Search Results (158,172)

Basketball performance is influenced by cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition. However, evidence regarding the ability of maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) to distinguish between competitive levels remains inconsistent. This study aimed to examine differences in cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition between professional and amateur basketball players and to explore their contribution to variability in relative VO₂max. This pilot study also informed sample size estimation for future studies. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 12 professional (21.0 ± 2.3 years; BMI: 25.37 ± 3.04 kg/m²) and 12 amateur (22.6 ± 1.7 years; BMI: 26.83 ± 3.24 kg/m²) male basketball players. Absolute and relative VO₂max, ventilatory thresholds, and body composition (five-component fractionation) were assessed. Between-group comparisons were performed using Welch’s t-tests, effect sizes were estimated using Hedges’ g, and covariance analyses were adjusted for height and body fat percentage. No statistically significant differences were observed in relative VO₂max between groups. However, the absolute second ventilatory threshold was significantly higher in professional players, and absolute VO₂max showed a large effect size favoring this group. Professionals also showed lower body fat percentage and greater fat-free mass (p < 0.01; g ≈ 1.2). These findings suggest that body composition differences may partly explain variability in relative VO₂max between competitive levels. Full article

This study explores how pre-service early childhood educators imagine and anticipate their upcoming practicum experience before entering the classroom, focusing on how schooling is both remembered and reimagined in advance of practice. Drawing on qualitative data from open-ended prompts in a Google Forms survey with undergraduate teacher education students, the study examines expectations regarding childhood, schooling, the teacher’s role, and practicum challenges. Using thematic analysis, the findings reveal persistent tensions in how participants conceptualize teaching and learning. While students frequently articulate child-centred and democratic ideals—emphasizing care, participation, and experiential learning—their responses simultaneously reproduce elements of the schoolized mind, through which schooling is imagined as structured by control, transmission, evaluation, and teacher authority. Practicum is anticipated both as a learning opportunity and as a moment of exposure requiring competence, classroom management, and error avoidance. The findings suggest that pre-service teachers approach practicum through already sedimented and socially shaped imaginaries of schooling. These anticipatory frameworks highlight the need for teacher education to critically engage with how schooling is imagined, better shaping future pedagogical practice. Full article

The large-scale generation of waste graphite not only poses environmental challenges but also provides an opportunity for resource recovery. This study proposes a sustainable strategy that utilizes the graphite cutting waste produced during the production of large graphite electrodes through chemical intercalation, microwave-assisted expansion, and in situ urea nitrogen doping techniques to prepare nitrogen-containing micro-expanded graphite (NMG) composite materials. Structural analysis reveals that the nitrogen-doped amorphous carbon layer formed on the expanded graphite (EG) matrix effectively suppresses excessive expansion while preserving its typical worm-like interlayer morphology and porous structure. XPS confirms successful nitrogen doping with predominant pyridinic-N configuration, introducing abundant defect sites and enhancing lithiophilicity. As an anode for LIBs, NMG delivers an exceptional initial discharge capacity of 1907.5 mAh g⁻¹ at 20 mA g⁻¹ and maintains 798.2 mAh g⁻¹ after 50 cycles, nearly twice that of purified waste graphite (G). Remarkably, after 1000 cycles at 1 A g⁻¹, it retains 650.4 mAh g⁻¹ with 89.9% capacity retention, indicating an electrochemical activation process. Kinetic analysis reveals that the superior performance originates from synergistic diffusion-controlled intercalation and surface-dominated pseudocapacitance, with nitrogen-doped defect sites and hierarchical pore architecture promoting rapid ion/electron transport and surface faradaic reactions. This work demonstrates a viable pathway for value-added upcycling of waste graphite while providing insights into designing high-performance anodes through integrated defect engineering and heteroatom doping. Full article

Background/Objectives: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) cause gastrointestinal symptoms that affect patients’ quality of life. IBD improves with physical activity; however, fear of movement is a limiting factor. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of kinesiophobia and assess patients’ knowledge on the role of physical activity and physiotherapists in IBD management. Methods: Participants completed online questionnaires to evaluate demographic and clinical data, lifestyle, physical activity, joint complaints, and physiotherapy preferences. The Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS) was employed to assess kinesiophobia, and the Godin scale was used to assess regular physical activity. Results: Overall, 356 patients with IBD were analyzed. In total, 51% of the patients reported a decrease in physical activity. Of these, 93% have not consulted a physiotherapist, with 51% expressing a need for it. Meanwhile, 75% of the patients wanted additional information. Higher TKS scores were associated with CD, age, and joint pain. The level of kinesiophobia was high and negatively correlated with the amount of physical activity. Conclusions: Physiotherapists play an important role in patient education and influencing lifestyle in IBD. Their expertise is underutilized, and patients should be sufficiently informed regarding their illness. Integrating education and physiotherapy may reduce kinesiophobia and improve patients’ quality of life. Full article

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in disturbances of glucose and lipid metabolism, particularly in occupational groups with limited sunlight exposure. This study aimed to examine the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and markers of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in salt mine workers. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 62 male salt miners (aged 25–63 years), stratified by work depth (surface, ≤750 m, and >750 m). Anthropometric characteristics, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness (VO_2max), and biochemical parameters were assessed. Blood analyses included fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile, TSH, and 25(OH)D. Insulin resistance was evaluated via the HOMA-IR index. Results: The cohort exhibited a high prevalence of overweight and obesity (mean BMI > 28 kg/m²). Significant differences in VO_2max were observed between groups (p < 0.05). Elevated fasting glucose (>100 mg/dL) was observed in 47% of participants, and 22% presented HOMA-IR values > 2.5. In the regression model, vitamin D supplementation was the strongest predictor of 25(OH)D levels, explaining 25.5% of its variance. The addition of HDL cholesterol increased the explained variance to 35.6%, whereas HOMA-IR contributed an additional 3.9% (p = 0.094). Conclusions: In salt miners, insufficient vitamin D status coexists with excess adiposity and impaired glucose homeostasis. Serum 25(OH)D was more strongly associated with supplementation and HDL-C than with HOMA-IR. These findings suggest that monitoring vitamin D status is relevant in the occupational health evaluation of this group. Full article

Metallothionein (MT) is a multifunctional metal-binding protein with broad applications in medicine, healthcare, and food industries, but its large-scale use is limited by inefficient industrial synthesis. To address this and obtain optimal fermentation parameters for large-scale MT production, this study used the recombinant marine-derived MT-producing Pichia pastoris strain SMD1168-MT. We first optimized the strain’s growth and induced fermentation conditions, then constructed a Back Propagation (BP) neural network model for in-depth parameter optimization and accurate MT expression prediction. Results showed the optimal growth conditions for SMD1168-MT were: 30 °C, initial pH 8.0, shaking speed 220 r/min, and 4% inoculum size. The BP model exhibited high accuracy (training set: R² = 0.8430, MAE = 0.0129, RMSE = 0.0175; validation set: R² = 0.8337, MAE = 0.0144, RMSE = 0.0174). Combined with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), the optimal fermentation conditions were: 7.7% methanol, initial OD₆₀₀ 8.2, 240 r/min, 50 h induction, and 125 μmol/L Zn²⁺. Validation confirmed MT expression reached 0.2141 mg/mL (2.93-fold). This study demonstrates that the BP neural network effectively optimizes recombinant P. pastoris-based marine-derived MT fermentation, improving yield and providing a basis for industrial scale-up. Full article

Life expectancy (LE) varies widely across Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries, reflecting differences in economic, social, environmental, and health-system conditions. This review aimed to synthesize quantitative evidence on determinants of LE at birth in OIC member countries. The study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, and a systematic search of electronic databases was performed up to September 2025. After screening 5312 records and assessing full texts, studies were appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists, with an inclusion threshold of ≥80%. A total of 54 studies, mainly ecological, time-series, and panel analyses using national-level data, were included. Higher gross domestic product per capita, education, employment, and health expenditure were consistently associated with longer LE. In contrast, poverty, income inequality, air pollution, and carbon dioxide emissions were associated with shorter LE. Clear differences were observed across World Bank income groups, with LE being lowest in low-income OIC countries and highest in high-income Gulf Cooperation Council states, where gains were driven more by health-system resources than by income growth. Improving LE in OIC countries requires integrated economic, social, environmental, and health-system policies. Full article

Corporate carbon reduction is essential for sustainable development, yet little is known about whether equity linkages within supply chains facilitate firms’ low-carbon transition. Using data on Chinese A-share listed firms from 2008 to 2022, this study examines the effect of supply chain shareholding, defined as equity ownership by suppliers and customers in a focal firm, on corporate carbon emission intensity. We find that supply chain shareholding significantly reduces corporate carbon emission intensity, and this result remains robust after a series of robustness and endogeneity tests. Mechanism analyses show that supply chain shareholding lowers carbon emission intensity by strengthening corporate green governance, promoting green innovation, and facilitating cleaner production. Further analyses indicate that this effect is more pronounced under stricter air quality requirements, in regions with stronger environmental regulation, and among heavily polluting industries. These findings highlight the role of supply chain governance in corporate carbon reduction and suggest that equity linkages within supply chains can support firms’ low-carbon transition. Full article

Enteroviruses represent important human pathogens, posing a substantial disease burden, particularly in children under 5 years of age. Enteroviruses are the primary causative agents of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) and are strongly associated with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), with severe cases potentially resulting in significant neurological complications. Inactivated vaccines against EV-A71 based on the C4 genotype are currently available. However, there are no licensed direct antiviral agents for severe cases. By focusing on viral proteins and host factors, researchers have made great strides in the creation of antiviral medications that target enteroviruses. However, several viral candidates failed to progress in clinical development due to limited efficacy or side effects. This review discusses key findings in enterovirus antiviral research, analyzes the advantages and limitations of each drug target, and highlights knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to advance further development in this field. Full article

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly used as an interactive instructional medium in engineering education, yet evidence on practical implementation and student-reported experience remains limited. This study examined students’ perceived experience and usability across VR and traditional instruction within a crossover design in a UV-C water disinfection lesson. Using a mixed 2 × 2 crossover design, 52 undergraduate engineering students completed both a VR lesson (Meta Quest 3; Unreal Engine 5.4) and a content-aligned traditional session delivered with slides and a physical UV disinfection stand. After each session, participants reported perceived flow (short Flow Index) and engagement (adapted User Engagement Scale); the System Usability Scale (SUS) was completed after the VR session only. A brief knowledge quiz and open-ended feedback were also collected and used descriptively. Students reported higher perceived flow and engagement in the VR condition than in the traditional condition, and VR usability was generally rated acceptable-to-excellent, with higher SUS scores observed in the VR-first sequence than in the traditional-first sequence. Qualitative feedback emphasized clarity and interactivity, and most participants expressed a preference for a blended approach. Overall, the results support the practical feasibility and positive user acceptance of the VR lesson in this instructional context. The findings also suggest that perceived usability may be associated with instructional sequence, although this pattern should be interpreted cautiously within the perception-based scope of the study. Full article

Background/Objectives: The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) necessitates innovative strategies to overcome conventional resistance mechanisms. This study investigated the potential of the natural flavonolignan silibinin (SIL) as an antivirulence agent against S. aureus, with a particular emphasis on its putative multi-target antibacterial activity and its capacity to potentiate the effects of ciprofloxacin (CIP). Methods: The antibacterial and antivirulence properties of SIL were assessed using both in vitro and in silico approaches. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined, and its synergistic interaction with CIP was evaluated using checkerboard assays. Inhibition of biofilm formation, as well as disruption of established biofilms, was assessed using an MTT-based viability assay. Staphyloxanthin (STX) inhibition was examined through pigment extraction and spectrophotometric quantification of pathway intermediates. Molecular docking studies were conducted to predict the binding affinities of the compounds to key bacterial targets, while safety was evaluated through haemolytic and cytotoxicity assays. Results: SIL exhibited weak to moderate direct antibacterial activity (MICs of 256–512 µg/mL), which is characteristic of many natural product scaffolds. Notably, SIL potentiated the activity of CIP, reducing its MIC by up to fourfold against selected resistant strains of S. aureus. SIL significantly inhibited biofilm formation and disrupted established mature biofilms in a strain-dependent manner. In vitro metabolic profiling and in silico analyses provided mechanistic insights into the effects of SIL on STX biosynthesis. Precursor accumulation data suggest inhibition at the diapophytoene desaturase (CrtN) catalytic step, representing a potential mechanism not previously reported for flavonolignans. Molecular docking studies further predicted favourable binding affinities for CrtM and other key targets. Importantly, SIL exhibited no haemolytic activity and low cytotoxicity in macrophages at synergistic concentrations. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that SIL functions as a dual-action agent, potentiating ciprofloxacin efficacy while reducing STX production and inhibiting biofilm formation, thereby impairing key virulence mechanisms of S. aureus. These findings, together with its favourable safety profile, provide a strong rationale for the development of silibinin-based topical adjuvants to combat drug-resistant Staphylococcus infections in humans. Full article

Background/Objectives: Periodontitis represents a significant global health burden, yet preventive health literacy remains critically low among emerging adults—a developmental stage where lifelong health behaviors crystallize. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the GUM (an acronym of Gum Understanding Mission) game, an interactive gamified digital tool incorporating AI-informed or manual feedback, for improving periodontitis literacy among tenth-semester Software Engineering students at the University of Guayaquil. Methods: In a controlled pre-test/post-test experiment, 50 participants were randomly assigned to either the GUM game intervention or a traditional lecture. Both groups completed identical knowledge assessments immediately before and after their respective 50-min instructional sessions. The GUM game featured adaptive questioning, immediate elaborated feedback, and comprehensive performance analytics, while the control group received instructor-led didactic instruction with a subsequent question-and-answer session. Results: The GUM group improved from a baseline of 21% to 94% correct responses, while the lecture group increased from 22% to 67% ($p<0.001$). Error reduction was 74% in the GUM group versus 45% in the control group. However, the study’s scope is currently limited to a single, digitally literate cohort, and knowledge retention over time was not assessed. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a self-directed, feedback-driven serious game can substantially outperform traditional methods in fostering periodontitis literacy within this population. Further research is needed across diverse populations with extended follow-up periods to assess knowledge retention and generalizability. Full article

Background/Objective: In recent years, epidemiological and clinical evidence has suggested an association between the use of second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) and hyperglycemic complications: notably, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS). However, the role of first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) remains less well understood. To conduct a systematic review of evidence established in case reports (CRs) on adverse drug reactions, specifically DKA and HHS, associated with the use of both FGAs and SGAs in order to identify patterns that may inform clinical awareness and future research. Methods: Pertinent bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)) were searched using index phrases and keywords up until 17 October 2025. Eligible CRs discussed exposure to at least one US FDA-approved antipsychotic drug (APD) and assessed either DKA or HHS. Results: A total of 151 CRs were included in the systematic review (DKA, n = 121; HHS, n = 28; both conditions, n = 2). Patients aged 30 to 39 years accounted for the highest number of emergencies (n = 49, 32.5%), which occurred mostly in males (n = 108, 71.5%). The most common mental health diagnosis was schizophrenia (n = 77, 51%), followed by bipolar disorder (n = 26, 17.2%). Olanzapine was associated with the highest number of DKA cases (n = 53, 43.1%), followed by clozapine (n = 24, 19.5%). The average blood glucose at presentation was 842.8 mg/dL for DKA patients and 1252.8 mg/dL for HHS patients. The average hemoglobin A1c levels (HbA1c) were 11.5% and 12%, respectively, for these two conditions. Of the 12 reported fatalities, treatment with olanzapine was noted in four DKA cases and in one HHS case. Conclusion: This analysis provides additional evidence of an association between the use of atypical APDs and DKA or HHS. Clinicians should continue to monitor metabolic risk factors for these conditions, as well as educating patients about the prevention of acute diabetic complications. Full article