Search Results (14,472)

Background and Objectives: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is the most prevalent running-related injury due to underlying biomechanical factors, particularly among female runners. Although instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a popular therapeutic technique, the optimal application site for the short-and long-term outcomes of PFP has not been well established. This aim of this study was to compare the immediate and short-term (1-week) effects of a single IASTM treatment applied to the hip and knee versus the knee alone on running-related pain. Range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, and functional performance were also assessed to compare change between the two treatment conditions. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight female runners with PFP were randomly assigned to either the Hip and Knee (HK) group (n = 14) or the knee-only (K) group (n = 14). The HK group received a 7-min IASTM treatment targeting the quadriceps, patella, iliotibial band (ITB), and gluteus medius, whereas the K group received a 3-min treatment targeting the quadriceps and patella. Visual analog scale (VAS), hip adduction ROM, hip abduction/external rotation strength, and step-down test scores were measured at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 1 week later. Results: Running-related pain significantly decreased in both groups (main effect of time, p < 0.001) from baseline (HK: 5.49 ± 2.14 [95% CI: 4.78–6.68]; K: 5.30 ± 1.45 [95% CI: 4.69–5.91]) to week 1 (HK: 1.30 ± 1.08 [95%CI: 0.69–1.90]; K: 1.57 ± 1.20 [95%CI: 0.93–2.21]). However, no significant difference was found between the groups. Significant improvement was also observed in hip adduction ROM (p < 0.001), hip abduction strength (p = 0.02), step-down pain (p < 0.001), and patellofemoral function (p < 0.001) immediately after the intervention, which was sustained at the 1-week follow-up. However, no significant difference was found between the groups. Also, hip external rotation strength showed no significant change over time or between groups (p = 0.737). Conclusions: A single IASTM session effectively reduced pain and improved function in female runners with PFP. However, the hip treatment did not show a significant additional benefit compared with knee treatment alone. IASTM can provide immediate and short-term relief of pain and functional limitations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is a crucial component of type 1 diabetes (T1D) management; however, the effectiveness of specific dietary approaches in adults remains unclear due to variations in study design, terminology, and reported outcomes. This scoping review summarizes evidence published between 2015 and 2025 on dietary interventions in adults with T1D, focusing on metabolic and psychosocial outcomes and adherence to international nutritional guidelines. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, following the PRISMA-ScR recommendations, to identify observational studies, randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and guidelines involving adults (≥18 years) with T1D. Extracted data included metabolic outcomes (glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), glycemic variability (GV), insulin dose (ID), lipids, blood pressure, body weight, and others), as well as psychosocial indicators (i.e., quality of life, diabetes-related stress, and fear of hypoglycemia). Results: In total, 41 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 18 observational, 14 randomized, and 9 studies that evaluated psychosocial aspects. A low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) reduced HbA1c by 0.3–0.9% and total ID by approximately 15–20% without increasing the incidence of severe hypoglycemia. A low-fat vegan diet and structured carbohydrate counting (CC) programs also improved glycemic and lipid profiles. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and plant-based diet mainly improved diet quality and well-being. The results showed an association between better metabolic control and lower carbohydrate (CHO) intake, as well as higher intakes of fiber and protein. In contrast, a Western diet and high intake of sweets were linked to poorer outcomes. Conclusions: Combining an LCD with education, CC, and modern diabetes technology provides the most consistent benefits for adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D adults). The MedDiet and plant-based diet support diet quality and psychosocial well-being, although current evidence remains limited, primarily due to small sample sizes and short follow-up periods. Full article

As part of urban sustainable food strategies, reducing land and emission footprints motivates interest in edible insects (EI) as a sustainable protein source. However, research on the determinants of young consumers’ acceptance and willingness to pay for insect-based foods in Central and Eastern Europe remains limited. This study assessed whether Polish students are willing to pay more for foods containing EI when production is environmentally friendly. The analysis focused on identifying socio-demographic and product-related factors influencing willingness to pay a higher price. Data were collected in November 2023 through a nationwide Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) conducted via Google Forms among 947 Polish university students. A logistic regression model was applied to determine socio-demographic predictors, while exploratory factor analysis was used to identify latent dimensions of product attributes and food categories. Results revealed that gender and place of residence significantly affected willingness to pay, with women and urban residents showing higher readiness. Attributes related to convenience, availability, sensory appeal, health and nutrition claims, and CO₂ reduction benefits were the strongest positive correlates. The findings suggest pragmatic pathways for introducing insect-based foods into sustainable urban food systems and highlight the role of education in fostering environmentally responsible consumer behavior. Full article

Systematic Severe aortic stenosis (AS) is a progressive disease and one of the most common valvular heart diseases in developed countries. The management of asymptomatic severe AS remains challenging and requires a tailored, patient-specific approach. Optimal timing of intervention in asymptomatic patients continues to be a matter of ongoing debate. In individuals with severe AS and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), both the ESC/EACTS and ACC/AHA guidelines recommend aortic valve replacement (AVR), regardless of symptom status. In contrast, for patients with preserved LVEF (≥50%), the decision to proceed with AVR must be individualized and based on a comprehensive risk assessment. Risk stratification plays a central role in guiding early intervention strategies and should incorporate clinical findings, echocardiographic parameters, biomarkers, and advanced imaging techniques such as cardiac magnetic resonance and computed tomography. Recent randomized controlled trials have yielded mixed results regarding the mortality benefit of early AVR but have consistently demonstrated a reduction in heart failure-related hospitalizations. Timely intervention in carefully selected high-risk patients may improve long-term outcomes, while avoiding unnecessary procedures in lower-risk individuals remains equally important. Full article

Background/Objectives: Accumulating evidence suggests that cognitive training can induce functional reorganization of intrinsic connectivity networks involved in higher-order cognitive processes. However, few interventions have specifically targeted language, an essential domain tightly interwoven with memory, attention, and executive functions. Given their foundational role in communication, reasoning, and knowledge acquisition, enhancing language-related abilities may yield widespread cognitive benefits. This study investigated the neural impact of a new structured, language-based cognitive training program on neurotypical older adults. Methods: Twenty Brazilian Portuguese-speaking women (aged 63–77 years; schooling 9–20 years; low-to-medium socioeconomic status) participated in linguistic activities designed to engage language and general cognitive processing. Behavioral testing and resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) were conducted before and after the intervention. Results: Functional connectivity analyses revealed significant post-intervention increases in connectivity within the frontoparietal network, critical for language processing, and the ventral attentional network, associated with attentional control. Conclusions: The observed neural enhancements indicate substantial plasticity in cognitive networks among older adults, highlighting the effectiveness of linguistic interventions in modulating critical cognitive functions. These findings provide a foundation for future research on targeted cognitive interventions to promote healthy aging and sustain cognitive vitality. Full article

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is implicated in cryptogenic stroke and other clinical syndromes, with transcatheter closure demonstrating superiority over medical therapy in selected patients. Most closure devices are composed of nitinol, a nickel–titanium alloy, raising concerns in individuals with nickel hypersensitivity, one of the most prevalent contact allergies worldwide. Although typically manifesting as localized dermatitis, nickel allergy has been associated with systemic reactions after device implantation, including chest pain, palpitations, migraines, dyspnea, and cutaneous eruptions. Recent evidence indicates that nickel-sensitive patients experience a significantly higher incidence of post-procedural device-related symptoms. Nevertheless, severe reactions remain rare, and the benefits of PFO closure generally outweigh the risks. The predictive value of pre-implantation patch testing remains uncertain, and the lack of nickel-free alternatives constrains device selection. Management strategies are empirical, relying on symptomatic treatment with corticosteroids, antihistamines, or device explantation in refractory cases. Future research should focus on elucidating the pathophysiology of nickel-induced hypersensitivity in cardiovascular implants, improving diagnostic algorithms, and developing biocompatible, nickel-free devices. A multidisciplinary approach involving cardiologists, dermatologists, and allergists is essential to optimize outcomes in this complex subset of patients. Full article

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play essential roles in human health, being widely used in the prevention and treatment of various conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. However, their oral administration faces significant challenges, including low solubility, rapid oxidation, and low bioavailability, which limit their therapeutic efficacy. This article explores recent advances in oral drug delivery systems designed for polyunsaturated fatty acids, highlighting how innovative technologies, such as nanoemulsions, liposomes, microencapsulation, and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs/NLCs), can improve their stability, absorption and clinical performance. In addition, the main natural sources of these compounds, as well as their extraction and purification methods, and the challenges related to their absorption and metabolism are discussed. This narrative review was based mainly on a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature published between 2015 and 2025 in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The therapeutic benefits of these emerging approaches are analyzed by comparing conventional methods with modern delivery strategies to optimize the use of omega-3 and omega-6 in the body. Finally, the article outlines future perspectives and regulatory challenges associated with these technologies, highlighting their potential to revolutionize the administration of essential fatty acids and broaden their applications in medicine and nutrition. Full article

Background/Objectives: In an effort to promote personalized medicine, the purpose was to (1) analyze health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in cerebral palsy (CP) patients treated with growth-friendly implants for early-onset scoliosis (EOS), and (2) compare traditional implants (traditional growing rods [TGRs], VEPTR) with magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs). Methods: Twenty-four patients with CP and EOS were identified from an international multicenter database. Mean EOSQ-24 domain and total scores and absolute differences from pre-index surgery to the minimum two-year follow-up were compared. Results: For all patients: Pre-index surgery EOSQ-24 total score: 48.9 vs. follow-up: 53.8. Follow-up scores were greater than at pre-op for 10 of the 12 domains, with the only significant difference being activities of daily living. Growth-friendly implants had positive absolute differences for 8 of the 12 domains and in the total score. Nine traditional implant patients had a pre-index surgery EOSQ-24 total of 45.8 points, while 15 MCGRs patients had a score of 50.8 points. At follow-up, traditional implant patients had greater scores than at pre-index surgery for all 12 domains, with total score of 55.1 points, and positive absolute differences for all domains (non-significant). MCGRs had greater scores than at pre-index surgery for six domains, with a total score of 53.1 points (non-significant), and positive absolute differences for seven domains. Traditional implants had a significantly greater absolute difference for emotion than MCGRs (p = 0.030). Conclusions: At the minimum two-year follow-up, CP patients had small, but statistically non-significant, improvements in HRQoL following growth-friendly surgery. Compared to MCGRs, traditional implants provided a modest additional benefit in HRQoL. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and osteoarthritis disproportionately affect women due to hormonal, metabolic, and socio-cultural factors. Emerging evidence suggests that combining structured exercise with nano-curcumin, a bioavailable phytochemical formulation with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may provide synergistic benefits. This scoping review systematically synthesizes available evidence on the combined effects of nano-curcumin supplementation and exercise interventions on health outcomes in women with lifestyle-related diseases. Methods: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the PRISMA-ScR framework, a comprehensive database search was conducted in March 2025 and updated in June 2025. Records were retrieved from Scopus (n = 30), Web of Science (n = 22), PubMed (n = 18), and other sources (n = 71), yielding a total of 141 studies. After screening and deduplication, eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. All the studies were conducted in Iran with small sample sizes (12–53 participants) and short intervention durations (6–16 weeks). Therefore, the current evidence is geographically and demographically limited. Results: Across the included trials, the combined interventions produced additive or synergistic improvements in oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, lipid and glucose metabolism, cardiovascular function, pulmonary capacity, muscle fitness, and psychological outcomes (e.g., depression). When paired with nano-curcumin supplementation at different concentrations, high-intensity interval training, aerobic exercise, Pilates, and resistance training consistently outperformed exercise or supplementation alone in modulating antioxidant defenses, reducing systemic inflammation, and improving metabolic risk factors. Conclusions: The integration of exercise and nano-curcumin supplementation appears to confer superior benefits for women with lifestyle-related diseases compared with either approach alone. These findings highlight the potential of combining phytochemicals with lifestyle interventions to optimize women’s health outcomes. However, most available evidence originates from small, short-term studies in single geographic regions. Large-scale, multicenter, randomized controlled trials with diverse populations are warranted to establish standardized protocols and optimal dosing strategies, and to assess long-term safety and efficacy. Full article

The family dog is a valid model for studying complex human functions and psychological disorders such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Based on prior human research indicating impairments in cognitive flexibility related to ADHD, this study investigates the association between dogs’ ADHD-like traits and reversal learning performance. Since sleep improves learning both in humans and dogs, we also examined its impact in this context. Family dogs (N = 64) completed a two-way choice spatial reversal learning task, followed by a one-hour non-invasive sleep electroencephalography (EEG), and then a second reversal task. We used a validated human analogue questionnaire to assess ADHD. Dogs with higher ADHD scores required more trials to pass the first reversal test, but not after sleep. Electrode application was slower and sleep measurement more likely to fail in dogs with higher ADHD scores. Performance improved more from pre- to post-sleep in high-ADHD dogs if they spent at least 40% of the recording asleep. Our findings align with the human literature showing associations between ADHD and cognitive flexibility in dogs. The main novelty here is the ADHD-related potential benefits of repeated task exposure after sufficient sleep on cognitive flexibility. Cognitive training offers a promising direction to mitigate ADHD-related impairments in dogs. Full article

The Method for the Empowerment of Trauma Survivors (METS) is a recovery-oriented group intervention tailored to refugees and asylum seekers who experienced traumatic events. This study explores how undocumented migrants in the Netherlands experience participation in METS, how these experiences relate to changes in their mental well-being, and which aspects of the intervention participants find most valuable. A qualitative case study was conducted involving in-depth, individual interviews with undocumented migrants who participated in METS. Interviews focused on participants’ experiences with the intervention and perceived changes in mental well-being. Five main themes emerged: connectedness, group dynamics, personal development, emotional well-being, and practical aspects. Changes in mental well-being were often subtle, difficult to articulate, and in some cases temporary. While some participants reported positive developments, many continued to face significant challenges and did not experience notable improvement. No participants reported negative outcomes as a result of participation. METS appears suitable for a heterogeneous population with diverse cultural, religious, and educational backgrounds. Reported benefits often related to group participation rather than METS-specific characteristics. Future research is warranted to further explore whether METS is a valuable addition to existing transdiagnostic psychosocial group interventions. Full article

In recent decades, the consumption of animal proteins has been rethought by consumers. Factors such as improved health and sustainability are key aspects of this scenario. Studies have sought innovative and sustainable technologies to improve protein extraction from alternative sources to increase their competitiveness. In this sense, the aim of this work was to combine the effects of nonconventional extraction methods on the process yield and the resulting techno-functional properties extracted from alternative proteins. The literature contains significant publications regarding the use of ultrasound (US), pulsed electric fields (PEFs), microwaves (MWs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for enhancing protein extraction. Re-emerged techniques such as reverse micelles and aqueous two-phase extraction have also been reported. For this reason, the present study aimed not only to present the obtained results but also to discuss how the mechanisms associated with the aforementioned technologies impact the extraction yield and modification of proteins. In general, US tends to increase protein solubility (20–30%) and emulsifying capacity (35%); MWs can increase protein yield (25%) while reducing extraction time (50–70%); DES-based extraction tends to retain more than ~40% of the native functionality, and PEFs have demonstrated up to a 20% improvement in protein recovery. Nonconventional extraction methods have varying effects on the characteristics and quality of extracted proteins, offering benefits and challenges that should be considered when choosing the most suitable technology. The specificity related to each technology can be used to make possible interesting industrial applications involving nonanimal proteins. Full article

Benefit/risk management of skin exposure to sunlight, especially ultraviolet (UV) rays, is mainly driven by photoaging, cancer incidence, and the requirement for vitamin D3 synthesis. Antioxidant phytocompounds are considered to be a valuable source of molecules to protect skin from UV-induced damage, but their impact on other UV-related metabolic pathways is rarely described. In this study, an indigoid-rich Persicaria tinctoria extract (PTE) was evaluated on three consequences of UV exposure: DNA damage and inflammation, vitamin D3 content, and melanogenesis. A moderate UV exposure was applied on skin models, corresponding to approximately 1 h exposure in the spring in western Europe. UV-induced DNA damage and inflammation were measured through the quantification of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and cytokines. Response to heat stress was quantified through the release of prostaglandin. Then, the impact of PTE on vitamin D3 and melanin synthesis was observed. PTE decreased by −56% in the number of cells presenting CPDs. PTE decreased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 (−59%) and stimulated the release of the protective cytokine IL-1Ra (+49%). It decreased PGE₂ release by −27%. In skin explants, PTE boosted the vitamin D3 concentration (+345%). Several genes involved in melanogenesis were up-regulated by PTE (MC1R × 2.46, MITF × 1.69, TYR × 2.06, MLPH × 1.53). It promoted melanin content by +126% and by +86% when associated with SPF 30. The extract decreased the amount of protective eumelanin, leading to visible skin tanning of reconstructed human epidermis (L*-15%, ITA −125%). As a new finding, PTE minimized DNA damage and inflammation caused by a daily dose of UV, and surprisingly, promoted vitamin D3 and eumelanin synthesis, suggesting that it represents an opportunity to reconcile skin protection and the physiological need for sunlight. Full article

Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) are intensifying under climate change, exacerbating thermal exposure risks for socially vulnerable populations. While the role of urban environmental features in shaping UHI patterns is well recognized, their differential impacts on diverse social groups remain underexplored—limiting the development of equitable, context-sensitive mitigation strategies. To address this challenge, we employ an interpretable ensemble machine learning framework to quantify how vegetation, water proximity, and built form influence UHI exposure across social strata and simulate the outcomes of alternative urban interventions. Drawing on data from 1660Dissemination Areas in Vancouver, we model UHI across seasonal and diurnal contexts, integrating environmental variables with socio-demographic indicators to evaluate both thermal and equity outcomes. Our ensemble AutoML framework demonstrates strong predictive accuracy across these contexts (R² up to 0.79), providing reliable estimates of UHI dynamics. Results reveal that increasing vegetation cover consistently delivers the strongest cooling benefits (up to 2.95 °C) while advancing social equity, though fairness improvements become consistent only when vegetation intensity exceeds 1.3 times the baseline level. Water-related features yield additional cooling of approximately 1.15–1.5 °C, whereas built-form interventions yield trade-offs between cooling efficacy and fairness. Notably, modest reductions in building coverage or road density can meaningfully enhance distributional justice with limited thermal compromise. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring mitigation strategies not only for climatic impact but also for social equity. Our study offers a scalable analytical approach for designing just and effective urban climate adaptations, advancing both environmental sustainability and inclusive urban resilience in the face of intensifying heat risks. Full article

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of fertilizer type (urea, compound fertilizer), biodegradable coating type (linseed oil or hemp oil based) and nitrogen dose (135 and 180 kg N·ha⁻¹) on the yield of corn intended for silage. A three-year field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with three replicates. The test plant was corn intended for silage. The field experiment was conducted in a factorial design comprising three experimental factors: fertilizer type (two levels), coating type (two levels), and fertilizer dose (two levels). Controlled-release fertilizers (CRF) based on biodegradable coatings are an emerging solution in sustainable nitrogen management, yet their field-scale performance remains insufficiently validated. This study investigated how biodegradable coatings based on linseed and hemp oils affect nutrient release dynamics and maize yield under three-year field conditions. The study represents the first field validation phase translating laboratory coating characteristics into agricultural performance metrics. Statistical analysis (ANOVA, Tukey’s test) showed that in the first year of the study, the greatest impact on plant height and corn yield was observed in the case of type of fertilizer used (η²_p up to 17.83%), type of coating (η²_p up to 63.15%) and their interaction (η²_p up to 11.92%). The symbol η²_p (partial eta squared) represents a measure of effect size in analysis of variance (ANOVA). The largest plant size (average 307–310 cm) and the highest yield (107.33 t·ha⁻¹) were obtained in the case of yields in which compound fertilizer or urea with coatings were used in relation to the series in which fertilizers without coatings were applied (differences up to 11 t·ha⁻¹). Statistical analysis using repeated measures ANOVA confirmed a significant time effect, with fertilizer effectiveness declining in subsequent years of the experiment (p < 0.05). In the experiment, no effect of the tested factors on the number of corn cobs was found (η²_p < 2.27%). The highest fresh matter yield for silage production was obtained with coated NPK compound fertilizer (98.80 t·ha⁻¹), representing a 48% increase compared to the unfertilized control (66.90 t·ha⁻¹). The results of the study indicate that the use of coated compound fertilizers—NPK has the most beneficial effect on yield and biometric parameters of plants in the first growing season after their soil application. The enhanced nutrient release from biodegradable coatings provided greatest benefits in the first growing season, with diminishing effects in subsequent years due to coating degradation and residual soil nutrient accumulation. Full article