Profile Fitting Research Articles

CLASSY. XI. Tracing Neutral Gas Properties Using UV Absorption Lines and 21 cm Observations* ∗ Based on observations made with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained from the Data Archive at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under NASA contract NAS 5-26555.

Rest-frame far-ultraviolet (FUV) observations from JWST are revolutionizing our understanding of the high-z galaxies that drove reionization and the mechanisms by which they accomplished it. To fully interpret these observations, we must be able to diagnose how properties of the interstellar medium (ISM; e.g., column density, covering fraction, and outflow velocity) directly relate to the absorption features produced. Using the high-signal-to-noise and high-resolution FUV spectra of 45 nearby star-forming galaxies from the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph Legacy Spectroscopic Survey, we present the largest uniform, simultaneous characterization of neutral and low-ionization state (LIS) interstellar UV absorption lines (O i, Si ii, S ii, C ii, and Al ii) across a wide range of galaxy properties. We also present 21 cm H i observations for 35 galaxies, multiple of which are gas-poor or nondetected, possibly indicating the onset of a post-starburst phase. We find that our simultaneous one-component Voigt profile fits are capable of accurately modeling the LIS absorption for ∼75% of galaxies, mitigating challenges associated with saturation, infilling, and degeneracies. While the most massive galaxies require additional components, our one-component fits return average properties of the absorbing gas and follow the scaling relations described by a single gas cloud. We explore connections between LIS absorption and direct tracers of the neutral ISM (O i, Lyα, and H i 21 cm), finding that C ii most closely traces the neutral gas trends, while other ions exhibit weaker correlations. Given the challenges with directly observing H i at higher-z, we demonstrate that LIS absorption can be a powerful means to study the neutral ISM and present empirical relationships for predicting neutral gas properties.

On the Stellar Disk Vertical Scale Height of Edge-on Galaxies from S4G

Disk galaxies viewed as thin planar structures resulting from the conservation of angular momentum of an initially rotating pregalactic cloud allow merely a first-order model of galaxy formation, but the presence of vertically extended structures has allowed us to gather a deeper understanding of the richness in astrophysical processes (e.g., minor mergers, secular evolution) that ultimately results in the observed diversity in disk galaxies and their vertical extensions. We measure the stellar disk scale height of 46 edge-on spiral galaxies from the Spitzer Survey of Stellar Structure in Galaxies (S4G) project. This paper aims to investigate the radial variation of the stellar disk vertical scale height and the existence of the so-called thick disk component in our sample. The measurements were made using one-, two-, and three-dimensional profile fitting techniques using simple models. We found that two-thirds of our sample show the presence of a thick disk, suggesting that these galaxies have been accreting gaseous material from their surroundings. We found an average thick-to-thin disk scale height ratio of 2.65, which is in good agreement with previous studies. Our findings also support the disk flaring model, which suggests that the vertical scale height increases with radius. We further found good correlations between the scale height h z and the scale length and between h z and the optical de Vaucouleurs radius R 25.

Impacts of El Niño-Southern oscillation on multi-scale morphodynamics of an embayed beach in southern China

Increased coastal erosion and extreme oceanographic forcing driven by El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) along the Pacific coast are increasingly receiving concerns. Despite considerable attention, the specific impact of these phenomena on Chinese shorelines, particularly along the South China beaches, remains inadequately understood. To address this gap, this study conducted high-frequency surveys on the Qing'an Bay beach in South China and employ a profile fitting model to refined waterline extraction from monthly satellite images. The goal was to investigate the relationship between high-frequency shoreline changes and interannual climate variability (such as ENSO). The findings indicate that the coastal evolution is intricately linked to a combination of strong wave events, summer storms, winter cold waves, and the amplifying effects of ENSO. During La Niña phase, the sea level in the western Pacific experiences a rise, with associated storms proving particularly destructive to the beach environment, leading to violent oscillations in the coastline. Specifically, in the strong La Niña phases, significant wave heights markedly surpass neutral conditions, precipitating intensified sediment movement. However, it is imperative to recognize that shoreline changes alone do not fully characterize coastal erosion. Assessment must also encompass alterations in beach volume. By calculating beach volume per unit width that accounts for the influence of ENSO variability on the beach, the seasonal characteristics of the beach showed sediment losses in summer and autumn, and gains in winter and spring, which was more obvious during strong La Niña. Additionally, conceptual model analysis reveals that during the La Niña phase, the bay is fully exposed, whereas during the El Niño phase, significant headland sheltering is observed.

Calibration of the JAGB method for the Magellanic Clouds and Milky Way from Gaia DR3, considering the role of oxygen-rich AGB stars

The JAGB method is a new way of measuring distances in the Universe with the use of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) that are situated in a selected region in a J versus J − Ks colour–magnitude diagram (CMD), and relying on the fact that the absolute J magnitude is (almost) constant. It is implicitly assumed in the method that the selected stars are carbon-rich AGB stars (carbon stars). However, as the sample selected to determine MJ is purely colour based, there can also be contamination by oxygen-rich AGB stars in principle. As the ratio of carbon-rich to oxygen-rich stars is known to depend on metallicity and initial mass, the star formation history and age–metallicity relation in a galaxy should influence the value of MJ . The aim of this paper is to look at mixed samples of oxygen-rich and carbon-rich stars for the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), and Milky way (MW) using the Gaia catalogue of long-period variables (LPVs) as a basis. The advantage of this catalogue is that it contains a classification of O- and C-stars based on the analysis of Gaia Rp spectra. The LPV catalogue is correlated with data from the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) and samples in the LMC, SMC, and the MW are retrieved. Following methods proposed in the literature, we report the mean and median magnitudes of the selected sample using different colour and magnitude cuts and the results of fitting Gaussian and Lorentzian profiles to the luminosity function (LF). For the SMC and LMC, we confirm previous results in the literature. The LFs of the SMC and LMC JAGB stars are clearly different, yet it can be argued that the mean magnitude inside a selection box agrees at the 0.021 mag level. The results of our analysis of the MW sample are less straightforward. The contamination by O-rich stars is substantial for a classical lower limit of (J − Ks)0 = 1.3, and becomes less than 10% only for (J − Ks)0 = 1.5. The sample of AGB stars is smaller than for the MCs for two reasons. Nearby AGB stars (with potentially the best determined parallax) tend to be absent as they saturate in the 2MASS catalogue, and the parallax errors of AGB stars tend to be larger compared to non-AGB stars. Several approaches have been taken to improve the situation but finally the JAGB LF for the MW contains about 130 stars, and the fit of Gaussian and Lorentzian profiles is essentially meaningless. The mean and median magnitudes are fainter than for the MC samples by about 0.4 mag which is not predicted by theory. We do not confirm the claim in the literature that the absolute calibration of the JAGB method is independent of metallicity up to solar metallicity. A reliable calibration of the JAGB method at (near) solar metallicity should await further Gaia data releases, or should be carried out in another environment.

Differences in cardiorespiratory fitness by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment before and after testosterone in transgender adolescents.

There are known sex differences in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Little is known about the impact of pubertal blockade with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) followed by hormone therapy on CRF for transgender adolescents. We aimed to 1) determine the effect of GnRHa monotherapy on CRF and mitochondrial function and associations with metabolomic profiles and 2) evaluate changes after 1 and 12 mo of testosterone therapy among transgender adolescents. Participants assigned female at birth (n = 19, baseline age of 15.0 ± 1.0 yr) from two groups: GnRHa+ (n = 8) and GnRHa- (n = 11) were examined at baseline and 1- and 12-mo post-testosterone therapy in a longitudinal observational study to assess cardiorespiratory fitness, mitochondrial respiration, and metabolic profile. Fasted morning labs included assessment of metabolomics and peripheral blood mononuclear cell mitochondrial respiration and degree of mitochondrial coupling (respiratory control ratio, RCR). A graded cycle ergometer test was performed. Baseline differences were evaluated between groups. Changes were compared with mixed linear regression models evaluating time (baseline, 1 mo, and 12 mo), group (GnRHa treatment yes/no), and their interaction. At baseline GnRHa+ individuals had higher relative V̇o2peak (30.1 ± 4.83 vs. 25.24 ± 4.47 mL/kg/min, P = 0.042) than GnRHa- individuals. In regression models, GnRHa+ individuals had a significant increase in peak watts (P = 0.011) and total exercise time (P = 0.005) after 12 mo of testosterone (P = 0.012) but not GnRHa- individuals. GnRHa+ individuals have significantly higher RCR under carbohydrate (P = 0.0007) and lipid (P = 0.0002) conditions than GnRHa+ individuals. Pretreatment with GnRHa positively influences peak CRF and mitochondrial respiration in adolescent transgender males undergoing testosterone therapy.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates differences in exercise capacity and mitochondrial respiration at baseline based on whether or not individuals had feminizing puberty blocked. Individuals who had puberty blocked had greater improvements in cardiopulmonary exercise testing parameters after 12 mo of testosterone than those who went through feminizing puberty.

Role of severe plastic deformation on mechanical behavior of irradiated materials: A case study with Nb-1Zr alloy

In this investigation, the effect of 5.6 MeV proton irradiation on the microstructure and mechanical properties of coarse grained (CG) and nanocrystalline (NC) Nb-1wt.%Zr (NZ) has been analysed. Bulk nanocrystalline microstructure was obtained by subjecting the alloy to room temperature high pressure torsion under 6 GPa hydrostatic pressure and 5 rotations. The CG and NC samples were irradiated at doses of 1.9 × 1017 p/cm2 and 1.8 × 1017 p/cm2, respectively. Microstructural parameters like crystallite size, dislocation density, and dislocation arrangements were studied in detail using X-ray line profile analysis (XLPA) by Convolutional Multiple Whole Profile (CMWP) fitting. Microscopic observations were made with electron microscopy techniques in the scanning and transmission modes. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was performed to estimate the concentration of vacancies after HPT processing and irradiation. Tensile tests of irradiated CG and NC irradiated samples were performed and compared to those in unirradiated conditions. In the NC condition, not only did the irradiated sample show higher ultimate tensile strength but also twice the amount of uniform elongation as compared to the irradiated CG sample. The fracture surface clearly exhibited this higher plasticity post-irradiation in the NC samples. The change in deformation mechanisms due to nano-structuring of the microstructure has been anticipated to be a reason for the increase in ductility in a single-phase alloy has been explained thereafter.

Assessing the use of activity trackers in clinical practice: a survey of cardiac rehabilitation clinicians from Australia, Brazil, and Canada

Abstract Background The use of wearable activity trackers has been found to significantly improve health profile and cardiorespiratory fitness, as well as to reinforce positive health behaviours in patients participating in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. However, clinicians’ perceptions of activity trackers and their use in clinical practice have not been widely explored. Purpose To describe perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours of CR clinicians towards the use and usefulness of activity trackers in CR programs, and identify barriers and enablers associated with their personal and clinical use. Methods Descriptive cross-sectional survey. Data were collected using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) from April to December 2023. Clinicians working in CR programs were recruited in each country via social media, email and digital flyers, group chats and author networks. A purpose-built 44-item digital survey comprising four sections was constructed: (1) socio-demographic details, (2) personal and professional use of activity trackers, (3) perspectives on the use of activity trackers for CR, and (4) perceptions of factors affecting the use of activity trackers in CR. Results In total, 199 clinicians from Australia (n=44), Brazil (n=102) and Canada (n=53) responded to the survey. Most were women (74%), physiotherapists (37%), working at a metropolitan hospital (55%), with a median age of 35 years (range 22-71). The majority found activity trackers helpful for patients with goal setting and monitoring exercise (89%) and promoting patient engagement and autonomy beyond structured, supervised CR (75%). Activity trackers were also perceived to be useful in engaging patients in their own health (94%), improving patient-provider communication (73%), boosting patient adherence with directed exercise (87%), and improving patient’s understanding of their own health conditions (79%). Furthermore, activity trackers were perceived to enable a more personalised care (69%), increase accessibility to CR (45%) and be time- and cost-effective for CR programs (49%). Sixty percent were motivated to use activity trackers and 69% recommended the use of trackers to their patients. On the other hand, the use of activity trackers was reported to be related to dependence (44%) and excessive obsession of one’s own health (55%); 50% reported a lack of relevant policies on activity trackers for clinical use in their respective institutions and limited funding for purchasing activity trackers by health services (78%). Only 30% reported that there was support from leadership and/or peers for the use of activity trackers. Conclusion In general, clinicians held positive attitudes towards the use of activity trackers in CR. However, a lack of relevant policies, funding and support from leadership are important barriers to the adoption and use of activity trackers in CR programs. Development of guidelines for the use of activity trackers in clinical practice is warranted.

JWST/NIRSpec spectroscopy of intermediate-mass quiescent galaxies at z ~ 3-4

ABSTRACT We present the analysis of three intermediate-mass quiescent galaxies (QGs) with stellar masses of ${\sim} 10^{10}\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ at redshifts $z\sim 3\!-\!4$ using NIRSpec low-resolution spectroscopy. Utilizing the spectral energy distribution fitting code bagpipes, we confirm these target galaxies are consistent with quiescent population, with their specific star formation rates falling below 2 dex the star-forming main sequence at the same redshifts. Additionally, we identify these QGs to be less massive than those discovered in previous works, particularly prior to the JWST era. Two of our target galaxies exhibit the potentially blended $\mathrm{ H} \, {\alpha }$ + [N ii] emission line within their spectra with signal-to-noise ratio ${\gt} 5$. We discuss whether this feature comes from an active galactic nucleus (AGN) or star formation, although future high-resolution spectroscopy is required to reach a conclusion. One of the target galaxies is covered by JWST/NIRCam imaging of the Public Release IMaging for Extragalactic Research survey. Using the 2D profile fitting code galfit, we examine its morphology, revealing a disc-like profile with a Sérsic index of $n=1.1 \pm 0.1$. On the size–mass relation, we find a potential distinction between less massive ($\log _{10}{(M_*/\mathrm{M}_\odot)}\lt 10.3$) and massive ($\log _{10}{(M_*/\mathrm{M}_\odot)}\gt 10.3$) QGs in their evolutionary pathways. The derived quenching time-scales for our targets are less than $1 \, {\rm Gyr}$. This may result from these galaxies being quenched by AGN feedback, supporting the AGN scenario of the emission line features.

Validity, Reliability, and Cross-cultural Adaptation of the Persian (Farsi) Version of Profile Fitness Mapping Back Questionnaire

Validity, Reliability, and Cross-cultural Adaptation of the Persian (Farsi) Version of Profile Fitness Mapping Back Questionnaire

Prediction of central Augmentation Index in healthy adults.

Central Augmentation Index (AIx) is a surrogate marker of large artery stiffness that may provide valuable insight to cardiovascular health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between AIx and components of physical fitness. One hundred eighty-five healthy men and women (aged 20-79 years) underwent non-invasive assessment of arterial wave reflection to determine AIx, which was corrected to a heart rate of 75 beats per minute (AI×75). Body composition was evaluated using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and aerobic capacity (VO<inf>2max</inf>) was derived from expired gas analysis during a symptom limited exercise test on a treadmill. A multiple linear regression revealed age and VO<inf>2max</inf> as significant predictors of AI×75 [AI×75=32.055 + (0.252×age) - (0.722×VO<inf>2max</inf>)]. Upon removal of VO<inf>2max</inf> from regression analysis, resting heart rate (RHR) and % body fat (BF%) were revealed to be significant predictors of AI×75: AI×75=-61.316 + (0.481×age) + (0.565×BF%) + (0.56×RHR). Our findings demonstrate that central Augmentation Index can be reliably predicted in healthy adults who undergo a maximal exercise or body composition assessment. These prediction equations may be applied in non-medical settings to assist in creating comprehensive health and fitness profiles for healthy clientele.

Physical Fitness Profile Of 15 U Puerto Rican Baseball Athletes

Physical Fitness Profile Of 15 U Puerto Rican Baseball Athletes

Plasma volume response patterns and a physiologic model of ultrafiltration in hemodialysis.

Ultrafiltration (UF) is an essential process of restoring fluid homeostasis during hemodialysis (HD). Fluid shifts across the extracellular compartments during UF, predominantly across the capillary interface and between the macro- and microcirculation. A mismatch between UF and transcapillary fluid transport can lead to hemodynamic instability leading to cardiac morbidity. We wished to study intradialytic fluid transport characteristics and their variation during UF to identify factors that govern variability in transcapillary fluid movement in HD. Twenty-two patients undergoing stable HD sessions were studied to measure and monitor absolute blood and plasma volume throughout UF. A computational mathematical model of predicted plasma volume decay during UF was analyzed with respect to the intradialytic real-time data profile. Pre- and post-dialysis fluid status was assessed using multifrequency bioimpedance spectroscopy. Serum electrolytes, osmolality, and total protein concentration were measured pre- and post-dialysis and during the intradialytic phase. Two distinct profiles of PV responses were detected. 60% of the patients presented plasma volume decline, characterized by a high percentage of volume decrease during the first hour, and a subsequent slower decrease with early rebound. The model was modified to achieve a proper fit of these volume profiles, assuming time-dependent changes in selected parameters governing the refilling flow. Although the modified model could more accurately fit the data, the new parameter values often fell outside of a physiologically acceptable range, suggesting that other factors not included in the classic description of transcapillary fluid transport might be the cause of the observed patterns.

Mapping Multiphase Metals in Star-forming Galaxies: A Spatially Resolved UV+Optical Study of NGC 5253

We present a pioneering, spatially resolved, multiphase gas abundance study on the blue compact dwarf galaxy NGC 5253, targeting 10 star-forming (SF) clusters inside six far-UV (FUV) Hubble Space Telescope/Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) pointings with cospatial optical Very Large Telescope/MUSE observations throughout the galaxy. The SF regions span a wide range of ages (1–15 Myr) and are distributed at different radii (50–230 pc). We performed a robust absorption-line profile fitting on the COS spectra, covering 1065–1430 Å in the FUV, allowing an accurate computation of neutral-gas abundances for 13 different ions sampling eight elements. These values were then compared with the ionized-gas abundances, measured using the direct method on MUSE integrated spectra inside analog COS apertures. Our multiphase, spatially resolved comparisons find abundances, which are lower in the neutral gas than the ionized gas by 0.22, 0.80, and 0.58 dex for log(O/H), log(N/H), and log(N/O), respectively. We modeled the chemical abundance distributions and evaluated correlations as a function of the radius and age. It was found that, while N, O, and N/O abundances decrease as a function of age in the ionized gas, they increase with age in the neutral gas. No strong correlations for N, O, or N/O were observed as a function of the radius. The N/O and N/H offsets between the phases were found to decrease with age, providing evidence that chemical enrichment happens differentially, first in the ionized-gas phase around 2–5 Myrs (due to N-rich Wolf–Rayet stars) and then mixing out into the cold neutral gas on longer timescales of 10–15 Myr.

NOEMA formIng Cluster survEy (NICE): Characterizing eight massive galaxy groups at 1.5 &lt; z &lt; 4 in the COSMOS field

The NOrthern Extended Millimeter Array (NOEMA) formIng Cluster survEy (NICE) is a NOEMA large programme targeting 69 massive galaxy group candidates at z &gt; 2 over six deep fields with a total area of 46 deg2. Here we report the spectroscopic confirmation of eight massive galaxy groups at redshifts 1.65 ≤ z ≤ 3.61 in the Cosmic Evolution Survey (COSMOS) field. Homogeneously selected as significant overdensities of red IRAC sources that have red Herschel colours, four groups in this sample are confirmed by CO and [CI] line detections of multiple sources with NOEMA 3 mm observations, three are confirmed with Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) observations, and one is confirmed by Hα emission from Subaru/FMOS spectroscopy. Using rich ancillary data in the far-infrared and sub-millimetre, we constructed the integrated far-infrared spectral energy distributions for the eight groups, obtaining a total infrared star formation rate (SFR) of 260–1300 M⊙ yr−1. We adopted six methods for estimating the dark matter masses of the eight groups, including stellar mass to halo mass relations, overdensity with galaxy bias, and NFW profile fitting to radial stellar mass densities. We find that the radial stellar mass densities of the eight groups are consistent with a NFW profile, supporting the idea that they are collapsed structures hosted by a single dark matter halo. The best halo mass estimates are log(Mh/M⊙) = 12.8 − 13.7 with a general uncertainty of 0.3 dex. Based on the halo mass estimates, we derived baryonic accretion rates (BARs) of (1 − 8)×103 M⊙/yr for this sample. Together with massive groups in the literature, we find a quasi-linear correlation between the integrated SFR/BAR ratio and the theoretical halo mass limit for cold streams, Mstream/Mh, with SFR/BAR = 10−0.46 ± 0.22(Mstream/Mh)0.71 ± 0.16 with a scatter of 0.40 dex. Furthermore, we compared the halo masses and the stellar masses with simulations, and find that the halo masses of all structures are consistent with those of progenitors of Mh(z = 0) &gt; 1014 M⊙ galaxy clusters, and that the most massive central galaxies have stellar masses consistent with those of the brightest cluster galaxy progenitors in the TNG300 simulation. Above all, the results strongly suggest that these massive structures are in the process of forming massive galaxy clusters via baryonic and dark matter accretion.

Analysis of the physical fitness and determinants of performance of beach handball athletes

IntroductionBeach handball, an emerging team sport derived from indoor handball, is characterized by high-intensity efforts. This study aimed to analyze the physical fitness profiles of elite beach handball players of both sexes and identify the characteristics that determine anaerobic power performance among these athletes. Material and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 25 elite beach handball players. Anaerobic power, sprint performance, and change-of-direction ability were assessed. ResultsThere were no significant differences between men and women in anaerobic power and change-of-direction ability. Men showed better performance in the 15-meter sprint test (p = 004). A moderately strong positive correlation was found between anaerobic power and age. BMI did not significantly correlate with power performance. ConclusionsAge is an important determinant of anaerobic power, whereas body mass index does not play a significant role, especially among males.

Web apps for profile fitting and power balance analysis at Wendelstein 7-X.

Two novel web apps for W7-X are introduced: Profile Cooker and Power House. They are designed to streamline the workflow of profile fitting and power balance analysis while offering a graphical user interface that works in any common browser. This allows us to compile a comprehensive database of experimental power balance results. All fitting functions available in Profile Cooker are presented and compared on the basis of example profiles. The power balance equation assumed in Power House is established and its individual terms are discussed. The main focus of the power balance analysis is on the turbulent transport coefficients. A model for quick calculation of neutral beam power deposition based on experimental profiles is presented. Neoclassical root transition poses an issue for power balance analysis due to the uncertainty of the radial electric field. A global, neoclassical simulation with the code EUTERPE is performed for a set of experimental profiles to gain an understanding of the neoclassical root transition.

Comparative analysis of the effects of high-intensity interval training and traditional aerobic training on improving physical fitness and biochemical indicators in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), linked to sedentary lifestyles and metabolic dysfunction, is highly prevalent. Exercise is an established intervention, but the relative efficacy of different exercise modalities remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of moderate-intensity continuous aerobic training and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on physical fitness, biochemical parameters, and liver function in NAFLD patients. Sixty NAFLD patients (32 males, 28 females; age: 49.7±8.7 years; BMI: 31.1±3.3 kg/m2) were randomized into HIIT, aerobic training, and control cohorts. The HIIT cohort performed 4-minute high-intensity intervals at 85-95% of peak heart rate, interspersed with 3-minute active recovery at 60-70% of peak heart rate for 30-40 minutes per session. The aerobic training cohort performed continuous exercise at 60-70% of peak heart rate for 45-60 minutes per session. Both intervention cohorts underwent 12 weeks of supervised training, thrice weekly. Before and after the intervention, assessments included cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, flexibility, lipid profile, liver enzymes, inflammatory markers, insulin sensitivity, and oxidative stress markers. Compared to controls, both exercise cohorts showed significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and flexibility. However, HIIT elicited superior enhancements in cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength. Biochemically, both exercise cohorts exhibited reductions in triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST]), inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6 [IL-6]), insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]), and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA], protein carbonyl). Notably, HIIT yielded more substantial improvements in these parameters. HIIT and traditional aerobic training are effective in improving physical fitness and ameliorating biochemical indicators in NAFLD patients. Notably, HIIT appears to be more advantageous in enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress profiles, suggesting its potential as a time-efficient and effective exercise modality for managing NAFLD.

The OMNIVEG STUDY: Health outcomes of shifting from a traditional to a vegan Mediterranean diet in healthy men. A controlled crossover trial

Background and aimThe Mediterranean diet is a plant-based dietary pattern with well-established health benefits such as the reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, incorporating more plant-based foods into a Mediterranean diet may provide further health benefits. The study aimed to assess the effect of shifting from a traditional Mediterranean diet to a vegan Mediterranean diet on cardiorespiratory fitness and lipid profile in physically active and healthy men. Methods and ResultsParticipants underwent a baseline period with adhesion to the general patterns of the Mediterranean diet for three weeks and then they changed to an isocaloric vegan version of the Mediterranean diet for four weeks, with a 7-day washout period between diets. The shift from the traditional Mediterranean diet to the vegan Mediterranean diet required substituting animal-based foods with plant-based foods that contain comparable amounts of protein and fat. Fourteen participants with a mean age of 24.6 ± 7.0 years (range: 18–37 years), completed the study protocol. The change from the traditional to the vegan Mediterranean diet reduced blood concentration of total cholesterol (−22.6 mg/dl, p < 0.01, Effect size [ES] = 1.07) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−12.8 mg/dl, p < 0.01, ES = 0.72). An inverse correlation was observed between the intake of dietary fibre and LDL-C (partial rho = −0.43, p = 0.040). ConclusionsThe adoption of a vegan Mediterranean diet with plant-based proteins and fats instead of the traditional Mediterranean diet improved several cardiometabolic health outcomes in physically active and healthy men. Clinical Trial RegistryNCT06008886.

The Impact of Organized Exercise and Non-organized Leisured Time Activity on Serum Pentraxin3 and C-reactive Protein Levels, Lipid Profile and Physical Fitness in Diabetic Children

Background: Microvascular changes and precursors of atherosclerosis are frequently observed in young patients with early-onset type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Due to their known beneficial effects, physical activity is strongly recommended for its management. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of organized exercise (OE) and non-organized leisure time activity (NOLTA) on determinants of cardiovascular disease and physical fitness in children with type 1 diabetes. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 20 children with T1DM were randomly divided into two groups of 10: OE (n = 10, mean age = 12.60 ± 1.34 years) and NOLTA (n = 10, mean age = 12.40 ± 0.84 years). Subjects in both groups participated in their respective activities 3 days per week. Blood samples and physiological measurements were taken 48 hours before and after the 8-week training period. Results: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and physical fitness factors increased significantly in both exercise groups. Fasting blood glucose, C-reactive protein, and the cholesterol/HDL ratio were also significantly reduced in both groups. Waist circumference, glycosylated hemoglobin, and the LDL/HDL ratio were significantly reduced only in the OE group. However, the decrease in the acute phase protein pentraxin 3 was minimal and statistically insignificant. Conclusions: In children and adolescents with T1DM, regular exercise—due to its anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, lipid profile, and blood glucose levels—may help reduce the severity and likelihood of cardiovascular disease in adulthood.

High uniformity Bessel beams with angle-controllable steering.

Bessel beams with controllable output angles and uniform intensity distribution along the propagation direction have critical applications in many fields. This paper introduces a novel method to generate high uniformity, high signal-to-noise ratio, and angle-controllable Bessel beams by combining a Fresnel zone plate (FZP) with an axicon. An apodizing phase axicon with an ideally fitted profile is used, with a Gaussian beam as the light source. The fitting profile is then optimized through a genetic algorithm (GA) and an unconstrained nonlinear optimization algorithm (UNMA). The combination of the optimized apodizing phase axicon and FZP achieves the uniform distribution of axial intensity and the control of Bessel beam angle by changing the center of FZP. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of this method, showing that it can achieve arbitrary angle control within the range of 4.0742°, with a resolution of 0.0008° and a uniformity of 94.66%. Furthermore, this method can be extended to multiple Bessel beams, enabling the angle control of various Bessel beams.