Background: Prolonged computer use and poor ergonomics among IT professionals are considered risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. This research aims to analyze the degree of forward head posture and workplace ergonomics in young IT professionals to assess the risk for a neck disability. Methods: A prospective study was carried out by assessing the sitting posture at work, neck disability in the cervical region, quality of life, physical activity, and ergonomics of the workspace in 73 young IT professionals (32.56±5.46 years). Results: The score for the cervical functional disability index (NDI) showed a mild neck disability (8.19±7.51). The craniovertebral angle has an average value of 32.01±11.46, corresponding to a light forward head posture, and it positively correlated with age and work experience and negatively correlated with ROSA (r=0.24, p<0.05). The NDI positively correlated with physical activity (r =00.32 p<0.05) and with ROSA (r= 0.24, p<0.05). Conclusions: In IT professionals, neck disability is associated with the lack of workspace ergonomics and the amount of physical activity. Forward head posture correlated with age, work experience, and poor workspace ergonomics. According to our findings, there are real concerns about the influence of head posture and workplace ergonomics on health among IT professionals. We consider that it is necessary to adopt preventive measures to address neck disability and improve workspace ergonomics.

The topic of ragweed pollen (RW) versus house dust mites (HDMs) has often been deliberated, but the increasing incidence of co-sensitization between them has been scarcely addressed. Utilizing Sprague Dawley rats, we explored the effects of co-sensitization with the combination of HDMs and RW pollen extracts in correlation with high-fructose diet (HFrD) by in vitro tracheal reactivity analysis in isolated organ bath and biological explorations. Our findings unveiled interrelated connections between allergic asthma, dyslipidemia, and HFrD-induced obesity, shedding light on their compounding role through inflammation. The increased CRP values and airway hyperresponsiveness to the methacholine challenge suggest a synergistic effect of obesity on amplifying the existing inflammation induced by asthma. One of the major outcomes is that the co-sensitization to HDMs and RW pollen led to the development of a severe allergic asthma phenotype in rats, especially in those with HFrD. Therefore, the co-sensitization to these allergens as well as the HFrD may play a crucial role in the modulation of systemic inflammation, obesity, and airway reactivity.

Background: A growing body of evidence links a high-fructose diet (HFrD) to metabolic disturbances, including inflammation, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and also endothelial dysfunction, yet its role in allergic asthma remains underexplored. Considering that obesity and hypercholesterolemia exacerbate asthma by promoting systemic inflammation, investigating interventions with dual metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the potential modulatory effects of rosuvastatin in ameliorating the effects of HFrD-induced metabolic and vascular dysfunction in the context of allergic asthma. Methods: Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to eight groups, receiving either a standard or HFrD for 12 weeks. Allergic asthma was induced using an ovalbumin sensitization and challenge protocol, while controls were administered saline. Selected groups were treated with rosuvastatin throughout the entire duration of the experiment. Body weight, abdominal circumference and serum biomarkers were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. Endothelial function was assessed by evaluating vascular reactivity in an isolated organ bath. Additionally, histopathological analyses of aortic and pulmonary tissues were conducted to investigate inflammatory responses and morphological changes. Results: Rats on HFrDs exhibited significant increases in body weight, abdominal circumference, lipid profiles and blood glucose, which were further aggravated by allergic asthma. Rosuvastatin treatment notably reduced lipid levels, C-reactive protein and immunoglobulin E, while also enhancing vascular reactivity and attenuating aortic and bronchial wall thickening. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that rosuvastatin may serve as an effective therapeutic agent for addressing vascular and inflammatory complications associated with a high fructose intake and allergic asthma.

This article explores how gender stereotypes and institutional practices influence the development and public image of women’s football in Romania, framing the case within debates on social sustainability (SDG 5), media representation, and sports governance. Using a mixed-methods approach, we triangulate (1) a qualitative content analysis of DigiSport online coverage (n = 57 articles; 2022–2025), (2) public testimonies collected at a national conference on gender and sport held in Timișoara in 2025 and (3) two in-depth, semi-structured interviews with one professional player whose multi-club career offers cross-organizational insights and one professional player who is still a student at the start of her career. The findings reveal systematic symbolic exclusion: in our sample, stories about women’s football make up approximately 2% of total football coverage and are mostly limited to results-only briefs, with little contextual information about athletes, resources, or structures. Historically, post-socialist policy changes have led to formal recognition but limited material support, resulting in symbolic compliance, such as UEFA/FRF mandates without corresponding investments. Current initiatives, like FRF’s Modele de Femeie campaign and UEFA-supported GOALSCORE, increase visibility but coexist with persistent gendered framings in media narratives and public discourse. The interviews support the media findings, highlighting recurring barriers—such as precarious funding, limited pathways, gendered disrespect in stadiums, and the psychological impact of marginalization—alongside stories of resilience and agency. We argue that achieving sustainable inclusion in women’s football requires more than regulatory measures; it calls for media parity, stable resources, and gender-competent leadership. Aligning policy with cultural change through equitable coverage standards, transparent funding, and accountability measures can transform football from a symbol of inequality into a space of social empowerment.

Introduction: Women’s artistic gymnastics is a sport that has experienced a continuous evolution over the years, both from a technical point of view and from the point of view of the correctness of the executions. Flexibility, strength, dexterity, and many other motor qualities are present in this sport. Danilova or “free (aerial) walkover forward” is an acrobatic flight element in artistic gymnastics. This element can be executed both on the floor and on the balance beam, but most frequently on the beam, being an element of difficulty D (0.4 points). Material and methods: 13 artistic gymnasts, components of junior and senior Romanian Olympic teams (age: 14 ± 1.93 years, height: 149.35 ± 7.94 cm, weight: 40.01 ± 7.41 kg) were recruited for the study. The gymnasts performed the free (aerial) walkover forward (Danilova) element on the floor. To record the element for obtaining the three-dimensional kinematic data analysis, gymnasts have been equipped with a multiple sensor suit. Data collection consisted of gathering data simultaneously from all 17 sensors. In order to get accurate data regarding the range of motion in joint angles, motion trackers were positioned on segments, in special locations. Results: Our data show that during the final phase of the execution of the free (aerial) walkover forward element, all gymnasts presented the extension of the spinal column, at two different moments: i) when the foot comes in contact with the ground, in the landing phase and ii) when lifting the torso in the final stage of the landing phase, respectively. Our results revealed that the second extension is significantly greater than the first one in all gymnasts (maximal spinal extension (M.S.E.): -46.76 ± 2.521) vs. spinal extension at foot contact (S.E.F.C.)-39.32 ± 2.309, p<0.05). The data analysis showed that there is no correlation between the S.E.F.C and the length of the Danilova element. The hip joint angle was in moderate positive correlation with the M.S.E. (Pearson r= 0.5808, R²= 0.3374), but not with the S.E.F.C. (Pearson r= -0.304, R²= 0.09243). The completion of the element is the result of either mobility of the spine or compensation due to hip extension. The length of the Danilova element was not found to be correlated with neither of the parameters (hip extension S.E.F.C, M.S.E.). A lower degree of mobility of the lumbar area is not an impediment in performing an accurate Danilova element, some gymnasts being able to perform a significantly shorter element (the found length range of the Danilova element within the study group is 0.94-1.43 m). Conclusion: A good performance of free (aerial) walkover forward is possible either in the case of increased mobility at the level of the lumbar spine or, with the help of compensation in the mobility of the hip joint. The secondary spinal extension is presented as a cofactor with an assistance role during the stage of returning to the initial position.

Introduction: In the last decade in Romania, following the international trend, the interest for combat martial arts sports increased among the young generation. From all the contact sports, kickboxing was one of the most accessed athletic disciplines by both amateurs and professional athletes due to all the benefits of the complex training sessions. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the differences between professional and non-professional males concerning the evolution of food habits and performance improvement when they follow the same training programme. Results: Data analysis reveals an increase of physical performance in all performed tests. A significant improvement has been shown for both professional and non-professional athletes after 8 weeks of specific training. In the non-professional athletes group, the improvement of physical performance was even greater than in the professional group. Data analysis according to the age group revealed that in the case of the mature athletes the physical performance progress showed a lower augmentation than in the young ones, but the level of performance was at higher values than the performance of the young ones. In terms of nutrition, both groups need an improvement of their dietary habits, even if the professional ones revealed a better nutritional approach than the non-professional participants. Conclusion: The results of this pilot study indicate that an integrative approach of a martial art athlete training is important in order to develop sports elites. The long term training programmes combined with proper nutrition are the key factors of the strategy for achieving greatness. Further studies are necessary in order to set the best physical and metabolic parameters in order to create the framework for a long term training strategy.