Search Results (145,432)

Background/Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are effective in preventing HPV infection and HPV-related cancers in both males and females. As sexual behavior plays a central role in HPV transmission, male vaccination is important not only for reducing HPV-associated diseases among men but also for limiting viral transmission at the population level. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among male university students in Selangor, Malaysia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, history of sexual intercourse, HPV-related knowledge, and awareness of HPV vaccination. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with HPV vaccination awareness. Results: Overall, 43.4% of the respondents demonstrated good awareness of HPV vaccination. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified several factors significantly associated with awareness. Non-Muslim students were more likely to report good awareness of HPV vaccination than Muslim students (AOR = 2.724, 95% CI: 1.150–6.454, p < 0.001). Students who were in a relationship or married demonstrated higher awareness compared with single students (AOR = 3.830, 95% CI: 2.071–7.082, p < 0.001). HPV-related knowledge showed the strongest association, with participants possessing good knowledge being more likely to be aware of HPV vaccination (AOR = 7.012, 95% CI: 4.077–12.059, p < 0.001). In contrast, history of sexual intercourse was not significantly associated with HPV vaccination awareness after adjustment (p = 0.097). Conclusions: Awareness of HPV vaccination among male university students was influenced by religion, relationship status, and HPV-related knowledge. These findings highlight the need for targeted, male-inclusive vaccination education strategies that address sociodemographic differences. University-based interventions may play an important role in improving awareness and increasing HPV vaccine uptake in this population. Full article

To investigate the hydraulic instability mechanisms of low-specific-speed pump–turbines operating in turbine mode, this study experimentally characterized the pressure distribution and pulsation evolution on the guide vanes of a model unit (ns = 28) using an embedded sensor technique. By overcoming the accessibility limitations of traditional measurement methods, this research reveals the distinct pressure response mechanisms on the guide vane Front Side (upstream-facing) and Back Side (runner-facing). The results demonstrate that the time-averaged pressure distribution is highly sensitive to the Guide Vane Opening (GVO). Specifically, pressure on the Front Side increases with GVO, dominated by the improvement of flow pattern and stagnation effect, whereas pressure on the Back Side decreases monotonically, governed by the Bernoulli effect. Increasing the GVO significantly improves pressure uniformity, reducing the surface pressure gradient by 55%. Regarding dynamic characteristics, pressure fluctuation intensity on the Back Side is significantly higher than that on the Front Side. Furthermore, fluctuations are notably amplified near the tongue, confirming that flow distortion induced by the tongue is a key factor driving circumferential non-uniformity. Spectral analysis identifies the Blade Passing Frequency (BPF) as the dominant frequency, verifying Rotor–Stator Interaction (RSI) as the primary excitation source, while the guide vane channel exhibits a significant low-pass filtering effect on high-order harmonics. These findings provide a solid theoretical foundation and data support for the optimal design and stability control of pump–turbine guide vanes. Full article

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive neoplasm, the major cause of which is asbestos exposure. Adjuvant radiotherapy after pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) aims at reducing locoregional recurrence but is limited by the risk of radiation pneumonitis (RP). In this study, we attempted to evaluate the predictive value of conventional and functional dosimetric parameters in assessing RP risk. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 68 patients with non-metastatic MPM treated with adjuvant radiotherapy after P/D. Dosimetric parameters, including V20, V5, and mean lung dose (MLD), were calculated for both total lung volume and functional lung volume (FLV), with emphysematous regions excluded based on CT imaging thresholds. Statistical analyses assessed correlations between these parameters and acute RP incidence. Results: Acute RP developed in 42% of patients, and 28% had moderate-to-severe (Grade 2–3) events. V20 and FCL_V20 were significantly associated with the risk of RP (p = 0.017 and p = 0.028, respectively). Predictive accuracy for conventional V20 (AUC = 0.668) and Functional Contralateral Lung V20 (FCL_V20) (AUC = 0.655) showed moderate efficacy, without further significant improvement in using functional parameters. A V20 threshold > 1.8% predicted severe RP with high specificity (89.8%). Conclusion: While functional lung delineation provides an alternative in dosimetry, conventional V20 is a robust predictor of RP. Optimization of dosimetric constraints, in an effort to reduce pulmonary toxicity in MPM patients, should be further combined with advanced radiotherapy techniques and biomarkers. Full article

Recent discoveries of fluorite–barite deposits in the Donghai–Linshu area in northern Jiangsu Province, China, underscore the region’s mineral potential, yet detailed geological investigations remain limited. In this study, we examined monzonite and quartz monzonite from drill cores in the Jiashan mining area using petrography, U–Pb zircon dating, zircon trace element geochemistry, whole-rock geochemistry, and zircon Lu–Hf isotopes. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) zircon U–Pb analyses were conducted to constrain the crystallization ages of the monzonite (127.06 ± 0.54 Ma and 126.83 ± 0.75 Ma) and quartz monzonite (127.2 ± 0.5 Ma and 128.59 ± 0.62 Ma) to the Early Cretaceous, marking a significant magmatic event. Many of the zircons contain inherited Neoproterozoic cores (718–760 Ma and 800–860 Ma), indicating the assimilation of deep crustal materials of this age. The monzonite is metaluminous, with moderate SiO₂ (61.61–62.41 wt.%), high alkalis (Na₂O + K₂O = 7.48–7.92 wt.%), and A/CNK = 0.72–0.91. The quartz monzonite has higher SiO₂ (66.26–68.18 wt.%) and alkalis (8.32–9.33 wt.%). Both rock types exhibit similar trace and rare earth element patterns: enrichment in large-ion lithophile and light rare earth elements, depletions in Nb, Ta, and Ti, no significant Zr-Hf depletion, and weak negative Eu anomalies (δEu ≈ 0.84–1.00). Their low Zr + Nb + Ce + Y contents, Ga/Al ratios, and TFeO/MgO ratios indicate that they have an I-type granite affinity. The Early Cretaceous zircons have highly negative ε_Hf(t) values (−33.7 to −23.5) and ancient two-stage model ages (2622–3247 Ma), which are consistent with derivation from Archean crust. The inherited Neoproterozoic zircons have younger Paleo–Mesoproterozoic T_DM2 ages. The evidence suggests that both intrusions were mainly generated by partial melting of ancient Archean basement, with minor mantle input. The magma generation was likely triggered by crustal anatexis induced by the underplating of mantle-derived magmas in an extensional tectonic regime, coeval with Early Cretaceous magmatism in the Sulu orogen. Full article

Peripheral nerve injuries, especially neurotmesis, require precise repair strategies due to their severity and limited capacity for spontaneous regeneration. Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) offer a promising alternative to autografts; however, consistent surgical techniques and anatomical references in rodent models could be enhanced. This ex vivo study focuses on describing and establishing a standardized, reproducible anatomical and technical protocol for implanting an NGC in the sciatic nerve of Wistar rats, identifying a 7 mm segment free of collateral branches as a safe site for neurotmesis. Thirty cadaveric hind limbs were positioned in lateral decubitus, and anatomical landmarks such as the greater trochanter, ischial bone, and femoral condyle guided the incision. A 1 cm scaffold was inserted and secured with 8-0 absorbable sutures, while muscle and skin were closed with 5-0 and non-absorbable sutures. The technique enabled safe access to the nerve, minimized risk to adjacent structures, and ensured proper scaffold positioning without tension. This standardized approach improves surgical reproducibility and supports anatomical integrity; however, because the study used ex vivo cadaveric samples, its capacity to facilitate functional nerve regeneration remains theoretical. While the protocol emphasizes the importance of surgical planning and suture patterns, it cannot account for active biological processes such as angiogenesis, inflammatory response, or axonal growth, which are critical for successful repair. Ultimately, this study provides a reliable anatomical platform for NGC evaluation under controlled experimental conditions, serving as a necessary precursor to in vivo validation of safety and functional outcomes. Full article

The accumulation of municipal sewage sludge is a worldwide problem, although when properly treated, it can be utilized for various purposes in industry and agriculture. Due to its high nutrient content, one of its possible uses is the application as fertilizer on agricultural or degraded lands with the purpose of non-food plant production. In the present study, the sustainability of dehydrated sewage sludge application was tested in Szarvasi-1 energy grass (Thinopyrum obtusiflorum cv. Szarvasi-1) plantations, with special focus on the turnover of nutrients and trace elements in two experiments conducted outdoors between 2016 and 2019. Experiment 1 was conducted in 1 m³ containers, and the treatment was started on two-year old plants in 0, 15, 22.5, and 30 Mg ha⁻¹ doses per year applied in two or three portions to reveal the upper limit of sludge application. Experiment 2 was conducted in 100 m² field quadrates with 0, 7.5, 15, and 22.5 Mg ha⁻¹ doses per year applied once a year, which is in the range of the currently permitted application dose in Hungary. Soil, sludge, and plant samples, as well as physiological data, were collected. Aboveground biomass yield was measured 2–3 times per year. Increasing doses of sewage sludge significantly increased the yield compared to the controls, but the increment between the second and third doses was small. Chlorophyll content (SPAD values) increased tendentiously and partly significantly. The maximal quantum efficiency of PSII and the stomatal conductance was not improved compared to the control, whereas the relative water content of the plants was increased in Experiment 1 but not in Experiment 2 compared to the control. Malondialdehyde concentration was increased by the largest dose in Experiment 1. The concentration of macroelements, Ca, Mg, N, and S, increased in the aboveground biomass with increasing doses of sewage sludge, but even after three years, the cumulative amount removed with the harvested biomass was much smaller than the amount remaining in the soil. The total amount of K in the harvested biomass exceeded that introduced to the soil by the treatments. Micro- and trace-element concentrations did not show increasing tendency in the biomass, suggesting a slower uptake and removal rate than macroelements. The results point to the necessity to assess the real nutrient requirement and trace-element uptake by the plants as compared to the sewage sludge treatment to avoid their uncontrolled accumulation in the soil and ensure a sustainable fertilization of the plantations. Full article

Background: Parenting is increasingly recognized as a highly demanding and stressful role that, in the absence of sufficient resources, may lead to parental burnout (PB). This risk may be particularly pronounced in the Russian context, where limited access to childcare for children under three and reduced extended family support coincide with strong social expectations of intensive parenting. Although PB and maternal depression frequently co-occur, it remains unclear whether PB exerts a unique influence on child development, especially during toddlerhood. The present study examined the association between PB and behavioral problems in children aged 1.5 to 4 years while controlling for maternal depression assessed both during the first year postpartum and concurrently with PB. Methods: Using a longitudinal design, maternal mental health was assessed within the first 12 months postpartum (Stage 1) and again at follow-up (Stage 2), on average 2.24 years later, in 419 Russian mother–child dyads. Mothers completed measures of postpartum depression (PPD) (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), current depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II), and PB (Parental Burnout Inventory). Child emotional and behavioral problems were assessed at Stage 2 using the Russian version of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL/1½–5). Results: Mothers of children with borderline/clinically significant internalizing, externalizing, and total problems had significantly higher PB, PPD, and present maternal depressive symptoms, although the effect sizes were small. PB was strongly associated with all domains of child behavioral problems, also after correction for both postpartum and present depressive symptoms, as well as for other important covariates. Higher maternal PB symptoms further increased the odds of children having borderline/clinically significant internalizing and externalizing problems, although those effects were not independent of maternal depression. In turn, neither postpartum nor present maternal depressive symptoms were associated with any of the child behavioral problems domains. Conclusions: PB represents a distinct and clinically relevant risk factor for emotional and behavioral problems in toddlers, beyond the effects of maternal postpartum or present depression, in a context characterized by high caregiving demands and limited institutional support. These findings highlight an urgent need for programs aimed at identifying and supporting families in which parents experience high levels of exhaustion, regardless of whether they meet the criteria for other diagnosable mental health disorders. Addressing PB during toddlerhood may be critical for protecting both parental well-being and early child development. Full article

Background and Objectives: Incidental gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC) is an uncommon but clinically significant finding after elective cholecystectomy, as failure to recognize malignancy preoperatively may lead to inadequate initial surgical management. Inflammation-based hematological indices have been explored in various gastrointestinal malignancies; however, data focusing on preoperative discrimination of IGBC are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Advanced Lung Cancer Inflammation Index (ALI) and other inflammatory and immunonutritional indices in distinguishing IGBC from benign gallbladder disease. Materials and Methods: This retrospective matched case–control study included patients who underwent elective cholecystectomy between 2020 and 2025. Nineteen patients with histopathologically confirmed IGBC were matched 1:4 by age and sex with 76 patients with benign gallbladder disease. Preoperative laboratory parameters obtained within 72 h before surgery were used to calculate inflammatory indices, including NLR, PLR, LMR, SII, CAR, ALI, and the CALLY index. Diagnostic performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Independent associations with malignancy were evaluated using matched conditional logistic regression. Results: No significant differences were observed between benign and malignant groups in baseline demographic or routine laboratory parameters. Among derived indices, ALI and LMR demonstrated borderline differences, representing the closest discriminatory markers. In ROC analysis, ALI showed the highest diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.69), followed by LMR (AUC = 0.639). In matched conditional logistic regression, ALI was independently and inversely associated with malignancy (adjusted OR = 0.997 per unit, 95% CI: 0.9937–1.0000; p = 0.04); when rescaled per 100-unit increase, the adjusted OR was 0.93, whereas LMR did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Among evaluated preoperative inflammatory and immunonutritional indices, ALI demonstrated a more consistent association with incidental gallbladder carcinoma. Although its discriminative ability was moderate, ALI may serve as a complementary biomarker for preoperative risk stratification when integrated with clinical and radiological assessment. Full article

Background: Pneumococcal diseases remain a global threat due to the serotype-specific limitations of polysaccharide vaccines. This study evaluated a recombinant protein-based pneumococcal vaccine (PBPV) combining three PspA variants (PRX1/Family1Clade2, P3296/Family2/Clade3, P5668/Family2/Clade4) and detoxified pneumolysin (PlyLD). PspA targets conserved surface epitopes to block immune evasion and achieve broad coverage, while PlyLD neutralizes pore-forming toxins and enhances adaptive immunity. Methods: We evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of the PBPV in animal models. Acute toxicity studies were conducted by administering a single intramuscular injection to ICR mice, whereas chronic toxicity and immunogenicity studies were performed in cynomolgus monkeys via repeated intramuscular injections, with an equal number of male and female animals in both groups. Immune responses were assessed using ELISA, multiplexed opsonophagocytic killing assays (MOPAs), and neutralizing antibody assays. Results: Acute toxicity studies in ICR mice showed no signs of abnormal toxicity or irritation at one-dose levels. In the chronic toxicity study, cynomolgus monkeys received repeated intramuscular injections once every 3 weeks for a total of four administrations, at doses of one dose/monkey and five doses/monkey, followed by a 4-week recovery period. No significant systemic toxic reactions were observed, and the safe dose was determined to be five doses/monkey. In the immunogenicity study of monkey serum, both low-dose and high-dose groups demonstrated significant increases in antigen-specific IgG titers against each component; opsonophagocytic killing activity against pneumococcal strains from Clades 2, 3, and 4 from PspA Families 1 and 2; and neutralization antibody titers against pneumolysin post-vaccination. Conclusions: The recombinant protein-based pneumococcal vaccine exhibited a favorable safety profile and potent immunogenicity in animal models, indicating promise for broad protection against pneumococcal disease. These findings support the further development of PBPVs as a viable alternative to conventional polysaccharide-based vaccines. Full article

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) such as rolled cover crops are increasingly adopted in rainfed vineyards to reduce soil degradation and drought risk, but their effectiveness depends on local soil physical conditions. We compared spontaneous inter-row vegetation managed by mowing (Control) with a cereal-based rolled cover crop (C-R) in two vineyards of the Oltrepò Pavese (Northern Italy) with contrasting texture, structure, and slope: Canevino (CNV) and Santa Maria della Versa (SMV). From 2021 to 2025, continuous soil moisture monitoring was combined with field measurements of saturated hydraulic conductivity (K_s) and bulk density, interpreted using temporal indicators (MRD, ITS) and a drought index (SWDI) calibrated to field moisture thresholds. During wet phases, average saturation at 50 cm was consistently higher at SMV (about 78 to 84 percent) than at CNV (about 68 to 75 percent). Under water-limited conditions, management contrasts were most evident at SMV: at 50 cm during the post-termination dry phase, saturation remained around 70 percent under C-R versus about 64 percent under the Control, and K_s was higher under C-R (8.32 × 10⁻⁶ m/s in topsoil) than under the Control (7.39 × 10⁻⁶ m/s). At CNV, SWDI at 50 cm indicated a moderate improvement in one agronomic year (median −1.2 under C-R versus −5.3 under the Control in 2021 to 2022), while a full tillage operation in 2024 defined a disturbed phase that was interpreted separately. SWDI occasionally suggested severe drought levels not fully matching field evidence, highlighting the need for site-calibrated reference thresholds in structured fine-textured soils. Overall, soil physical properties set the hydrological envelope, while rolled cover management can enhance buffering and preserve conductive pathways during dry phases; therefore, NbS performance should be evaluated with site-adapted monitoring and cautious inference from temporally autocorrelated time series. Full article

The conventional treatment of high-concentration volatile organic compounds (VOCs) relies on energy-intensive dilution to avoid explosion risks. This study proposes an efficient catalytic combustion process treating VOCs directly within the explosive range while recovering reaction heat using Pt/γ-Al₂O₃-based catalysts promoted with La and Ce. Catalysts (0.05–0.5 wt% Pt) were synthesized via impregnation and characterized using FE-SEM, BET, and XRD. Catalytic combustion experiments at VOC concentrations up to 13,000 ppm showed combustion initiation below 200 °C, achieving 83–99% conversions at 300 °C with complete oxidation to CO₂. Although 5 vol.% moisture significantly inhibited low-temperature activity through competitive adsorption, La and Ce promoters (10 wt%) effectively overcame this limitation by increasing surface area (up to 194.93 m²/g) and oxygen mobility. The Ce-promoted catalyst demonstrated superior water tolerance, achieving complete conversion at 200–210 °C due to its high Oxygen Storage Capacity (OSC). Bench-scale validation using a 1 Nm³/h system confirmed industrial feasibility. Operating at 220 °C with 13,000 ppm toluene for 100 h, the catalyst maintained >99.98% conversion with negligible deactivation and THC emissions below 2 ppm. The double-jacket heat exchanger effectively managed reaction heat (limiting temperature rise to ~20 °C) and recovered it as steam. Compared to Regenerative Thermal Oxidation, this Regenerative Catalytic Oxidation approach reduced emissions and energy consumption. This work demonstrates a robust “combustion-with-recovery” strategy for high-concentration VOC treatment, offering a sustainable alternative with high efficiency, stability, and safe energy-integrated operation. Full article

Chitosan–gelatin (CG) hybrid hydrogels are widely recognized for their biocompatibility and suitability for soft tissue engineering, wound dressings, and biomedical coatings. Despite this promise, conventional CG systems often exhibit limited mechanical strength, restricted durability, and uncontrolled swelling, which can reduce their clinical relevance. In this study, we introduce an enhanced soft hydrogel platform reinforced with niobium pentoxide (Nb₂O₅) nanoparticles and chemically crosslinked using glutaraldehyde, with citric acid serving as a dissolution medium and processing aid. Three hydrogel variants (G1, G2 and G3) were prepared by adjusting nanoparticle concentration and subsequently evaluated through structural, morphological, swelling, gel-fraction, and rheological analyses. SEM imaging revealed that increasing Nb₂O₅ content produced notable architectural transitions—from smooth porous matrices to nanoparticle-distributed, heterogenous pore structures. XRD, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the structural retention of Nb₂O₅ and its effective interaction with the polymer network. Swelling and gel-fraction measurements demonstrated improved network stability in nanoparticle-loaded systems, with G2 providing the most desirable balance between swelling capacity (298%) and gel fraction (91%). Rheological studies further identified G2 as the most stable and elastic composition, exhibiting strong shear-thinning behavior and high structural recovery. Overall, G2 emerges as the optimal formulation for future biomedical development. Full article

Cryopreservation is a critical strategy for the long-term conservation of plant germplasm, particularly for clonally propagated crops, endangered species, and plants producing recalcitrant seeds. Hydrogel-based encapsulation systems can improve survival during ultra-low-temperature storage by providing mechanical protection, moderating dehydration, and regulating cryoprotectant uptake. Although calcium–alginate beads remain the traditional matrix for encapsulation–dehydration and encapsulation–vitrification, recent advances in biomaterials science have enabled the development of composite polysaccharide blends, protein-based matrices, synthetic polymer networks, macroporous cryogels, and functionalized hybrid hydrogels incorporating surfactants, antioxidants, or nanomaterials. These engineered systems provide improved control over water state, pore architecture, diffusion kinetics, and thermal behavior, thereby reducing cryoinjury and enhancing post-thaw recovery across diverse plant explants. This review synthesizes current knowledge on hydrogel platforms used in plant cryopreservation, with emphasis on how physicochemical properties influence dehydration dynamics, cryoprotectant transport, vitrification stability, and rewarming responses. Performance across major explant types is assessed, key limitations in existing materials and protocols are identified, and design principles for next-generation hydrogel systems are outlined. Future progress will depend on material standardization, integration with automated cryopreservation workflows, and the development of responsive hydrogel matrices capable of mitigating cryogenic stresses. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adequate hydration is essential for health; however, water consumption behaviors are influenced not only by physiological needs but also by hydration knowledge and perceptions of drinking water quality. Empirical evidence examining these factors in Eastern European populations remains limited. This study aimed to assess hydration knowledge, water consumption patterns, and attitudes toward drinking water quality among adults in Romania, and to examine their associations with daily water intake and water source preferences. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2024 and November 2025 among adults residing in Romania. Data were collected from 165 participants using an anonymous, self-developed, paper-based questionnaire administered in person to adult patients attending routine visits in four primary care clinics in Arad, Romania, using a convenience sampling approach. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, hydration knowledge, water consumption behaviors, and attitudes toward drinking water quality. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, correlation analyses, and multivariable linear and logistic regression models were applied to identify factors associated with daily water intake, adequate hydration (≥2 L/day), and bottled water consumption. Results: Hydration knowledge was moderate overall and was significantly associated with education level and gender. Higher hydration knowledge was positively correlated with daily water intake (r = 0.21, p = 0.006) and was independently associated with higher intake and adequate hydration (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.10–1.49; p = 0.002). Greater trust in tap water was also positively associated with daily intake (r = 0.27, p = 0.001) and adequate hydration (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.12–1.54; p < 0.001). Lower trust in tap water and stronger beliefs regarding bottled water were significant predictors of bottled water use as the primary drinking water source. Education level emerged as a consistent predictor across multiple hydration-related outcomes. Conclusions: Hydration knowledge and perceptions of drinking water quality are key, modifiable factors associated with water consumption behaviors. Educational strategies integrated into primary care and transparent communication regarding tap water safety may support adequate and sustainable hydration among adults. Full article

Physiotherapeutic interventions in dogs frequently incorporate compliant surfaces to improve postural stability (PS), proprioception, and limb coordination; however, objective assessment of surface-related locomotor adaptations remains limited. This study investigated the effects of walking on surfaces with increasing compliance on PS in healthy adult dogs using paw center of pressure (pCOP) analysis. Fourteen orthopedically and neurologically sound dogs were assessed at walk and trot on a pressure-sensitive walkway under four surface conditions: a standard rubber mat (0.1 cm) and three yoga mats of increasing thickness (0.5 cm, 0.8 cm, and 1.0 cm). Vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and pCOP parameters were recorded and analyzed for each limb. vGRF parameters were largely unaffected by surface conditions. In contrast, several pCOP metrics, including pCOP radius, craniocaudal displacement, and mediolateral displacement, showed a significant decrease with increasing surface compliance. These effects were more consistent and widespread during trot, whereas during walk changes were primarily observed in the forelimbs. The findings indicate that dogs adapt to increased surface compliance by reducing pCOP displacement, likely reflecting active postural stabilization strategies. While vGRF parameters appeared insensitive to these adaptations, pCOP measures proved more sensitive in detecting subtle neuromuscular adjustments. These results highlight the potential value of pCOP analysis for evaluating functional adaptations during physiotherapeutic interventions in canine rehabilitation. Full article