Highly stressful global event affecting health sciences students: A longitudinal qualitative study.

Background: Stressful events of great magnitude have produced significant changes in society and in health education. University students have faced considerable challenges both during and after such events, which have affected their lifestyles, mental health, the development of academic activities, and changes in education systems due to the adoption of new teaching models and the use of online technology.

Objectives: To explore the perspectives and experiences of university health sciences students regarding their lifestyles and academic stress both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, a highly stressful event.

Modulatory effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on sensory gating in Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Introduction: Several studies have demonstrated a reduced habituation to redundant somatosensory stimulation (sensory gating) in Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Furthermore, anodal transcranial direct current stimulation has been shown to modulate somatosensory processing. The aim of this study was to examine the modulatory effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation applied over the left primary somatosensory cortex on sensory gating in Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Prevalence of Neural Axis Abnormalities in Typical and Atypical Laterality Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the possible relationship between atypical laterality curves and NAA.

Summary: Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity of unknown origin.

Knowledge as a Key Factor in Consumption and Its Importance for Agrifood Product Communication.

Consumer knowledge is a variable that has been widely studied in the literature due to its strong influence on behavior, which could be crucial in some specific contexts where product consumption largely depends on what the consumer specifically knows about the product in question. Communication campaigns designed to convey clear and useful information for the purchase decision are the key to increasing knowledge and, consequently, consumption. Using data collected from a total of 3200 olive oils consumers (Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Denmark), this work studies the level of consumer objective knowledge of olive oils, an essential component of the Mediterranean diet and offers several recommendations for informing communication strategy in this sector to improve knowledge and drive up the consumption of high-quality oil.

Circular RNAs as Novel Biomarkers and Application in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide in the human population. Currently, both noninvasive and invasive conventional diagnostic methods are used in cardiovascular diseases. Noninvasive techniques such as electrocardiogram are widely accepted; yet, it is hindered by poor sensitivity and specificity.

Right Ventricular Function Improves After Bench Press: A Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Study.

: The association between right ventricular myocardial fiber deformation and nutrition in weightlifters has not been fully characterized. This study analyzed nutritional factors and right ventricle speckle tracking echocardiography parameters in weightlifters before and after bench press exercises. : This interventional study examined the effects of bench press exercises on myocardial function.

Dual-Task Training Interventions for Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Effects on Postural Balance and Walking Speed.

: Dual-task training (DTT) is an innovative therapeutic approach that involves the simultaneous application of two tasks, which can be motor, cognitive, or a combination of both. Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often exhibit impairments in balance, motor skills, and gait, conditions that may be amenable to improvement through DTT. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of DTT in enhancing balance, walking speed, and gross motor function-related balance in children with CP.

Effects of Dance-Based Aerobic Training on Functional Capacity and Risk of Falls in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Older adults with mild cognitive impairment are at increased risk for physical decline and falls due to decreased strength, flexibility, balance, and gait. Dance-based aerobic training has emerged as a promising and enjoyable intervention to promote physical function and cognitive stimulation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a 12-week structured dance-based aerobic program, based on line dancing and Latin rhythms (e.

Physiopathology of the Brain Renin-Angiotensin System.

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has evolved from being considered solely a peripheral endocrine system for cardiovascular control to being recognized as a complex molecular network with important functions in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Here we examine the organization, mechanisms of action, and clinical implications of cerebral RAS in physiological conditions and in various neurological pathologies. The cerebral RAS operates autonomously, synthesizing its main components locally due to restrictions imposed by the blood-brain barrier.

Effects of a Multidimensional Exercise and Mindfulness Approach Targeting Physical, Psychological, and Functional Outcomes: Protocol for the BACKFIT Randomized Controlled Trial with an Active Control Group.

Chronic primary low back pain (CPLBP) is a prevalent condition in primary care and a leading cause of disability and absenteeism worldwide. Multidimensional approaches may be necessary to achieve physical and mental health benefits in individuals with CPLBP. The BACKFIT randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multidimensional intervention-combining supervised exercise and mindfulness-on pain, physical fitness, mental health, and functional outcomes in individuals with CPLBP.

Hydroxytyrosol and Brain Tumors: Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Potential.

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors, especially gliomas and IDH-wildtype glioblastoma, present high aggressiveness, low response to current treatments and limited survival. Several biological processes such as oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy are involved in their development. Hydroxytyrosol (HTX), a phenolic compound present in olives, has shown relevant effects on these processes in experimental models.

The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Frustration Intolerance in the Academic Performance of University Students: A Structural Equation Model.

This study examines how emotional intelligence and frustration intolerance influence academic performance in university students, drawing on the Job Demands-Resources model-which frames academic success as a balance between psychological demands (such as frustration intolerance) and personal resources (like emotional intelligence)-and Self-Determination Theory, which explains how motivation and self-regulation contribute to adaptation and persistence in challenging contexts. A sample of 630 undergraduates across various disciplines completed validated measures of emotional intelligence, frustration intolerance, academic burnout, academic engagement, and grade point average. Structural equation modeling analyzed relationships among these variables.

A comprehensive approach to simulating bone fractures through bone model fragmentation guided by fracture patterns.

Bone fractures are a common medical condition requiring accurate simulation for diagnosis and treatment planning. This study introduces a comprehensive method for simulating bone fractures using two-dimensional fracture patterns and real fractured bones applied to three-dimensional bone models. The approach begins with selecting and adjusting a fracture pattern, projecting it onto a 3D bone model and applying triangulation guided by quality metrics to simulate the cortical layer.

Virtual reality-based interventions enhance functional status, balance and muscle strength in patients with ankle instability: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: Ankle instability reduces functional status in athletes and overall population after orthopedic ankle injuries. Complementary to physical therapy approaches, virtual reality-based interventions (VRBI) that promote exercises in ludic and gamified environments, are being used in reducing ankle instability during ankle rehabilitation. The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of VRBI in improving ankle function status, postural balance and muscle strength in patients with ankle instability.

Comparison of an Energy-Reduced Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity Versus an Ad Libitum Mediterranean Diet in the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes : A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Limited research has been done to evaluate the combined effect of energy reduction, Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), and physical activity on type 2 diabetes incidence.

Objective: To evaluate whether an energy-reduced MedDiet (erMedDiet) plus physical activity reduces diabetes incidence compared with a standard MedDiet.

Design: Prespecified secondary outcome analysis in the PREDIMED (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea)-Plus randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial.

Expansion of satellite DNAs derived from transposable elements in beetles with reduced diploid numbers.

Repetitive DNA sequences are ubiquitous in eukaryotic genomes, significantly influencing their structure, function, and evolution. They can facilitate genomic rearrangements, contributing to chromosomal and genomic diversity. Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera) beetles are known for their highly diverse karyotypes and heterochromatin distribution.

Detecting heart failure in severe asthma patients using speckle tracking echocardiography.

Background: To determine the presence of acute myocardial dysfunction in status asthmaticus.

Methodology: From 2006 to 2025, we studied severe asthma patients, healthy controls, and weightlifters performing bench press. Group differences were evaluated using echocardiography with Speckle Tracking by velocity vector imaging (VVI).

A novel data augmentation technique based on wheezing physiological modeling applied to asthma severity management in respiratory sounds.

Wheezing sounds are critical biomarkers for diagnosing respiratory disorders, including asthma. Recent advancements still depend on the availability of high-quality training datasets. The creation of public databases containing a diverse array of wheezing sounds from patient auscultations is vital.

Production of Bioadsorbents via Low-Temperature Pyrolysis of Exhausted Olive Pomace for the Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Media.

In this work, biochars were produced by pyrolysis of exhausted olive pomace and evaluated as low-cost adsorbents for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The biochar obtained at 400 °C for 1 h, which exhibited the best adsorption performance, was characterized by FTIR, N adsorption-desorption isotherms, SEM-EDX, and proximate analysis, revealing a mesoporous structure with a relatively low specific surface area but enriched in surface functional groups, likely due to the partial degradation of lignocellulosic components. Adsorption experiments were conducted to optimize operational parameters such as solid particle size (2-3 mm), agitation speed (75 rpm), and bioadsorbent dosage (1 g per 0.

Effect of Using Rotational and Static Kilns on the Properties of Eco-Friendly Lightweight Aggregates Made with Pumice Scraps and Spent Coffee Grounds.

In this work, lightweight aggregates (LWAs) were prepared from an Italian red clay, pumice scraps, and spent coffee grounds. Chemical and physical characterization was first performed on the raw materials and then on the finished products. By studying the thermal behavior of the materials, the correct firing temperature was evaluated.

Optimized Mortar Formulations for 3D Printing: A Rheological Study of Cementitious Pastes Incorporating Potassium-Rich Biomass Fly Ash Wastes.

The use of 3D printing holds significant promise to transform the construction industry by enabling automation and customization, although key challenges remain-particularly the control of fresh-state rheology. This study presents a novel formulation that combines potassium-rich biomass fly ash (BFAK) with an air-entraining plasticizer (APA) to optimize the rheological behavior, hydration kinetics, and structural performance of mortars tailored for extrusion-based 3D printing. The results demonstrate that BFAK enhances the yield stress and thixotropy increases, contributing to improved structural stability after extrusion.

Impact of prebiotics and postbiotics in the management of constipation: Analysis of their differentiated modulation of intestinal microbiota.

Chronic constipation represents a burden in the modern world and is most prevalent in the elderly. Constipation has been linked to alterations in the gut microbiota, especially to an increase in methanogenic microorganisms. Prebiotics and some probiotics have already shown beneficial effects in constipation through improving stool consistency and modulating the gut microbiota.

Patterns of Intimate Partner Violence Before and During Pregnancy: A Cohort Study.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is a risk factor for the health of both the mother and the offspring, and its prevalence is higher than that of other obstetric complications. However, it is unclear if IPV decreases or increases during pregnancy. This research examines the prevalence of IPV, the co-occurrence and changing patterns of psychological, physical and sexual IPV before and during pregnancy in a cohort study in 21 public primary health antenatal care centers in the south of Spain.

Integrating Deep Learning and Real-Time Imaging to Visualize In Situ Self-Assembly of Self-Healing Interpenetrating Polymer Networks Formed by Protein and Polysaccharide Fibers.

Fibrillar protein hydrogels are promising sustainable biomaterials for biomedical applications, but their practical use is often limited by insufficient mechanical strength and stability. To address these challenges, we transformed native proteins into amyloid fibrils (AFs) and incorporated a fibrillar polysaccharide, phytagel (PHY), to engineer interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels. Notably, we report for the first time the formation of an amyloid-based hydrogel from apoferritin (APO), with PHY reinforcing the network's mechanical integrity.