This review examines human digestive physiology and metabolic adaptations in the context of evolutionary dietary patterns, particularly those emphasizing carnivorous and scavenging behaviors. By integrating metabolomic data with archaeological, anatomical, and microbiological evidence, the study explores how early hominins adapted to intermittent but energy-dense animal-based diets. The analysis highlights the development of hepatic insulin resistance, enhanced fat and protein metabolism, and shifts in gut microbiota diversity as physiological signatures of meat consumption. Comparative evaluations of digestive enzyme profiles, intestinal morphology, and salivary composition underscore humans’ omnivorous flexibility and partial carnivorous specialization. Additionally, biomarkers such as ketone bodies, branched-chain amino acids, and trimethylamine-N-oxide are identified as metabolic i...

This study examines the impact of lighting conditions (darkness, rotational light and continuous light) on warfighters’ psychophysiological responses and fine motor skills in close-quarter combat (CQC) simulations. The study assessed the rate of perceived exertion, blood lactate concentration, cortical arousal, isometric lumbar and leg strength, and the time required to reload a pistol magazine in 50 male military personnel experienced in international missions. Findings revealed distinct psychophysiological responses correlated with lighting conditions, with significant responses under rotational and no-light scenarios. Notable correlations included the critical flicker fusion threshold with magazine reload time (r = -0.547, p < 0.000) and isometric strength post-CQC with the rate of perceived exertion (r = 0.319, p < 0.009). The study suggests that manipulating lighting conditions ca...

Background: Aviation professionals experience chronic stress due to prolonged work hours, irregular schedules, and exposure to altitude-related physiological challenges, leading to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Controlled hypoxia has been proposed as a potential strategy for modulating stress responses and enhancing recovery. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a weekend of controlled normobaric hypoxia on key hormonal markers, including cortisol, prolactin, testosterone, and DHEA-S, in pilots and flight attendants. Methods: A within-subject experimental design was used with 10 participants (6 pilots, 4 flight attendants) exposed to two 12-hour sessions of normobaric hypoxia (simulated altitude: 3,500–4,000 m) during their designated rest period. Blood samples were collected at three-time points: baseline, pre-hypoxia, and post-hy...

During the COVID-19 pandemic, educational systems had to adapt to the social and health situation immediately. This led to the appearance of the asynchronous teaching model. Throughout the pandemic at an educational level, we can distinguish three phases, eminently online, hybrid, and face-to-face. However, the perception of educational quality in these three educational moments, considering the psychometric profile and cultural differences comparing Ibero-American countries, has not been studied. The study aims to analyze the psychological profile, and perception of quality in the teaching–learning processes at the university stage, during the three processes of educational transition during COVID-19: online, hybrid, and face-to-face. Thus, 1093 university students from Ibero-American countries were studied. Through a questionnaire, demographic, academic, and psychological variables w...

With the arrival of COVID-19, educational systems have had to adapt to the social and health situation immediately. This led to the appearance of the asynchronous teaching model. Throughout the pandemic, at the educational level, we can distinguish three phases, eminently online, hybrid, and finally, face-to-face. However, the perception of educational quality in these three educational moments, taking into account the psychometric profile and gender, has not been studied. Thus, 1093 university students from Ibero-American countries were analyzed. Through a questionnaire, demographic, academic, and psychological variables were analyzed at three moments during the evolution of the pandemic. Data suggest that, during the lockdown phase, while teaching was eminently online, students presented higher levels of stress and higher difficulty of learning; class attendance, convenience, preferred...

Educational systems globally, and notably in the Ibero-American context, underwent significant adaptations in response to the myriad challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pedagogical evolution unfolded through three discernible phases: predominantly online, hybrid, and ultimately, a return to face-to-face instruction. While these phases were universally apparent, cultural, socio-economic, and health disparities across regions subtly influenced the quality and experiential aspects of teaching and learning within these models. This study seeks to illuminate the psychological profiles and evaluative perspectives regarding teaching and learning quality among university educators during COVID-19’s tri-phase educational transformation. Engaging 601 university instructors from various Ibero-American countries, a comprehensive questionnaire mapped demographic, academic, and psycholo...