Search Results (14,354)

Background: The relationship between sports participation and food preferences in adults, as well as the influence of gender, is still unclear. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between sports participation and individual food preferences and to explore potential gender differences among sports participants in a large group of Italian adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 2665 adults (aged ≥ 18 years) who lead normal lives and underwent a routine lifestyle and dietary assessment at a clinical centre specialising in nutrition, metabolic health, and lifestyle counselling in Rome. Participants completed an online questionnaire on food preferences (19 foods) and sports practice. Multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for age, sex, and smoking, were used to assess associations. Results: Sports participation was defined as engaging in structured physical activity at least once per week and was reported by 53.5% of subjects (men: 60.1%; women: 49.0%; p < 0.0001). After adjustment, active individuals were significantly more likely to prefer plant-based drinks, low-fat yoghurt, fish, cooked and raw vegetables, fruit, whole grains, tofu, and dark chocolate (all p < 0.05) and less likely to prefer cow’s milk (p = 0.018). Among sport participants, males were more likely to prefer meat (general, white, red, processed) and eggs, while females preferred plant-based drinks. No significant gender differences were observed for dairy products, legumes, or fish. Differences in food preferences were also observed according to the type of sport, with bodybuilders showing higher preference for tofu and dark chocolate. The strongest associations were found in the 25–44 age group. Conclusions: Sports participation is independently associated with specific food preferences, characterised by greater preference for plant-based and fibre-rich foods, and gender differences in food choices persist even among active adults. These findings highlight the need to consider both sports participation and gender when designing nutritional interventions. Full article

Common prosperity serves as a pivotal condition for achieving sustainable development by fostering social equity, bolstering economic resilience, and promoting environmental stewardship. Differential land revenue, as a crucial form of property based on spatial resource occupation, significantly contributes to the achievement of common prosperity, though empirical evidence of its impact is limited. This study explores the potential influence of land utilization revenue disparity on common prosperity from the perspective of urban macro differential rent (UMDR). Utilizing panel data from 280 Chinese cities spanning 2007 to 2020, we discover that UMDR and common prosperity levels exhibit strikingly similar spatiotemporal evolution. Further empirical analysis shows that UMDR significantly raises urban common prosperity levels, with a 0.217 standard unit increase in common prosperity for every 1 standard unit rise in UMDR. This boost stems from enhanced urban prosperity and the sharing of development achievements, encompassing economic growth, improved public services, enhanced ecological civilization, and more equitable distribution of development gains between urban and rural areas and among individuals. Additionally, we observe that UMDR has a more pronounced effect on common prosperity in eastern cities and those with a predominant service industry. This study enhances the comprehension of the relationship between urban land revenue disparities, prosperity, and equitable sharing, presenting a new perspective for the administration to contemplate the utilization of land-based policy tools in pursuit of the common prosperity goal and ultimately achieve sustainable development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multifactorial prevention of falls in persons with dementia has minimal or non-significant effects. Personalised prevention is recommended. We have previously shown that gait speed, basic activities of daily living (ADL), and depression (high Cornell scores) were independent predictors of falls in persons with mild and moderate cognitive impairment. This study explored person-specific risks of falls related to physical, mental, and cognitive functions and types of dementia: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD), mixed Alzheimer’s disease/vascular dementia (MixADVD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Methods: The study used data from “The Norwegian Registry of Persons Assessed for Cognitive Symptoms” (NorCog). Differences between the dementia groups and predictors of falls, gait speed, ADL, and Cornell scores were analysed. Results: Among study participants, 537/1321 (40.7%) reported a fall in the past year, with significant variations between dementia diagnoses. Fall incidence increased with age, comorbidity/polypharmacy, depression, and MAYO fluctuation score and with reduced physical activity, gait speed, and ADL. Persons with VD and MixADVD had high fall incidences and impaired gait speed and ADL. Training of physical fitness, endurance, muscular strength, coordination, and balance and optimising treatment of comorbidities and medication enhance gait speed. Improving ADL necessitates, in addition, relief of cognitive impairment and fluctuations. Relief of depression and fluctuations by psychological and pharmacological interventions is necessary to reduce the high fall risk in persons with DLB. Conclusions: The fall incidence and fall predictors varied significantly. Personalised interventions presuppose knowledge of each individual’s fall risk factors. Full article

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with structural heart disease. While catheter ablation has become a cornerstone in VT management, recurrence rates remain substantial due to limitations in electroanatomic mapping (EAM), particularly in cases of deep or heterogeneous arrhythmogenic substrates. Cardiac imaging, especially when multimodal and integrated with mapping systems, has emerged as a critical adjunct to enhance procedural efficacy, safety, and individualized strategy. This comprehensive review explores the evolving role of various imaging modalities, including echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE), in the preprocedural and intraprocedural phases of VT ablation. We highlight their respective strengths in substrate identification, anatomical delineation, and real-time guidance. While limitations persist, including costs, availability, artifacts in device carriers, and lack of standardization, future advances are likely to redefine procedural workflows. Full article

Bifidobacterium adolescentis is prevalent in the gastrointestinal tract of healthy humans, and significantly influences host health. Recent studies have predominantly investigated the probiotic characteristics of individual strains and their specific metabolic roles, whereas analyses at the population genome level have been limited to date. This study conducted a comparative genomics analysis of 543 B. adolescentis genomes to explore genetic background variations and functional gene differences across geographically diverse populations. The results revealed significant differences in genome size and GC content among populations from Asia, Europe, and North America (p < 0.05). The pan-gene exhibited an open structure, reflecting the substantial genetic diversity within B. adolescentis. Functional annotation demonstrated that B. adolescentis possesses numerous protein-coding genes and abundant carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZys) implicated in carbohydrate degradation and transformation. Population-specific CAZys were identified, suggesting adaptive evolution driven by distinct regional dietary patterns. Full article

Pediatric palliative care (PPC) aims to enhance the quality of life of children with life-limiting conditions and their families through individualized, interdisciplinary support. Among this population, children with neurological diseases represent a substantial and growing group, often facing prolonged disease courses, cognitive impairment, and high prognostic uncertainty. Effective communication is central to PPC; however, it remains deeply influenced by cultural, religious, and spiritual frameworks that shape family perceptions of illness, suffering, and decision-making. This narrative review explores communication strategies in PPC, with a specific focus on children with neurological conditions, highlighting conceptual foundations, cross-cultural variations, and emerging best practices. Key findings highlight the importance of culturally humble approaches, family-centered communication models, and structured tools, such as co-designed advance care planning and dignity therapy, to enhance communication. Additionally, the review highlights the presence of ethical and interdisciplinary challenges, particularly in neonatal and neurology settings, where misaligned team messaging and institutional hesitancy may compromise trust and timely referral to palliative care. Future research, policy, and clinical education priorities should advocate for models that are inclusive, ethically grounded, and tailored to the unique trajectories of neurologically ill children. Integrating cultural competence, team alignment, and family voices is essential for delivering equitable and compassionate PPC across diverse care settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Osteoporosis remains a leading cause of morbidity in postmenopausal women, yet many high-risk individuals remain undiagnosed or untreated. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia, treatment patterns, and skeletal fragility indicators in a large cohort of postmenopausal women undergoing DXA screening. Methods: We analyzed data from 1669 postmenopausal women aged 40–89 years who underwent DXA evaluation. BMD status was categorized as normal, osteopenia, or osteoporosis. Treatment status was classified based on active antiosteoporotic therapy, calcium/vitamin D supplementation, hormonal therapy (historical use), or no treatment. Logistic regression models were used to explore independent predictors of osteoporosis and treatment uptake. Results: A total of 45.0% of women had osteoporosis and 43.5% had osteopenia. Despite this, 58.5% of the population, over half of women with osteoporosis, were not receiving any active pharmacologic treatment. Bisphosphonates were the most prescribed therapy (17.9%), followed by calcium/vitamin D supplements (20.6%). A prior history of fragility fractures and radiological bone lesions were significantly associated with lower BMD (p < 0.05). Historical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use was not associated with current BMD (p = 0.699), but women with HRT use reported significantly fewer fractures (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, later menopause age and low BMD status predicted higher odds of receiving active treatment. Conclusions: Our findings highlight a substantial care gap in osteoporosis management, with treatment primarily initiated reactively in more severe cases. Improved screening and earlier intervention strategies are urgently needed to prevent fractures and reduce the long-term burden of osteoporosis. Full article

Oxidative stress significantly contributes to the exacerbation of brain damage during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIR/I). In our previous study, purified cornel iridoid glycoside (PCIG), consisting of morroniside (MOR) and loganin (LOG), showed neuroprotective effects against CIR/I. To further explore the antioxidative effects and underlying molecular mechanisms, we applied PCIG, MOR, and LOG to rats injured by middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) as well as H₂O₂-stimulated PC12 cells. Additionally, the molecular docking analysis was performed to assess the interaction between the PCIG constituents and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). The results showed that the treated rats experienced fewer neurological deficits, reduced lesion volumes, and lower cell death accompanied by decreased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl, as well as increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). In H₂O₂-stimulated PC12 cells, the treatments decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitigated mitochondrial dysfunction, and inhibited mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis. Moreover, the treatments facilitated Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) translocation into the nucleus and selectively increased the expression of NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) through MOR and LOG, respectively. Both MOR and LOG demonstrated strong binding affinity to Keap1. These findings suggested that PCIG, rather than any individual components, might serve as a valuable treatment for ischemic stroke by activating the Nrf2/NQO-1 and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Full article

Background: Positive identification is at the forefront of tasks for forensic practitioners when a set of remains is discovered. Standard means of identification include fingerprints, dental, and DNA analyses; however, additional methods are utilized by forensic practitioners to identify remains when these primary methods of identification are not applicable. Comparative radiography has become a frequently employed approach for positive identification, specifically focused on individualizing characteristics evident in human skeletal variation. Regions that display wide ranges of morphological variation within the human skeleton include the cranium as well as the thorax. With regard to the cranium specifically, paranasal sinuses have been recognized as unique features and are valuable for identification purposes. Objectives: This paper explores the basic information of the anatomy and development, range of variation, and the importance of paranasal sinuses in forensic contexts. Results: This article discusses how practitioners can best use the morphological information contained in the paranasal sinuses and how to compare the antemortem and postmortem datasets involving different imaging modalities for positive identification purposes, in order to provide practical concepts that may assist in cases where paranasal sinuses may be used for forensic human identification. Conclusions: Understanding the development of paranasal sinuses, the imaging techniques applied for their visualization, as well as the principles of identification, is key to conducting proper antemortem vs. postmortem comparisons and effectively utilizing paranasal sinuses in forensic identification contexts. Full article

This paper presents the design and implementation of a SLAM-based online mapping and autonomous trajectory execution system for the Nimbulus-e, a concept vehicle designed for agile maneuvering in confined spaces. The Nimbulus-e uses individual steer-by-wire corner modules with in-wheel motors at all four corners. The associated eight joint variables serve as control inputs, allowing precise trajectory following. These control inputs can be derived from the vehicle’s trajectory using nonholonomic constraints. A LiDAR sensor is used to map the environment and detect obstacles. The system processes LiDAR data in real time, continuously updating the environment map and enabling localization within the environment. The inclusion of vehicle odometry data significantly reduces computation time and improves accuracy compared to a purely visual approach. The A* and Hybrid A* algorithms are used for trajectory planning and optimization, ensuring smooth vehicle movement. The implementation is validated through both full vehicle simulations using an ADAMS Car—MATLABco-simulation and a scaled physical prototype, demonstrating the effectiveness of the system in navigating complex environments. This work contributes to the field of autonomous systems by demonstrating the potential of combining advanced sensor technologies with innovative control algorithms to achieve reliable and efficient navigation. Future developments will focus on improving the robustness of the system by implementing a robust closed-loop controller and exploring additional applications in dense urban traffic and agricultural operations. Full article

The management of resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (R-PDAC) and borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (BR-PDAC) remains a topic of active debate. Although neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) has shown clinical benefits in BR-PDAC, especially in increasing resectability and achieving higher rates of margin-negative (R0) resections, its role in R-PDAC is less clearly defined. Additionally, the role of immunotherapy in PDAC is still being explored, with ongoing trials investigating new combinations to overcome the tumor’s immune-resistant microenvironment. This article provides a comprehensive narrative review of the current evidence comparing NAT with upfront surgery in pancreatic cancer management, focusing on randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses that assess outcomes in R-PDAC and BR-PDAC. The review aims to determine whether NAT offers a significant survival advantage over traditional post-operative strategies and to clarify which clinical scenarios may benefit most from NAT. The literature was identified through a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases up to March 2025. Article selection adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. Our review of existing evidence supports NAT as the standard of care for BR-PDAC. Meanwhile, management of R-PDAC should be tailored individually, guided by risk stratification that considers both clinical parameters and molecular features. Immunotherapy and targeted therapies are still in early research phases, and their further integration as NAT remains controversial. Full article

The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in higher education offers new opportunities for academic support while also raising complex ethical concerns. This study explores how university students ethically evaluate the use of GenAI in three academic contexts: improving essay writing, preparing for exams, and generating complete essays without personal input. Drawing on the Multidimensional Ethics Scale (MES), the research assesses five philosophical frameworks—moral equity, relativism, egoism, utilitarianism, and deontology—based on a survey conducted among undergraduate social sciences students in Spain. The findings reveal that students generally view GenAI use as ethically acceptable when used to improve or prepare content, but express stronger ethical concerns when authorship is replaced by automation. Gender and full-time employment status also influence ethical evaluations: women respond differently than men in utilitarian dimensions, while working students tend to adopt a more relativist stance and are more tolerant of full automation. These results highlight the importance of context, individual characteristics, and philosophical orientation in shaping ethical judgments about GenAI use in academia. Full article

Hyperspectral remote sensing plays a crucial role in guiding and supporting various mineral prospecting activities. Combined with artificial intelligence, hyperspectral remote sensing technology becomes a powerful and versatile tool for a wide range of mineral exploration activities. This study investigates the effectiveness of ensemble learning (EL) algorithms for lithological classification and mineral exploration using EnMAP hyperspectral imagery (HSI) in a semi-arid region. The Moroccan Anti-Atlas mountainous region is known for its complex geology, high mineral potential and rugged terrain, making it a challenging for mineral exploration. This research applies core and heterogeneous ensemble learning methods, i.e., boosting, stacking, voting, bagging, blending, and weighting to improve the accuracy and robustness of lithological classification and mapping in the Moroccan Anti-Atlas mountainous region. Several state-of-the-art models, including support vector machines (SVMs), random forests (RFs), k-nearest neighbors (k-NNs), multi-layer perceptrons (MLPs), extra trees (ETs) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), were evaluated and used as individual and ensemble classifiers. The results show that the EL methods clearly outperform (single) base classifiers. The potential of EL methods to improve the accuracy of HSI-based classification is emphasized by an optimal blending model that achieves the highest overall accuracy (96.69%). The heterogeneous EL models exhibit better generalization ability than the baseline (single) ML models in lithological classification. The current study contributes to a more reliable assessment of resources in mountainous and semi-arid regions by providing accurate delineation of lithological units for mineral exploration objectives. Full article

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Although the aetiology of IBD remains largely unknown, several studies suggest that an individual’s genetic susceptibility, external environmental factors, intestinal microbial flora, and immune responses are all factors involved in and functionally linked to the pathogenesis of IBD. Beyond the gastrointestinal manifestations, IBD patients frequently suffer from psychiatric comorbidities, particularly depression and anxiety. It remains unclear whether these disorders arise solely from reduced quality of life or whether they share overlapping biological mechanisms with IBD. This review aims to explore the bidirectional relationship between IBD and depressive disorders (DDs), with a focus on four key shared mechanisms: immune dysregulation, genetic susceptibility, alterations in gut microbiota composition, and dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. By examining recent literature, we highlight how these interconnected systems may contribute to both intestinal inflammation and mood disturbances. Furthermore, we discuss the reciprocal pharmacologic interactions between IBD and DDs: treatments for IBD, such as TNF-alpha and integrin inhibitors, have demonstrated effects on mood and anxiety symptoms, while certain antidepressants appear to exert independent anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing the risk or severity of IBD. Overall, this review underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the care of IBD patients, integrating psychological and gastroenterological assessment. A better understanding of the shared pathophysiology may help refine therapeutic strategies and support the development of personalized, gut–brain-targeted interventions. Full article

Blood-based biomarkers allow monitoring of an individual’s health status and provide insights into metabolic and inflammatory processes in conditions like obesity, cardiovascular, and liver diseases. However, selecting suitable biomarkers and optimizing analytical assays presents challenges, is time-consuming and laborious. Moreover, knowledge of potential sex differences remains incomplete as research is often carried out in men. This study aims at enabling researchers to make informed choices on the type of biomarkers, analytical assays, and dilutions being used. More specifically, we analyzed plasma concentrations of >90 biomarkers using commonly available ELISA or electrochemiluminescence-based multiplex methods, comparing normal weight (BMI < 25; n = 40) with obese (BMI > 30; n = 40) adult blood donors of comparable age. To help choose optimal biomarker sets, we grouped frequently employed biomarkers into biological categories (e.g., adipokines, acute-phase proteins, complement factors, cytokines, myokines, iron metabolism, vascular inflammation), first comparing normal-weight with obese persons, and thereafter exploratively comparing women and men within each BMI group. Many biomarkers linked to chronic inflammation and dysmetabolism were elevated in persons with obesity, including several adipokines, interleukins, chemokines, acute-phase proteins, complement factors, and oxidized LDL. Further exploration suggests sex disparities in biomarker levels within both normal-weight and obese groups. This comprehensive dataset of biomarkers across diverse biological domains constitutes a reference resource that may provide valuable guidance for researchers in selecting appropriate biomarkers and analytical assays for own studies. Moreover, the dataset highlights the importance of taking possible sex differences into account. Full article