Collagen (Marine)

Climate change threatens ocean biodiversity. Studies aimed at predicting responses of marine species to chronic warming increase temperatures to levels expected in the future. Using a meta-analysis, we ask whether ramping rate (i.e. the speed at which organisms are brought from ambient to experimental temperatures) modulates these responses. A systematic review yielded 175 experiments from 48 studies. One-third of studies had no ramping period; those that did used rates of warming faster than those observed during marine heatwaves. The effect of ramping rate on responses to warming varied. The decline in reproduction observed under warmed conditions when there was no ramping attenuated when temperatures were increased more slowly. Warming decreased survival, whether there was a ramping period or not. The effect on abundance switched from positive without ramping to negative with slower ramping, and photosynthesis declined as ramping rate slowed. The magnitude of temperature change influenced responses more consistently than ramping rate, but their relative importance varied with response type. We conclude that experiments aiming to predict the effects of chronic warming simulate instead the effects of acute heat stress. Marine communities naturally exposed to predicted future conditions likely provide the best insights into the effects of chronic ocean warming. © 2026 The Authors.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of exercise intervention on cognitive function in AD patients through meta-analysis, specifically investigating the dose-response relationships and moderating effects of various exercise prescription parameters including frequency, single-session duration, weekly total duration, total intervention duration, type, and intensity-on the magnitude of cognitive improvement. The findings are expected to provide scientific and actionable empirical evidence for designing precise and individualized exercise programs. METHODS: Relevant literatures were systematically retrieved from eight databases up to August 2025, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Emcare, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Ebsco, and SPORTDiscus. All included trials were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults aged 60 years and above. These studies examined the effects of exercise intervention on cognitive function in AD patients, compared with passive control groups without exercise. A multilevel meta-analysis was used to assess the impact of exercise on cognitive function outcomes in AD patients. Additionally, multivariate meta-regression analysis was employed to identify the exercise frequency (sessions per week) that maximizes cognitive improvement, as well as key moderating factors. RESULTS: Data from 23 studies, involving 1,868 adults, were included. Exercise intervention significantly improved global cognitive function in AD patients (g = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.02-0.41, p < 0.001). Patient age, single-session duration, and total weekly exercise duration did not significantly affect outcomes (p > 0.05). However, the cognitive benefits of exercise were significantly enhanced with increased weekly exercise frequency, with a notable strengthening trend observed when sessions exceeded five per week. CONCLUSION: Exercise intervention can effectively improve cognitive function in AD patients. "To optimize intervention outcomes, exercise prescription should consider higher frequency (e.g., more than five sessions per week may be associated with greater cognitive benefits) and the cumulative effect during the initial intervention phas

The thousands of oil and gas (OG) platforms placed at sea for fossil fuel extraction have introduced new hard substrate to the marine environment. Over time, these structures can become colonized by a diversity of marine life, fostering novel ecosystems. However, an increasing number of OG platforms are reaching decommissioning age and decisions regarding their fate must be made. Some view these artificial structures as litter that ought to be removed; others view them as valuable contributors to marine biodiversity worth preserving. Evidence of the environmental effects of these structures following different decommissioning strategies is needed to identify the potential benefits of each option and make informed decisions. Here, using a systematic synthesis approach, we show that our understanding of the effects of different decommissioning options is greatly limited by a lack of empirical evidence. Only three articles addressed the effects of OG removal, preventing firm conclusions either for or against this option. Most research focused on Rigs-to-Reefs options, revealing that reefed structures can create biodiverse systems, although with clear differences between reefing methods. Decommissioned structures with higher vertical relief (e.g., standing or topped) may offer higher ecological value than those with lower relief (e.g., toppled). Risks related to the decommissioning methods (e.g., harm from explosives, non-native species introduction) are discussed. Despite the urgency, empirical research on decommissioning environmental impacts remains limited, particularly from the southern hemisphere. We call for coordinated international effort to establish standardization across decommissioning procedures, and monitoring and reporting requirements, to ensure that robust data are available to address this complex environmental challenge. © 2026 The Author(s). Ecological Applications published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Ecological Society of America.

A systematic review and narrative synthesis was completed to explore the relationships between climate change, the care of older people, and corresponding expenditure. While literature on these topics exists individually, a gap remains in linking all three. The interconnected challenges of an aging global population with increasing care needs and the rising frequency and severity of climate and weather events emphasize the urgency of minimizing related risks and their financial costs. Three databases were systematically searched from 1980–2023, identifying 36 peer-reviewed articles. Evidence suggests that climate and weather exposures lead to spending for recovery, preparedness, lifestyle, public administration, health and care, and temperature regulation.The narrative synthesis, structured around the disaster management phases of preparedness, response, and recovery, revealed several behavioral, environmental, economic, social, sociodemographic, and structural determinants that appear to influence older peoples’ reactions to climate and weather events and financial consequences. Three key influences present across the narrative seem to shape spending and care outcomes: having strong support systems, access to user-friendly information, and existing economic resources.Available literature on preparedness and recovery was limited, as most studies related to response expenditure. Future research should adopt a life-course approach to aging and preparedness using longitudinal designs to investigate how behaviors and choices made earlier in an individual’s life affect care, response, and recovery expenditure in older age. More stratified results would further allow for analysis of vulnerable subgroups and a clearer understanding of when climate and weather-related expenditures emerge. This review indicates the need for research and policy to consider the interconnected nature of the climate crisis. More focus should be given to preparedness efforts and behavior change to reduce the impact of climate and weather events on future expenditure and care needs.OtherThe protocol for this research has been published in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42023443060.

Biodiversity monitoring is crucial for understanding species trends and their responses to anthropogenic change. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) offers a scalable, non-invasive approach to capture ecological information across large spatial and temporal scales. However, it generates vast amounts of audio recordings, whose management and analysis present technical challenges. To support diverse user needs in ecoacoustic research, a growing number of software tools have emerged, but the landscape remains fragmented and difficult to navigate. We provide a systematic overview of software tools used for soundscape assessment across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments. We screened peer-reviewed literature and complemented it with database cross-checking to identify and categorize tools according to four PAM data workflow components: data management, signal pre-processing, visualisation and navigation, and acoustic analysis. We found 221 available tools of which 174 were explicitly designed for PAM. Most tools were freely accessible (83%) with only a smaller fraction being commercial (12%) or limited access (5%). Terrestrial research accounted for most software mentions (476 studies), followed by aquatic (319) and cross-realm (64) studies. Nearly half (45%) were package-based frameworks within R, Python, or MATLAB. Acoustic analysis was the most represented workflow component, while only 40 tools covered all four of them. This diversity illustrates the field's rapid technical growth but also its redundancy and methodological fragmentation: to date, many tools target only a subset of workflow components and replicate similar functionalities. Despite this, the prevalence of PAM-dedicated software indicates increasing specialization and technical maturity within ecoacoustics. Our structured inventory underscores the need for greater collaboration and continuity in software development, promoting the improvement and accessibility of existing tools rather than further proliferation. This living systematic review, provides a practical, biannually updated reference for tool selection and fosters transparency, comparability, and cooperation across bioacoustic an

Sax van der Weyden, M, Shaul, Y, Merrigan, JJ, Helton, WS, Barringer, N, Newman, K, and Martin, J. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the impact of military foot marches on performance-part 1: physical performance. J Strength Cond Res 40(5): e534-e553, 2026-Common military tasks and training require service members to have adequate physical and cognitive functioning. Foot marches are a common load carriage task for service members, potentially inducing fatigue and impairing occupational performance. The purpose of part one of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the impact of military style foot marches on physical performance outcomes. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Five electronic databases were searched for studies assessing physical performance before and after a foot march at least 10 minutes in length. Three-level random effects meta-analyses were conducted using standardized mean differences (SMDs; Hedge's g). Twenty-three studies (n = 350 subjects) were included for final review. All studies were fair to good quality based on the Downs & Black checklist but had significant bias because of confounding variables when scored on the ROBINS-I tool. After adjusting for outliers and publication bias, the meta-analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) decreases in lower-body strength (SMD = -0.45, [-0.85, -0.05]), trunk strength (SMD = -0.63, [-0.87, -0.40]), lower-body power (SMD = -0.32, [-0.63, -0.0009]), and postural stability (SMD = 0.38, [0.02, 0.70]). There was no statistical change in upper-body strength (SMD = -0.06, [-0.25, 0.12]), but in a subanalysis, shoulder strength significantly decreased (SMD = -0.22, [-0.38, -0.06]). Foot marches may decrease physical performance, with the largest decrements in trunk and lower-body strength. Alterations in strength and postural stability may lead to decreased occupational performance and increased injury risk. Commanders should be aware of potential performance decrements after a foot march and alter load, speed, and rest when possible. Holistic training programs aimed at improving aerobic and anaerobic capaci

Taxonomy is a cornerstone of biological science and essential to biodiversity policy, yet it faces persistent structural challenges collectively known as the "taxonomic impediment". These include limited capacity, uneven geographic and taxonomic coverage, and a disconnect between the supply of expertise and its societal demand. In this study, we present a meta-research analysis of taxonomic activity in Europe over the past decade, drawing on publication metadata from OpenAlex, Wikidata, and GBIF. Using an open and reproducible workflow, we identify more than 31,000 authors affiliated with European institutions who have contributed to taxonomic publications, and we assess their taxonomic and institutional distribution. Using robust regression models, we show that biodiversity policy variables collectively explain additional variation in taxonomic research effort beyond species richness alone, with the Birds and Habitats Directives showing positive associations and marine-related policy variables showing negative associations. We explore how this supply of expertise compares with demands arising from European biodiversity policy, including legally binding instruments such as the Birds and Habitats Directives and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, as well as strategic initiatives focused on invasive alien species, crop wild relatives, and species of conservation concern. Our results highlight clear imbalances in capacity across taxonomic groups and regions, with some politically and ecologically significant taxa receiving comparatively little attention. This work illustrates how openly available data can be used to evaluate taxonomic capacity and its alignment with policy needs, providing a framework for strategic planning and investment in taxonomy. Copyright: © 2026 Groom et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

The analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) has revolutionized biodiversity assessments in aquatic ecosystems, enabling non-invasive monitoring of fish communities across diverse regions. However, the global comparability of these eDNA datasets remains ambiguous due to heterogeneous sampling protocols and bioinformatic workflows across studies, making it difficult to assess how robust and comparable the biodiversity patterns inferred from these datasets actually are. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of 58 riverine fish eDNA metabarcoding studies, covering 1818 sampling sites worldwide, to evaluate the robustness of eDNA-derived biodiversity patterns. We found that species richness estimates and metrics of community structure derived under a common bioinformatic workflow were overall consistent with those of original analyses, despite the relatively high variability in bioinformatic analyses in the respective original studies. Contrastingly, congruence of species identity varied more extensively across datasets, mostly reflecting different completeness and regional relevance of reference databases. Restricting taxonomic assignment to basin-specific species pools improved species identification accuracy, while datasets lacking publicly accessible or well-curated reference data were more prone to mismatches. Year of sampling had a positive effect on taxonomic congruence, such that more recent studies showed increased robustness, also reflecting improved reference database coverage and enhanced species-level identification over time and overall method congruence in more recent years. Overall, the suitability and potential of eDNA for global biodiversity monitoring is corroborating overall robust biodiversity estimates, irrespective of the bioinformatic approaches. Our study underlines the effectiveness and need for further harmonization of bioinformatic workflows and strengthened region-specific reference databases for improved taxonomic resolution and comparability across studies. © 2026 The Author(s). Molecular Ecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Microplastic (MP) contamination is a notable environmental challenge affecting marine ecosystems. However, its repercussions on the reproductive success of sea turtles remain inadequately elucidated. In this systematic review, we aggregated global data on the prevalence, characteristics, and biological ramifications of MPs within sea turtle nesting habitats and developmental stages. Information was compiled from studies conducted across principal nesting sites, including China, Malaysia, Mexico, Japan, and the Mediterranean region, based on the PRISMA guidelines. The findings revealed substantial spatial heterogeneity in MP concentrations, from 1513 particles/m² on the Qilianyu Islands to ˃12,000 items/kg of dry sand on Redang Island. Polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were the predominant types of MPs, which primarily manifested in fiber and foam forms. Evidence indicates that MPs permeate the nesting substrate, including sediment layers corresponding to egg incubation depth, and accumulate within turtle eggs, yolks, and embryonic tissues. Phthalate esters (PAEs) and MP particles measuring ˂5 µm were identified in yolk and liver tissues, indicating maternal transfer and the potential for endocrine disruption. Sublethal effects included increased melanomacrophage activity in embryos, intestinal obstruction, and reduced body condition in post-hatchlings. Additionally, dark-hued MPs may increase nesting temperatures, thereby affecting sex ratios in temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) frameworks. These findings suggest that persistent MP exposure may impair embryonic development, alter hatchling fitness, and potentially reduce long-term population recruitment and resilience. Mitigating microplastic pollution is essential for ensuring the reproductive viability, population resilience, and enduring conservation of sea turtle species.

Lead (Pb) is a major contaminant in the marine environment, and the extent of pollution in marine ecosystems has raised significant concerns about the safety of marine food. As India is one of the world's leading marine fish exporters, insights into Pb accumulation along the coast are crucial to formulate and revisit relevant policy guidelines. This necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of Pb accumulation across India's coastal regions. To address this, the current study systematically reviewed 172 peer-reviewed articles on the accumulation of Pb in marine fishes that were retrieved through a systematic search from Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO. Emphasis was given to muscle accumulation because of its direct relevance to human consumption. A total of 120 marine fish species were recorded across all studies, of which 38 species had explicit Pb concentrations in muscle tissues. Among these, seven were commercially important species, such as Chanos chanos, Lepturacanthus savala, Mugil cephalus, Oreochromis mossambicus, Rastrelliger kanagurta, Stolephorus indicus, and Sardinella longiceps. These species, sampled from industrialized areas, were identified as being at risk for human consumption, surpassing the national and international prescribed limit of 0.5 ppm. This synthesis highlights significant variations in Pb concentrations across India's coastal regions, with nine different locations (Chennai, Cuddalore, Kalpakkam, Ennore, Valinokkam, Kanyakumari, Gulf of Mannar, Kochi, and Mumbai) exceeding threshold limits, thus identified as hotspots for Pb accumulation. This synthesis elucidates the transboundary nature of seafood contamination, aiding policymakers and environmental regulatory agencies in developing strategies to mitigate Pb contamination in seafood, and promoting marine sustainability. © 2026. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop, characterize, and clinically evaluate a novel 6% nitroglycerin (NTG) Aloe vera gel formulation as a transdermal alternative to conventional sublingual NTG therapy in patients with stable angina pectoris. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized, parallel-group, double-blind clinical trial was conducted involving 150 patients with stable angina, allocated to receive either 6% NTG-Aloe vera gel or standard sublingual NTG tablets (0.6mg). The gel was assessed for physicochemical parameters, FTIR compatibility, stability under ICH guidelines, and in vitro drug release kinetics. Dermatological safety was evaluated via skin irritation testing. Clinical efficacy was determined by Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), chest tightness scores, Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ), and vital parameters, including blood pressure and oxygen saturation. RESULTS: The NTG Aloe vera gel demonstrated desirable physicochemical properties, sustained zero-order drug release, and excellent stability with no significant degradation. Clinical data revealed that the gel provided gradual, sustained pain and chest tightness relief, superior SAQ scores (p<0.001), and improved tolerability compared to sublingual NTG. Importantly, the gel induced a controlled hypotensive response without abrupt cardiovascular changes, indicating enhanced safety. No dermatological adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION: This pilot study showed 6% NTG-Aloe vera gel offers a stable, effective, and patient-friendly transdermal delivery system for angina management, meriting further large-scale and long-term evaluations. REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry-India (CTRI/2024/11/076947). © 2026 Iqbal et al.

Although preclinical studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may benefit skeletal health, there are few randomized controlled trials investigating effects of supplemental omega-3 on bone outcomes. This VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) ancillary study investigated effects of marine omega-3 (1 g/d; EPA+DHA in a 1.2:1 ratio) vs placebo supplements on fracture risk and bone density/structure. VITAL is a 2 × 2 factorial randomized placebo-controlled trial that studied effects of supplemental marine omega-3 fatty acids and/or vitamin D3 vs placebo on cancer and cardiovascular events. The intervention took place from November 2011 through December 2017; median follow-up was 5.3 yr. The study included 25 871 U.S. men (aged ≥50) and women (aged ≥55) without baseline cancer or cardiovascular disease, not selected for low bone density or fracture history. Primary outcomes were adjudicated incident total, nonvertebral, and hip fractures in the overall cohort. In a subcohort of 771 individuals, we measured 2-yr changes in areal BMD (aBMD) by DXA, and volumetric BMD (vBMD), cortical thickness, and bone strength indices at the radius and tibia by peripheral QCT. Supplemental omega-3 vs placebo had no effect on total (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.92-1.13; p = .73), nonvertebral (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.91-1.12; p = .80), or hip fractures (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.61-1.30; p = .55). In the subcohort, omega-3 supplementation resulted in a small increase in whole body aBMD (+0.03% vs -0.41%, p = .006) and no effect on aBMD at the spine or hip, or vBMD or bone strength indices at the radius or tibia. No serious adverse effects were observed. Supplementation with marine omega-3 fatty acids did not reduce incident fracture risk. It led to a small increase in whole body aBMD but had no other effects on BMD or bone strength measures compared to placebo in generally healthy midlife and older adults. Plain Language Summary: Animal studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acid supplements may help bone health. However, there are few human clinical trials assessing the impact of supplemental omega-3 on bone density and fracture risk. This ancillary study to the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL investigated if sup

Objective: This trial evaluated marine-derived omega-3 supplementation for primary cardiovascular prevention in middle-aged and elderly adults, focusing on endothelial activation markers and vasodilation. Methods: 240 participants were randomized to four groups receiving 0 g, 1 g, 2 g, or 4 g daily of fish oil (containing 129 mg DHA and 182 mg EPA per gram) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for fatty acids and endothelial function biomarkers (NO, ET-1, ICAM-1, MCP-1, Ox-LDL) at baseline and post-intervention. Results: Baseline characteristics and dietary intake did not differ significantly among groups (P > 0.05). Post-intervention analysis revealed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in serum EPA and DHA in all fish oil groups except the control group. The key between-group result was a significantly greater reduction in ICAM-1 (-24.21% vs. -10.90%; P = 0.026) and MCP-1 (-27.38% vs. -14.92%; P = 0.024) in the 1 g d-1 group compared to control, with higher doses (2 g d-1 and 4 g d-1) not showing incremental benefit. No other biomarkers (NO, ET-1, Ox-LDL) showed significant between-group differences. Notably, within-group changes included increased NO in the 2 g d-1 group and decreased ET-1 in the 1 g d-1 and 4 g d-1 groups from baseline. Conclusions: This study found that low-dose fish oil significantly reduced endothelial inflammatory markers (ICAM-1, MCP-1) with a U-shaped dose-response in a community-based middle-aged/elderly population, suggesting optimal anti-inflammatory effects at modest intake. No effects were seen on vasodilatory or oxidative lipid markers.

BACKGROUND: Carotid plaques result from a blockage or narrowing of carotid arteries associated with severe atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to assess the effect of marine n-3 fatty acid supplementation on carotid plaques among patients with diabetes and whether the effect was modified by genetics. METHODS: In this 14 month double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 415 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) were randomly assigned to receive high-dose (3.0 g/day) or low-dose (1.5 g/day) marine n-3 fatty acids (fish oil) or placebo (refined olive oil). The primary outcome was the prevalence of carotid plaques. Secondary outcomes included changes in NMR-derived lipoprotein subclasses. Genetic interactions with the supplementation were also explored. RESULTS: 383 participants (92.3%) completed the 14 month intervention, and 359 patients (86.5%) completed carotid ultrasound exams. Fish oil supplementation did not significantly reduce the carotid plaque prevalence (P trend = 0.111). Compared to the placebo, the odds ratios (95% CIs) of carotid plaque risk were 1.11 (0.56-2.22) and 0.54 (0.26-1.13) for low-dose and high-dose groups, respectively. Fish oil supplementation also showed no significant effect on the incidence of new carotid plaques (P for trend = 0.304) or the regression of existing plaques (P for trend = 0.390). High-dose intervention significantly reduced remnant cholesterol, LDL-1-triglycerides (TG), HDL-4-TG, and HDL-3-TG. In subgroups by genetic risk, the high-dose intervention significantly reduced carotid plaque risk specifically in patients with a low genetic risk for remnant cholesterol, with no significant benefit observed in those with medium or high genetic risk (P for interaction = 0.008; FDR = 0.056). CONCLUSION: In patients with T2D, 14 month marine n-3 fatty acid supplementation does not reduce carotid plaque risk but improves lipoprotein profile. The anti-atherosclerotic effect appeared significant in patients with a low genetic risk of remnant cholesterol, warranting further investigation into personalized nutritional strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03708887. © 2026. The Author(s).

Background: Probiotic supplementation for very preterm infants is a common practice in many neonatal units. Assessing the effects of early postnatal exposure to probiotics on long-term neurodevelopment, growth, and atopy-related outcomes is important. Extremely preterm (EP: <28 weeks) infants enrolled in our previously reported randomized trial (SiMPro) comparing short-term effects of single (SS: B. breve M-16V) versus triple-strain (TS: B. breve M-16V, B. longum subsp. infantis-M63, B. longum subsp. longum-BB536) probiotic provided a unique opportunity to study this issue. Methods: This follow-up study assessed the five-year outcomes of SiMPro trial infants, including neurodevelopment (cognition (Full Scale Intelligence Quotient/ FSIQ using WPPSI-IV), behavior (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), executive function (BRIEF-P)), growth (anthropometry) and blood pressure (BP). Atopy-related outcomes were evaluated at six to seven years using the ISAAC questionnaire. A linear mixed model was used for longitudinal outcomes. Impairment indicators were modeled using logistic regression and adjusted for Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) centiles. Results: Follow-up rates (SS: 89.2% versus TS: 95%), neurodevelopmental outcomes [severe impairment (FSIQ < 70): SS: 7.4% versus TS: 4.3%; p = 0.68], growth, BMI, and BP were comparable between the SS and TS groups. The total difficulty score or BRIEF-P executive indices, disability rates (none: 66.7% versus 55.4%), and atopy-related outcomes were comparable between groups. Conclusions: Both TS and SS Bifidobacterium probiotic formulations were safe, with comparable neurodevelopmental, growth, and atopy-related outcomes at school age.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a common and severe disease with vascular and/or neurological complications, affecting the patient's health and quality of life. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) is a non-drug treatment method that has anti-inflammatory effects, reduces edema, increases neovascularization, increases the synthesis of collagen fibers, and accelerates the wound healing process. This study aims to evaluate the results of treating patients with diabetic foot ulcers with HBO. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized controlled study was conducted. A total of 94 patients was diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers, and treated at the Institute of Maritime Medicine from January 2021 to December 2023. Study subjects were divided into 2 groups: the study group included 43 patients treated with HBO combined with intravenous antibiotics, wound care, and control of underlying disease; the reference group included 51 patients who were not treated with HBO, but were treated with intravenous antibiotics, wound care, and control of underlying disease. RESULTS: The infection status and level of granulation tissue growth of the study group were better than the reference group (p < 0.001); the depth and diameter of the ulcer in the study group decreased compared to the reference group (p < 0.05). Treatment time and amputation rate in the study group were reduced in comparison with the reference group: 10.1 ± 4.6 days, 15.1 ± 7.8 days and 4.6%, 11.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperbaric oxygens a good method for treating diabetic foot ulcers, helps with anti-inflammation, stimulates the growth of granulation tissue, quickly heals ulcers, reduces treatment time, and reduces amputation rates.

Background: It is widely accepted that low-grade chronic inflammation in obesity worsens the metabolic state and threatens patients' lives in a long-term manner. In fact, diet therapy is the first-line treatment in which relevant nutrients such as the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) must be adequately consumed to counteract the established inflammation. In particular, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been identified as agonists of cellular receptors, including the free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4), which regulates anti-inflammatory pathways associated with enhanced insulin sensitivity. However, the expression and activation of this receptor in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) remains poorly investigated in humans. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a diet supplemented with marine ω-3 PUFA on FFAR4 receptor activation and inflammatory markers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in subjects with obesity. Methodology: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial (NCT05068557) was conducted over two months (eight weeks) in 55 obese individuals (aged 25-59 years). Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an active placebo group (1.6 g/day of alpha-linolenic acid) or a marine ω-3 group (1080 mg of EPA and 720 mg of DHA). Both groups followed a dietary regimen with progressive calorie restriction (-200 kcal/day during weeks 0-4 and -400 kcal/day during weeks 4-8) in addition to supplementation. Results: Following the intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in body composition and biochemical parameters. Supplementation with EPA and DHA enhanced FFAR4 activation at the end of the intervention. Moreover, there was a reduction in the expression of JNK and IKKβ genes, as well as in serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18. In contrast, IL-10 levels increased significantly both within and between the groups. Conclusions: Marine ω-3 PUFA supplementation, in the context of a dietary intervention, promotes FFAR4 activation, thereby contributing to the modulation of the inflammatory response in human PBMC.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia, characterized by age-related loss of muscle mass and function, presents a growing public health concern in aging populations. While resistance training remains the gold standard for management, alternative interventions are needed for individuals with limited exercise capacity. Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed, has demonstrated promising biological activities, including potential muscle-enhancing effects. This study investigated the effects of low-molecular-weight Oligo-Fucoidan supplementation on muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: In this 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 participants aged ≥60 years were assigned to one of three groups: Oligo-Fucoidan, Oligo-Fucoidan with branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and vitamin D, or placebo. Outcomes included handgrip strength, calf circumference, appendicular lean mass index (ALMI), five-times sit-to-stand (5STS), six-minute walk test (6MWT), and isokinetic knee extension (KE) strength. RESULTS: Oligo-Fucoidan supplementation significantly improved grip strength (p < 0.001; effect size r = 0.82), with 64.7 % of participants exceeding the minimal clinically important difference. Improvements in 6MWT distance (p < 0.001) were also observed, with 47.1 % of participants surpassing the minimal detectable change thresholds. No significant changes in muscle mass were noted, though the placebo group showed a reduction in calf circumference (p = 0.012). MANOVA of percent changes across six outcomes indicated significant overall group differences, driven primarily by greater improvements in grip strength in the Oligo-Fucoidan supplementation group compared with placebo. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Oligo-Fucoidan supplementation improved muscle strength and physical performance in older adults, suggesting its potential as a safe, non-pharmacological intervention for sarcopenia. Further research is warranted to evaluate long-term effects and optimize formulation.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized shared-design tourniquet features have useful first-use learning when knowledge-of-results occurs. METHODS: In a prior study, after watching training videos, 64 volunteers were videoed applying (Latin squares randomization): Combat Application Tourniquet Generation 7 ™ (CAT7), SOF ™ Tactical Tourniquet-Wide Generation 3 (SOFTTW3), SOF™ Tactical Tourniquet-Wide Generation 5 (SOFTTW5), Tactical Mechanical Tourniquet® (TMT), OMNA Marine Tourniquet™ (OMT), X8T-Tourniquet (X8T), Tactical Ratcheting Medical Tourniquet™ (Tac RMT), and RapidStop® Tourniquet (RST). Tourniquets were applied to live thighs with audible distal Doppler pulses. RESULTS: This study subset was 10 experienced and 33 no-experience appliers. Experienced appliers had fewer strap/redirect and fewer tightening-system understanding problems and faster associated times than no-experience appliers. Among no-experience appliers, firstuse learning was supported by faster "Go" to "strap secured" times for combined seventh and eighth versus first applications (p=.008), secondversus first-encounter CAT7/OMT applications (p=.0005), and secondversus first-encounter SOFTTW3/ SOFTTW5 applications (p=.079). Occlusion at "Done" was more frequent with experienced appliers (p=.006) and did not show first-use learning across all tourniquets in no-experience appliers. Occlusion at "Done" indicated possible first-use learning with ratcheting-buckle versus windlass-rod tightening systems (p=.028, no-experience appliers). Hook-and-loop strap security, which provides no inherent knowledge-of-results, showed no learning in experienced (five problem applications by two appliers) or no-experience appliers (29 problem applications by 18 appliers). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge-of-results is critical for, but does not guarantee, tourniquet-application-useful first-use learning. The existence of first-use learning can allow limited experience with one tourniquet to improve performance with a different tourniquet with shared-design features. Therefore, exposure to different designs may have value, and providing tourniquet-training knowledge-of-results is important. 2025. Impact of sustainable diets on micr

40. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025 Nov;122(5):1275-1288. doi: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.09.009. Epub 2025 Sep 8. Impact of sustainable diets on micronutrient intakes and status: outcomes of the MyPlanetDiet randomized controlled trial. Leonard UM(1), Davies KP(2), Lindberg L(3), Woodside JV(4), Nugent AP(5),

The impact of plastic pollution on ecosystems and marine fauna is well documented, although research into its effects on waders (also known as shorebirds) remains limited. Given that waders are exposed to coastal marine litter, this exposure could be a significant factor in the decline of their populations. This study aims to assess the global distribution of plastic ingestion in waders and investigate regional differences in their exposure. Our analysis included 30 studies, examining 316 digestive tracts and 1114 faecal samples. Only four studies analysed plastic in wader nests or entanglements. Eastern Asia exhibited the highest prevalence of plastic ingestion in waders, although no significant differences were detected among coastal regions. Descriptive patterns suggest that this trend may be influenced by intensive industrial activity, high population density, and pollution along migratory flyways. Southern Asia had the highest prevalence of plastics in faecal samples. No statistically significant differences were observed across wader families; however, descriptive results indicated elevated ingestion frequencies in Haematopodidae and Scolopacidae, while Recurvirostridae and Haematopodidae tended to show higher plastic prevalence in faecal samples. This study highlights the need for standardised sampling protocols and continued research on the effects of plastic on wader populations, which could contribute to their conservation. © 2026 The Author(s). Biological Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Cambridge Philosophical Society.

OBJECTIVE: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can potentially disqualify individuals for military service. However, some past research suggests the performance of individuals with ADHD in military service may be comparable to individuals without ADHD. The objective of the present research is to evaluate the effect of ADHD on occupational outcomes in the first enlistment term. We hypothesized that ADHD would be associated with weak or small performance decrements. METHOD: Study 1 (N = 51,845) linked Recruit Assessment Program (RAP) survey data collected from U.S. Marine recruits between 2013 and 2018 with up to 4-years of active duty career records from the Defense Manpower Data Center. The RAP survey is a cross-sectional, baseline survey of mental, physical, and behavioral health-including self-reported ADHD diagnosis. Study 2 (N = 161,507) utilized the Career History Archival Medical and Personnel System (CHAMPS) to obtain a study population of all active duty U.S. Marine Corps enlistees who accessed between 2013 and 2018 with follow-up through 2023. ADHD cases were identified by diagnoses and prescriptions captured in CHAMPS medical data. Estimated propensity scores and military characteristics were adjusted for to mitigate confounding. RESULTS: Across both studies, Marines with ADHD (2.0%-3.2%) performed at a comparable level to Marines without ADHD. The differences in occupational outcomes (e.g., promotions, demotions, deployments, and attrition) generally fell within ±3% and failed to reach statistical significance despite high statistical power. Subgroup analyses in Study 2 suggested those with treated ADHD performed significantly better than those with untreated ADHD. CONCLUSION: Complementing past work using medical waivers, the present research suggests those with a prior or current ADHD diagnosis are just as likely to perform successfully in the U.S. Marine Corps as those without ADHD.

The eye is a sensitive target of sublethal stress in aquaculture-reared fish due to its direct exposure to the aquatic environment. This study tested a photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) water treatment system, integrated into a standard recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), to improve water quality and evaluated ocular health in Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) reared at 30 kg/m3 for 28 days, with particular emphasis on the cornea as an indicator of fish welfare. Ocular analyses focused on the cornea and retina, two anatomically and functionally distinct structures. PEC significantly reduced ammonia levels and modulated nitrate concentrations compared to the control group (CTR), represented by a standard RAS. No differences in growth performance or body condition were observed between groups. Corneal integrity was assessed using optical coherence tomography, histology, and mucous cell staining to evaluate epithelial structure and protective responses. Corneal tissue was examined to detect local oxidative effects through morphological analysis and immunohistochemistry for 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Alcian Blu-Periodic Acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) staining did not reveal significant differences in mucin-producing cells among groups. CTR fish exhibited epithelial disruption and increased 8-OHdG immunoreactivity, whereas fish reared in the RAS equipped with the PEC system, ensuring improved water quality, showed preserved corneal architecture despite mild oxidative stress. Molecular analysis of ocular tissues revealed no differential expression of oxidative stress-related genes, such as GPx1, GR, or sod1, in the two groups. Overall, these findings support the use of the cornea as a sensitive indicator of sublethal environmental stress in farmed fish and suggest that PEC treatment may contribute to improved water quality management and welfare monitoring in intensive aquaculture systems.

Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) relies heavily on data acquired from high-resolution optical spaceborne sensors; however, processing this massive quantity of sensor data via traditional supervised deep learning is severely bottlenecked by its dependency on exhaustively annotated datasets. Under extreme data scarcity, conventional architectures suffer severe performance degradation, rendering them impractical for time-critical, zero-day deployments. To overcome this barrier, we propose a training-free inference paradigm that leverages the extensive pre-trained knowledge of Large Vision-Language Models (VLMs). Specifically, we introduce a Domain Knowledge-Enhanced In-Context Learning (DK-ICL) framework coupled with a Macro-Topological Chain-of-Thought (MT-CoT) strategy. This approach bridges the perspective gap between natural images and top-down optical sensor imagery by translating expert remote sensing heuristics into a strict, step-by-step reasoning pipeline. Extensive evaluations demonstrate the substantial efficacy of this framework. Armed with merely 4 visual exemplars per category as in-context triggers, our MT-CoT augmented VLMs outperform traditional models trained under identical scarcity by over 38% in F1-score. Crucially, real-world case studies confirm that this zero-gradient approach maintains robust generalization on unannotated, out-of-distribution coastal clutters, achieving performance parity with data-heavy networks trained on 50 times the data volume. By substituting massive human annotation and GPU optimization with scalable logical deduction, this paradigm establishes a resource-efficient foundation for next-generation intelligent maritime sensing networks.

This paper proposes a robust navigation method based on a robust square-root cubature Kalman filter (RSRCKF) to address the accuracy divergence of integrated navigation systems caused by drilling-induced slippage and the mismatch between the tail-cable encoder and the robot motion during operations of a seafloor drilling robot in deep-sea soft sedimentary layers. Considering the large-deformation mechanical characteristics of the seabed under drilling conditions, a unified state-space model incorporating a time-varying odometer scale-factor error is first established. To alleviate the numerical instability of the nonlinear system in the presence of non-Gaussian noise, a square-root cubature Kalman filter (SRCKF) framework is employed, in which the positive definiteness of the error covariance matrix is dynamically preserved via QR decomposition. Subsequently, an online fault detection mechanism based on a modified chi-square test is developed. By introducing a two-segment IGG (a classical robust weighting scheme) weighting function, an adaptive variance inflation factor is constructed to enable real-time identification and down-weighting of abnormal observations induced by slippage. Field experiments, including drilling and turning tests conducted on tidal mudflats off the coast of Zhoushan, demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively mitigate the impact of "false displacement" disturbances caused by typical soft clay slippage conditions through enhanced statistical robustness. Taking the conventional SINS/OD integration scheme as the baseline, the proposed method achieves an approximate 82.4% reduction in positioning error. These results verify the robustness and engineering applicability of the proposed algorithm in complex seabed environments.

This paper presents an adaptive noise reduction method based on Complementary Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (CEEMD) to address the non-stationary characteristics and noise interference present in friction vibration signals from mechanical equipment. and friction testing machine simulation experiments. The performance of CEEMD and Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) was compared through MATLAB R2023b simulations and experiments conducted on a friction testing machine. CEEMD achieved a computational efficiency 85.6% higher than that of EEMD and effectively reduced mode aliasing. Among them, the adaptive correlation coefficient screening method performed well in signal reconstruction, and the high correlation (correlation coefficient > 0.8) between the denoised signal and the laboratory noise signal was verified using the multi-scale permutation entropy (MPE) theory, which is of great significance for early diagnosis of mechanical faults, prediction of equipment life and timely maintenance decisions.

Reliable underwater acoustic (UWA) communication is fundamental to marine sensing applications, including environmental monitoring, underwater sensor networks, and autonomous platforms, yet remains severely challenged by multipath propagation, Doppler effects, and limited bandwidth. This paper investigates a memory-based multicarrier modulation framework in which controlled phase continuity is introduced at the symbol-mapping stage to enhance robustness against channel-induced distortions. Unlike conventional memoryless multicarrier schemes, the proposed approach embeds intentional phase memory at the transmitter and exploits it at the receiver, improving reliability in highly dispersive underwater environments. A comprehensive bit-error-rate (BER) evaluation is conducted using extensive simulations over realistic shallow-water acoustic channel models. The analysis examines rational modulation indices, pulse-shaping filters, roll-off factors, transmitter-receiver separation distances, and receiver structures. Both matched-filter and zero-forcing receivers are considered to assess trade-offs between interference mitigation and noise amplification. Results demonstrate consistent and significant BER improvements compared with conventional memoryless multicarrier systems. A modulation index of 7/16 achieves the minimum BER with matched-filter detection, while 3/10 yields optimal performance with zero-forcing detection. The Dirichlet pulse provides the most robust performance across operating conditions. These findings establish phase-memory-aware multicarrier design as a practical strategy for reliable underwater sensing and communication systems.

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) are widely employed in advanced manufacturing sectors such as aerospace, wind energy, and new energy vehicles owing to their high specific strength and stiffness. The growing demand for lightweight, high-performance, and multifunctional materials has accelerated the development of structurally and functionally integrated CFRP. Introducing functional interlayers between composite laminates is an effective strategy to impart additional functionalities; however, such interlayers are often multi-component and structurally complex. A critical challenge remains to integrate functionality without compromising, and preferably enhancing, the load-bearing capability of CFRP, particularly their resistance to interlaminar delamination. In this study, electrically heated CFRP incorporating a sandwich-structured interlayer composed of glass fiber mesh fabric/CNT veils doped with carbon nanotubes/glass fiber mesh fabric (GF/CNTs-CNTv/GF) was investigated. The effects of interlayer architecture and CNT loading on the Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness were systematically examined. Delamination failure modes and interlaminar toughening mechanisms were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and ultra-depth-of-field three-dimensional microscopy. The results demonstrate that an optimal CNT pre-impregnation concentration of 1.0 wt% yielded a maximum GIIC of 1644.8 J/m2, corresponding to a 103.06% increase relative to the reference laminate. The enhanced performance is attributed to simultaneous optimization of interfacial "nano-engineering" effects, including matrix toughening and a pronounced "nano-anchoring" mechanism induced by CNT. These effects promote a transition in failure mode from weak interfacial debonding to a mesh-block composite delamination pattern, thereby activating multiple energy-dissipation mechanisms such as crack deflection, fiber pull-out, rupture, and bridging. This work highlights the effectiveness of CNT-modified sandwich interlayers in improving delamination resistance and provides both theoretical insight and experimental validation for the design of multifunctional CFRP with superior interlaminar fracture

This study investigates the combined effects of drilling parameters and tool features on thrust force during drilling of hybrid AA7050/CFRP stacks intended for aerospace applications. Experiments were designed using a Taguchi L16 (4222) orthogonal array by considering feed rate, cutting speed, drill diameter, and coating condition. Unlike most previous studies on Al/CFRP stack drilling, this work provides a layer-specific evaluation by separately analyzing the thrust-force responses of the AA7050 and CFRP layers, while also correlating force behavior with aluminum-side damage and CFRP-side delamination within a unified framework. For the aluminum layer, feed rate was the dominant factor affecting thrust force, with a contribution of 71.22%, followed by drill diameter (26.22%). For the CFRP layer, drill diameter was the most influential parameter (52.58%), followed by feed rate (43.77%). Thrust force ranged from 155.24 to 414.45 N for AA7050 and from 77.73 to 175.39 N for CFRP. Uncoated tools and higher feed rates increased thrust force, leading to poorer machining performance. Delamination in the CFRP layer was primarily governed by feed rate (46.71%), followed by drill diameter (35%). Overall, increasing feed rate and drill diameter significantly deteriorated the machinability of the hybrid structure.

MEMS hydrophones, as critical sensors for maritime security and underwater information acquisition, have sensitive membrane structures that exhibit insufficient ability to withstand hydrostatic pressure, necessitating an overload-protection design. Based on buckling stability theory, a collaborative optimization method for overload-protection column design was proposed, integrating theoretical analysis, finite-element simulation, and process feasibility. An optimized design scheme for hydrophone overload-protection columns was established by comprehensively considering geometric buckling-resistant design, micro-gap anti-adhesion requirements, minimal impact on sensitivity, and micro/nano-fabrication constraints. The results indicate that intermediate slenderness columns with radii between 5.5 μm and 7.5 μm sufficiently meet both fabrication and operational requirements, effectively providing overload protection. Furthermore, at water depths not exceeding 382 m, the MEMS hydrophone can maintain the integrity of its membrane structure without column buckling.