Search Results (58,863)

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of pathologies (obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension) that affects over one quarter of old adults. MetS is a condition that markedly increases the susceptibility of various organs to dysfunctionality and is associated with the development of oxidative stress. The existing guidelines point out that exercise is highly advantageous for patients with MetS. However, there is a need for specific guidance and clinical evidence. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a moderate aerobic exercise program on older women without and with MetS. Methods: A total of 120 women aged 60–70 years old were recruited and divided into two groups: healthy old women (HOW, N = 60) and old women with MetS (OW-MetS, N = 60). Anthropometric values, biochemical parameters and markers of oxidative damage were evaluated before and after moderate aerobic exercise. Exercise was performed five days per week for three months (64 sessions). Each exercise session consisted of 40 min and included the following: (a) five minutes of warm-up exercise; (b) ten minutes of flexibility exercise with resistance using own weight and coordination; (c) twenty minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (heart rate max between 60% and 70%); and (d) five minutes to cool down/stretching with respiratory techniques. Results: A significant decrease in anthropometric variables was generated by the exercise program [waist circumference 4.35 cm (p < 0.05) in OW-MetS, body fat −1.55, −1.39% (p < 0.05) and muscle mass 0.8, 1.1% (p < 0.05) in HOW and OW-MetS, respectively]. The exercise program resulted in beneficial changes in all biochemical parameters in both groups. Importantly, HOMA values showed a significant decline of −0.85 and −6.17 in HOW and OW-MetS, respectively. Furthermore, oxidative stress was present in the OW-MetS group, which was reduced by the exercise program, resulting in a decrease in protein damage [formazan 45% and 42% in HOW and OW-MetS respectively] and an increase in antioxidant defenses (thiol groups 36%, 99% and GPx 55%, 20% in HOW and OW-MetS, respectively). Conclusions: The data of this study show that moderate aerobic exercise may be potentially useful in treating and preventing MetS in older patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is implicated in glycemic control. However, its circulating levels and clinical significance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remain controversial. We assessed plasma S1P levels in T2DM patients, its associations with metabolic parameters and complications, and explored its biomarker potential and non-linear (U-/J-shaped) relationships. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 140 patients with T2DM and 63 matching healthy controls. Plasma S1P was measured by competitive ELISA. Statistical analyses included comparisons, correlation, ROC analysis, multivariable logistic regression, and quadratic/spline regression for U-shaped relationships. Results: Plasma S1P was significantly elevated in T2DM patients [1256.7 (149.4–1510.0) ng/mL] compared to controls [1075.1 (202.0–1510.0) ng/mL; p < 0.001]. S1P correlated positively with age, disease duration, HbA1c, insulin resistance, TyG index, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, and negatively with HDL-C. Patients with complications had higher S1P than those without (p = 0.001), with progressive increases from retinopathy to nephropathy to mixed complications. Insulin-treated patients exhibited the highest S1P levels (p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed moderate diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.724). S1P is an independent associated factor with complications (OR = 1.18 per 100 ng/mL, p = 0.003). Non-linear analysis revealed a U-shaped relationship with HDL-C (optimal S1P: 1100–1350 ng/mL) and a J-shaped relationship with complication risk (threshold ~1250 ng/mL). Conclusions: Plasma S1P is elevated in T2DM and correlates with disease severity, glycemic control, insulin resistance, and complications. S1P demonstrates moderate biomarker potential and exhibits non-linear U-/J-shaped relationships with metabolic parameters, suggesting an optimal therapeutic window of 1100–1280 ng/mL. These findings support S1P as a marker of cumulative disease burden and a potential therapeutic target. Full article

NLRP1 is an inflammasome sensor protein expressed in barrier tissues of humans. Its activation in response to microbes or cellular stress triggers a cascade of molecular events, leading up to IL1β-driven inflammation and pyroptosis. Rare germline mutations of NLRP1 cause its persistent activation, resulting in autoinflammatory syndromes. Multiple self-healing palmoplantar carcinoma (MSPC) is one such syndrome, characterized by the appearance of recurrent keratoacanthomas (KAs) on the palms and soles. Here, we aimed to compare the subcellular localization of mutant NLRP1 in lesions from an MSPC patient to wild-type NLRP1 in non-MSPC-KAs and in skin from healthy donors. Using mass spectrometry, immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron tomography, we found that NLRP1 localized to mast cell granules in all MSPC lesions but also in healthy skin, a novel finding which implicates these cells in NLRP1-associated responses in human skin. Moreover, we found that mast cells expressing the A66V pathogenic variant of NLRP1 overpopulated MSPC-KAs, infiltrated the epidermis and degranulated, a behavior not seen in other lesions from this study. The released granules had the highest NLRP1 protein content and also contained NLRP3 and IL1β, suggesting the coexistence of inflammasome pathways within mast cells. Taken together, our findings propose cutaneous mast cells as a previously unrecognized NLRP1 reservoir in health and disease. Full article

South Africa’s food system reflects a growing imbalance between nutritionally rich indigenous foods and the increasing dominance of commercially processed alternatives. Despite well documented health, cultural, and environmental benefits, indigenous leafy vegetables and edible insects remain marginal within formal markets and everyday diets. This systematic review synthesised 141 empirical and theoretical studies to examine how household attitudes, consumption behaviours, and market structures interact to shape the role of indigenous foods in South Africa. The review identifies a consistent pattern in which positive perceptions of indigenous foods do not translate into regular consumption. Rural households continue to utilise these foods as part of seasonal and livelihood strategies, while uptake in urban areas remains uneven and context specific. Emerging interest among certain consumer segments highlights potential for product diversification and market development, particularly where indigenous foods are adapted to align with modern preferences. However, this potential is constrained by weak value chain integration, limited standardisation, and the absence of reliable consumption data. These structural limitations restrict both market participation and consumer access, reinforcing the peripheral position of indigenous foods within the broader food system. The findings suggest improving availability, strengthening markets, and enhancing positioning critical for inclusion of indigenous foods in diets. Full article

Background: Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is considered a transitional state between normal aging and dementia, often without visible abnormalities on standard brain magnetic resonance (MR) images. The aim of the study was to analyze both microstructural and functional brain abnormalities using advanced MR techniques. Methods: The study included 27 patients with aMCI and an age-matched control group (CG) of 25 healthy subjects. All MR studies were performed on a 3T MR scanner (Philips, Ingenia) with a 32-channel head and neck coil using volumetric 3D T1 sequences, followed by a resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) sequence. Volumetric analysis was performed using the Destrieux atlas to assess potential structural differences between groups. Seed-to-voxel functional connectivity analyses were conducted using the bilateral hippocampi and both anterior and posterior divisions of the parahippocampal gyri as seed regions. Results: Compared to healthy controls, reduced cortical thickness was observed in aMCI subjects in the temporal regions, frontal and orbitofrontal areas, limbic areas, parietal and sensorimotor cortices, as well as occipito-temporal regions. Additionally, significantly increased functional connectivity was observed between bilateral medial temporal lobe (MTL) regions and the right thalamus. Conclusions: Cortical thinning in various brain regions along with the increased functional connectivity between the MTL regions and the right thalamus may reflect potential compensatory mechanisms in response to initial subtle degenerative changes, emphasizing the importance of using both functional and structural imaging to detect early changes in aMCI patients. Full article

The significance of less abundant genera within the gut microbiota, such as Parabacteroides, remains largely unexplored. Despite its low levels, Parabacteroides is highly conserved and potentially beneficial across populations. This trial aimed to evaluate whether a four-week intake of glucolacto-oligosaccharides (GLO), previously reported as an enhancer of Parabacteroides, improves defecation frequency as the primary outcome. It also assessed holistic gut health and underlying microbiota-based mechanisms. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 50 healthy Japanese participants with a defecation frequency of five or fewer times per week were enrolled. The mean (±SE) weekly defecation frequency in the GLO group was 3.2 ± 0.2 at baseline, increasing to 5.8 ± 0.6 at week 4, whereas that in the placebo group was 3.4 ± 0.3 at baseline, increasing to 4.4 ± 0.3 at week 4. The time-dependent weekly defecation frequency was significantly higher in the GLO group than in the placebo group (p = 0.029). Changes in the relative abundance of the genus Parabacteroides significantly increased in the GLO group compared with in the placebo group. Changes in fecal bile acid composition were also confirmed in the GLO group compared with the placebo group, which was thought to be due to the unique features of Parabacteroides. Furthermore, changes in alpha diversity indices were significantly higher in the GLO group than in the placebo group (Simpson, p = 0.041; Pielou, p = 0.022). Additional analysis demonstrated that the increase in alpha diversity in the GLO group was significantly correlated with the increase in the relative abundance of Parabacteroides (p = 0.006), which tended to be associated with decreases in serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (p = 0.089) and serum triglyceride (p = 0.075) levels. These data suggest that GLO intake improved defecation status, selectively increased Parabacteroides, and harmonized the gut environment. Full article

Zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) is a novel adipokine with a plethora of functions meaningful for the regulation of adipose tissue and insulin sensitivity. Despite research, the role of ZAG in the course of childhood obesity is not fully understood. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the levels of ZAG can be used as a predictive or monitoring biomarker of adolescent obesity. Secondly, to determine the cut-off value of ZAG in blood serum in adolescents with obesity. The study included a group of 77 adolescent patients, including 59 obese patients, and 18 without obesity as healthy control subjects. All study participants had their biochemical parameters assessed by a certified medical laboratory. The recommendations of the Polish Society of Hypertensions were used to assess the blood pressure measurements in each group. ELISA enzyme immunoassays (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN, USA) were used to detect serum levels of ZAG. Our study showed that obese children and adolescents have significantly higher body mass, cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), but lower serum ZAG levels compared to the healthy control subjects. Furthermore, in our study, we found that median ZAG values were comparable between females and males within the same obesity category (median female ZAG level: 2.84, median male ZAG level: 2.89) and healthy control participants (median female ZAG level: 5.20, median male ZAG level: 4.99). Serum ZAG concentrations were significantly lower in obese participants (2.86 ± 0.40 mg/L) than in the control group (5.10 ± 0.74 mg/L; p < 0.001). The multivariable Firth’s logistic regression model, incorporating the selected factors, revealed a significant association between obesity and ZAG. ROC curve analysis indicated strong discriminatory ability of ZAG for identifying obesity, with a proposed cut-off value of 3.62 mg/L. Circulating ZAG level is significantly reduced in children and adolescents with obesity. An important finding of our study is the detection of a cutoff value for serum ZAG levels. Furthermore, the use of the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) model can be considered a valuable contribution to defining ZAG as an independent factor associated with obesity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral manifestations are recognized extra-intestinal features of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, their prevalence and clinical relevance remain controversial. This study aims to quantify the prevalence of individual oral outcomes in IBD patients and to evaluate their association with the disease compared with healthy controls. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies were identified through searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, and EMBASE. Studies reporting oral signs and symptoms in IBD patients were included. A single-arm meta-analysis was performed for oral ulcerations, dry mouth, halitosis, tongue alterations, oral aphthae, stomatitis, and taste changes. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: Twenty-one studies including 7791 participants (5914 IBD patients and 1877 controls) were analyzed. The pooled prevalence of oral ulcerations was 20% (95%CI11–33), dry mouth 32% (95%CI14–59), halitosis 22% (95%CI7–51), and tongue alterations 11% (95%CI4–24). Comparative analyses showed no statistically significant differences between IBD patients and controls for these outcomes. Conclusions: Although oral manifestations are frequently reported in IBD patients, their prevalence does not significantly differ from that of the general population. Standardized, multicenter studies are required to clarify disease-specific associations. Full article

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of Pilates-based exercise on mental health, psychological well-being, and quality of life (QoL) across clinical and healthy populations. Thirty-two randomized and quasi-experimental trials (total N = 1264) were included, representing adolescents, adults, and older adults across diverse clinical and non-clinical groups. Outcomes encompassed depressive symptoms, anxiety, QoL, self-esteem, and well-being. The unadjusted random-effects model indicated a suggestive but statistically inconclusive overall effect (p = 0.061). However, adjusting for outcome type via meta-regression yielded a statistically significant pooled effect (g = 0.393, p = 0.023). Substantial heterogeneity remained across studies (I² = 91.7%). Meta-regression identified outcome type as the only significant moderator, whereas age group, delivery mode, and clinical status did not significantly influence the pooled effect. Subgroup analyses suggested comparable benefits between remote and in-person delivery formats in general adult samples. Evidence from individual studies indicated that supervised, face-to-face instruction may be advantageous for older adults. Low-frequency programs, including once-weekly sessions, were also associated with improvements, although variability in intervention duration and structure limits conclusions regarding optimal dosage. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability of the pooled effect. Overall, the findings support Pilates as a feasible exercise modality with demonstrated benefits for positive psychosocial outcomes (QoL and self-esteem), while evidence for negative psychological indicators (e.g., depression, anxiety) remains limited or non-significant. Future research should standardize outcome measures, report training parameters consistently, and examine contextual factors contributing to heterogeneity in psychosocial responses. Full article

This paper studies a two-stage oxygen-alkaline treatment and subsequent bleaching of softwood sulfate pulp obtained from healthy and deadwood of spruce and larch. Delignification was carried out at elevated temperature and pressure in an alkaline medium with the addition of hydrogen peroxide, after which the pulp was subjected to classic ECF cycles with chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide and, if necessary, elemental chlorine. The selected and washed mass was ground to a specified degree of grinding and formed into laboratory sheets of standard density on a sheet-forming apparatus. The results showed that oxygen-alkaline pretreatment significantly reduces the residual lignin content, and subsequent bleaching cycles make it possible to obtain high-brightness pulp with minimal losses of cellulose and viscosity. The structural, morphological and mechanical characteristics of the obtained samples were studied. After a full bleaching cycle, the fibers become slightly shorter and thinner, their surface is leveled, the proportion of small fractions decreases, and the homogeneity of the structure improves. The resulting cellulose samples demonstrate mechanical characteristics that meet industrial requirements for high-quality printing and thin-layer paper grades. Full article

Background: Childhood is a key period for the development of body composition and physical activity habits that may influence health throughout life. Although physical activity has been widely associated with adiposity indicators, the role of enjoyment of physical activity as a motivational and affective component remains less explored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between several anthropometric indicators and both the level of physical activity and enjoyment of physical activity in schoolchildren. Methods: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted with 386 schoolchildren (176 boys and 210 girls) with a mean age of 11.15 ± 0.66 years. Anthropometric indicators included body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness. Physical activity level was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C), and enjoyment of physical activity was evaluated using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed, adjusting for age and sex. Results: Higher levels of physical activity were significantly associated with lower body mass index (B = −1.592; p < 0.001), waist circumference (B = −8.010; p < 0.001), hip circumference (B = −8.227; p < 0.001), waist-to-hip ratio (B = −0.008; p < 0.001), triceps skinfold thickness (B = −0.910; p = 0.002), and subscapular skinfold thickness (p < 0.05). Greater enjoyment of physical activity was significantly associated with lower body mass index (B = −1.778; p < 0.001), reduced waist circumference (B = −8.944; p < 0.001), hip circumference (B = −9.185; p < 0.001), waist-to-hip ratio (B = −0.008; p < 0.001), and triceps skinfold thickness (B = −1.100; p = 0.001). Greater enjoyment was also associated with lower anthropometric indicators of central adiposity (waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio), whereas no significant association was observed with subscapular skinfold thickness (p = 0.066). Conclusions: Physical activity level and enjoyment of physical activity were associated with multiple anthropometric indicators in children, although physical activity showed more consistent associations, whereas enjoyment demonstrated a more selective pattern depending on the specific adiposity measure. These findings highlight the importance of considering both behavioral and affective dimensions of physical activity when promoting healthy morphofunctional development during childhood. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate tear cytokine and chemokine profiles in keratoconus (KC) and to assess their association with long-term tomographic outcomes after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL). In this cross-sectional observational study, 30 KC eyes and nine healthy controls were enrolled. KC severity was graded using the modified Amsler–Krumeich classification. Tear samples were collected and analyzed using multiplex bead-based immunoassays (LEGENDplex™) for cytokines, chemokines, and TGF-β1. Patients were followed for five years after CXL. Treatment response was categorized according to corneal flattening (<1 D, 1–3 D, >3 D). Individual cytokine levels showed no major differences between the KC and controls, although IL-6 and MCP-1 tended to be higher in the KC group. However, IP 10 and IL-17 were higher in controls (p < 0.05). In contrast, multiple pro-/anti-inflammatory ratios (TNF/TGF-β1, IL-17/IL-10, MCP-1/IL-10, IL-6/IL-10, IL-8/TGF-β1, MCP-1/TGF-β1, IL-6/TGF-β1, and IL-8/IL-10) were significantly elevated in the KC group (p < 0.05), indicating immune imbalance. After five years, all treated eyes remained stable or flattened. Lower baseline MCP-1 and IL-8 levels correlated with greater postoperative corneal flattening (p < 0.05). Keratoconus is characterized by disturbed tear immune homeostasis rather than isolated cytokine elevation. Lower preoperative inflammatory activity may predict a more favorable biomechanical response to CXL, supporting the potential role of tear cytokine profiling in patient stratification and prognostication. Full article

Background/Objectives: Limited research has examined the correlates among the lifestyle habits of nursing students, whose suboptimal behaviors may compromise their ability to model and promote healthy lifestyles in future professional practice. This study aimed to assess health-promoting lifestyle behaviors, explore interrelationships among lifestyle domains, and identify key correlates of positive health-promoting lifestyle behaviors to inform the development of targeted interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 476 undergraduate nursing students in Spain. Data included sociodemographic, academic, and health-related variables, along with Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) scores. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and hierarchical multivariate logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with positive health-promoting lifestyle behaviors. Results: Overall HPLP-II scores indicated modest health-promoting lifestyle behaviors (adjusted mean 2.62 ± 0.33), with the lowest scores observed for health responsibility (adjusted mean 2.20 ± 0.48) and stress management (adjusted mean 2.33 ± 0.44). Health-related variables showed stronger associations with positive health-promoting lifestyle behaviors than sociodemographic or academic variables (p < 0.001). Significant correlates of positive health-promoting lifestyle behaviors included higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet, greater levels of physical activity, and concurrent employment during studies. Conclusions: Support of nutrition, physical activity, and other health-promoting lifestyle behaviors should be strengthened in nursing curricula and training environments. Educational strategies should move beyond theoretical instruction through student-centered approaches, enhancing self-care and the ability to promote health in future professional practice. Full article

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with rumen-protected arginine (RP-Arg) on growth performance, rumen fermentation parameters, microbial diversity, and blood physiological and biochemical indices in fattening Altay sheep. A total of 24 healthy, 6-month-old Altay male lambs were randomly assigned to three groups, with eight replicates per group. The control group received a basal diet, while the experimental groups were supplemented with either 0.50% or 1.00% RP-Arg on a dry matter basis, respectively. The results indicated that RP-Arg supplementation had no significant effect on feed intake, growth performance, or slaughter performance of the lambs (p > 0.05), whereas backfat thickness decreased linearly (p < 0.05). With increasing RP-Arg levels, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, leptin, and catalase activity increased linearly (p < 0.05), while blood ammonia, alanine aminotransferase, and Ig M exhibited a significant quadratic increase (p < 0.05). RP-Arg supplementation led to a linear decrease in ruminal propionate and valerate concentrations (p < 0.05). Analysis of bacterial diversity revealed that the class Vampirivibrionia and the order Gastranaerophilales were biomarkers for the 0.50% RP-Arg group, while several taxa within the phyla Proteobacteria and Thermoplasmatota served as biomarkers for the 1.00% RP-Arg group. In summary, although supplementation of a forage-based diet with RP-Arg partially modified rumen microbial composition and fermentation profile, and regulated several blood biochemical parameters, it did not translate into any beneficial effects on growth performance. Larger-scale studies are therefore warranted to further elucidate the role of RP-Arg in fattening lambs. Full article

Global urban development has fully entered the stage of stock renewal, and the synergy between public health and historic heritage conservation has become a core issue of urban sustainable development in the post-pandemic era. As special spatial units carrying urban cultural memories, historic districts generally face problems such as chaotic traffic functions, a lack of slow traffic spaces, and insufficient public health support. Existing studies lack a public health-oriented special evaluation system and a sustainable renewal path adapted to their characteristics. This paper systematically sorts out eight core impact paths of street built environment elements on public health and constructs a healthy street evaluation system for historic districts, including six dimensions (transportation facilities, green squares, ancillary facilities, street-front commerce, urban furniture, and street network) and 30 core elements combined with the spatial and cultural characteristics of historic districts. Taking five typical streets in the Liuhe Area of Hankou Historic District as an empirical case, a comprehensive evaluation is carried out using a combination of quantitative surveys, questionnaire surveys, and spatial analyses. The results show that the overall health performance of street space in the study area is low, with extremely unbalanced development across dimensions. The core shortcomings are concentrated in incomplete slow traffic systems, lack of public spaces, prominent parking chaos, and fragmented historic styles, and the health problems of streets with different functional types show significant typological differentiation characteristics. Based on this, this paper proposes five systematic renewal strategies, transportation system optimization, public space improvement, landscape system perfection, historic style activation, and long-term mechanism construction, for achieving the synergistic goals of historic culture conservation, public health promotion, and urban sustainable development. This study not only enriches the theoretical system of research on healthy spaces in historic districts but also provides a referable evaluation framework and practical approach for modern historic districts in China and other similar historic districts with comparable spatial textures and functional characteristics. Full article