Search Results (8,367)

Background/Objectives: Prepectoral direct-to-implant reconstruction is widely used, but implant rippling often necessitates lipofilling. This study aimed to identify preoperative and perioperative factors associated with delayed lipofilling. Methods: A retrospective cohort of consecutive patients who underwent immediate prepectoral implant reconstruction (April 2023–September 2024) was analyzed. Demographic data, BMI, smoking, comorbidities, oncologic treatments, surgical factors, and tumor location were recorded. Patients were divided according to whether delayed lipofilling was required. Univariate analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney U and Fisher’s exact tests. Results: Fifty-eight patients were included; approximately one-third required lipofilling. Patients who underwent lipofilling were younger and had lower BMI than those who did not. Tumor location was strongly associated with the outcome: upper inner quadrant tumors were consistently linked to delayed lipofilling, whereas upper outer quadrant tumors were more frequently observed in the group not requiring revision. Smoking history and planned radiotherapy showed nonsignificant trends toward higher lipofilling rates. No differences were found for diabetes or corticosteroid therapy. Conclusions: Younger age, low BMI, and tumor location, particularly in the upper inner quadrant, were key factors associated with delayed lipofilling after prepectoral reconstruction. These variables may support preoperative counseling and follow-up planning to better anticipate secondary procedures and optimize aesthetic outcomes. Full article

Conventional cigarette smoke and electronic cigarette vapor contain toxic compounds that may impair immune function, particularly in the spleen. This study evaluated histopathological changes in the spleen in male white rats (Rattus norvegicus, n = 32) divided into four groups: control, conventional-cigarette smoke (CCS), electronic cigarette vapor (ECS), and transitional cigarette smoke (TCS). The TCS group was sequentially exposed to CCS for 15 days followed by ECS for 15 days, with twice-daily exposure. Spleen tissues were analyzed semi-quantitatively using ImageJ and statistically using the Kruskal–Wallis test after Shapiro–Wilk normality testing. Comparisons among the four groups showed significant differences in necrosis (p = 0.025) and vascular degeneration (p = 0.027). In contrast, hemosiderin, congestion, stretching, and vacuolization parameters did not show statistically significant differences among groups (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that switching from conventional cigarettes to e-cigarettes does not protect against splenic damage and may exacerbate immune dysfunction due to cumulative toxic exposure. Full article

Background/Objectives: Coupled with the already-problematic background rates of traditional cigarette consumption during pregnancy, the surging epidemic of electronic cigarette usage among pregnant women redoubles the importance of understanding the impacts of nicotine exposure during critical periods of development. To date, a burgeoning body of human epidemiological and animal model research indicates that not only the children but also the grandchildren of maternal smokers are at higher risk for neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia and are predisposed to neurodevelopmental abnormalities which transcend these diagnoses. However, the roles of discrete cellular sub-populations in these and other intergenerational consequences of smoking during pregnancy remain indeterminate. Methods: Toward the resolution of this void in the literature, the present study characterized alterations in the gene expression profiles of dopamine receptor D1-expressing striatal cells from the first- and second-generation male progeny of female mice that were continuously exposed to nicotine beginning prior to conception, continuing throughout pregnancy, and concluding upon weaning of offspring. Results: Dopamine receptor D1-expressing striatal cells from our mouse models of the children and grandchildren of maternal smokers exhibit differential expression patterns for a multitude of genes that are (1) individually associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, (2) collectively overrepresented in gene set annotations related to brain, behavioral, neurobiological, and epigenomic phenotypes shared among neurodevelopmental disorders, and (3) orthologous to human genes that exhibit differential DNA methylation signatures in the newborns of maternal smokers. Conclusions: Together with our and others’ previous findings, the results of this study support the emerging theory that, by inducing extensive alterations in gene expression that in turn elicit cascading neurobiological changes which ultimately confer widespread neurobehavioral abnormalities, nicotine-induced epigenomic dysregulation may be a primary driver of neurodevelopmental deficits and disorders in the children and grandchildren of maternal smokers. Full article

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasingly recognized as a significant comorbidity in people living with HIV (PWH), contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological studies indicate that PWH have a 1.2–2-fold higher risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and other CVD events compared to HIV-negative individuals. While the mechanisms underlying HIV-associated CVD are not fully understood, they are likely to include a combination of cardiovascular-related adverse effects of HIV medications, vascular dysfunction caused by HIV-induced monocyte activation, and cytokine secretion, in addition to existing comorbidities and lifestyle choices. This comprehensive review examines the complex relationship between HIV infection and CVD, highlighting key pathophysiological mechanisms such as chronic immune activation, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and the role of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in promoting cardiovascular risk. Alongside conventional risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, HIV-specific elements, especially metabolic abnormalities associated with ART, significantly contribute to the development of CVD. Prevention strategies are crucial, focusing on the early identification and management of cardiovascular risk factors as well as optimizing ART regimens to minimize adverse metabolic effects. Clinical guidelines now recommend routine cardiovascular risk assessment in PWH, emphasizing aggressive management tailored to their unique health profiles. However, challenges exist in fully understanding the cardiovascular outcomes in this population. Future research directions include exploring the role of inflammation-modulating therapies and refining sustainable prevention strategies to mitigate the growing burden of CVD in PWH. Full article

The issue of overpressure at fire doors in escape passage is often overlooked in traditional tunnel design. Current design approaches tend to overemphasize maintaining positive pressure inside the passage for smoke prevention, which results in excessive resistance when opening fire doors. This can hinder emergency evacuation efficiency and pose a threat to personnel safety. This study focused on a typical 1000-m-long straight escape passage to investigate the overpressure problem of fire doors in highway tunnels from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. Traditional pressure calculations for tunnel escape passages adopt relevant guiding designs from the building category, which may lead to certain errors. Therefore, on this basis, this paper employs pressure calculation equations based on the specific pipeline characteristics of smoke control systems. By solving the pressure calculation equations for the fire doors in escape passages, the thrust required to open the doors in the closed state was analyzed. Results show that the force needed to open a fire door can reach up to 168 N under fire conditions, which far exceeds the allowable limits stipulated in relevant design standards. Furthermore, the results indicate that the maximum allowable length of the escape passage should not exceed 3200 m within acceptable pressure limits through numerical simulation. A mathematical relationship between passage length and fire door pressure was also established, confirming the accuracy of the maximum allowable passage length. This study analyzed the hazards of overpressure in escape passages and proposes a method for determining the maximum permissible passage length, aiming to balance the requirements of smoke control with the safety of personnel evacuation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have emerged as promising non-invasive biomarkers for assessing metabolic and reproductive health. In the context of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs), the volatilomic composition of follicular fluid (FF) may reflect the biochemical environment surrounding the oocyte, influencing fertilization success and embryo development. This study aimed to characterize the volatilomic profile of FF in women undergoing ARTs and to explore associations between specific VOCs and female fertilization-related parameters (FFRPs). Methods: A total of 54 Caucasian women aged 19–39 years, enrolled between October 2015 and July 2019, were recruited at the Assisted Reproduction Laboratory of the Local Health Unit of Cova da Beira, Covilhã. FF samples were analyzed via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in scan mode, identifying 136 VOCs, of which 72 were selected based on prevalence. Sixteen FFRPs were evaluated, including age, body mass index (BMI), smoking habits, infertility factor, oocyte yield, embryo quality, β-hCG levels, country of birth, and reproductive history. Associations between VOCs and FFRPs were assessed using the Chi-square (χ²) test. Results: Significant correlations (p ≤ 0.05) were identified between 45 VOCs and 11 FFRPs. The detected compounds comprised alkanes, siloxanes, aromatics, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and esters, fatty acid derivatives, epoxides, acrylates, nitriles, and sterols. Several VOCs were associated with more than one FFRP, indicating overlapping metabolic pathways that may influence reproductive performance. Conclusions: The volatilomic profile of FF demonstrates significant variability linked to individual reproductive and metabolic factors. VOC analysis may provide novel insights into follicular physiology, representing a promising approach for identifying potential biomarkers of infertility and ART outcomes. Full article

Residential barbecuing is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, especially in cities, where it is not only a leisure activity but also an important social and cultural practice. Consequently, the number of grills and smokers in use continues to grow. This study evaluated the environmental performance of a household wood-pellet barbecue dual-function smoker/grill using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. The functional units selected were per cooking time (1 h) and per unit of energy delivered (1 kWh) at different cooking settings on the smoker. The results show that most of the impacts, including global warming potential (GWP) and resource use, originate from the production of the smoker itself, whereas emissions released during combustion, especially NO_x, are the main contributors to impacts such as acidification and smog formation. The GWP per hour of operation ranged from 0.44 to 0.63 kg CO₂ eq. From an operational perspective, cooking at intermediate temperatures (between 110 and 175 °C) generally leads to lower impacts per hour than very low-temperature smoking. When considering entire meals, meat typically accounts for most of the total impact, with the smoker’s contribution comparatively small. Overall, the study provides a useful reference and shows that both equipment design and food choices play a role in barbecue sustainability. Full article

Background: Nicotine use among the youth has been on the rise, especially with the introduction of E-cigarettes. This has sparked concerns regarding E-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes in terms of patterns, dependence, and perceptions within the youth population, which are issues this study aimed to investigate. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among university students at Ajman University, which is in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Using the Cigarette Dependence Scale (CDS-12) and Penn State Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index (PS-ECDI), dependence on both cigarettes and E-cigarettes was quantified. Results: Out of 1713 respondents, 18.9% were currently using nicotine products, including E-cigarettes (12.7%) and traditional cigarettes (5.1%). Nicotine use was significantly associated more with males than females with an odds ratio of 4.14. However, there was no difference between genders in the dependence scores. In addition, dual nicotine use and an earlier onset of nicotine consumption were associated with significantly higher dependence scores than single users and a late onset of smoking. Participants overall attributed cigarettes and E-cigarettes as equally harmful. Conclusions: Both cigarette and e-cigarette use were prevalent and associated with notable dependence. Although E-cigarettes are often promoted as cessation aids, their use in our sample did not appear to facilitate quitting and may instead sustain nicotine dependence. Targeted youth-focused cessation programs and stricter marketing and sales regulations are essential to prevent further normalization. Longitudinal studies are needed to track evolving patterns and health impacts in the MENA region. Full article

Psychological stress is increasingly investigated as a potentially modifiable factor in male infertility, in part through oxidative stress. This narrative review synthesizes mechanistic and translational evidence linking stress-related neuroendocrine activation and coping behaviors with redox imbalance in the male reproductive tract. Chronic activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and sympathetic outflow elevates glucocorticoids and catecholamines. In controlled animal stress paradigms, this is accompanied by suppression of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and by immune and metabolic changes that favor reactive oxygen species generation. The resulting oxidative stress may reduce Leydig cell steroidogenesis, impair testicular and epididymal function, and induce lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and sperm DNA fragmentation. In such models, these lesions, together with apoptosis of germ and supporting cells, are associated with lower sperm concentration, reduced motility, compromised viability, and diminished fertilizing potential. Overall, preclinical animal studies using defined stress paradigms provide experimental evidence consistent with causal effects of stress on oxidative injury and reproductive impairment in preclinical settings. Human studies linking perceived stress, anxiety/depression, and disturbed sleep to adverse semen parameters and oxidative biomarkers are summarized. However, the human evidence is predominantly associative, and the available studies are cross sectional and remain vulnerable to residual confounding and reverse causality. Potential effect modifiers, including smoking, alcohol use, and circadian disruption, are also discussed as contributors to heterogeneity across clinical studies. Standardized assessment of stress biology and redox status, longitudinal designs aligned with spermatogenic timing, and well-powered intervention trials are needed to define dose–response relationships and support individualized prevention and care. Full article

This study reports the synthesis and detailed characterization of pullulan-isononanoate (Pull-Iso), as well as the preparation and characterization of Pull-Iso films incorporating liposomes loaded with silibinin (SB) and smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria) extract (STExt), to explore the physicochemical and functional properties of pullulan-based biomaterials for potential biomedical applications. Pullulan was successfully esterified with isononanoic acid chloride, as confirmed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Modification significantly reduced the glass transition temperature (Tg), indicating enhanced chain mobility due to the introduction of bulky side chains. Prepared liposomes, embedding SB and extracted smoke tree compounds, exhibited particle sizes ~2000 nm with moderate polydispersity (~0.340) and zeta potential values around –20 mV, demonstrating lower colloidal stability over 60 days, thereby justifying their encapsulation within films. Optical microscopy revealed uniform liposome dispersion in Pull-Iso film with 0.5 g of liposomes, while higher liposome loading (0.75 g of liposomes) induced aggregation and microstructural irregularities. Mechanical analysis showed a reduction in tensile strength and strain at higher liposome content. The incorporation of liposomes encapsulating STExt and SB significantly enhanced the antioxidant activity of Pull-Iso-based films in a concentration-dependent manner, as demonstrated by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. These preliminary findings suggest that pullulan esterification and controlled liposome incorporation may enable the development of flexible, bioactive-loaded films, which could represent a promising platform for advanced wound dressing applications, warranting further investigation. Full article

Background: Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption has increased significantly in Latin America and Spain, impacting both health and environmental sustainability. To our knowledge, this is the first multicenter study to examine the association between UPF consumption and sustainable lifestyle behaviors in Latin America and Spain. Objective: To evaluate the association between UPF consumption and sustainable lifestyle behaviors in Latin America and Spain. Methods: This was an observational, analytical, multicenter, cross-sectional study. A validated, self-administered online questionnaire was distributed in 14 countries between March 2023 and January 2024. The survey collected sociodemographic data, UPF intake (classified using the NOVA system), body mass index and sustainable lifestyle behaviors (food, transport, environment). Multivariate linear regression models were applied to assess associations, adjusting for age, sex, smoking, physical activity and BMI. Results: Among 6009 adults (mean age: 34.98 ± 12.55; 79.5% women), those with the highest consumption of UPF (fast food, beverages and juices, salty snacks and sweet snacks) were significantly more likely to be in the least sustainable quartile compared to those who did not consume these food products ((OR = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.79–3.54), (OR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.50–2.22), (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.32–1.73) and (OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.20–1.67), respectively, with p values < 0.001). Conclusions: High consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is inversely associated with sustainable lifestyles. These findings position UPF consumption not only as a health problem but also as a key indicator of unsustainable lifestyles. Full article

Background: T2 low asthma in children is an emerging yet underexplored endotype that challenges traditional views of type 2 inflammation. Recent data suggest that it is more prevalent than previously thought and is defined by low type 2 biomarkers, non-allergic clinical profiles, and strong associations with modifiable comorbidities such as obesity, passive smoke exposure, and recurrent respiratory infections. This phenotype often shows a poor response to standard inhaled corticosteroid therapy and T2-targeted biologics, underscoring the urgent need for improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Methods: This narrative review conducted a literature search from PubMed and WoS databases (2020–2025), focusing on T2-low asthma defined by low blood eosinophils (<150–300/µL), FeNO (<20–25 ppb), and absent atopy in children under 18. Results: This review highlights the heterogeneity of T2-low asthma, including subtypes from neutrophilic/Th 17-high to paucigranulocytic airway remodeling and metabolic driven forms, as well as diagnostic challenges from biomarker supresssion by high-dose therapies. Pragmatic phenotyping algorithms using routine tests enable identification, directing comorbidity management over ineffective biologics. Conclusions: Systematic T2-low phenotyping in pediatric practice, alongside prospective studies and non-T2 therapy trials, promises precision medicine to enhance outcomes for these children, moving beyond eosinophil-centric care. Full article

This study quantitatively analyzed the impact of concurrent large-scale wildfires that occurred in Korea in March 2025 on air quality in agricultural regions and identified potential risks to agricultural workers. Analysis of air quality data from eight agricultural sites nationwide revealed that the average concentrations of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 during the wildfire period increased by 47.3% and 24.9%, respectively, compared to non-fire periods. Multiple regression analysis indicated that PM₁₀ concentrations were dominated by physical dispersion and dilution effects driven by variables such as wind speed and distance. In contrast, PM_2.5 showed a strong positive correlation with relative humidity, suggesting it is significantly influenced by secondary formation and atmospheric stagnation. Notably, the potential for particulate matter accumulation was confirmed during high-humidity hours when atmospheric inversion layers form, combined with the basin topography characteristic of Korean rural areas. This implies that elderly agricultural workers may be exposed to high concentrations of hazardous substances even when smoke is not visually apparent. Therefore, this study suggests the necessity of establishing specific protective measures for agricultural workers, including the introduction of targeted, site-specific forecasting (“pinpoint forecasts”) for downwind farmlands and restrictions on outdoor work during early morning hours. Full article

Background/Aim: Fatigue is a common symptom in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is associated with reduced quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between dietary omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) fatty acid intake, obesity, and stress with fatigue in patients with COPD. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between 1 February and 31 July 2025, in the pulmonary outpatient clinics of Ağrı Training and Research Hospital in Ağrı and Atatürk University Research Hospital in Erzurum, Türkiye. Study data were collected using a General Information Questionnaire, the COPD and Asthma Fatigue Scale (CAFS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and an Adult Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. Higher CAFS scores indicate greater fatigue severity, while higher PSS scores reflect higher perceived stress. Results: CAFS scores correlated strongly with perceived stress (r = 0.718, p < 0.001) and moderately with COPD exacerbation frequency (r = 0.426, p < 0.001). Although higher n-3 intake was inversely associated with fatigue in univariate analyses, this association weakened after adjustment, suggesting that fatty acid composition was not an independent determinant of fatigue. The n-6/n-3 ratio showed a weak positive correlation with fatigue (r = 0.184, p = 0.024). Female reported higher fatigue levels than male (mean [SD], 60.2 [19.3] vs. 51.9 [19.8]; p = 0.042), and patients with comorbid conditions had higher fatigue scores than those without comorbidities (58.1 [18.3] vs. 46.8 [19.4]; p = 0.001). Smoking status was not significantly associated with fatigue (p = 0.788). In backward multiple linear regression analysis, perceived stress emerged as the strongest independent predictor of fatigue (β = 0.519, p < 0.001). Comorbidity presence (β = 0.206, p = 0.030) and smoking status (β = 0.178, p = 0.026) were also significant, while exacerbation frequency (p = 0.062) and female (p = 0.053) showed borderline associations. Conclusions: These findings indicate that fatigue in COPD is primarily influenced by psychosocial stress and multimorbidity, highlighting the importance of integrative management approaches that address mental health burden and comorbid conditions alongside respiratory treatment. Full article

This study aimed to examine the association between physical activity and individuals’ health status, healthcare utilization, socio-demographic characteristics, and health behaviors in a large representative sample from Northern Greece. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1227 participants (47.4% males, mean age 49.94 ± 14.87 years) from Thrace, Greece, selected through a two-stage stratified sampling method. According to the Greek version of IPAQ, participants were classified as inactive/insufficiently active, sufficiently and highly active. Data on socio-demographic, lifestyle, and health-related variables were collected through structured interviews. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent effect of physical activity on subjects’ characteristics using SPSS ver. 19. Half of the participants (49.8%) were inactive/insufficiently active, 418 participants (34.1%) were sufficiently active, and 198 participants (16.1%) were highly active. In univariate analysis, smoking (p < 0.001), higher coffee consumption (p = 0.002), higher adherence to Mediterranean diet (p < 0.001), napping during the day (p = 0.017) and short sleep duration (p < 0.001) were associated with lower prevalence of high activity. In adjusted analyses, sufficiently active participants had a lower risk for bad self-rated health (aOR = 0.63), hypertension (aOR = 0.41), dyslipidemia (aOR = 0.42), diabetes (aOR = 0.53), obesity (aOR = 0.61), cardiovascular diseases (aOR = 0.43), anxiety (aOR = 0.65), depression (aOR = 0.56), daily sleepiness (aOR = 0.62), poor sleep quality (aOR = 0.71), as well as for primary (aOR = 0.54) and secondary (aOR = 0.40) healthcare utilization compared to inactive participants. Higher-intensity physical activity did not enhance these beneficial effects of sufficient activity on subjects’ characteristics. Physical inactivity significantly compromises health across multiple domains. Promoting even moderate-intensity physical activity may reduce chronic disease burden and healthcare utilization. Full article