Search Results (96)

Since the start of the energy crisis in 2020, the Dutch government has introduced various programmes aimed at alleviating energy poverty among low-income households. This research examines the effects of three specific interventions—energy coaching, home renovations, and white goods schemes—on a range of energy poverty-related aspects, including living comfort, physical and mental health, energy costs, financial concerns, social connection, neighbourhood involvement, and sustainable behaviour. While previous studies have mostly investigated these interventions in isolation, this research offers a comparative analysis to explore how their impacts differ and how they may complement one another. This research, comparing an intervention group and control, shows that energy coaches, renovations, and white goods schemes each have positive effects on various aspects of energy poverty. However, the nature and magnitude of these effects differ by type of support measure. Renovations are the most effective overall, significantly improving living comfort, physical health, and reducing energy costs. White goods schemes primarily reduce moisture and mould in dwellings and have a notable positive impact on mental health. Energy coaches contribute to improved living comfort, lower energy costs, and uniquely enhance community involvement. The complementary nature of these interventions highlights the potential added value of integrated or combined approaches to tackling energy poverty. Full article

Background/Objectives: Emotion and cognition, two essential components of human mental processes, have traditionally been studied independently. The exploration of emotion and cognition is fundamental for gaining an understanding of human mental functioning. Despite the availability of various methods to measure and evaluate emotional states and cognitive processes, physiological measurements are considered to be one of the most reliable methods due to their objective approach. In particular, electroencephalography (EEG) provides unique insight into emotional and cognitive activity through the analysis of event-related potentials (ERPs). In this study, we discriminated pleasant/unpleasant emotional moods and low/high cognitive states using graph-theoretic features extracted from spatio-temporal components. Methods: Emotional data were collected at the Physiology Department of Istanbul Medical Faculty at Istanbul University, whereas cognitive data were obtained from the DepositOnce repository of Technische Universität Berlin. Wavelet coherence values for the N100, N200, and P300 single-trial ERP components in the delta, theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands were investigated individually. Then, graph-theoretic analyses were performed using wavelet coherence-based connectivity maps. Global and local graph metrics such as energy efficiency, strength, transitivity, characteristic path length, and clustering coefficient were used as features for classification using support vector machines (SVMs), k-nearest neighbor(K-NN), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Results: The results show that both pleasant/unpleasant emotional moods and low/high cognitive states can be discriminated, with average accuracies of up to 92% and 89%, respectively. Conclusions: Graph-theoretic metrics based on wavelet coherence of ERP components in the delta band with the SVM algorithm allow for the discrimination of emotional and cognitive states with high accuracy. Full article

The way in which EEG signals reflect mental tasks that vary in duration and intensity is a key topic in the investigation of neural processes concerning neuroscience in general and BCI technologies in particular. More recent research has reinforced historical studies that highlighted theta band activity in relation to cognitive performance. In our study, we propose a comparative analysis of experiments with cognitive load imposed by arithmetic calculations performed mentally. The analysis of EEG signals captured with 64 electrodes is performed on low theta components extracted by narrowband filtering. As main signal discriminators, we introduced an original measure inspired by the integral of the curve of a function—specifically the signal function over the period corresponding to the filter band. Another measure of the signal considered as a discriminator is energy. In this research, it was used just for model comparison. A cognitive load detection algorithm based on these signal metrics was developed and tested on original experimental data. The results present EEG activity during mental tasks and show the behavioral pattern across 64 channels. The most precise and specific EEG channels for discriminating cognitive tasks induced by arithmetic tests are also identified. Full article

Introduction: Caffeine, in the form of coffee, tea and energy drinks, is recognised as the world’s most utilised psychoactive substance and consumed by approximately 80% of the global population daily. Emerging studies have suggested a more complex relationship in terms of the mental health outcomes that can arise after consumption. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis that aims to explore the effects of caffeine consumption on the risk of suicide attempts, ideation and self-harm. Methods: This PRISMA-adherent systematic review involved a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and PsycINFO for all studies that evaluated the effects of caffeine consumption on the risk of suicide attempts, ideation and self-harm. Random effects meta-analyses and meta-regression were used for primary analysis. Results: Seventeen studies were included. The results demonstrated that coffee consumption of more than 60 cups per month significantly decreases the risk of suicide attempts. In contrast, energy drink consumption from as low as one cup per month was significantly associated with an increased risk of both suicide attempts and ideation. Meta-regression demonstrated a strong association between the dosage consumed and suicidality outcomes. Systematic review highlighted that male gender and substance usage significantly increased caffeine consumption. Conclusion: The results studied the associations between coffee and energy drink intake with suicide risk and suicidal ideation. Coffee intake was associated with reduced odds of suicide ideation and attempts, while consuming energy drinks was associated with an increased risk of both adverse outcomes. Further studies would be essential to elucidate the psychosocial factors and causative links underlying this association. Understanding the relationship between caffeine consumption and mental health outcomes is crucial to develop public health strategies to boost the mental health of consumers. Full article

Objectives: This explorative study aimed to evaluate athletes’ perceptions of how CrossFit^® affects physical, psychological, and social well-being, exploring gender differences. CrossFit^® is a high-intensity functional training modality aimed at enhancing overall fitness and health. Limited research has explored its perceived impact on broader aspects of well-being, particularly considering gender differences. Methods: A total of 202 participants (age 34.3 ± 10.0 years) with at least 6 months of CrossFit^® experience completed an online self-reported questionnaire not previously published but created following published guidelines. The questions explore athletes’ perceptions of their improvements in physical fitness, injury occurrence, and the effects on mental well-being. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and parametric and non-parametric tests to investigate gender differences. Results: In total, 81.2% of participants perceived improvements in strength, while 83.2% reported enhanced aerobic capacity. Significant body composition improvements were noted by 68.3% of the sample, and 87.6% reported changes in eating habits. Injury incidence was lower among women (30.2%) than men (45.3%) (p = 0.02). Regarding psychological outcomes, 95% of respondents indicated a reduction in stress levels, 73.3% reported better sleep quality, and over 90% perceived improvements in self-esteem and daily energy. Furthermore, 98.5% of participants formed new social connections through CrossFit^®, with 79.2% acknowledging a positive impact on social relationships. No significant gender differences were found across most psychological and social outcomes. Conclusions: CrossFit^® is perceived positively by participants, with similar views across genders, except for injury rates. It enhances physical fitness, mental health, and social well-being, with high training adherence and relatively low injury risk. Full article

Background/Objectives: Healthcare professions impose high physical and mental demands, potentially affecting health. Despite advocating for active lifestyles, many physiotherapists do not meet recommended physical activity levels (PALs). This study explores physical activity patterns and recreational engagement among practicing physiotherapists. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design examined the relationship between physical activity and recreational participation among 60 physiotherapists (38 females, 22 males, mean age 38.62 ± 9.78 years). Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Pittsburgh Enjoyable Activities Test (PEAT). The analysis focused on bivariate correlations between PAL, energy expenditure (MET), recreational habits (PEAT score), and sociodemographic and anthropometric variables. Results: The IPAQ-SF results indicated that 38.3% of participants had a low PAL, 40.0% a moderate level, and 21.7% a high level. Average energy expenditure was 1927.62 ± 1479.73 MET-minutes/week. PEAT data indicated moderate engagement in recreational activities (mean score: 22.63 ± 7.76), with participants predominantly involved in low-intensity, passive leisure. Significant positive correlations were observed between PEAT scores and both MET values (Kendall’s tau-b = 0.669, p ≤ 0.01) and PALs (Kendall’s tau-b = 0.804, p ≤ 0.01), indicating that higher engagement in recreational activities is associated with greater energy expenditure and overall physical activity levels. Conclusions: Despite the physical demands of their profession, many physiotherapists report low activity levels. The positive correlations between physical activity, energy expenditure, and recreational engagement highlight the need for structured exercise to support both personal health and professional integrity. Future research should include larger samples and objective assessments. Full article

Introduction: Ehlers–Danlos Syndromes (EDSs) are a heterogeneous group of monogenic connective tissue disorders (e.g., joint hypermobility and dislocation, skin hyperelasticity and fragility, chronic pain, delayed wound healing process,, etc.). The primary objective of this study was to present a specialized therapeutic wound management process for a burn-injured female patient diagnosed with EDS. Case Presentation: A 34-year-old female patient presented with extensive thermal burns (biofireplace explosion). The patient had a family history of diagnosed EDS. Additionally, the patient was in a poor mental condition and, since 2020, had been undergoing pharmacotherapy with antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication. This might be the first such clinical observation in the world, but a correlation has been observed between psychiatric medication use and EDS wound healing impairment. During the hospitalization process, the patient underwent a series of surgeries aimed at the fastest and most effective closure of wounds. The patient, after 182 days of hospitalization in our facility, was discharged home. Materials and Methods: During the patient’s hospital stay, the patient underwent multiple procedures involving debridement of necrotic tissues. Additionally, allogeneic acellular dermal matrix (ADM) grafting was performed on the wounds, and a procedure was conducted in which skin was grafted using the MEEK technique. The in vitro cultured skin cells, as the advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), were used. During the patient’s stay in the hospital, images were taken using low-energy laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) to asses microperfusion or lack thereof. The measurements were taken at intervals of several days. Conclusions: The treatment of burn wounds in patients with EDS requires a long hospitalization period. It also may require a multi-stage approach utilizing innovative preparations (e.g., ADMs and ATMPs). The assessment of wound healing progress can be performed using advanced equipment, such as laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA). Full article

Systemic infection and inflammation impair mental function through a combination of altered attention and cognition. Here, we comprehensively review the relevant literature and report personal clinical observations to discuss the relationship between infection, peripheral inflammation, and cerebral and cognitive dysfunction in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Cognitive dysfunction in ME/CFS could result from low-grade persistent inflammation associated with raised pro-inflammatory cytokines. This may be caused by both infectious and non-infectious stimuli and lead to altered regional cerebral blood flow accompanied by disturbed neuronal function. Immune dysregulation that manifests as a subtle immunodeficiency or the autoimmunity targeting of one or more neuronal receptors may also be a contributing factor. Efforts to reduce low-grade systemic inflammation and viral reactivation and to improve mitochondrial energy generation in ME/CFS have the potential to improve cognitive dysfunction in this highly disabling condition. Full article

Depression and anxiety are two common mental health issues that require serious attention, as they have significant impacts on human well-being, with both being emotionally and physically reflected in the increasing number of suicide cases globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that about 322 million people around the world experienced mental illnesses in 2017, and this number continues to increase. Cortisol is a major stress-controlled hormone that is regulated by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis has three main components, including the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland, where cortisol, the primary stress hormone, is released. It plays crucial roles in responding to stress, energy balance, and the immune system. The cortisol level in the bloodstream usually increases when stress develops. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been highlighted in terms of creating artificial bioreceptors by mimicking the shape of detected biomolecules, making natural bioreceptor molecules no longer required. MIPs can overcome the limitations of chemicals and physical properties reducing over time and the short-time shelf life of natural bioreceptors. MIPs’ benefits are reflected in their ease of use, high sensitivity, high specificity, reusability, durability, and the lack of requirement for complicated sample preparation before use. Moreover, MIPs incur low costs in manufacturing, giving them a favorable budget for the market with simple utilization. MIPs can be formulated by only three key steps, including formation, the polymerization of functional monomers, and the creation of three-dimensional cavities mimicking the shape and size of targeting molecules. MIPs have a high potential as biosensors, especially working as bioanalytics for protein, anti-body, antigen, or bacteria detection. Herein, this research proposes an MIP-based cortisol biosensor in which cortisol is imprinted on methyl methacrylate (MMA) and methacrylic acid (MAA) produced by UV polymerization. This MIP-based biosensor may be an alternative method with which to detect and monitor the levels of hormones in biological samples such as serum, saliva, or urine due to its rapid detection ability, which would be of benefit for diagnosing depression and anxiety and prescribing treatment. In this study, quantitative detection was performed using an electrochemical technique to measure the changes in electrical signals in different concentrations of a cortisol solution ranging from 0.1 to 1000 pg/mL. The MIP-based biosensor, as derived by calculation, achieved its best detection limit of 1.035 pg/mL with a gold electrode. Tests were also performed on molecules with a similar molecular structure, including Medroxyprogesterone acetate and drospirenone, to ensure the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensors, demonstrating a low sensitivity and low linear response. Full article

Long-lasting brain fatigue is a consequence of stroke or traumatic brain injury associated with emotional, psychological, and physical overload, distress in hypertension, atherosclerosis, viral infection, and aging-related chronic low-grade inflammatory disorders. The pathogenesis of brain fatigue is linked to disrupted neurotransmission, the glutamate-glutamine cycle imbalance, glucose metabolism, and ATP energy supply, which are associated with multiple molecular targets and signaling pathways in neuroendocrine-immune and blood circulation systems. Regeneration of damaged brain tissue is a long-lasting multistage process, including spontaneously regulating hypothalamus-pituitary (HPA) axis-controlled anabolic–catabolic homeostasis to recover harmonized sympathoadrenal system (SAS)-mediated function, brain energy supply, and deregulated gene expression in rehabilitation. The driving mechanism of spontaneous recovery and regeneration of brain tissue is a cross-talk of mediators of neuronal, microglia, immunocompetent, and endothelial cells collectively involved in neurogenesis and angiogenesis, which plant adaptogens can target. Adaptogens are small molecules of plant origin that increase the adaptability of cells and organisms to stress by interaction with the HPA axis and SAS of the stress system (neuroendocrine-immune and cardiovascular complex), targeting multiple mediators of adaptive GPCR signaling pathways. Two major groups of adaptogens comprise (i) phenolic phenethyl and phenylpropanoid derivatives and (ii) tetracyclic and pentacyclic glycosides, whose chemical structure can be distinguished as related correspondingly to (i) monoamine neurotransmitters of SAS (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) and (ii) steroid hormones (cortisol, testosterone, and estradiol). In this narrative review, we discuss (i) the multitarget mechanism of integrated pharmacological activity of botanical adaptogens in stress overload, ischemic stroke, and long-lasting brain fatigue; (ii) the time-dependent dual response of physiological regulatory systems to adaptogens to support homeostasis in chronic stress and overload; and (iii) the dual dose-dependent reversal (hormetic) effect of botanical adaptogens. This narrative review shows that the adaptogenic concept cannot be reduced and rectified to the various effects of adaptogens on selected molecular targets or specific modes of action without estimating their interactions within the networks of mediators of the neuroendocrine-immune complex that, in turn, regulates other pharmacological systems (cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, reproductive systems) due to numerous intra- and extracellular communications and feedback regulations. These interactions result in polyvalent action and the pleiotropic pharmacological activity of adaptogens, which is essential for characterizing adaptogens as distinct types of botanicals. They trigger the defense adaptive stress response that leads to the extension of the limits of resilience to overload, inducing brain fatigue and mental disorders. For the first time, this review justifies the neurogenesis potential of adaptogens, particularly the botanical hybrid preparation (BHP) of Arctic Root and Ashwagandha, providing a rationale for potential use in individuals experiencing long-lasting brain fatigue. The review provided insight into future research on the network pharmacology of adaptogens in preventing and rehabilitating long-lasting brain fatigue following stroke, trauma, and viral infections. Full article

Background: Sedentary behaviors (SBs), which are low-energy, wakeful activities performed in a sitting, reclining, or lying posture, are independently associated with numerous adverse health outcomes, including mental health disorders, non-communicable diseases, and an increased risk of mortality. This study investigated associations between sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, mental health, nutritional status, social support, functional limitations, and SB among older persons in Malaysia. Methods: Data from 3977 individuals aged 60 years and above, extracted from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2018, were analyzed using complex samples logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of sedentary behavior, defined as sitting or reclining for 8 or more hours per day, among the surveyed population was 23.2%. Older age (≥75 years) was significantly associated with higher odds of SB (AORs 1.58 to 2.76, p < 0.001 to p = 0.001). Unemployment (AOR = 1.32, p = 0.020) and indigenous Sabah and Sarawak ethnicity (AOR = 2.48, p = 0.007) were also linked to increased odds of SB. Conversely, individuals with a monthly income of MYR 1000-1999 had lower odds of SB compared to those earning ≥MYR 2000 (AOR = 0.64, p = 0.022), and those at risk of malnutrition were also less likely to engage in SB (AOR = 0.68, p = 0.031). No significant associations were found between SB and sex, marital status, educational level, or chronic illness. Conclusions: These findings suggest that public health initiatives to reduce SB among older adults should prioritize the oldest aged, unemployed, and specific ethnic communities, as well as addressing nutritional risk to promote healthier aging among older persons in Malaysia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aeronautical military personnel operate under intense physical and mental stress, requiring high psychophysical aptitude. Adequate nutrition is essential to sustain operational readiness and mitigate the risk of chronic diseases and other health issues. This study aims to evaluate the nutritional status of aeronautical military personnel group in Spain through dietary parameters. Methods: A total of 390 male aeronautical military personnel, who attended the Centro de Instrucción de Medicina Aeroespacial (Madrid, Spain), were evaluated. Energy and nutrient intakes were estimated by three non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls (DIAL^® program). Results: The median energy intake was 2134 kcal/day, with significant variations across professional groups, highest in parachutists (2347 kcal/day). Protein intake was 18.2% TE, while carbohydrate intake was 37.6% TE, below standards, with 83.8% of participants not meeting the EFSA guidelines. However, a high intake of added sugars was observed (10% TE). Fat intake (38.3% TE) and saturated fats (11.7% TE) exceeded recommendations. Micronutrient deficiencies were notable for vitamin D (98% below recommendations), folate (56.4%), vitamin C (40.2%), calcium (50.3%), iodine (76.6%), and zinc (59%). Elevated cholesterol intake (352 mg/day) and inadequate fiber intake (18.5 g/day) were also observed. Conclusions: This study highlights imbalanced dietary patterns among Spanish aeronautical military personnel, with high protein, fat, cholesterol and added sugar consumption, low carbohydrate, and inadequate intake of critical micronutrients and fiber. These findings emphasize the need for targeted dietary interventions, nutritional monitoring protocols, and specific guidelines to enhance health and performance in this specialized group. Full article

A single-center, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial assessed the efficacy in improving body composition and in weight management of a dietary supplement consisting of 400 mg of a standardized extract of the persimmon fruit (Diospyros kaki L.f.) in adult subjects with a BMI between 25 and 34.99 kg/m² administered for 120 consecutive days. In total, 36 participants were assigned to the placebo group and 35 to the experimental group (registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05750342)). Primary analysis focused on overweight subjects (placebo, n = 26; experimental, n = 23). In this group, fat mass expressed in kg and percentage evaluated by both dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) decreased significantly (between-group differences p < 0.001) in those receiving the persimmon extract as compared with the placebo. No significant reduction in lean mass was observed, suggesting that the muscle mass was maintained during fat loss. The use of the investigational product improved classic anthropometric parameters to a statistically significantly greater extent than the placebo, including body weight, BMI, and waist and abdominal circumference (p < 0.001), in the overweight group. In the overall population, similar improvements were observed, with significant between-group differences (p < 0.001) in fat mass reduction and improvements in body composition. Changes in the biochemical lipidic, glycemic, and anti-inflammatory profile were not found, except for between-group significant differences (p < 0.001) in decreases in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and increases in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in favor of the experimental condition. There was a significant increase in fecal fat excretion in the experimental group at the end of the study in subjects with low fecal fat (9%) at baseline. Consumption of the investigational product vs. placebo improved the quality of life, with significantly greater scores in the total score and the mental health component of the SF-12 questionnaire. The persimmon extract was safe and well tolerated. Full article

Low energy availability (LEA) is common among female student-athletes and contributes to reduced bone mineral density and hormonal dysfunction. However, limited research exists on student-athletes of color, making it difficult to generalize results across populations, particularly Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) student-athletes. Objectives: This study examined the energy needs and LEA prevalence, with or without eating disorder (ED) risk, among HBCU female student-athletes. Methods: Twenty-seven female student-athletes (age = 19 ± 1 year; height = 166.9 ± 7.6 cm; weight = 68.8 ± 11.3 kg) completed baseline measures, including the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3), EDI-3 symptom checklist (EDI-SC), anthropometric measures, and resting metabolic rate (RMR). Participants maintained a dietary log to measure energy intake and wore a heart rate monitor to estimate exercise energy expenditures for 7 days. LEA was defined as <30 kcal/kg of fat-free mass (FFM)/day. Results: The mean energy availability (15.9 ± 10.1 kcal/kg FFM/day) indicated 92.6% of participants (n = 25) displayed LEA; of those, 60% (n = 15) had LEA with ED risk. ED risk was identified in 59.3% of student-athletes (n = 13; EDI-3: n = 2; SC: n = 3; Both: n = 11). Interestingly, of the two student-athletes without LEA, one was identified at risk for EDs using both the EDI-3 and SC. Conclusions: HBCU female student-athletes face high risks of LEA and EDs, with most showing signs of both. This underscores the need for culturally sensitive interventions to improve EA and support mental health in this underserved group. Clinicians should focus on nutrition education and early ED identification to enhance long-term health and athletic performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity is one of the most challenging contemporary public health problems. Children and adolescents with obesity experience multiple psychosocial difficulties, such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems, which persist for a long time. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a multidisciplinary personalized lifestyle intervention for depressive and anxiety symptoms, as evaluated by psychometric questionnaires, and their effect and association with cardiometabolic parameters in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity before and after the intervention. Methods: Six hundred and eleven (n = 611) children and adolescents (mean age ± SE: 10.39 ± 0.10 years; 51.5% females, 46.6% pubertal) were studied prospectively. Subjects were classified as being obese (50.2%), overweight (33.5%), or having a normal BMI (16.2%) according to IOTF criteria. All participants entered a 1-year lifestyle intervention program; laboratory investigations were obtained at the beginning and end of the study and two psychometric questionnaires were completed, the CDI and SCARED, which evaluate symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively. Results: Following the lifestyle intervention, a significant decrease was noted in anxiety scores in all subjects and in depression scores in youth with obesity, as well as in adolescents with obesity, while females displayed a reduced response to the intervention. Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome parameters, cortisol, PRL, and LH concentrations were positive predictors for depressive and anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: The implementation of a multidisciplinary personalized lifestyle intervention program in the management of childhood obesity is associated with a significant decrease in cardiometabolic and psychosocial comorbidities in children with and without excess adiposity. The improvement in mental health is likely mediated by an improvement in energy metabolism with subsequent improvement in neuroinflammation owing to lifestyle changes. Full article