Search Results (706)

Students, particularly those in the medical field, are exposed to various stressors that can affect their health-related behaviors, including smoking habits, with implications for oral health and quality of life. Background and Objectives: to analyze the relationship between smoking, oral health, perceived stress level, and self-assessed quality of life in a sample of dental students. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study included 338 students, who completed validated questionnaires and were clinically examined. Lifestyle was assessed using a smoking behavior questionnaire, stress levels were measured with the Student Stress Inventory (SSI), and quality of life was evaluated using the EQ-5D-5L instrument. The DMFT index was calculated to determine oral health status. Results: Among the 338 participating students, 53.8% were smokers. The lifestyle analysis revealed slightly higher average scores among non-smokers across all domains—social (3.26 vs. 3.09), attitudinal (2.75 vs. 2.97), and behavioral (3.82 vs. 3.49), but without statistically significant differences (p > 0.25). The mean DMFT score was 12.48, with no significant differences between smokers and non-smokers (p = 0.554). The SSI total score averaged 83.15, indicating a moderate level of perceived stress, again with no statistically significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). However, slightly higher average stress scores among smokers may suggest the use of smoking as a coping mechanism. In contrast, quality of life as measured by EQ-5D-5L showed significantly worse outcomes for smokers across all five dimensions, including mobility (78.6% vs. 95.5%, p = 0.000) and self-care (93.4% vs. 100%, p = 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression identified smoking (OR = 1.935; p = 0.047) and moderate stress levels (OR = 0.258; p < 0.001) as independent predictors of oral health status. Conclusions: The results obtained suggest that smoking may function as a stress management strategy among students, supporting the relevance of integrating specific psychobehavioral interventions that address stress reduction and oral health promotion among student populations. Full article

Projections indicate that the global urban population is anticipated to reach 67.2% by 2050, accompanied by a threefold increase in urban built-up areas worldwide. Urbanization has profoundly transformed Earth’s natural environment, notably characterized by the drastic reduction and fragmentation of wildlife habitats. These changes contribute to local species extinction, leading to biodiversity loss and profoundly impacting ecological processes and regional sustainable development. However, within urban settings, certain ‘generalist’ species demonstrate survival capabilities contingent upon phenotypic plasticity. The co-evolution of gut microbiota with their hosts emerges as a key driver of this phenotypic plasticity. The presence of diverse gut microbiota constitutes a crucial adaptive mechanism essential for enabling hosts to adjust to rapid environmental shifts. This review comprehensively explores amniote gut microbial changes in the context of urbanization, examining potential drivers of these changes (including diet and environmental pollutants) and their potential consequences for host health (such as physiology, metabolism, immune function, and susceptibility to infectious and non-infectious diseases). Ultimately, the implications of the gut microbiome are highlighted for elucidating key issues in ecology and evolution. This understanding is expected to enhance our comprehension of species adaptation in the Anthropocene. Full article

Honey bees (Apis mellifera ligustica) are essential pollinators in both ecosystems and agricultural production. However, their populations are declining due to various factors, including pesticide exposure. Despite their importance, the reproductive castes, particularly drones, remain understudied in terms of pesticide effects. To investigate the effects of azoxystrobin and picoxystrobin on honey bee drones, the drones were exposed to different concentrations of azoxystrobin and picoxystrobin for 14 days; the drone survival, body weight, nutrient content, reproductive organs, and sperm concentration were assessed. Results showed that exposure to both fungicides caused a significant reduction in drone survival rates, with survival rates decreasing progressively as the duration of exposure increased. Compared to the control group, the body weights of drones in all treatment groups were significantly lower on days 7 and 14. Nutrient analysis revealed that low concentrations of azoxystrobin and picoxystrobin increased protein levels, while free fatty acid content decreased significantly in all treatment groups. No significant changes were observed in the total carbohydrate content. Morphological examination of reproductive organs showed that the lengths of the mucus glands and seminal vesicles in drones were significantly shorter in the treatment groups compared to the control group. Furthermore, exposure to azoxystrobin and picoxystrobin resulted in a significant decline in sperm concentration in the drones. These findings indicate that azoxystrobin and picoxystrobin have adverse effects on the health and reproductive capacity of honey bee drones. The present study highlights the need to reassess the risks posed by these fungicides to pollinators, particularly given the critical role of drones in maintaining the genetic diversity and resilience of honey bee colonies. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these effects and explore potential mitigation strategies. Full article

Intermittent fasting (IF) and caloric restriction (CR) have garnered attention for their potential to enhance cognitive function, particularly in aging and metabolically compromised populations. This narrative review critically examines whether the cognitive benefits of IF are attributable to its specific fasting patterns or are instead mediated by the production of weight loss, fat loss, and improvements in insulin sensitivity. Evidence from human trials suggests that reductions in body weight, especially visceral adiposity, and improvements in insulin resistance are key factors linked to enhanced cognitive performance. Comparisons between the results of IF and CR trials show comparable cognitive outcomes, supporting the idea that negative energy balance, rather than fasting or altered eating patterns, drive these effects. However, further investigation of specific types of IF patterns, as well as possible cognitive domains to be affected, may identify mechanisms through which IF can yield benefits on neurocognitive health beyond those of loss of body fat and its accompanying inflammatory state. Full article

Background: Iron deficiency (ID) is a prevalent comorbidity of heart failure (HF), affecting up to 59% of patients, regardless of the presence of anaemia. Although its negative impact on left ventricular (LV) function is well documented, its effect on right ventricular (RV) function remains unclear. This study assessed the effects of ID on RV global longitudinal strain (RV-GLS) in patients diagnosed with acute decompensated HF (ADHF). Methods: This study included data from 100 patients hospitalised with ADHF irrespective of LV ejection fraction (LVEF) value. ID was defined according to the European Society of Cardiology HF guidelines as serum ferritin <100 ng/mL or ferritin 100–299 ng/mL, with transferrin saturation <20%. Anaemia was defined according to World Health Organization criteria as haemoglobin level <12 g/dL in women and <13 g/dL in men. RV systolic function was assessed using parameters including RV ejection fraction (RVEF), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV fractional area change (FAC), peak systolic tissue Doppler velocity of the RV annulus (RV TDI S′), acceleration time of the RV outflow tract, and RV free wall GLS. Results: The mean (±SD) age of the study population (64% male) was 70 ± 10 years. The median LVEF was 35%, with 66% of patients classified with HF with reduced ejection fraction, 6% with HF with mid-range ejection fraction, and 28% with HF with preserved ejection fraction. Fifty-eight percent of patients had ID. There were no significant differences between patients with and without ID regarding demographics, LVEF, RV FAC, RV TDI S′, or systolic pulmonary artery pressure. However, TAPSE (15.6 versus [vs.] 17.2 mm; p = 0.05) and RV free wall GLS (−14.7% vs. −18.2%; p = 0.005) were significantly lower in patients with ID, indicating subclinical RV systolic dysfunction. Conclusions: ID was associated with subclinical impairment of RV systolic function in patients diagnosed with ADHF, as evidenced by reductions in TAPSE and RV-GLS, despite the preservation of conventional RV systolic function parameters. Further research validating these findings and exploring the underlying mechanisms is warranted. Full article

The Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP), often referred to as the “Third Pole” of the world, harbors alpine grassland ecosystems that play an essential role as global carbon sinks, helping to mitigate the pace of climate change. Nonetheless, alterations in natural environmental conditions coupled with escalating human activities have disrupted the seasonal growth cycles of grasslands, thereby intensifying degradation processes. To date, the key drivers and lifecycle dynamics of Grassland Depletion across the QTP remain contentious, limiting our comprehension of its ecological repercussions and regulatory mechanisms. This study comprehensively investigates grassland degradation on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, analyzing its drivers and changes in ecological suitability during the growing season. By integrating natural factors (e.g., precipitation and temperature) and anthropogenic influences (e.g., population density and grazing intensity), it examines observational data from over 160 monitoring stations collected between the 1980s and 2020. The findings reveal three distinct phases of grassland degradation: an acute degradation phase in 1990 (GDI, Grassland Degradation Index = 2.53), a partial recovery phase from 1996 to 2005 (GDI < 2.0) during which the proportion of degraded grassland decreased from 71.85% in 1990 to 51.22% in 2005, and a renewed intensification of degradation after 2006 (GDI > 2.0), with degraded grassland areas reaching 56.39% by 2020. Among the influencing variables, precipitation emerged as the most significant driver, interacting closely with anthropogenic factors such as grazing practices and population distribution. Specifically, the combined impacts of precipitation with population density, grazing pressure, and elevation were particularly notable, yielding interaction q-values of 0.796, 0.767, and 0.752, respectively. Our findings reveal that while grasslands exhibit superior carbon sink potential relative to forests, their productivity and ecological functionality are undergoing considerable declines due to the compounded effects of multiple interacting factors. Consequently, the spatial distribution of ecologically suitable zones has contracted significantly, with the remaining high-suitability regions concentrating in the “twin-star” zones of Baingoin and Zanda grasslands, areas recognized as focal points for future ecosystem preservation. Furthermore, the effects of climate change and intensifying anthropogenic activity have driven the reduction in highly suitable grassland areas, shrinking from 41,232 km² in 1990 to 24,485 km² by 2020, with projections indicating a further decrease to only 2844 km² by 2060. This study sheds light on the intricate mechanisms behind Grassland Depletion, providing essential guidance for conservation efforts and ecological restoration on the QTP. Moreover, it offers theoretical underpinnings to support China’s carbon neutrality and peak carbon emission goals. Full article

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal lung disorder characterized by excessive scarring of lung tissue, predominantly affecting middle-aged and elderly populations. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, disrupting redox homeostasis and driving fibrotic progression. Glutathione reductase (GSR), a key antioxidant enzyme, is essential for maintaining cellular glutathione (GSH) levels and mitigating oxidative damage. However, the specific involvement of GSR in IPF remains poorly understood. This study found that GSR levels were downregulated in IPF patients and mice treated with bleomycin (BLM). GSR knockdown enhanced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in A549 cells and promoted the activation of MRC5 cells. Additionally, GSR depletion promoted cellular migration and senescence in both A549 and MRC5 cells. Mechanistically, silencing GSR in A549 and MRC5 cells led to a marked reduction in intracellular GSH levels, resulting in elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, thereby promoting the activation of the TGF-β/Smad2 signaling pathway. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that GSR deficiency aggravates pulmonary fibrosis by impairing antioxidant defense mechanisms, promoting EMT, and activating fibroblasts through the TGF-β/Smad2 signaling. These findings suggest that GSR may be essential in reducing the fibrotic progression of IPF. Full article

Background/Objectives: Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist, is a well-established pharmacologic agent for inducing weight loss in individuals with obesity and is prescribed regardless of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) status. However, it remains unclear whether the weight-lowering efficacy of semaglutide differs significantly between individuals with and without DM. To address this question, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the effects of once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide at 2.4 mg on weight loss in adults with and without DM. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using the PubMed database to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving overweight or obese adults receiving semaglutide at 2.4 mg weekly for 40 to 70 weeks. Using a random-effects model, we estimated the weighted mean differences in body weight reduction between the two groups. Nine RCTs met the inclusion criteria, among which two provided subgroup data for participants with and without DM within the same trial population. Registration number in PROSPERO: CRD420251077610. Results: In participants with DM (n = 4 studies), semaglutide was associated with a weighted mean body weight reduction of −6.34% (95% confidence interval: −6.98 to −5.69), with negligible heterogeneity across studies (I² = 0.0%). By contrast, among participants without DM (n = 7 studies), the weighted estimate of weight loss was −11.57% (95% confidence interval: −12.94 to −10.19), with moderate heterogeneity observed (I² = 63.6%). Conclusions: The observed difference in weight loss efficacy between the groups was clinically meaningful. While once-weekly semaglutide at 2.4 mg elicited significant weight loss in both populations, the magnitude of effect was notably greater in those without DM. This disparity may be explained by metabolic characteristics frequently present in individuals with DM, such as insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and compensatory mechanisms related to glycemic control. Full article

Marek’s Disease Virus (MDV) is a highly contagious pathogen in chickens, resulting in immunosuppression and T-cell lymphomas. Understanding the role of host cytokines in MDV pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective interventions. This study investigated the in vivo effects of overexpressing avian interleukin-17 (IL-17) in Marek’s disease virus infection model and its impact on T-cell populations. We utilized a recombinant pCDNA3.1 plasmid that expresses IL-17 at days 4 and 10 post-MDV infection in chickens. Our findings demonstrate that IL-17 overexpression significantly enhanced MDV replication. However, treatment with the plasmid expressing IL-17 led to a reduction in MD disease severity. Additionally, IL-17 treatment markedly altered the frequency of CD4+ and CD8α+ αβ T-cells. Specifically, at 21-dpi, there was an increase in CD3+ CD8α+ αβ T cells and a decrease in CD3+ CD4+ αβ T-cells within the spleen of chickens treated with the plasmid expressing IL-17. These modulatory effects suggest a possible mechanism by which IL-17 facilitates immune system cell activation and enhances viral persistence. This study underscores the pivotal role of IL-17 in MDV infection dynamics and offers. Full article

This study investigated the interplay of bodily degrees of freedom (DoFs) governing the collective variable comprising the center of pressure (CoP) and center of mass (CoM) in postural control through the analytical lens of multiplicative interactions across scales. We employed a task combination involving a wobble board, introducing mechanical instability mainly along the mediolateral (ML) axis and the Trail Making Task (TMT), which imposes precise visual demands primarily along the anteroposterior (AP) axis. Using Multiscale Regression Analysis (MRA), a novel analytical method rooted in Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA), we scrutinized CoP-to-CoM and CoM-to-CoP effects across multiple timescales ranging from $100\mathrm{ms}$ to $10\mathrm{s}$. CoP was computed from ground reaction forces recorded via a force plate, and CoM was derived from full-body 3D motion capture using a biomechanical model. We found that the wobble board attenuated CoM-to-CoP effects across timescales ranging from $100\mathrm{to}400\mathrm{ms}$. Further analysis revealed nuanced changes: while there was an overall reduction, this encompassed an accentuation of CoM-to-CoP effects along the AP axis and a decrease along the ML axis. Importantly, these alterations in CoP’s responses to CoM movements outweighed any nonsignificant effects attributable to the TMT. CoM exhibited no sensitivity to CoP movements, regardless of the visual and mechanical task demands. In addition to identifying the characteristic timescales associated with bodily DoFs in facilitating upright posture, our findings underscore the critical significance of directionally challenging biomechanical constraints, particularly evident in the amplification of CoP-to-CoM effects along the AP axis in response to ML instability. These results underscore the potential of wobble board training to enhance the coordinative and compensatory responses of bodily DoFs to the shifting CoM by prompting appropriate adjustments in CoP, thereby suggesting their application for reinstating healthy CoM–CoP dynamics in clinical populations with postural deficits. Full article

Background: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative infections, particularly those caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and difficult-to-treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa (DTR-Pa), present a growing global healthcare challenge, especially in critically ill populations. Imipenem–relebactam (I/R), a novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination, has shown efficacy in clinical trials, but real-world data remain limited. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective–prospective observational study across tertiary-care hospitals in Italy between January 2020 and May 2025. Adult patients (≥18 years) treated with I/R for ≥48 h for suspected or confirmed MDR Gram-negative infections were included. Primary endpoints were clinical success at the end of therapy and 30-day all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included microbiological eradication, recurrence, safety, and predictors of treatment failure. Statistical analysis involved descriptive methods and correlation analysis for mortality predictors. Results: Twenty-nine patients were included (median age 66 years; 58.6% ICU admission; 71.4% mechanical ventilation). Clinical success was achieved in 22/29 patients (75.9%), while 30-day mortality was 24.1% (7/29). The most common pathogen was Klebsiella pneumoniae (62.1%), with 41.4% of infections being polymicrobial. Microbiological eradication was confirmed in all the BSIs. Parenteral nutrition (p = 0.016), sepsis at presentation (p = 0.04), candidemia (p = 0.036), and arterial catheter use (p = 0.029) were significantly more frequent in non-survivors. Survivors showed significant reductions in CRP, PCT, and bilirubin at 48 h, while non-survivors did not. Parenteral nutrition (rho = 0.427, p = 0.023), sepsis (rho = 0.378, p = 0.043), and arterial catheter use (rho = 0.384, p = 0.04) were significantly correlated with mortality. Conclusions: In this Italian multicenter cohort of critically ill patients, imipenem–relebactam demonstrated high clinical success and acceptable mortality rates in the treatment of severe MDR Gram-negative infections, particularly those caused by KPC-producing K. pneumoniae. Early biomarker dynamics may aid in monitoring treatment response. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and define optimal treatment strategies. Full article

Background: An increase in hemoglobin (Hb) has been reported in subjects with CF treated with the CFTR modulator Ivacaftor and with the combination Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor (LI), while the literature about the impact of Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor (ETI) on Hb levels in the pediatric population is lacking. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated Hb levels in 35 subjects with CF (18 males, median age: 8 years; interquartile range (IQR): 6–13 years) treated with LI and 60 (24 males, median age: 10 years; IQR: 6–14 years) treated with ETI. For each subject we considered the values of Hb, serum potassium, total bilirubin (TB), and conjugated bilirubin (CB) at baseline, after 3 days, and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months from the start of treatment. Results: In subjects with CF treated with LI, we observed a significant increase in Hb values 3 days after the introduction of the drug, which remained constant throughout the year of treatment. In subjects treated with ETI, a significant decrease in Hb was observed 3 days after the first dose up to 1 month. At 6 months, Hb returned to pre-treatment values remaining stable for up to 12 months. At 3 days of treatment, we also observed a significant increase in serum potassium, which returned to normal at one month, while both TB and CB values significantly increased at 3 days of treatment and remained significantly higher for the whole one-year period of ETI therapy. Conclusions: We confirmed an increase in Hb values over time in subjects treated with LI. While the Hb response in those treated with ETI showed a transient reduction that lasted for one month, this may have depended on hemolysis, and returned to pre-treatment levels. Further studies will clarify the mechanisms that govern changes in Hb in subjects with CF treated with ETI. Full article

In light of the changing demands of the labor market and the digital orientation of today’s student population, this study aims to examine the effectiveness of a digital game-based intervention as a tool for enhancing team adaptation and social perception in an academic environment. This research was designed as an experiment involving 90 university students who were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 45) or a control group (n = 45). The experimental group participated in a multiplayer cooperative MOBA-type game, in which each participant assumed a specific team role. Before and after the intervention, participants completed a standardized questionnaire focused on team dynamics, including trust, orientation towards shared goals, and mutual awareness. The results from the Wilcoxon test and Mann–Whitney U test revealed statistically significant improvements in identifying team members’ strengths and weaknesses, a reduction in the perceived lack of trust, and an increased orientation toward shared goals. The findings confirm that a digital gaming environment can activate key mechanisms of team dynamics and may serve as an effective tool for supporting the adaptation of young employees in practice. Future research should include more diverse samples and incorporate objective observation alongside self-assessment. Full article

This research investigates the role and effectiveness of Türkiye’s social security system and transfer expenditures in addressing poverty. Social security mechanisms are designed to alleviate poverty by helping individuals meet their essential needs. In Türkiye, transfer payments offer temporary relief, particularly to disadvantaged populations; however, they may also foster long-term dependency. Although the immediate impacts of such transfers are widely discussed in the academic literature, their contribution to alleviating structural poverty remains underexplored. This study focuses on how transfer expenditures influence individuals’ ability to achieve lasting well-being. The Turkish context is especially relevant due to recent institutional shifts in social security policy and the increasing politicization of social assistance. Employing data analysis at the regional level, this study assesses the effectiveness of social transfers and explores their structural role in poverty reduction. It also provides policy suggestions aimed at developing more inclusive and durable strategies. The results are intended to offer broadly applicable insights for other developing countries through the lens of Türkiye’s experience. Full article

Food pattern recognition plays a crucial role in modern healthcare by enabling automated dietary monitoring and personalised nutritional interventions, particularly for vulnerable populations with complex dietary needs. Current food recognition systems struggle to balance high accuracy with interpretability and computational efficiency when analysing complex meal compositions in real-world settings. We developed a novel self-explaining neural architecture that integrates specialised attention mechanisms with temporal modules within a streamlined framework. Our methodology employs hierarchical feature extraction through successive convolution operations, multi-head attention mechanisms for pattern classification, and bidirectional LSTM networks for temporal analysis. Architecture incorporates self-explaining components utilising attention-based mechanisms and interpretable concept encoders to maintain transparency. We evaluated our model on the FOOD101 dataset using 5-fold cross-validation, ablation studies, and comprehensive computational efficiency assessments. Training employed multi-objective optimisation with adaptive learning rates and specialised loss functions designed for dietary pattern recognition. Experiments demonstrate our model’s superior performance, achieving 94.1% accuracy with only 29.3 ms inference latency and 3.8 GB memory usage, representing a 63.3% parameter reduction compared to baseline transformers. The system maintains detection rates above 84% in complex multi-item recognition scenarios, whilst feature attribution analysis achieved scores of 0.89 for primary components. Cross-validation confirmed consistent performance with accuracy ranging from 92.8% to 93.5% across all folds. This research advances automated dietary analysis by providing an efficient, interpretable solution for food recognition with direct applications in nutritional monitoring and personalised healthcare, particularly benefiting vulnerable populations who require transparent and trustworthy dietary guidance. Full article