Life

15 pages, 1560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Jiaman Yang, Jianbo Fang, Dehao Lu, Cheng Li, Xiaomai Shuai, Fenglin Zheng and Honyue Chen

Life 2025, 15(6), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060917 - 5 Jun 2025

Abstract

Michelia macclurei, a valuable native broad-leaved species with good ecological and economic benefits and a key afforestation tree in South China, is facing progressive stand degradation and soil fertility decline with age. To investigate age-dependent dynamics of stand structure and soil properties, [...] Read more.

Michelia macclurei, a valuable native broad-leaved species with good ecological and economic benefits and a key afforestation tree in South China, is facing progressive stand degradation and soil fertility decline with age. To investigate age-dependent dynamics of stand structure and soil properties, this study examined five stands (5, 10, 15, 20, and 42 a) in Yunfu City, Guangdong Province. The results revealed that (1) spatial distribution shifted from aggregated in young stands (5–10 a) to random in mature stands (42 a), with diameter and height class distributions becoming more diverse with age. Notably, topsoil (0–20 cm) in near-mature stands (15–20 a) exhibited not only significantly higher capillary porosity, non-capillary porosity, and water-holding capacity compared to young stands but also increased bulk density, indicating soil physical degradation. (2) Soil nutrient decline was observed in over-mature stands (42 a), characterized by a reduction in soil total nitrogen to 1.08 ± 0.06 g·kg⁻¹ and total phosphorus to 0.16 ± 0.02 g·kg⁻¹ in the topsoil (0–20 cm layer), suggesting age-related soil nutrient degradation. (3) Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between total potassium content and crown uniformity indices (p < 0.01), while available phosphorus was significantly positively correlated with crown and tree growth (p < 0.05). These findings provide critical insights for developing stage-specific management strategies in Michelia macclurei plantations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Diversity and Ecology)

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17 pages, 741 KiB

Open AccessReview

Behind-the-Scenes Actors in Fertility: A Comprehensive Review of the Female Reproductive Tract Microbiome and Its Clinical Relevance

by Anthi Papakonstantinou, Efthalia Moustakli, Anastasios Potiris, Athanasios Zikopoulos, Ermioni Tsarna, Chrysi Christodoulaki, Ioannis Tsakiridis, Themistoklis Dagklis, Periklis Panagopoulos, Peter Drakakis and Sofoklis Stavros

Life 2025, 15(6), 916; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060916 - 5 Jun 2025

Abstract

The study of the microbiome has rapidly progressed over the past few decades, capturing the interest of both scientists and the general public. Nevertheless, there is still no widely agreed-upon definition for the term “microbiome” despite tremendous advances in our knowledge. The international [...] Read more.

The study of the microbiome has rapidly progressed over the past few decades, capturing the interest of both scientists and the general public. Nevertheless, there is still no widely agreed-upon definition for the term “microbiome” despite tremendous advances in our knowledge. The international scientific literature consistently underscores the difference between the human microbiome and human microbiota. Recent research has emphasized the importance of the female reproductive tract microbiome in fertility, impacting natural conception and assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). This review explores the relationship between infertility and the microbiota of the female reproductive tract through a thorough evaluation of research papers and large-scale studies published up to 2024. The objective of this review is to critically assess current evidence on the role of the reproductive tract microbiome in female infertility and ART outcomes. Relevant papers were identified and analyzed through the electronic medical databases PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus. A comprehensive synthesis of data from 36 original studies was performed, including observational, case–control, cohort, and randomized trials. By focusing on the vagina, cervix, and endometrium, this study offers a comprehensive overview of the microbiome throughout the female reproductive tract. RIF and poor reproductive outcomes are strongly linked to dysbiosis, which is characterized by a reduction in Lactobacillus species. Lactobacillus crispatus, in particular, plays a significant role in protecting against bacterial vaginosis and infertility. A thorough understanding of how the microbiome impacts fertility and the development of clinical strategies to improve reproductive outcomes requires standardized microbiome investigation techniques and larger, randomized trials that account for diverse patient characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Reproductive and Developmental Biology)

12 pages, 313 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Use of a Fractional Laser in Acne Scar Treatment—A Systematic Review

by Bartłomiej Ptaszek, Marzena Czernecka and Szymon Podsiadło

Life 2025, 15(6), 915; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060915 - 4 Jun 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Acne scars are an unwanted reminder of past acne. They constitute a significant esthetic and psychosocial problem, negatively affecting the quality of life of patients. There are many methods used to treat acne scars. One of them is fractional CO₂ laser [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Acne scars are an unwanted reminder of past acne. They constitute a significant esthetic and psychosocial problem, negatively affecting the quality of life of patients. There are many methods used to treat acne scars. One of them is fractional CO₂ laser treatment, which stimulates the skin to produce collagen. The main aim of this study was to verify, based on the available literature, the effectiveness of fractional CO₂ laser treatment of acne scars and to determine the potential risk associated with the use of this therapeutic method. Methods: The literature review includes English-language articles selected using keywords and inclusion and exclusion criteria. In order to select appropriate sources, databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar were searched. Results: The systematic review included seven studies that assessed the effectiveness of fractional CO₂ laser therapy for acne scars. Most patients experienced a 30% to 70% improvement in the appearance of their scars. The most commonly reported adverse events during treatment were transient erythema, edema, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which resolved within a few weeks. Conclusions: Fractional CO₂ laser therapy is an effective and safe treatment for acne scars. However, despite the abundance of evidence, there is a need for further studies focusing on long-term monitoring of patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)

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15 pages, 2851 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microsurgical Lymphatic Vessel Transplantation for Chronic Lymphedema: Long-Term Evaluation of Volume Reduction and Lymphatic Transport Kinetics

by Wolfram Demmer, Louisa Antonie Hock, Konstantin Christoph Koban, Paul Severin Wiggenhauser, Matthias Brendel, Riccardo Giunta and Tim Nürnberger

Life 2025, 15(6), 914; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060914 - 4 Jun 2025

Abstract

This study investigates long-term volume reduction after microsurgical autologous lymphatic vessel transplantation (LVT) in patients with chronic lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is caused by inadequate lymphatic drainage and leads to swelling, pain, and a reduced quality of life. Conservative treatments often show only limited success, [...] Read more.

This study investigates long-term volume reduction after microsurgical autologous lymphatic vessel transplantation (LVT) in patients with chronic lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is caused by inadequate lymphatic drainage and leads to swelling, pain, and a reduced quality of life. Conservative treatments often show only limited success, which is why surgical procedures such as LVT are increasingly gaining in importance. In a retrospective long-term analysis, patients who underwent LVT between 1988 and 2010 were examined on average 21.7 years after surgery. The examination included pre- and post-operative volume measurements, which were supplemented by modern 3D body scanner analyses and lymphoscintigraphy. The results show a significant volume reduction both in the short term (p < 0.01) and at the follow-up examination (p = 0.04). There was no significant difference between manual volumetry with circumferential measurements and 3D volumetry (p = 0.775). The improvement in lymph transport capacity was considerable (p = 0.078). This study provides valuable insights for the further development of lymphatic surgery. While preferred surgical methods change over time, this study demonstrates that LVT can make a decisive contribution to improving the quality of life of lymphedema patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to Improve Quality of Life)

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15 pages, 2853 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effects of Exercise on Dynamic Balance in People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Wenda Zheng, Hao Su, Bing Han, Zhuying Chen, Xiaojie Liu, Yuanyuan Lv and Laikang Yu

Life 2025, 15(6), 913; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060913 - 4 Jun 2025

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of exercise on the dynamic balance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and identify the optimal exercise prescription for clinical practice. A comprehensive search was conducted across the Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of exercise on the dynamic balance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and identify the optimal exercise prescription for clinical practice. A comprehensive search was conducted across the Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed databases up to 10 November 2024, to identify randomized controlled trials assessing exercise interventions in T2DM patients, with dynamic balance as the primary outcome. Thirteen studies involving 413 participants were included. A pooled data analysis demonstrated that exercise significantly enhanced the dynamic balance (standardized mean difference, SMD, −0.50; p < 0.0001, I² = 59%). The subgroup analyses revealed that multicomponent training (SMD, −0.84; p = 0.006, I² = 76%), a frequency ≥ 3 times per week (SMD, −0.68; p < 0.0001, I² = 57%), a session duration < 60 min (SMD, −0.52; p = 0.001, I² = 67%), a weekly time ≥ 180 min (SMD, −0.64; p = 0.003, I² = 65%), and supervised exercise (SMD, −0.59; p < 0.00001, I² = 49%) were most effective. These findings suggest that supervised, multicomponent training performed at least three times weekly, with each session lasting <60 min, to attain a cumulative weekly time of 180 min, represents an evidence-based strategy to improve the dynamic balance in T2DM patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)

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17 pages, 323 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction in Schoolchildren and Adolescents with Autism

by Carlos Alberto Velasco-Benítez, Christian Andrés Rojas-Cerón, Claudia Jimena Ortiz-Rivera, Daniela Alejandra Velasco-Suárez, María Carolina Juvinao-Quintero, Cecilia Elena Zubiri, Julián Martín Fernández, Román Bigliardi, Anabella Zosi, Ricardo A. Chanis Águila, Celina Guzmán Acevedo, Fátima Azereth Reynoso Zarzosa and Roberto Arturo Zablah Cordova

Life 2025, 15(6), 912; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060912 - 4 Jun 2025

Abstract

Background: Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction (DGBIs) are present in 23.0% of the paediatric population, according to Rome IV. Latin American (LA) prevalence of DGBIs in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence [...] Read more.

Background: Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction (DGBIs) are present in 23.0% of the paediatric population, according to Rome IV. Latin American (LA) prevalence of DGBIs in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of DGBIs and possible associations in schoolchildren and adolescents with ASD from LA. Methods: An observational analytical study was conducted in LA cities. Caregivers of children with ASD completed the Rome IV Questionnaire for Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms to identify DGBIs. Sociodemographic, clinical, and family variables were included. Statistical analysis involved central tendency measures, univariate and bivariate analysis, calculation odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs), with p < 0.05 significance. Results: The study included 353 children with ASD. Predominantly male (78.8%), white (56.1%), attending private schools (79.3%), altered nutritional status (43.9%), born by c-section (57.5%), firstborn (54.7%), level of autism not classified at the time of the study (49.0%). A total of 58.9% presented DGBI. Functional constipation (FC) was the most frequent (27.2%). Those from Central America (CA) had a higher likelihood of presenting a DGBI (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.25–3.12, p = 0.0018). Conclusions: Over half of LA schoolchildren and adolescents with ASD presented DGBI, FC being the most common, and higher likelihood of DGBI in CA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)

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21 pages, 1436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Samotherium boissieri from the Late Miocene of Southern Italy

by Antonella Cinzia Marra

Life 2025, 15(6), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060911 - 4 Jun 2025

Abstract

Samotherium boissieri is a giraffid typical of the Pikermian biome, well documented at Samos and occurring in the late Miocene of the Greco-Iranian paleobioprovince. The species has been also recorded at Cessaniti in Calabria (Southern Italy), in a faunal association including other Pikermian [...] Read more.

Samotherium boissieri is a giraffid typical of the Pikermian biome, well documented at Samos and occurring in the late Miocene of the Greco-Iranian paleobioprovince. The species has been also recorded at Cessaniti in Calabria (Southern Italy), in a faunal association including other Pikermian species as well as species of Eurasian and African affinity. In this paper, Calabrian specimens are studied and compared to Samos ones. Morphological and biometrical data fall within the variability of Samotherium boissieri and clearly differ from the co-occurring giraffid, Bohlinia attica. Two partially complete forelimbs, probably referring to the same individual, permit the first full description of the manus bones for the species, carpals in particular. The occurrence of Samotherium boissieri in Calabria contributes to the wide discussion on paleobiogeographical assessments of the central Mediterranean in the late Miocene, still not well-understood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Back to Basics in Palaeontology)

30 pages, 7501 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Rice Pest Management Through RP11: A Scientifically Annotated Dataset for Adult Insect Recognition

by Biao Ding, Yunxiang Tian, Xiaojun Guo, Longshen Wang and Xiaolin Tian

Life 2025, 15(6), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060910 - 4 Jun 2025

Abstract

Rice yields are expected to drop significantly due to the increasing spread of rice pests. Detecting rice pests in a timely manner using deep learning models has become a prevalent approach for rapid pest control. However, current datasets related to rice pests often [...] Read more.

Rice yields are expected to drop significantly due to the increasing spread of rice pests. Detecting rice pests in a timely manner using deep learning models has become a prevalent approach for rapid pest control. However, current datasets related to rice pests often suffer from limited sample sizes or poorly annotated labels, which compromises the training accuracy of deep learning models. Building upon the large-scale IP102 dataset, this study refines the rice pest segment of IP102 by separating adult specimens and larva specimens, acquiring additional pest images via web crawler techniques, and re-annotating all adult samples. The pest category names, originally in English, are replaced with the Latin scientific names of the corresponding families to improve both clarity and scientific accuracy. The resulting dataset, designated RP11, includes 11 adult categories with 4559 images and 7 larval categories with 2467 images. All annotations follow a labeling format compatible with YOLO model training. The sample count in RP11 is approximately four times that of the rice-specific subset in IP102. In this work, YOLOv11 was employed to evaluate RP11’s performance, with IP102 serving as a comparison dataset. The results demonstrate that RP11 outperforms IP102 in precision (83.0% vs. 58.9%), recall (79.7% vs. 63.1%), F1-score (81.3% vs. 60.9%), mAP50 (87.2% vs. 62.0%), and mAP50–95 (73.3% vs. 37.9%). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Science)

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18 pages, 1704 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Emerging Clinical Relevance of Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Wearable Devices in Headache: A Narrative Review

by Antonios Danelakis, Anker Stubberud, Erling Tronvik and Manjit Matharu

Life 2025, 15(6), 909; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060909 - 4 Jun 2025

Abstract

This narrative review introduces key concepts in artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and wearable devices aimed at headache clinicians and researchers. PubMed and IEEEXplore were searched to identify relevant studies, and these were reviewed systematically. We identified six primary research topics. First, the [...] Read more.

This narrative review introduces key concepts in artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and wearable devices aimed at headache clinicians and researchers. PubMed and IEEEXplore were searched to identify relevant studies, and these were reviewed systematically. We identified six primary research topics. First, the most common application of AI and data science is in the diagnosis of headache disorders, with reported accuracies of up to 90%. Second, AI and data science are used for predicting headache disease trajectories and forecasting attacks. Third, prediction of treatment effects and data-driven individualization of treatment prescription demonstrate promising results, with accuracies ranging from 40% to 83%. Fourth, AI and data science can uncover hidden information within headache datasets, offering clinicians deeper insights. Fifth, wearables, combined with AI and data science, can improve remote monitoring and migraine management. Lastly, user experience studies indicate strong interest from both clinicians and patients in adopting these technologies. The potential applications of AI, data science, and wearable device technologies in headache research are vast. However, many studies are small pilot studies, and models often suffer from poor performance, limited reporting, and lack of external validation, which impede generalizability and clinical implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Emerging Clinical Relevance of Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Wearable Devices in Headache)

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13 pages, 689 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prognostic Value of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in Patients Following Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

by Mikhail Popov, Siarhei Dabravolski, Vladislav Dontsov, Sergei Vzvarov, Evgeniy Agafonov, Dmitriy Zybin, Olga Radchenkova, Dmitriy Saveliev, Victoria Pronina, Natalia Kashirina, Liudmila Lipatova, Mikhail Peklo, Pavel Rutkevich, Elena Yanushevskaya, Alisa Sokolovskaya, Arkadiy Metelkin, Svetlana Verkhova, Nikita Nikiforov and Dmitriy Shumakov

Life 2025, 15(6), 908; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060908 - 4 Jun 2025

Abstract

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) has recently emerged as a risk predictor in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, little is known regarding the significance of elevated plasma MMP9 levels in patients during the long-term period following myocardial revascularisation. We aimed to investigate [...] Read more.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) has recently emerged as a risk predictor in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, little is known regarding the significance of elevated plasma MMP9 levels in patients during the long-term period following myocardial revascularisation. We aimed to investigate the role of MMP9 in relation to myocardial status before and after myocardial revascularisation and to assess its long-term prognostic value. Methods: This prospective observational study included 200 male patients with ischaemic heart disease. All patients underwent direct myocardial revascularisation on a beating heart (off-pump surgery). Plasma MMP9 levels were analysed preoperatively, at 48 h postoperatively, and during the long-term follow-up period (one year postoperatively). Key echocardiographic parameters, specifically left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Volume (LVEDV), were also assessed. Results: MMP9 levels decreased significantly at 48 h postoperatively (p < 0.0001). During the long-term postoperative period, a clear relationship was demonstrated: higher 1-year MMP9 levels were associated with lower 1-year LVEF, whilst lower 1-year MMP9 levels were associated with higher 1-year LVEF. No significant correlation was observed between preoperative MMP9 levels and age or most other baseline laboratory parameters. Conclusions: Our study established an association between 1-year postoperative MMP9 levels and key parameters of left ventricular function during the long-term follow-up period. This suggests that MMP9 may serve as a novel biomarker for predicting outcomes following myocardial revascularisation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Ischemia and Heart Failure—2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 3285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ginsenosides as Potential Natural Ligands of SLC3A2: Computational Insights in Cancer

by Jing Lu

Life 2025, 15(6), 907; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060907 - 4 Jun 2025

Abstract

Panax ginseng has been used as a traditional Oriental medicinal herb. This research investigates the potential of ginsenosides, bioactive phyto compounds derived from ginseng, as ligands of the solute carrier (SLC) family, including SLC3A2, SLC7A6, SLC7A11, SLC7A5, SLC7A8, SLC43A1, LCN2, SLC7A9, SLC7A7, [...] Read more.

Panax ginseng has been used as a traditional Oriental medicinal herb. This research investigates the potential of ginsenosides, bioactive phyto compounds derived from ginseng, as ligands of the solute carrier (SLC) family, including SLC3A2, SLC7A6, SLC7A11, SLC7A5, SLC7A8, SLC43A1, LCN2, SLC7A9, SLC7A7, and SLC7A10 proteins—which are overexpressed in various cancers and linked to metastasis. Using molecular docking (MD), ginsenosides (Km, Ro, compound K (CK), Rk1, and Ra1) with high binding affinities to SLC3A2 were identified, exhibiting binding energies of −9.3, −9.1, −8.7, −8.0, and −7.7 kcal/mol, respectively. Further molecular dynamics simulations (MDSs) conducted using GROMACS revealed improved stability, flexibility, and dynamic behavior of the selected ginsenosides, predicting their potential as natural ligands to bind with SLC3A2. Though this computational prediction underscores these ginsenosides as promising candidates as natural ligands to bind and interact with SLC family proteins during anti-cancer therapies, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to validate these interactions and anti-cancer effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence: Transforming Data into Insights for Precision Medicine)

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1 pages, 146 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Carvalho et al. Increased Cardiometabolic Risk in Dynapenic Obesity: Results from the Study of Workers’ Health (ESAT). Life 2024, 14, 1174

by Mariana de Oliveira Carvalho, Alice Pereira Duque, Grazielle Vilas Bôas Huguenin, Mauro Felippe Felix Mediano and Luiz Fernando Rodrigues Júnior

Life 2025, 15(6), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060906 - 4 Jun 2025

Abstract

In the original publication, there was a mistake in Table 3 [...] Full article

11 pages, 495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing the Effects of Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia on Daily Mood and Physiological Sleep Parameters in Athletes with Poor Pre-Competition Sleep Quality

by Yung-An Tsou, Bao-Lien Hung and Wen-Dien Chang

Life 2025, 15(6), 905; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060905 - 3 Jun 2025

Abstract

This study aimed to compare 4 weeks of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) versus cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in athletes with poor sleep quality pre-competition as measured by changes in daily mood state and physiologic parameters of sleep. Athletes with poor sleep [...] Read more.

This study aimed to compare 4 weeks of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) versus cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in athletes with poor sleep quality pre-competition as measured by changes in daily mood state and physiologic parameters of sleep. Athletes with poor sleep quality in their pre-competition phase were recruited. Four weeks of CES and CBT-I were used to compare the effects on daily mood state and physiologic parameters of sleep. The participants were divided into a CES and a CBT-I group. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Profile of Mood States (POMS), nighttime heart rate variability (HRV), and sleep architecture of cardiopulmonary coupling (CPC) analyses were assessed before and after the interventions. Twenty-four participants (time to competition = 46.71 ± 11.21 days) completed the study. Decreases in PSQI and ESS scores were observed in both groups. A decrease in confusion and tension scores and improvement of sleep efficiency were noted after CBT-I (p < 0.05). Changes in light sleep (stages S1 and S2) and deep sleep (stages S3 and S4) were observed (p < 0.05), accompanied by alterations in HRV (p < 0.05). Both interventions for athletes experiencing poor sleep quality before competition had efficacy in improving sleep quality and reducing daytime sleepiness. CES could cause alterations in sleep architecture and autonomic nervous regulation, and CBT-I contributed to a reduction in negative mood states. This study is tiny and limited by the absence of a control group, which may introduce psychological bias, and future research should include control conditions and extended follow-up assessments to validate these findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sleep and Sleep Apnea: Impacts, Mechanisms, and Interventions)

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11 pages, 2002 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vitacrystallography: Appearance and Development of Cancer-Induced Structural Biomarkers in a Mouse Model

by Oleksii Avdieiev, Sergey A. Denisov, Ashkan Ajeer, Lois Adams, Charlene Greenwood, Heather Nesbitt, Keith Thomas, Keith Rogers, Olga Solovyeva, Lev Mourokh and Pavel Lazarev

Life 2025, 15(6), 904; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060904 - 3 Jun 2025

Abstract

Structural biomarkers determined by X-ray scattering of the tissues can complement conventional diagnostics and provide a pathway for early detection of diseases. In the present study, mouse models were utilized to observe the progression of prostate cancer. We induced cancer in the left [...] Read more.

Structural biomarkers determined by X-ray scattering of the tissues can complement conventional diagnostics and provide a pathway for early detection of diseases. In the present study, mouse models were utilized to observe the progression of prostate cancer. We induced cancer in the left lobe of the mouse prostate, whilst the right lobe was left uninoculated. The mice were sacrificed at increasing systematic time points, and lobe samples were subsequently analyzed using X-ray scattering. Control samples were also collected from healthy mice sacrificed at the same time points. This investigation revealed that the ratio between the X-ray scattering peaks associated with the lipids and water can serve as a structural biomarker of cancer, and this biomarker develops as the tumor advances. The obtained cancer trajectory can serve as a baseline for the determination of the disease stage, and the biomarker movement along the trajectory can be evidence of the healing or disease progression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)

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11 pages, 951 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early Real-World Outcomes of Switching to 8 mg Aflibercept for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the United Kingdom

by Muiz Musadiq, Mohammed Musadiq, Fozia Latif, Benjamin Ng, Matthew Azzopardi, Noa Gilead, Andrew Needham and Yu Jeat Chong

Life 2025, 15(6), 903; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060903 - 2 Jun 2025

Abstract

(1) Aim: To evaluate early real-world outcomes of switching to aflibercept 8 mg in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in the United Kingdom. (2) Methods: This retrospective, observational study included 59 eyes from 50 patients with treatment-refractory nAMD previously treated with [...] Read more.

(1) Aim: To evaluate early real-world outcomes of switching to aflibercept 8 mg in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in the United Kingdom. (2) Methods: This retrospective, observational study included 59 eyes from 50 patients with treatment-refractory nAMD previously treated with multiple anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. Eyes were switched to aflibercept 8 mg without loading doses and treated using a treat-and-extend regimen. Functional, anatomical, and safety outcomes were evaluated over a mean (SD) follow-up of 33.5 (10.4) weeks. (3) Results: The mean (SD) age was 80.2 (6.3) years, and 28 (56.0%) of 50 patients were male. At baseline, the mean (SD) best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 66.0 (14.4) letters, with 33 (55.9%) eyes achieving ≥70 letters. The mean (SD) baseline central subfield thickness (CST) was 367.2 (100.7) µm. Prior to switching to aflibercept 8 mg, the mean (SD) number of injections for each eye was 26.9 (19.0), with the most recent mean (SD) treatment interval of 7.7 (1.7) weeks. Switching to aflibercept 8 mg resulted in extension of the mean (SD) injection interval from 7.7 (1.7) weeks to 8.7 (2.2) weeks (p < 0.01). BCVA and CST remained stable, with a significant reduction in pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height (232.5 µm to 211.6 µm, p < 0.01). No serious ocular adverse events or intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations requiring treatment were reported. (4) Conclusion: Aflibercept 8 mg demonstrated early treatment durability, anatomical benefit, and a favourable short-term safety profile in eyes with treatment-refractory nAMD. Further prospective studies are warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Developments in Eye and Systemic Diseases)

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18 pages, 1772 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Efficacy of Sodium Butyrate in Managing Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

by Adrian Goldiș, Radu Dragomir, Marina Adriana Mercioni, Diana Sirca, Christian Goldiș, Ileana Enatescu, Laura Olariu and Oana Belei

Life 2025, 15(6), 902; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060902 - 31 May 2025

Abstract

Background: Few studies have evaluated the efficacy of butyric acid in treating children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In children and adolescents with recently diagnosed IBD, the purpose of this research was to assess the efficacy of oral sodium butyrate (the product-patented, sustained [...] Read more.

Background: Few studies have evaluated the efficacy of butyric acid in treating children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In children and adolescents with recently diagnosed IBD, the purpose of this research was to assess the efficacy of oral sodium butyrate (the product-patented, sustained and targeted-release form of butyrate MSB^®) as an adjunct to conventional treatment. Methods: This trial was unicentric, prospective, randomized, and placebo-controlled. An amount of 150 mg sodium butyrate once a day (Group A), or a placebo (Group B) were randomly assigned to patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, aged 7–18 years, who were receiving conventional medication based on the severity of their conditions. Disease activity, C-reactive protein (CRP), and fecal calprotectin concentration differences between the two study groups at 12 weeks of the trial were the main outcomes. Results: With 44 patients in Group A and 44 in Group B, 88 individuals with initially active illness finished the research. Most patients experienced remission by week 12 of the study (36 patients in Group A with sodium butyrate, 81.82%; 21 patients in Group B with placebo, 47.73%). Between the two groups, a significant difference in disease activity was seen (p < 0.001). The sodium butyrate group appeared to have less systemic inflammation than the other group, as evidenced by the significantly lower CRP levels in Group A (18.14 ± 11.19 mg/L) compared to Group B (57.00 ± 33.28 mg/L) at 12 weeks (T2) (p < 0.001). No negative effects were recorded by any of the patients. Fecal calprotectin in Group A dropped much more after 12 weeks (T2) (p < 0.001), suggesting that the sodium butyrate group was better able to regulate intestinal inflammation. Conclusions: In newly diagnosed children and adolescents with IBD, a 12-week sodium butyrate supplementation did demonstrate effectiveness as an additional treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Physiology and Pathology Research to Clinical Insights in Gastrointestinal Disorders)

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12 pages, 560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cerebral Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Electrical Cardiometry During Endotracheal Suction in Ventilated Infants Following Surgery: A Feasibility Study

by Matthias Nissen and Ralf-Bodo Tröbs

Life 2025, 15(6), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060901 - 31 May 2025

Abstract

Background: Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and Electrical Cardiometry (EC) are promising non-invasive techniques for monitoring tissue oxygenation and hemodynamics, particularly in surgically ill infants who struggle to maintain cerebral oxygenation and systemic perfusion. There is limited data regarding the combined use of these techniques [...] Read more.

Background: Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and Electrical Cardiometry (EC) are promising non-invasive techniques for monitoring tissue oxygenation and hemodynamics, particularly in surgically ill infants who struggle to maintain cerebral oxygenation and systemic perfusion. There is limited data regarding the combined use of these techniques during respiratory procedures such as endotracheal suction in intubated infants. Methods: The effects of 38 endotracheal suction maneuvers on cerebral oxygenation and cardiovascular hemodynamics were investigated in seven intubated infants following non-cardiac surgery. Parameters such as cerebral oxygenation and EC-derived metrics including heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output were assessed. Results: Gestational and postnatal age were 31 weeks and 16 days. During endotracheal suction, the heart rate decreased but returned to baseline afterward. After the procedure, the cerebral oxygenation, stroke volume, and cardiac output increased. Conclusions: Cerebral and systemic hemodynamics were altered during endotracheal suction maneuvers in ventilated infants. Combining NIRS and EC for monitoring cardiovascular and cerebrovascular physiology may enable more individualized therapy, helping to minimize cerebral injury in this vulnerable population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)

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15 pages, 3109 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Obstacle Circumvention and Motor Daily Dual Task During a Simulation of Street Crossing by Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

by Carolina Favarin Soares, Aline Prieto Silveira-Ciola, Lucas Simieli, Patrícia de Aguiar Yamada, Fábio Augusto Barbieri and Flávia Roberta Faganello-Navega

Life 2025, 15(6), 900; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060900 - 31 May 2025

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) causes attentional deficits and worse dual-task (DT) performance, which increases the risk of being run over. In addition to motor deficits, the decision-making ability and the response to external stimuli are impaired. The aim of this study was to evaluate [...] Read more.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) causes attentional deficits and worse dual-task (DT) performance, which increases the risk of being run over. In addition to motor deficits, the decision-making ability and the response to external stimuli are impaired. The aim of this study was to evaluate the spatiotemporal parameters of gait during everyday tasks of individuals with PD, specifically during street crossing simulation, obstacle circumvention, and motor DT. People with PD (PG) and matched controls (CG) were distributed into two groups and were evaluated under six different gait and randomized conditions: without a concomitant task (NW); with obstacle circumvention (OC); and four other conditions under simulation of street crossing (without concomitant task (SC); with obstacle circumvention (SC_OC); carrying bags (SC_B); and carrying bags concomitant to obstacle circumvention (SC_OC+B)). The CG group had greater values for all parameters compared to PG, except for double support time. This study’s results found that individuals with PD took smaller, narrower, slower, and shorter steps when compared to neurologically healthy older people and that there was a change in the spatiotemporal gait parameters of all individuals, except for the step-duration parameter under the most difficult crossing conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neurological Diseases: Prevention, Diagnostics, Treatment and Rehabilitation)

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12 pages, 648 KiB

Open AccessArticle

DuoStim Shows Comparable Efficacy but Better Efficiency than Two Conventional Stimulations in Poor/Suboptimal Responders Undergoing Vitrified Oocyte Accumulation for PGT-A

by Stefano Canosa, Alberto Revelli, Danilo Cimadomo, Alberto Vaiarelli, Gianluca Gennarelli, Daniela Guidetti, Andrea Roberto Carosso, Laura Rienzi, Filippo Maria Ubaldi and Francesca Bongioanni

Life 2025, 15(6), 899; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060899 - 31 May 2025

Abstract

This study compared the DuoStim protocol with two conventional follicular phase stimulations for vitrified oocyte accumulation in poor-prognosis patients undergoing PGT-A. A retrospective analysis of 112 IVF cycles was conducted, with 66 cycles among patients undergoing DuoStim (DS-Group) and 46 among patients undergoing [...] Read more.

This study compared the DuoStim protocol with two conventional follicular phase stimulations for vitrified oocyte accumulation in poor-prognosis patients undergoing PGT-A. A retrospective analysis of 112 IVF cycles was conducted, with 66 cycles among patients undergoing DuoStim (DS-Group) and 46 among patients undergoing conventional follicular phase stimulations (DF-Group). The primary outcome was the time to live birth, while secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, live birth rate, and cumulative live birth rate. The final analysis included 66 patients in the DS-Group and 40 in the DF-Group, as 6 women (13%) in the DF-Group discontinued treatment after the first stimulation. Oocyte yield was similar between groups (8.4 ± 3.9 in DS-Group vs. 8.2 ± 4.0 in DF-Group, p = 0.80), as was the number of euploid blastocysts (0.9 ± 1.2 vs. 1.1 ± 1.1, p = 0.37). The cumulative live birth rate was 22.7% in the DS-Group and 25% in the DF-Group (multivariate odds ratio adjusted for maternal age and male factor: 1.05, p = 0.93). The time to live birth was significantly shorter in the DS-Group (81.5 ± 15.5 days) compared to the DF-Group (153.7 ± 78.2 days, p < 0.001). DuoStim showed similar efficacy but a shorter time to live birth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obstetrics and Gynecology Medicine: From Bench to Bedside—2nd Edition)

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