Search Results (29,323)

Background: A functional balance between angiotensin II receptors (AT1R/AT2R) is associated with the regulation of cardiovascular, inflammatory, and tissue remodeling processes. Interventions that promote this balance have a significant impact on quality of life. Physical exercise stands out among these interventions, as the literature extensively identifies it as a therapeutic tool for managing conditions linked to the main axis of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). Despite its beneficial role regarding the RAS, its effects on AT1R and AT2R receptor expression have not yet been systematically synthesized. Objective: To review the literature and systematically compile existing knowledge regarding the effect of physical exercise on the expression of angiotensin II receptors (AT1R and AT2R) within the RAS. Methods: This is a systematic review registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251267388). Searches were conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, PEDro, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 and SYRCLE tools. A total of 724 studies were identified, of which 11 met the eligibility criteria: 10 conducted using experimental animal models and 1 involving humans. Results: Eleven studies were included, predominantly animal experimental models. The findings indicate that chronic cyclic physical exercise is associated with reduced AT1R expression and increased AT2R expression in different tissues. In contrast, the only study that evaluated resistance exercise showed a distinct physiological response, with increased AT1R expression. Conclusions: The results suggest that chronic cyclical physical exercise promotes an increase in AT2R receptor expression and a reduction in AT1R expression in various body tissues, although the evidence is derived primarily from animal studies. Full article

Background: Congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) caused by complete tracheal rings and absence of the pars membranacea is rare and potentially lethal in infancy. Agenesis or hypoplasia of the medullary arcuate nucleus (ARC), a chemosensitive component of the ventral medullary surface, has been implicated in disordered respiratory control in sudden perinatal and infant deaths. The coexistence of these two abnormalities is uncommon. Case: A 2-month-old male infant, apparently healthy, was found unresponsive on his parents’ bed in the early morning. The pregnancy was uncomplicated, aside from maternal obesity and tobacco use. Given a context compatible with either sudden natural death or accidental overlay/suffocation, a full forensic autopsy was ordered. An external examination showed diffuse cyanosis and minor superficial abrasions without significant trauma. An internal examination revealed heavy, congested lungs with petechiae and cerebral edema. The heart and great vessels were anatomically normal, and the ductus arteriosus was closed. Histological examination demonstrated congenital tracheal stenosis characterized by complete cartilaginous rings with absent pars membranacea and bilateral agenesis of the medullary arcuate nucleus. The overall findings supported an acute hypoxic–ischemic event during sleep. Conclusions: This case documents a rare, isolated CTS with complete rings and absent pars membranacea coexisting with bilateral ARC agenesis, providing a plausible organic substrate (“cum materia”) for sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). It underscores the importance of standardized neuropathological examination with serial brainstem sections in SUDI investigations and of distinguishing explained SUDI from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which remains unexplained after complete investigation (“sine materia”). Full article

With accelerating population aging and retirement-policy reforms, post-retirement work participation and its health effects have attracted increasing attention. Using data from the 2013–2020 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), this study examined the effect of working beyond retirement on changes in cognitive function among the Retirement-Transition Population using a staggered difference-in-differences approach. Cognitive function was decomposed into episodic memory and executive function, and robustness checks were conducted using parallel trend tests and propensity score matching combined with difference-in-differences (PSM-DID). The results showed that working beyond retirement was positively associated with improved cognitive function. This effect was mainly observed in episodic memory, whereas its effect on executive function was limited. Heterogeneity analyses indicated that the cognitive effects were more pronounced among men and urban residents. Individuals without chronic diseases, without depressive symptoms, and with better self-rated health exhibited greater cognitive benefits. Among individuals with work-type change, those experiencing an agricultural-to-non-agricultural transition showed more pronounced cognitive benefits. The findings suggest that the cognitive effects of working beyond retirement are dimension-specific and heterogeneous across population groups. Future delayed retirement policies should recognize the health value of work participation, incorporate health benefits into policy considerations, and promote age-friendly employment through health assessment, job matching, and follow-up service mechanisms. Full article

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders impose substantial global burdens. Although Pilates is a recognized biopsychosocial intervention, a quantitative synthesis evaluating its occupational efficacy remains limited. Objective: To compute the pooled effect sizes of workplace Pilates interventions on musculoskeletal pain intensity, functional disability, muscular endurance, and health-related quality of life (QoL). Methods: Twelve randomized controlled trials (14 reports) involving diverse occupational cohorts were analyzed. Data dependency was resolved via outcome aggregation. Random-effects models calculated pooled effect sizes (Hedges’ g), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and 95% prediction intervals (PI). Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2. Results: The meta-analysis demonstrated a moderate, statistically significant reduction in functional disability (g = −0.660, 95% CI [−1.091, −0.229], p = 0.011). Conversely, pooled estimates for pain intensity (g = −0.461, p = 0.360), muscular endurance (g = 1.354, p = 0.223), and QoL (g = −0.146, p = 0.815) were non-significant. Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I²: 32.02–98.25%), and all prediction intervals crossed the null, indicating high uncertainty regarding future effects. Conclusions: Workplace Pilates consistently mitigates functional disability, but current evidence does not support significant pooled improvements in absolute pain, endurance, or QoL. This divergence between functional recovery and pain reduction aligns with biopsychosocial frameworks, suggesting improved work capacity despite variable pain relief. Given the high heterogeneity and wide prediction intervals, findings must be interpreted cautiously, highlighting the need for rigorously standardized trials. Full article

Background: Exercise is a cornerstone of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) management, yet real-world adherence to physical activity (PA) recommendations and patient preferences for exercise delivery remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to compare PA levels, World Health Organization (WHO) aerobic PA guideline compliance, and exercise preferences between patients with axSpA and age and sex-matched healthy controls. Methods: A total of 153 patients with axSpA and 153 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited from a tertiary rheumatology clinic. PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. Compliance with WHO aerobic PA recommendations was defined as achieving ≥150 min/week of moderate-intensity PA including walking, ≥75 min/week of vigorous-intensity PA, or an equivalent combination. Disease activity, function, quality of life, kinesiophobia, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, psychological status, and exercise preferences (adapted from the Personalized Exercise Questionnaire) were also recorded, and logistic regression identified factors associated with compliance among axSpA patients. Results: Total IPAQ-SF MET-min/week scores were comparable between groups, but vigorous-intensity activity was lower in axSpA (p = 0.012). Fewer patients with axSpA met WHO aerobic PA recommendations than controls (60.1% vs. 71.2%, p = 0.041) and this gap was most evident among women (43.4% vs. 75.5%, p = 0.002) but not among men, with a significant axSpA status × sex interaction (p = 0.008). Among patients with axSpA, female sex and higher kinesiophobia scores were independently associated with lower odds of meeting the WHO aerobic PA recommendations. Patients with axSpA also showed distinct exercise preferences including greater preference for health-professional supervision, home-based exercise, and regular feedback. Conclusions: Patients with axSpA had lower adherence to WHO aerobic PA recommendations than healthy controls. Among patients with axSpA, female sex and higher kinesiophobia were associated with lower adherence. These findings highlight the importance of considering sex-related differences, kinesiophobia, and individual exercise preferences when developing personalized strategies to promote PA in axSpA. Full article

Engagement in the arts, particularly developing skills in an art form, represents a cognitively rich activity involving attention, memory, executive function, and sensorimotor coordination. Despite widespread assumptions that artistic abilities such as drawing are innate, they are highly trainable through targeted learning. Different techniques exemplify how structured observational drawing exercises can reshape perceptual and cognitive processing. For example, the negative space drawing technique directs attention to the shapes surrounding an object rather than the object itself. Specific techniques can map onto underlying cognitive processes, and this article examines the translational potential of learning to draw as a cognitive intervention. Due to the Arts’ aesthetic nature, the benefits extend beyond cognitive and can impact modifiable salutogenic factors at large. A toolkit of drawing techniques is provided, with information on the underlying cognitive processes. By connecting the cognitive neuropsychology of observational drawing to cognitive aging, this work contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the arts as a vehicle for brain health, with particular promise in an aging global population. As technology transforms the landscape of arts and aesthetics, the cognitive value of embodied artmaking is underscored. Full article

Background/Objectives: The oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a crucial step in atherogenesis. Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP) is a natural compound with established anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties as shown in animal and cell culture studies. We examined whether BCP can impede LDL oxidation in an in vitro model. Methods: The anti-oxidative effect of BCP was evaluated in different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, and 150 µg/mL) with regard to scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) during LDL oxidation, which was initiated by the addition of copper chloride (CuCl₂) in a concentration of 10 µmol/L. Lipid hydroperoxides (LPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), dienes, cell viability, and reactions of BCP with ROS according to Gibbs free energies were applied to determine the oxidation state of LDL. Results: Our findings indicated that BCP is highly efficient in inhibiting LDL oxidation in a dose-dependent manner in this in vitro model. The lipid hydroperoxide content in oxLDL was significantly lower in the presence of 100 µg/mL BCP compared to oxLDL without BCP (p < 0.0001). This corresponds to the MDA levels, which were significantly lower in the presence of 100 µg/mL BCP compared to oxLDL without BCP (p = 0.0393). Furthermore, a dose-dependent inhibition of diene formation in the LDL particle was observed in the presence of ascending BCP concentrations which corresponds to a decrease in the cytotoxicity of oxLDL in EA.hy926 cells in the presence of increasing concentrations of BCP. Moreover, BCP’s anti-oxidant effectiveness exceeds that of the widely recognized anti-oxidant spermidine at equivalent concentrations. Our quantum chemical calculations showed that the reactions between BCP and hydroxyl radicals, hydroperoxyl radicals, or hydrogen peroxide are exergonic. We therefore conclude that BCP impedes the oxidation of LDL by its capability to scavenge (at least) these three reactive oxygen species. Conclusions: Our results indicate that BCP impedes the oxidation of LDL in vitro and therefore presumably has the potential to serve as an appropriate therapeutic agent to prevent atherogenesis and related (cardio)vascular diseases by balancing vascular oxidative stress. For this purpose, more prospective clinical studies in humans are required to assess the potential atheroprotective and health-promoting effects of BCP. Full article

Previous studies have shown that Bouldering Psychotherapy (BPT), an emerging integrative intervention combining bouldering with psychotherapeutic techniques, may promote improvements in mental health and well-being. This pilot study aimed to examine the effects of BPT on symptoms of depression and anxiety in a Brazilian population and explore participants’ perceptions of its psychological and social impacts. Eleven participants completed an eight-week BPT program and were compared with a matched control group. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed before and after the intervention. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using word-frequency analysis and reflexive thematic analysis. The BPT group showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (p = 0.015, d = 0.66) and a marginally non-significant reduction in anxiety symptoms (p = 0.059, d = 0.44). The qualitative findings indicated perceived improvements in psychological well-being, emotional regulation, self-awareness, social connectedness, and psychological skills. Participants also reported transferring skills and insights acquired during the program to everyday life. Overall, the findings suggest that BPT may improve mental health, particularly depressive symptoms, while fostering supportive social relationships and positive psychological experiences. The results support the feasibility of adapting BPT to the Brazilian context and encourage further research on climbing-based psychotherapeutic interventions. Full article

Telemedicine is increasingly transforming pediatric cardiology by expanding access to specialized care, supporting early diagnosis, and improving longitudinal monitoring of children with cardiovascular disease. This narrative review summarizes current applications of digital health in pediatric cardiology, with emphasis on congenital heart disease, pediatric hypertension, and arrhythmia management. Tele-echocardiography represents one of the most established telehealth tools, enabling remote interpretation of fetal, neonatal, and pediatric echocardiographic images and improving referral appropriateness, particularly in peripheral or resource-limited settings. In infants with complex congenital heart disease, especially those with single-ventricle physiology during the interstage period, home monitoring programs using mobile applications, pulse oximeters, digital scales, and structured caregiver reporting may facilitate early recognition of clinical deterioration and reduce avoidable transfers. In non-congenital cardiovascular disease, home blood pressure monitoring can improve diagnostic accuracy by reducing white-coat effects and supporting repeated measurements in real-life settings. Smartphone-enabled electrocardiographic devices and wearable technologies may enhance detection of intermittent arrhythmias and strengthen outpatient management. Despite these advantages, challenges remain, including data fragmentation, limited pediatric validation of consumer devices, interoperability issues, privacy concerns, and socioeconomic disparities in technology access. Properly integrated telemedicine may promote more timely, equitable, and patient-centered pediatric cardiovascular care. Full article

Bacterial self-healing concrete has emerged as a bio-based strategy to enhance the durability of cementitious materials and reduce the environmental impact associated with premature infrastructure deterioration. Its functional principle relies on microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP), through which bacterial metabolism promotes CaCO₃ deposition within cracks. However, self-healing efficiency cannot be explained solely by mineral precipitation capacity. Concrete is a restrictive microbial environment characterized by alkalinity, desiccation, osmotic stress, nutrient limitation and physical confinement. Therefore, effective crack sealing requires a coordinated sequence involving bacterial survival, sporulation, germination, metabolic reactivation, biofilm-associated mineral nucleation and localized biomineralization. This integrative narrative review synthesizes mechanistic, material and biosafety evidence on bacterial self-healing concrete, focusing on spore-forming bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis and related taxa, including Paenibacillus. The evidence indicates that stress tolerance, germination signaling, calcium handling, biofilm establishment and stability, and encapsulation-mediated microenvironmental control are key determinants of performance, but remain insufficiently integrated into materials-oriented studies. Large-scale implementation also requires preventive assessment of strain persistence, genetic stability, horizontal gene transfer, environmental microbiome interactions and life-cycle exposure scenarios. Bacterial self-healing concrete should therefore be understood as a living or bioactive material system whose responsible development depends on the integration of microbiology, molecular biology, materials science, civil engineering, environmental risk assessment, occupational health, and public health. Full article

Plant protein-derived bioactive peptides have attracted increasing interest as potential ingredients for health-promoting functional foods because of their reported cardiometabolic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, gastrointestinal, and satiety-related activities. However, the field remains dominated by peptide discovery, in silico prediction, enzyme-inhibition assays, simulated digestion, and preclinical models, whereas successful translation into clinically supported and technologically viable food products is still limited. This review critically examines the gap between mechanistic promise and functional food implementation. It integrates evidence on plant protein sources, peptide-generation strategies, structure–activity relationships, gastrointestinal stability, intestinal transport, local gut activity, food-matrix interactions, processing effects, encapsulation, sensory constraints, human efficacy, regulatory substantiation, commercial feasibility, and consumer acceptance. Particular attention is given to the limited predictive value of isolated in vitro activity when peptides are exposed to digestion, epithelial barriers, complex food matrices, realistic processing conditions, and achievable dietary doses. The review also highlights that systemic absorption is not the only relevant pathway, as selected peptides may act locally within the gastrointestinal tract. Overall, the evidence indicates that peptide discovery should not be treated as the principal endpoint of research. Future progress will require translation-oriented development in which bioactivity, digestion stability, matrix compatibility, sensory quality, manufacturing reproducibility, realistic intake, human evidence, and regulatory credibility are evaluated as interdependent criteria. The most promising plant-derived peptides will therefore be those that retain sufficient activity and acceptability under real conditions of food production and consumption. Full article

Virgin olive oil (VOO) is highly valued for its nutritional, sensory, and health-promoting properties, which are strongly influenced by olive fruit maturity and extraction technology. This study evaluated the combined effects of fruit ripening stage and extraction system on the yield, physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds, fatty acid composition, and sensory quality of virgin olive oil obtained from the Jordanian Nabali Baladi cultivar. Olive fruits were harvested at four maturity indices (MI-3, MI-4, MI-5, and MI-6) during the 2024/2025 harvest season and processed using industrial two-phase and three-phase centrifugation systems under identical malaxation conditions (28–30 °C for 45 min). Oil yield, physicochemical quality parameters, total phenolic content, pigment concentrations, fatty acid composition, and sensory attributes were determined using standard analytical methods. Fruit ripening significantly increased oil yield (p < 0.05), reaching 27.80% and 30.00% at MI-6 in the two-phase and three-phase systems, respectively. However, increasing maturity was associated with higher free acidity and peroxide values and with significant reductions in phenolic compounds, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and sensory quality. Oils extracted using the two-phase system consistently exhibited lower acidity, lower peroxide values, and significantly higher concentrations of phenolic compounds than those obtained using the three-phase system. Sensory analysis showed progressive declines in fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency with advancing maturity, particularly in oils produced by the three-phase extraction system. Significant interactions between ripening stage and extraction technology confirmed that oil quality depends on both biological and processing factors. Although delayed harvesting improved oil recovery, it adversely affected the nutritional and sensory quality of virgin olive oil. The two-phase extraction system better preserved bioactive compounds and overall oil quality than the three-phase system. Harvesting olives at intermediate maturity stages (MI-4) combined with two-phase extraction provides the most suitable strategy for achieving an optimal balance between oil yield and quality under Jordanian growing conditions. Overall, this study provides a scientific basis for integrating harvesting and processing decisions within a unified quality-management framework for virgin olive oil production. Full article

This systematic review analysed the role, opportunities and challenges of digital technologies in promoting physical activity among rural children and adolescents aged 10–18. By identifying and analyzing 10 eligible studies across four major databases between June 2016 and June 2026, the research classified the tools used into five categories: behaviour-monitoring technologies (like wearable activity trackers), educational technologies (digital learning platforms), communication and social media technologies, immersive technologies (virtual and augmented reality), and digital health technologies. The implications of these tools were examined in relation to physical education curricula and the development of healthy lifestyles. While the available evidence suggests that these technologies support rural youth by enhancing self-monitoring, increasing health awareness, improving access to educational resources, and creating context-specific opportunities for active engagement, the data reveals that evidence of sustained improvements in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity remains limited. Furthermore, implementation is heavily hindered by barriers such as the digital divide, limited technological infrastructure, inequalities in resource access, and the threat of sedentary behaviours associated with excessive screen time. Consequently, the findings underscore a need for coordinated educational and health strategies, offering practical recommendations to integrate these digital technologies within rural educational settings to foster long-term active lifestyles. Full article

Digital technologies seem to contribute to health promotion and disease prevention, allowing older people to benefit from targeted health interventions supported by digital resources. The current study aimed to develop a substantive theory focusing on the experiences of older people who use smartphone technology daily and its repercussions on healthy aging. This qualitative study employed Charmaz’s constructivist grounded theory approach. Purposeful and theoretical sampling was used to recruit 37 older Brazilian people from a community extension project that integrates nurses who offer personalized guidance and support using smartphone devices. Individual phone-call interviews and reflective journals were conducted between August 2022 and March 2023. Four interrelated theoretical categories emerged: (1) technological progress during the aging process; (2) technological learning using smartphones and participation in virtual groups; (3) expanding social and personal development through smartphone communication; and (4) virtual groups for older people on healthy aging. The core category “Experiencing guided smartphone use as a resource for healthy aging” portrays the individual, social and cultural aspects involved in the habits and attitudes that older people develop to promote independence and quality of life. This study offers valuable insights into the daily use of smartphones by older people, and its repercussions on individual and social issues that bring people and places closer together, expand the social network, and modify communication patterns. The findings indicate that older adults undergo changes and adaptations in their daily lives and in the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, and that using digital applications such as smartphones contradicts the stereotype of fragility or limited understanding associated with aging. The findings can also help with the implementation of policies and practices aligned with a more person-centred care approach. Full article

Aim: To evaluate the effect of a student-generated podcast intervention focused on maternal–child health topics on nursing students’ self-perceived knowledge, educational satisfaction, and gameful engagement. Introduction: Health education is essential for promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing disease, making the acquisition of effective communication skills vital for nursing undergraduates. While digital audio media and podcasts are increasingly popular pedagogical tools, traditional applications rely on passive listening. Student-generated podcast production represents an active learning approach that may enhance engagement, communication skills, and content synthesis. Design: Quasi-experimental study without randomization. Methods: The intervention was conducted across a 4-week framework comprising 8 contact hours of faculty guidance alongside independent teamwork. First-year nursing students organized into small collaborative groups (3–4 peers) received initial training on digital audio pedagogy, metadata, and production. Teams developed 5-to-7-min podcast capsules addressing eight evidence-based maternal–child health themes. Faculty provided structured formative checkpoints for script clinical validation and technical audio editing guidance. All completed podcasts were evaluated using a 100-point rubric assessing scientific accuracy (35%), communication clarity (25%), narrative engagement (20%), and technical quality (20%); thirty top-scoring episodes were selected for public radio broadcasting. Pre-and post-intervention self-administered questionnaires measured self-perceived knowledge across all eight topics, educational satisfaction, and gameful experience via the validated 27-item Gameful Experience Scale (GAMEX). Results: A total of 130 valid questionnaires were analysed at each assessment point. Self-perceived knowledge was higher at the post-intervention assessment across all eight topics (all Holm-adjusted p < 0.001). After Holm correction, general podcast satisfaction (adjusted p = 0.036), fulfilment of expectations (adjusted p = 0.036), recommendation to friends or family (adjusted p < 0.001), perceived importance of podcasting for maternal health (adjusted p = 0.036), and perceived ease of setting up a podcast (adjusted p = 0.005) remained statistically significant. Creative Thinking, Mastery, and the overall GAMEX score were nominally higher before multiplicity adjustment, but none remained statistically significant after Holm correction (adjusted p = 0.126, 0.234, and 0.158, respectively). Conclusions: Student-generated podcasting was associated with higher self-perceived knowledge and favourable appraisal on several educational outcomes. GAMEX differences were exploratory after Holm correction. Full article