Search Results (542)

Celosia cristata and Alternanthera philoxeroides both belong to the family Amaranthaceae. Of the two species, C. cristata serves as a medicinal herb as well as an ornamental plant, whereas A. philoxeroides is a notorious invasive weed. In 2024, leaf spot symptoms were observed on C. cristata and A. philoxeroides in Jingzhou City, Hubei Province, China. Based on morphological characteristics and multilocus phylogenetic analysis using sequences of ITS, GAPDH, TEF1, RPB2, and Alt a 1, the pathogen isolated from both hosts was identified as the same species, Alternaria alternantherae. However, differences in morphology were observed between the strains from different hosts. Pathogenicity assays confirmed that this species can cross-infect both host plants. In addition, sensitivities of the pathogen to four fungicides (prochloraz, tebuconazole, azoxystrobin, and carbendazim) were tested in vitro and in vivo. The results revealed that the pathogen was highly sensitive to fungicides prochloraz and tebuconazole. These findings provide valuable insights into the management of leaf spot disease on C. cristata and the development of integrated control strategies for A. philoxeroides. Full article

Background: Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is associated with steatohepatitis (SH) in subjects with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The impact of ileocecal valve (ICV) incontinence, a major cause of SIBO in patients with MASLD, remains unknown because of the unmet need for a non-X-ray-dependent diagnosis. Methods: Exploiting water as contrast medium and colonic irrigation via a hydro-colon machine (Clean Colon Srl, Monza, Italy), we developed a new abdominal ultrasound (US) procedure for diagnosing and grading ICV incontinence. In a pilot, observational, feasibility and safety study, we correlated a new ICV incontinence parameter with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS, ROMA IV criteria), serum transaminases (AST, ALT), platelet counts, FIB-4, US liver steatosis and stiffness (LS, measured by Shear Wave and Transient Elastography, SWE and TE). Results: We prospectively studied 32 consecutive subjects with IBS who underwent a pre-colonoscopy colon cleansing after informed consent: 19 males (59%), body mass index (BMI) 26.6 ± 2.6 kg/m², age 57 ± 19 years, 16 (50%) with US liver steatosis. The half-hour (27 min, range 20–35 min) procedure was safe and well tolerated except in two males with prostate hypertrophy. ICV incontinence was graded (after 2500–3000 mL irrigation) according to cecum/right-colon distention with/without (immediate or delayed) reflux into terminal ileum (TI): 0 = cecum distension without TI reflux; 1 = cecum distension with TI reflux; 2 = absence of cecum distension with TI reflux. Cecum/right-colon distention (grade 0 or 1) was perceived by the patients whereas the right colon irrigation with complete ICV incontinence (grade 2) was symptomless. ICV continence associated with LS (p ≤ 0.0001). A histologic diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis was confirmed in a 35-year-old obese male with SIBO and LS > 8 kPa (8.7/8.5 kPa by SWE/TE):steatosis (grade S3) with hepatocyte ballooning, lobular inflammation (grade 6/8) without fibrosis (stage 0/4, F0). Conclusions: The new US-based approach provides a feasible, easy-to-perform, mini-invasive tool for the diagnosis and grading of ICV incontinence. Preliminary results prompt prospective studies investigating the impact of ICV incontinence as a possible co-factor of steatohepatitis in patients with MASLD. Full article

Metabolically dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) complicated by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a clinically aggressive phenotype associated with accelerated hepatic fibrosis progression. The interplay among oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and the risk of hepatic fibrosis in this context remains incompletely characterised. We conducted a single-centre observational study enrolling 110 adult MASLD patients, stratified into two groups: Group 1 (G1, n = 20), patients with concurrent T2DM, followed longitudinally at three successive time points, and Group 2 (G2, n = 90), non-diabetic controls. Serum oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed using malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α). Systemic inflammatory status was quantified through the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Hepatic fibrosis risk was estimated using the FIB-4 index. Diabetic MASLD patients exhibited significantly elevated levels of 8-iso-PGF2α (p = 0.014) and NLR (p = 0.016) compared with controls, indicating greater oxidative membrane damage and systemic neutrophilic inflammation. A robust inverse correlation between PLR and FIB-4 was observed across all analytical strata (combined cohort: Spearman r = −0.680, p < 0.001). MLR emerged as the only independent predictor of MDA in G1 (β = 841.78, p = 0.013). Longitudinal analysis demonstrated biomarker stability over time, except for a significant increase in ALT from T1 to T2 (p_adj = 0.014). These findings support the clinical utility of routinely available haematological inflammatory ratios and lipid peroxidation biomarkers for phenotypic characterisation of MASLD in the diabetic context, highlighting the need for larger prospective studies with histological validation. Full article

Objective: To investigate maternal serum silent information regulator-2 protein 1 (SIRT1) levels in pregnancies complicated by intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and evaluate their diagnostic performance. Methods: This prospective case–control study included 44 pregnant women with ICP and 44 healthy pregnant controls matched according to gestational age at blood sampling and maternal body mass index. Maternal serum SIRT1 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical, laboratory, and obstetric outcomes were compared between groups. Correlation, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and exploratory multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Maternal serum SIRT1 levels were significantly lower in the ICP group compared with controls [1.06 (1.05) ng/mL vs. 1.54 (1.74) ng/mL, p = 0.005]. ROC analysis demonstrated modest discriminative performance of maternal serum SIRT1 alone for identifying ICP (AUC: 0.674, 95% CI: 0.559–0.788, p = 0.005). A SIRT1 cut-off value of ≤1.28 ng/mL yielded 63.6% sensitivity and 60.5% specificity. In contrast, ALT alone showed excellent discriminative performance (AUC: 0.927, 95% CI: 0.860–0.995, p < 0.001). Combined ROC analyses demonstrated further improvement with the ALT + albumin model (AUC: 0.962, 95% CI: 0.925–0.999), whereas addition of SIRT1 resulted in only a minimal incremental increase in AUC to 0.966 (95% CI: 0.933–0.998). Maternal serum SIRT1 concentrations were not independently associated with ICP after adjustment for laboratory parameters. Conclusions: Although maternal serum SIRT1 levels were significantly reduced in pregnancies complicated by ICP, their diagnostic performance was modest and provided minimal incremental value beyond conventional biochemical markers. Nevertheless, reduced maternal serum SIRT1 concentrations may support the involvement of inflammatory and oxidative stress-related pathways in ICP pathophysiology and warrant further mechanistic investigation. Full article

Resistance training (RT) can help with injury recovery and the healing process. Still, high-intensity exercise can cause ischemia and reperfusion, resulting in exacerbated production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of RT with progressive loads on markers of tissue damage and oxidative stress in rats subjected to skin lesions. Forty male Wistar rats were used, divided into four groups (n = 10): Control (CG): no intervention; Sedentary Injury (SHAM): subjected to injury, no training; Training + Injury 1 (G1): injury after one week of training; Training + Injury 2 (G2): injury followed by training. The protocol consisted of climbing a vertical ladder three times a week, 48 h apart, using progressive loads (50%, 65%, and 80%). After euthanasia, markers of tissue damage (CK, LDH, ALT, AST), oxidative stress (MDA/TBARS, SH, uric acid), and histological analysis of collagen deposition in the injured tissue were assessed. Groups G1 and G2 showed a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in CK, LDH, ALT, and AST levels compared to GC and SHAM. Oxidative stress markers, such as MDA and SH, were also elevated in the G1 and G2 groups (p < 0.0001). Uric acid concentrations increased significantly in the exercised groups compared to the controls (p < 0.0001). Histology revealed an inflammatory infiltrate and disorganized collagen fibers in the SHAM group, while G1 and G2 showed tissue with greater cellular maturity and organization. Although RT induced muscle damage and an increase in pro-oxidant markers, it also favored cellular organization and scar tissue quality. Full article

Background: Internal quality control (IQC) data offers continuous insight into analytical performance under routine conditions. This study evaluated IQC practices and long-term analytical imprecision (CV_a) across primary healthcare laboratories to derive analyte-specific reference change values (RCVs) for non-communicable disease (NCD) monitoring. Methods: A 22-month retrospective analysis of IQC data was conducted across 29 primary healthcare laboratories using 32 analytical units (Beckman Coulter AU480) in Malaysian primary healthcare. Six analytes were assessed: glucose, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and ALT. CV_a was estimated using median and 90th percentile (P90) coefficients of variation across two concentration levels. RCVs were calculated at 95% probability (Z = 1.96) by integrating observed CV_a with within-subject biological variation (CV_i) from EFLM databases. Results: IQC testing was highly standardized (median: 20 measurements/month). Long-term data showed stable, concentration-dependent imprecision. Median CV_a was lowest for glucose and lipids (1.7–1.9%) but higher for ALT (3.79%) and creatinine (3.52%) at Level 1. Derived RCV ranged from 14% (glucose) to 55.1% (triglycerides), with CV_i being the dominant contributor to RCV magnitude for most analytes. Conclusions: Long-term routine IQC data provide an analytically realistic foundation for deriving RCV in primary healthcare by reflecting real-world performance. Applying these RCV supports evidence-based interpretation of serial results, enhancing NCD monitoring by distinguishing true physiological change from analytical and biological noise. Full article

To investigate the heterogeneous interactions between various agricultural business entities (abbreviated as ABEs, including farmers, cooperatives and enterprises) and agricultural land transfer (abbreviated as ALT) in China, this study constructs a spatial simultaneous equation model based on the GS3SLS method and applied to data from 30 provinces in 2012–2020. The results show the following: (1) ABEs and ALT demonstrate significant bidirectional positive correlations at the intra-regional level, especially among farmers, while cooperatives and enterprises exhibit more pronounced spatial spillover effects. (2) Despite overall positive correlations, negative interactions emerge in specific entities of some regions (e.g., central China’s ALT among farmers vs. central China’s ABEs among farmers, and eastern China’s ABEs among enterprises vs. neighboring ABEs among enterprises). Conversely, cooperatives maintain universally positive ABE-ALT interactions, peaking in central/western regions. (3) The co-development of ABEs and ALT exhibits temporal heterogeneity: the growth in the number of farmer ABEs lags behind their agricultural land transfer (ALT), whereas for cooperatives and agricultural enterprises, ALT lags behind their growth in numbers. This indicates that the relationship between agricultural operators (“human”) and land transfer (“land”) needs to be reconfigured. The heterogeneous interactive relationships revealed in this study provide a solid theoretical basis for formulating differentiated and precise policies on the transfer of agricultural land and the coordination of various operating entities, so as to efficiently promote agricultural modernization. Full article

Epinephelus akaara is one of the aquaculture species with high commercial value in the aquaculture industry in the Asia-Pacific region. However, acute hypoxia is widespread in the intensive farming and live fish transportation of E. akaara, which seriously hinders the rapid development of the E. akaara farming industry. In this study, transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) was conducted on the liver tissues of E. akaara after hypoxia (0.6 ± 0.1 mg/L) for 1, 3, 6 and 9 h. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed that key signaling pathways such as IL-17, HIF-1, TNF and PI3K/Akt were significantly enriched in the hypoxia treatment groups (Hy6 and Hy9). Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analyses revealed that genes linked to energy metabolism, immune response and apoptosis changed significantly in the liver and brain at 6 h and 9 h under acute hypoxia. In addition, three metabolism-related enzymes (GLU, LDH and PK) and two immune-related enzymes (ALT and AKP) all changed significantly at 6 h and 9 h, indicating that 6–9 h was the critical period for physiological stress of E. akaara. In conclusion, these results indicate that E. akaara mediated the organism’s tolerance and adaptation to hypoxic stress by regulating energy metabolism, immune response and apoptosis. This study enriches the regulatory mechanism by which E. akaara adapts to acute hypoxia and is conducive to the breeding of hypoxia-tolerant E. akaara strains. Full article

The Source Region of the Yangtze River is a high-altitude area with extensive permafrost on the Tibetan Plateau. While temperature, precipitation, and radiation significantly affect vegetation phenology, the influence of permafrost changes remains unclear. Using the daily Long-term Seamless NOAA AVHRR NDVI Dataset of China (2003–2022), we extracted the start (SOS) and end (EOS) of the growing season in the Source Region of the Yangtze River (SRYR). Soil thawing date (SOT) was obtained from freeze–thaw state products, while active layer thickness (ALT) was estimated using the Stefan model based on MODIS land surface temperature (LST). Partial least squares regression and mediation analysis quantified the direct and indirect effects of permafrost degradation. Results show: (1) The end of the growing season (EOS) became significantly earlier in 64.33% of the region, while the start of the growing season (SOS) showed little change. (2) The effect of SOT on SOS depends on moisture conditions. Earlier SOT leads to earlier SOS in wetter areas by supplying meltwater, but delays SOS in cold–dry areas by increasing soil water loss. (3) Thicker ALT strongly promotes earlier EOS, accounting for up to 42.61% of EOS variation in cold–dry zones, because a deeper active layer potentially promotes downward movement of water, which may further lead to the potential leaching of nutrients from the shallow root zone, limiting resources for shallow-rooted plants. (4) Alpine meadows respond more strongly to permafrost changes than alpine grasslands. Overall, water loss caused by permafrost degradation may reduce the potential lengthening of the growing season under climate warming, highlighting the key role of soil water in linking permafrost and vegetation dynamics. Full article

Background and Objectives: Romania reported the highest measles incidence in the European Union during the 2023–2024 epidemic, largely driven by declining vaccination coverage. We aimed to characterize the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory profile of hospitalized measles patients and to identify age-related differences, with particular emphasis on systemic and hepatic involvement. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study including 360 consecutive patients with laboratory-confirmed measles admitted to a tertiary infectious disease hospital in northeastern Romania between 1 January and 31 December 2024. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, therapeutic, and outcome data were collected. Pediatric (<15 years) and adult patients were compared using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Children accounted for 71.4% of cases, including 16.1% infants under one year. Over 90% of patients were unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated. Household transmission represented the most frequent identifiable source. Adults presented significantly higher inflammatory markers and more pronounced hepatic involvement than children. ALT elevation occurred in 63.1% of adults versus 34.2% of children (p < 0.001), with moderate-to-severe cytolysis predominantly observed in adults (34.9% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001). Pulmonary complications were documented in 28% of cases, mainly viral interstitial pneumonia. Thrombocytopenia was significantly more frequent in adults (p < 0.001). Overall mortality was 0.27%, occurring in an unvaccinated infant with secondary bacterial pneumonia. Conclusions: The 2024 measles epidemic in our area was characterized by sustained transmission among unvaccinated individuals and frequent systemic involvement. Hepatic dysfunction emerged as a prominent feature in adults, suggesting a shifting clinical phenotype in contemporary outbreaks. Strengthening vaccination coverage and early recognition of systemic complications remain critical to reducing measles-related morbidity and mortality. Full article

Although ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir plus dasabuvir (OPrD) therapy is highly effective for chronic hepatitis C (CHC), clinicians frequently encounter transient hyperbilirubinemia, which can be misidentified as hepatotoxicity. This study investigated the role of SLCO1B1 (OATP1B1) and SLCO1B3 (OATP1B3) genetic polymorphisms in predicting bilirubin spikes and distinguishing transporter-mediated interference from hepatocellular injury. In this prospective study of 65 patients with HCV genotype 1, genotyping for OATP1B1 (c.388A>G, c.521T>C) and OATP1B3 (c.334T>G, c.699G>A) was performed using PCR-RFLP and capillary electrophoresis (QIAxcel Advanced System). Clinical and biochemical parameters were monitored over a 12-week treatment period. Hyperbilirubinemia (total bilirubin >1.1 mg/dL) developed in 18.5% of the cohort, typically within the first month. A distinct ‘AST-dominant’ biochemical signature, elevated bilirubin and AST paired with stable ALT, was identified, suggesting transporter-specific interference rather than hepatocyte damage. Statistical analysis pinpointed the OATP1B3 c.699G>A (rs7311358) variant as the sole genetic driver (p = 0.007). Carriers of the c.699G>A allele faced a 6.3-fold higher risk of developing hyperbilirubinemia (OR: 6.30, 95% CI: 1.48–26.80, p = 0.032), while no significant associations were found for OATP1B1 variants. We conclude that OATP1B3 c.699G>A is a potent predictor of OPrD-induced hyperbilirubinemia. Identifying this genotype pre-treatment allows clinicians to anticipate transient, benign bilirubin elevations and prevent unnecessary drug discontinuation, thereby mitigating therapeutic inertia and ensuring treatment continuity for CHC patients. Full article

Fish oil (FO) has been shown to confer beneficial effects on hepatic diseases in both humans and animals. This study aimed to investigate whether dietary fish oil (FO) supplementation alleviates deoxynivalenol (DON)-induced liver injury by modulating the ferroptosis signaling pathway in weaned piglets. Twenty-four weaned piglets were allocated to a 2 × 2 factorial design, with the main factors consisting of dietary treatment (5% corn oil or 5% FO supplementation) and DON exposure (basal diet or diet contaminated with 4 mg/kg DON). After 21 days of dietary treatment, piglets were euthanized for collection of blood and liver samples. Dietary FO significantly attenuated DON-induced hepatic structural damage and inflammatory infiltration. Specifically, FO supplementation reduced the activities of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as the AST/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio following DON exposure. Dietary FO also decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in both the liver and serum, lowered hepatic 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) level and Fe²⁺ content, and increased hepatic glutathione (GSH) content. Moreover, dietary FO ameliorated ultrastructural liver damage induced by DON. Furthermore, DON significantly downregulated the mRNA levels of multiple genes associated with iron metabolism and ferroptosis, including heat shock protein beta-1 (HSPB1), acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4), and arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15), and upregulated the mRNA levels of transferrin (TF), ferritin heavy chain (FTH), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1). Dietary FO counteracted these alterations by decreasing the mRNA of SLC7A11, TFR1, FTH, and TF after DON exposure. Finally, FO significantly decreased the protein expression of SLC7A11, iron-responsive element-binding protein 2 (IREB2), and FHT1 and increased the GPX4 protein expression following DON exposure. These findings suggest that FO may ameliorate DON-induced liver injury in weaned piglets, possibly through suppressing the ferroptosis signaling pathway. Full article

Drunken horse grass (Achnatherum inebrians) plays a vital role in ecological restoration and grassland sustainability in Northwest China, but its ecological functions are increasingly threatened by emerging fungal diseases. In 2024, a leaf spot disease characterized by brown lesions with yellow halos was observed on drunken horse grass in Gansu Province, China. The causal pathogens were identified as Alternaria alternata and Alternaria infectoria based on morphological characterization, pathogenicity tests, and multi-locus phylogenetic analysis (ITS, TEF, GPD, RPB2, Alt a 1, endoPG, and OPA10-2). Preliminary fungicide sensitivity assays revealed that tetramycin and difenoconazole had the strongest inhibitory effects against mycelial growth in vitro. The EC₅₀ values for tetramycin were 0.0755 mg/L (A. alternata) and 0.2175 mg/L (A. infectoria), while for difenoconazole, they were 0.1023 mg/L (A. alternata) and 0.0599 mg/L (A. infectoria). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Alternaria species infecting the host plant, drunken horse grass, providing an essential basis for the effective management of this disease and the protection of grassland ecosystems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pancreatic surgery has always been associated with a variety of complications. In the current study, we analyzed more than 800 consecutive pancreatic resections and tried to find clinically relevant routine parameters that could predict adverse outcomes at an early stage. We focused on hepato-pancreato-biliary routine parameters, especially on liver enzymes, because so far there are no studies showing any correlation between postoperatively elevated liver enzymes and postoperative complications. Methods: All pancreatic resections of a tertiary care center from 2003 until 2025 were documented prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. Data analysis comprised descriptive as well as inferential statistical analyses. Results: Laboratory values from 808 consecutive resections were analyzed for the first week after surgery. Elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was associated with postoperative hemorrhage on POD 1, pulmonary insufficiency on POD 1 to 4, other complications on POD 1 to 5, MODS on POD 2 to 4, and development of pneumonia on POD 3 to 5. Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was associated with pulmonary insufficiency on POD 1 to 4 and POD 6, pneumonia, and other complications on POD 3. It was also associated with MODS on POD 1 to 6. Bilirubin elevated preoperatively and on POD 1 could not really predict any complication. In this study, we can also confirm that elevated amylase and lipase can predict complications. Conclusions: This is the first study that shows a correlation between postoperatively elevated AST and ALT and the development of postpancreatectomy complications. Elevated AST and ALT, especially in combination with postoperative pancreatitis or at least elevated pancreatic enzymes, can identify patients at risk for life-threatening conditions and might be useful to decrease failure-to-rescue patients. Full article

Background: Postoperative liver injury remains a major challenge after curative-intended liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), impacting both early complications and long-term survival. The recently introduced SAAR (Sum of AST/ALT Ratios) score may serve as a novel marker for predicting postoperative outcomes. Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 213 patients undergoing liver resection for HCC between January 2007 and October 2024. The SAAR score was calculated using AST/ALT ratios on postoperative days 1 and 3 and correlated with post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). The predictive performance of the SAAR score was compared with that of the combined APRI + ALBI score. Results: Patients with SAAR ≥ 2 showed significantly higher rates of PHLF (OR = 2.5, p = 0.019) and impaired long-term outcomes. Median DFS and OS were significantly reduced in the SAAR ≥ 2 group (7 vs. 24 months, p < 0.001; 12 vs. 32 months, p = 0.004, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression confirmed SAAR ≥ 2 as an independent predictor for DFS (HR = 2.1) and OS (HR = 1.9). The APRI + ALBI score also demonstrated strong preoperative predictive value for PHLF (AUC = 0.854) but not for long-term outcome. Full article