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20 pages, 1390 KiB  
Review
The Hidden Power of the Secretome: Therapeutic Potential on Wound Healing and Cell-Free Regenerative Medicine—A Systematic Review
by Jhon W. Prado-Yupanqui, Lourdes Ramírez-Orrego, Denny Cortez, Victor Juan Vera-Ponce, Stella M. Chenet, Juan R. Tejedo and Rafael Tapia-Limonchi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 1926; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26051926 (registering DOI) - 23 Feb 2025
Abstract
Various types of wounds represent a persistent healthcare burden that demands innovative and effective therapeutic solutions. Innovative approaches have emerged that focus on skin regeneration with minimal side effects. One such method is cell-free therapy that utilizes the secretome of human mesenchymal stem [...] Read more.
Various types of wounds represent a persistent healthcare burden that demands innovative and effective therapeutic solutions. Innovative approaches have emerged that focus on skin regeneration with minimal side effects. One such method is cell-free therapy that utilizes the secretome of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) as a promising alternative to traditional cell-based therapies, leveraging a complex mixture of bioactive molecules, including growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles, to accelerate tissue regeneration. This systematic review synthesizes the findings of 35 studies evaluating the impact of hMSC-derived secretomes on wound healing, with a focus on their regenerative, immunomodulatory, and angiogenic effects. The influence of MSC sources (adipose tissue, bone marrow, umbilical cord) and culture conditions on secretome composition and efficacy in the cutaneous wound healing process is examined, highlighting their therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine. This review also explores emerging preclinical and clinical applications, highlighting promising results, such as enhanced fibroblast proliferation, reduced inflammation, and improved extracellular matrix remodeling. In addition, advances in secretome-based biomaterials, including hydrogels and scaffolds, which optimize therapeutic delivery and efficacy are discussed. Despite the growing body of evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of secretomes, challenges remain regarding standardization, large-scale production, and clinical validation. This review highlights the potential of MSC-derived secretomes as a next-generation cell-free approach for wound healing and regenerative medicine. Full article
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17 pages, 316 KiB  
Article
Self-Regulation, Emotional Symptomatology, Substance Use, and Social Network Addiction in Adolescent Self-Harm
by Luis Fernando López-Martínez, Eva M. Carretero, Miguel A. Carrasco and Ana M. Pérez-García
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15030257 (registering DOI) - 23 Feb 2025
Abstract
Background: Non-suicidal self-injurious behaviour (NSSI) is a growing concern in the field of adolescent mental health. It is thus crucial to examine the factors associated with this behaviour. Methods: A sample of 354 adolescents (51.7% boys), with a mean age of 15.01 years [...] Read more.
Background: Non-suicidal self-injurious behaviour (NSSI) is a growing concern in the field of adolescent mental health. It is thus crucial to examine the factors associated with this behaviour. Methods: A sample of 354 adolescents (51.7% boys), with a mean age of 15.01 years (ranging from 12 to 20 years), was analysed to explore the relationships between NSSI and self-regulation strategies, substance use, dependence on social networks, and symptomatology. Results: The results indicate that adolescents who engage in NSSI employ fewer adaptive emotional self-regulation strategies and exhibit more self-blame and rumination than those who do not engage in NSSI. Additionally, these adolescents show greater psychological symptomatology, more dependence on social networks, and increased substance use. Gender is also an important factor, with more girls (62.8%) than boys (37.2%) engaging in self-harm. Regression analyses show that self-harm is associated with greater symptomatology and increased substance use for boys and girls alike. For girls, self-harm is also associated with maladaptive self-regulation strategies. The variables chosen for analysis allowed us to correctly classify 89.5% of the boys who did not self-harm and 72.8% of the girls who did. Conclusions: This study offers insight into the relationships among self-regulation, digital addiction, substance use, emotional symptomatology, and NSSI in adolescents, highlighting the importance of gender. Full article
18 pages, 1493 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Methods for Detrending Time Series Using Ordinal Patterns, with an Application to Air Transport Delays
by Felipe Olivares, F. Javier Marín-Rodríguez, Kishor Acharya and Massimiliano Zanin
Entropy 2025, 27(3), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/e27030230 (registering DOI) - 23 Feb 2025
Abstract
Functional networks have become a standard tool for the analysis of complex systems, allowing the unveiling of their internal connectivity structure while only requiring the observation of the system’s constituent dynamics. To obtain reliable results, one (often overlooked) prerequisite involves the stationarity of [...] Read more.
Functional networks have become a standard tool for the analysis of complex systems, allowing the unveiling of their internal connectivity structure while only requiring the observation of the system’s constituent dynamics. To obtain reliable results, one (often overlooked) prerequisite involves the stationarity of an analyzed time series, without which spurious functional connections may emerge. Here, we show how ordinal patterns and metrics derived from them can be used to assess the effectiveness of detrending methods. We apply this approach to data representing the evolution of delays in major European and US airports, and to synthetic versions of the same, obtaining operational conclusions about how these propagate in the two systems. Full article
19 pages, 1346 KiB  
Article
Cognitive Priming During Warmup Enhances Sport and Exercise Performance: A Goldilocks Effect
by Jesús Díaz-García, Ana Rubio-Morales, David Manzano-Rodríguez, Tomás García-Calvo and Christopher Ring
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(3), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15030235 (registering DOI) - 23 Feb 2025
Abstract
Background: Mental fatigue can impair sport, exercise and cognitive performance. Warmup activities can improve performance when the individual is rested. However, their effectiveness when individual is fatigued has yet to be established. The research objectives were to evaluate the effects of physical and [...] Read more.
Background: Mental fatigue can impair sport, exercise and cognitive performance. Warmup activities can improve performance when the individual is rested. However, their effectiveness when individual is fatigued has yet to be established. The research objectives were to evaluate the effects of physical and combined physical plus cognitive warmup activities on subsequent sport, exercise, and cognitive performance when rested and fatigued by sleep restriction in athletes (Study 1) and older adults (Study 2). Methods: In Study 1, 31 padel players completed a padel performance test and Stroop task after physical and combined warmups when rested and fatigued by sleep deprivation. In Study 2, 32 older adults completed sit–stand, arm curl, walking, Stroop, and psychomotor vigilance tests after no warmup, physical warmup, and combined warmup when rested and fatigued by sleep deprivation. In both studies, combined warmups intermixed short-, medium-, or long-duration cognitive tasks between physical warmup activities. Mental fatigue was measured using visual analog scale ratings. Results: In both studies, sleep deprivation increased mental fatigue and impaired performance. In Study 1, relative to a physical warmup, padel and Stroop performance were improved by combined warmups (with short-to-medium cognitive tasks) when rested and fatigued. In Study 2, relative to no warmup, sit–stand, arm curl, walking, Stroop, and reaction time performance were improved by physical and combined warmups (with short-to-medium cognitive tasks) when rested and fatigued. Conclusions: The negative effects of sleep deprivation on sport, exercise, and cognitive performance were best mitigated by combined warmups with short-to-medium cognitive tasks. Combined warmups are effective countermeasures against the deleterious effects of mental fatigue on performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cognitive, Social and Affective Neuroscience)
16 pages, 8709 KiB  
Article
Towards a Heat-Resistant Tethered Micro-Aerial Vehicle for Structure Fire Sensing
by Daniel Aláez, Manuel Prieto, Jesús Villadangos and José Javier Astrain
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2388; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052388 (registering DOI) - 23 Feb 2025
Abstract
The collapse of structures during firefighter intervention is one of the greatest risks that firefighters must face when entering buildings. To reduce these risks, situational awareness is key. Although many advances have already been developed in wildland and outdoor fires, there is still [...] Read more.
The collapse of structures during firefighter intervention is one of the greatest risks that firefighters must face when entering buildings. To reduce these risks, situational awareness is key. Although many advances have already been developed in wildland and outdoor fires, there is still room for improvement in structure fires. The development of a heat-resistant micro-aerial vehicle for indoor fires poses a series of challenges such as component cooling, battery management, and protection from impacts. In this paper, a heat-resistant tethered micro-aerial vehicle is designed, modeled through thermal analysis, and successfully tested in real-world conditions. This platform has been equipped with a micro-sized thermal sensing camera and first-person-view (FPV) camera, optimized for thermal management, to allow for situational awareness in structure fires. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical Advances In and Applications of Low-Cost/Power Sensors)
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24 pages, 7147 KiB  
Article
Benchmarking Uninitialized CMIP6 Simulations for Inter-Annual Surface Wind Predictions
by Joan Saladich Cubero, María Carmen Llasat and Raül Marcos Matamoros
Atmosphere 2025, 16(3), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16030254 (registering DOI) - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 3
Abstract
This study investigates the potential of uninitialized global climate projections for providing 12-month (inter-annual) wind forecasts in Europe in light of the increasing demand for long-term climate predictions. This is important in a context where models based on the past climate may not [...] Read more.
This study investigates the potential of uninitialized global climate projections for providing 12-month (inter-annual) wind forecasts in Europe in light of the increasing demand for long-term climate predictions. This is important in a context where models based on the past climate may not fully account for the implications for climate variability of current warming trends, and where initialized 12-month forecasts are still not widely available (i.e., seasonal forecasts) and/or consolidated (i.e., decadal predictions). To this aim, we use two types of simulations: uninitialized climate projections from CMIP6 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6) and initialized 6-month seasonal forecasts (ECMWF’s SEAS5), using the latter as a benchmark. All the predictions are bias-corrected with five distinct approaches (quantile delta mapping, empirical quantile mapping, quantile delta mapping, scaling bias-adjustment and a proprietary quantile mapping) and verified against weather observations from the ECA&D E-OBS project (684 weather stations across Europe). It is observed that the quantile-mapping techniques outperform the other bias-correction algorithm in adjusting the cumulative distribution function (CDF) to the reference weather stations and, also, in reducing the mean bias error closer to zero. However, a simple bias -correction by scaling improves the time-series predictive accuracy (root mean square error, anomaly correlation coefficient and mean absolute scaled error) of CMIP6 simulations over quantile-mapping bias corrections. Thus, the results suggest that CMIP6 projections may provide a valuable preliminary framework for comprehending climate wind variations over the ensuing 12-month period. Finally, while baseline methods like climatology could still outperform the presented methods in terms of time-series accuracy (i.e., root mean square error), our approach highlights a key advantage: climatology is static, whereas CMIP6 offers a dynamic, evolving view of climatology. The combination of dynamism and bias correction makes CMIP6 projections a valuable starting point for understanding wind climate variations over the next 12 months. Furthermore, using workload schedulers within high-performance computing frameworks is essential for effectively handling these complex and ever-evolving datasets, highlighting the critical role of advanced computational methods in fully realizing the potential of CMIP6 for climate analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Computing for Atmospheric Modeling)
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16 pages, 510 KiB  
Article
Biomonitoring of Serum Inorganic Element Concentrations in Morbidly Obese Patients: Impact of Bariatric Surgery
by Álvaro Ramos-Luzardo, Pilar Fernández. Valerón, Beatriz Vanessa Díaz-González, Manuel Zumbado, Katherine Simbaña-Rivera, Inmaculada Bautista-Castaño, Norberto Ruiz-Suárez, Elisabeth Hernández-García, Judith Cornejo-Torre, Octavio P. Luzardo, Lluis Serra-Majem and Luis Alberto Henríquez-Hernández
Toxics 2025, 13(3), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13030152 (registering DOI) - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 6
Abstract
Adipose tissue, in addition to serving as energy storage, can store lipophilic substances, some of which may pose a health risk if massively mobilized during rapid weight loss. This study aimed to biomonitor inorganic elements in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery and analyze [...] Read more.
Adipose tissue, in addition to serving as energy storage, can store lipophilic substances, some of which may pose a health risk if massively mobilized during rapid weight loss. This study aimed to biomonitor inorganic elements in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery and analyze the role of sociodemographic factors. ICP-MS was employed to quantify 55 elements, including elements identified from the ATSDR’s Substance Priority List and rare-earth elements, in serum samples of 58 obese patients before and after bariatric surgery. A total of 39 out of 55 elements were detected, either before or after surgery, in at least one patient. Serum concentrations of gold, copper, mercury, platinum, and selenium significantly decreased after surgery. Serum concentrations of iron and zinc were significantly lower before surgery. Age, sex, diabetes status, arterial hypertension, and family history of obesity were demographic factors associated with the concentration of elements. Correlation analyses showed significant associations between elements and total lipid concentration or body mass index. Our findings indicate a complex interplay between inorganic elements and body fat and provide relevant information regarding the biomonitoring of these chemical elements in a specific and understudied population. Full article
21 pages, 3394 KiB  
Article
Ultrasound-Enhanced Gelation of Stimuli-Responsive and Biocompatible Phenylalanine-Derived Hydrogels
by Eduardo Buxaderas, Yanina Moglie, Aarón Baz Figueroa, Juan V. Alegre-Requena, Santiago Grijalvo, César Saldías, Raquel P. Herrera, Eugenia Marqués-López and David Díaz Díaz
Gels 2025, 11(3), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11030160 (registering DOI) - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive materials, particularly supramolecular hydrogels, exhibit a dynamic adaptability to external factors such as pH and ultrasound. Among these, phenylalanine (Phe)-derived hydrogels are promising due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tunable properties, making them ideal for biomedical applications. This study explores the effects [...] Read more.
Stimuli-responsive materials, particularly supramolecular hydrogels, exhibit a dynamic adaptability to external factors such as pH and ultrasound. Among these, phenylalanine (Phe)-derived hydrogels are promising due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tunable properties, making them ideal for biomedical applications. This study explores the effects of pH and ultrasound on the gelation properties of N-substituted Phe derivatives, with a primary focus on the role of ultrasound in optimizing the gelation process. A series of N-substituted Phe derivatives were synthesized via reductive amination and hydrolysis. Hydrogel formation was possible with two of these compounds, namely G1 and G2, using the following two methods: heating–cooling (H‒C) and heating–ultrasound–cooling (H‒US‒C). The critical gelation concentration (CGC), gelation kinetics, thermal stability (Tgel), and viscoelastic properties were assessed. Morphological and cytotoxicity analyses were performed to confirm the suitability of these gels for biomedical applications. Both G1 and G2 derivatives demonstrated enhanced gelation under the H‒US‒C protocol compared to H‒C, with notable reductions in CGC (up to 47%) and gelation time (by over 90%). Ultrasound-induced gels led to an improved network density and stability, while maintaining thermal reversibility and mechanical properties comparable to those of hydrogels formed without ultrasound. Cytotoxicity studies confirmed a high biocompatibility, with cell viability rates above 95% across the tested concentrations. Given the similar rheological and morphological properties of the hydrogels regardless of the preparation method, drug release experiments were performed with representative gel samples and demonstrated the efficient encapsulation and controlled release of 5-fluorouracil and methotrexate from the hydrogels, supporting their potential as pH-responsive drug delivery platforms. This study highlights the role of ultrasound as a powerful tool for accelerating and optimizing the gelation process of supramolecular hydrogels, which is particularly relevant for applications requiring rapid gel formation. The developed Phe-based hydrogels also demonstrate promising characteristics as drug delivery systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gels: 10th Anniversary)
17 pages, 456 KiB  
Protocol
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Radiofrequency in Multimodal Physiotherapy for Postpartum Pelvic Pain: The RASDOP Protocol—A Mixed-Methods Study
by Beatriz Navarro-Brazález, Laura Lorenzo-Gallego, Paula Rangel-de la Mata, María Torres-Lacomba, Fernando Vergara-Pérez, Beatriz Sánchez-Sánchez and Nuria Izquierdo-Méndez
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(5), 1489; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051489 (registering DOI) - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 2
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Approximately 30% of women experience pelvic pain one year after vaginal delivery, and this increases to 50% during vaginal intercourse. Multimodal physiotherapy is the first-line treatment for myofascial pain of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM), often incorporating emerging technologies like radiofrequency, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Approximately 30% of women experience pelvic pain one year after vaginal delivery, and this increases to 50% during vaginal intercourse. Multimodal physiotherapy is the first-line treatment for myofascial pain of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM), often incorporating emerging technologies like radiofrequency, despite limited evidence supporting its use. The RASDOP study aims to (i) evaluate the effectiveness of multimodal physiotherapy combining therapeutic education, PFM training, and myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) management with or without radiofrequency, in reducing pain and improving sexual function postpartum; and (ii) explore the barriers and facilitators influencing adherence and perceived self-efficacy towards physiotherapy treatment in women with postpartum pelvic pain. Methods: This study employs a randomized clinical trial with a blinded examiner and two parallel groups, followed by a qualitative phenomenological study. A total of 124 postpartum women with pelvic pain (≥4 cm on the visual analogue scale) will be randomized into two groups: a multimodal physiotherapy group (therapeutic education, MPS treatment, and PFM training) and a radiofrequency + multimodal physiotherapy group (same treatment with additional non-ablative radiofrequency). Both groups will receive 12 supervised individual sessions. Assessments will be conducted pre- and post-intervention, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month stages post-treatment. Primary outcomes include pain intensity and sexual function, while secondary outcomes involve PFM tone, strength, MPS presence, levator ani length, and distress caused by pelvic floor dysfunction. The qualitative study will utilize semi-structured interviews and focus groups analyzed thematically. Results: Radiofrequency is expected to enhance pain relief, sexual function, and PFM relaxation. Insights into adherence and barriers will aid in personalizing physiotherapy interventions. Conclusions: The RASDOP study will provide evidence on the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency in postpartum pelvic pain treatment and shed light on women’s experiences to improve therapeutic outcomes. Full article
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15 pages, 322 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Impact of 3D Anatomy Applications on Academic Competencies in Medicine and Health Sciences
by José I. Baile, María J. González-Calderón, Daniel F. Alemán-Escuela and María F. Rabito-Alcón
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15030277 (registering DOI) - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1
Abstract
Anatomical study, rooted in tradition spanning centuries, has historically been based on the methodology of dissections and the use of book illustrations. Currently, various teaching methodologies have emerged for the training of health sciences students, among which 3D applications of anatomical models stand [...] Read more.
Anatomical study, rooted in tradition spanning centuries, has historically been based on the methodology of dissections and the use of book illustrations. Currently, various teaching methodologies have emerged for the training of health sciences students, among which 3D applications of anatomical models stand out. This study aims to investigate which 3D anatomy apps are most used by health science students and their perception of the usefulness of these apps for studying anatomy—specifically, to what extent they believe these apps contribute to the acquisition of academic, cognitive, and interaction competencies related to the anatomy course. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in which 88 students from the fields of Medicine and other Health Sciences at several Spanish universities completed a survey that included questions about the use of 3D anatomy apps and the competencies outlined in the official anatomy course syllabus at Spanish universities. The results show that 3D anatomy apps are commonly used (74.2% of participants) and positively affect the students’ anatomical study, as most participants (84.95%) found these apps useful both in their learning process and for increasing their academic motivation. These apps seem to contribute much or very much to the acquisition of competencies related to the understanding of anatomical structure and morphology (81.82% and 78.79%, respectively), although their contribution to the study of anatomical function is less significant (21.21%). Remarkable results were also obtained in relation to the perceived contribution of other cognitive and interaction skills linked to the study of anatomy. For the first time, this study collected data on the use of 3D apps by Health Science students from Spanish universities. Furthermore, this study provides insight into which specific competencies are most benefited by the use of 3D anatomy apps, suggesting future improvements to these apps to enhance the acquisition of certain competencies, which will ultimately improve the teaching–learning process of anatomy through these applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Technology Enhanced Education)
18 pages, 751 KiB  
Review
Influence of Klotho Protein Levels in Obesity and Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review
by Diana G. Ariadel-Cobo, Brisamar Estébanez, Elena González-Arnáiz, María Pilar García-Pérez, Marta Rivera-Viloria, Begoña Pintor de la Maza, David Emilio Barajas-Galindo, Diana García-Sastre, María D. Ballesteros-Pomar and María J. Cuevas
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 1915; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26051915 (registering DOI) - 23 Feb 2025
Abstract
The Klotho gene is recognized for its anti-aging properties. Its downregulation leads to aging-like phenotypes, whereas overexpression can extend lifespan. Klotho protein exists in three forms: α-klotho, β-klotho and γ-klotho. The α-klotho has two isoforms: a membrane-bound form, primarily in the kidney and [...] Read more.
The Klotho gene is recognized for its anti-aging properties. Its downregulation leads to aging-like phenotypes, whereas overexpression can extend lifespan. Klotho protein exists in three forms: α-klotho, β-klotho and γ-klotho. The α-klotho has two isoforms: a membrane-bound form, primarily in the kidney and brain, and a secreted klotho protein present in blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. Klotho functions as a co-receptor for fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), regulating phosphate metabolism. The membrane-bound form controls various ion channels and receptors, while the secreted form regulates endocrine FGFs, including FGF19 and FGF21. The interaction between β-klotho and FGF21 in muscle is critical in the development of sarcopenic obesity. This systematic review, registered in PROSPERO and conducted following PRISMA guidelines, evaluates klotho levels in individuals with obesity or sarcopenic obesity. The study includes overweight, obese, and sarcopenic obese adults compared to those with a normal body mass index. After reviewing 713 articles, 20 studies were selected, including observational, cross-sectional, cohort studies, and clinical trials. Significant associations between klotho levels and obesity, metabolic syndrome (MS), and cardiovascular risk were observed. Exercise and dietary interventions positively influenced klotho levels, which were linked to improved muscle strength and slower decline. Klotho is a potential biomarker for obesity, MS, and sarcopenic obesity. Further research is needed to explore its mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Review Papers in Molecular and Cellular Biology 2024)
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19 pages, 1197 KiB  
Article
Molecular Confirmation of Raptors from Spain as Definitive Hosts of Numerous Sarcocystis Species
by Evelina Juozaitytė-Ngugu, Saulius Švažas, Antonio Bea, Donatas Šneideris, Diego Villanúa, Dalius Butkauskas and Petras Prakas
Animals 2025, 15(5), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050646 (registering DOI) - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 121
Abstract
Most raptors are flagship and umbrella species acting as ecosystem engineers. Research on avian parasites in raptors is therefore of interest. There is a lack of studies on Sarcocystis in naturally infected raptors. In the present work, we aimed to identify Sarcocystis spp. [...] Read more.
Most raptors are flagship and umbrella species acting as ecosystem engineers. Research on avian parasites in raptors is therefore of interest. There is a lack of studies on Sarcocystis in naturally infected raptors. In the present work, we aimed to identify Sarcocystis spp. in intestinal scrapings of the raptors from Spain. Sarcocystis spp. were identified in 82.5% of the intestinal samples studied by nested PCR and sequencing of the partial ITS1 region and 28S rRNA. A total of nine known Sarcocystis species, S. arctica, S. columbae, S. cornixi, S. glareoli, S. halieti, S. kutkienae, S. cf strixi, S. turdusi, and Sarcocystis sp. ex Corvus corax, and three genetically new organisms, Sarcocystis sp. Rod6, Sarcocystis sp. Rod7, and Sarcocystis sp. 22AvEs1, were identified in the intestines of raptors. This study is the first report of Sarcocystis spp. in the intestines of eleven raptor species from Spain. Furthermore, the new potential definitive hosts have been determined for seven Sarcocystis species. Co-infection of Sarcocystis spp. has also been observed, with more than one species found in 72.5% of birds. Nine different Sarcocystis species were identified in the intestinal samples of the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). In conclusion, raptors play an important role in the transmission of Sarcocystis spp. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Parasitic Infections in Animals)
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13 pages, 1077 KiB  
Review
Pertuzumab in Combination with Trastuzumab and Docetaxel as Adjuvant Doublet Therapy for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
by Ignacio Ventura, Nerea Pinilla Salcedo, Marcelino Pérez-Bermejo, Javier Pérez-Murillo, Manuel Tejeda-Adell, Francisco Tomás-Aguirre, María Ester Legidos-García and María Teresa Murillo-Llorente
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 1908; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26051908 (registering DOI) - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 119
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most clinically relevant pathology of the mammary gland and is currently the most diagnosed malignant disease among women worldwide. In breast cancer prevention, it is important to consider that the risk of developing the disease is not the same [...] Read more.
Breast cancer is the most clinically relevant pathology of the mammary gland and is currently the most diagnosed malignant disease among women worldwide. In breast cancer prevention, it is important to consider that the risk of developing the disease is not the same for the entire population. This pathology presents heterogeneous clinical manifestations and the most common classification is related to the following hormonal receptors: estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and triple-negative (TNBC). Currently, a new class of therapy is being used for cancer treatment: anti-body-drug conjugates. A bibliographic search was performed by establishing keywords and then combining them using Boolean operators OR and AND. Thus, the search equation was formulated according to the PICO search question to be used in the PubMed database. Results: Fifteen studies that met the established inclusion criteria were analyzed, and their methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute approach, demonstrating high reliability in the results obtained, the analyzed studies focus on the combination of adjuvant Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab with chemotherapy for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Scientific evidence suggests that the combination of pertuzumab and trastuzumab not only improves the survival of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer but also provides a safe and flexible treatment option. Full article
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18 pages, 1590 KiB  
Article
The Characterization of Atrial Fibrillation and Prognostic Value of a Modified 4S-AF Scheme: A Report from the REGUEIFA Community Health Area Registry (Galician Intercentric Registry of Atrial Fibrillation)
by Javier García Seara, Laila González Melchor, María Vázquez Caamaño, Emilio Fernández-Obanza Windcheid, Raquel Marzoa, Miriam Piñeiro Portela, Eva González Babarro, Pilar Cabanas Grandío, Olga Durán Bobín, Óscar Prada Delgado, Juliana Elices Teja, Evaristo Freire, Mario Gutiérrez Feijoo, Javier Muñiz, Francisco Gude, Eduardo Barge Caballero, Carlos González-Juanatey and on behalf of the REGUEIFA Investigators
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(5), 1483; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051483 (registering DOI) - 23 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Background: The REGUEIFA registry aims to assess the contemporary treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in the community health area of Galicia. Due to the prognostic relevance of anticoagulation status, we used it to differentiate patients by adding a category to the [...] Read more.
Background: The REGUEIFA registry aims to assess the contemporary treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in the community health area of Galicia. Due to the prognostic relevance of anticoagulation status, we used it to differentiate patients by adding a category to the stroke domain of the 4S-AF score. Methods: A Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to identify the prognostic value of the modified 4S-AF score regarding mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and thromboembolic events. For bleeding events, we used a Poisson regression model to account for recurrent events. Results: When considering the stroke risk domain as a categorical variable, the risk stratification for all-cause mortality improved by more than 2 times (stroke risk: 2 vs. 1; hazard ratio (HR): 2.17; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–4.55), p = 0.04). According to the Poisson regression model, the stroke risk domain was also an independent factor for hemorrhagic events (HR: 2.83; 95% CI 1.69–4.74, p < 0.001). For patients with permanent AF, the mortality rate was more than 2 times higher than that of patients with paroxysmal AF or their first episode of AF (HR: 2.53; 95% CI; 1.53–4.18); p < 0.001. Anticoagulation therapy was the only independent domain treatment associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality (HR: 0.41; 95% CI 0.19–0.89 p < 0.0023). Conclusions: The modification of the stroke risk score to reflect anticoagulation status may improve the characterization and stratification of overall mortality risk, as demonstrated in the contemporary AF cohort from the REGUEIFA study. The permanent form of AF was associated with a higher risk of overall mortality and cardiovascular mortality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiovascular Medicine)
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21 pages, 2374 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Winter Climate Control: Innovative Use of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems in University Buildings
by Yolanda Arroyo Gómez, Julio F. San José-Alonso, Luis J. San José-Gallego, Javier M. Rey-Hernández, Ascensión Sanz-Tejedor and Francisco J. Rey-Martínez
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2374; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052374 (registering DOI) - 23 Feb 2025
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Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the energy efficiency and sustainability of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems in university buildings during the winter season, offering significant contributions to the field. A novel methodology is introduced to accurately assess the real Seasonal Coefficient [...] Read more.
This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the energy efficiency and sustainability of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems in university buildings during the winter season, offering significant contributions to the field. A novel methodology is introduced to accurately assess the real Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) of VRF systems, benchmarked against conventional Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technologies, such as natural gas-fueled boiler systems. The findings demonstrate outstanding seasonal energy performance, with the VRF system achieving a SCOP of 5.349, resulting in substantial energy savings and enhanced sustainability. Key outcomes include a 67% reduction in primary energy consumption and a 79% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions per square meter when compared to traditional boiler systems. Furthermore, VRF systems meet 83% of the building’s energy demand through renewable energy sources, exceeding the regulatory SCOP threshold of 2.5. These results underscore the transformative potential of VRF systems in achieving nearly Zero-Energy Building (nZEB) objectives, illustrating their ability to exceed stringent sustainability standards. The research emphasizes the strategic importance of adopting advanced HVAC solutions, particularly in regions with high heating demands, such as those characterized by continental climates. VRF systems emerge as a superior alternative, optimizing energy consumption while significantly reducing the environmental footprint of buildings. By contributing to global sustainable development and climate change mitigation efforts, this study advocates for the widespread adoption of VRF systems, positioning them as a critical component in the transition toward a sustainable, zero-energy building future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Its Sustainable Development)
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