Search Results (6,760)

Pancreatic β-cell dysfunction is the key driver of type 2 diabetes, and anthocyanins have been proposed as dietary compounds that may help preserve β-cell health. This systematic review aimed to synthesise evidence on the direct effects of anthocyanins on β-cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and insulin secretion across in vitro models. Four databases were searched in March–April 2025, and eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Purified anthocyanins—including cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), cyanidin-3-rutinoside (C3R), malvidin-3-glucoside (M3G), and delphinidin-3-glucoside (D3G)—as well as anthocyanin-rich berry extracts, were tested in INS-1, MIN6, RIN-m5F cells and primary mouse or human islets under glucotoxic, lipotoxic, oxidative, cytokine, and amyloidogenic stress. Anthocyanins consistently improved β-cell viability, reduced apoptosis, and lowered reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) levels while enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities. Multiple studies showed upregulation of insulin secretion-related genes and proteins, and both acute and chronic treatments increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion under normal and stressed conditions. Mechanistic pathways involved modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses, inflammatory mediators, and mitophagy (PINK1/PARKIN). While effective in vitro concentrations were higher than typical circulating levels, the collective evidence highlights anthocyanins as promising β-cell protective agents and underscores the need for studies examining their metabolites and physiologically relevant exposure. Full article

Background/Objectives: There are multiple decision nodes, during and after subtotal colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC), regarding the management of the rectal stump. Intra-operatively, the surgeon must decide on the closure technique and positioning of the retained stump, while post-operatively, clinicians often face the challenge of managing diversion proctitis, as well as determining an appropriate endoscopic surveillance strategy, given the increased risk of cancer. This narrative review aims to summarise the evidence relating to these key decision points in rectal stump management. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was performed. Relevant studies were identified through a search of Ovid Medline and Embase. Inclusion criteria were adult population and diagnosis of UC. Cohort studies, review articles, and guidelines were eligible for inclusion. The references were grouped according to the subject of interest and reported accordingly. Results: Intra-peritoneal closure has been shown to have higher pelvic sepsis rates (5–25%), whereas subcutaneous placement results in higher rates of wound infections (up to 15%). A mucous fistula has been shown to have the lowest overall complication rate. Microscopic findings compatible with diversion proctitis develop in most patients, with incidence ranging from 71.4% to 100%. However, only a minority of these patients (30–40%) develop symptoms. Suggested treatments for diversion proctitis include topical mesalamine, corticosteroids, or short-chain fatty acids. The overall risk of rectal stump neoplasia in patients with UC after subtotal colectomy is as low as 0.7%, with prior colorectal neoplasia being a major risk factor. No universal standardised guidance exists regarding endoscopic surveillance in this patient population. Conclusions: This narrative review has appraised the latest evidence on three crucial stages of rectal stump management in UC. There is still uncertainty about the optimal surgical management of the stump, with different complication profiles. Medical management of diversion proctitis remains a major unmet need, and there are no randomised trials addressing this issue. There are no universally accepted guidelines on endoscopic surveillance of the rectal stump. Full article

Background: Rice is one of the world’s main staple crops , and improving its productivity and resilience is important to achieving food security under varying climatic conditions. Objectives: This systematic review synthesizes the existing evidence on the application, technical limitations, and potential of the development of genome editing technologies (CRISPR-Cas) in rice (Oryza sativa L.), as well as presents a novel approach called the CRISPR Trait Prioritization and Readiness Framework (CTPRF). Methods: Peer-reviewed articles that reported applications of genome editing based on the CRISPR-Cas system in the genome of rice for trait improvement or functional genomics were identified through searches fromPubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar with studies published between 2012 and 2025. Studies were screened on predefined inclusion criteria related to experimental validation, reporting of editing efficiency, and clear phenotypic results. Data on CRISPR systems, target genes, methods of delivery, traits modified, and phenotypic results were extracted and synthesized by comparative analysis. Results: A wide variety of different CRISPR systems have been used in rice, and our results indicate that NHEJ-mediated knockouts are effective in average genotypes with editing efficiencies in the range of 70–90%, but HDR and prime editing are still under 10%. The CTPRF is being introduced as a strategic decision support tool to evaluate traits from four dimensions: technical feasibility, phenotypic predictability, impact potential, and regulatory pathway. We use this framework for case studies in pioneering countries (USA, Japan, China) and show how it can be useful for guiding research investment and policy. Conclusions: CRISPR-Cas technologies have transformed rice breeding, but their introduction requires overcoming genotype-dependent barriers to transformation and negotiating patchwork regulatory environments. The CTPRF offers a roadmap for the acceleration of the development of climate-resilient and nutritious rice varieties for the action plan. Full article

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of dietary cobalt chloride (CoCl₂) supplementation on diarrhea, growth performance, and intestinal development in post-weaning piglets. Twenty-six piglets weaned at 21 days of age (d 21) with similar body weights were randomly assigned to three treatments: a control group (n = 10), a low-dose CoCl₂ group (1 mg/kg of diet; n = 8) and a high dose CoCl₂ group (2 mg/kg of diet, n = 8). Piglets were housed individually and fed the experimental diets for 28 days, with a dietary transition at day 15. During the early post-weaning period (d0 to d14), dietary CoCl₂ supplementation was associated with favorable trends in growth performance parameters, including ADG (average daily gain: linear, 0.05 < p < 0.1) and gain to feed ratio (linear, p < 0.05), as well as reduced fecal scores (Linear, p < 0.05). However, during the later post-weaning period (d15 to d28), increasing dietary CoCl₂ levels were unfavorable trends in feed intake (Linear, p < 0.05) and ADG (Linear, 0.05 < p < 0.1). At the intestinal level, CoCl₂ supplementation was associated with dose-related changes in intestinal morphology, epithelial cell differentiation, and luminal pH. Alterations were observed in duodenal crypt depth (CD) and ileal villus height (VH), and duodenal VH/CD (Linear, p < 0.05), without significant effects on ileal epithelial proliferation and apoptosis (p > 0.1). Changes in the numbers of goblet cells in villi (Quadratic, p < 0.05) and crypt (Linear, p < 0.05), and enteroendocrine cells (Quadratic, p < 0.05) in crypt exhibited dose-dependent trends. In addition, with the increase in the CoCl₂ concentration, the expressions of genes related to nutrient transporters (DMT1, GLUT2, and SGLT1) and metabolism (HIF-1α, FBP1, and FBP2), as well as those related to the NOTCH signaling pathway (LGR5, ATOH1, HES1, and NOTCH2), showed a linear decrease (Liner, p < 0.05). This was the case except for LDHA and DLL4 (Liner, p < 0.05). The expression of the former was the lowest in the high-dose group, while that of the latter was the lowest in the low-dose group. In vitro, CoCl₂ exposure was associated with reduced organoid budding rates (Quadratic, p < 0.01), the budding numbers (Linear, p < 0.05) per organoid, and altered gene expression of SGLT1 and CHGA (Linear, p < 0.05). In summary, dietary supplementation with CoCl₂ exhibited dose- and time-dependent trends in weaned piglets. CoCl₂ supplementation during the early post-weaning period (two weeks after weaning) was associated with favorable trends in growth performance and diarrhea, whereas prolonged supplementation (4 weeks after weaning) or higher dietary level (2 mg/kg of diet) were associated with unfavorable trends in growth performance and intestinal development. These findings suggest that CoCl₂ may have potential as a short-term (two weeks after weaning), low-level (below 2 mg/kg diet) nutritional supplement, while caution is warranted regarding long-term supplementation or higher dietary inclusion levels. Full article

Objectives: To systematically review and quantitatively synthesize lipid layer thickness (LLT) measurements in soft contact lens (CL) wearers obtained in the presence and absence of contact lenses in situ. Methods: A systematic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Six studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria were included. Pooled mean LLT values were calculated using fixed-effects models, with heterogeneity, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias assessed. Results: In the absence of contact lenses, pooled LLT data from 86 healthy CL wearers yielded a mean LLT of 62.11 nm (95% CI: 47.33–76.90 nm). In the presence of contact lenses, pooled data from 330 subjects demonstrated a mean LLT of 69.52 nm (95% CI: 56.33–82.70 nm). Although LLT values were numerically higher with contact lens wear, the substantial overlap of confidence intervals indicated no consistent or statistically demonstrable difference between conditions. Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides the first quantitative synthesis of LLT in CL wearers and highlights the need for standardized methodologies to clarify the clinical relevance of LLT in contact lens-related tear film assessment. Full article

As a contribution to automated set-theoretic inferencing, a translation is proposed of conjunctions of literals of the forms $x=y\setminus z$, $x\ne y\setminus z$, and $z=\left\{x\right\}$, where $x,y,z$ stand for variables ranging over the von Neumann universe of sets, into quantifier-free Boolean formulae of a rather simple conjunctive normal form. The formulae in the target language involve variables ranging over a Boolean ring of sets, along with a difference operator and relators designating equality, non-disjointness, and inclusion. Moreover, the result of each translation is a conjunction of literals of the forms $x=y\setminus z$ and $x\ne y\setminus z$ and of implications whose antecedents are isolated literals and whose consequents are either inclusions (strict or non-strict) between variables, or equalities between variables. Besides reflecting a simple and natural semantics, which ensures satisfiability preservation, the proposed translation has quadratic algorithmic time complexity and bridges two languages, both of which are known to have an $\mathsf{NP}$-complete satisfiability problem. Full article

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024575181) was to quantify the relationships between dispositional and situational achievement goal involvement and sport confidence. A secondary purpose was to examine potential moderators of these relationships. Published studies reporting sufficient data, including one achievement goal measure from the dichotomous framework and one measure of sport confidence in an athlete sample, were included. Information sources included EBSCOhost databases, Web of Science databases, and relevant meta-analyses. The random-effects correlational coefficient (r) served as the summary statistic. Thirty-six studies yielding 37 independent samples, published between 1988 and 2026, which met all inclusion criteria, representing a total of 10,461 participants from youth to elite sports across four continents. Meta-analyzed random-effects correlations between task climate (k = 15, r = 0.33 [95% CI 0.23, 0.43]), ego climate (k = 13, r = −0.08 [95% CI −0.16, −0.00]), task orientation (k = 26, r = 0.27 [95% CI 0.21, 0.32]), ego orientation (k = 26, r = 0.11 [95% CI 0.06, 0.17]), and sport confidence ranged from small and negative to medium and positive in magnitude. Mixed-effects moderator analyses revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) for task climate when comparing state (r = 0.24) versus trait (r = 0.41) sport confidence measures, for task orientation scale (TEOSQ r = 0.31 vs. POSQ r = 0.18) in relation to sport confidence, and for study quality (lowest r = 0.35, medium r = 0.18, highest r = 0.24) in the task orientation–sport confidence relationship. However, nearly all prediction intervals for the examined relationships crossed zero, with the exception of a few TEOSQ- and POSQ-based moderator analyses. Thus, researchers and practitioners are cautioned that relationships between dispositional achievement goals, motivational climate perceptions, and sport confidence might be minimal or vary based on the dispositional achievement goal measure. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is limited empirical evidence on the feasibility of inclusive, community-based exercise programs for older adults with long-term mobility disabilities. This pilot study investigated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a community-based high-intensity functional training (HIFT) intervention. Methods: This single-group pre–post feasibility trial was delivered across four community-based HIFT facilities. Thirteen participants enrolled, and 10 (mean age 69.8 ± 6.7 years; 60% female) completed baseline assessments, two onboarding sessions, and thrice-weekly group-based workouts across 16 weeks. Physical function was assessed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function, Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES), and standardized tests of mobility, balance, and strength. Exploratory outcomes included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, work capacity, and quality of life (QOL). Results: Recruitment, retention, and attendance rates were 38%, 77%, and 58% (80% including make-up sessions), respectively. The intervention was safe and well-tolerated, with one fall-related adverse event. Self-reported functional outcomes demonstrated small to large effects, with large improvements in participant-identified functional activities (d = 1.03–1.54) and fall efficacy (d = 0.97), and a small effect for standardized physical function (d = 0.36) Endurance improved substantially (d = 1.01), while mobility, balance, and strength outcomes reflected maintenance or small to moderate gains (d = 0.08–0.55). BMI remained stable (d = 0.05), work capacity increased with moderate to large effects (d = 0.61–1.43), and QOL improved modestly (d = 0.20). Exit interviews reinforced high acceptability, highlighting individualized adaptations, supportive trainers, and the group-based context as motivating contextual factors. Conclusions: A community-based HIFT program is feasible and acceptable for older adults with mobility disabilities. Full article

The Atlantic City–South Pass (ACSP) orogenic gold district, Wind River Mountains, Wyoming, occurs in the Archean South Pass Greenstone Belt primarily within greywackes and igneous rocks metamorphosed to the upper greenschist–lower amphibolite facies. Approximately 10 Mt of gold has been produced from pyrite and arsenopyrite-bearing quartz veins in deformation zones at the brittle–ductile transition. Multiple generations of primary and/or pseudosecondary fluid inclusions in gold-bearing quartz veins include one- and two-phase gaseous CO₂-CH₄ ± N₂ inclusions and two- and three-phase gaseous CO₂-CH₄-H₂O inclusions with rare NaCl daughter minerals. These primary/pseudosecondary inclusions show a broad range of homogenization temperatures (T_h) of 177.2 to 420.0 °C, with salinities of halite-bearing inclusions of >26 wt. % NaCl, with a high concentration of CaCl₂. Secondary aqueous inclusions formed at lower values of T_h (80.9 to 243.4 °C, with one outlier of 301.1 °C). Carbon from graphitic schists associated with gold-quartz veins yields values of δ¹³C = −28.5 to −19.1 per mil, suggesting that the light C isotope compositions of some carbonates (δ¹³C = −11.0 to −1.5 per mil) involved exchange reactions with graphite in the schists. Isotopic compositions of sulfur in sulfides (δ³⁴S = −1.0 to 3.6 per mil), oxygen in vein quartz (δ¹⁸O = 7.36 to 10.38 per mil), and hydrogen in fluid inclusions in vein quartz (δD = −125 to −55 per mil) are permissive of both magmatic-hydrothermal and metamorphic dehydration models for the origin of gold mineralization. However, a potential source of magmatic–hydrothermal fluids, the post-metamorphic Louis Lake granodiorite was unlikely to transport gold in a vapor state to become focused into shear zones as previously proposed. We favor a metamorphic dehydration model in which gold was derived from the South Pass supracrustal sequence and deposited in second-order shear zones that are spatially related to the first-order Roundtop Mountain Deformation Zone. Full article

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent difficulties in communication, language, and social interaction, which requires innovative strategies and resources that promote educational inclusion and personal autonomy. In this context, digital technologies have established themselves as support tools with significant potential for the communicative and linguistic development of people with ASD. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of recent scientific literature on the use of digital applications aimed at developing communication and language in people with ASD. The search was carried out in the Scopus, Google Scholar, and Mendeley databases, covering the period from 2019 to 2024. The methodological criteria of the PRISMA statement were applied, resulting in a total of 61 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The results show that digital applications implemented in educational, family, and community contexts promote linguistic comprehension and expression, increase motivation and active participation, and enhance the functional autonomy of people with ASD. However, limitations were identified related to technological accessibility, specific training for teaching and therapeutic staff, and the scarcity of longitudinal studies assessing the sustained impact of these interventions. In conclusion, this review offers an up-to-date and rigorous synthesis that can guide teachers, therapists, families, and researchers in the selection and use of digital applications as inclusive resources, contributing to the strengthening of communication, social participation, and quality of life for people with ASD. Full article

Background and Objectives: Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASIs) are recommended to preserve residual kidney function (RKF) in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD); however, evidence of benefit is inconsistent. This study evaluated the effect of RASI on RKF decline among patients undergoing PD. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among PD patients at a large metropolitan dialysis centre in Australia. RKF was assessed using residual Kt/V and urine volume from PD adequacy tests. Time zero was PD initiation. RASI exposure was modelled as a time-dependent variable to avoid immortal-time bias. Linear mixed-effects models were fitted for each outcome, including random intercepts and slopes for time (years since PD start) with unstructured covariance. Fixed effects included time, RASI(t), time × RASI(t), age, sex, baseline RKF, PD modality, PD infection episodes, loop diuretic use, and comorbidities. Results: Of 307 PD patients, 231 met the inclusion criteria; 111 (48.1%) received RASI. RASI users were younger than non-users [65 years (IQR 56–74) vs. 72 years (IQR 61–77); p = 0.014]. Residual Kt/V declined by 0.26 units/year; RASI exposure showed no significant effect on urine volume trajectory and a borderline slower Kt/V decline (interaction β = +0.038, p = 0.069). Hospitalisation and PD-related infection rates were similar between groups. Conclusions: RASI therapy was not associated with meaningful RKF preservation in PD patients in this cohort. While earlier studies suggested renoprotective effects of RASI while on PD, our findings align with recent evidence of mixed efficacy. Larger prospective trials are needed to clarify the role of RASI in maintaining RKF and improving long-term outcomes in PD. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic, autoimmune-mediated mucocutaneous disorder that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. Conventional therapies, such as corticosteroids, are often associated with side effects, prompting the exploration of alternative treatments. High-power lasers, including CO₂ and Er:YAG lasers, have emerged as promising options due to their precision and therapeutic potential in managing OLP. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of high-power lasers in reducing lesion size, pain, and recurrence rates in OLP patients. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane using keywords related to laser therapy and OLP. Inclusion criteria focused on randomized controlled trials and clinical studies with clear methodologies. Data from eight studies were analyzed, covering various laser types and treatment parameters. Results: The findings indicate that high-power laser therapy significantly reduces lesion size, pain levels, and recurrence rates compared to conventional treatments. CO₂ lasers demonstrated superior outcomes in lesion resolution and pain relief, while Er:YAG lasers offered precision in treating localized lesions. Most studies reported minimal side effects and faster recovery times, enhancing patient satisfaction. Conclusions: High-power lasers, particularly CO₂ and Er:YAG, represent a safe and effective alternative to conventional therapies for OLP, with advantages such as reduced side effects and improved patient outcomes. Future research should focus on standardizing protocols and conducting large-scale randomized trials to validate these findings and establish lasers as a reliable treatment modality for OLP. Full article

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used to manage acid-related gastrointestinal conditions. Nevertheless, growing attention has been paid to their long-term safety, especially their possible link to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Prior research has yielded inconsistent findings, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and current evaluation. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase (Ovid), and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant publications up to May 28, 2025, without language restrictions. Two investigators independently extracted study information and evaluated methodological quality as well as potential sources of bias. Eligible studies were observational in design and investigated the association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) exposure and the risk of developing dementia compared with non-use. For the quantitative synthesis, pooled risk ratios (RRs) and corresponding confidence intervals were generated using a random-effects approach. Study Results: Eighteen studies, encompassing more than 6.3 million participants, met the inclusion criteria. The pooled estimate showed no statistically significant association between PPI use and overall dementia risk (RR = 1.14, 95% CI 0.98–1.33; I² = 99%). However, significant heterogeneity and variable risk of bias—particularly due to confounding, exposure misclassification, and immortal time bias—limit certainty in these findings. Subgroup analyses revealed significantly elevated risks among individuals aged ≥65 years (RR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.01–1.46) and in studies from Asia (RR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.12–1.52) and Europe (RR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.10–1.59), suggesting possible population- or context-specific vulnerability. Conclusions: Our findings reveal a lack of consistent evidence supporting a link between PPI use and dementia risk, primarily due to significant heterogeneity among existing studies. While no robust overall association was demonstrated, significant subgroup signals in older adults and specific regions suggest that clinical uncertainty remains. Rather than indicating a direct causal risk, these results underscore the importance of prescribing stewardship. Clinicians should focus on appropriate prescribing, ensuring long-term PPI therapy is reserved for patients with a clear therapeutic justification and utilized for the shortest effective duration. Full article

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) systems has intensified concerns regarding their energy consumption and carbon footprint, raising questions about whether efficiency-focused strategies under the Green AI paradigm are sufficient to ensure system-level environmental sustainability. This study systematically synthesizes empirical evidence on the energy use and carbon emissions of AI systems across their life cycle and develops a conceptual framework to integrate sustainability constraints into AI deployment. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and AMSTAR-2 standards, with searches performed in Web of Science, Pubmed and Scopus up to 19 December 2025. Eligible studies quantitatively assessed energy consumption, carbon footprint, greenhouse-gas emissions, or life-cycle impacts associated with AI systems, including training, inference, hardware, and deployment infrastructures. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. The results show that AI-related environmental impacts are substantial and highly context-dependent, with inference-phase energy demand often matching or exceeding training-related consumption in large-scale deployments. Life-cycle assessments indicate that hardware-related emissions and electricity mix strongly influence total carbon footprints, while efficiency gains are frequently constrained by system-level feedback. These findings suggest that isolated efficiency improvements are insufficient and that sustainable AI requires coordinated, system-level governance embedding energy and carbon constraints into design and operational decision-making. Full article

Neural oscillations are fundamental to the integration of sensory, affective, and cognitive processes that contribute to pain perception. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) provides a valuable tool for investigating and modulating these oscillatory dynamics. In this review, we examine the effects of tACS on pain perception and pain-related oscillations in both healthy participants and individuals with chronic pain, highlighting methodological variability and mechanistic uncertainties that may contribute to mixed findings. We identified 14 studies, including 9 studies of experimental pain in healthy individuals and 5 of clinical pain disorders, comparing tACS to sham. Somatosensory alpha was the most frequently targeted oscillatory feature. Results varied considerably. Several studies reported reductions in pain, increases in alpha power, or changes in sensorimotor and prefrontal connectivity, but others showed no meaningful neural or behavioral effects. Out of the 14 studies, 6 demonstrated analgesic benefits and 2 showed improvements only under specific conditions or within subgroups, for a total of 8/14 studies with positive findings. Possible sources of heterogeneity include variation in stimulation duration, electrode montage, frequency alignment with individual rhythms, contextual state, and anatomical and neurophysiological differences across individuals. Pre-registered studies with sufficient power are needed to replicate effects within the most promising intervention protocols to establish a foundation in the field. We also recommend inclusion of brain imaging or electrophysiological recordings to verify whether stimulation effectively modulates the targeted neural oscillations. Finally, recent methodological advances, including phase-specific tACS, amplitude-modulated tACS, and individualized electric-field modeling, offer new opportunities to enhance mechanistic precision and clinical applicability. We argue that by integrating these approaches, future research can move beyond fixed, one-size-fits-all protocols toward personalized, state-dependent, closed-loop tACS approaches. Exploring these frontiers will transform tACS from an exploratory tool into a reliable intervention for pain. Full article