Biology and Life Sciences

Abstract: Introduction: Survival at high altitudes depends on efficient energy resource management, where hypobaric hypoxia acts as a metabolic accelerator, altering thermodynamic efficiency and increasing basal caloric cost. This study compared variations in resting energy expenditure (REE) and physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) in permanent residents of an altitudinal gradient that includes the cities of Lima (154 m), Arequipa (2,335 m), Puno (3,827 m), and La Rinconada (5,100 m). Methodology: One hundred and forty-one healthy subjects aged 18 to 38 years were evaluated using photoplethysmography (PPG) to estimate REE and PAEE, the latter after a 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels were also analyzed as indicators of physiological status and acclimatization. Results: A progressive and significant increase in REE and PAEE was observed proportional to altitude, with the highest values ​​recorded in La Rinconada. It was determined that for every 1% decrease in SpO2, REE increased by approximately 1,286 kcal. Despite the high metabolic cost at altitude, the distance covered in the 6MWT did not vary significantly between cities, demonstrating a greater biological effort for the same mechanical workload. At extreme altitudes, men exhibited a significantly higher PAEE than women (50.60 ± 10.17 kcal vs. 40.78 ± 5.21 kcal). Furthermore, hemoglobin levels above 18 g/dL were associated with an exponential increase in caloric expenditure due to blood hyperviscosity. Conclusions: Living at critical altitudes induces a state of systemic hypermetabolism primarily regulated by SpO2 deficit. The findings suggest a metabolic threshold near 2,500 m, above which energy efficiency declines sharply. The observed sexual dimorphism suggests a possible hormonal effect on total energy expenditure (TEE) behavior.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Elastin-derived peptides (EPs) from food sources may be multifunctional dietary components that support metabolic and vascular health. However, their in vivo physiological actions remain incompletely understood. This study investigated the effects of bonito bulbus arteriosus-derived EPs on glucose metabolism, GLP‑1 elevation and enhanced early-phase insulin secretion, and renal vascular integrity in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) with glucose intolerance. Methods: Male SHRSP were administered EPs orally as a single dose (1,000 mg/kg) or 4-week regimen (600 mg/kg/day). Glucose tolerance, plasma GLP‑1 and insulin levels, and blood glucose levels were measured following glucose loading. Renal morphology was assessed histologically. Dpp4, Icam‑1, and Agtr1 expression was quantified in glomerular and leukocyte fractions. Leukocyte oxidative signaling was evaluated by quantifying reactive oxygen species production associated with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Age‑matched Wistar-Kyoto rats were included as normotensive controls. Results: A single dose increased plasma GLP‑1 and insulin levels and improved glucose tolerance compared with controls. The 4‑week regimen resulted in sustained improvements in glucose tolerance, without changes in blood pressure, a lower nephrosclerosis incidence, and reduced renal and leukocytic inflammatory marker expression. Dpp4, Icam‑1, and Agtr1 expression was downregulated and leukocyte iNOS‑driven oxidative signaling was reduced. These effects occurred despite the modest DPP‑IV inhibitory activity of EPs. Conclusions: Food-derived EPs exert multi-target physiological actions, including GLP‑1 elevation with enhanced early-phase insulin secretion and leukocyte oxidative and inflammatory response suppression, that improve metabolic and renal vascular outcomes. EPs warrant further investigation as candidate functional food ingredients for metabolic and vascular health.

Abstract: Communication regarding the mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Cooperative Research Units Program (CRU) can take many forms, yet clear and concise messaging for various audiences is critical to highlight program accomplishments and increase visibility. Before the work described in this report, CRU did not have a communication strategy; therefore, CRU leadership supported a structured decision-making (SDM) workshop to develop a comprehensive strategy for multiple audiences. The workshop was conducted in November 2024, in Nebraska City, Nebraska. The working group for this SDM process included CRU Program leadership, the CRU Communications Team lead, Unit scientists, a Unit administrative assistant, a representative of the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI), a member of the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA), Office of Communications and Publishing (OCAP) team, and the team lead for the CRU Program strategic planning process, as well as three facilitators who were also Unit scientists as well as experts in SDM. Over the course of a week, the SDM team followed the PrOACT framework which identified the problem, objectives, alternatives, consequences, and tradeoffs to guide us toward a strategy for implementation of a set of actions for CRU communications. Results of the SDM workshop included the development of a problem statement, an objectives hierarchy, a suite of alternatives that were evaluated using a consequences table and a clear process for assessing tradeoffs among alternative communication actions and strategies. Through the evaluation of consequences of each action or campaign, the team developed both the assessment tool (for the future) and an immediate plan for communication product development and distribution. The consequences table for this problem was meant to be flexible to accommodate changes in CRU thematic priorities and can be easily updated with new objectives, measures, and alternatives. In addition, the weight placed on objectives may change as the Team moves forward; the ranking and scoring system used in the workshop can be easily updated. Overall, the working group identified three different actions or campaigns—Fact Sheets, Who Are We Campaign, and Alumni Campaign—that scored high in the prototype decision framework. However, the tradeoffs analysis indicated that each action(s) performed better on some objectives than others. The working group identified a need to therefore develop an implementation plan that is composed of individual actions that each target different objectives to potentially create a holistic and feasible communications strategy that performs well for all objectives. In addition, the SDM prototype developed a scalable, objective-based framework for effective communication of the value and accomplishments of the CRU program.

Abstract: Background: Hair loss is a multifactorial condition influenced by aging, oxidative stress, hormonal regulation, and nutritional status. Nutraceutical supplementation has emerged as a potential strategy to support hair follicle function. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of a nutraceutical ingredient (Kyoh®) at two concentrations versus placebo in individuals with hair loss. Methods: A randomized, parallel-group study was conducted in 150 volunteers aged 30–60 years. Participants received a high-dose (Kyoh BB-01), low-dose (Kyoh BB-02), or placebo (Kyoh BB-03) for 84 days. Hair parameters were assessed by digital trichoscopy at baseline, day 56, and day 84. Endpoints included hair density, follicular unit density, hair diameter, and hairs per follicular unit. Hair shedding was evaluated by comb test, and subjective perception by questionnaires. Results: The high-dose group showed significant increases in hair density and follicular unit density at days 56 and 84, as well as higher hairs per follicular unit at day 84. The low-dose group also improved these parameters to a lesser extent. No significant changes were observed in the placebo group. Hair diameter and shedding remained unchanged. Subjective results supported instrumental findings. Conclusion: The nutraceutical improved key hair growth parameters, with greater efficacy at higher dose.

Abstract: Sub-inhibitory (sub-MIC) antibiotics modulate bacterial quorum-sensing (QS) networks, but whether this modulation involves direct receptor engagement or indirect stress-mediated mechanisms remains unresolved. To address this, we trained a Random Forest classifier (ECFP4; scaffold-split AUC = 0.958; Y-randomization separation = 0.482) on 3,324 ChEMBL-curated compounds to predict engagement with LuxR-family N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) receptors across six bacterial species. Clinical antibiotics (n = 54) scored near zero (mean P(QS) = 0.014), including those with documented sub-MIC QS effects (p = 0.36 vs. undocumented), suggesting that sub-MIC modulation operates via transcriptional reprogramming rather than direct binding. Large-scale screening of 36,132 antibacterial compounds (Broad Institute) confirmed a negative correlation between P(QS) and antibacterial activity (Spearman ρ = −0.086; p < 10−60), robust across species-stratified and MW-stratified analyses. Screening of 731,587 natural products (NPs) from the COCONUT database identified 41 non-AHL candidates with P(QS) > 0.3 within the applicability domain, including the confirmed QS inhibitor Honaucin A and the marine antibiotics Korormicins. Independent pharmacophore analysis against a 10-AHL reference panel confirmed greater similarity of NP candidates to AHLs relative to antibiotics (Gobbi-Tanimoto: 0.108 vs. 0.037; Mann-Whitney p = 0.006). The results demonstrate quantitative chemical orthogonality between antibacterials and QS modulators and identify NPs as priority hypotheses for experimental validation of dual function — QS modulation at sub-MIC and antibacterial activity at elevated concentrations.

Abstract: Background: Strength-Duration (S-D) assessment is commonly used in clinics to examine the excitability of peripheral nerves and muscles. Yet, how changes in neuromuscular excitability relates to improved athletic and muscular performance in healthy subjects remains poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the electrophysiological changes in neuromuscular excitability in the vastus medialis (VM) muscle, using the S-D assessment, following a back squat conditioning activity (BS-CA) protocol designed to elicit a post-activation potentiation (PAP)/post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) effect. Methods: Eleven athletic males were included in this study. All subjects performed two trials: one examining their BS one-repetition maximum (1 RM) and a main experiment. During the main experiment, baseline levels of rectangular rheobase (R-RIC), triangular rheobase (R-DIC) and chronaxie was collected from the VM muscle, following a standard warmup. Subsequently, the subjects performed three warmup BS-sets and executed a top set of five repetitions (reps) at 80% of 1RM. Afterwards, R-RIC, R-DIC and chronaxie was reassessed for pre and post analysis. Based on these S-D curve (SDC) parameters, the muscle adjustability quotient (MAQ) and threshold charge (Q) was also computed and compared. Results: The R-RIC, R-DIC and Q were all significantly higher following the BS-CA, compared to pre-intervention (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed for the chronaxie and MAQ (p > 0.05), although an increasing trend was noted (p = 0.054). Conclusions: Based on the findings from this study, the neuromuscular excitability in the VM muscle can be acutely altered following a BS-CA-protocol. However, these changes seems to be more related to muscle fatigue than PAP/PAPE. Nevertheless, S-D assessment may broaden our understanding of the fatigue process during exercise.

Abstract: The blue economy has emerged as a central policy framework for promoting ocean-based economic development while ensuring environmental sustainability. However, the extent to which existing policy frameworks effectively integrate ocean and coastal health into economic decision-making remains limited, reflecting broader challenges in governance, policy coordination, and institutional design. This article examines India’s blue economy through a marine policy lens, focusing on how governance structures, policy instruments, and institutional arrangements shape the treatment of ocean health within economic planning.Using a narrative review approach, this study advances a conceptual reframing of ocean health as economic infrastructure, arguing that ecosystem degradation constitutes a form of infrastructure failure with cascading economic, financial, and social risks. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature and national policy analysis, the paper evaluated sectoral dynamics across fisheries, ports, tourism, and coastal livelihoods, alongside emerging approaches to climate resilience, financial innovation, and marine governance.The analysis identifies key governance challenges, including fragmented institutional mandates, weak policy integration, and limited incorporation of ecological risk into financial and planning systems. These constraints undermine the effectiveness of blue economy strategies and expose ocean-dependent sectors to long-term systemic risk.The paper contributes to marine policy debates by demonstrating that achieving a sustainable blue economy is fundamentally a governance challenge requiring integrated policy frameworks, strengthened institutional coordination, and the incorporation of ecosystem-based risk into decision-making. While grounded in India, the findings offer transferable insights for coastal and ocean-dependent economies seeking to align economic development with long-term ocean sustainability in the Indian-Ocean region.

Abstract: Background: Mendelian randomization (MR) is a powerful approach for assessing causal relationships between risk factors and health outcomes using genetic variants as instrumental variables (IVs). The increasing availability of large genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from resources such as UK Biobank, FinnGen, and other population-based cohorts has made MR analyses more accessible than ever. However, many available guidelines and tutorials remain highly technical, requiring advanced knowledge of statistical genetics and R programming. Objective: This paper aims to provide a clear, step-by-step guide for conducting MR analyses using GWAS summary statistics, designed specifically for non-technical researchers. Methods: We outline a structured workflow covering key stages of MR analysis, including dataset selection, quality control, IVs selection, harmonization, and causal estimation. The workflow integrates online tools for quality control and demonstrates the use of commonly applied R packages such as TwoSampleMR. Each step is illustrated with example code and practical guidance to promote reproducibility. Results and Conclusion: The proposed workflow supports the process of conducting MR analyses, bridging the gap between theoretical guidelines and hands-on implementation. By offering an accessible and reproducible framework, this tutorial aims to help applied researchers, clinicians, and early-career scientists confidently perform MR analyses and interpret causal findings using publicly available GWAS summary data.

Abstract: Biological regulation is inherently recursive. Genes give rise to proteins that circle back to shape transcription, stress responses activate programs that later dampen the same response, and chromosomal dosage changes ripple through development until they settle into recognizable disease states. This paper repositions Reflexive Category Theory (RCT) as a biology-centered descriptive framework for that kind of recurrent causality. Rather than presenting RCT as a mathematical structure applied from the outside, we treat it as a disciplined way to represent how molecular systems repeatedly act on the conditions that produced them. The concept is developed through three disease-relevant settings: the p53-MDM2-BRCA1 damage-response network, the MYC-TERT telomerase reactivation axis, and the dosage-rewired hematopoietic landscape of trisomy 21. Across these examples, the central claim is that reflexive modeling is valuable not because it replaces experiment, but because it preserves mechanistic continuity across multi-step, feedback-rich biology. In that sense, RCT is proposed here as a conceptual bridge between molecular evidence and system-level interpretation in oncology and genetic disease.

Abstract: Sharp tips generated by the fracture of popsicle sticks may cause human injury. This study systematically investigated the fracture behavior of popsicle sticks under different loading patterns and the associated potential risk of puncture injuries to the human body through mechanical experiments. Popsicle sticks made of Betula platyphylla Suk. wood were used in the experiments. Two moisture conditions (dry and wet) and three fracture loading patterns (cantilever bending fracture, three-point bending fracture, and axial compressive buckling fracture) were applied, with a total sample size of 600. Based on the geometric morphology of the fracture fragments, the hazard level was classified into Levels I, II, and III, with specific classification criteria provided. Surrogate human tissue blocks were created by simulating human skin with silicone films and subcutaneous tissue with gelatin blocks. A free-fall apparatus was employed to evaluate the penetration depth and unit energy penetration area of popsicle stick fragments into human tissues. The experimental results showed that after fracture, the number of dry specimens posing a high risk of human injury was significantly greater than that of wet specimens. The plasticizing effect of moisture on wood fibers inhibited the formation of sharp tips. The penetration risk were significantly greater for dry specimens than for wet specimens, and the inhibitory effect of moisture on puncture capability was more pronounced for smaller sharp tips. It is recommended that techniques aimed at improving the water permeability of wood be adopted to reduce the risk of puncture injuries caused by accidental fracture of popsicle sticks.

Abstract: Long-duration human spaceflight exposes very healthy astronauts to complex risks including neuroocular changes, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular deconditioning, radiation injury, immunologic disturbances, and surgical emergencies. An integrated, autonomy-focused medical architecture for missions of 30 days to over 2 years is needed, emphasizing in-situ diagnosis, therapy, and monitoring under severe resource constraints. The clinical framework maps conditions to mission phase and outlines space-adapted diagnostic strategies centered on AI-guided point-of-care ultrasound, wearable biosensors, and microfluidic lab-on-chip assays. Preventative countermeasures are specified including structured exercise, lower-body negative pressure, bone-protective pharmacotherapy, radiation shielding, and AI-assisted psychological support. Evaluating the clinical need for monitoring, diagnosing, and even for some possible invasive therapeutical interventions led to the definition of a compact modular system combining miniaturized surgical robotics, on-demand 3D printing, and AR/AI guidance to even enable minimally invasive procedures by a non-expert crew. The ressources that are required to build such a system for a very limited application and benefitting just very few people are very high. They might provide an ideal base with dual-use potential for low- and middle-income countries however, where similar design drivers—ease of use, automation and autonomous operation, small footprint, and local service, repair and parts fabrication—address the current critical gaps in under-resourced health systems. Of course low cost of manufacturing and operation is likely the most important feature for that application. Co-designed "space–global health" technologies could simultaneously enable safer deep-space exploration, for which development ressources are available, and expand access to high-quality diagnostics and interventions on Earth providing very high impact to the population, which unfortunately does not attract sufficient development funds despite a huge need.

Abstract: Dajue Temple, a representative ancient architectural heritage in North China, houses numerous lacquered wooden components of exceptional historical and artistic value. Despite their significance, this study is the first to investigate the severe dark discoloration and black spotting afflicting these lacquer surfaces—damage triggered by prolonged environmental exposure that endangers structural integrity and long-term conservation. To address this unstudied threat, we confirmed the microbial origin of black spots using ATP bioluminescence assays, then characterized microbial communities via culture-dependent methods and ITS sequencing—identifying Cladosporium spp. as the dominant biodeterio-gen driving lacquer deterioration. Functional assays on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and guaiacol-amended potato dextrose agar (PDA) media verified the wood-degrading potential of isolated Cladosporium spp. Antifungal susceptibility screening against ten agents demonstrates that thymol and clove essential oils achieved significant efficacy at 200 mg/mL, while nano silver gel also provided durable suppression. We proposed targeted, relic‑friendly microbial control strategies tailored for ancient lacquered wooden components. These findings provided scientific guidance for the sustainable conservation and restoration of lacquered architectural elements in historic temples and comparable cultural heritage sites. In future work, environmental monitoring should be involved, which will help to clarify microbe–environment interactions and enable early warning of biodeterioration risks.

Abstract: The current use of artificial light during natural dark phase had been acquired contaminant dimensions, which is named “light pollution”. It is well known that the exposure to dim light at night (dLAN) during the postnatal period severely impair the immune system and related organs, but few reports have demonstrated the effect of dim light when exposed during foetal periods. That is why this report ask does dim light at night in two different stages of development (i.e., prenatal vs. postnatal exposure) generate a long-lasting dysregulation of circadian rhythms that modifies the circadian immune organization and responses of the spleen in the early adulthood? To answer this question, we exposed two groups of C57BL/6J male mice to dim night light at gestational and postnatal period and compared to control groups where the mice were exposured to light-dark conditions (12 h each, LD). Parametric and non-parametric activity/rest values were analyzed with circular statistics. Compared to their controls, we found differences in alpha, onset, offset, M10 and L5 startime in dLAN groups. We also assessed the transcript levels of clock genes and genes that mediate inflammation in spleen tissue and found a dampening daily variation in mRNA expression in both experimental groups. Finally, we use an ovalbumin (OVA) allergy challenge to test the B-cell response in the spleen and found a significant higher cell recruitment to the spleen and more anti-OVA IgE. Together, these results clearly show that dLAN, affects the peripheral molecular clocks and responses from the spleen and these effects are independent of period of life exposure of dim light at night.

Abstract:

Background/Objectives: Pickup acceleration refers to acceleration initiated from a non-static start, and can be described as a function of approach, transition, and pickup steps. Given the forward-leaning posture adopted during the transition and pickup steps, it was hypothesized that step horizontal force (SFh) production would be a key determinant of pickup acceleration ability. Methods: Forty-eight male athletes performed four 30 m pickup sprints at LED-guided entry velocities of 1.5 m/s-1 (walking) and 3.0 m/s (jogging), with spatiotemporal data collected via a horizontal linear position transducer. Athletes were grouped as “fast” or “slow” based on maximal acceleration (amax) and were compared at time points/steps using independent t-tests. Results: Across both entries, faster athletes achieved significantly higher amax (~13-17%) and maximum velocity (vmax; ~7-8%). At 1.5 m/s, the faster group produced significantly greater SFh during the Transition and Pickup steps (~34-41%), resulting in longer step lengths (SL; ~12%), higher step acceleration (Sa; ~17-32%), and higher step velocities (Sv; ~4-9%). At 3.0 m/s, SFh and Sa remained greater (p ≤ 0.05) in the faster group (~23-41%; 25-32% respectively) but produced fewer significant kinematic differences. It would seem that “faster” pick-up acceleration is associated with greater SFh across the transition and first pick-up steps; this increase in force clearly influences kinematics during a walking entry, but its influence is less apparent during a jogging entry. It is possible that at higher entry velocities, other technical/mechanical determinants become more important, necessitating a more advanced technological approach to studying pickup acceleration than the one used in this study.

Abstract: Reactive oxygen species contribute to the cytotoxic effects of anticancer drugs; however, clinical relevance of systemic antioxidant capacity in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. This study examined the association of baseline blood antioxidant capacity with chemotherapy response and prognosis in 84 patients with stage IV CRC who underwent primary tumor resection followed by systemic chemotherapy between 2015 and 2020. Baseline antioxidant capacity was assessed preoperatively using biological antioxidant potential (BAP) assays. Chemotherapy response was evaluated using contrast-enhanced computed tomography at 4 months using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1. Three-year disease-specific survival (DSS) was assessed. Associations with treatment response were analyzed using linear regression. Survival outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards models. Baseline BAP was significantly associated with poorer chemotherapy response; higher BAP levels predicted greater treatment resistance in multivariable analysis (P=0.013). Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated significantly worse 3-year DSS in the high-BAP group than in the low-BAP group (35.6% vs. 55.5%, log-rank P=0.019). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, high BAP independently predicted poor DSS (hazard ratio 2.174, 95% confidence interval 1.103–4.283, P=0.009). Elevated baseline systemic antioxidant capacity was associated with reduced chemotherapy effectiveness and poorer DSS in patients with stage IV CRC.

Abstract: Background: Narrative reviews remain essential for synthesizing complex, multidisciplinary evidence, particularly in heterogeneous and evolving fields. However, their intrinsic subjectivity, risk of selection bias, and limited reproducibility have raised important methodological concerns. To address these limitations, we want to develop the Structured Narrative Review (SNR) Framework as an advanced model to enhance rigor while preserving interpretative flexibility. It will integrates established standards, including SANRA, PRISMA 2020, and PRISMA-ScR, and will be organized into core domains covering reproducible search strategies, evidence stratification, mechanistic synthesis, and epistemological transparency. Although conceptually grounded in methodological triangulation, formal validation is needed to ensure clarity, feasibility, and applicability across disciplines.Objective: This protocol will outline an international modified Delphi consensus study aimed at validating the SNR framework. The primary objective will be to achieve expert consensus on the relevance, clarity, and feasibility of each domain, as well as on the overall structure, scoring system, and recommendations for implementation in editorial and peer-review processes.Methods: A modified Delphi methodology will be conducted over two to three sequential electronic rounds, following CREDES and ACCORD recommendations. A Steering Committee will supervise the process, and an international panel of 30–50 experts will be recruited based on predefined criteria. In Round 1, participants will rate each SNR domain using a 5-point Likert scale, with consensus defined as ≥80% agreement (scores ≥4). Items not reaching consensus will be revised and reassessed in subsequent rounds. Analyses will include descriptive statistics, intraclass correlation coefficients for inter-rater reliability, and qualitative thematic analysis, performed using R software.Expected outcomes: The study is expected to produce a validated SNR framework, a standardized scoring system, and consensus-based recommendations, enhancing transparency, methodological rigor, and reproducibility in narrative reviews.

Abstract: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of structured adapted sport participation on physical self-concept in youth with motor disabilities, examining sport-specific developmental trajectories and the mediating role of self-determined motivation. A longitudinal design with three measurement waves (T0, T1, T2) over 12 months was used. The participants were 223 individuals aged between 13 and 28, distributed across five groups: wheelchair basketball (n = 46), Paralympic swimming (n = 44), para-athletics (n = 45), adapted martial arts (n = 43), and a non-sporting control group (n = 45). Physical self-concept was assessed with the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire–Short (PSDQ-S) and motivation was measured with the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire–3 (BREQ-3). Mixed ANOVAs (5 × 3) showed significant main effects of sport type and time, as well as significant Sport × Time interactions across all 11 PSDQ-S subscales (all ps ≤ .01), with between-group effect sizes ranging from η²p = .13 to η²p = .29. Sport groups showed longitudinal gains of +0.3 to +0.7 points on the PSDQ-S from T0 to T2, while the control group remained stable. Each sport produced a different self-concept profile that was consistent with its specific physical demands: swimming (flexibility, aerobic endurance), wheelchair basketball (strength, coordination), para-athletics (physical activity, endurance), and martial arts (a more balanced profile). Mediation analysis showed that self-determined motivation partially mediated the relationship between sport and physical self-concept (b = 0.31, 95% CI [0.17, 0.48]), accounting for 52% of the total effect. Cluster analysis found three profiles: high integrated, specialized, and developing physical self-concept. The results of the study extend Scarpa's (2011) cross-sectional work by providing longitudinal evidence for the role of adapted sport in shaping physical self-concept, with implications for sport orientation and autonomy-supportive coaching in disability sport contexts.

Abstract: Multiplexed 16S rRNA gene sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technologies frequently results in a significant proportion of reads being categorized as "unclassified" by the standard Dorado demultiplexer. We present a fully automated Bash-based pipeline designed to recover and accurately re-attribute these unclassified reads to their corresponding barcode. By implementing iterative sequence-based alignment via BLASTn and size-filtering constraints, our tool improves data utilization and taxonomic depth. Preliminary testing demonstrates a robust recovery of previously discarded sequences, providing a cost-effective solution for improving the resolution of microbiome studies.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Tissue factor (TF)-expressing cancer cells and their extracellular vesicles (CaCe-dEVs) are key drivers of cancer-associated hypercoagulability and vascular dysfunction. While low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) and direct FXa inhibitors are standard therapies for cancer-associated thrombosis, their direct effects on cancer cell procoagulant potential and endothelial responses remain incompletely defined. This study compared the impact of LMWHs (enoxaparin, tinzaparin), apixaban, and quercetin on cancer cell viability, thrombin generation, and CaCe-dEVs–induced endothelial injury. Methods: Pancreatic (BXPC3) and breast (MCF7) cancer cells and their vesicles were analyzed for TF expression and thrombin generation. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were pretreated with each agent prior to vesicle exposure. Cell viability, thrombin generation, and endothelial morphology were assessed using standard assays and microscopy. Results: Tinzaparin and quercetin significantly reduced cancer cell viability, whereas enoxaparin and apixaban showed no cytotoxicity. None of the agents affected HUVEC viability. All suppressed TF-mediated thrombin generation induced by cancer cells, with tinzaparin being most effective in BXPC3 cells. Quercetin consistently protected endothelial cells from CaCe-dEVs–induced dysfunction, while LMWHs and apixaban did not prevent endothelial damage. Conclusions: These findings suggest that LMWHs, apixaban, and quercetin modulate cancer cell-driven hypercoagulability beyond anticoagulation, with quercetin and tinzaparin showing additional cytotoxic potential. Such dual effects may reduce thrombosis risk while impacting tumor progression, meriting further investigation.

Abstract: Infectious disease diagnosis remains central to clinical care, but current methods still have important limits. Clinical symptoms are often nonspecific, culture-based methods can be slow, serology depends on timing, and molecular tests may detect microbial material without always proving active disease. This review examines novel assays and biomarkers in infectious disease detection from a clinical perspective. It summarizes major diagnostic platforms, including advanced nucleic acid tests, syndromic panels, metagenomic sequencing, serological and antigen assays, point-of-care platforms, biosensors, and multi-omics approaches, and reviews pathogen-derived, host-response, and combined biomarker classes. It discusses how these tools can support diagnosis, prognosis, disease staging, therapeutic monitoring, and cure assessment. A central message is that analytical novelty alone is not enough: new assays must be accurate, timely, interpretable, and able to change patient management in real practice. Clinical symptoms and the physicians awareness of these remain critical along with the correct biomarkers. Translation is often limited by imperfect reference standards, limited external validation, poor standardization, workflow barriers, cost, and unequal access. Future priorities include stronger validation, simpler and standardized workflows, wider access through home (OTC) use, and better biomarkers for treatment response, cure, and relapse prediction.