Search Results (5,315)

Background/Objectives: Broccoli-derived glucoraphanin (a sulforaphane precursor that activates Nrf2 defenses) may aid repair; however, its short-term effects in humans remain unknown. This study aimed to evaluate whether short-term supplementation with broccoli-derived glucoraphanin improves recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. We hypothesized that short-term supplementation with broccoli-derived glucoraphanin would attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage and accelerate recovery. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, fifteen participants consumed either high-glucoraphanin broccoli powder (320 μg) or placebo for two weeks, followed by elbow flexor eccentric exercise. Strength, soreness, creatine kinase (CK), range of motion (ROM), arm girths, and ultrasound-assessed muscle and tendon morphology were measured at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and at 48 and 96 h post-exercise. Results: Significant main effects of time were observed for isometric and isokinetic torque (p < 0.05), CK (p < 0.05), soreness (p < 0.05), and structural swelling markers (p < 0.05), confirming exercise-induced muscle damage. However, there were no significant Time × Supplement interactions for any variable (p > 0.05), indicating that glucoraphanin did not influence recovery dynamics. Conclusions: These findings suggest that short-term high-dose broccoli supplementation reconstituted with hot water does not modulate recovery following eccentric muscle damage under the conditions tested, including the chosen preparation method and experimental context. Full article

To reveal the cumulative damage mechanism of surrounding rock with initial damage under cyclic blasting loads during tunnel reconstruction and expansion, this study combines theoretical modeling, split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) tests, and three-dimensional numerical simulation. First, based on the Z-W-T model framework, a dynamic damage constitutive model capable of uniformly describing the coupling effects of initial damage and dynamic disturbance is constructed by introducing a damage evolution equation based on the Weibull distribution and an initial damage variable D₀. Second, SHPB impact tests are conducted on sandstone specimens with different D₀ values under various strain rates to obtain their dynamic mechanical responses. The model parameters are calibrated and its validity is verified. Finally, the validated model is implemented in ABAQUS via a user material subroutine to establish a 3D finite element model of the tunnel reconstruction and expansion, and a numerical test with seven cyclic blasting events is performed. The results show that the dynamic compressive strength of the surrounding rock increases significantly with increasing strain rate, but D₀ has a clear weakening effect, which is amplified under high strain rates. Numerical simulation reveals that the damage in the surrounding rock accumulates nonlinearly with the number of blasts. The incremental expansion of the damage zone after the first blast is 1.51 m, decreasing to 0.03 m by the seventh blast, indicating a successively diminishing incremental expansion per blast. This reflects the saturation characteristics of damage accumulation and the diminishing driving effect of subsequent blasts due to energy dissipation and compaction within the already-damaged zone. The study provides key theoretical and analytical tools for evaluating the long-term stability of surrounding rock with initial damage under cyclic blasting. Full article

Background: Early childhood represents a key stage for the development of movement behaviors (MB), motor skills (MS), and executive functions (EF). Body Mass Index (BMI), defined according to World Health Organization (WHO) references, may influence these domains early in life. In this context, this cross-sectional observational study aimed to examine the associations between BMI and 24-h MB, MS, and EF in Tunisian preschool children aged 4 to 5 years. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 112 Tunisian children aged 4 to 5 years (50 boys, 62 girls), recruited from kindergartens in urban and rural areas. Anthropometric measurements were used to calculate age-specific BMI z-scores and classify children into three BMI categories: below normal, normal, and above normal. Twenty-four-hour MB physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep were objectively assessed using accelerometry over five consecutive days. EF (inhibition and working memory) were assessed using standardized cognitive tests, gross MS were evaluated using the Supine Timed Up and Go test (functional mobility), One-Leg Standing Balance test (postural steadiness), Hand Grip Dynamometer (upper body strength), and Standing Long Jump (lower body strength), and fine MS were assessed using the 9-Hole Pegboard Test (dexterity). All tools are validated and standardized for children. Results: Significant differences between BMI categories were observed for anthropometric variables (p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were found for 24-h MB, adherence to recommendations, EF, and MS (p > 0.05). Only Sleep duration showed a difference significantly between BMI < normal and BMI > normal (p = 0.022). Conclusions: In Tunisian preschool children, weight status is primarily associated with differences in physical growth, with no marked relationship to MB, EF, or MS. These findings highlight the importance of universal preventive interventions, particularly focusing on growth monitoring, starting in early childhood. These results should be interpreted with caution and highlight the need for further studies on larger populations to better understand the relationships between BMI, PA, and development in young children. Full article

Bioactive peptide coatings modulate cell–implant interactions on TiO₂ surfaces; however, most molecular-level studies of peptide adsorption are performed under low or fixed ionic conditions. Physiological environments exhibit non-negligible and variable electrolyte concentrations, so understanding ionic strength effects is crucial for designing effective peptide-functionalized titanium implants. An amorphous TiO₂ surface was generated from a crystalline rutile precursor and simulated in explicit water using classical molecular dynamics at nine NaCl concentrations. For each condition, seven independent simulations with different initial peptide placements/orientations were performed. Peptide backbone RMSD, minimum peptide–surface distance, and adsorption time ratio were analysed as functions of NaCl concentration. For both peptides, backbone RMSD remained stable and showed no statistically significant correlation with NaCl concentration. KRSR exhibited a significant increase in minimum distance with increasing NaCl concentration and a significant decrease in adsorption time ratio, indicating reduced persistence of close surface contact at higher salt levels. In contrast, RGD showed no significant dependence of either minimum distance or adsorption time ratio within the tested range. Within the limits of the applied force-field MD framework and the investigated NaCl range, KRSR adsorption on TiO₂ is more sensitive to ionic strength than RGD, consistent with the stronger electrostatic contribution for the net-positively charged KRSR motif. Full article

Coverage expansions and affordability reforms often presume that improved access to care yields better population health. We examine this premise in a capacity-constrained healthcare system, where congestion and throughput determine whether potential access translates into realized care. Using U.S. state-year panel data from 2006 to 2023, we study (i) how healthcare workforce density relates to multiple access margins and (ii) whether the mortality effects of access improvements depend on local delivery capacity. Reduced-form estimates show that higher workforce density is associated with higher insurance coverage and fewer cost-related barriers to care, while associations with having a usual source of care are weaker. With full controls these relationships attenuate, and Medicaid expansion and poverty explain much of the remaining variation. Instrumental variable models suggest that policy-driven improvements in effective access are associated with lower mortality, although the first-stage strength varies across specifications. Interaction-IV estimates indicate capacity dependence: for all-cause and external-cause mortality, implied benefits are larger in lower-capacity settings and diminish as workforce density increases; for endocrine mortality, benefits are concentrated in higher-capacity settings, while respiratory effects are not detectable. Overall, the results support a systems perspective in which the health returns to access expansions depend on local delivery capacity, underscoring the importance of aligning access reforms with constraints in healthcare production and flow. Full article

Background: Empty-nest older adults are considered a high-risk group for frailty due to constrained social support systems, yet the heterogeneity in their frailty progression remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to identify distinct frailty trajectory classes among Chinese empty-nest older adults and explore class-specific predictive factors. Methods: We analyzed eight years of data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The analysis included 1399 empty-nest older adults after eligibility screening. Frailty was assessed by the frailty index (FI). Growth Mixture Modeling was employed to identify FI trajectory classes, an linear, quadratic, and freely estimated forms were compared. Variable selection was performed via LASSO regression with bootstrap stability verification. Final predictors were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. Results: A three-class quadratic model best represented the FI trajectories: “Low-increasing”, “High-fluctuating”, and “Elevated-stable”. Common risk factors included older age, rural residence, lower grip strength, death of children, and lower life satisfaction. The “High-fluctuating” trajectory was associated with poorer childhood health and smoking. The “Elevated-stable” trajectory was predicted by worklessness and by drinking. Physiological indicators showed no independent associations. Conclusions: Frailty among Chinese empty-nest older adults follows heterogeneous pathways shaped by life-course, socioeconomic, and psychophysiological factors. These results support the need for trajectory-specific screening, early risk detection, and tailored interventions for high-risk subgroups. Full article

Background and Objectives: Sarcopenia is a common yet underrecognized condition in cancer patients and is associated with increased treatment-related toxicity, functional decline, and poor clinical outcomes. Practical, rapid, and bedside-applicable tools are needed to detect sarcopenia early in routine oncology practice. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of rectus femoris muscle ultrasonography within an integrated clinical assessment combining handgrip strength and bioelectrical impedance analysis for the detection of sarcopenia in cancer patients. Materials and Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 147 adult patients with malignancy were evaluated using a multimodal sarcopenia assessment framework. Muscle strength was assessed by handgrip dynamometry, muscle mass was estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)-derived appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), and muscle morphology was evaluated using ultrasonographic measurements of the rectus femoris and biceps brachii muscles. Sarcopenia was defined and classified according to the EWGSOP2 criteria. Associations between clinical variables, BIA parameters, and ultrasonographic measurements were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of muscle ultrasonography for sarcopenia detection. Results: The mean age of the study population was 60.2 ± 11.2 years, and 51% of participants were male. Confirmed sarcopenia was identified in 12.2% of patients, while 27.2% were classified as having probable sarcopenia. Sarcopenic patients were significantly older (68.5 ± 7.6 vs. 59.0 ± 11.2 years, p = 0.001) and had lower handgrip strength (15.8 ± 6.0 vs. 24.3 ± 8.4 kg, p < 0.001) and ASMI values (5.96 ± 0.64 vs. 7.23 ± 1.18 kg/m², p < 0.001). Rectus femoris muscle thickness was significantly reduced in patients with sarcopenia (6.40 ± 1.42 vs. 8.19 ± 2.21 mm, p = 0.001). Rectus femoris muscle thickness demonstrated good diagnostic performance for sarcopenia detection (AUC = 0.752; 95% CI: 0.650–0.853; p = 0.001), with an optimal cut-off value of ≤ 7.59 mm (sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 61.2%). Conclusion: Rectus femoris muscle ultrasonography is a practical, rapid bedside assessment for detecting sarcopenia in cancer patients. When integrated with handgrip strength and BIA, this multimodal approach provides a feasible, radiation-free strategy for early sarcopenia screening in routine oncology practice. Full article

Muscular strength assessment is fundamental for training optimization. While one-repetition maximum (1RM) testing is valid, its practical use is limited, making velocity-based training (VBT) a viable alternative for estimating maximal strength and monitoring performance using submaximal loads. This observational, cross-sectional validity and reliability study aimed to: (i) assess the absolute and relative reliability of movement velocity at submaximal loads in the deadlift and hip thrust, (ii) evaluate the validity and reliability of 1RM estimations using LVP in these exercises, and (iii) compare reliability metrics between sexes. Thirty-two physically active adults voluntarily participated in the study, including sixteen men (age: 25.63 ± 3.79 years; body mass: 75.79 ± 8.64 kg; height: 175.81 ± 7.34 cm) and sixteen women (age: 25.06 ± 5.37 years; body mass: 61.94 ± 4.25 kg; height: 165.06 ± 5.72 cm). Strength-trained participants performed familiarization and two experimental sessions involving progressive load tests at various percentages of 1RM. Movement velocity was monitored using a validated linear velocity transducer. Statistical analyses included two-way ANOVA, Bland–Altman plots and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The results showed a systematic overestimation of 1RM derived from load–velocity profiles, which was moderate for the deadlift (mean difference ≈ +2.7 kg; p < 0.001) and small-to-moderate for the hip thrust (≈+3.3 kg; p = 0.002). Strong associations were observed between actual and estimated 1RM in both exercises (R² > 0.92). Bland–Altman analyses revealed smaller bias but narrower limits of agreement for the deadlift compared with the hip thrust, indicating greater variability in hip thrust estimations. Test–retest analyses demonstrated good relative reliability of movement velocity in men across all loads (ICC > 0.75; CV < 8.2%), whereas women exhibited lower reliability, particularly at moderate-to-high loads in both exercises. Despite limited validity for precise 1RM estimation, load–velocity profiles showed good reproducibility, supporting their use for longitudinal performance monitoring rather than exact strength prediction. Full article

Closed-basin lakes are highly sensitive to climatic variability, yet for the Lake Van Basin (Türkiye), the dynamic and spatially heterogeneous linkages among atmospheric drivers and lake-level changes (particularly their lag structure and predictive directionality) remain insufficiently quantified in a unified multivariate setting. This study examines how temperature and precipitation jointly influence hydrological behavior in the Lake Van Basin using a multi-station Vector Autoregression (VAR) framework. By integrating long-term observations from multiple meteorological stations, the analysis explicitly captures the spatial heterogeneity that characterizes this complex endorheic system and provides a consistent basis for comparing station-specific dynamics. The results show strong persistence in lake-level dynamics across specifications, with lagged lake-level coefficients of 0.2595 to 0.3685 (p < 0.01), indicating a buffered endorheic response. Temperature exhibits a highly consistent seasonal dependence across stations, reflected by a uniformly negative and significant four-month temperature lag in the temperature equations (−0.34 to −0.42, p < 0.01). Granger-causality tests further indicate robust bidirectional coupling between temperature and precipitation in all station specifications (p < 0.01 and typically p ≤ 0.05), while climate-to-lake-level linkages remain spatially heterogeneous but are statistically supported across both Tatvan-based and Gevas-based specifications (Tatvan-Tatvan: p < 0.01 for both climate variables; Tatvan-Ahlat: temperature p = 0.000; Gevas-Van, Gevas-Ercis, and Gevas-Muradiye: temperature p = 0.000 and precipitation p = 0.013, 0.008, and 0.015, respectively). Distinct station-level patterns further demonstrate that topographical differences modulate the strength and direction of climate–hydrology linkages across the basin. By providing a coherent, causally consistent understanding of these interactions and explicitly incorporating season-specific VAR and Granger-causality evidence, this study offers a transferable methodological framework for analyzing climate-sensitive lake systems and highlights the need to incorporate temperature-driven processes into water-management and climate-adaptation strategies in endorheic basins. Full article

Epoxy–granite (EG) composites, comprising granite quarry waste and low-cost epoxy, present a sustainable alternative to cast iron for machine tool foundations. This study develops a data-driven simulation framework to enhance the mechanical properties of epoxy–granite systems by integrating published experimental data with Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) surrogate modeling and Bayesian optimization (BO). The objective is to maximize compressive strength and vibration damping—both critical factors for machining accuracy and dynamic stability. Experimental results from composites with 12–25 wt% epoxy and varied aggregate gradations demonstrate compressive strengths up to 76.8 MPa and flexural strengths reaching 35.4 MPa. The peak damping ratio of 0.0202 was observed at intermediate epoxy content. Mixtures enriched with fine particles also exhibited enhanced fracture toughness and low water absorption, outperforming cementitious concretes, polymer concretes, and natural granite. To address the limitations of experimental coverage, a GPR-based simulation model was employed to explore the four-dimensional design space defined by epoxy content and aggregate fractions. Integrated with BO under realistic manufacturing constraints, the framework identifies optimal formulations comprising 22–26 wt% epoxy and 55–70% fine aggregates. These compositions yield predicted compressive strengths of 78–85 MPa and damping ratios approaching 0.022, indicating significant improvement in overall mechanical properties. Bayesian Weibull analysis further quantifies reliability, revealing shape parameters α ≈ 2.4–2.9, which indicate consistent performance with moderate variability. This work presents the first reported application of an integrated GPR-BO-Bayesian Weibull simulation framework to epoxy–granite composites, enabling simultaneous optimization of conflicting objectives and probabilistic reliability assessment of key mechanical properties. The approach reduces experimental effort by over 70% and supports the circular economy through valorization of granite waste in high-value manufacturing. Nonetheless, predictive uncertainty remains high in under-sampled regions (e.g., damping with n = 2). Future experimental validation—comprising at least 10–15 data points across varied epoxy ratios and gradations—is essential to corroborate the predicted optimum. Full article

The punching shear capacity of reinforced ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) two-way slabs in applications such as floor slabs and bridge decks has attracted increasing attention. However, due to the insufficient consideration of the internal force transmission path and failure mechanism, existing empirical formulas exhibit limited accuracy for predicting the punching shear capacity of reinforced UHPC slabs. Therefore, based on the critical shear crack theory (CSCT), this study proposes a specific theoretical model where the tensile strain-hardening behavior and tensile strength of UHPC, the punching shear-span ratio, and the reinforcement ratio are comprehensively considered. In the proposed model, the steel fiber bridging contribution is derived via the variable engagement method (VEM), for which an equation describing the bond strength between steel fibers and UHPC matrix was developed. The feasibility of the proposed model was validated through an established experimental database. Furthermore, the effects of several key parameters on the punching shear behavior of reinforced UHPC slabs were analyzed. The results show that the proposed models can accurately predict the punching shear capacity and ultimate rotation angle of reinforced UHPC slabs. With increasing slab thickness, UHPC strength, and reinforcement ratio, the punching shear capacity increases, whereas the corresponding ultimate rotation angle and steel fiber contribution ratio decrease. Increasing the fiber volume fraction enhances both the fiber contribution and the punching shear capacity. For slabs with higher UHPC strength, the reinforcing effect of a higher reinforcement ratio is more pronounced. Full article

Objective: To determine the inter-session reliability of MOXY-derived muscle oxygenation (SmO₂) in recreationally trained individuals during upper-body strength training. Methods: Eighteen recreationally trained men (mean skinfold thickness at sensor sites = 16.4 ± 9.4 mm) completed two identical experimental sessions. Participants performed five sets to failure at 70% of one-repetition maximum in bench press and row. SmO₂ was recorded from the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi. Basal SmO₂ prior to each set, SmO₂ consumption during each set, and SmO₂ resaturation during the first 30 s post-set were analyzed. Reliability was assessed using the standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC), coefficient of variation (CV), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: Reliability was low for all variables. Basal SmO₂ showed SEM = 7.0–17.6%, MDC = 19.5–48.8%, and CV = 10.0–26.5%, with poor ICCs (−0.20 to 0.41). SmO₂ consumption and resaturation demonstrated even lower reliability, with SEM = 10.7–21.7%, MDC = 29.6–60.3%, and CV = 25.0–108.2%, with poor to moderate ICCs (−0.34 to 0.74). Conclusions: MOXY-derived SmO₂ measurements exhibit limited reliability, particularly during and immediately after training sets. These findings highlight the lack of applicability for using MOXY to monitor SmO₂ in recreationally trained individuals during upper-body strength training. Full article

Despite the improvements in tool development for DNA methylation analysis, there is a lack of a consensus on computational and statistical models used for differentially methylated cytosine (DMC) identification. This variability complicates the interpretation of findings and raises concerns about the reproducibility and biological significance of the detected results. In this regard, here we conducted a comparative evaluation of edgeR and methylKit tools to assess their performance, concordance, and biological relevance in detecting DMCs following a morphine exposure model in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Both pipelines were applied to the same WGBS dataset (GEO accession number: GSE292082), and concordance was calculated at both single-base and gene levels. Although the total number of DMCs identified differed between tools, both pipelines detected a global hypomethylation pattern. Genomic distribution analysis revealed that DMCs predominantly localized to intergenic and intronic regions, as well as to open sea regions. Despite differences in sensitivity, both pipelines demonstrated moderate concordance at the DMC level (~56%) and high concordance at the gene level (~90%), identifying largely overlapping sets of differentially methylated genes (DMGs). Comparative assessments further showed that the choice of statistical metric can influence the perceived magnitude of biological effects. Sensitivity analyses indicated that threshold selection and normalization methods influence DMC detection, whereas aggregation at gene level reduces discrepancies. Overall, our findings underscore the complementary strengths of methylKit and edgeR and highlight the importance of careful tool selection for epigenetic studies. As a conclusion, we recommend integrating both pipelines to ensure a balanced interpretation of effect sizes, particularly in studies with complex experimental designs. Full article

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) are widely used in deployable space structures due to their strength-to-weight ratio, yet their inherent brittleness and limited damage tolerance constrain their performance under large deformation. This study reports a new concept, the Kevlar composite deployable lenticular tube (CDLT), for improved toughness and reliable stowability. The buckling response of Kevlar CDLT under axial compression and torsion was characterized, and its stowability was verified through experiments and finite element analysis (FEA). Axial compression studies show that the load–displacement curve transitions from linear elastic to nonlinear deformation at the critical buckling load; meanwhile, local stress magnification occurs in the central arc region. Damage analysis further reveals that buckling instantaneously induces localized wrinkling and matrix failure. Torsional analysis shows that the CDLT exhibits an initially linear torque–twist response, governed by shear stiffness. However, once the critical torque is exceeded, torque decreases sharply due to localized collapse and overall buckling. Moreover, the outermost layers bear the highest stresses, whereas the inner layers remain comparatively uniform and less stressed. Furthermore, the influence of different layup sequences, ply numbers, and total thickness on the load-bearing capacities of CDLT was investigated, ultimately determining the optimal layup scheme. Finally, the stowability analysis demonstrates that the Kevlar CDLT, configured as a six-ply laminate with a total thickness of 0.72 mm, achieves an optimal balance between stiffness and flexibility. In this comparison, both the Kevlar and CFRP CDLTs employ identical lenticular cross-sectional geometries, fully consistent boundary conditions, the same overall laminate thickness (0.72 mm), and an identical stacking sequence of [45°/−45°/90°/90°/45°/−45°], with the material properties being the only variable. Under these strictly controlled conditions, the coiling torque of the Kevlar CDLT is reduced by at least 48% relative to that of the CFRP CDLT. This study preliminarily verifies the load-bearing capacity and stowability of novel Kevlar CDLTs, providing valuable guidance for the design of deployable space structures. Full article

The rapid growth of textile waste generation, with more than 87% of discarded textiles worldwide being landfilled or incinerated, together with the extensive consumption of concrete in the construction industry, has intensified research into alternative materials capable of reusing waste without compromising concrete performance. In this context, this study evaluates the incorporation of recycled cotton textile fibers obtained from discarded garments into conventional non-structural concrete, focusing on its axial compressive behavior. Concrete mixtures were produced with fiber contents of 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 5.0%, designed for a target compressive strength of 20.594 MPa and tested in accordance with ASTM standards. The results show that concrete containing 0.5% cotton fibers achieved 28-day compressive strength values comparable to those of the reference mix, remaining within the typical variability of concrete testing, while mixtures with fiber contents of 1.0% and 5.0% exhibited pronounced strength reductions, reaching approximately 12.494 MPa and 8.270 MPa, respectively. These findings suggest that recycled cotton fibers at low dosages (0.5%) do not significantly affect compressive strength and could be incorporated as a supplementary addition in non-structural concrete, provided that appropriate mix design and processing conditions are maintained. Full article