Search Results (4,915)

Today’s increasingly brittle, anxious, nonlinear, incomprehensible world of work calls for a socially and emotionally competent workforce. However, there is a clear gap in higher education settings regarding the assessment and promotion of students’ social and emotional competence (SEC). Our study aims to address the pressing need to evaluate and develop higher education students’ SEC by providing a tool to assess these skills, enabling researchers and practitioners to intervene and actively promote them. A sample of 767 higher education students (62.8% female, M = 22.88 years, SD = 7.30) enrolled in the study. Structural, discriminant and concurrent criterion validity, and reliability of the measure were assessed. A multiple hierarchical regression analysis tested the relation of SEC and well-being. Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported the hypothesized factorial structures. Coefficient omegas indicated adequate internal consistency. The results also supported the measure’s discriminant and criterion validities in relation to external measures. Multi-group invariance across gender and academic fields was attained. We found evidence of the predictive role of intrapersonal skills on students’ personal and academic well-being. This study bridges a gap in research and practice by introducing a psychometrically sound yet parsimonious instrument for assessing higher education students’ SEC. It also highlights the supportive role of SEC in promoting students’ well-being. Full article

Background/Objectives: The advancing technological developments of recent decades have also changed the stress profile of pilots of high-performance aircraft (HPA) immensely. Pilots are exposed to different gravitational (G)-forces and are only able to fly with anti-G suits that compensate for the physiological loss of cerebral perfusion by applying external pressure to the body, and positive pressure breathing during G [PBG]. The present study therefore aims to investigate long-term effects of PBG on the lung capacity of fighter pilots. Methods: In a retrospective data analysis (1972–2024), the clinical findings of all German military pilots were analyzed. In total, 1838 subjects were included in the analysis, divided into three groups: HPA with PBG, HPA without PBG, and fixed-wing aircraft. Results: Lung function analysis showed that no significant decrease in FVC was found in the HPA group with PBG, but a decrease was found in the HPA group without PBG. FEV1 and FEV1/FVC decreased significantly in all groups. Multiple regression analyses indicated that the variables age and aircraft type were significant predictors of the changes in FVC and FEV1, but not for the Tiffeneau index. Conclusions: Our study showed that the lung function of HPA pilots who were exposed to both PBG and repeated increased G-forces did not deteriorate to a significantly greater extent compared with other pilots without these conditions; in some cases, it even deteriorated to a lesser extent. Overall, age has primarily been shown to be the predisposing factor for a deterioration in lung function parameters over time. Full article

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous syndrome with multiple clinical and inflammatory phenotypes. The coexistence of bronchiectasis, known as bronchiectasis–COPD overlap (BCO), identifies a subgroup with increased morbidity and mortality. Non-invasive breath analysis using electronic noses (e-noses) has shown promise in identifying disease-specific volatile organic compound (VOC) patterns (“breathprints”). Our aim was to evaluate the ability of an e-nose to differentiate between COPD and BCO patients, and to assess its utility in detecting inflammatory endotypes (neutrophilic vs. eosinophilic). In a monocentric, prospective, real-life study, 98 patients were enrolled over nine months. Forty-two patients had radiologically confirmed BCO, while fifty-six had COPD without bronchiectasis. Exhaled breath samples were analyzed using the Cyranose 320 e-nose. Principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis were used to identify group-specific breathprints and inflammatory profiles. PCA revealed significant breathprint differences between BCO and COPD (p = 0.021). Discriminant analysis yielded an overall accuracy of 69.6% (AUC 0.768, p = 0.037). The highest classification performance (76.8%) was achieved when distinguishing eosinophilic COPD from neutrophilic BCO. These findings suggest distinct inflammatory profiles that may be captured non-invasively. E-nose technology holds potential for the non-invasive endotyping of COPD, especially in identifying neutrophilic BCO as a unique inflammatory entity. Breathomics may support early, personalized treatment strategies. Full article

Background: Right anterior mini-thoracotomy has gained increasing popularity as a preferred approach for mitral valve surgery due to its numerous advantages. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique in elderly patients. Methods: Between January 2010 and November 2024, a total of 4092 adult patients underwent mitral valve repair or replacement at our institution. Of these, 1687 patients were treated using a minimally invasive approach. This analysis focuses on elderly patients aged 75 years and older (n = 402), further subdivided into two groups: 75–79 years (n = 253) and 80 years and older (n = 149). Results: The study population comprised 49.8% male patients. A small percentage (1.7%) had a history of endocarditis, and 6.5% had undergone prior cardiac surgery. The median logistic EuroSCORE was 7.68 (IQR 5.83–11.00), and the median EuroSCORE II was 2.75 (1.71, 4.40). Alternative cannulation strategies, guided by AngioCT scans, can expand the applicability of this technique to patients unsuitable for femoral cannulation. Median durations for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic cross-clamping were 99.5 and 80.0 min, respectively. Median ventilation time was 7 h, and the median ICU stay was 2 days. Atrial fibrillation was the most common postoperative complication (20.9%). A significant proportion of patients (47.8%) required blood transfusions, and 3.0% needed re-exploration for bleeding. The in-hospital mortality rate was 3.7%, with 7 (1.7%) patients requiring postoperative dialysis and 5 (1.2%) experiencing sepsis and multiple organ failure. Patients aged 80 years and older exhibited worse renal function and higher EuroSCOREs compared to the younger group (p < 0.001). However, they had shorter CPB (p = 0.004) and cross-clamp times (p = 0.001) and underwent a higher proportion of valve replacements (p = 0.003). Rates of major complications and in-hospital mortality were comparable between the two age groups. Logistic regression analysis identified the logistic EuroSCORE as the only significant preoperative risk factor (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Right anterior minithoracotomy is a safe and reproducible surgical approach, even in elderly patients, promoting faster recovery with a lower risk of complications. Among patients aged >80 years, despite higher comorbidities and elevated EuroSCORE II, in-hospital outcomes are comparable to those aged 75–79 years. Full article

Global cesarean section (CS) rates continue to rise, with the Robson classification widely used for analysis. However, Robson Group 2A patients (nulliparous women with induced labor) show disproportionately high CS rates that cannot be fully explained by demographic factors alone. This study explored how the Artificial Intelligence Dystocia Algorithm (AIDA) could enhance the Robson system by providing detailed information on geometric dystocia, thereby facilitating better understanding of factors contributing to CS and developing more targeted reduction strategies. The authors conducted a comprehensive literature review analyzing both classification systems across multiple databases and developed a theoretical framework for integration. AIDA categorized labor cases into five classes (0–4) by analyzing four key geometric parameters measured through intrapartum ultrasound: angle of progression (AoP), asynclitism degree (AD), head–symphysis distance (HSD), and midline angle (MLA). Significant asynclitism (AD ≥ 7.0 mm) was strongly associated with CS regardless of other parameters, potentially explaining many “failure to progress” cases in Robson Group 2A patients. The proposed integration created a combined classification providing both population-level and individual geometric risk assessment. The integration of AIDA with the Robson classification represented a potentially valuable advancement in CS risk assessment, combining population-level stratification with individual-level geometric assessment to enable more personalized obstetric care. Future validation studies across diverse settings are needed to establish clinical utility. Full article

Hispanic breast cancer survivors reported worse quality of life, and fatalism is considered one of the mediators for this disparity. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with fatalism within a diverse Hispanic population. Hispanic origin was self-reported, and the Multidimensional Fatalism Measure questionnaire, a validated tool that measures fatalism across multiple dimensions, was used to assess fatalism. A total of 390 women, consisting of 210 Puerto Ricans, 34 Colombians, 29 Dominicans, 25 Cubans, 24 Venezuelans, 22 Mexicans, and 46 individuals of other Hispanic backgrounds, completed the fatalism assessment. The mean fatalism score was 16.4 (95% CI = 15.8–17.0), characterized by a high internal locus of control and strong religious beliefs, along with moderate beliefs in luck and a low external locus of control. The higher fatalism scores were reported in Dominican, Mexican, and Venezuelan groups, while Colombians reported the lowest score. Multivariable analysis showed that Colombians (β = −4.0), individuals with higher household incomes (β = −2.3 for USD 20,000–USD 75,000, β = −2.4 for ≥75,000), higher education levels (β = −1.9), and those using English more frequently at home (β = −2.0) reported lower fatalism compared to their reference group. To enhance the quality of life for these survivors, culturally tailored interventions should focus on improving perceived control and mitigating fatalism. Full article

The accurate identification of mosquito species is critical for effective mosquito surveillance and control, especially when presented with morphologically similar species like Aedes aegypti and Aedes sierrensis. Damaged specimens and morphologically similar life stages such as eggs and larvae make it difficult to distinguish Aedes aegypti from Aedes sierrensis using microscopy and taxonomic keys. To address this, the AegySierr.ID-qPCR assay, a multiplex quantitative PCR assay that utilizes single-nucleotide polymorphisms within the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene, was developed to distinguish between these two species. The assay was tested on DNA extracted from the eggs, larvae, and adults of both species, as well as from environmental DNA (eDNA) collected from natural mosquito reproduction sites. It demonstrated a high diagnostic accuracy across multiple life stages, with a sensitivity exceeding 95% for most groups and specificity exceeding 90%, except for field-collected adult Ae. sierrensis (75%). For eDNA samples, the assay achieved 100% sensitivity and 94% specificity for samples classified as Ae. sierrensis and 91% sensitivity and 86% specificity for Ae. aegypti. A two-graph receiver operating characteristic analysis was also used as an alternate method with which to establish Ct thresholds for interpreting results from unknown samples. The AegySierr.ID-qPCR assay enables the rapid and sensitive identification of Ae. aegypti and Ae. sierrensis from specimens and eDNA, and may be of use in mosquito surveillance programs. Full article

Background/Objectives: As older adults spend increasing amounts of time indoors, concerns are rising about the neurological effects of indoor air pollution. This study examined associations between indoor air pollutants and structural brain changes in community-dwelling older adults in Seoul and Incheon, South Korea. A purposive sample of 23 individuals aged ≥65 years was recruited. Internet of Things (IoT)-based devices were installed in participants’ homes to continuously monitor indoor concentrations of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and CO₂ for over two months. All participants underwent 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and brain structure metrics were analyzed using multiple linear regression models with and without adjustment for estimated total intracranial volume (eTIV). Hierarchical clustering was also performed based on exposure and neuroanatomical characteristics. Brain MRI indicators included cortical surface area, cortical thickness in six regions, and volumes of seven subcortical structures including the hippocampus and amygdala. Higher CO₂ concentrations were significantly associated with lower hippocampal volumes in both hemispheres (left: −2.83, −0.88, −1.02 mm³; right: −3.29, −0.86, −0.99 mm³; p ≤ 0.05). Elevated PM_2.5 levels were associated with reduced bilateral amygdala volume (−283.24 mm³ left; −292.37 mm³ right) and right hippocampal volume (−544.55 mm³; p ≤ 0.05). Cluster analysis showed that, before eTIV adjustment, Group C exhibited the lowest subcortical volumes. After adjustment, Group A showed the smallest cortical surface area, and Group D had the lowest subcortical volumes. These findings suggest that indoor air pollutants, including PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and CO₂, may be associated with structural brain alterations in older adults, supporting the need for age-specific indoor air quality standards and residential monitoring systems. Full article

The family-centred Early Intervention model based on routines and natural environments has been widely supported by international evidence in recent decades. Within this framework, Family-Centred Practices (FCP) and their development in natural environments have emerged as an evidence-based intervention model of reference, promoting parental empowerment, shared decision-making, and functional intervention through daily routines. However, its effective implementation in real contexts presents multiple challenges, especially from the perspective of families receiving the service. Background/Objectives: This study explores the experiences, meanings, and assessments of Spanish families with children who have disabilities or developmental difficulties in relation to the application of these professional practices. This study is carried out in the Spanish context, since Campus Capacitas (Campus Capacitas—Catholic University of Valencia, Spain) has been implementing, in recent years, the family-centred model as a model of early intervention. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive, and interpretative methodology was used. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews and discussion groups with 30 families from the 17 Spanish autonomous communities. Data analysis was carried out through thematic coding following criteria of qualitative rigour such as triangulation and theoretical saturation. Results: The findings show a significant gap between the theoretical model of family-centred practices and their practical application. Families who have experienced a clinical model criticise the absence of personalised intervention, unidirectional communication, as well as lack of participation in decision-making. In that sense, it is the different specialists of the early intervention team who are responsible for making intervention decisions. Therefore, these families demand more emotional and educational support. On the other hand, other families report positive experiences associated with collaborative, transdisciplinary, and home-based models based on a family-centred model. Conclusions: The results highlight the urgent need to move towards early intervention that strengthens the active role of families, promotes professional co-responsibility, and adapts to real child development environments, in line with international recommendations. Regarding future lines of research, we are committed to the development of longitudinal studies on the sustainable effects of interventions centred on families and on the global development of children and families. To carry out comparative studies between autonomous communities, to assess the influence of regulatory factors and regional resources on the practices implemented, as well as to carry out triangulation studies of the professional practices implemented, incorporating the perspectives of professionals and other intervention agents to enrich the analysis. Full article

Background and Aims: Multiple genetic variants have been associated with disease prevalence and outcomes in middle-aged people with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). However, genetic studies in older adults have been lacking. We aimed to understand their clinical relevance in healthy older persons. Methods: A secondary analysis of the ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) randomized trial involving community-dwelling older adults ≥ 70 years without prior cardiovascular disease events or life-limiting illness at enrolment. The Fatty Liver Index (FLI) was used to identify MAFLD at baseline. We assessed the associations between six previously reported MAFLD-associated genetic variants with prevalent MAFLD at baseline, and the associations of these variants with cardiovascular disease events and all-cause mortality. Results: A total of 8756 participants with genetic data were stratified according to the FLI, with 3310 having MAFLD at baseline. The follow-up was for a median of 8.4 (IQR 7.3–9.5) years. Variants in two genes (GCKR and HSD17B13) were associated with prevalent MAFLD (p < 0.05); PNPLA3, TM6SF2, LYPLAL1, and MBOAT7 were not. PNPLA3, TM6SF2, HSD17B13, GCKR, and LYPLAL1 were not associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) or mortality in the overall cohort or in participants with MAFLD during the follow-up (all p > 0.05). Within the MAFLD group, homozygosity for the rs641738 C > T variant in the MBOAT7 gene was associated with a reduced risk of MACEs (HR 0.68 [95% CI 0.48–0.97]), but not all-cause mortality (HR 1.14 [95% CI 0.89–1.47]). This protective association remained significant after adjusting for multiple key covariates (aHR 0.64 [95% CI 0.44–0.92]). The results were similar when using the metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease definition rather than MAFLD. Conclusions: The rs641738 C > T variant in MBOAT7 may confer protection against MACEs in older adults with MAFLD, independent of other clinical risk factors. Further validation using external cohorts is needed. Full article

Healthy Yellow River carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus) reared at a water temperature of 23 ± 0.6 °C were orally administered albendazole (ABZ) at a dose of 12 mg/kg body weight (BW) once daily for seven consecutive days. At predetermined time points after the final administration, five fish were randomly selected for sampling. Plasma, skin-on-muscle, liver, and kidney tissues were collected, and the concentrations of ABZ and its three metabolites—albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO), albendazole sulfone (ABZSO₂), and albendazole-2-aminosulfone (ABZ-2-NH₂−SO₂)—were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results indicated that ABZ and ABZSO were widely distributed across tissues, while ABZSO₂ and ABZ-2-NH₂-SO₂ were only present at trace levels. Pharmacokinetic analysis of ABZ and ABZSO in plasma and tissues was performed using noncompartmental analysis (NCA). ABZ peaked in plasma at 0.73 μg/mL at 24 h after the last administration, with an elimination half-life (t_1/2λZ) of 38.56 h. ABZSO reached a peak plasma concentration of 1.54 μg/mL at 24 h, with a t_1/2λZ of 53.73 h. According to China’s national standard, where ABZ-2-NH₂−SO₂ is the marker residue with a maximum residue limit (MRL) of 100 μg/kg in fish skin-on muscle, no withdrawal period was necessary. However, based on the European Union standard—which uses the sum of ABZ and its three metabolites as the marker residue and an MRL of 100 μg/kg in ruminants—a withdrawal period of 16 days (or 351 °C-days) was required. Additionally, the study assessed changes in the intestinal microbiota following multiple oral doses of ABZ. The results indicated that ABZ administration significantly altered microbial diversity and composition in a dose- and time-dependent manner. After drug withdrawal, the intestinal microbiota gradually returned to baseline levels, similar to the untreated control group. Full article

Background/Objectives: In hypertension (HTN), lifestyle modification is important for controlling blood pressure (BP) and lipidemic profile. The HINTreat trial showed that an anti-inflammatory diet was associated with improved endothelial function, after six months of intensive nutritional treatment. Methods: This post hoc analysis of the HINTreat trial examined how adherence to various nutritional patterns like the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet), the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and anti-inflammatory diet, had impact on the blood lipids profile and the CVD risk. Patients with stage 1 HTN, allocated either on intensive lifestyle treatment (ILT) or usual care (UC) standard treatment, participated in the analysis. From the original sample size of the HINTreat trial, all patients that were prescribed lipid lowering medication at any time of the study period were excluded from the total analysis; thus, the intervention and the control groups consisted of 33 and 28 patients, respectively. Nutritional intakes were assessed with repeated 24 h recalls from the previous day, and dietary indexes and scores were calculated as follows: MedDiet score, DASH index, and Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). After six months of intervention, changes in the nutritional indexes and their effect on the lipidemic profile and CVD risk were analyzed. Results: In the ILT group, reductions were noted in Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) for day systolic BP (SBP) (−12.7 mmHg) and diastolic BP (DBP) (−8.4 mmHg), total cholesterol (TC) (−35.4 mg/dL), triglycerides (TG) (−21.4 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) (−27.5 mg/dL) concentrations, and CVD risk score (−1.5%), p < 0.001 for all. Multiple regression analysis showed that dietary quality indices independently influenced improvements in blood lipid profile and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among patients receiving ILT. Specifically, a higher Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) score was significantly associated with reductions in TC (B = −7.238, p < 0.001), TG (B = −4.103, p = 0.035), and LDL-C (B = −6.431, p = 0.004). The DASH index was positively associated with TG levels (B = 9.913, p = 0.010), suggesting a more complex relationship that may require further investigation. In addition, DII was positively associated with increased CVD risk (B = 0.973, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings suggest that ILT can improve BP levels, target blood lipids concentrations, and reduce CVD risk in patients with stage 1 HTN. Full article

Histone methylation plays important roles in plant development and adaptation to multiple stresses. SET domain group (SDG) proteins are identified as plant histone lysine methyltransferases in Arabidopsis and other crops. However, the SDG gene family and its functional roles in tomato remain unknown. In this research, 48 tomato SDG (SlSDG) gene family members were identified, and their chromosomal locations and conserved motifs were determined. According to phylogenetic analysis, the SlSDGs are divided into seven groups, which is consistent with Arabidopsis and rice. Promoter analysis indicated that the SlSDGs may be associated with biotic and abiotic stress responses. The expression pattern of SlSDGs illustrates that heat and cold stress significantly influence the transcript abundance of SDG14/19/21/23/48. The results of a VIGS assay showed that silencing SlSDG19 and SlSDG48 decreases tomato heat tolerance, while silencing SlSDG14 improves the heat tolerance of tomato plants. The analysis of downstream regulating genes indicated that heat shock proteins (HSPs), especially HSP70 and HSP90, act as critical effectors. Similarly, the experimental assay and expression analysis suggest that SDG21 and SDG23 positively and negatively regulate tomato cold tolerance through the CBF-COR pathway, respectively. These findings clarify the function of tomato SDG proteins and provide insight for the genetic improvement of tomato for temperature stress tolerance. Full article

Adverse cardiovascular events and increased mortality are associated with cardiac autonomic nervous system dysfunction in the early stages of the systemic sclerosis (SSc), even prior to the development of cardiac fibrosis. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of a three-month exercise training regimen and a subsequent comparable period of detraining on the activity of the cardiac autonomic nervous system in patients with SSc. A total of forty patients with SSc were randomized to either the control group (Group COΝ) or the exercise training group (Group ET). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed at baseline, three months later, and six months later to assess peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak). They also had 24 h electrocardiogram monitoring for heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence analysis. The following time-domain indices were evaluated in the context of HRV analysis: the standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), the root mean square of successive RR interval differences (rMSSD), and the percentage of successive RR intervals that differ by more than 50 ms (pNN50). Additionally, regarding the frequency-domain indicators, the low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) components, as well as the LF/HF ratio, were evaluated. Independent t-tests and Chi-square tests were used for baseline comparisons, while two-way repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests assessed changes over time and between groups. Linear and multiple regression analyses were conducted to explore relationships among variables and identify predictors of HRV indices and VO₂peak. Group ET implemented a three-month mixed-type exercise training program, while Group COΝ received standard care. Group ET improved indices of vagal activity [rMSSD by 32.6% (p = 0.017), pNN50 by 57.1% (p = 0.01) and HF by 20.1% (p = 0.01)] and sympathovagal activity [SDNN by 15.5% (p = 0.002) and LF/HF by 12.03% (p = 0.004)] after three months. Exercising patients also increased their VO₂peak by 20.8% (p = 0.001). A robust positive correlation was observed between ΔVO₂peak and ΔSDNN (r = 0.754, p < 0.001). After three months, there was no statistically significant difference in the VO₂peak or any HRV index in the group COΝ. Compared to the baseline values, there was no statistically significant difference in group ET at 6 months, whereas the control group exhibited a decline. In summary, a three-month mixed-type exercise training program can enhance the cardiorespiratory efficiency and cardiac autonomic nervous system function of patients with SSc, as well as alleviate the deterioration that arises following the detraining period. Full article

Background: Simple renal cysts (SRCs) are the most common incidentally found cystic lesions in the kidney. While their association with hypertension (HT) has been explored in various studies, the findings remain inconclusive. Thus, our meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the relationship between SRCs and HT (PROSPERO ID: CRD42025580609). Methods: We conducted searches in PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, and Scopus to identify observational studies that examined the association between SRCs and HT. All articles containing animal or pediatric (<18 years old) study populations or having <10 patients in total and/or lacking a control group that did not develop HT were excluded. Two reviewers independently screened the studies and extracted the data, and the quality of each included study was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4. Results: In total, 12 studies with 147,310 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Presence of SRCs was associated with a 2.04-fold higher likelihood of having HT (OR 2.04, 95%CI 1.70–2.45, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis further revealed that SRCs were independently associated with HT (aOR 1.36, 95%CI 1.24–1.49, p < 0.0001), with multiple SRCs (aOR 1.36, 95%CI 1.26–2.42, p = 0.0008) and bilateral SRCs (aOR 2.26, 95%CI 1.12–4.59, p = 0.02) showing a stronger association. Conclusions: This study provides the first in-depth review on the topic, showing an established link between SRCs and HT even after adjustment for major confounding factors such as age, sex, renal function, and other metabolic factors. Full article