Search Results (597)

Adolescence represents a critical period of neurodevelopment during which brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a fundamental role in neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. While exercise-BDNF relationships are well-documented in adults, evidence in adolescents remains limited and inconsistent. This systematic review examined the effects of exercise modalities on circulating BDNF concentrations in adolescent populations. A systematic search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across multiple databases (FECYT, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, ProQuest Central, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library) through June 2025. Inclusion criteria comprised adolescents, exercise interventions, BDNF outcomes, and randomized controlled trial design. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. From 130 initially identified articles, 8 randomized controlled trials were included, with 4 rated as excellent and the other 4 as good quality. Exercise modalities included aerobic, resistance, concurrent, high-intensity interval training, Taekwondo, and whole-body vibration, with durations ranging 6–24 weeks. Four studies demonstrated statistically significant BDNF increases following exercise interventions, four showed no significant changes, and one reported transient reduction. Positive outcomes occurred primarily with vigorous-intensity protocols implemented for a minimum of six weeks. Meta-analysis was not feasible due to high heterogeneity in populations, interventions, and control conditions. Moreover, variation in post-exercise sampling timing further limited comparability of BDNF results. Future research should standardize protocols and examine longer interventions to clarify exercise-BDNF relationships in adolescents. Full article

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of physical activity levels and body mass index (BMI) on the quality of life among university students. Methods: The sample consisted of 495 students (176 males and 319 females). Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form (IPAQ-SF), while quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and regression analysis were employed to determine relationships and predictive influence. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The results indicated that male students reported significantly higher levels of moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity compared to female students (p = 0.015 and p = 0.001, respectively), as well as higher scores in the physical health and social relationships domains of quality of life (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). Both physical activity and BMI had a statistically significant impact on the physical health (p = 0.040 for males; p = 0.024 for females) and psychological health (p = 0.047 for males; p = 0.000 for females) domains. Specifically, moderate-intensity PA positively influenced physical health (β = 0.21, p = 0.005), while BMI was a predictor of psychological health in males (β = 0.18, p = 0.016). Among females, BMI negatively influenced physical health (β = −0.18, p = 0.002), and both low-intensity PA (β = 0.17, p = 0.002) and BMI (β = −0.21, p = 0.000) significantly affected psychological health. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of promoting diverse forms of physical activity and maintaining a healthy BMI in student populations, with consideration for gender-specific approaches to maximize quality of life outcomes. Full article

Lower respiratory tract infections remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among Intensive Care Unit patients, with severe cases often progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This life-threatening syndrome results from alveolar–capillary membrane injury, causing refractory hypoxemia and respiratory failure. Early detection and management are critical to treat the underlying cause, provide protective lung ventilation, and, eventually, improve patient outcomes. The 2012 Berlin definition standardized ARDS diagnosis but excluded patients on non-invasive ventilation (NIV) or high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) modalities, which are increasingly used, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. By excluding these patients, diagnostic delays can occur, risking the progression of lung injury despite ongoing support. Indeed, sustained, vigorous respiratory efforts under non-invasive modalities carry significant potential for patient self-inflicted lung injury (P-SILI), underscoring the need to broaden diagnostic criteria to encompass these increasingly common therapies. Recent proposals expand ARDS criteria to include NIV and HFNCs, lung ultrasound, and the SpO₂/FiO₂ ratio adaptations designed to improve diagnosis in resource-limited settings lacking arterial blood gases or advanced imaging. However, broader criteria risk overdiagnosis and create challenges in distinguishing ARDS from other causes of acute hypoxemic failure. Furthermore, inter-observer variability in imaging interpretation and inconsistencies in oxygenation assessment, particularly when relying on non-invasive measurements, may compromise diagnostic reliability. To overcome these limitations, a more nuanced diagnostic framework is needed—one that incorporates individualized therapeutic strategies, emphasizes lung-protective ventilation, and integrates advanced physiological or biomarker-based indicators like IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ, which are associated with worse outcomes. Such an approach has the potential to improve patient stratification, enable more targeted interventions, and ultimately support the design and conduct of more effective interventional studies. Full article

(1) Background: Physical activity (PA) plays a crucial role in preserving and enhancing mental health, particularly in the aftermath of major health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the specific levels and domains of physical activity that have the greatest impact on alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress in the post-COVID-19 period remain unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of different levels and domains of PA on mental health parameters, specifically symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, in individuals who had recovered from COVID-19. (2) Methods: The study included initial measurements (2–4 weeks post-recovery) and final measurements (14–16 weeks post-recovery). The sample comprised 288 participants aged 20 to 60 years (M = 47.06; SD = 12.41), with 95 men and 193 women. PA was assessed using the long version of the IPAQ questionnaire, while mental health was evaluated using the long version of the DASS scale. (3) Results: Stepwise regression analysis revealed that low- (p = 0.010) and moderate-intensity (p = 0.022) PA was significantly associated with reductions in anxiety symptoms as well as lower stress levels (low PA: p = 0.014; moderate PA: p = 0.042). Total PA (p < 0.001) and vigorous-intensity PA (p = 0.008) emerged as significant predictors of reduced depression levels. Among the domains of PA, home-based activities had a statistically significant impact on all three mental health components: anxiety (p = 0.005), depression (p = 0.002), and stress (p = 0.041). Transport-related PA was significantly associated with anxiety (p = 0.011) and stress (p = 0.022), but not with depression. (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that a combined model incorporating different levels and domains of PA may represent an effective approach to improving mental health in individuals recovering from COVID-19. Further longitudinal studies are needed to establish more precise causal relationships. Full article

Background: Mass casualty events in conflict-affected regions can lead to the displacement of civilians and are often accompanied by substantial psychological and emotional impact on those affected. While physical activity is known to support mental health, the ways in which it relates to anxiety, resilience, and well-being in conflict-affected populations are still being explored. Objective: This study examined the associations among physical activity, anxiety, resilience, and well-being in evacuees from a conflict-affected zone. We hypothesized that higher levels of intense physical activity would be associated with higher levels of resilience and well-being and lower levels of anxiety. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 107 evacuees completed an online survey in December 2023. The questionnaire assessed the frequency and intensity of physical activity, generalized anxiety, resilience, and well-being. Participants were categorized by weekly total physical activity levels. Data was analyzed using ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression. Results: Evacuees engaging in more than three hours of vigorous-intensity physical activity exhibited significantly higher resilience and better well-being compared to those with lower activity levels. Although not statistically significant, the data suggested a possible pattern of lower anxiety among evacuees engaging in higher levels of physical activity. Regression analysis identified higher resilience and lower anxiety as significant predictors of greater mental well-being. Additionally, residing in a community exposed to a higher number of traumatic events was associated with reduced well-being. The overall model explained a substantial portion of the variance in mental well-being. Conclusions: Physical activity, especially intense exercise, is associated with improved mental health and resilience among evacuees, supporting its inclusion in interventions for trauma-affected populations. Full article

Despite recent advances in the treatment of obesity, lifestyle medicine remains foundational to the treatment of individuals with obesity, regardless of the modality chosen by the patient with the guidance of the clinician they are working with, including in conjunction with, as appropriate, anti-obesity medications and metabolic surgery. Lifestyle medicine involves the use of diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and other lifestyle modalities in the treatment of disease. Clinicians and health systems should, after a patient-centered discussion with the patient, do their best to ensure access to lifestyle treatments. Gold standard guidelines recommend intensive, multicomponent lifestyle change programs for obesity treatments with evidence-based diet and exercise counseling and established, theoretically driven behavior change components. Clinicians treating obesity should be aware of their own biases, make efforts to reduce stigmatizing experiences in their practice, and address weight stigma in their treatment plans as needed. A variety of dietary patterns can be used to support patients with obesity, and clinicians should make evidence-based but patient-centered recommendations that aim to maximize adherence. Diet and exercise can play an important role in reducing the side effects of treatment and optimizing outcomes in weight loss, attenuating the effects of metabolic adaptation, and weight maintenance. Exercise should be increased gradually to reduce injury with a goal of 200–300 min (approximately 3.3–5 h) of moderate to vigorous intensity exercise per week to maximize weight maintenance effects with exercise prescriptions customized to patients risks. A variety of practice models can be leveraged along with the use of an interdisciplinary team to provide lifestyle medicine care for those with obesity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although public health organizations encourage family walking, no studies have examined children’s physical activity and enjoyment during outdoor parent–child walks. This study addresses those gaps by examining children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and enjoyment during outdoor walks with their parents, along with parental barriers and their relationship with parent’s self-efficacy and co-activity minutes. Methods: Fifty parent–child dyads (children aged 6–12 years) completed 10 min, self-paced outdoor walks while wearing waist-worn ActiGraph monitors. Parents reported perceived barriers to walking outdoors with their child and self-efficacy for supporting their child’s daily physical activity. Results: Children reported high enjoyment (mean = 5.1 on a six-point scale) and attained high physical activity intensity (71.3% of time in MVPA, 22.0% in vigorous activity, mean step count = 1200). Parents reported an average of 2.6 barriers (SD = 1.0) to walking outdoors with their child, with poor weather (70%) and lack of time (70%) reported most frequently. Each additional barrier was associated with a 1.3-point reduction in parents’ self-efficacy (p = 0.007). Two barriers (‘diverse interests between parent and child’ and ‘other parent-suggested barriers’) were significantly associated with fewer co-activity minutes per week (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study highlights the benefits of parent–child outdoor walking for promoting MVPA and enjoyment in children. Because perceived barriers may lower parents’ self-efficacy in supporting their child’s physical activity, addressing these barriers may be essential for the success of family-based interventions that encourage walking together outdoors. Full article

It is well known that aqueous solutions can emit electromagnetic waves in the radio frequency range. However, the physical nature of this process is not yet fully understood. In this work, the possible role of gas nanobubbles formed in the bulk liquid is considered. We develop a theoretical model based on the concept of gas bubbles stabilized by ions, or “bubstons”. The role of bicarbonate and hydronium ions in the formation and stabilization of bubstons is explained through the use of quantum chemical simulations. A new model of oscillating bubstons, which takes into account the double electric layer formed around their gas core, is proposed. Theoretical estimates of the frequencies and intensities of oscillations of such compound species are obtained. It was determined that oscillations of negatively charged bubstons can occur in the GHz frequency range, and should be accompanied by the emission of electromagnetic waves. To validate the theoretical assumptions, we used dynamic light scattering (DLS) and showed that, after subjecting aqueous solutions to vigorous shaking with a force of 4 or 8 N (kg·m/s²) and a frequency of 4–5 Hz, the volume number density of bubstons increased by about two orders of magnitude. Radiometric measurements in the frequency range of 50 MHz to 3.5 GHz revealed an increase in the intensity of radiation emitted by water samples upon the vibrational treatment. It is argued that, according to our new theoretical model, this radiation can be caused by oscillating bubstons. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between sleep duration, physical activity, and nutritional intake of calories and vitamins to determine the interconnections among sleep, physical activity, and dietary habits. Methods: Overall, 5491 participants (male = 2347, female = 3144) aged ≥ 18 years were recruited from the first survey of the 2023 9th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). All participants were assessed for sleep duration, physical activity levels, and intake of vitamin D, carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Results: In both sexes, participants with ≥8 h of sleep per day had significantly higher levels of moderate-intensity physical activity (male: p = 0.026, female: p = 0.011), moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (male: p = 0.003, female: p = 0.004), vitamin D (male: p = 0.029, female: p = 0.008), protein (male: p < 0.001, female: p = 0.011), and fat (male: p = 0.007, female: p = 0.015) than those with < 8 h of sleep. In the unadjusted model, participants who did not meet the recommended protein intake were less likely to achieve sufficient levels of physical activity (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.39–1.82) and adequate sleep duration (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.10–1.16). Conclusions: Sleep duration, physical activity, and nutrient intake (particularly vitamin D and protein) appear to be interrelated. Therefore, increasing daily physical activity and ensuring adequate intake of protein and vitamin D is recommended to maintain healthy sleep duration. Full article

Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica L.) is a small tree that forms dense stands, displacing native plant species and threatening natural forest habitats in its introduced range in North America. Removal via cutting is labor intensive and often ineffective due to vigorous resprouting. Although chemical control methods are effective, they can negatively affect sensitive ecosystems. A mycoherbicide that selectively kills buckthorn would provide an additional method for control. In the present study, fungi were collected from dying buckthorn species (Frangula alnus Mill., Rhamnus cathartica, Ventia alnifolia L’Hér) located at 19 sites across Minnesota and Wisconsin for their potential use as mycoherbicides for common buckthorn. A total of 412 fungi were isolated from samples of diseased tissue and identified via DNA extraction and sequencing. These fungi were identified as 120 unique taxa belonging to 81 genera. Of these fungi, 46 species belonging to 26 genera were considered to be canker or root-rot pathogens of woody plants, including species in Cytospora, Diaporthe, Diplodia, Dothiorella, Eutypella, Fusarium, Hymenochaete, Irpex, Phaeoacemonium, and others. A future study testing the pathogenicity of these putative pathogens of buckthorn is now needed to assess their utility as potential mycoherbicide agents for control of common buckthorn. Full article

Background/Objectives: Physical activity is generally recommended, but youth with disabilities present increased sedentary behaviors. This is often due to limited or inaccessible exercise options. The aim of this systematic review was to report on the state of knowledge about the role of adapted physical activity (APA) in improving gross motor performance (query 1), participation and QoL (query 2) of children and adolescents with neurological motor disability. Methods: Pubmed, Scopus and Cinahl databases were enquired in October 2023 and updated in May 2025. Inclusion criteria were the following: any type of physical activity; pediatric subjects with any neuromotor disease; and any type of outcome measure regarding gross motor performance, participation or QoL. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed by means of ROB 2, Robins-I and JBI tools. Results were synthetized focusing on the outcome measures and the type of activity proposed. Results: Thirteen and seven studies were included relative to queries 1 and 2, respectively. They all were RCTs, and some presented randomization RoB. Several types of APA (e.g., resistance, high-intensity circuit, running, cycling, aquatic and dance training) and of outcome measures were enquired, mostly focusing on subjects with cerebral palsy or Down syndrome. An increased time of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, improvement in timed functional tests, muscle strength and stability were observed. Conclusions: APA may improve functioning, social participation and promote active lifestyle in pediatric persons with neuromotor disabilities, without adverse effects. In the future, more specific indications based on the functioning profile are advisable to orient professionals to define individualized safe training programs. Full article

Background: Active play has been proposed to complement school-based physical activity (PA) and promote increased movement-related activities relevant for the development of motor competence. Guided active play (GAP) paired with cooperative games provides sufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) to improve motor competence for younger children. Whether guided active play exhibits physical activity outputs that are related to motor competence is uncertain. This study assessed the strength of relationships between play-based physical activity and movement skills by comparing linear regression and chi-square analyses. Methods: Forty-two children (Mage = 8.8 ± 0.8 years) participated in a community center program. PA was measured via accelerometry for GAP, alongside assessments of anthropometrics, fitness (leg power, strength, VO₂max), and FMS (Test of Gross Motor Development-2). Multiple linear regression analysis examined reciprocal relationships. Chi-square and cross-tabulations analyzed categorical variables based on lab percentiles (low < 33%, high > 66%) for PA energy expenditure (PAEE), intensity (MVPA), FMS, and fitness. Results: GAP MVPA and object control skills (OC) showed positive reciprocal pathways (β = 0.308, β = 0.394; p ≤ 0.05). VO₂max predicted MVPA (β = 0.408; p < 0.01), with leg power related to PAEE (β = 0.456; p ≤ 0.01). Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between high OC skills and high PAEE (X² = 15.12, p ≤ 0.05), and high individual average scores of OC with high MVPA (X² = 11.90, p < 0.05. The high performance of AP and LP was associated with MVPA and PAEE, respectively. Conclusions: Findings support a positive feedback loop between MVPA and OC skills for GAP. GAP is an effective strategy for program interventions for children 8 to 10-year old. Full article

Conventional micropropagation of cannabis struggles with excessive callus hyperhydration, slow growth, low rooting efficiency, and high contamination risk, all of which greatly restrict its feasibility for large-scale propagation. In contrast, photoautotrophic micropropagation (PAM) has emerged as an efficient and cost-effective propagation strategy that can significantly enhance plantlet growth and improve seedling quality by optimizing the LED lighting environment. This study investigated the effects of four light intensities (50, 100, 150, and 200 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and three photoperiods (16, 20, and 24 h d⁻¹) on the growth and rooting of two medicinal cannabis cultivars (the short-day cultivar ‘Charlotte’ and the day-neutral cultivar ‘Auto Charlotte’). Cluster analysis revealed that plantlets grown under the photoperiod of 20 h d⁻¹ and light intensity of 100–150 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ exhibited optimal growth performance in terms of plant height, root length, leaf number, leaf area, biomass, and root activity. Moreover, increasing the light intensity from 50 to 100–150 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ significantly enhanced net CO₂ exchange rates by 41.5% and 204.9% for Charlotte and Auto Charlotte, respectively, along with corresponding increases in dry matter accumulation of 44.3% and 27.9%. However, the plantlets exhibited photooxidative damage under continuous lighting and light intensity of 200 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, as evidenced by reduced photosynthetic pigment content and suppressed antioxidant enzyme activity. Therefore, PAM of medicinal cannabis is recommended under the LED lighting environment with light intensity of 100–150 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ and photoperiod of 20 h d⁻¹ to achieve optimal growth and rooting. These findings provide essential technical support for the large-scale propagation of vigorous, disease-free female plantlets with well-developed root systems and high genetic uniformity, thereby meeting the stringent quality standards for planting materials in the commercial cultivation of cannabis for medical and pharmaceutical use. Full article

Seed quality is vital for agricultural productivity, as it directly influences the crop yield and resilience to environmental stressors. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment in enhancing the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seed quality, seedling growth, and microbial safety. Tomato seeds were treated with PEFs at energy levels ranging from 1.07 to 17.28 J, and several parameters were assessed, including the germination rate, normal seedling development, tolerance to cold and salinity stress, electrical conductivity, and microbial inactivation. The highest germination rate (72.81%) was observed at 15.36 J on the seventh day of germination, whereas the highest normal seedling rate (94.62%) was recorded at 17.28 J (p ≤ 0.05). The germination under cold stress (5 days at 24 °C) was highest, with a 46.67% germination observed at both 1.92 and 10.88 J. PEF-treated seeds exposed to 100 and 200 mM of NaCl exhibited significantly improved germination compared to the controls (p ≤ 0.05). The electrical conductivity (EC) was more influenced by the incubation time than by the PEF intensity, as the EC of all samples showed a significant increase from 4 to 8 h. The samples treated with 17.28 J exhibited the highest germination rates under salt stress, reaching 62.00 ± 0.90% and 50.00 ± 0.60% under 100 mM and 200 mM of NaCl, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). The initial mean counts of the total mesophilic aerobic bacteria and the total mold and yeast—4.00 ± 0.03 and 3.06 ± 0.03 log cfu/g, respectively—were reduced to undetectable levels by the application of 17.28 J, with higher energy levels yielding greater inactivation. These findings demonstrate that the PEF is a promising technique for enhancing seed quality, promoting seedling vigor, and reducing microbial contamination, supporting its application in sustainable agriculture. Full article

Background: During childhood and adolescence, personality development is continuous. Younger people—defined in this study as high-school students aged 14 to 18—are particularly receptive to change. The health behaviors formed during this period can significantly influence health in later life. Therefore, families and schools play a crucial role in promoting a healthy lifestyle. In our research, we examined the relationship between psychosocial resources (social support and school resources) and the regularity and intensity of physical activity. Methods: In this study, “appropriate physical activity” refers to the level and intensity of activity recommended by the World Health Organization—namely, at least 60 min per day of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for adolescents. We conducted our cross-sectional research in Hungary, Western Transdanubia, using convenience sampling among high-school students (n = 331). Data collected with a self-edited and standardized questionnaire (MSPSS, HBSC school resources and school social support) were analyzed using the SPSS Statistics 22 program with a t-test, ANOVA and χ² test (p < 0.05). Results: In the case of the time spent on physical activities per week, boys (p < 0.05) and younger people (p < 0.05) showed a much more favorable picture. Examining the intensity of regular physical activity among students who belonged to the appropriate range, the average values of family social support were significantly higher (p < 0.05), but this association was not observed for social support from friends or significant others (p > 0.05). The amount of movement was not differentiated by support from others (p > 0.05). The level of attitude towards their school was higher among students who performed physical activity of the appropriate quality and quantity (p < 0.05). Teachers’ assessment of school performance and the quality of the relationship with teachers showed a correlation with physical activity performed at the appropriate intensity (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We found a positive effect of family and school resources on the regularity and intensity of physical activity, which draws attention to strengthening the partnership between family and school, improving the school atmosphere and social support within the school, increasing students’ attachment to their institution. The combination of these resources can help children lead a more active and healthier life, which has a beneficial long-term impact on their physical and mental well-being. The cooperation between parents and schools is crucial in supporting young people in adopting a healthy lifestyle. Full article