Search Results (1,486)

Background/Objectives: Selenoproteins play indispensable roles in embryonic development, with their dysregulation linked to various metabolic and neurological disorders. This study aims to systematically quantify the mRNA expression levels of all 24 selenoprotein genes in murine heart, brain, liver, and kidney tissues across embryonic (E8.5, E12.5, E18.5) and postnatal (P7, P30, P90) developmental stages, in order to elucidate the regulatory landscape of selenium metabolism during development. Methods: We collected tissues from mice at six developmental stages and performed RNA extraction followed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to measure the expression of all 24 selenoprotein genes. Data were normalized using the geometric mean of ActB and Gapdh, and statistical analyses were conducted using one-way ANOVA with Duncan’s post hoc test. Results: Our analysis reveals three principal findings: (1) Distinct expression patterns emerge among selenoprotein families—deiodinases (Dio1-3) and thioredoxin reductases (Txnrd1-3) exhibit limited embryonic expression (<20-fold changes), while glutathione peroxidases (Gpx1, Gpx3, Gpx4) and biosynthesis-related genes (Selenop, Msrb1) show substantial postnatal upregulation (up to 600-fold increases); (2) Selenoproteins essential for embryonic survival (Gpx4, Txnrd1, Txnrd2, Selenoi, Selenot) display expression profiles concordant with their essential developmental functions; (3) Selenop and Msrb1, involved in selenium transport and redox regulation, demonstrate early embryonic upregulation with further increases during postnatal development. Conclusions: These spatiotemporal expression patterns elucidate the regulatory landscape of selenium metabolism during development and provide mechanistic insights into the phenotypes associated with selenium deficiency. The findings offer valuable implications for human nutritional interventions and developmental health. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is a growing need for programs addressing perinatal mental health, particularly for new mothers. Postpartum depression (PPD) may occur during pregnancy or within the first year postpartum, with both short- and long-term negative consequences for both mothers and their infants. This study describes the cultural adaptation, implementation, and one-year follow-up of the Mom-to-Mom (M2M) program for minority Bedouin women in Southern Israel. Methods: We conducted a community-based intervention (M2M) emphasizing cultural adaptation. Outreach efforts were conducted in collaboration with healthcare professionals to encourage referral to the M2M program. A total of 111 mothers completed a self-administered questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics and PPD symptoms (PPDs) at two time points: prior to the intervention (Time-1) and one year after participating in the program (Time-2). PPD was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), using a score cutoff of ≥10. Results: There was a significant decrease in PPDs (EPDS ≥ 13) between Time-1 and Time-2 after one year of follow-up in the M2M program (from 45% to 19.8%). Of the participants, 75% were referred to the program by healthcare professionals. Among those with EPDS ≥ 10, 30% were referred to mental health services. This program provided education, professional support, and led to the establishment of the first M2M center within a Bedouin community, located in the Negev (Naqab). Conclusions: The results emphasize the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to increase awareness, early diagnosis, and professional support in addressing PPD, tailored to a cultural context. Culturally adapted programs can be effective in minority populations and contribute to reducing disparities in maternal mental health care. Full article

Background: Preliminary evidence supports high-intensity functional training (HIFT) for improving various health outcomes in non-disabled adults with overweight/obesity. It remains unknown whether HIFT produces similar benefits in individuals who are overweight/obese and also have a mobility disability (e.g., spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis)—a population disproportionately affected by obesity-related health conditions and systemic barriers to exercise. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of a 24-week HIFT intervention, delivered at community sites by certified trainers, for adults with mobility disabilities (MDs) who were overweight/obese. Methods: Twenty adults with MD and overweight/obesity (self-reported BMI 25–46 kg/m²) enrolled in a 24-week HIFT intervention (3 days/wk, 60 min sessions) delivered at four community-based facilities by certified trainers. Feasibility indicators included recruitment, retention, and attendance; adverse events were tracked. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated for changes in obesity-related measures, physical function, work capacity, and psychological measures from baseline to post-intervention. Results: Feasibility targets were met, with a recruitment rate of 72.2%, 76.9% retention, and 80.7% attendance. Thirteen adverse events occurred. Effects on obesity-related measures ranged from negligible to moderate, with stable weight/BMI, reduced waist circumference (45% ≥ 3 cm decrease), decreased body fat, and increased lean mass. Functional outcome effects ranged from small to large and included grip strength, balance, and walking speed. Large improvements were observed for the endurance, speed, work capacity, and self-reported physical function. Conclusions: A community-based HIFT program is feasible and may improve health outcomes in adults with MD and overweight/obesity. Full article

Aim: The study developed and validated AppER, an mHealth tool for informal caregivers of children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and examined differences between app users and non-users. Methods: Four phases were followed: (1) focus groups with experts and caregivers to identify care-related domains; (2) prototype development and validity testing (CVR, I-CVI, I-FVI) using the MARS scale; (3) implementation of the final app; and (4) psychosocial profiling of 88 caregivers (42 users and 46 non-users) measuring quality of life, dependency, somatic symptoms, and coping strategies. Results: AppER showed high content and face validity, surpassing reference thresholds. In the psychosocial analysis, users reported lower perceived quality of life than non-users, despite no significant differences in dependency, somatic symptoms, or coping strategies. Conclusions: Employment patterns differed: more users were dedicated to household tasks, while more non-users were self-employed, suggesting economic factors may affect app uptake and quality of life perceptions. Findings indicate AppER is a valid, well-rated support tool, and that caregivers with lower perceived quality of life may be more inclined to adopt digital health solutions, potentially to address complex care demands. Designing targeted digital interventions may be particularly valuable for those in less favorable socioeconomic contexts. Because of the small sample and between-group imbalances, results are exploratory and warrant confirmation in larger, balanced samples. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of traditional Korean medicine services (TKMS) on subsequent knee surgery and opioid use in patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: This retrospective cohort study used National Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service claims data from 2015 to 2017 to identify patients treated for KOA (M17) in 2016. Patients with at least two Korean medicine (KM) clinic visits within 6 weeks of the initial diagnosis formed the TKMS group, while those without visits to KM clinics formed the n group. Propensity score matching (PSM) (1:1) was applied and the incidence of knee surgery and opioid use was followed up for one year. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models estimated time-to-event outcomes and hazard ratios (HRs). Sensitivity analyses were performed to verify the results across varied treatment windows of 4, 8, and 10 weeks. Results: After PSM, 247,168 patients were included in the analysis for each group. The TKMS group exhibited significantly lower HRs for knee surgery (HR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.66–0.72), opioid use (HR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.65–0.66), and their compound events (HR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.65–0.67) compared with the Non-TKMS group. The results remained consistent across sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: Among patients with KOA, the utilization of TKMS may significantly reduce the incidence of knee surgery and opioid use. Thus, the utilization of TKMS may be associated with a reduced need for unnecessary surgical interventions and with lower reliance on high-risk medications. Full article

Background: As the United States population becomes increasingly diverse, the representation of minorities in health professions is critical to addressing health disparities. Few investigations have been conducted among students enrolled in the first semester of the nursing program, a vulnerable and adjustment period for most nursing majors. Thus, this study examined the association between reading comprehension and science aptitude on student retention and standardized test scores. Method: A cross-sectional repeated measures study was conducted to investigate the outcomes from a compendium of programmatic interventions implemented among n = 80 nursing students enrolled in the first semester of a pre-licensure baccalaureate nursing program in one Hispanic-serving institution. These interventions included the Weaver™ reading online program, case studies, NCLEX-type practice tests, test-taking skills, and peer-mentoring. Data collection was conducted in Spring 2024. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to determine predictors associated with student retention and standardized test scores. An independent t-test was used to examine any significant difference in the reading comprehension level among the cohort’s participants. A qualitative investigation using thematic analysis was conducted to understand students’ experiences with the programmatic interventions. Results: Students’ baseline reding comprehension level was significantly associated with failure in the first semester of the nursing program (β = −0.815; SE = 0.349; Wald = 5.444; p < 0.05). End-of-term reading comprehension level was significantly associated with end-of-course HESI score in the Foundations in Nursing course (β = 26.768; SE = 10.049; Beta = 0.445; p < 0.05) while science GPA was significantly associated with end-of-course HESI score for Health Assessment (β = 3.022; SE = 1.315; Beta = 0.434; p < 0.05. Cohort retention was 75%. The independent t-test result indicated a significant difference in reading level was found between those who dropped out from the cohort (M = 4.23, SE = 0.173 and those who did not (M = 5.15, SE = 0.188), t (68) = −3.037, p < 0.01. A reading level of grade 10 and above was associated with student progression to the next semester (M = 10.16, SE = 0.375, t (70) = −0.560, p < 0.05. Although the participants found the reading comprehension modules tedious, test-taking strategies, applying the nursing process in case studies, and the expertise of a nurse educator, who understood the learning needs of first-semester students, were perceived as critical to academic success. Conclusions: Reading comprehension and science aptitude are essential to students’ early success in the nursing program. Addressing gaps in reading comprehension and science aptitude before admission to a nursing program would increase chances of success in the early stages of a nursing major. Full article

Background/Objectives: Declining physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in children are global public health concerns, particularly in populations experiencing urbanization and economic transition. This study investigated the effects of a school-based intervention on PA, CRF, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in children aged 6–12 years from marginalized communities in Gqeberha, South Africa. Methods: A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in four schools, with participants randomly assigned to one of the following four arms: (i) PA and multi-micronutrient supplementation (MMNS); (ii) PA and placebo; (iii) MMNS; or (iv) placebo (control). A total of 1151 children were assessed at baseline (T1), 1003 at post-intervention (T2), and 549 at follow-up (T3). PA was measured using accelerometers. Secondary outcomes included CRF (20 m shuttle-run) and CVD risk factors (i.e., anthropometry, blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c], and lipid profile). Mixed linear models adjusted for baseline characteristics were used. Results: None of the interventions significantly improved daily PA. From T1 to T2, the MMNS arm significantly increased CRF, while PA + MMNS reduced HbA1c. However, MMNS alone increased triglycerides, and PA + placebo increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL). From post-intervention (T2) to follow-up (T3), the MMNS arms significantly reduced blood pressure. Yet, the PA + MMNS arm increased body fat percentage and decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Conclusions: While MMNS showed promise for improving fitness and blood pressure and PA + MMNS reduced HbA1c, adverse metabolic changes emerged. The results should be interpreted with caution due to the short intervention span and COVID-19 disruptions during the second year of the intervention. Full article

Background: Interoperability is fundamental for advancing digital health and digital therapeutics, particularly with the integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and federated learning. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where digital infrastructure remains fragmented, face specific challenges in implementing standardized and scalable systems. Methods: This scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley framework, refined by Levac et al., and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Five databases (PubMed, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, and Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed English language studies published between 2015 and 2025. We identified 255 potentially eligible articles and selected a 10% random sample (n = 26) using Stata 18 by StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX, USA, for in-depth data charting and thematic synthesis. Results: The selected studies spanned over 15 countries and addressed priority technologies, including mobile health (mHealth), the use of Health Level Seven (HL7)’s Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) for data exchange, and blockchain. Interoperability enablers include standards (e.g., HL7 FHIR), data governance frameworks, and policy interventions. Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) face common issues related to digital capacity shortages, legacy systems, and governance fragmentation. Five thematic areas were identified: (1) policy and governance; (2) standards-based integration; (3) infrastructure and platforms; (4) emerging technologies; and (5) LMIC implementation issues. Conclusions: Emerging digital health technologies increasingly rely on interoperability standards to scale their operation. Although global standards such as FHIR and the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) are gaining momentum, LMICs require dedicated governance, infrastructure, and capacity investments to make equitable use feasible. Future initiatives can benefit from using science- and equity-informed frameworks. Full article

Formaldehyde poses a critical indoor environmental health hazard, particularly in rapidly urbanizing settings. Residential and public buildings serve as the most significant exposure sites; however, the extent of urban populations’ formaldehyde exposure in these two types of environments remains unclear, posing challenges for precise prevention and control strategies. This study employed a comprehensive exposure assessment by combining personal exposure monitoring with environmental sampling to characterize formaldehyde exposure profiles and contributions apportioned to residential and public microenvironments. The mean personal exposure concentration of formaldehyde of working adults was 36.0 μg/m³ (SD: 30.7 μg/m³). The mean chronic daily intake derived from personal data was 5.1 μg/kg/day. Residential environments were identified as the predominant contributors to overall exposure (>50% of total exposure in working adults, and >80% in children/elderly), followed by public places (contributing to 40% among employed adults). For children under 5 years and the elderly, residential settings accounted for >80% of the contribution of total intake. The home and school environments contributed to approximately 60% and 30% of exposure for children and adolescents aged 5–18 years, respectively. Other microenvironments (such as vehicular and outdoor settings) contributed to less than 10%. Simulation scenarios further suggested that reducing indoor formaldehyde concentrations by 15–30% in both residential and public buildings could avert 10–20% of associated health burdens for targeted populations. These findings underscore the continuous need for formaldehyde exposure control in both residential and public environments as well as indoor health interventions in modern urban areas. Full article

Residential exposure to radon and environmental gamma radiation poses a significant public health concern in uranium-rich regions. The Akmola Region of Kazakhstan, home to one of the world’s largest uranium tailings sites, lacks localized data on seasonal exposure variations and associated health risks. This study assessed indoor radon progeny concentrations and gamma dose rates in 62 dwellings across two settlements—Aqsu and Zavodskoy—in the Akmola Region during autumn 2023 through summer 2024. Using RAMON-02 and Alpharad Plus detectors, seasonal equivalent equilibrium volumetric activity (EEVA) of radon progeny and effective doses were calculated, stratified by presence of a cellar. In Aqsu, ambient dose equivalent rates reached up to 0.55 µSv/h, and winter median EEVA levels exceeded 130 Bq/m³ in some non-cellar homes. Seasonal effective doses peaked in spring (up to 8.82 mSv) in cellar dwellings, with annual doses reaching 23.5 mSv—substantially higher than in Zavodskoy. Although mitigation efforts have reduced exposure in some homes, several cellar dwellings in Aqsu exhibited persistently elevated EEVA, suggesting potential structural vulnerabilities or residual contamination. These findings underscore significant seasonal and structural disparities in radiation exposure and highlight the need for targeted, site-specific interventions to reduce long-term health risks in affected communities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dance, particularly hip-hop, offers a dynamic means of fostering physical activity (PA) and encouraging movement in health-related initiatives among children and youth in educational environments. Hip-hop offers benefits across motor, physical, social, and mental domains. Given the importance of PA in early development, and the preschool period as a sensitive phase for acquiring motor skills, this study aimed to examine the effects of the “Grow+” hip-hop program on motor competence (MC), perceived motor coordination (PMCoor), and PA levels in preschoolers. Methods: A quasi-experimental within-subjects design was used, including 37 children aged 3 to 4 (M = 4.29 ± 0.58). The intervention included two 4-week hip-hop periods, separated by a 4-week break. Four assessments were conducted using the MCA battery (MC), PA’s pictorial scales, and questionnaires completed by caregivers and educators (PMCoor). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Spearman correlations. Results: MC and PA levels showed a nonsignificant but positive trend across the study. Significant improvements in MC were observed during intervention periods, while no significant changes occurred during the break. Educators’ perceptions of PMCoor remained unchanged, despite improvements in MC. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the “Grow+” hip-hop program contributed meaningfully to improvements in MC and PA levels among children in early childhood. These findings accentuate the potential efficacy of structured rhythmic movement interventions in promoting motor development throughout early childhood, thereby supporting their integration into early childhood education curricula. Full article

Background: Metabolic flexibility, the ability to efficiently switch between fuel sources in response to changing nutrient availability and energy demands, is recognized as a key determinant of metabolic health. In a recent randomized controlled human feeding trial, overweight individuals receiving American black elderberry juice (EBJ) demonstrated improvements in multiple clinical indices of metabolic flexibility, but the mechanisms of action were unexplored. The objective of this study was to utilize RNA sequencing to examine how EBJ modulates the transcriptional response to fasting and feeding, focusing on pathways related to metabolic flexibility. Methods: Overweight or obese adults (BMI > 25 kg/m²) without chronic illnesses were randomized to a 5-week crossover study protocol with two 1-week periods of twice-daily EBJ or placebo (PL) separated by a washout period. RNA sequencing was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 10 participants to assess transcriptomic responses collected at fasting (pre-meal) and postprandial (120 min post-meal) states during a meal-challenge test. Results: The fasted-to-fed transition for EBJ showed 234 differentially expressed genes following EBJ consumption compared to 59 genes following PL, with 44 genes shared between interventions. EBJ supplementation showed significantly higher enrichment of several metabolic pathways including insulin, FoxO, and PI3K–Akt signaling. KEGG pathway analysis showed 27 significant pathways related to metabolic flexibility compared to 7 for PL. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that short-term elderberry juice consumption may promote metabolic flexibility in overweight adults. Full article

Bullying is a global issue that is associated with negative life outcomes. Anti-bullying programs have been shown to be effective, but with heterogeneity across studies. Thus, we examined how sensory processing sensitivity (SPS)—a biologically based trait associated with Differential Susceptibility to environmental factors—moderates the effects of a school-based, anti-bullying program. Students (301 middle-school students, M age = 12 years) in the United States underwent a 4-week anti-bullying and competency-enhancing program. They also completed competency (e.g., social skills) and bullying prevention skills measures prior to (T1) and after the intervention (T2); and the Highly Sensitive Child Scale (measure of SPS). Results of multivariate analyses revealed that youth with higher SPS showed greater increases in decision-making, media resistance, social, and bullying prevention skills at T2. Consistent with theories of Differential Susceptibility and Environmental Sensitivity, results revealed that high SPS was associated with stronger responsivity to a psychoeducational intervention, as shown by increased cognitive, social, and behavioral domain scores. Findings from the present study underscore the moderating role of SPS on factors that impact human health and development. Full article

Background: Despite evidence supporting exercise in cancer care, adherence remains low. Nordic Walking (NW), a pole-assisted outdoor activity, may overcome barriers and improve fitness. However, a comprehensive synthesis of its effects on physical fitness in cancer patients is lacking. Objective: To evaluate NW’s effects on physical fitness, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), adherence, and safety in patients living with and beyond cancer, compared with no intervention or other exercise programs. Methods: This PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42024551608) included randomized or quasi-randomized trials. Five databases were searched through November 2024. Risk of bias (Joanna Briggs Institute) and evidence certainty (GRADE) were assessed. Results: This systematic review included six RCTs comparing NW with no intervention. NW significantly improved overall muscle strength (Std. MD = 0.46, 95%CI:0.14–0.78; low-certainty) and self-reported physical activity (MD = 3181.51 MET-min/week, 95%CI:2085–4278; moderate-certainty). Cardiorespiratory fitness (6-min walk) showed no significant improvement in random-effects modeling (MD = 84.78 m, 95%CI:−35.6–205.19; very low-certainty). HRQoL data were insufficient for meta-analysis. Adherence exceeded 90% in supervised sessions, with no serious intervention-related adverse events. Conclusions: When compared with no intervention NW is feasible and safe, potentially improving muscle strength and physical activity in patients with cancer. Evidence for cardiorespiratory endurance and HRQoL remains inconclusive. To date, no studies have compared NW with other structured exercise programs. Higher-quality RCTs with diverse populations are needed. Full article

Background: The rapid advancement of mobile health [mHealth] applications significantly improved healthcare accessibility. However, the adoption of these applications among the elderly population remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the attitudes of elderly individuals in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia, toward mobile health applications, focusing on awareness, perceived benefits, usability concerns, and privacy issues. The findings will help guide strategies to enhance digital health adoption among older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly individuals [≥60 years] residing in the Aseer region. A total of 500 participants were recruited using a non-probability convenient sampling technique. Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews utilizing a validated questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, awareness, usage patterns, perceived benefits, and barriers to mHealth applications. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: The study included 500 elderly individuals in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. The majority of participants [70.4%] were aware of mobile health applications, with higher awareness among younger elderly [60–69 years, p = 0.008], individuals with higher income [p = 0.015], and those living with family [p < 0.001]. Mobile health apps were widely used, primarily for contacting healthcare providers [83.8%], managing appointments [79.4%], and medication management [79.2%]. Participants perceived these apps as highly useful, particularly for disease monitoring [mean = 4.34] and healthcare communication [mean = 4.34]. Awareness was negatively correlated with age [r = −0.109, p = 0.015], emphasizing the need for targeted educational interventions to enhance digital health adoption among older populations. Conclusions: Despite growing awareness, mHealth application usage remains limited among the elderly in the Aseer region due to digital literacy challenges and usability concerns. Addressing these barriers through user-friendly designs, targeted education, and privacy assurance measures may enhance adoption. Policymakers and healthcare providers should implement tailored interventions to promote digital health solutions for this population. Full article