Search Results (155)

Male infertility is a multifactorial condition often associated with disruptions in sperm metabolism and mitochondrial function, yet traditional semen analysis provides limited insight into these molecular mechanisms. Understanding sperm bioenergetics and metabolic dysfunctions is crucial for improving the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as asthenozoospermia and azoospermia. This systematic review synthesizes recent literature, focusing on advanced tools and techniques—including omics technologies, advanced imaging, spectroscopy, and functional assays—that enable comprehensive molecular assessment of sperm metabolism and development. The reviewed studies highlight the effectiveness of metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics in identifying metabolic biomarkers linked to male infertility. Non-invasive imaging modalities such as Raman and magnetic resonance spectroscopy offer real-time metabolic profiling, while the seminal microbiome is increasingly recognized for its role in modulating sperm metabolic health. Despite these advances, challenges remain in clinical validation and implementation of these techniques in routine infertility diagnostics. Integrating molecular metabolic assessments with conventional semen analysis promises enhanced diagnostic precision and personalized therapeutic approaches, ultimately improving reproductive outcomes. Continued research is needed to standardize biomarkers and validate clinical utility. Furthermore, these metabolic tools hold significant potential to elucidate the underlying causes of previously misunderstood and unexplained infertility cases, offering new avenues for diagnosis and treatment. Full article

The empowerment of women in rural areas implies that they have power and control over their lives and participate in individual and collective decision-making. Empowerment depends on autonomy or the ability to act independently. The lack or weakness of autonomy is due to traditional gender roles in rural communities, which reinforce norms and expectations that restrict women, limiting their empowerment and ability to make informed and effective decisions. This context fosters the creation of unequal power structures and women’s dependence on male figures. This article explores the relationship between autonomy and decision-making capacity in rural women. Through a review using the PRISMA approach, we analysed whether the absence of autonomy limits empowerment and decision-making. A total of 141 records were identified, and after excluding duplicate documents, those with no relation to the population and the purpose of this article, 35 articles with research results were included in this review. The categories addressed were empowerment, autonomy, decision-making and sustainable development, the latter emerging in the reviewed literature. Full article

Muscle–joint flexibility is defined as the ability of a muscle to stretch in a controlled manner, allowing a wide range of movement at the joints. While numerous methodologies exist for improving flexibility, few studies have investigated the role of athletes’ perceptual processes and awareness related to their own body and movement control during such training. In this pilot study, we explored how two different training protocols—static and dynamic stretching (control group, CON) and multi-joint resistance training (experimental group, EXP)—influence both flexibility and psychophysical awareness, understood as a multidimensional construct involving perceived flexibility improvements, self-assessed control over exercise execution, and cognitive-emotional responses such as engagement, motivation, and satisfaction during physical effort. The study involved 24 male amateur track-and-field athletes (mean age 23 ± 2.5 years), randomized into two equal groups. Over 12 weeks, both groups trained three times per week. Flexibility was assessed using the Sit and Reach Test at three time points (pre-, mid-, and post-intervention). A 2 × 3 mixed ANOVA revealed a significant group × time interaction (F = 20.17, p < 0.001), with the EXP group showing greater improvements than the CON group. In the EXP group, Sit and Reach scores increased from pre = 28.55 cm (SD = 4.91) to mid = 29.39 cm (SD = 4.67) and post = 29.48 cm (SD = 4.91), with a significant difference between pre and post (p = 0.01; d = 0.35). The CON group showed minimal changes, with scores of pre = 28.66 cm (SD = 4.92), mid = 28.76 cm (SD = 5.03), and post = 28.84 cm (SD = 5.10), and no significant difference between pre and post (p = 0.20; d = 0.04). Psychophysical awareness was assessed using a custom questionnaire structured on a 5-point Likert scale, with items addressing perception of flexibility, motor control, and exercise-related bodily sensations. The questionnaire showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.92). Within the EXP group, psychophysical awareness increased significantly (from 3.50 to 4.17; p = 0.01; d = 0.38), while no significant change occurred in the CON group (p = 0.16). Post-hoc power analysis confirmed small to moderate effect sizes within the EXP group, although between-group differences lacked sufficient statistical power. These results suggest that resistance training may improve flexibility and concurrently enhance athletes’ psychophysical self-awareness more effectively than traditional stretching. Such findings offer practical implications for coaches seeking to optimize flexibility training by integrating alternative methods that promote both physical and perceptual adaptations. Full article

Women’s decision-making autonomy is widely recognized as a critical determinant of maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH). However, prevailing measures often conflate genuine autonomy with decisions made within traditional gender roles, risking an overstatement of women’s empowerment. This study examines the extent to which reported female decision-making autonomy reflects authentic agency versus role-based compliance in a patriarchal context. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 male household heads in Kakamega County, Kenya, whose partners were pregnant or recently postpartum. Using multi-stage cluster sampling and structured interviews, men reported on household and MNCH decision-making and their rationales, categorized as gender-role conformity, belief in gender equality, or other reasons. Although 40.4% reported that their partners made decisions independently, only 11.4% attributed it to a belief in women’s equality; 28% framed it within traditional gender roles. Men were over four times more likely to perceive women’s decisions as role-based than autonomous (AOR = 4.40; 95% CI: 2.48–5.78). Younger men (18–34) were more likely to report female decision-making (AOR = 5.54; 95% CI: 5.08–7.27), without necessarily endorsing egalitarian norms. Findings highlight the urgent need for gender-transformative MNCH interventions that move beyond surface-level autonomy to address deeper structural inequities. Full article

Background/Objectives: The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool for peripheral artery disease (PAD) and a marker of systemic atherosclerosis, predictive of cardiovascular (CV) events. The ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI), derived from 24-h blood pressure monitoring, also predicts CV morbidity and mortality, particularly stroke. However, their combined prognostic utility in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of ABI and AASI in patients with AMI. Methods: We conducted a single-center observational cohort study including 441 consecutive patients with AMI (79% male; mean age 62 years). ABI was measured using an automated device, with ≤0.9 defined as abnormal. AASI was calculated from 24-h blood pressure recordings. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause and CV death and major CV events, assessed in-hospital and over a 3-year follow-up. Results: Median ABI was 1.10 (IQR 1.00–1.18); 10.4% had abnormal ABI. Abnormal ABI was associated with a threefold higher risk of in-hospital adverse events (OR 2.93, 95% CI: 1.48–5.81, p = 0.002). In Cox regression, abnormal ABI predicted long-term all-cause mortality (HR 2.88, 95% CI: 1.53–5.42, p = 0.001), independent of traditional risk factors. Each 0.1 increase in AASI was linked to a 21% higher risk of the composite outcome (p = 0.001) and 25% increased risk of recurrent AMI or urgent revascularization (p = 0.001). Conclusions: In this prospective cohort of patients with AMI, ABI and AASI were associated with adverse outcomes, suggesting their potential role in risk stratification. These exploratory findings require validation in larger, multicenter cohorts to assess their incremental prognostic value and generalizability. Full article

Seaweeds represent a vital yet often understudied component of the diet and cultural heritage of many coastal communities globally. This study investigated seaweed consumption practices in coastal communities of Tawi-Tawi, Philippines, through one-to-one interviews (n = 280) and focus group discussions (n = 7). The study revealed that nearly all (99%) of the population consumes seaweeds, with women comprising the majority of consumers who have done so since childhood (68% female vs. 32% male). These consumers were predominantly married (79%), within the 21–40 age group (53%), with families of 5–7 members (43%), practicing Islam (97%), and belonging to the Sama tribe (71%). A significant portion (48%) had resided in the area for 21–30 years, attained elementary to high school education (66%), and had a monthly income ranging from 1000 to 10,000 Philippine pesos (72%). Seaweed consumption was a family-wide practice (88%), including children, who typically started around 4–8 years old (61%), driven by perceived nutritional benefits (43%), preferred flavor (80%), affordability (19%), ease of preparation (33%), and cultural integration (23%). The primary edible seaweeds identified were Kappaphycus alvarezii (63%), K. striatus (58%), Kappaphycus spp. (47%), Eucheuma denticulatum (57%), Caulerpa lentillifera (64%), Caulerpa spp. (51%), C. cf. macrodisca ecad corynephora (45%), C. racemosa (30%), and Solieria robusta (49%), with less frequent consumption of K. malesianus (8%), Chaetomorpha crassa (3%), Gracilaria spp. (0.72%), and Hydroclathrus clathratus (0.36%). Specific plant parts were preferred for certain species, and preparation predominantly involved raw (75%) or cooked (77%) salads with spices, primarily prepared by mothers (72%). Consumers generally avoided seaweeds showing signs of ice-ice disease (95%), pale coloration (91%), or epiphyte infestation (84%). Consumption frequency was typically 1–3 times per week (45%), with knowledge largely passed down through generations (95%). Seaweed salads were primarily consumed as a viand (92%) at home (97%), with locals perceiving seaweed consumption as contributing to a healthy diet (40%) and overall well-being [e.g., aiding hunger (76%), improving digestion (20%), preventing obesity (14%), and aiding brain development (3%)]. The study’s findings emphasize the significant yet often overlooked role of seaweeds in the food systems and cultural heritage of Tawi-Tawi’s coastal communities. Future efforts should prioritize the sustainable management of wild resources, explore the cultivation of diverse edible species, and enhance nutritional awareness. Further research into traditional seaweed knowledge holds broader value. Full article

Onion, belonging to the Allium genus, is an essential and versatile vegetable crop that plays a pivotal role in culinary traditions worldwide. Renowned for its distinctive flavor and nutritional value, onion is an indispensable ingredient in countless dishes. As the global demand for onion continues to surge, securing a stable supply of high-quality, high-yielding onion varieties becomes ever more pressing. The onion umbel bears numerous tiny flowers that are protandrous in nature. Hybrid breeding is limited in onion due to high inbreeding depression, tedious emasculation and lack of elite inbreds. In this quest for crop improvement, the phenomenon of male sterility stands out as a key tool in modern onion breeding. Male sterility, which is recognized as the incapacity to produce viable pollen grains, inhibition of anther dehiscence and production of non-functional male gametes, has been harnessed as a mechanism to control cross-pollination and escalating hybrid development. The successful utilization of stable male sterile lines in onion holds the promise of producing uniform, high-yielding and disease-resistant hybrids. In recent decades, scientific advances have illuminated the molecular intricacies underlying male sterility systems in onion. Much progress has been made in elucidating the regulation of male sterility systems in the post-genomics era. This review highlights the current status of molecular markers linked with male sterility and provides genetic and molecular insights into its regulation. Additionally, it discusses the role of male sterility as a transformative tool in onion breeding in the genomics era. Full article

Motile cilia play essential roles in various physiological processes including fluid flow generation and sperm motility. In this study, we identified 1,3-diphenyl-6-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)benzo[e][1,2,4]triazin-7(1H)-one as a potent and reversible modulator of ciliary function using the Xenopus laevis model. This benzotriazinone derivative inhibits ciliary-driven fluid flow by inducing cilia detachment without causing toxicity in developing embryos. Unlike traditional deciliation agents that rely on calcium signaling, this compound induces cilia loss through a shear stress-driven mechanism at the transition zone, without disrupting tissue morphology or the apical actin network. Importantly, it also induces flagellar loss and impairs sperm motility at picomolar concentrations. Our findings highlight the potential of this 6-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)-substituted benzotriazinone as a non-hormonal male contraceptive and underscore a novel mechanism of cilia modulation that may have broader implications for the treatment of cilia-related disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: Classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is a predominantly curable B-cell malignancy. However, primary refractory and relapsed (R/R) cHL remain therapeutic challenges, especially in regions with high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence, where clinical and radiologic features overlap and can obscure the correct diagnosis. This article, presenting a case of R/R cHL mimicking disseminated TB, reviews the evolving paradigm in R/R cHL management. Methods: A 30-year-old Middle Eastern male with advanced nodular sclerosis cHL initially achieved a complete remission (CR) with escalated BEACOPP chemotherapy. Shortly afterward, he developed respiratory symptoms and diffuse miliary pulmonary nodules, highly suggestive of disseminated TB. Despite extensive negative TB workup, including QuantiFERON-TB Gold testing, sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining, and PCR, his imaging raised concern for recurrent cHL. Due to the small size and diffuse distribution of nodules, biopsy was unfeasible, prompting empiric salvage therapy with DEHAP-Carbo, brentuximab vedotin (BV), and nivolumab. Results: The rapid and robust metabolic response on PET/CT supported lymphoma relapse rather than TB. Following four cycles of this combined regimen, he proceeded to autologous stem cell transplantation and achieved a second CR. Conclusions: This case highlights the diagnostic difficulties in differentiating cHL relapse from TB in endemic regions, emphasizes the critical role of PET/CT in guiding therapy when histopathological confirmation is impractical, and illustrates the impact of novel immunotherapies in improving outcomes. By underscoring the importance of early diagnostic suspicion and multimodal assessment, this article also reviews the evolving paradigm in R/R cHL management, where personalized approaches and targeted agents increasingly complement or replace traditional chemotherapy regimens. Full article

Swearing is a powerful and emotionally charged form of language that has recently gained increased scholarly attention. While commonly used for emotional release, its role in sport and exercise ‘self-talk’ remains understudied. Prior evidence suggests that swearing may aid in pain management, emotion regulation, and performance enhancement, yet research in athletic contexts has largely focused on conventional self-talk. To address this gap, the present study developed and validated the Reasons for Swearing in Sport and Exercise Questionnaire (RSSEQ), a novel tool assessing reasons motivating swearing among competitive athletes, coaches, and recreational exercisers. A total of 513 participants completed the RSSEQ. Exploratory (n = 333) and confirmatory (n = 180) factor analyses supported a three-factor structure: Stress and Emotional Catharsis, Mental Strength Enhancement, and Coping with Physical Discomfort and Pain. Males reported greater use of swearing for mental strength and pain-related coping, while no gender differences were observed for emotional catharsis. Athletes reported more swearing for emotional catharsis than did coaches, but no differences emerged in motivational or pain-related use. No significant differences were found between competitive and recreational athletes or between team and individual sport participants. These findings establish a foundation for future research on the psychological functions of swearing in sport and exercise, encouraging further exploration of its effectiveness and potential integration into mental training strategies, alongside more traditional self-talk approaches. Full article

Urban noise pollution significantly degrades people’s health and well-being and, furthermore, traditional noise reduction strategies often overlook individual perception differences. This study proposed to explore the role of eco-acoustic indices in capturing the interplay between biophony, geophony, and anthrophony, and their relationship with classical acoustic metrics and the perceived soundscapes within a University Campus (University of “Mila-no-Bicocca”, Italy). The study area is divided in to eight different sites in “Piazza della Scienza” square. Sound measurements and surveys conducted in June 2023 across four paved sites and adjacent courtyards involved 398 participants (51.7% female, 45.6% male, 2.7% other). The main noise sources included road traffic, technical installations, and human activity, where traffic noise was more prominent at street-level sites (Sites 1–4) and technical installations dominated underground courtyards (6–8). Human activity was most noticeable at Sites 4–8, especially at Site 5, which showed the highest activity levels. A circumplex model revealed that street-level sites were less pleasant and eventful than courtyards. Pairwise comparisons of noise variability showed significant differences among sites, with underground locations offering quieter environments. Eco-acoustic analysis identified two site groups: one linked to noisiness and spectral features, the other to intensity distribution metrics. Technical installations, people, and traffic noises showed distinct correlations with acoustic indices, influencing emotional responses like stimulation and liveliness. These findings emphasize the need to integrate subjective perceptions with objective noise metrics in soundscape descriptions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fecal calprotectin (FC) is a biomarker of intestinal inflammation widely used in the assessment of gastrointestinal disorders. However, its role in chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unclear. Given the growing recognition of the gut–kidney axis in CKD pathophysiology, this study aimed to investigate the association between FC levels, systemic inflammation, renal outcomes, and mortality in CKD patients. Methods: We enrolled a total of 515 CKD patients who underwent fecal calprotectin measurement between 2016 and 2023. After applying the exclusion criteria (inflammatory bowel disease, ongoing renal replacement therapy, or incomplete laboratory data), 260 patients were included in the final analysis and stratified into low-FC (<102 μg/g, n = 130) and high-FC (≥102 μg/g, n = 130) groups based on the median FC value. Factors associated with kidney disease progression and patient survival were analyzed. Results: Patients in the high-FC group (≥102 μg/g) were significantly older (72.8 ± 14.63 vs. 64.02 ± 18.15 years, p < 0.0001) and had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (55.38% vs. 42.31%, p = 0.0349), heart failure (21.54% vs. 7.69%, p = 0.0016), and history of acute kidney injury (33.85% vs. 18.46%, p = 0.0048). Elevated FC was independently associated with increased mortality risk (hazards ratio [HR] 1.658, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.034–2.658, p = 0.0357) with higher mortality rates (48.36 vs. 18.46 per 100,000 person-years). Subgroup analyses revealed stronger associations between FC and mortality in males (HR 2.160, 95% CI 1.046–4.463, p = 0.0375), elderly patients (≥75 years) (HR 2.122, 95% CI 1.209–3.725, p = 0.0088), and non-diabetic patients (HR 2.487, 95% CI 1.141–5.421, p = 0.0219). While FC was not significantly associated with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) progression (odds ratio [OR] 1.289, 95% CI 0.455–3.650, p = 0.6323), higher FC levels paradoxically predicted slower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline (OR 2.763, 95% CI 1.139–6.699, p = 0.0245). Combined analysis revealed patients with both elevated FC and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) had the highest mortality risk (HR 3.504, 95% CI 1.163–10.554, p < 0.0001) compared to those with low levels of both markers. Conclusions: FC is a potential prognostic biomarker for mortality in CKD patients, independently of traditional inflammatory markers. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its paradoxical relationship with renal outcomes and its potential role in risk stratification and therapeutic targeting in CKD. Full article

Men have a higher risk of suicide compared to women, with those in male-dominated industries such as construction being particularly vulnerable. These industries are typically characterised as ‘macho’ environments, endorsing traditional masculine norms that reinforce mental health stigma and delay help-seeking. The workplace is a promising setting for engaging men with issues around their mental health. Although managers can play a key role by connecting workers in distress with mental health supports, research exploring their experiences of this is limited. This study sought to address this gap by exploring the barriers to and the facilitators of help-offering behaviour among managers in the construction industry in Ireland. Five focus groups were conducted with construction industry managers (n = 33) to explore their perspectives on supporting and offering help to workers in distress. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings indicated three key themes: (1) creating the right environment with sub-themes focused on fostering an open culture around mental health on-site and overcoming systemic challenges; (2) navigating the practice of help-offering; and (3) using the right tools for the job. The findings highlight the need for manager training tailored to the construction industry as part of a multi-faceted approach to help-offering within the industry. Full article

The persistent gender gap in executive leadership remains a challenge to sustainable development. Despite evidence linking diverse leadership to enhanced organizational performance and economic growth, women still face barriers to leadership roles. This study examines cultural norms, organizational policies, and workplace practices sustaining gender inequality in executive positions in Taiwan and Guatemala. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from a cross-sectional survey of 250 women executives in private organizations. The findings highlight cultural norms and organizational policies as key factors perpetuating the gender gap. Traditional gender roles and male-dominated networks act as barriers, while inclusive practices and leadership development programs promote equality. Organizational culture also mediates the relationship between inclusivity and leadership opportunities, emphasizing the role of empathy-driven policies. This research aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), underscoring the need for gender-equal leadership to foster innovation and sustainable growth. Full article

Objective: Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) constitutes the most common drug-refractory epilepsy syndrome. Tailored approaches are required, as TLE originates from extrahippocampal lesions in about one-quarter of surgical candidates. Despite high success rates in seizure control, concern persists regarding postoperative memory decline after lesionectomy. We investigated the associations between structural connectivity and postoperative memory performance in extrahippocampal TLE surgery. Methods: In total, 55 patients (25 females, 30 males; mean age 29.8 ± 14.5 years; epilepsy duration 7.9 ± 10.5 years, 31 left, 24 right TLE) with extrahippocampal TLE undergoing hippocampal-sparing surgery were evaluated with standardized pre- and postoperative neuropsychological testing. Lesion volumes intersected with Human Connectome Project-derived tractography data were employed to assess the structural connectivity integrity via voxel-based and connectome-informed lesion–symptom mapping to identify cortical and white matter structures associated with cognitive outcomes. Results: Post-surgery, the widespread structural disconnection of several major white matter pathways was found, correlating with verbal memory and delayed recall. Additionally, the structural disconnection of the ipsilateral temporal lobe white matter was further associated with hippocampal atrophy. Conclusions: Our study highlights the role of structural connectivity alterations in postoperative memory decline in extrahippocampal TLE surgery. These findings expand the traditional understanding of hippocampal integrity in memory function towards the importance of broader structural networks. Individualized, connectome-informed surgical approaches might protect neurocognitive function. Full article