Search Results (190)

Fibrocapsa japonica (Raphidophyceae) is a cosmopolitan species frequently associated with harmful algal blooms (HABs) and fish mortality events, representing a potential threat to aquaculture and coastal ecosystems. This study provides the first comprehensive morphological, phylogenetic, pigmentary, and toxicological characterization of F. japonica strains isolated from Argentina. Light and transmission electron microscopy confirmed key diagnostic features of the species, including anterior flagella and the conspicuous group of mucocyst in the posterior region. Phylogenetic analysis based on the LSU rDNA D1–D2 region revealed monophyletic relationships with strains from geographically distant regions. Pigment analysis by HPLC identified chlorophyll-a (62.3 pg cell⁻¹) and fucoxanthin (38.4 pg cell⁻¹) as the main dominant pigments. Cytotoxicity assays using RTgill-W1 cells exposed for 2 h to culture supernatants and intracellular extracts showed strain-specific effects. The most toxic strain (LPCc049) reduced gill cell viability down to 53% in the supernatant exposure, while LC₅₀ values ranged from 1.6 × 10⁴ to 4.7 × 10⁵ cells mL⁻¹, depending directly on the strain and treatment type. No brevetoxins (PbTx-1, -2, -3, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10, BTX-B1 and BTX-B2) were detected by LC–MS/MS, suggesting that the cytotoxicity may be linked to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), or hemolytic compounds, as previously hypothesized in the literature. These findings offer novel insights into the toxic potential of F. japonica in South America and underscore the need for further research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its ichthyotoxic effect. Full article

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a major foodborne pathogen worldwide, responsible for seafood-associated poisoning. Among its toxin genes, tdh2 is the most critical. To investigate the role of tdh2 in V. parahaemolyticus under gastrointestinal conditions, we constructed tdh2 deletion and complementation strains and compared their survival under acid (pH 3 and 4) and bile stress (2%). The results showed that tdh2 expression was significantly upregulated under cold (4 °C) and bile stress (0.9%). Survival assays and PI staining revealed that the tdh2 mutant strain (VP: △tdh2) was more sensitive to acid and bile stress than the wild-type (WT), and this sensitivity was rescued by tdh2 complementation. These findings suggest that tdh2 plays a protective role in enhancing V. parahaemolyticus tolerance to acid and bile stress. In the VP: △tdh2 strain, seven genes were significantly upregulated and six were downregulated as a result of tdh2 deletion. These genes included VPA1332 (vtrA), VPA1348 (vtrB), VP2467 (ompU), VP0301 and VP1995 (ABC transporters), VP0527 (nhaR), and VP2553 (rpoS), among others. Additionally, LC-MS/MS analysis identified 12 differential metabolites between the WT and VP: △tdh2 strains, including phosphatidylserine (PS) (17:2 (9Z,12Z) /0:0 and 20:1 (11Z) /0:0), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) (17:0/0:0), flavin mononucleotide (FMN), and various nucleotides. The protective mechanism of tdh2 may involve preserving cell membrane permeability through regulation of ompU and ABC transporters and enhancing electron transfer efficiency via regulation of nhaR. The resulting reduction in ATP, DNA, and RNA synthesis—along with changes in membrane permeability and electron transfer due to decreased FMN—likely contributed to the reduced survival of the VP: △tdh2 strain. Meanwhile, the cells actively synthesized phospholipids to repair membrane damage, leading to increased levels of PS and PG. This study provides important insights into strategies for preventing and controlling food poisoning caused by tdh⁺ V. parahaemolyticus. Full article

As a by-product of phosphate fertilizer production, phosphogypsum (PG) poses pressing environmental challenges that demand urgent resolution. To address the research gap in dynamic impact behavior of PG-modified concrete (PGC), this study developed truss-reinforced PGC slabs (PG volumetric fractions: 0% and 2%) and evaluated their impact resistance through drop-weight tests from a 3.75 m height. A systematic parametric investigation was conducted to quantify the effects of slab thickness (100–120 mm), steel plate reinforcement at the tension zone, PG content, and impact cycles. Experimental results revealed that increasing slab thickness to 120 mm reduced mid-span displacement by 13%, while incorporating steel plate reinforcement provided an additional 5.3% reduction. Notably, PG addition effectively suppressed crack propagation, transitioning failure modes from radial fracture patterns to localized mid-span damage. Finite element modeling ABAQUS (2022) validated experimental observations, demonstrating strong agreement. While optimized PG dosage (2%) exhibited limited influence on impact resistance, it enhanced PG utilization efficiency by 18%. Combined with increased slab thickness (displacement reduction: 13%), this study establishes a design framework balancing environmental sustainability and structural reliability for impact-resistant PGC applications. Within the framework of truss-reinforced concrete slabs with constant PG dosage, this study established a numerical model for geometric parameter modulation of impactors. Through systematic adjustment of the drop hammer’s contact width (a) and vertical geometric height (h), a dimensionless control parameter—aspect ratio c = h/a (0.2 ≤ c ≤ 1.8)—was proposed. Nonlinear dynamic analysis revealed that the peak impact load demonstrates an inverse proportional functional decay relationship with increasing c, yielding an empirical predictive model. These parametrized regularities provide theoretical foundations for contact interface optimization in impact-resistant structural design. Full article

Red mud (RM) is a strongly alkaline waste residue produced during alumina production, and its high alkali and fine particle characteristics are prone to cause soil, water, and air pollution. Phosphogypsum (PG), as a by-product of the wet process phosphoric acid industry, poses a significant risk of fluorine leaching and threatens the ecological environment and human health due to its high fluorine content and strong acidic properties. In this study, RM-based cemented paste backfill (RCPB) based on the synergistic curing of PG and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was proposed, aiming to achieve a synergistic enhancement of the material’s mechanical properties and fluorine fixation efficacy by optimizing the slurry concentration (63–69%). Experimental results demonstrated that increasing slurry concentration significantly improved unconfined compressive strength (UCS). The 67% concentration group achieved a UCS of 3.60 MPa after 28 days, while the 63%, 65%, and 69% groups reached 2.50 MPa, 3.20 MPa, and 3.40 MPa, respectively. Fluoride leaching concentrations for all groups were below the Class I groundwater standard (≤1.0 mg/L), with the 67% concentration exhibiting the lowest leaching value (0.6076 mg/L). The dual immobilization mechanism of fluoride ions was revealed by XRD, TGA, and SEM-EDS characterization: (1) Ca²⁺ and F⁻ to generate CaF₂ precipitation; (2) hydration products (C-S-H gel and calixarenes) immobilized F⁻ by physical adsorption and chemical bonding, where the alkaline component of the RM (Na₂O) further promotes the formation of sodium hexafluoroaluminate (Na₃AlF₆) precipitation. The system pH stabilized at 9.0 ± 0.3 after 28 days, mitigating alkalinity risks. High slurry concentrations (67–69%) reduced material porosity by 40–60%, enhancing mechanical performance. It was confirmed that the synergistic effect of RM and PG in the RCPB system could effectively neutralize the alkaline environment and optimize the hydration environment, and, at the same time, form CaF₂ as well as complexes encapsulating and adsorbing fluoride ions, thus significantly reducing the risk of fluorine migration. The aim is to improve the mechanical properties of materials and the fluorine-fixing efficiency by optimizing the slurry concentration (63–69%). The results provide a theoretical basis for the efficient resource utilization of PG and RM and open up a new way for the development of environmentally friendly building materials. Full article

An experiment was designed to evaluate modifications to the 7 & 7 Synch protocol, with the hypothesis that tandem administration of prostaglandin F2α (PG) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) during the presynchronization portion of the protocol would generate a convergent ovarian response among anestrous and estrous cycling females. Nulliparous, primiparous, and multiparous Angus and Angus-cross females were blocked based on parity and pre-treatment luteal status and, within a block, randomly assigned to one of three treatments. The females assigned to the 7 & 7 Synch treatment (n = 765) received an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (CIDR^®) and an administration of PG on Day 0, GnRH on Day 7, and PG concurrent with CIDR removal on Day 14. Estrotect™ estrus detection aids were applied on Day 14 at the time of CIDR removal and PG administration. The females assigned to the 7 & 7 + G treatment (n = 769) received the same treatment schedule, with the modification that GnRH was administered in tandem with PG on Day 0. The females assigned to the 7 & 7 + G + P treatment (n = 786) received the same treatment schedule, with the modification that GnRH was administered in tandem with PG on both Days 0 and 7. Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was performed at 54 ± 2 h (nulliparous) or 66 ± 2 h (primiparous and multiparous) after CIDR removal. Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography was performed on Days 7 and 14 to characterize the largest follicle diameter (LFD) and the presence of corpora lutea (CL). Estrus prior to FTAI was characterized using estrus detection aids. Pregnancy status was determined via transrectal ultrasonography approximately 60–100 days after FTAI. The proportion of multiparous females with CL on Day 14 tended to be greater following treatment with 7 & 7 Synch or 7 & 7 + G (90% and 87%, respectively), as compared to females treated with 7 & 7 + G + P (82%; p = 0.09). A greater proportion of multiparous females expressed behavioral estrus prior to FTAI when treated with 7 & 7 + G + P (90%) as compared to multiparous females treated with 7 & 7 + G (79%; p < 0.002) or 7 & 7 Synch (78%; p = 0.0004); however, pregnancy rates resulting from FTAI did not differ based on treatment. In summary, tandem administration of GnRH and PG on Days 0 and 7 of the 7 & 7 Synch protocol effectively generated a convergent ovarian response among females with variable pretreatment luteal status but failed to enhance pregnancy rates to FTAI. Full article

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a serious environmental constraint facing crop production in acidic soils, primarily due to the oxidative damage it causes to plant tissues. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), a globally important forage crop, is highly susceptible to Al-induced stress, necessitating the development of Al-tolerant cultivars for sustainable forage production. In this study, we investigated the regulatory role of miR156 in Al stress response in alfalfa. Transcript analysis revealed significant downregulation of miR156 in alfalfa roots after 8 h of Al exposure, suggesting a negative role for miR156 in response to Al. To further investigate the role of miR156 in regulating agronomic traits and alfalfa’s Al tolerance, we utilized the short tandem target mimic (STTM) method to silence miR156 in alfalfa (MsSTTM156), which led to an upregulation of SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING-LIKE (SPL) target genes, albeit with variable miR156 dose-dependent effects across different transgenic genotypes. Morphological characterization of MsSTTM156 plants revealed significant negative changes in root architecture, root and shoot biomass, as well as flowering time. Under Al stress, overexpression of miR156 in alfalfa (MsmiR156OE) resulted in stunted growth and reduced biomass, whereas moderate MsmiR156 silencing enhanced root dry weight and increased stem basal diameter. In contrast, MsmiR156OE reduced plant height, stem basal diameter, shoot branching, and overall biomass under Al stress conditions. At the molecular level, silencing miR156 modulated the transcription of cell wall-related genes linked to Al tolerance, such as polygalacturonase 1(MsPG1) and polygalacturonase 4 (MsPG4). Furthermore, miR156 influenced the expression of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) transport-related genes auxin transporter-like protein (MsAUX1) and auxin efflux carrier components 2 (MsPIN2), with MsSTTM156 and MsmiR156OE plants showing lower and higher transcript levels, respectively, upon Al exposure. These findings reveal the multi-layered role of miR156 in mediating Al tolerance, providing valuable insights into the genetic strategies that regulate response to Al stress in alfalfa. Full article

Background/Objectives: Managing ventilatory strategies in patients with obesity under general anesthesia presents significant challenges due to obesity-related pathophysiological changes. Inverse ratio ventilation (IRV) has emerged as a potential strategy to optimize respiratory mechanics during laparoscopic surgery in this population. The primary outcomes were changes in respiratory mechanics, including peak inspiratory pressure (P_Peak), plateau pressure (P_Plat), mean airway pressure (P_Mean), and dynamic compliance (C_Dyn). Secondary outcomes included gas exchange parameters, hemodynamic measures, inflammatory cytokines, and postoperative complications. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, searching PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and PMC Central. Only English-language randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the impact of IRV in adult surgical patients with obesity were included. The quality and certainty of evidence were assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework, respectively. Results: Three RCTs including 172 patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared to conventional ventilation without prolonged inspiratory time or IRV, IRV significantly reduced P_Peak (MD [95%CI]: −3.15 [−3.88; −2.42] cmH₂O, p < 0.001) and P_Plat (MD [95%CI]: −3.13 [−3.80; −2.47] cmH₂O, p < 0.001) while increasing P_Mean (MD [95%CI]: 4.17 [3.11; 5.24] cmH₂O, p < 0.001) and C_Dyn (MD [95%CI]: 2.64 [0.95; 4.22] mL/cmH₂O, p = 0.002) during laparoscopy, without significantly affecting gas exchange. IRV significantly reduced mean arterial pressure (MD [95%CI]: −2.93 [−3.95; −1.91] mmHg, p < 0.001) and TNF-α levels (MD [95%CI]: −9.65 [−17.89; −1.40] pg/mL, p = 0.021). Conclusions: IRV optimizes intraoperative respiratory mechanics but has no significant impact on postoperative outcomes, necessitating further research to determine its clinical role. Full article

Background and Objectives: The rising popularity of new-generation electronic cigarettes (e-cig) like JUUL necessitates a better understanding of their impact on respiratory and other body systems, as the effects of JUUL’s components remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of JUUL components on ion channels and airway surface liquid (ASL) height in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs). Furthermore, the cytotoxic effects of these components were investigated in human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells. Materials and Methods: The components tested included nicotine salt (NicSalt), benzoic acid (BA), sodium hydrogen tartrate (NaTar), propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin (PG/VG), freebase nicotine (FBNic) and nicotine salt+benzoic acid (NicSalt+BA). Each component was prepared at 100 µM, and HBECs were exposed for 24 h to measure ASL height, short-circuit current (I_sc), and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Results: Initial exposure (0 h) to these substances did not significantly alter ASL height. However, after 2 h, FBNic-treated HBECs exhibited a significant reduction in ASL height compared to NicSalt and other tested substances, with the most pronounced decrease observed at the 6th hour. This effect persisted over prolonged exposure, suggesting a cumulative impact on airway hydration and epithelial function. Additionally, adenosine administration did not induce a significant increase in ASL height. NicSalt, BA, and FBNic were found to disrupt ion balance in HBECs, affecting ion channels and ASL homeostasis while significantly decreasing TEER. In terms of cytotoxicity, NicSalt, and benzoic acid demonstrated minimal cytotoxicity at low concentrations, whereas FBNic showed significantly higher cytotoxicity at moderate levels. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study highlights that e-cigarette components can disrupt airway surface liquid homeostasis by affecting ion channel activity, compromise epithelial barrier integrity by reducing transepithelial electrical resistance, and emphasize the importance of their cytotoxic effects. Full article

The leaf extract of Tectona grandis L.f. has shown potential as a 5α-reductase inhibitor, with two bioactive markers, namely (+)-eperua-8,13-dien-15-oic acid (1) and (+)-eperua-7,13-dien-15-oic acid (2), used for extract standardization. The purpose of this research was to investigate the in vitro skin penetration behavior of 1 and 2 in T. grandis leaf ethanolic extract solution and ready-to-use extract in propylene glycol (PG), and secondly, to determine their physicochemical properties, including partition coefficients and solubility. The appropriate vehicle for the in vitro skin penetration study was evaluated using the shake-flask method. The in vitro skin penetration study was conducted using the Franz diffusion cell model, and the amounts of the two active compounds in the extracts were analyzed using the HPLC method. Compounds 1 and 2 showed poor solubility in distilled water, whereas their solubility in HEPES buffer with 2% w/v of Tween 20 was significantly greater. The partition coefficient (log P_o/w) value for 1 was 5.77 ± 0.07, and for 2, it was 5.66 ± 0.02, indicating that both compounds are hydrophobic. After 24 h of an in vitro skin penetration study, 1 in both extracts showed significantly higher cumulative amounts (%) compared to 2. These findings suggest that 1 is more hydrophobic and readily penetrates the stratum corneum. When a PG enhancer was added, high cumulative amount trends of 1 and 2 in the ethanolic extract and extract in PG in the receiver compartment were detected after 24 h. These studies provide important insights that will guide the further development of products with T. grandis extracts for treating hair loss. Full article

As a type of high-water-content agricultural waste, vegetable waste (VW) is extremely prone to spoilage and environmental pollution. Anaerobic digestion (AD) technology can accelerate the degradation of VW; however, its direct reaction might encounter the risk of termination due to excessive acidification. How to effectively prevent excessive acidification and further accelerate the degradation and maturity of VW remains a significant challenge at present. This paper employed the methods of AD of biogas and aerobic treatment (AT) of biogas slurry (BS) to develop a set of three groups of coupled devices for thermostatic anaerobic and aerobic processes with temperature control by solar collectors. The reaction process was further facilitated by adopting a mixture of raw materials and exogenous additives. In Lanzhou, a comparative experiment was carried out to examine the impacts of a blank group (BG) (additive-free), a 1 g/L urea group (UG), and a 1 g/L plant ash group (PG) on the decomposition process of the mixture of cow dung and tomato stems and leaves. The thermostatic batch wet AD stage of the mixed raw materials at (26 ± 2 °C) lasted for 49 days. The substrate after digestion underwent aerobic aeration treatment for 8 h at different temperatures and different aeration rates. The results show that the system could be initiated smoothly and maintain stable operation in winter under the temperature control of the solar collector; adding additives during AD significantly boosted biogas and methane production during the first 28 days, with urea being the most effective. During the subsequent aerobic phase, UG demonstrated the highest bio-effectiveness under optimized conditions of (30 ± 1 °C) and an aeration rate of 12 L/min. Comprehensive analysis revealed that the optimal operation strategy was identified as the use of UG with a 29-day reaction cycle. The research results have significant referential value for the rapid decomposition of high-water-content agricultural and livestock waste in cold regions. Full article

Objectives: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the impact of 2 g of pre-operative amoxicillin on postoperative clinical outcomes and salivary prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentration following mandibular third molar removal. Methods: Eighteen healthy adult patients requiring impacted mandibular third molar extraction were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (EG) receiving 2 g of amoxicillin and a placebo group (PG) receiving empty capsules, one hour before the surgery and before taking the first saliva sample. Primary outcomes measured were pain levels at different time points and salivary PGE2 concentrations measured before, 24 h, and 7 days after the surgery, while secondary outcomes included changes in maximum mouth opening (MMO) immediately after the surgery at 1 day and a week post-surgery, and facial swelling at 24 h and 7 days post-surgery. Results: The results showed no significant differences between the EG and PG in terms of pain levels, salivary PGE2 concentration, MMO changes, or facial swelling at different time points (p-values > 0.05). One instance of surgical site infection was noted in the PG in the 7-day follow-up session, but it was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.303). Correlation analyses indicated that a higher number of sutures and a higher difficulty index of surgery were associated with increased pain, while longer surgery duration and osteotomy were linked to more MMO changes and facial swelling (p-values < 0.05). In addition, while longer surgery duration and performing tooth section were correlated with lower PGE2 concentrations, PGE2 concentrations were positively correlated with pain levels (p-values < 0.05). Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, administering 2 g of prophylactic amoxicillin did not significantly affect postoperative clinical or laboratory outcomes in healthy patients undergoing mandibular third molar surgery. Full article

Alcohol is responsible for an ever-increasing number of deaths worldwide, and many road accidents are caused by irresponsible drinking and driving. The use of biomarkers that can support a diagnosis of alcohol abuse is a very important tool that can improve the prevention of many alcohol-related diseases and serious traffic accidents. The main aim of our study was the full validation of a rapid and simple method by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to detect ethyl glucuronide in hair (hEtG). The method was successfully applied to n = 171 real hair samples collected from drivers convicted of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. A comparison of hEtG and serum Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin percentages (% CDT) was also performed to carefully evaluate the data in relation to the specific detection windows of the two different biomarkers. Most of the drivers with hEtG > 30 pg/mg were males in their thirties. None of the hEtG-positives had a serum % CDT above the cutoff (≥2%). Although some researchers suggest caution until solid data are available on the possible effects of interindividual variability that may influence EtG incorporation and metabolism, hEtG is a very useful biomarker of long-term alcohol exposure that shows greater reliability than traditional blood markers. Full article

Ozone, a critical air pollutant, has been shown to lead to systemic inflammation that can alter bodily functions, including hormone secretion, fertility, and the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. This study aimed to quantify changes in hormone production and follicle development after acute exposure to ozone using an animal model to identify the potential mechanisms underlying the observed effects of air pollution exposures on fertility and hormone secretion. To accomplish this, regularly cycling 8-week-old female C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 2 ppm of ozone or filtered air (control) for 3 h on the day of proestrus. Blood, ovaries, brain tissues, and pituitary glands were collected at 4 h after exposure to evaluate hormone levels, ovarian follicle distribution, and gene expression. Ovaries were also harvested at 24 h post-exposure. We found that at 4 h after ozone exposure, mice had significantly higher (30%) circulating estradiol levels than mice exposed to filtered air. This effect was accompanied by a decrease in mRNA expression of gonadotropin genes (LH, FSH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the pituitary gland. Analysis of ovarian tissue at 4 h and 24 h after exposure showed no significant changes in follicle composition or the expression of steroidogenesis genes. We conclude that acute ozone exposure affects sex hormone levels and disrupts the HPG axis. Future studies addressing chronic or long-term effects of air pollution exposure are needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which ambient ozone affects endocrine function. Full article

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a versatile and multipurpose crop with a wide range of industrial, commercial, environmental and medicinal applications. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hemp hay on the oxidative and inflammatory status of grazing goats. The high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids with anti-inflammatory activity makes hemp hay a promising feed that can be used to improve animals’ health by means of its metabolic profile, as well as its oxidative and inflammatory status. Studies on hemp hay suggest that its usage could replace alfalfa hay to obtain beneficial effects in terms of the milk yield and health status of goats. Indeed, because of the various biological compounds in hemp hay, the effects of its administration should be accurately explored. A total of 20 multiparous goats were equally divided immediately after calving (February) into two groups (C: control vs. H: hemp) that were homogeneous in terms of live weight (49 ± 2 kg) and milk yield at the previous lactation (2250 ± 200 g/head/day). The animals remained in the pasture but received 500 g/head/day of a barley and corn meal mixture. In addition, group H received 250 g/head/day of hemp hay, and group C was fed the same amount of alfalfa hay. Blood samples were taken before the trial and four months later and analyzed for clinical biochemistry, oxidative status, and anti-inflammatory profile. Reactive oxygen metabolites, biological antioxidant potential, Interleukins 6 (IL-6) and 10 (IL-10), and TNF-α were determined. In group H, a significant decrease in TNF-α level (22.7 vs. 12.7 pg/mL, p = 0.01) and an opposite but not significant trend for IL-10 was detected. In addition, there was a significant decrease (184.6 vs. 111.4 UCARR, p = 0.001) in d-ROM content and an increase in the biological antioxidant potential (BAP) values (3238.1 vs. 3886 μmol/L). A significant anti-inflammatory effect was only registered for TNF-α, whereas IL6 and IL10 were not affected. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recently, it was reported that glucose variability (GV) calculated using the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. However, its role in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains unclear. We investigated the association between GV and insulin parameters in Japanese women diagnosed with GDM after 24 weeks of gestation (late GDM). Methods: A total of 280 mothers with late GDM cared for at Keio University Hospital were included in this study. Using 75 g OGTT, the initial increase and subsequent decrease were calculated as the GV. Results: The initial increase was significantly positively associated with 1 h plasma glucose level (PG) and 2 h PG with 75 g OGTT (p < 0.001), but fasting PG, insulinogenic index (IGI), and homeostasis model assessment—insulin resistance were negatively associated with the initial increase (all p < 0.001). The subsequent decrease was significantly positively correlated with 1 h PG (p < 0.001) but negatively correlated with 2 h PG (p < 0.001), IGI (p = 0.009), and the whole-body insulin sensitivity index derived from the OGTT (p = 0.02). Insulin Secretion-Sensitivity Index-2 was not associated with an initial increase or subsequent decrease. Conclusions: Since the initial increase might reflect insulin secretion and the subsequent decrease might reflect insulin sensitivity in Japanese women with late GDM, GV could alter several insulin parameters. Further studies are required to investigate the usefulness of GV in the management of GDM. Full article