversion of malic acid to lactic acid. Stalks contained higher levels of lactic and malic acids but lower citric acid than florets. Tryptophan content was higher in florets and was partially converted to indole derivatives after fermentation. Volatile compound analysis and sensory evaluation indicated that fermentation reduced fruity notes in florets while increasing acidic and sulfurous notes. In contrast, fermentation enhanced fruity and rounded notes in stalks while reducing pungency. These findings provide a scientific basis for developing fermented vegetable products with improved functional and sensory properties, particularly using broccoli stalks as a valuable by-product. Full article

As of 2025, there are approximately 154.3 million voice assistant users in the United States (Emarketer, 2025). Given the prevalence of digital voice assistants in children’s lives, it is critical to understand how children interact with and learn from such digital technologies. Across two experiments, we utilized a modified selective trust design to explore children’s (N = 310) information-seeking behaviors towards technological and human sources in the science domain. In Experiment 1 (N = 143), we asked whether children (aged 4–6) are more likely to direct scientific questions towards and trust in scientific explanations from a digital voice assistant or a peer. The experiment included three parts: (i) scientific ask and endorse phase (ii) explicit judgement phase and (iii) digital voice assistant familiarity question phase. In the first part of the scientific ask and endorse phase, children were asked who they would rather ask to answer certain scientific questions. In the second part of this phase, the digital voice assistant and the peer each provided an explanation in response to that question. Half of the children were assigned to a condition where the digital voice assistant provided a noncircular explanation, and the other half of the children were assigned to a condition where the peer provided a noncircular explanation. In Experiment 2 (N = 167), we examined children’s preference to pose scientific questions to and trust in explanations from a digital voice assistant or a classroom teacher. Across both studies, children preferred to ask questions and trust scientific explanations from the digital voice assistant rather than the peer or the teacher. By understanding how children learn with and through digital technologies in the domain of science, we can design future interventions that leverage conversational AI to further enhance children’s science engagement and critical thinking skills during the early childhood years. Full article