搜索结果：Introduction

Within a context of considerable cannabis market expansion and product diversification, cannabis consumers must manage their use across a range of potencies and modes of consumption. This study aimed to provide deeper understandings of how cannabis consumers would perceive the introduction of a standard THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) unit system. Qualitative study. United States, 2023-2024. Adult cannabis consumers (n = 50) across criminalized and legalized cannabis states. Within a study focused on the experiences of dosing cannabis among adults in contexts of evolving cannabis markets with product diversification, subjects were provided with a description of a standard THC unit and with the analog of a standard drink. They were then asked about their perceptions of a standard THC unit. Interviewers probed for personal attitudes, practical utility and potential for reducing harm. Broadly, cannabis consumers were enthusiastic about the introduction of a standard THC unit system, although a minority expressed some skepticism about how it would be implemented. Standard THC units were viewed as most beneficial for novices and infrequent consumers, although some experienced consumers indicated it would be valuable for tolerance management and avoiding dependence. It was also seen as valuable for avoiding risks related to driving under the influence and overconsumption. Standard metrics for cannabis consumption may be received with enthusiasm from cannabis consumers. Experienced consumers indicated they would have benefited from a standard THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) unit when initiating cannabis use and highly recommended it for novices. It was also viewed as an opportunity to manage risks. Successful implementation would require managing misunderstandings about the concept of a standard THC unit as well as how regular, experienced consumers would incorporate such a metric into established consumption routines.

Controlled cell death (CCD) is becoming a focus as a successful practice in cancer therapy, especially when triggered specifically by light-based therapies, including photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT). Photosensitizers (PSs) made of metal are of particular interest in this respect since the excited-state behaviour of these complexes can be rationally designed, depending on the rational design of the metal centre, ligand and oxidation state. Despite extensive literature on CCD induced by PDT, little work has given a cohesive view on metal-based PSs as inducers of particular CCD pathways. This review will highlight the decade progress in Iridium metal-based PSs that induce ferroptosis, immunogenic cell death, and pyroptosis with focus on its characteristics, mechanisms and commonalities among Iridium systems. Moreover, methods of improving biological selectivity, especially by bioconjugation of Iridium polypyridyl complexes are described. On the whole, this review is intended to gain an understanding of the logical construction of metal-based PSs to induce RCD in a controlled fashion and to stimulate the future introduction of photoactivating metal complexes to treat cancer.

Phloretin has garnered significant interest due to its substantial value in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. However, its supply via plant extraction remains constrained by low yield and complex processing. In this study, an engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain was constructed for high-level de novo phloretin biosynthesis via multi-module carbon-flux rewiring. In the downstream phloretin-forming module, an integrated three-route network was constructed, consisting of two direct phloretin-forming routes and a phloretic acid recycling route. Specifically, introduction of naringenin chalcone reductase re-channeled flux at the chalcone node, while enzyme screening and copy-number optimization of 4-coumarate:coenzyme A ligase and chalcone synthase reduced phloretic acid accumulation, effectively recovering carbon otherwise lost to byproduct formation. In the aromatic amino-acid supply module, key pathway steps were reinforced and feedback regulation was relieved, with careful balancing of key pathway genes to prevent metabolic imbalance. In the malonyl-coenzyme A supply module, cytosolic acetyl-coenzyme A generation was enhanced and organelle-to-cytosol carbon partitioning was rewired, thereby expanding the cytosolic malonyl-coenzyme A pool required for chalcone synthase-mediated condensation. The resulting engineered strain achieved phloretin titers of 460.6 mg/L in shake-flask cultures and 1.817 g/L in 5-L fed-batch fermentation, representing the highest reported de novo titer in yeast to date. This study demonstrates that coordinated control of branch-point flux, byproduct recycling, and precursor supply is essential for high-level microbial phloretin production and provides a scalable framework for microbial production of phloretin and related derivatives.

Enhancing energy recovery from organic waste using microbial fuel cells (MFCs) remains constrained by inefficient extracellular electron transfer (EET) and unstable interfacial electron flux. Here, a multiscale engineered bioanode is developed by integrating a bimetallic Ni/Co metal-organic framework (MOF) with a conductive polyaniline (PANI) network on carbon felt to improve bioelectrochemical performance. The hierarchical structure provides abundant redox-active sites, continuous conductive pathways, and a favorable microenvironment for microbial colonization, thereby promoting efficient coupling between microbial metabolism and electrode electron acceptance. The optimized system achieves a high power density of 2265 mW m-2 (318 % higher than pristine carbon felt) and a coulombic efficiency of ∼ 81 %, demonstrating enhanced substrate-to-electricity conversion. Importantly, the introduction of pseudocapacitive charge buffering mitigates the mismatch between microbial electron generation and electrode electron acceptance, resulting in stabilized electron flux under dynamic conditions. Microbial community analysis reveals enrichment of electroactive bacteria and suppression of methanogenic pathways, indicating effective regulation of microbial metabolism toward electricity generation. This study highlights a coupled bio-abiotic interfacial engineering strategy for improving both efficiency and stability in MFC systems, providing new insights into sustainable wastewater-to-energy conversion.

Aims To explore teachers' perspectives on incorporating oral health education within schools, since its statutory introduction in the National Curriculum in England in 2020.Methods An online survey including open and closed questions was designed and distributed via postal invitations to selected schools in North West England, and via social media between September 2024 and January 2025. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while directed content analysis was used for free-text responses.Results Fifty-four responses were received. Oral health education was reported as inconsistent with different methods and frequencies of delivery reported; 21% (n = 11) teachers taught the topic less than once a year. Challenges included lack of curriculum time (44%, n = 23), and resources to help deliver (27%, n = 14) or plan the teaching (19%, n = 10). Most teachers (93%, n = 50) expressed confidence in their oral health knowledge, but free-text responses highlighted that teachers valued dental professionals' involvement with schools, and parental engagement to reinforce oral health at home.Conclusions Oral health education in schools remains inconsistent despite statutory requirements. Sustainable resources and multi-agency partnerships can help embed oral health promotion within a whole-school framework.

Introduction: A vast body of cognitive research in psychosis has focused on auditory hallucinations, though more recent studies are turning towards other sensory modalities. This study aimed to compare the cognitive profile of persons experiencing uni- or multisensory versus multimodal hallucinations. Methods: Participants with primary diagnosis of a psychotic disorder were subdivided into those experiencing uni- or multisensory (UMS; n = 31) versus multimodal (MM; n = 28) hallucinations relative to non-clinical controls (NC; n = 32). Cognitive assessment comprised the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery, supplemented by a Colour Word Interference Test. Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and correlation analyses were performed. Results: The UMS and MM groups performed significantly worse than the NC group on some cognitive domains (i.e. speed of processing, attention/vigilance, working memory, verbal learning), but not others (i.e. reasoning and problem-solving, social cognition). For visual learning, the MM group performed significantly worse than the NC group only, whereas for inhibition, the UMS group performed significantly worse than the NC group only. Conclusion: A novel cognitive profile associated with multimodal hallucinations was documented. Dissociation between performance of the two clinical groups on visual learning and inhibition suggests these cognitive domains may be of relevance to hallucinations, pending further investigations.

Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) provide rapid evacuation of critically ill and injured patients, overcoming the limitations of ground transport in regions with challenging terrain, poor infrastructure, or traffic congestion. In Nepal, mountainous landscapes and dispersed populations make HEMS a vital component of the health care system since its formal introduction in 2013. This study aimed to review the current state of HEMS in Nepal, highlighting operational benefits, key challenges, and potential strategies to enhance service efficiency, safety, and accessibility. A narrative review was conducted using national and international literature, operational reports, and available data on HEMS in Nepal. Challenges were analyzed across financial, infrastructural, logistical, and human resource domains. HEMS significantly reduces evacuation times and facilitates access to multidisciplinary medical teams, improving outcomes in time-critical conditions such as trauma, stroke, myocardial infarction, and obstetric emergencies. However, service delivery is constrained by high operational costs, reliance on private commercial helicopters, limited trained personnel and pilots, centralized communication systems, pilot fatigue, and hazards from mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather. These barriers particularly affect patient access in remote regions. Although HEMS has markedly enhanced prehospital care in Nepal, systemic limitations hinder its full potential. Strategic investment in dedicated medical helicopters, decentralized operational bases, workforce development, and supportive policy frameworks is essential to improve timely access, reduce preventable mortality, and strengthen Nepal's emergency medical system.

The UNICORN (undermining iatrogenic coronary obstruction with radiofrequency needle) technique was developed in 2022 to reduce the risk for coronary obstruction during valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The procedure involves traversing the target leaflet with an electrified wire, followed by serial dilation with coronary and peripheral balloons. A balloon-expandable valve is then delivered into the de novo fenestration for intraleaflet deployment. As the balloon-expandable valve expands, the target leaflet is opened and displaced away from the at-risk coronary ostium, resulting in a minimal neoskirt on the target side. Since its introduction, the technique has been adopted at numerous centers worldwide, with various modifications and adaptations. In this paper, a step-by-step description of the UNICORN procedure is provided, and troubleshooting strategies for potential challenges are discussed.

Neuropathic pain is considered the most difficult to manage, with many patients getting inadequate relief from the current pharmacotherapy. While many drugs have been added to the regimen, Lacosamide has emerged as a promising therapeutic option. This systematic review focuses on the efficacy and safety of lacosamide in adult patients with neuropathic pain. Databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched thoroughly for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) published in English through November 2025. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Eight RCTs involving 976 participants with different neuropathic pain conditions met the inclusion criteria. Across the included studies, Lacosamide (200-600 mg/day) provided a modest reduction in their pain scores. However, it didn't have much of a positive impact on quality of life, limited function, adverse effects were common, and a high dropout rate was observed in several trials. Lacosamide might provide a modest analgesic benefit across multiple neuropathic conditions. But its extensive, long-term use requires more research to confirm its benefits, particularly the optimum dosing protocols.

Treatment of mental disorders is carried out through of drugs that are associated with hyposalivation. The study assessed the oral and salivary profiles of mental disorder patients undergoing drug treatment. A cross-sectional study, it involved participants over 18 years with mental disorders. Data collection included demographic, clinical, and oral health assessments, such as salivary flow, pH, and buffering capacity analyses. Of the 50 participants, 68% exhibited salivary alterations, with predominance of women. Schizophrenia was prevalent, with most patients taking three or more medications daily. Comorbidities were more common in the salivary alterations group. Salivary flow at rest was significantly lower in the group with alterations. While plaque index and tongue coating were similar in both groups, stimulated sialometry was lower in the alteration group. Xerostomia complaints were prevalent, indicating salivary dysfunction in psychiatric drug users, impacting oral health parameters like plaque index, tongue coating, pH, and buffering capacity.

Despite advancements in risk stratification and surgical management, acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) carries high early mortality and requires emergent surgical repair. While regionalization of care to high-volume centers has demonstrated superior outcomes, interfacility transfer introduces treatment delays and risk of patient deterioration during transport. Using a nationally representative cohort, we sought to characterize the independent association between transfer status and clinical outcomes following TAAD repair. Adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing emergency TAAD repair were tabulated from the 2017-2022 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patients were stratified based on transfer status. Entropy balancing was used to adjust for baseline differences between cohorts, and multivariable regression models assessed the association of transfer status with mortality, perioperative complications, length of stay, and hospitalization costs. Of 27,043 patients, 2,131 (7.9%) were transferred. Following doubly robust risk-adjustment, transferred patients had reduced in-hospital mortality (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 0.77, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.63-0.94), yet increased odds of cardiac (AOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.26-1.67) and infectious complications (AOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.34-1.84). Additionally, transfer patients incurred greater hospitalization costs (β+ $19,740, 95% CI 12,630-26,860) and greater lengths of stay (β + 5.36 days, CI 4.06-6.66). Interfacility transfer for TAAD repair was associated with increased complications, longer hospitalizations, and greater resource utilization, though reduced in-hospital mortality. These findings highlight the importance of regionalized aortic care and the need for standardized transfer protocols to optimize outcomes in this high-risk population.

Aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) has an unpredictable clinical course depending on the extent of disease. Management remains unclear for patients with type B IMH with concomitant type A IMH. We examine our experience with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for this patient subset. The study design and research was approved by our Institutional Review Board and the need for informed consent was waived. This is a single-institution retrospective study of patients with type B IMH with an ulcer-like projection (ULP) in the descending thoracic aorta, as well as retrograde type A IMH, who underwent TEVAR between 2018-2024. IMH thickness and extent was examined on CTA imaging to assess for resolution and positive aortic remodeling after TEVAR. We identified 65 patients between 2018-2024 treated at our institution for IMH. Of those, 7 patients had a type B IMH with ulcer-like projection with concomitant retrograde arch extension of the IMH, treated with TEVAR. In our series, 5 patients had resolution of the retrograde type A IMH by 5 months, and as early as 3-5 weeks in 2 of those patients. The type B component of IMH had resolved in 5 patients by 10 months, and as early as 11-14 days in 2 patients. One of the 7 patients was lost to follow up. Early TEVAR for patients with type B IMH with ulcer-like projection with concomitant retrograde ascending aortic or arch IMH, is a management strategy that can promote favorable aortic remodeling, without the need for open ascending aortic repair.

Breast milk cytokines modulate immune function and may influence infant growth, yet longitudinal evidence remains limited, particularly in low-resource settings. This study examined associations between milk cytokines measured within six weeks postpartum and infant growth trajectories from 3 to 12 months in a low-income community in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data from 237 mother-infant dyads were drawn from a prospective cohort study. Cytokines were quantified in breast milk (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ). Anthropometrics at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months were converted to WHO z-scores. Associations were examined using linear mixed-effects models adjusting for key maternal and infant covariates. Higher milk IL-10 was associated with lower weight-for-age and weight-for-length at 9 months and lower length-for-age at 3 and 12 months. Higher IFN-γ was associated with lower weight-for-length at 9 months. IL-6 and IL-8 showed age-related variation but no associations at individual timepoints. Breast milk IL-10 showed time-dependent associations with infant growth across multiple indicators throughout the first year, with similar age-related variation observed for some pro-inflammatory cytokines. These findings suggest that non-nutritive bioactive components of breast milk, and how their effects change across infant development, may contribute to early growth faltering in low-resource settings. Breast milk IL-10 showed consistent time-dependent associations with infant growth indicators from 3 to 12 months. Higher milk IL-10 was associated with poorer weight and length outcomes, while pro-inflammatory cytokines showed limited associations at individual timepoints. Adds to limited longitudinal evidence examining how milk cytokine-growth associations shift across infancy. Findings suggest that non-nutritive bioactive components of breast milk, and how their effects change across infant development, may contribute to growth faltering beyond nutritional factors alone. Further research integrating repeated cytokine sampling, multi-compartment immune profiling, and longitudinal growth assessment in similar settings could inform strategies to support optimal growth.

Economic evidence on community health worker (CHW) programmes is crucial for scaling these initiatives. Although decision-analytic models (DAMs) are essential for projecting long-term value, it is unclear how rigorously they have been applied to CHW evaluations, potentially compromising the reliability and comparability of cost-effectiveness estimates used for policy decisions. A systematic review was conducted to identify full economic evaluations of CHW-led or CHW-integrated interventions that employed a DAM. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, six databases (Medline, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus) were searched from inception to June 2025. Eligible studies were full economic evaluations assessing CHW-led or CHW-integrated interventions using DAMs. Study selection and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers. Methodological quality was appraised using the Philips checklist, and data were extracted on model type, data sources and validation practices. Findings were synthesised narratively across model structures, income groups and quality domains. 37 studies met the inclusion criteria. Decision trees were used in 32% of studies and Markov models in 30% with the remainder applying microsimulation, dynamic transmission or hybrid approaches. Most evaluations were undertaken in low- and middle-income countries, with few from low-income or high-income settings. Data constraints in low-income settings limited model complexity, whereas models in high-income settings tended to adopt more sophisticated structures but narrower intervention scopes. The mean quality score was 67%, with substantial gaps in model validation and limited exploration of structural uncertainty. Overall, 84% of studies concluded that CHW-led interventions were cost-effective, with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios generally favourable across settings. Although CHW interventions are generally cost-effective, the strength of this evidence is constrained by methodological limitations in existing models. Future modelling should prioritise rigorous validation, localisation of input data and explicit valuation of CHW and societal contributions to enhance the credibility of economic evidence for policy use. CRD420251066586.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is widely employed as a biological control agent against pests in tea plantations, yet its impacts on soil health and microbial ecology remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated the effects of two Bt application regimes, namely moderate-frequency conventional Bt application (Bt1, 3 sprays over 21 days) and high-frequency intensive Bt application (Bt2, 6 sprays over 42 days), on soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and microbial community structure and function in tea soils. The moderate-frequency conventional Bt1 significantly improved soil nutrient status by increasing organic matter, available nitrogen, and potassium, and boosted acid protease, sucrase, and cellulase activities, while Bt2 achieved the maximum urease and polyphenol oxidase activities but failed to promote soil available nutrients and organic matter as effectively as Bt1. Although neither Bt treatment induced notable shifts in overall microbial alpha-diversity indices, community composition differed distinctly between the two treatments. Bt1 enriched beneficial taxa related to nitrogen fixation and organic matter degradation including Pseudomonas, Bradyrhizobium, and Sphingomonas, and sharply suppressed pathogenic fungi such as Aspergillus and Curvularia, whereas Bt2 caused an 18.29% reduction in Sphingomonas abundance with limited enrichment of beneficial bacteria. Functional predictions indicated that Bt1 amplified microbial carbon degradation and nitrogen cycling, enriched saprotrophic and symbiotic fungi and reduced plant pathogens by 85.78%, while both Bt treatments elevated saprotrophic fungi yet Bt2 only reduced pathogens by 11.84%. Co-occurrence network analyses revealed enhanced microbial interactions and community stability under Bt1, while excessive high-frequency Bt2 reduced network connectivity and stability compared with CK and Bt1. These results suggest that moderate-frequency conventional Bt application can positively modulate soil microbial communities and ecosystem functions, providing valuable insights for sustainable pest management and soil health maintenance in tea agroecosystems.

Kidney fibrosis is a common pathological pathway of chronic kidney disease (CKD), driven by the formation of fibrogenic niche. Fibroblasts undergo proliferation and activation in this specialized microenvironment, but the precise mechanism by which the fibrogenic niche modulates fibroblast behavior remains elusive. This study aimed to clarify how fibrillin-1 (FBN1), a core structural component of the fibrogenic niche, governs fibroblast proliferation and activation. We further evaluated targeted disruption of the FBN1-EGFR interaction as a therapeutic strategy to block kidney fibrosis progression. Spatial transcriptomics localized FBN1 within the fibrogenic niche. Validation was performed using decellularized kidney scaffolds (KTS), NRK-49F cells, and primary renal fibroblasts. Mechanistic studies included co-immunoprecipitation, RNA sequencing, and genetic knockdown models. Tubule-specific Fbn1 knockout mice provided in vivo evidence. High-throughput screening identified FBN1-EGFR disruptors. FBN1 was enriched in the fibrogenic niche and potently stimulated fibroblast activation. Mechanistically, tubule-derived FBN1 bound fibroblast EGFR, triggering persistent MAPK signaling that accelerated fibrosis. Pharmacological inhibition of EGFR/MAPK signaling blocked these effects. High-throughput screening revealed fucosterol as a potent FBN1-EGFR interaction disruptor that competitively blocked binding, subsequently suppressing MAPK activation and attenuating renal fibrosis. FBN1 acts as a core functional molecule to shape and maintain the fibrogenic niche, and further drives kidney fibrosis by activating the downstream EGFR/MAPK cascade within this niche. By disrupting the FBN1-EGFR interaction, fucosterol provides a promising therapeutic strategy for inhibiting fibrogenic niche formation and blocking kidney fibrosis progression at the source.

To evaluate whether a 3D-printed shoe sole can passively replicate toe-out gait biomechanics and reduce the knee adduction moment (KAM) and knee adduction angular impulse (KAAI), addressing limitations of traditional gait retraining. Custom shoe soles were 3D-printed using gyroid infill structures to create a rotational hind-sole and a variable stiffness fore-sole ('RVS' shoes). Twenty-one healthy adults completed three baseline gait trials in control shoes, followed by randomised biofeedback-based gait retraining at toe-out angles of 5&#xb0;, 10&#xb0; and 15&#xb0;. After each retraining session, motion capture was used during overground walking. Participants then walked wearing RVS shoes for three trials. Gait biomechanics were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA and multiple linear regression. Compared to baseline, KAM's second peak was significantly reduced after toe-out retraining: 5&#xb0; (13.6%, p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.002), 10&#xb0; (20.2%, p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001) and 15&#xb0; (31.7%, p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001). RVS shoes alone reduced it by 16.3% (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), and KAAI by 8.6% (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001)-a reduction not achieved by retraining. Regression analysis showed that changes in KAM were strongly predicted (95%) by knee centre-of-pressure offset and mediolateral ground reaction force. 3D-printed RVS shoes passively replicated or exceeded the biomechanical effects of active toe-out gait retraining, offering a promising, low-effort intervention for managing knee osteoarthritis.

Contemporary abdominal wall reconstruction places a strong emphasis on optimizing extraperitoneal mesh placement. When the posterior layer is insufficient for closure, adjuncts such as hernia sac, omentum, or Vicryl mesh have been described. The outcomes of various posterior layer supplementation (PLS) materials, both autologous and non-autologous, have not been well examined. We aim to evaluate the outcomes of patients undergoing ventral hernia repair with extraperitoneal mesh placement who undergo&#xa0;PLS and compare how&#xa0;PLS materials impact these outcomes. All patients who underwent a retromuscular hernia (RM) repair with PLS between Jan 2021 and Jan 2025 at a single center were reviewed. Patient demographics, preoperative characteristics, intraoperative factors, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Descriptive statistics and comparative tests including Mann-Whitney U test, Student's t-test, and Fisher's exact test were utilized. Sixty-seven patients underwent RM repair with PLS. Supplement materials used included hernia sac, omentum, falciform ligament, prior mesh, new biologic, and biosynthetic coated mesh. Fifty-two percent (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;35) of the repairs were retrorectus only and 48% (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;32) were transversus abdominus releases. The average length of follow-up was 189&#xa0;days with a recurrence rate of 3%. Sixty percent of PLS was performed with autologous material with 40% utilizing new biologic or biosynthetic coated meshes. SSI, SSO, and SSOPI were similar between the autologous and non-autologous supplementation groups (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;1, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.16, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.29, respectively). There were more postoperative bowel obstructions in the non-autologous group (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;4) as compared to the autologous group (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;0) (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.02). All the bowel obstructions were managed nonoperatively. Our findings suggest that outcomes are acceptable with minimal morbidity when comparing autologous tissue to biologic and biosynthetic coated mesh for PLS. The low recurrence rates observed, regardless of the material used, support the continued adoption of this approach. Proactive supplementation of the visceral sac may decrease need for lateral myofascial release.

Aortic dimensions vary according to age, sex, and population characteristics. This study aimed to establish computed tomography (CT)-based reference diameters for the abdominal aorta in a Portuguese hospital population, providing reference data that may support the assessment of aortic dilatation and future population-specific studies of aneurysm diagnosis and surveillance. A single-centre cross-sectional study was conducted using CT examinations performed at a tertiary referral hospital in Portugal during 2018. CT scans were randomly selected using a stratified sampling strategy according to month and time of day. Patients with known aortic disease or CT examinations requested in the context of vascular or cardiac surgery consultations were excluded. Aortic diameters were measured on multiplanar reconstructions using outer-to-outer wall measurements at standardised anatomical locations. Analyses were performed overall and stratified by sex and age group (<50, 50-75, and >75 years). Comparisons were performed using Student's t test and linear regression models, including age-adjusted analyses for sex comparisons. A total of 479 patients were included, of whom 266 (55.5%) were male. Mean age was 64.5 years (SD 17.3). Mean abdominal aortic diameters were 23.71 mm (SD 4.32) at the coeliac level, 22.07 mm (SD 4.08) at the superior mesenteric artery level, and 20.95 mm (SD 4.14) at the renal level. Infrarenal diameters ranged from 18.95 mm (SD 4.05) proximally to 17.72 mm (SD 3.89) distally. Men had significantly larger diameters than women at all anatomical locations (all p < 0.001). Aortic diameter increased significantly with age across all segments (all p < 0.001), with consistent and additive effects of age and sex. This study provides CT-based reference values for abdominal aortic diameters in a Portuguese population. Aortic size is strongly influenced by age and sex, supporting the need for population-specific and demographically stratified reference values.