Search Results (391)

Drosophila suzukii is an invasive pest of many fruit crops worldwide. Employing the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) could mitigate D. suzukii population growth and crop damage. This study evaluated the efficacy of SIT on commercial fruit, by (1) validating the quality of irradiated sterile males (male mating competitiveness, courtship, and flight performance) in the laboratory, and (2) assessing population suppression and fruit damage reduction in commercial raspberry fields. Treatment with SIT was compared to the grower’s standard chemical insecticide program throughout the season. The principal metrics of efficacy were trap counts of wild adult female D. suzukii in crops and larvae per fruit during harvesting. These metrics together with monitoring of border areas allowed targeting of high-pressure areas with higher releases of sterile males, to maximise efficacy for a given release number. The sterile male D. suzukii were as competitive as their fertile non-irradiated counterparts in laboratory mating competitiveness and flight performance studies while fertility egg-to-pupae recovery was reduced by 99%. In commercial raspberry crops, season-long releases of sterile males significantly suppressed the wild D. suzukii population, compared to the grower standard control strategy; with up to 89% reduction in wild female D. suzukii and 80% decrease in numbers of larvae per harvested fruit. Additionally, relative fruit waste (i.e., percentage of harvested fruits rejected for sale) at harvest was reduced for early, mid and late harvest crops, by up to 58% compared to the grower standard control. SIT has the potential to provide an effective and sustainable strategy for managing D. suzukii in raspberries, increasing marketable yield by reducing adult populations, fruit damage and waste fruit. SIT could therefore serve as a valuable tool for integrated pest management practices in berry production systems. Full article

Antibiotics may be used for gastrointestinal enteropathies but research has demonstrated significant microbiota dysmetabolism, fermentation pattern alterations, and prolonged dysbiosis following treatment. The objective of this study was to determine how dietary fiber or fecal microbial transplant (FMT) treatments impacted the fecal characteristics, metabolite concentrations, and microbiota populations of cats treated with metronidazole. Twenty-five healthy adult cats (6.75 ± 1.20 yr) were fed a commercial kibble diet for 2 wk, administered metronidazole (20 mg/kg BW BID) for 2 wk, then monitored for 4 wk. Cats were allotted to one of three interventions (diet, diet + beet pulp, diet + FMT) for 1 wk, interventions ceased, then recovery was monitored for 4 wk. Fresh fecal samples were collected at the end of each phase and at the mid-points of recovery. As anticipated, metronidazole increased fecal scores and moisture (p < 0.05), reduced fecal bacterial alpha diversity (p < 0.0001), and reduced fecal metabolite concentrations. Few treatment effects were detected, with antibiotic recovery contributing to many of the results observed. Dysbiosis was persistent throughout the study, with 4/25 cats still demonstrating mild dysbiosis after 9 wk. Overall, dietary or FMT treatments may aid in accelerated antibiotic recovery in cats but further research is needed to refine treatments for greater efficacy. Full article

Botulinum neurotoxin-A (BoNT-A) injections are effective in reducing focal limb spasticity; however, their impact on strength and active function needs to be established. This review was a secondary analysis aimed at evaluating changes to active function in the context of muscle strength changes following BoNT-A intramuscular injection for adult upper and lower limb spasticity. The original review searched eight databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PEDro, PubMed, Web of Science) and was conducted with methodology that followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines as described in section 6.2 of Gill et al. For this secondary analysis, no databases were searched; only further data were extracted. The current and preceding review were registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42022315241). Twenty studies were screened for inclusion, and three studies were excluded because active function was not assessed in all participants. Seventeen studies (677 participants) met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Quality was examined using the PEDro scale and modified Downs and Black checklist and rated as fair to good. Pre- and post-BoNT-A injection strength (agonist, antagonist, and global), active function (activity), participation, and quality-of-life outcomes at short-, mid-, and long-term time points were extracted and analysed. Significant heterogeneity and limited responsiveness in strength and active function outcome measures limited the ability to determine whether changes in strength mediate an effect on active function. Further, variability in BoNT-A type and dose, adjunctive therapies provided, and variability in reporting limited analyses. Overall, no clear relationship existed between the change in muscle strength and active function following BoNT-A injections to the upper and lower limbs for focal spasticity in adult-onset neurological conditions. Full article

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of postoperative morbidity on mid-term quality of life and patient-related outcome (PRO) parameters after colorectal surgery for colorectal carcinoma. Methods: Quality of life and perioperative data were prospectively collected from 99 adult patients treated for colorectal carcinoma—56 patients with colonic carcinoma and 43 with rectal carcinoma, all of whom underwent R0 colorectal resection, at the University Hospital Erlangen between 2018 and 2021. Quality of life data (EQL C29 and C30) were assessed before the start of treatment and one year after. Patients were grouped based on the presence or absence of postoperative morbidity, and their quality of life was compared between the two groups. Results: In the colonic carcinoma cohort, global quality of life and emotional functioning showed significant improvement from pre-treatment to the one-year follow-up (63 vs. 72, p = 0.012 and 63 vs. 76, p = 0.009, respectively). Among the symptom scales, five items improved, while two worsened. Patients who experienced postoperative morbidity (32% in the colonic carcinoma group) did not exhibit worse outcomes in functioning or symptom scales compared to those without morbidity (4 items improved and 1 worsened in the morbidity group vs. 3 improved and 1 worsened in the no-morbidity group). The rectal carcinoma cohort demonstrated a decline in quality of life from pre-treatment to the one-year follow-up. Two functioning scales worsened significantly (physical function: 89 vs. 83, p < 0.001; role function: 81 vs. 68, p = 0.009), and twelve symptom scales showed deterioration, with only two symptom scales improving. Postoperative morbidity (33% in the rectal carcinoma group) did not result in more pronounced impairments compared to those without morbidity. The morbidity group experienced 2 worsened and 0 improved items, while the no-morbidity group had 10 worsened and 1 improved item. Conclusions: Postoperative morbidity was not significantly associated with a worse quality of life at one-year follow-up after treatment of colorectal carcinomas, including colorectal resections, compared to patients who did not develop postoperative morbidity. Full article

During aging, the brain vasculature undergoes significant deterioration characterized by increased arterial tortuosity, compromised blood–brain barrier integrity, and reduced cerebral blood flow, all of which contribute to various neurological disorders. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying aging-related cerebrovascular defects is critical for developing strategies to alleviate aging-associated neurological diseases. In this study, we investigated the role of aging-related genes in brain vascular development using zebrafish as an in vivo model. By thoroughly analyzing scRNA-seq datasets of mid- and old-aged brain vascular endothelial cells (human/mouse), we found ribosomal protein S20 (rps20) significantly down-regulated during aging. qPCR analysis and whole-mount in situ hybridization validated a high expression of rps20 during early zebrafish development, which progressively decreased in adult and aged zebrafish brains. Functional studies using the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of rps20 revealed an impaired growth of central arteries in the hindbrain and a marked increased intracranial hemorrhage incidence. Mechanistically, qPCR analysis demonstrated a significant downregulation of vegfa, cxcl12b, and cxcr4a, key signaling molecules required for hindbrain vascular development, in rps20-deficient embryos. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that rps20 is essential for proper brain vascular development and the maintenance of vascular homeostasis in zebrafish, revealing a novel mechanism by which aging-related genes regulate brain vascular development. This study provides new insights that may aid in understanding and treating aging-associated vascular malformations and neurological pathologies. Full article

Late-preterm (34^0/7–36^6/7 weeks) and early-term (37^0/7–38^6/7 weeks) newborns were, up until recently, erroneously categorized as low-risk and were conflated with full-term (39^0/7–40^6/7 weeks) deliveries. However, emerging evidence refuted this notion and demonstrated that late-preterm and, to a lesser extent, early-term newborns have a significantly higher risk of experiencing various neonatal morbidities, including respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, pneumonia, jaundice, hypoglycemia, and breastfeeding difficulties, compared to their full-term counterparts—reflecting their relative physiologic and developmental immaturity. Recent evidence also unravels the lingering adverse effects of late-preterm and early-term delivery up until mid-adulthood, with the increased susceptibility of these newborns to neurodevelopmental delays, behavioral and neuropsychiatric problems, and adult chronic diseases. Moreover, apart from increased neonatal and infant mortality rates, these newborns continue to encounter a heightened risk of mortality even up to mid-adulthood. As the full spectrum of the complications these newborns face is gradually being unveiled, this review presents and discusses the current knowledge base, identifies gaps in the literature, and highlights future research implications. Full article

Open habitats in forests perform several important functions. In addition to enriching biodiversity, they have an impact on the diversification of the forest landscape, and through complex processes and trophic relationships, they provide greater sustainability in forest communities. It turns out that they are also important not only for the functioning of nature, but also due to their regenerative properties, through which people can improve their well-being and recover their mental balance. The purpose of this study was to determine whether and to what extent mid-forest open dunes and wetlands are able to provide people with feelings of relaxation and mental renewal. The study was conducted in June 2024 in one of the forest complexes located in the suburban zone of Warsaw. The experiment was conducted with the participation of 52 young adult volunteers. The experiment used a pre–posttest method. The subjects’ mood and well-being were determined using four psychological questionnaires: the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Restorative Outcome Scale (ROS), Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS), and Profile of Mood States (POMSs). The key findings from the research conducted are as follows: compared to the control sample (before entering the forest), exposure to all three variants of greenery had a restorative effect on the experimental participants; the water environment had the most favorable effect compared to the control sample (before entering the forest); and exposure to this environment provided the greatest increase in positive feelings and the greatest decrease in negative feelings. Research has shown that areas important for preserving forest biodiversity are also important for humans because of their high restorative properties. Preserving non-forest enclaves in forests and promoting their regenerative values for humans can be one nature-based solution to improve people’s health and well-being, especially for people living in urban areas. Full article

High unemployment rates, inaccessible housing markets, and funding challenges create barriers to finding suitable housing for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who have less obvious support needs, also known as autistic adults. While public and community housing services in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ) may be an option, a lack of accessible designs leaves families uncertain about future care options. This paper, part of the MBIE-funded Public Housing and Urban Regeneration: Maximising Wellbeing research programme in partnership with registered Community Housing Provider, Te Toi Mahana (TTM), takes an exploratory approach to ask how public and community housing can support and help enable semi-independent living for autistic adults. It investigates how design elements—such as dwelling layouts, material choices, colour schemes, lighting, acoustics, shared and community spaces, and external environments—impact the wellbeing of autistic adults. By extension, insights may also inform private housing design. The study focuses on autistic adults who may be considered ‘mid-to-high’ functioning or those who have been previously diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, whose housing needs are often overlooked. It develops guiding principles and detailed guidance points for public and community housing, informed by the literature, case studies, and data from a photo elicitation study and interviews undertaken with autistic adults in AoNZ. These guiding principles are tested through the speculative redesign of a large TTM site in Newtown, Wellington, AoNZ. Findings should be of interest to government agencies, housing providers, architects, stakeholders, and others involved in shaping the built environment, as well as autistic adults and their supporters, both in AoNZ and internationally. Full article

This study described, assessed and correlated ultrasonographic, computed tomographic, and histological findings in the sacroiliac joints of adult Warmblood horse cadavers. In total, 25 joints from 15 horses were examined post-mortem using transrectal ultrasonography and helical computed tomography. Findings on computed tomography were graded in the caudal joint third (caudally) and for the entire joint as mild, moderate, or severe. In total, 11 joints from nine horses were evaluated histologically. All joints (100%) showed abnormalities on computed tomography, and 92% (23/25) displayed abnormal ultrasonographic findings. The most common ultrasonographic findings were osteophytes (92%), joint effusion (76%), and sacral/iliac bone modeling (76%). Computed tomography revealed osteophytes (92% caudally, 100% overall), sclerosis (72% caudally, 88% overall), subchondral bone lesions (60% caudally, 88% overall), and enthesophytes (60% caudally, 68% overall). The most severe CT findings occurred caudally (44%), whereas 24% occurred cranially,16% in the mid portion of the SIJ, and 16% were multifocally present in the SIJ Histological analysis showed degenerative changes in the cartilage, subchondral bone, and the joint capsule. Horses with more pronounced imaging abnormalities also showed corresponding histological degeneration. Significant correlations were found between computed tomographic findings caudally and in the entire joint (r_s = 0.915, p < 0.001, n = 25), and between imaging and histological findings (computed tomography: r_s = 0.731, p = 0.011, n = 11; ultrasonography: r_s = 0.67, p = 0.024, n = 11). Non-significant correlations were observed between mean ultrasonographic and computed-tomographic grades (r_s = 0.35, p = 0.087, n = 25). Findings suggest these structural changes may reflect adaptation to joint loading. Transrectal ultrasonography appears suitable as a first-line diagnostic tool. However, future studies are essential to compare the diagnostic imaging findings of SIJs in asymptomatic and symptomatic horses to elucidate their clinical relevance. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate how wearable hip exoskeleton assistance affects phase-dependent gait stability in healthy adults using a novel visualization technique known as gait tube analysis. Hip exoskeletons offer significant potential to enhance human locomotion through joint torque augmentation, yet their effects on gait stability across the gait cycle remain underexplored. This study introduces gait tube analysis, a novel method for visualizing center of mass velocity trajectories in three-dimensional state space, to quantify phase-dependent gait stability under hip exoskeleton assistance. We analyzed data from ten healthy adults walking under twelve conditions (ten powered with varying torque magnitude and timing, one passive, and one unassisted), assessing variability via covariance-based ellipsoid volumes. Powered conditions, notably HighLater and HighLatest, significantly increased vertical variability (VT) during early-to-mid stance (10–50% of the gait cycle), with HighLater showing the highest mean ellipsoid volume (99,937 mm³/s³; z = 2.3). Conversely, the passive PowerOff condition exhibited the lowest variability (47,285 mm³/s³; z = –1.7) but higher metabolic cost, highlighting a stability-efficiency trade-off. VT was elevated in 11 of 12 conditions (p ≤ 0.0059), and strong correlations (r ≥ 0.65) between ellipsoid volume and total variability validated the method’s robustness. These findings reveal phase-specific stability challenges and metabolic cost variations induced by exoskeleton assistance, providing a foundation for designing adaptive controllers to balance stability and efficiency in rehabilitation and performance enhancement contexts. Full article

Background: This study investigates the effects of a tocotrienol-enriched drink on oxidative damage and genomic stability in older adults over a 6-month period. Methods: A total of 67 participants (27 males and 40 females, mean age 60.45 ± 5.75 years) were enrolled in this double-blinded, two-arm, parallel randomized controlled trial. Baseline, mid-point, and end-point assessments were conducted to monitor various health parameters. Significant Group × Time interaction effects were observed for several key outcomes. Results: Group A demonstrated significantly better improvements in QOL-Psychological (p = 0.014, Partial Eta Squared = 0.153), suggesting a beneficial impact of tocotrienol supplementation on mental well-being. Additionally, Group A showed more favorable trends in TNF-α (p = 0.04), T-SOD (p = 0.04), catalase (p = 0.02), and telomerase (p = 0.02), suggesting potential antioxidant and genomic stability improvements over time. Conclusions: In a nutshell, tocotrienol supplementation may exert beneficial effects on psychological well-being, oxidative stress modulation, and genomic stability in aging populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Malnutrition is prevalent among hospitalized older adults with multimorbidity, leading to adverse health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. An accurate assessment of resting energy expenditure (REE) is crucial because an inaccurate estimation of energy needs may result in unintentional underfeeding or overfeeding, both of which can worsen nutritional status and clinical outcomes. While indirect calorimetry (IC) is the preferred method, its clinical applicability is limited. Prediction equations are commonly used, but their accuracy in older Asian patients with multimorbidity remains unclear. Methods: This multicenter, cross-sectional study enrolled 400 patients aged ≥65 years from March to December 2023 in Outram Community Hospital (OCH) and Sengkang Community Hospital (SKCH). Participants’ REE was measured using indirect calorimetry. We compared the performance of the newly developed novel prediction equations (PEs), derived from readily accessible or easily measured anthropometric data, against established equations. Statistical analysis included the calculation of R², the root mean square error (RMSE), and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to assess reliability and goodness of fit. Results: A high prevalence (85%) of multimorbidity was observed among the participants. REE increased progressively with body mass index (BMI) across all groups (865.6–1269.4 kcal in females; 889.1–1269.4 kcal in males). The novel PEs (RMSE: 186–191; ICC: 0.5–0.52) demonstrated improved accuracy and stronger reliability compared to conventional equations (RMSE: 222–258; ICC: 0.271–0.460). Conclusions: Our newly developed PEs offer potentially valuable tools for precise REE estimation in hospitalized older Asian patients with multimorbidity. Further external validation and investigation in diverse populations are necessary to confirm these results. Full article

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that continues into adulthood and is linked to significant academic, occupational, and psychological challenges. Medical students may be at heightened risk due to the cognitive and emotional demands of their training. However, regional data on adult ADHD symptoms in this population, particularly in northern Saudi Arabia, remain limited. Objective: to estimate the prevalence of probable adult ADHD symptoms among medical students at the University of Tabuk and to examine the associated sociodemographic, academic, and health-related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted between 15 May and 5 June 2025 among randomly selected Saudi medical students (years 2–6) at the University of Tabuk. The validated Arabic version of the WHO Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) was used to screen for probable ADHD. A positive screen was defined as ≥4 flagged items. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed using SPSS v29. Results: Of the 219 respondents (60.3% male; mean age: 21.6 years), 23.3% screened positive for probable adult ADHD. Symptom frequency peaked in the third (40.0%) and fourth (35.6%) academic years and was lowest among sixth-year students (11.4%) (p = 0.012). A strong association was observed between positive ADHD screening and self-reported psychiatric disorders (p < 0.001). No statistically significant associations were found for gender, income, GPA, marital status, or academic phase. Conclusions: Nearly one in four medical students at the University of Tabuk exhibited symptoms suggestive of adult ADHD, a prevalence markedly higher than global estimates and consistent with regional trends. The association with psychiatric morbidity and the mid-programme peak suggests a need for proactive screening, mental health support, and academic accommodations. Universities can translate these findings into practice by instituting routine ADHD screening, offering flexible assessment accommodations, embedding peer-mentoring programmes, and strengthening on-campus mental-health referral pathways. Full article

This study examined the relationships between mid-arm circumference (MAC) and calf circumference (CC) with cognitive performance, considering the moderating effect of apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (APOE4) status. Data from 196 older adults (65–90 years) in the General Lifestyle and AD (GLAD) study were analyzed. Cognitive performance was assessed using the CERAD neuropsychological battery, with episodic memory score (EMS) and non-memory score (NMS) as primary outcomes. Multiple linear regression analyses examined associations between MAC, CC, and waist circumference (WC) with cognition, adjusting for key covariates. Interaction effects with APOE4 status were also explored. Higher MAC (or MAC/WC) significantly correlated with better EMS, while higher CC (or CC/WC) correlated with better NMS, even after Bonferroni correction (P_B < 0.0125). These associations were stronger in APOE4-negative individuals but not significant in APOE4-positive participants. WC was not associated with cognitive measures. The results suggest that Upper- and lower-limb musculature may play distinct roles in cognitive function, with MAC linked to episodic memory and CC to non-memory cognition, particularly in APOE4-negative individuals. These findings highlight the potential of muscle health maintenance as a strategy for preserving cognitive function in aging populations. Full article

Pathogenic variants in the phenylalanine hydroxylase gene can result in phenylalanine (Phe) accumulation leading to phenylketonuria (PKU; OMIM #261600), a metabolic disease diagnosed in newborn screening. Early treatment with a Phe-restricted diet prevents severe mental retardation. Next to several other health complaints, patients with PKU present with low bone mineral density (BMD) more often than the general population. The etiology of the phenotype is not yet fully understood, and current research focuses on improving special medical foods and changes in osteoclasts (OC) and osteoblasts. Analysis of osteoclastic and oxidative stress control gene expression next to the simple number of OC developing from peripheral blood mononucleated cells (PBMCs) in association with dietary compliance and BMD was therefore part of our analysis. PBMCs were obtained from 17 adults with PKU and 17 age- and sex-matched controls on the same day. PBMCs were differentiated into osteoclasts (OC, Trap-positive multi-nucleated cells (≥3 nuclei)) for 14 days by adding human macrophage colony-stimulating factor (MCSF) and receptor activator of NF-κB Ligand (RANKL). Subsequently, quantitative real-time PCR was performed on OC function and oxidative stress control. Data on dietary compliance during the previous 12 months and 5 years and BMD were collected. PBMCs from adults with PKU and controls were differentiated into comparable numbers of OC (PKU: 53 [17–87] vs. controls: 39 [19–52], p = 0.381) without differences in mRNA expression of genes related to OC function and oxidative stress control. Dietary compliance in short-term and mid-term was not associated with OC number or mRNA expression, but CTSK negatively correlated with BMD T-Score in the hips of adults with PKU (Spearman r = −0.518, p = 0.040). Osteoclastogenesis was not changed in adult patients with PKU, nor were most mRNA expressions of OC marker genes or those of oxidative stress control. However, 44% of patients presented with BMD below −1 in their hips, and the OC of these tended to express higher CTSK (above −1: 0.2 [0.2–0.8] vs. below −1: 0.9 [0.6–3.4], p = 0.055). Thus, alternative regulatory mechanisms of OC activity may play a role in the development of low BMD in patients with PKU. Full article