Search Results (4,484)

Background: Lipid disturbance is a hallmark of cardiometabolic abnormalities and a primary contributor to cardiovascular disease risk. Immunometabolic markers show promise for better risk classification. This study evaluated the uric acid to Platelet ratio (UAPR) as lipid abnormality marker in a broad cohort of Saudi adults. Methods: Data from 7781 adults in the Elta Medical Laboratory database were analysed. Subjects were stratified by lipid status, and UAPR levels were analyzed. Additionally, lipid abnormality distribution across UAPR tertiles and risk profiles, including ROC analysis, were evaluated. Results: UAPR were markedly increased in patients with abnormal lipid profiles while high UAPR (H-UAPR) subjects showed multiple dyslipidemic patterns including elevated levels of triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL-C), and remnant cholesterol (RC), alongside reduced HDL-C levels. Notably, UAPR correlated with all lipid parameters, most strongly and inversely with HDL-C (r = −0.314) and remained independently associated with TG and HDL-C in multivariable regression. Consistently, H-UAPR was common across all dyslipidemic forms, especially low HDL-C, nearly twice as frequent as in N-UAPR (52.4% vs. 35.0%). The odds were specifically increased for low HDL-C (OR = 2.02, p < 0.0001) and a high TC/HDL-C ratio (OR = 2.94, p < 0.0001) in H-UAPR patients. ROC analysis demonstrated that UAPR had moderate yet significant diagnostic performance, particularly for identifying high TC/HDL-C (AUC = 0.671, p < 0.001) and HDL-C (AUC = 0.618, p < 0.001). Conclusions: UAPR shows considerable promise as an immunometabolic marker linked to various dyslipidemic forms with potential for hyperlipidemia screening and stratification, warranting further validation. Full article

Monitoring the development of greenhouse crops is essential for optimising yield and ensuring the efficient use of resources. A system for monitoring hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivation under greenhouse conditions using computer vision has been developed. This system is based on open-source automation software installed on a single-board computer. It integrates various temperature and humidity sensors and surveillance cameras, automating image capture. Hemp seeds of the Tiborszallasi variety were sown. After germination, plants were transplanted into pots. Five specimens were selected for growth monitoring by image analysis. A surveillance camera was placed in front of each plant. Different approaches were applied to analyse growth during the early stages: two traditional computer vision techniques and a deep learning algorithm. An average growth rate of 2.9 cm/day was determined, corresponding to 1.43 mm/°C day. A mean MAE value of 1.36 cm was obtained, and the results of the three approaches were very similar. After the first growth stage, the plants were subjected to water stress. An algorithm successfully identified healthy and stressed plants and also detected different stress levels, with an accuracy of 97%. These results demonstrate the system’s potential to provide objective and quantitative information on plant growth and physiological status. Full article

Cognitive decline among older people is a growing concern worldwide since it impacts quality of life and independence. Recently, we reported that an epicatechin-enriched product improves cardiometabolic status, physical performance/mobility, and quality of life (QoL) in over-60-year-old subjects. Here, we explored the effects of an (−)-epicatechin-enriched cacao supplement on the cognitive conditions of older and sedentary individuals residing in a community center. Twelve persons with the inclusion criteria were included in this proof-of-concept study. We evaluated reasoning, memory, attention, coordination, and perception using CogniFit software, version 4.6.18. Patients received a mixture of cacao flour and 15 mg of free (−)-epicatechin twice daily for 3 months. The main results from the trial suggested a positive and significant improvement in perception, coordination, reasoning, attention, and memory. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between foveal avascular zone (FAZ) enlargement, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dysfunction, and structural retinal measurements in glaucoma suspects (GS), using pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters. Methods: Thirty-one eyes (20 subjects) of GS status underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation including steady-state PERG, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCTA. FAZ area was measured using ImageJ software (version 1.54p), and PERG parameters (Magnitude, MagnitudeD, and MagnitudeD/Magnitude ratio) were analyzed. Partial correlation analyses were performed to assess associations between FAZ area, PERG parameters, and structural metrics including retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer–inner plexiform layer (GCL + IPL), and macular thickness. Results: After controlling for age, sex, central corneal thickness (CCT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and spherical equivalent, partial correlation analysis showed that FAZ area was significantly associated with both lower Magnitude (r < −0.503, p < 0.05) and MagnitudeD (r < −0.507, p < 0.05) values. PERG parameters were significantly correlated with superior and average RNFL thickness, as well as superior and superior temporal GCL + IPL thickness. FAZ area was significantly associated with multiple GCL + IPL and macular thickness sectors, but not with RNFL thickness. Conclusions: FAZ enlargement is significantly associated with RGC dysfunction and inner retinal layer thinning in GS. Full article

Background: Malnutrition is a prevalent but underrecognized condition in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients, associated with adverse outcomes including longer hospitalizations, higher readmission rates, and increased mortality. Traditional measures such as body mass index (BMI) often fail to detect malnutrition, especially in patients with fluid retention, sarcopenia, or obesity. Methods: This review critically examines current tools used to assess nutritional status in CVD populations. Screening instruments such as Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA, MNA-SF), Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), and the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score are discussed, alongside diagnostic frameworks including the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. The role of body composition assessment, particularly bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and phase angle (PA), is also highlighted. Results: These tools differ in diagnostic performance and applicability, with many influenced by the pathophysiological features of CVD, such as inflammation, altered fluid balance, and pharmacotherapy. GLIM criteria provide a standardized two-step approach, combining phenotypic and etiologic factors, but require further validation in cardiology settings. Conclusions: A tailored, multimodal approach could be recommended: initial screening followed by confirmatory assessment using GLIM criteria and objective measures of muscle mass or cellular integrity. Clinicians should be aware of tool-specific limitations and interpret findings in the context of CVD-specific challenges. Full article

Introduction: Recurrent ankle sprains can lead to chronic ankle instability. The flossing technique aims to modify the function and characteristics of fascial tissue. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of flossing and sliding techniques in improving subjects with previous ankle sprains. Methods: Randomized, double-blind clinical study with a follow-up period. Twenty-six subjects were assigned to two study groups: experimental (flossing technique and passive manual therapy techniques) and placebo control group (flossing technique without compression and manual therapy techniques without sliding). The intervention lasted three weeks, with two sessions per week. The study variables were dorsiflexion under load (Leg Motion^®), ankle mobility under unloaded conditions (goniometer), pressure pain threshold (algometer), and stability (Rs Scan^® pressure platform). Three measurements were taken: pre-treatment (T0), post-treatment (T1), and after 3 weeks of follow-up (T2). Results: There were significant intergroup differences in dorsiflexion under load (F = 4.90; p = 0.02). Range of motion in plantar flexion without load (F = 3.78; p = 0.04), in the ellipse area (F = 4.72; p = 0.01), left stability (F = 3.74; p = 0.03), and right stability (F = 3.73; p = 0.03) without visual support. Conclusions: A physiotherapy protocol using flossing and manual sliding therapy can increase loaded dorsal flexion in young adults with previous ankle sprains. This intervention can also improve ankle plantar flexion under unloaded conditions. The area of the ellipse without visual support can improve in young adults with a history of ankle sprains following a program of flossing and manual therapy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gastric, oesophageal, and pancreatic cancers are common worldwide, with low but improving survival rates due to advances in curative treatments. However, these treatments often cause long-term nutrition impact symptoms that are frequently overlooked, leading to malnutrition and poorer health outcomes. This review explored the types of nutrition impact symptoms following curative-intent treatment for upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancers and assessed their impact on nutrition status. Methods: A systematic search of four electronic databases identified studies involving adults treated with curative intent for UGI cancers. Included studies reported both nutrition impact symptoms and nutrition outcomes using validated tools. Study quality was assessed, and results were synthesised narratively. Results: Eleven studies (n = 953 participants), predominantly from the Asia–Pacific region, met the inclusion criteria. Participants were mostly male (68%), with surgery as the primary treatment (91%). Most studies (n = 10) used validated assessment tools to identify nutrition impact symptoms. Reflux was the most commonly reported symptom (n = eight studies), followed by abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Nutrition status was assessed using various validated tools: Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (n = six studies, 55%), Mini Nutritional Assessment (n = two studies, 18%), and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition as well as Subjective Global Assessment and Prognostic Nutritional Index (both n = one study, 9%). Malnutrition prevalence was up to 87% one year post-treatment. Conclusions: Nutrition impact symptoms are common and persistent after curative-intent treatment for UGI cancers. Future research should incorporate validated assessment tools and extend follow-up beyond 12 months. Integrating long-term, tailored dietetic support to identify and manage symptoms post-treatment is vital to improve outcomes for patients. Full article

Despite widespread adoption, traditional Agile project management practices often fail to ensure successful delivery of enterprise-scale software projects. One key limitation lies in the absence of a conceptually defined structure for the various types of Agile activities and their interactions. As a result, Agile methodologies typically lack formal indicators for evaluating the semantic content and progress status of project activities. Although widely used tools for Agile project management, such as Atlassian Jira, capture operational data, project status assessment interpretation remains largely subjective—relying on the experience and judgment of managers and team members rather than on a formal knowledge model or well-defined semantic attributes. As Agile project activities continue to grow in complexity, there is a pressing need for a modeling approach that captures their causal structure in order to describe the essential characteristics of the processes and ensure systematic monitoring and evaluation of the project. The complexity of the corresponding model must correlate with the causality of processes to avoid losing essential properties and to reveal the content of causal interactions. To address these gaps, this paper introduces a causal Agile process model that formalizes the internal structure and transformation pathways of Agile activity types. To our knowledge, it is the first framework to integrate a recursive, causally grounded structure into Agile management, enabling both semantic clarity and quantitative evaluation of project complexity and progress. The aim of the article is, first, to describe conceptually different Agile activity types from a causal modeling perspective, its internal structure and information transformations, and, second, to formally define the causal Agile management model and its characteristics. Each Agile activity type (e.g., theme, initiative, epic, user story) is modeled using the management transaction (MT) framework—an internal model of activity that comprises a closed-loop causal relationship among management function (F), process (P), state attribute (A), and control (V) informational flows. Using this framework, the internal structure of Agile activity types is normalized and the different roles of activities in internal MT interactions are defined. An important feature of this model is its recursive structure, formed through a hierarchy of MTs. Additionally, the paper presents classifications of vertical and horizontal causal interactions, uncovering theoretically grounded patterns of information exchange among Agile activities. These classifications support the derivation of quantitative indicators for assessing project complexity and progress at a given point in time, offering insights into activity specification completeness at hierarchical levels and overall project content completeness. Examples of complexity indicator calculations applied to real-world enterprise application system (EAS) projects are included. Finally, the paper describes enhancements to the Jira tool, including a causal Agile management repository and a prototype user interface. An experimental case study involving four Nordic EAS projects (using Scrum at the team level and SAFe at the program level) demonstrates that the Jira tool, when supplemented with causal analysis, can reveal missing links between themes and initiatives and align interdependencies between teams in real time. The causal Agile approach reduced the total number of requirements by an average of 13% and the number of change requests by 14%, indicating a significant improvement in project coordination and quality. Full article

In the Japanese Multi-Centered Environmental Toxicant Study (JMETS) conducted in five areas across Japan, we demonstrated that bone mineral density (BMD) in female farmers without renal tubular dysfunction was not adversely affected by exposure to low to moderate levels of cadmium (Cd). We then expanded JMETS to the most Cd-polluted area in northern Japan, Akita prefecture, with area A as the control and areas B and C as Cd-polluted areas (Cd exposure levels: B < C), which also covered more female farmers with a wider age range (20–82 years) and Cd exposure sufficient to induce renal tubular dysfunction. We selected 1267 eligible subjects in the three areas and classified them by age and menstrual status. The distribution of blood and urinary Cd levels over the areas was A < B < C (blood Cd: 2.10, 3.78, and 3.39 µg/L, and urinary Cd: 3.02, 4.29, and 6.15 µg/g cr., respectively; p < 0.05), with the steepest age-dependent increase in area C, particularly in older postmenopausal subjects with a urinary Cd level around the threshold for renal tubular dysfunction. Urinary α1-microglobulin (α1MG) and ß2-microglobulin (ß2MG) levels in the three areas also showed age-dependent increases, with higher levels being observed in areas B and C than in area A. Furthermore, ß2MG levels in older postmenopausal subjects were significantly higher in area C than in area A (273 and 157 μg/g cr., respectively, p < 0.05). Age-dependent decreases in BMD were noted in all areas, with rapid reductions from peri- to postmenopausal subjects; however, marked differences in each age class were not observed among the three areas. In multiple regression models of BMD in all subjects using age, body weight, grip, urinary creatinine, urinary α1MG or ß2MG, and blood or urinary Cd as independent variables, urinary α1MG and ß2MG levels correlated with BMD, whereas blood and urinary Cd levels did not. Moreover, age and body weight correlated more strongly with BMD than blood and urinary Cd levels. Therefore, Cd, not only at a low level but also at a level that was sufficient to deteriorate renal tubular function, did not affect bones. These results provide further support for Cd exposure itself not directly affecting bones. Full article

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent and lethal malignancies in women and female dogs. Nature offers a plethora of nontoxic medicinal compounds that could be an excellent source of antineoplastic molecules for breast cancer prevention. Due to the closeness of human and rat mammary tumors, one of the best models to study breast cancer is in rats. Accordingly, this study investigated the chemoprophylactic potential of polyphenol-60 (PO-60) from green tea on the mammary tumorigenesis model using female Sprague-Dawley rats. Forty 30-day-old female rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10/group): Group 1 received N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) intraperitoneally (i.p.), Group 2 received MNU i.p. and 0.5% PO-60 in drinking water, Group 3 received saline i.p. and PO-60, and Group 4 received saline i.p. only. Eventually, rats were subjected to necropsy, histopathology, blood biochemical analysis, and assessment of antioxidative status in liver and mammary tissues. The chronic daily ingestion for 298 days of PO-60 in the MNU-induced mammary tumorigenesis model did not interfere with mammary tumor occurrence and evolution. Still, a decline in GPx and SOD levels in the MNU-inoculated animals (G1/G2 vs. G4) was observed. Catalase activity increased in all groups, except for liver from the individuals inoculated with MNU (G1). Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the intention of Jordanian patients diagnosed with hyperlipidemia to engage in physical activity. This objective was achieved via an in-depth analysis of how patient attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control can influence patient intentions to exercise. Additionally, this research examined how sociodemographic factors and perceived barriers can impact patient participation in physical activity. Methodology: This study employed a cross-sectional approach on a convenience sample of Jordanian patients diagnosed with hyperlipidemia. To gain the required data, a 15-item questionnaire (derived from the Theory of Planned Behavior) was presented to the participants in the form of an online survey (via several platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and email). Results: The results indicate that perceived behavioral control had a significant correlation with the participants’ intentions to participate in physical activity. Additionally, the findings revealed that there were no significant correlations between demographic features (age, marital status, level of education, and monthly income) and intention to engage in physical activity. However, the results ascertained the existence of several facilitators to exercise (such as financial resource availability, self-interest, beneficial weather conditions, and supportive friends or exercise partners). The most commonly reported barriers to physical activity included time constraints, work commitments, and limitations imposed by existing health conditions. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights that can be employed to develop physical activity programs that address the cultural needs of Jordanian patients diagnosed with hyperlipidemia and enhance their levels of physical activity. Full article

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are characterised by increased oxidative stress in the lungs. The precise contribution of this stress to COPD aetiology remains unclear, partly due to the confounding influence of physiological ageing. Previous reports of increased oxidative stress in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples from individuals with COPD may at least in part be attributable to the subjects’ age. This study investigated whether increased metal concentrations at the air–lung interface would contribute to oxidative stress in the lungs. We analysed BAL samples from young and old never-smokers, young asthmatic never-smokers, older smokers without COPD and COPD patients (both current and ex-smokers). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to quantify a range of transition metals, including iron, copper, zinc, arsenic and cadmium. BAL concentrations of copper and zinc were significantly lower in young groups compared to the older groups, irrespective of smoking status or disease (p < 0.001 for both). BAL copper was significantly associated with several markers of oxidative stress, all of which were elevated with age: glutathione disulphide (ρ = 0.50, p < 0.001), dehydroascorbate (ρ = 0.67, p < 0.001) and 4-Hydroxynonenal (ρ = 0.43, p < 0.001). These data indicate that age-related increases in respiratory tract copper concentrations contribute to elevated levels of oxidative stress at the air–lung interface independently of respiratory disease. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chemotherapy is an aggressive form of oncological treatment often accompanied by numerous adverse effects. A patient’s baseline status significantly influences the course of therapy, its efficacy, quality of life, and overall survival. This review aims to analyze the published peer-reviewed studies in this area and to assess whether they permit the formulation of preliminary recommendations for future prehabilitation protocols. Methods: An integrative review was conducted due to the limited number of relevant studies. Four databases—MEDLINE/PubMed (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online/National Library of Medicine), Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science—were systematically searched for English-language articles published between 2010 and 13 January 2025, using the terms “prehabilitation,” “chemotherapy,” “drug therapy,” and “neoadjuvant.” A total of 162 records were retrieved. After duplicate removal, titles and abstracts were screened. The remaining papers were subjected to detailed analysis, resulting in ten studies with diverse methodologies being included. Results: We reviewed ten (n = 10) studies, most of which were reviews focused on breast cancer, indicating variation in the state of knowledge across different cancer types. A protein intake of 1.4 g/kg body mass helps preserve fat-free mass, with whey being more effective than casein. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation at a dose of 2.2 g/kg may prevent chemotherapy-related neurotoxicity and support appetite and weight maintenance. Physical activity, especially when it includes strength training, improves VO₂max, preserves fat-free mass, and may reduce stress and anxiety. We identified one randomized controlled trial in which a single exercise session before the first dose of doxorubicin resulted in a smaller reduction in cardiac function. Continuous psychological support should be available. A combined behavioural and pharmacological approach appears to be the most effective strategy for smoking cessation. Conclusions: No official guidelines exist for prehabilitation before chemotherapy, and the availability of studies on this topic is very limited. The pre-treatment period represents a critical window for interventions. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of particularly single-component interventions. Full article

Sex hormones’ and menstrual cycle’s effects on cognitive performance remain unclear. This study examined cognitive differences between women across menstrual cycle phases, sex differences between women and men, and hormone–cognition associations. In total, 71 healthy young adults, aged 20–36 (42 women, 29 men), completed standardised cognitive tests measuring attention, processing speed, working memory, and visuospatial abilities. Women were tested twice: during menstrual (low-oestradiol) and pre-ovulatory (high-oestradiol) phases; men once. Hormone levels (oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone) were measured in blood samples via electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). Two analytical strategies were used: (1) within-subject analysis comparing women between phases, and (2) between-group comparison across three groups—women in menstrual phase, pre-ovulatory phase, and men. Women performed better during pre-ovulatory versus menstrual phase in working memory (Digit span forward: p = 0.04; Digit span backwards max: p = 0.02) and attention switching (Trail Making Test B: p = 0.01). Sex differences in processing speed were observed only during the menstrual phase (Trail Making Test A: p = 0.03; Stroop B: p = 0.04), but not in the pre-ovulatory phase. Positive correlations between oestradiol/progesterone and cognitive performance were found in men, while complex bidirectional relationships emerged in women during the menstrual phase only. Testosterone showed no significant correlations. These findings highlight hormonal status effects on cognitive sex differences. Full article

Evaluating the response of maize crops to different nitrogen fertilization rates is essential to ensure their agronomic, environmental, and economic efficiency. In this study, the spectral information of maize plants subjected to five distinct nitrogen fertilization strategies was analyzed. The fertilization strategies were based on the practices commonly used in maize fields in the study area, with the aim of ensuring the research findings’ applicability. The spectral reflectance was measured using a spectroradiometer covering the 350–2500 nm range, and the results enabled the identification of optimal spectral regions for monitoring plants’ nitrogen status, particularly in the visible and infrared ranges. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the reflectance data revealed the key wavelengths most sensitive to the nitrogen availability: 555 nm and 720 nm during the vegetative stage and 680 nm during the reproductive stage. This information will support the development of drone-mounted multispectral sensor systems for large-scale monitoring, as well as the design of low-cost sensors for early nitrogen deficiency detection. Furthermore, the study demonstrated the feasibility of estimating the cornstalk nitrate content based on direct reflectance measurements of maize stems. The prediction model showed satisfactory performance, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.845 and a root mean square error of prediction (RMSECV) of 2035.3 ppm, indicating its strong potential for predicting the NO₃-N concentrations in maize stems. Full article