Search Results (386)

Background: UVA-induced photoaging is driven by a self-reinforcing cycle of persistent oxidative stress, inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Quercetin (Que) offers potent photoprotective potential, yet its clinical utility is hindered by poor aqueous solubility and low skin permeability. Objective: To develop a stable quercetin delivery system and evaluate its protective efficacy against UVA-induced photoaging via the NRF2/NF-κB signaling axis. Methods: Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified potential targets. An oil-in-water (O/W) nano-emulsion was formulated and characterized. Its effects were evaluated in UVA-irradiated human skin fibroblasts (HSFs; 1.2 J/cm²/day for 5 days) and a BALB/c mouse model (20 J/cm²/day for 8 weeks). Results: Network pharmacology identified 85 shared targets between Quercetin and photoaging. Molecular docking confirmed high affinities (binding energies < −7.0 kcal/mol) for NRF2, NF-κB p65, SOD2, and MMP-1. The optimized O/W nano-emulsion (144–154 nm, Zeta potential −38 to −43 mV) enhanced Quercetin solubility by 175-fold and followed Higuchi release kinetics. In HSFs, 30 μm Quercetin reduced SA-β-Gal positivity from 45.8% to 12.5% (73% inhibition), decreased ROS by 66%, and restored Type I collagen intensity to 82 ± 3 a.u. In vivo, topical 0.3% Que emulsion significantly attenuated skin-fold thickening (reducing thickness from 3135 μm to 2170 μm; 30.6% reduction) and achieved a 91% collagen retention rate. Mechanistically, Quercetin treatment significantly upregulated NRF2 and SOD2 expression while suppressing the NF-κB p65/MMP-1/3 inflammatory axis at both mRNA and protein levels (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Topical Quercetin emulsion effectively facilitates dermal delivery and alleviates UVA-induced photoaging by rebalancing the NRF2/NF-κB axis, thereby enhancing antioxidant defenses and preserving ECM integrity. This formulation represents a robust strategy for skin photoprotection and functional cosmetic intervention. Full article

Surgical sutures are widely used biomaterials in clinical practice. Like all other biomaterials, they induce a foreign body response after implantation that involves inflammation and angiogenesis. Although it is well known that these processes differ in males and females, sex-specific differences in the tissue response to sutures have not been investigated so far. To do this in the present study, polypropylene sutures were implanted into the dorsal skinfold chamber and subcutaneous flank tissue of male and female mice to assess their acute and chronic effects on the local tissue microenvironment using intravital fluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemistry over 14 and 28 days, respectively. Microhemodynamic parameters and the numbers of rolling and adherent leukocytes in venules next to the implants were comparable in male and female mice. Immunohistochemical analyses on day 14 revealed a stronger neutrophilic (myeloperoxidase (MPO)⁺ cells: 526 ± 29 mm⁻²) and macrophage (CD86⁺ cells: 188 ± 21 mm⁻²; CD163⁺ cells: 269 ± 25 mm⁻²) response, as well as reduced T-cell activation (CD3⁺ cells: 31 ± 4 mm⁻²) in females when compared to males (MPO⁺ cells: 221 ± 25 mm⁻²; CD86⁺ cells: 120 ± 15 mm⁻²; CD163⁺ cells: 101 ± 19 mm⁻²; CD3⁺ cells: 62 ± 13 mm⁻²), while microvessel density and collagen deposition in the forming granulation tissue around the implants did not differ between sexes. In the flank model, there were no detectable sex-specific differences in the chronic foreign body response. These findings demonstrate that polypropylene sutures provoke a stronger early activation of the innate immune system in females, whereas the chronic foreign body response to the implants is comparable in both sexes. Full article

Recruitment of firefighters is, in part, hindered due to attrition from fire academies. This study explored initial fitness differences between those who graduated (GRAD) or were released (REL) from the academy. During the first week of the academy, recruits (N = 407; GRAD = 354, REL = 53; 26.6 ± 7.2 yrs; 177.6 ± 8.6 cm; 87.9 ± 17.2 kg) completed an assessment battery including: body composition using skinfold calipers to estimate percent body fat (BF) and fat-free mass (FFM); shoulder mobility via Apley’s scratch test (APLEY); aerobic fitness (VO_2peak) and heart rate recovery (HRR_1min) estimated from the five-minute Forestry step test; muscular strength via the sum of right and left handgrip (SHG); and muscular endurance via a paced two-minute push-up test (PU). A t-test identified age differences between GRAD and REL, followed by separate ANCOVAs for each fitness measure, and logistic regression to identify the ability of fitness measures to predict academy outcome. GRAD had a lower age and BF and a higher FFM, VO_2peak, SHG, and PU, but did not differ in APLEY or HRR_1min. The full model predicting release was significant; age, BF, and FFM were significant predictors. These results provide pre-fire academy preparation guidance for optimizing the potential for successful academy completion. Full article

Background: Childhood is a key period for the development of body composition and physical activity habits that may influence health throughout life. Although physical activity has been widely associated with adiposity indicators, the role of enjoyment of physical activity as a motivational and affective component remains less explored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between several anthropometric indicators and both the level of physical activity and enjoyment of physical activity in schoolchildren. Methods: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted with 386 schoolchildren (176 boys and 210 girls) with a mean age of 11.15 ± 0.66 years. Anthropometric indicators included body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness. Physical activity level was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C), and enjoyment of physical activity was evaluated using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed, adjusting for age and sex. Results: Higher levels of physical activity were significantly associated with lower body mass index (B = −1.592; p < 0.001), waist circumference (B = −8.010; p < 0.001), hip circumference (B = −8.227; p < 0.001), waist-to-hip ratio (B = −0.008; p < 0.001), triceps skinfold thickness (B = −0.910; p = 0.002), and subscapular skinfold thickness (p < 0.05). Greater enjoyment of physical activity was significantly associated with lower body mass index (B = −1.778; p < 0.001), reduced waist circumference (B = −8.944; p < 0.001), hip circumference (B = −9.185; p < 0.001), waist-to-hip ratio (B = −0.008; p < 0.001), and triceps skinfold thickness (B = −1.100; p = 0.001). Greater enjoyment was also associated with lower anthropometric indicators of central adiposity (waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio), whereas no significant association was observed with subscapular skinfold thickness (p = 0.066). Conclusions: Physical activity level and enjoyment of physical activity were associated with multiple anthropometric indicators in children, although physical activity showed more consistent associations, whereas enjoyment demonstrated a more selective pattern depending on the specific adiposity measure. These findings highlight the importance of considering both behavioral and affective dimensions of physical activity when promoting healthy morphofunctional development during childhood. Full article

Objective: Analyze physical fitness variables and body composition to define patterns or similarities in performance using principal component analysis. Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight players participated in the study, divided into three groups according to their age: Under-13 (n = 23), Under-15 (n = 27) and Under-17 (n = 18). A comparative cross-sectional study was performed. The variables analyzed were squat jump, countermovement jump, countermovement jump with arms, hamstring strength, COD-Timer 5-0-5, COD-Timer 5 + 5, speed (5, 10, 15 m), and running anaerobic sprint test. Body composition variables were skinfold thickness, diameters, and circumferences. Results: For the squat jump, 10.4% of the variability in speed (η² = 0.104) and 12.5% of the variability in jump height (η² = 0.125) are explained by category, both with moderate effect sizes. For the countermovement jump, 10.8% of the variability in speed (η² = 0.108) and 13.2% of the variability in jump height (η² = 0.132) are explained by category, both with moderate effects. For the running anaerobic sprint test power test, a large effect size was determined for each of the six times, indicating that at least 57.4% of the variability in time is explained by category. Conclusions: Two control groups were identified according to category (Under-13, Under-15, Under-17), revealing that principal component 1 and principal component 2 were significant in the performance of anthropometric variables such as residual mass, bi-styloid diameter, arm span, and residual mass, and physical variables, specifically related to COD-Timer 5 + 5, COD-Timer 5-0-5, and speed. Full article

Background: Bikram yoga, a form of hot yoga practiced in heated environments, has been associated with improvements in flexibility, body composition, and overall well-being. However, longitudinal evidence on its effects in adult women remains limited. Obesity/metabolic syndrome (MetS) is highly prevalent among adult women worldwide, with estimates exceeding 40% in middle-aged populations, underscoring the need for low-impact interventions targeting adiposity and age-related metabolic risks. This study evaluated the effects of 6-month Bikram yoga on body fat percentage (%BF) in adult women, with age-stratified analyses. Methods: Twenty-two women (20–65 years) participated in a structured Bikram yoga program consisting of three weekly sessions (90 min, 26 postures + 2 breathing exercises, 40 °C, 40% humidity) over six months. Anthropometric assessments (8 skinfolds, 5 body circumferences, weight, and height) were conducted at T0, T1 (~45 days), T2 (~90 days), and T3 (6 months). %BF was estimated using multiple validated prediction equations integrated into the Exercise Science Toolkit. Results: A significant and progressive reduction in %BF was observed across the sample: −3.71% at T1 (p < 0.0001) and −6.07 at T3 (p < 0.0001) compared to the baseline. Positive outcomes were consistent across all age subgroups: subgroup A (20–35 years, T3 −6.62%), subgroup B (36–50 years, T3 −5.96%), and subgroup C (51–65 years, T3 −5.39%). Decreased inter-subject variability (SD) suggests a similar direction of change among participants. Conclusions: Regular Bikram yoga practice (three sessions per week for six months) was associated with significantly and consistently reduced %BF among adult women aged 20–65, exceeding the clinical threshold (>5%) for metabolic benefits. Effects were evident after six weeks and remained across all age subgroups, suggesting that Bikram yoga may represent an effective, low-impact intervention for health promotion and active aging. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pediatric malnutrition is associated with loss of muscle mass and impaired physical function. While anthropometric measurements are widely used for diagnosis, functional indicators that reflect early changes in nutritional status are limited in children. Handgrip strength has been proposed as a simple and objective marker of muscle function; however, pediatric data remain scarce. Methods: In this prospective controlled study, 55 children aged 3–17 years diagnosed with malnutrition and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were evaluated. Anthropometric measurements and muscle strength assessments, including handgrip and pinch grip strength, were performed in both groups. Muscle strength values were additionally converted to age- and sex-adjusted standard deviation scores (SDS). In the malnutrition group, measurements were repeated at 2 and 8 weeks following individualized nutritional therapy to assess treatment response. Results: Children with malnutrition had significantly lower body weight, body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, and lean body mass compared with controls (p < 0.05 for all). Both dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength values were also significantly reduced in the malnutrition group. When adjusted for age and sex, handgrip strength SDS values remained significantly lower in children with malnutrition, whereas pinch grip strength SDS values did not differ significantly between groups. During follow-up, nutritional therapy was associated with significant improvements in anthropometric parameters and absolute muscle strength measurements. However, SDS-based analyses demonstrated that these changes were not uniform across all parameters, suggesting that observed improvements may only partly exceed expected physiological growth. Conclusions: Handgrip strength appears to reflect nutritional status in children, and its association with malnutrition persists after adjustment for growth-related factors. These findings support its potential role as a complementary functional marker. However, longitudinal changes in standardized scores indicate that recovery is variable, and interpretation should consider the influence of normal growth and development. Further large-scale, age-standardized studies are needed to better define their role in clinical practice. Full article

Although Flag Football (FF) is growing worldwide, the literature to guide sports sciences in preventing injuries is scarce. The aim of this study was to analyse how anthropometric characteristics were associated with injury in elite FF players. Athletes completed a full profile according to the International Society of Advances in Kinanthropometry (ISAK), including weight, height, sitting height, arm span length, skinfolds, girths, length and breadth bones, and an injury questionnaire was administered. Logistic regression models and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were conducted. In total, 108 FF national team players, 34 female (26.7 ± 4.3 years old) and 74 male (26.9 ± 5.1 years old), participated. Of these, 62% FF players reported injuries. Relaxed arm and flexed and contracted arm girths are related to increased or reduced injury risks (Odds = 2.932, p = 0.008; Odds = 0.335, p = 0.009, respectively), while longer tibia length and higher muscle mass also increase the risk (Odds = 1.407, p = 0.034; Odds = 1.223, p = 0.010, respectively). Specific cut-off points were defined by sex, such as hip circumference, established at 103 cm in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) model for males, increasing the risk by 5 times. Anthropometric characteristics were related to injury incidence and could be used by sports science practitioners as an efficient decision-making tool to describe and analyse the static and dynamic components of FF players in injury prevention. Full article

Background/Objectives: Epiblepharon is a common congenital eyelid anomaly in East Asian children, often associated with redundant skin and orbicularis oculi muscle overriding the eyelid margin. Recent studies have suggested that systemic factors such as body mass index (BMI) may contribute to its development. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between BMI and epiblepharon and to analyze the correlation between BMI and skin-fold height as a marker of eyelid structural redundancy. Methods: This retrospective comparative study included 100 pediatric patients (54 males, 46 females) aged 3–13 years who underwent surgical correction for lower eyelid epiblepharon and 100 age-matched controls without the condition. Preoperative height, weight, and skin-fold height were analyzed. Intergroup comparisons were performed using independent t-tests, and correlations between BMI and skin-fold height were evaluated using Spearman correlation. Results: There were no significant differences in overall BMI, obesity index, or prevalence of obesity defined as BMI ≥ 95th percentile between groups. Boys aged 7–8 years demonstrated significantly higher BMI in the epiblepharon group, and boys aged 9–10 years showed a significantly higher obesity index in the epiblepharon group, whereas boys aged 3–4 years showed significantly lower BMI. No significant differences were observed in girls. BMI was not independently associated with epiblepharon in multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.96–1.16, p = 0.278). Among patients with epiblepharon, BMI showed a significant negative correlation with skin-fold height (r = −0.410, p < 0.001), suggesting increased orbicularis muscle redundancy in obese children. Conclusions: BMI was not independently associated with the presence of epiblepharon; however, age-specific differences were observed in certain male subgroups. Higher BMI was correlated with lower skin-fold height among affected patients, suggesting that adiposity may influence eyelid morphology in specific developmental stages. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify the age-dependent relationship between obesity and epiblepharon. Full article

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a global health challenge, especially among homeless people. Early prediction of diabetes can reduce treatment costs and improve interventions. This study aimed to identify predictors of diabetes among homeless adults by utilizing artificial intelligence and providing recommendations for diabetes prevention. Methods: A case-control study of 150 homeless adults in Giza, Egypt (99 diabetes cases and 51 controls), analyzed 43 variables collected through interviews and physiological measures, with missing data imputed. Feature selection using recursive feature elimination and univariate and correlation analyses reduced the predictors to 13 variables. The class imbalance was addressed using synthetic minority over-sampling on the training set. Six models and a stacking ensemble with XGBoost as a meta-learner were evaluated using 5-fold cross-validation and performance metrics, including the accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and AUC-ROC. Results: The key predictors included BMI, systolic blood pressure, triceps skinfold thickness, waist circumference, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, diastolic blood pressure, age, medication adherence, educational level, marital status, duration of residence, and diabetes knowledge. Individual classifiers achieved a moderate performance (accuracy: 56.7–70.0%, F1-score: 0.686–0.781). The stacking ensemble substantially outperformed individual models, achieving a 95.45% accuracy, a 100% precision, a 93.75% recall, a 0.968 F1-score, and a 0.979 AUC-ROC on the test set. Conclusions: Machine learning models can reliably predict diabetes. The proposed hybrid stacking model outperformed conventional classifiers in terms of the prediction performance, highlighting the benefits of ensemble learning and sophisticated resampling strategies in dealing with imbalanced medical data. It is recommended that healthcare institutions integrate AI-powered diagnostic assistance technology into clinical processes to aid in the early detection and treatment of diabetes. Full article

Background: We aimed to (i) identify the factors associated with performance in non-elite runners, (ii) present the terms and definitions/attributes used to characterize runners, and (iii) identify how performance has been operationalized. Methods: Our search was conducted using the databases PubMed, Web of Science, Medline Ovid, Cochrane, PsycInfo, Scielo, Scopus, and SportDiscus in October 2023 and updated in February 2026. Original articles that assessed factors associated with performance in non-elite runners competing in distances ranging from 5 km to ultramarathons were included. The findings were summarized by race distance. The Joanna Briggs Institute Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies critical appraisal tool was used for quality assessment. Results: A total of 4151 studies were identified, and 66 studies were included in the final selection. “Recreational” and “athletes” were the most used terms, and finish time was the most common indicator of performance. Performance decline was influenced by arm circumference and mid-axillary skinfold thickness, smoking, body mass index, alcohol consumption, and weather characteristics. Training variables, physiological determinants, and social variables were positively related to performance. Conclusions: The field struggles with a lack of clarity regarding the nomenclature and criteria used to categorize runners. The relevance of a predictor differs according to race distance, with physiological aspects becoming less important at higher distances (i.e., marathon and ultramarathon). Full article

Background/Objectives: Growth monitoring and screening are vital indicators for child wellness. Controversy exists regarding the use of national versus international growth charts for school-going children. This study investigated the suitability of existing global references, considering the influence of age, gender, and socioeconomic status (SES), and the specific growth patterns across multiple anthropometric health indicators (AHIs). Methods: A total of 349 children (boys = 165, girls = 184, low SES = 201, high SES = 148) were measured longitudinally at ages 6, 9, and 12 years while attending primary school. AHI included stature, body mass, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), skinfold thickness, skeletal muscle, and waist circumference (WC). Results: Three-way interaction effects were found for age, gender, and SES on WC and skeletal muscle (p = 0.05). Several two-way interactions emerged for age and gender (height, BMI, skeletal muscle; p < 0.01), as well as age and SES (height, BMI, skeletal muscle; p < 0.01) and gender and SES (height, skeletal muscle, WC, p < 0.05). Cut-points for height, body mass, and BMI at the median, compared to universal standards, indicate that the total group fell at, or slightly above, World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The low SES group aligned with WHO standards, whereas the high SES group trended above the reference values at most points. Conclusions: The WHO growth standards are suitable for general monitoring in South African children aged 6–12 years but provide limited context-specific interpretation across age, gender, and socioeconomic backgrounds. National age-, gender-, and SES-specific growth references, incorporating additional anthropometric indicators, are needed to support locally relevant screening. Full article

Introduction: Added sugar (AS) intake has been linked to chronic diseases, yet evidence in children under 2 years remains limited. Aim: Characterise AS intake in children ≤ 2 years with associated appetite, satiety, growth, adiposity, and breastfeeding duration. Methods: We analysed data from 248 mother-child pairs from the MAS-Lactancia birth cohort. Intake of AS and energy was estimated using data from 24 h dietary recalls. AS intake was classified in tertiles as low (0 g), medium (0.01–6.96 g), and high (>6.96 g). Major food group contributors to AS intake were identified. Appetite and satiety indicators were measured using the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Adiposity was evaluated using body mass index-for-age Z score, waist circumference, and skinfold thickness. Growth was assessed using length-for-age Z score (ZLA). Linear mixed-effects models were fitted. Results: AS intake and its contribution to total energy increased with age. Major contributors to AS intake were infant formulas, table sugars, and sweet baked goods. Longer exclusive and continued breastfeeding were associated with lower AS intake. Compared to low intake, children with high AS intake had higher scores for emotional overeating (β = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.04, 1.12) and food fussiness (β = 1.45, 95% CI: 0.38, 2.53). High AS intake was also associated with lower ZLA (β = −0.17 z, 95% CI: −0.32, −0.01) and higher waist circumference (β = 2.02 cm, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.73). Conclusions: Among children ≤ 2 years, AS intake ≥ 7 g/d was associated with suboptimal growth, central adiposity, and less favourable eating behaviours. Longer breastfeeding duration may protect against AS exposure. Full article

Background: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Peripheral Heart Action (PHA) are widely used training modalities, but comparative longitudinal data using standardized anthropometric methods remain limited. Purpose: To compare within-group changes over 12 weeks of HIIT and PHA training on body composition and perceived psychophysical well-being in moderately active young adults. Methods: Twenty-four adults (12 males, 12 females; age 30.9 ± 3.5 years) were allocated to either HIIT or PHA in a non-randomized pilot study, based on training schedule availability and previous training routine, which may introduce selection bias. Training was performed three times per week for 12 weeks. Body composition was assessed using standardized ISAK anthropometry. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Results: Significant effects of Time were found for body mass, BMI, sum of skinfolds, waist circumference, and endomorphy (all p < 0.05). Significant Time × Group interactions were observed for BMI, sum of skinfolds, waist circumference, and endomorphy (p < 0.05), indicating different adaptation patterns. HIIT showed greater reductions in selected skinfolds and higher perceived performance improvement (p < 0.001), whereas PHA showed greater increases in arm circumferences and mesomorphy (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Within-group improvements were observed in anthropometric/body composition indicators over time, with distinct longitudinal adaptation patterns between HIIT and PHA. Full article

The reliability and validity of anthropometric equations remain uncertain in young athletes experiencing biological maturation. This study assessed the reliability and validity of anthropometric equations against dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived fat mass (FM) and lean mass (LM) values and examined the influence of maturity offset within academy soccer players. Twenty-five male academy soccer players (age: 18.6 ± 0.8 years, height: 182.7 cm ± 5.9 cm, BM: 79.3 kg ± 7.6 kg) completed skinfold and DXA assessments. FM and LM were estimated using commonly adopted anthropometric equations. Reliability and validity were assessed. Linear regression examined the influence of maturity offset. Acceptable agreement for the equations of Wilmore & Behnke and Oliver et al. for LM and FM was observed (FM; ICC: 0.858–0.891, CV%: 8.1–8.8 ± 4.6–6.4, LoA: 2.62–3.06 to −1.33–−1.62, ES: 0.27–0.47, Z = −2.257–−3.150; LM: ICC: 0.886–0.905, CV%: 2.9–3.3 ± 1.3, LoA: 5.17–5.62 to 0.54–0.78, ES: 0.42–0.48, both p < 0.001). Bland–Altman inspection showed mean bias and wide LoA for all equations. Maturity offset modestly predicted LM for all equations. Observed anthropometric equations have limited validity vs. DXA-derived FM and LM in academy soccer players. Maturity offset warrants consideration for maturity-sensitive, population-specific equations to avoid systematic errors. Full article