Vertical Jump and Isometric Strength in Professional Female Basketball Players: Starter vs. Non-Starter Comparison

This study examined whether differences in countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) force-time metrics exist between starters and non-starters in professional female basketball players. Twenty-two athletes (7 starters, 15 non-starters) competing in the first Spanish basketball league completed CMJ and IMTP testing using dual force plate system. CMJ variables included jump height, peak and mean braking and propulsive force, time-to-takeoff, and net impulse. IMTP variables included peak force and rate of force development (RFD) at 0−100 and 0−250 ms. Independent t-tests and Hedges’ g effect sizes were used to assess between-group differences. No statistically significant differences were observed between starters and non-starters for any CMJ or IMTP force-time metrics of interest . Both groups displayed similar values in jump height, force production, and RFD, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate (g = 0.04–0.49). However, starters were significantly older than non-starters (p = 0.018), while no differences were found in body mass and height (p > 0.05). Overall, the findings of the present study indicate that, at the professional level of play, CMJ and IMTP performance characteristics are not capable of distinguishing starters from non-starters in women’s basketball. Starting status may be shaped more by competitive experience, technical proficiency, and tactical awareness. Although monitoring neuromuscular performance remains valuable, player selection and role differentiation appear to depend more on skill execution and contextual game demands than on strength characteristics alone.ye

SARC-T a new physical test for sarcopenia assessment with development, validation and physiological evaluation

Background Sarcopenia is a disease characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength associated with aging. There are marked differences in sarcopenia prevalence depending on the diagnostic algorithm used. It has been demonstrated that muscle power is the most relevant predictor for determining functional limitations in older adults. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of the Sarcopenia Optoelectronic Chair-Rise Velocity Test (SARC-T) as complementary alternative to tests that determinate probable sarcopenia and/or assess its severity, as well as to assessment analyze its correlation with other validated tests. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in a population residing in elderly care centers. All physical tests included in the second version of the diagnostic algorithm developed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2) in 2019 were performed. In addition, the SARC-T was administered to measure the speed at which participants rose from a chair. Physiological variables, including heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ), were also monitored. Results The sarcopenia group showed significantly lower physical performance than the non-sarcopenia group in all tests. At a physiological level, no significant differences were found between groups in the 5-STST, Handgrip, and TUG. Additionally, the SARC-T showed a strong correlation with Handgrip (r = 0.800), 5-STST (r = −0.719) and TUG (r = −0.523), and a moderate correlation with Gait Speed (r = −0.438) in sarcopenia group. Conclusion The SARC-T could be a safe, accurate, and low-impact complementary tool for assessing the probability and severity of sarcopenia. </jats:sec

Gender-based differences in telomere attrition and long-term respiratory dysfunction in COVID-19 ICU survivors one year post-infection: implications for aging-associated pulmonary decline

Introduction: A significant proportion of COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survivors develop long-term respiratory complications, including pulmonary fibrosis. Telomere attrition, a marker of cellular senescence, has emerged as a potential biomarker for post-COVID-19 sequelae. This study investigated the association between peripheral blood relative telomere length (RTL) and long-term pulmonary outcomes in COVID-19 ICU survivors, with a specific focus on gender-specific differences. Methods: ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients were followed for at least one year post-discharge. RTL was quantified from peripheral blood using monochromatic multiplex quantitative PCR (MMqPCR) at hospital admission and one-year post-discharge. Primary outcomes were respiratory symptoms and diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD), assessed via imaging. Data were analyzed using gender-stratified generalized linear models, adjusted for clinical covariates. Results: At one year, 43.8% of patients reported respiratory symptoms and 23.9% developed DPLD. A total of 73 ICU survivors were included, with 51 men and 22 women. At one year, 43.8% of patients reported respiratory symptoms and 23.9% developed DPLD. Longitudinal analysis showed significant RTL shortening in both men and women who underwent IMV (p=0.011 and p=0.016, respectively), and in men who needed pronation during their ICU stay (p=0.037). Regarding one-year symptoms, in women, repeated-measures analysis showed an association with persistent respiratory symptoms, particularly in those who needed pronation during their ICU stay [adjusted arithmetic mean ratio (aAMR)=0.73) (95%CI=0.60-0.90); p=0.003]. At follow-up, women who had undergone pronation and had shorter RTL continued to show a higher prevalence of symptoms [aAMR= 0.66 (0.58-0.76); p< 0.001]. In contrast, men with shorter RTL at one-year post-discharge had an association with the presence of DPLD [aAMR = 0.64 (0.50-0.81); p = 0.001]. This association in men was significant particularly among those who required IMV [aAMR= 0.61 (0.49-0.76); p< 0.001] or prone positioning [aAMR= 0.56 (0.44-0.71); p= 0.016]. Discussion: These findings underscore the role of telomere attrition as a sex-specific biomarker of aging-associated pulmonary vulnerability in the aftermath of critical COVID-19 illness. RTL may serve as a prognostic marker for long-term respiratory sequelae, potentially guiding risk stratification and individualized follow-up strategies in post-ICU COVID-19 survivors.yesFront. Immunol., 06 January 2026 Sec. Cytokines and Soluble Mediators in Immunity Volume 16 - 2025 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.168145

The Effect of an Immersive Virtual Reality Physical Activity Intervention on Anthropometric Variables, Physical Fitness, and Blood Pressure in College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/Objectives: University students exhibit high levels of sedentary behavior and low adherence to physical activity recommendations, and immersive virtual reality (IVR) represents an innovative strategy to increase physical activity participation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a physical activity intervention using IVR on anthropometric variables, physical fitness, and blood pressure in university students. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 participants (30 control, 30 intervention) over 12 weeks. The intervention group performed three weekly exercise sessions using IVR, while the control group maintained their usual activity. BMI, waist and hip circumferences, handgrip strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and blood pressure were assessed. Baseline characteristics between groups were compared using Student's t-test. The effect of the intervention was analyzed using analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline values. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess between-group changes, and subgroup analyses were conducted to determine the impact of sex. Results: The intervention produced significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 and the 20 m shuttle run test); no significant changes were observed in anthropometric variables, strength, or blood pressure. Conclusions: A 12-week intervention with immersive virtual reality-based physical training improves cardiorespiratory fitness in university students, representing a promising tool for health promotion in this populationye

Precision Medicine in Plant Food Allergy: a Systematic Review of Biomarkers Under a Clinical Approach

Plant food allergy (FA) is a major global health problem, being peanut one of the most studied allergenic foods worldwide. Biomarkers (Bms) are essential tools for precision medicine, guiding diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment. However, evidence on their clinical applicability in plant FA remains limited and fragmented. Therefore, we aim to systematically review the Bms identified in plant FA related to several aspects of the pathology. This systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Web of Sciences and Cochrane Library) between July 2019 and July 2024. Articles were screened using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and categorized into five thematic sections: sensitization, tolerance, threshold, severity and follow-up treatment. Risk-of-bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using validated tools and the GRADE approach. From the 733 articles found, 71 studies met inclusion criteria and were selected for data extraction. A majority of them were high-quality publications and predominantly involved pediatric cohorts from Europe and North America. Peanut was the most studied food, followed by nuts and wheat, while fruits and seeds were rarely represented. Across all sections, most of the studies were related to severity and tolerance. Specific IgE to whole extracts or molecular components were the most frequent Bms, followed by skin prick test. Emerging Bms were identified, although they remain in early validation stages. Risk-of-bias and certainty of evidence were primarily moderate, reflecting the exploratory nature of most of the included studies. This review highlights the predominance of classical Bms and the promise of novel candidates for future clinical integration. However, research remains allergen-, age- and region-restricted, underscoring the need for multicenter studies, representative patient samples, and validation of emerging Bms to achieve globally applicable precision medicine in plant FA.10.13039/50110000458710.13039/10001444010.13039/10001444010.13039/50110001406310.13039/50110001406

Spatiotemporal dynamics of leptospirosis in Europe: a retrospective observational study with prospective projections

BackgroundLeptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic disease caused by Leptospira spp., with a substantial burden on both human and animal health. Transmission occurs through contact with the urine of infected animals, with rodents serving as the main disease reservoir. Climate and environmental changes, including higher temperatures, heavy rainfall, urbanization, forest encroachment, and biodiversity loss are expected to alter rodent populations and disease dynamics, raising concerns about the increasing risk of leptospirosis in Europe. Despite this, no comprehensive risk map or modelling study has been conducted at the European scale. Given this, we aimed to quantify spatiotemporal patterns of leptospirosis risk in Europe and project future incidence rate under climate change scenarios.MethodsIn this study, we present a Europe-wide spatiotemporal assessment of leptospirosis risk, integrating epidemiological, environmental and climate data. Using monthly leptospirosis cases from the European Surveillance System (TESSy) between 2010 and 2023, we developed a Bayesian hierarchical model to identify key risk factors, including the 3-month Standardised Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI-3), mean temperature (Tmean), forest human nexus and mammal richness. Future changes in disease incidence rate were also investigated under two climate/socio-economic scenarios, namely the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) 4.5 and 8.5.FindingsOver the 2010–2023 period, leptospirosis risk was higher in areas with elevated SPEI-3 (maximum relative risk [RR] = 1.62; 95% CrI: 1.20–2.10) and higher Tmean values (maximum RR = 5.28; 95% CrI: 2.65–11.12), both with a 1-month lag. Leptospirosis incidence rates were greater in warm coastal regions and densely populated areas. We observed a complex relationship between disease risk and the forest human nexus (maximum RR = 1.23; 95% CrI: 0.96–1.55), and a negative association with mammal species richness (minimum RR = 0.63; 95% CrI: 0.40–0.98), suggesting a potential dilution effect. Finally, under future climate scenarios, we found that leptospirosis incidence rate is projected to increase, particularly under high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with larger rises expected in the long-term period (2081–2100) than in the short-term period (2041–2060).InterpretationClimate and environmental factors can elevate the risk of leptospirosis with climate change projected to have a significant impact on future risk levels. Our findings underscore the need for proactive measures to mitigate the effects of climate-sensitive zoonoses, such as leptospirosis, across Europe. Integrating spatial and temporal disease models into early warning systems, alongside environmental management and climate mitigation strategies, can support timely interventions and enhance public health resilience.FundingThis research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, private, or not-for-profit sectors.10.13039/50110000080

Combined creatine and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate supplementation with integral conditioning exercise enhances functional performance and metabolic health in physically active older adults: A randomized controlled crossover trial

Background Combined creatine monohydrate (CRE) and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation may counteract age-related declines in functional capacity, yet evidence in physically active older adults is scarce. Objective To investigate the effects of six weeks of CRE+HMB supplementation integrated with a supervised multicomponent exercise program on functional performance, metabolic efficiency, and physiological health in older adults. Methods Thirty physically active adults aged≥60 years (20 men, 10 women) completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving two 6-week intervention phases (CRE+HMB or placebo), separated by a 3-week washout. The exercise program (4 sessions/week) combined strength, endurance, and coordination training. Functional tests (4-m gait speed, 5-repetition sit-to-stand, Timed Up and Go, 400-m walk), metabolic indices, and cardiopulmonary and inflammatory markers were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results CRE+HMB significantly improved gait speed, sit-to-stand, TUG, and 400-m walk (p<0.05), with large effect sizes (η²p=0.15–0.29). Basal metabolic rate and metabolic rate index increased, while visceral adiposity showed favorable trends. Women exhibited reductions in diastolic blood pressure and higher expiratory strength; men showed a transient rise in endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR). No period, sequence, or carryover effects were detected. Conclusions Six weeks of CRE+HMB supplementation integrated with supervised multicomponent training enhanced mobility, metabolic efficiency, and selected physiological outcomes in physically active older adults. This strategy represents a safe, feasible, and practical approach to sustain functional independence and metabolic health with agingye

Development of Betalactam-Predictor: A Clinical Decision Tool for Delabeling Low-Risk Betalactam Allergy Patients. Initial Validation in Penicillin Allergy

Background: A label of betalactam (BL) allergy is estimated in around 10% of the population in their medical records. Second-line choices carry significant negative consequences, including reduced efficacy, effectiveness, and safety. This study aimed to develop a new highly specific score constructed by selecting variables assisted by artificial intelligence to identify low-risk BL-allergic patients. Methods: In this study, derivation and validation of the BL-predictor score were performed on a retrospective cohort of 2207 patients who underwent penicillin allergy testing at Málaga University Hospital (Spain). The development of the BL-predictor encompassed expert drafting and a two-step variable selection process consisting of univariate analysis and variable filtering, followed by stepwise logistic regression with resampling. To assess the efficiency, a multicentric retrospective external validation was performed in 4261 patients from six populations: Salamanca and Madrid, Spain; Nashville, United States of America; Verona, Italy; Paris, France; and Copenhagen, Denmark. Results: The definitive questionnaire consisted of eight items and risk points were computed from the logistic regression model as follows: +1 for reactions after first dose or in less than 1 h (ITEM-1), +2 for anaphylaxis (ITEM-2); +1 for previous reaction with the culprit (ITEM-3); −1 for resolution in > 24 h (ITEM-4); +2 for spontaneous resolution (ITEM-5); −2 for unknown symptoms (ITEM-6); −2 for reaction occurred > 5 years (ITEM-7), and −1 for another reported drug allergy (ITEM-8). After establishing a threshold of ≤ 0 points to classify individuals with low risk, internal validation showed a specificity of 86% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 83%. Overall multicenter external validation showed a specificity of 93%, which implies a 25% increase in specificity compared to the previously published BL decision tool. Conclusion: This score would simplify diagnostic procedures in low-risk patients, enabling rapid delabeling, potentially in non-specialty settings, and reducing diagnostic costs and the negative consequences associated with incorrect antibiotic allergy labels.10.13039/50110001182410.13039/50110001182

Pilot case control evaluation of artificial intelligence assisted orthodontic monitoring and pediatric patient perception

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a key tool in the modernization of the healthcare industry, aiding dentists in performing their work more efficiently and effectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate orthodontic monitoring and patient perception using the AI-assisted Dental Monitoring software in children. The study was designed as a randomized controlled case-control study, including retrospective data collection through patients’ medical records. Dental Monitoring application enables patients to scan or capture images of their dentition using a smartphone, allowing orthodontists to remotely check treatment progress. Children aged between 7- and 12-years undergoing treatment with Invisalign First were invited to take part. They were classified into two groups based on orthodontic monitoring method: conventional methods (control group) and Dental Monitoring (DM) software. Outcomes included demographic variables, Angle molar classification, initial number of aligners, treatment duration in months, number of refinements, number of aligners in the first refinement, number of aligners in the second refinement, number of appointments, number of emergencies, and patient perception. Data were analyzed for statistical significance, applying a 95% confidence level. The study included a total of 39 patients (20 in the DM group and 19 in the control group). Both groups were homogeneous in terms of age, sex, and malocclusion. No significant differences were observed between the two groups, except for the number of appointments, which was significantly lower in the DM group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Regarding children’s perception, 85% found scanning to be either very easy or easy, and 100% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their communication with the orthodontist. Moreover, 100% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the DM application, and 85% would recommend the experience. The group monitored using DM showed a significant reduction in the number of appointments compared to the control group, with no significant differences in treatment duration, number of refinements, or number of aligners per refinement. Children reported a highly favorable perception of orthodontic monitoring with DM

Single-nucleus RNA sequencing identifies a novel tenogenic heterologous differentiation in endometrial carcinosarcomas: implications for diagnosis and tumor classification.

Carcinosarcomas (CSs) are aggressive biphasic tumors characterized by epithelial and mesenchymal components, whose histogenesis and differentiation dynamics remain poorly understood. We present single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) analysis of six CSs (five endometrial and one ovarian) and two normal endometrial samples, profiling over 96,298 cells. By integrating transcriptomic data with inferred copy number variations (CNVs), immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and in situ hybridization (ISH) validation, we resolved the complex cellular architecture of these tumors, identified lineage-specific programs, and revealed unexpected differentiation trajectories. snRNA-seq was used to further refine the histopathological classification of three cases by uncovering heterologous differentiation not previously recognized: one rhabdomyogenic, one osteogenic, and, notably, one exhibiting a novel tenogenic program, defined by the expression of SCX, MKX, and TNMD. All CSs displayed a prominent mesenchymal compartment comprising both undifferentiated fibroblast-like cells and distinct lineage committed populations, including rhabdomyoblasts (Rhab), tenoblasts (Teno), osteoblasts (Osteo), and chondroblasts (Chond). In some tumors, multiple mesenchymal identities co-existed, and in others, differentiation gradients (e.g. immature versus mature rhabdomyoblasts) were observed. These patterns underscore the cellular plasticity and multilineage potential of the sarcomatous component. Furthermore, the expression of specialized interface markers (COL22A1, NCAM1, ACAN, CHRNG, MUSK) suggests that some tumors use structured developmental programs reminiscent of the muscle-tendon junction, enthesis, or neuromuscular junction. CNV analysis revealed tumor-specific genomic alterations with clonal and subclonal patterns linked to differentiation state, which were validated by FISH. Altogether, this study demonstrates that CSs are not static biphasic tumors but rather complex ecosystems with extensive developmental plasticity. Our findings redefine their classification and support the use of single-nucleus approaches to uncover hidden differentiation trajectories in highly heterogeneous cancers, including the discovery of a previously unreported tenogenic lineage. Our results challenge the diagnosis of homologous CS when only morphological criteria are applied. © 2026 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.ye