Search Results (5,960)

Background and Objectives: Quality of life (QoL) among healthcare professionals (HCPs) is a critical determinant of workforce performance and patient care. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess QoL and its determinants among HCPs in the Hail region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 388 HCPs from multiple healthcare facilities using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. The survey was conducted from August 2025 to October 2025. Convenience sampling was used, and QoL domain scores were calculated according to WHO guidelines. We applied Spearman’s correlation test to assess correlations across domains and logistic regression to identify factors associated with individual and overall QoL. Results: Among the HCPs studied, overall QoL had a median score of 80, while the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains showed moderate scores with considerable variability. We found a significant positive correlation between the various QoL domains (p = 0.001). Non-Saudi nationals (p = 0.010) and participants with chronic diseases (p = 0.032) reported significantly lower overall QoL. Furthermore, age group, work experience, HCPs category, work setting, nationality, and the presence of chronic disease were significant predictors across multiple QoL domains. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for targeted workplace and health support interventions to manage the mental and physical health of HCPs, particularly for non-Saudi HCPs and those with chronic conditions, through tailored training, education, and lifestyle-based support programs. Full article

Gammaretroviruses are ubiquitous pathogens, often associated with the induction of neoplasia, especially leukemia, lymphoma, and sarcoma, and with a propensity to target the germline. The latter trait has left extensive evidence of their infectious competence in vertebrate genomes, the human genome being no exception. Despite the continuing activity of gammaretroviruses in mammals, including Old World monkeys, apes, and gibbons, humans have apparently evaded novel infections by the virus class for the past 30 million years or so. Nevertheless, from the 1970s onward, cell culture studies repeatedly discovered gammaretroviral components and/or virus replication in human samples. The last novel ‘human’ gammaretrovirus, identified in prostate cancer tissue, culminated in the XMRV frenzy of the 2000s. In the end, that discovery was shown to be due to lab contamination with a murine gammaretrovirus. Contamination is also the likely source of the earlier findings. Complementation between genes of partially defective endogenous proviruses could have been another source of the virions observed. However, the capacity of many gammaretroviruses to replicate in human cell lines, as well as the presence of diverse infectious gammaretroviral species in our animal companions, for instance in mice, cats, pigs, monkeys, chickens, and bats, does not make a transmission to humans an improbable scenario. This review will summarize evidence for, or the lack of, gammaretrovirus infections in humans in the past, present, and near future. Aspects linked to the probabilities of novel gammaretrovirus infections in humans, regarding exposure risk in connection to modern lifestyle, geography, diet, and habitat, together with genetic and immune factors, will also be part of the review, as will be the estimated consequences of such novel infections. Full article

Selenium (Se) is an antioxidant essential trace element influencing inflammatory and immune pathways. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the role of maternal Se status during pregnancy in miscarriage risk. A systematic search of PubMed and Embase up to July 2024 was conducted to identify relevant original research studies in English. Available evidence was qualitatively synthesized and predefined sources of bias were assessed. Of 2345 studies identified, 421 full texts were assessed and 14 were included, encompassing 2309 pregnancies. Despite notable methodological limitations across several studies, current evidence indicates that maternal blood Se concentrations are lower among women who experience miscarriage compared to those with uncomplicated pregnancies. Findings regarding placental Se levels were inconsistent, but important methodological issues were noted. Environmental Se exposure was investigated in a single low-powered study, which did not demonstrate a statistically significant association. Potential interactions between Se status, co-exposure to other environmental or lifestyle factors, and effect modification remain insufficiently explored. Adequate maternal Se status during early gestation may reduce miscarriage risk by mitigating oxidative stress and ferroptosis, supporting immune regulation, and modulating thyroid autoimmunity and function. However, causal inference cannot be established due to the absence of randomized interventional evidence. Full article

Pediatric obesity is an increasingly prevalent, chronic, and multifactorial disease. Achieving successful and sustained weight reduction with current interventions remains challenging due to significant heterogeneity in treatment response. This review summarizes current evidence describing variability in outcomes across lifestyle, pharmacologic, and metabolic/bariatric surgery interventions in children and adolescents, and examines key biological, metabolic, behavioral, environmental, and psychosocial factors that influence response. In adults, recent findings on energy balance obesity phenotypes (characterized by abnormal satiation, abnormal postprandial satiety, abnormal hedonic eating, and reduced energy expenditure) have demonstrated promise in predicting weight loss outcomes and guiding tailored interventions. However, data on obesity phenotyping within children and adolescents remain limited. Addressing this gap is essential for advancing precision medicine approaches in pediatric obesity, with the potential to improve treatment selection, enhance effectiveness, and optimize long-term clinical outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Digestive problems are common in the general population and may be influenced by lifestyle, emotional status and diet. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of digestive problems in Spanish adults and examined associated factors. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional analysis of anonymized adult microdata from the 2023 Spanish Health Survey was performed. Data were collected using a mixed-mode design (self-administered web questionnaire with interviewer-administered follow-up). Digestive problems were recoded by combining gastric ulcer, constipation, and prescribed use of laxatives, astringent drugs, and stomach medication. Therefore, digestive problems are primarily defined as the presence of gastric ulcers, diarrhea, and/or constipation. Variables included sociodemographic, Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, Personal Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHQ-8), World Health Organization Well Being Index (WHO-5), and macronutrient intake estimated from a Food-Frequency Questionnaire using the Spanish Food Composition Database (BEDCA). Group comparisons and multivariable logistic regression were conducted (95% CI; significance level set at p < 0.05). Results: Of 34,148 participants, 13,518 provided information on digestive problems; among these respondents, 3860 (28.6%) reported having digestive issues. Prevalence ranged from 5.2% to 36.5% among national territories. Higher odds (OR) of digestive problems were associated with age (OR 1.026, 95% CI 1.023–1.029), female sex (OR 1.168, 1.070–1.276), non-smoking (OR 1.240, 1.005–1.531) and ex-smoking (OR 1.447, 1.272–1.647) compared to current smokers, higher PHQ-8 scores (OR 1.040, 1.029–1.051), greater protein intake (OR 1.016, 1.009–1.023), consumption of sweet pastries (OR 1.058, 1.039–1.077), and dairy products (OR 1.027, 1.002–1.053); in contrast, lower odds were associated with higher WHO-5 scores (OR 0.985, 0.982–0.987), total fiber intake (OR 0.968, 0.949–0.987), and legume consumption (OR 0.894, 0.856–0.933). Conclusions: Digestive problems show considerable variability in prevalence among survey-based Spanish sample. Digestive problems were associated with older age, female sex, depressive symptoms, high-protein intake, and higher consumption of sweet pastries and dairy products, whereas higher well-being scores, higher fiber intake and legume consumption were associated with lower odds of digestive problems. Full article

Modern lifestyles are increasingly plagued by physical inactivity, social disconnection, digital addiction, and excessive time indoors—factors that negatively impact the health and well-being of both humans and their companion dogs (Canis familiaris). Evidence shows that nature exposure, physical activity, and human–animal bond (HAB) each enhance physical, mental, and social well-being, yet these domains have rarely been examined together as an integrated therapeutic triad. We introduce a new conceptual framework of bonded green exercise, defined as shared physical activity between a bonded human and dog in natural environments. Synthesizing existing evidence across human and canine sciences into a testable conceptual integration, we posit that bonded green exercise may plausibly activate evolutionarily conserved, synergistic mechanisms of physiological, behavioural, and affective co-regulation. Four testable hypotheses are proposed: (H1) triadic synergy: combined domains produce greater benefits than additive effects; (H2) heterospecific benefit: parallel health gains occur in both species; (H3) behavioural amplification: dogs acts as catalysts to drive human participation in nature-based activity; and (H4) scalable health promotion: bonded green exercise represents a low-cost, accessible, One Health approach with population-level potential. This framework highlights how intentional, shared physical activity in nature may potentially offer a novel low-cost and accessible model for enhancing health, lifespan, welfare, and ecological stewardship across species. Full article

Background: Precursor endometrial lesions and endometrial cancer are strongly influenced by lifestyle-related risk factors, including obesity, low physical activity, and unfavorable dietary patterns. Identifying these factors is essential for early prevention and for improving health literacy among women. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of modifiable lifestyle factors on the likelihood of developing EIN and endometrial cancer in comparison with leiomyoma. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 50 women, divided into three groups: leiomyoma (n = 20), EIN (n = 15), and endometrial cancer (n = 15). BMI, physical activity, dietary habits, sleep duration, stress levels, and smoking status were assessed. Statistical analysis included the Kruskal–Wallis test, correlation analysis, and logistic regression. Results: BMI was identified as an independent predictor of EIN/EC (OR = 1.29; p = 0.015). Women with EIN/EC demonstrated significantly lower levels of physical activity (p = 0.018). A clustering of behavioral risks was observed: higher BMI was associated with higher stress and shorter sleep duration. Conclusions: Modifiable lifestyle factors play a key role in the development of precursor and malignant endometrial conditions. Targeted interventions focusing on weight management, increased physical activity, and improved health literacy may reduce risk and improve quality of life among peri- and postmenopausal women. Full article

Liver fibrosis, the progressive accumulation of scar tissue resulting from chronic liver disease, is increasingly recognized as a multi-system condition, the effects of which extend beyond the liver, affecting brain health. Dementia, characterized by progressively impaired cognition sufficient to impede daily functioning, is a major global health issue with incompletely defined risk factors and pathogenic precursors. To examine the relationship between liver fibrosis and cognitive outcomes, we conducted a comprehensive PubMed literature search, and human studies published in English were included. Evidence is synthesized on the pathophysiology and clinical significance of liver fibrosis, types of dementia, and studies supporting the association between liver fibrosis and cognitive impairment. Meta-analytic data indicate that liver fibrosis is associated with an approximately 30% increased risk of incident dementia (pooled hazard ratio ~1.3), with progressively higher risks across more advanced fibrosis stages. Putative pathomechanisms, potentially modulated by age and sex, include chronic systemic and neuro-inflammation, insulin resistance, vascular dysfunction, and a perturbed intestinal microbiota–liver–brain axis. Non-invasive liver fibrosis diagnostics, advanced neuroimaging, and biomarkers represent key tools for assessing risk. In conclusion, liver fibrosis is a systemic condition that can affect brain health. Early detection, thorough risk assessment and interventions, such as lifestyle changes, metabolic therapies, and antifibrotic treatments, may help protect neural function. Key research gaps are identified, with suggestions for improving understanding of liver fibrosis’s connection to dementia or cognitive impairment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder closely linked to cardiovascular disease and obesity and notably influenced by lifestyle and dietary patterns. The Mediterranean diet has well-established benefits across multiple cardiometabolic risk factors, including those relevant to diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the degree to which adults with T2D adhere to a Mediterranean dietary pattern and to examine how such adherence relates to glycemic and lipidemic regulation. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 adults with T2D (54 men and 46 women). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Demographic, anthropometric, lifestyle, and clinical data were collected, and glycemic and lipid parameters were analyzed. Associations between Mediterranean diet adherence and metabolic outcomes were examined using correlation analyses and multivariable regression models adjusted for relevant confounders. Results: Most participants showed low adherence to the Mediterranean diet. A significant inverse association was observed between Mediterranean diet adherence and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, with individuals scoring ≤35 on the MDS demonstrating higher HbA1c levels. Similar trends were observed in the lowest tertile of adherence. Notably, each one-point increase in MDS predicted a 0.13% reduction in HbA1c. In multivariable regression analyses, Mediterranean diet adherence remained the strongest predictor of glycemic control, independent of age, body mass index (BMI), sex, smoking status, physical activity and the number of antidiabetic treatments. Higher adherence was also significantly associated with lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels, as well as higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) concentrations. Conclusions: Greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet is independently associated with improved glycemic regulation and a more favorable lipid profile in adults with T2D. These findings support the Mediterranean diet as a valuable non-pharmacologic strategy for optimizing metabolic outcomes in people with T2D. Full article

Background/Objectives: Within the last decade, there has been a 19% increase in stroke-related mortality among individuals aged 45–64. Understanding stroke characteristics is crucial, particularly in the younger age groups. This study describes the key demographics and clinical and anthropometric characteristics based on age categories in young adults admitted to the stroke unit in Abu Dhabi. Methods: This retrospective observational study had data between October 2024 and March 2025. Data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS, with a more detailed analysis conducted across two age-based groups. Results: A total of 51 patients were included, with the median age of 40 (IQR: 37–48) and 44 (86.3%) being males. The median hospital length of stay was 4 days (2–9 days). Most of the patients, 47 (92.2%), had ischemic stroke, with 24 (45.1%) presenting with right-side weakness, and bilateral weakness in 4 (7.8%). The median NIHSS score on admission was 4 (IQR 2–9). Prior to admission, 18 (35.3%) of the patients were known hypertensive, and 12 (23.5%) were diabetic. In terms of anthropometric measurements, the median waist-to-height ratio was 0.58 (0.5–0.69) and BMI was 25.7 (24.2–29.4), with 31 (60.8%) of the patients categorized as either obese or overweight. The statistical significance difference across the age groups was found in the gender distribution only (p = 0.034). Conclusions: In the UAE, more young men are experiencing Stroke due to lifestyle-related factors, many of which can be prevented. This growing trend calls for early screening, better prevention efforts, and tailored rehabilitation programs. Full article

Background: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to chronic disease risk in adults and may predict unfavourable body composition in adolescents. Declining physical activity and rising sedentary behaviour are linked to increasing global obesity rates. Given the scarcity of longitudinal studies examining how participation in organized sports and screen device use relate to body composition in early adolescence, this study aims to address this gap by analyzing temporal trends in both sexes. Methods: A sample of 158 Italian students, 38% of whom were female, was followed longitudinally from ages 11 to 13. Annual anthropometric assessments were conducted, and self-reported data on screen time and organised sports participation were collected. Fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass index (FMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were subsequently calculated, along with annual increments. Repeated-measures ANOVA assessed age and sex effects, while multiple regression models evaluated associations between behavioural variables or sex and body composition indices. Results: Significant differences in %F, FM, FFM and its increment, WHtR and its increment, FMI, and FFMI (all p < 0.01) were observed by age and sex interaction. At age 13, weekly sports participation was negatively associated with annual increments in %F (β = −0.204, p = 0.04) and FMI (β = −0.227, p = 0.03). Female sex was associated with greater increments in %F (β = 0.188, p < 0.05) and WHtR (β = 0.323, p < 0.01), and with smaller increments in FFM (β = −0.421, p < 0.01). No significant associations were found for screen time (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Sporting during early adolescence seems to have positive effects on body composition changes, while sex-specific patterns warrant further attention. A deeper understanding of how early adolescent lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and sedentary behaviour, shape body composition is essential for promoting long-term health. Full article

As age progresses and the population increases, the prevalence of dementia also increases. Pharmacological interventions are used to treat cognitive decline. Alternative approaches to traditional pharmacology, such as dietary interventions, may help combat cognitive decline in aging populations. This review summarizes existing investigations using complementary and alternative approaches as mitigating interventions. We also briefly note other important modifiable factors to decrease the risk of cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Such approaches include nutrition and dietary interventions that show promising results for mitigating cognitive decline, as well as additional lifestyle modifying factors that are important to note (e.g., sleep, cardiovascular diseases, environmental factors, physical, social and leisure activities, cognitive stimulation, psychosocial factors, and sensory functioning) for their impact on cognition in aging. Despite the limited findings and support for complementary and alternative approaches in combating existing cognitive decline, findings suggest that such approaches may be most beneficial prior to the onset of cognitive impairment. Specific nutrition components, including flavonoids and omega fatty acids, may mitigate cognitive decline, and emerging evidence suggests that these nutrients may promote a healthy gut microbiota. Of the complementary and alternative approaches, adhering to specific diets, generally, has the most consistent support to combat cognitive decline. It is important to note that other non-nutritional or non-dietary modifiable lifestyle factors also show promising benefits in mitigating further cognitive decline. Future investigations and clinical trials with replication studies are needed to elucidate these complementary and alternative approaches as effective treatment options for clinicians. Full article

Spontaneous living spaces are public activity venues within cities that emerge through residents’ autonomous creation and informal planning. Although these spaces may appear disorganized, they serve vital functions: fostering social interaction, enhancing community vitality, improving spatial adaptability, and increasing life satisfaction. However, research on the formation mechanisms, structural logic, resident satisfaction, and the impact of spontaneous living spaces on community vitality is limited, and there is a lack of robust research methodologies. This study aims to explore the formation mechanisms of spontaneous living spaces within historic cultural districts and their influence on community vitality. Using Wuhan’s Tanhualin National Historic and Cultural District as a case study, this research innovatively combines the Mask R-CNN deep learning model with a Random Forest regression model. The Mask R-CNN model was employed to accurately identify and perform pixel-level segmentation of 1249 spontaneous living spaces. Combined with questionnaire surveys and the Random Forest model, this study reveals non-linear relationships between key factors such as community vitality, resident satisfaction with various types of spontaneous living spaces, and crowd density. The findings show that spontaneous living spaces effectively address residents’ unmet needs for emotional connection and dynamic lifestyles—needs often overlooked by official residential planning. This research provides a reliable technical framework and quantitative decision support for regulating the formation of spontaneous living spaces, thereby enhancing residents’ quality of life and urban vitality while preserving historical character. Full article

Background/Objectives: Modifiable lifestyle factors, particularly diet, are important for preventing type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, the evidence regarding this from prospective studies is limited in the Asian population. We therefore evaluated whether a diet-inclusive healthy lifestyle score (HLS) predicts incident T2D in a community-based cohort. Methods: We analyzed 7185 T2D-free adults from the KoGES Ansan–Ansung cohort, constructing the HLS (range: 0–5) based on five lifestyle factors: non-smoking, ≥30 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, low-risk alcohol consumption (≤40 g/day for men; ≤20 g/day for women), BMI of 18.5–24.9 kg/m², and a healthy diet, defined as a healthy plant-based diet index within the top 40th percentile. Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to examine the association between HLS and incident T2D risk. Results: During a median follow-up of 17.5 years, 1223 cases of T2D were identified. Compared to individuals with a score of 0 or 1, those with a score of 5 had a 56% lower risk of T2D after adjustment for potential confounders (HR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.32–0.62), and these associations remained consistent across subgroups stratified by age, sex, family history of T2D, hypertension, and residential area. However, the association was stronger among non-users of anti-diabetic medication than among users. Conclusions: Adherence to a healthier lifestyle, as indicated by a higher HLS, was significantly associated with a reduced risk of developing T2D among Korean adults. These findings underscore the importance of promoting integrated healthy lifestyle behaviors to prevent T2D. Full article

Background/Objectives: Osteoporosis is a major global health concern, and early risk assessment plays a crucial role in fracture prevention. Although demographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors are commonly incorporated into screening tools, their relative importance within data-driven prediction frameworks can vary substantially across datasets. Rather than aiming to identify novel predictors, this study evaluates the stability and behavior of established osteoporosis risk factors using statistical inference and machine learning-based feature selection methods across heterogeneous data sources. We further examine whether simplified and near-minimal models can achieve predictive performances comparable to that of full-feature configurations. Methods: An open-access Kaggle dataset (n = 1958) and a retrospective clinical dataset from the University of Phayao Hospital (n = 176) were analyzed. Feature relevance was assessed using logistic regression, likelihood ratio testing, MRMR, ReliefF, and unified importance scoring. Multiple predictor configurations, ranging from full-feature to minimal and near-minimal models, were evaluated using decision tree, support vector machine, k-nearest neighbor, naïve Bayes, and efficient linear classifiers. External validation was performed using hospital-based records. Results: Across all analyses, age consistently emerged as the dominant predictor, followed by corticosteroid use, while other variables showed limited incremental predictive contributions. Simplified models based on age alone or age combined with medication-related variables achieved performances comparable to full-feature models (accuracy ≈91% and AUC ≈ 0.95). In addition, near-minimal models incorporating gender alongside age and medications demonstrated a favorable balance between discrimination and computational efficiency under external validation. Although overall performance declined under distributional shift, naïve Bayes and efficient linear classifiers showed the most stable external behavior (AUC = 0.728–0.787). Conclusions: These findings indicate that stability-driven feature selection primarily reproduces well-established epidemiological risk patterns rather than identifying novel predictors. Minimal and near-minimal models—including those incorporating gender—retain acceptable performances under external validation and are methodologically efficient. Given the limited size and single-center nature of the external cohort, the results should be interpreted as preliminary methodological evidence rather than definitive support for clinical screening deployment. Further multi-center studies are required to assess generalizability and clinical relevance. Full article