Search Results (3,608)

The growing demand for food and the environmental impact of conventional agriculture have prompted the search for sustainable alternatives. Phycocyanin (PC) and total phenolic compounds (TPC) extracted from Spirulina platensis have shown potential for the biological control of phytopathogens. The extraction method directly influences the yield and stability of these compounds. This study aimed to establish an efficient extraction protocol for PC and TPC and to evaluate their antimicrobial efficacy in vitro against Colletotrichum orchidearum, Fusarium nirenbergiae, and Alternaria sp. isolated from hydroponically grown lettuce. The phytopathogens were identified based on phylogenetic analyses using sequences from the ITS, EF1-α, GAPDH, and RPB2 gene regions. This is the first report of C. orchidearum in hydroponic lettuce culture in Brazil, expanding its known host range. Extracts were obtained using hydroalcoholic solvents and phosphate buffer (PB), combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction (bath and probe). The extracts were tested for in vitro antifungal activity. Data were analyzed by ANOVA (p < 0.05), followed by Tukey’s test. The combination of the PB and ultrasound probe resulted in the highest PC (95.6 mg·g⁻¹ biomass) and TPC (21.9 mg GAE·g⁻¹) yields, using 10% (w/v) biomass. After UV sterilization, the extract retained its PC and TPC content. The extract inhibited C. orchidearum by up to 53.52% after three days and F. nirenbergiae by 54.17% on the first day. However, it promoted the growth of Alternaria sp. These findings indicate that S. platensis extracts are a promising alternative for the biological control of C. orchidearum and F. nirenbergiae in hydroponic systems. Full article

Background: This cross-sectional study examined the association between body mass index (BMI) and executive function (EF) in older adults, with a focus on the moderating role of attitudes toward own aging (ATOA). Method: A total of 431 community-dwelling elderly individuals from Yakumo Town and Kyoto City, Japan, participated between 2023 and 2024. EF was assessed using the Digit Cancellation Test (D-CAT), and ATOA was measured via a validated subscale of the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale. Results: Multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for demographic and health covariates revealed a significant interaction between BMI and ATOA in the younger-old cohort. Specifically, higher BMI was associated with lower executive function only in individuals with lower ATOA scores. No such association was observed in those with more positive views on aging. Conclusions: These results indicate that positive psychological constructs, particularly favorable self-perceptions of aging, may serve as protective factors against the detrimental cognitive consequences of increased body mass index in younger-old populations. Full article

Protein enzymes are highly efficient catalysts that exhibit adaptability and selectivity under diverse biological conditions. In some organisms, such as bacteria, structurally similar enzymes, for instance, shikimate kinase (SK) and adenylate kinase (AK), coexist and act on chemically related ligands. This raises the question of whether these enzymes can accommodate and potentially react with each other’s ligands. In this study, we investigate the stability of non-cognate ligand binding in SK and explore whether external electric fields (EFs) can modulate this interaction, leading to cross-reactivity in SK. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we assess the structural integrity of SK and the binding behavior of ATP and AMP under EF-off and EF-on cases. Our results show that EFs enhance protein structure stability, stabilize non-cognate ligands in the binding pocket, and reduce local energetic frustration near the R116 residue located in the binding site. In addition to this, dimensionality reduction analyses reveal that EFs induce more coherent protein motions and reduce the number of metastable states. Together, these findings suggest that external EFs can reshape enzyme–ligand interactions and may serve as a tool to modulate enzymatic specificity and functional promiscuity. Thus, we provide computational evidence that supports the concept of using an EF as a tunable parameter in enzyme engineering and synthetic biology. However, further experimental investigation would be valuable to assess the reliability of our computational predictions. Full article

Background/Objectives: While elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with incident heart failure development, the role of Lp(a) in established heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) versus heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains unexplored. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 387 heart failure patients from our institutional database (January 2018–June 2024). Patients were categorized as HFrEF (n = 201) or HFpEF (n = 186) using ICD-10 codes. Categorical variables were compared between heart failure types using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s Exact test, and continuous variables were compared using the two-sample t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test, as appropriate. Logistic regression was utilized to assess heart failure type as a function of Lp(a) levels, adjusting for covariates. Spearman correlation assessed relationships between Lp(a) and pro-BNP levels. Results: Despite significant demographic and clinical differences between HFrEF and HFpEF patients, Lp(a) concentrations showed no significant variation between groups. Median Lp(a) levels were 60.9 nmol/dL (IQR: 21.9–136.7) in HFrEF versus 45.0 nmol/dL (IQR: 20.1–109.9) in HFpEF (p = 0.19). After adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates, Lp(a) showed no association with heart failure subtype (OR: 1.001, 95% CI: 0.99–1.004; p = 0.59). Conclusions: Lp(a) levels do not differ significantly between HFrEF and HFpEF phenotypes, suggesting possible shared pathophysiological mechanisms rather than phenotype-specific biomarker properties. These preliminary findings may support unified screening and treatment strategies for elevated Lp(a) across heart failure, pending confirmation in larger studies. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), a stress-tolerant pseudocereal ideal for studying abiotic stress responses, was used to systematically identify optimal reference genes for qPCR normalization under gradient stresses: low temperatures (LT group: −2 °C to −10 °C), heat (HT group: 39° C to 45 °C), and drought (DR group: 7 to 13 days). Through multi-algorithm evaluation (GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, the ΔCt method, and RefFinder) of eleven candidates, condition-specific optimal genes were established as ACT16 (Actin), SAL92 (IT4 phosphatase-associated protein), SSU32 (Ssu72-like family protein), and TSB05 (Tryptophan synthase beta-subunit 2) for the LT group; ACT16 and NRP13 (Asparagine-rich protein) for the HT group; and ACT16, SKP27 (S-phase kinase), and NRP13 for the DR group, with ACT16, NRP13, WLIM96 (LIM domain-containing protein), SSU32, SKP27, SAL92, and UBC22 (ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2) demonstrating cross-stress stability (global group). DHDPS96 (dihydrodipicolinate synthase) and EF03 (translation elongation factor) showed minimal stability. Validation using stress-responsive markers—COR72 (LT), HSP44 (HT), COR413-PM (LT), and DREB12 (DR)—confirmed reliability; COR72 and COR413-PM exhibited oscillatory cold response patterns, HSP44 peaked at 43 °C before declining, and DREB12 showed progressive drought-induced upregulation. Crucially, normalization with unstable genes (DHDPS96 and EF03) distorted expression profiles. This work provides validated reference standards for quinoa transcriptomics under abiotic stresses. Full article

Fasciola hepatica remains a global health and economic concern, and treatment still relies heavily on triclabendazole. At the parasite–host interface, F. hepatica calcium-binding proteins (FhCaBPs) have a unique EF-hand/DLC-like domain fusion found only in trematodes. This makes it a parasite-specific target for small compounds and vaccinations. To enable novel therapeutic strategies, we report the first elevated-resolution structure of a full-length FhCaBP4. The apo structure was determined at 1.93 Å resolution, revealing a homodimer architecture that integrates an N-terminal, calmodulin-like, EF-hand pair with a C-terminal dynein light chain (DLC)-like domain. Structure-guided in silico mutagenesis identified a flexible, 16-residue β4–β5 loop (LTGSYWMKFSHEPFMS) with an FSHEPF core that demonstrates greater energetic variability than its FhCaBP2 counterpart, likely explaining the distinct ligand-binding profiles of these paralogs. Molecular dynamics simulations and AlphaFold3 modeling suggest that EF-hand 2 acts as the primary calcium-binding site, with calcium coordination inducing partial rigidification and modest expansion of the protein structure. Microscale thermophoresis confirmed calcium as the major ligand, while calmodulin antagonists bound with lower affinity and praziquantel demonstrated no interaction. Thermal shift assays revealed calcium-dependent stabilization and a merger of biphasic unfolding transitions. These results suggest that FhCaBP4 functions as a calcium-responsive signaling hub, with an allosterically coupled EF-hand–DLC interface that could serve as a structurally tractable platform for drug targeting in trematodes. Full article

Background: Despite the survival benefit of ICDs in patients with HFrEF, most recipients do not receive appropriate therapy during follow-up. Existing risk models based on echocardiographic and clinical parameters show limited predictive accuracy for arrhythmic events. This study aimed to assess whether ECG-derived markers outperform conventional measures in predicting appropriate ICD shocks. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 375 patients with HFrEF who underwent ICD implantation for primary prevention at least six months before study enrollment. Twelve-lead surface ECGs were analyzed for a QTc interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, frontal QRS-T angle, and maximum deflection index (MDI). Clinical, echocardiographic, and arrhythmic event data obtained from device interrogations were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify independent predictors of appropriate ICD shocks. Results: Patients who experienced appropriate ICD shocks had significantly higher rates of a complete bundle branch block, digoxin use, QRS duration, QTc, Tp-e/QT ratio, frontal QRS-T angle, MDI, and right-ventricular pacing ratio. Conversely, beta-blocker use was significantly lower in this group. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of appropriate shocks included the patient’s digoxin use (OR = 2.931, p = 0.003), beta-blocker use (OR = 0.275, p = 0.002), frontal QRS-T angle (OR = 1.009, p < 0.001), QTc interval (OR = 1.020, p < 0.001), and Tp-e/QT ratio (OR = 4.882, p = 0.050). The frontal QRS-T angle had a cutoff value of 105.5° for predicting appropriate ICD shocks (sensitivity: 73.6%, specificity: 85.2%, AUC = 0.758, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Electrocardiographic markers, particularly the frontal QRS-T angle, QTc interval, and Tp-e/QT ratio, demonstrated superior predictive power for appropriate ICD shocks compared to conventional echocardiographic and clinical measures. These easily obtainable, non-invasive ECG parameters may improve current risk stratification models and support more individualized ICD implantation strategies. Full article

Skeletal muscle development is a critical economic trait in livestock, governed by myogenic satellite cell regulation. Integrins mediate mechanical anchorage to the ECM and enable ECM–intracellular signaling. CIB2, as an EF-hand-domain protein involved in mechanotransduction, shows significant developmental regulation in goat muscle. Although the role of CIB2 in skeletal muscle growth is poorly characterized, we observed pronounced developmental upregulation of IB2 in postnatal goat muscle. CIB2 expression increased >20-fold by postnatal day 90 (P90) compared to P1, sustaining elevation through P180 (p < 0.05). Functional investigations indicated that siRNA-mediated knockdown of CIB2 could inhibit myoblast proliferation by inducing S-phase arrest (p < 0.05) and downregulating the expression of CDK4/Cyclin D/E. Simultaneously, CIB2 interference treatment was found to decrease the proliferative activity of goat myogenic satellite cells, yet it significantly promoted differentiation by upregulating the expression of MyoD/MyoG/MyHC (p < 0.01). Mechanistically, CTCF was identified as a transcriptional repressor binding to an intragenic region of the CIB2 gene locus (ChIP enrichment: 2.3-fold, p < 0.05). Knockdown of CTCF induced upregulation of CIB2 (p < 0.05). RNA-seq analysis established CIB2 as a calcium signaling hub: its interference activated IL-17/TNF and complement cascades, while overexpression suppressed focal adhesion/ECM–receptor interactions and enriched neuroendocrine pathways. Collectively, this study identifies the CTCF-CIB2–integrin α7β1–PI3K/AKT axis as a novel molecular mechanism that regulates the balance of myogenic fate in goats. These findings offer promising targets for genomic selection and precision breeding strategies aimed at enhancing muscle productivity in ruminants. Full article

S100 proteins, a family of Ca²⁺-binding proteins, play numerous roles in cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Recent evidence has highlighted their critical involvement in neuroinflammation, a pathological hallmark of various neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Among these proteins, S100B and S100A8/A9 are particularly implicated in modulating inflammatory responses in the CNS. Acting as DAMPs, they interact with pattern recognition receptors like RAGE and TLRs, triggering pro-inflammatory signaling cascades and glial activation. While low concentrations of S100 proteins may support neuroprotective functions, increased levels are often associated with exacerbated inflammation and neuronal damage. This review explores the dualistic nature of S100 proteins in neuroinflammatory processes, their molecular interactions, and their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative disease management. Full article

Background: Clinical outcomes among older adults hospitalized with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in the setting of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to evaluate whether MHO status is associated with different rates of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) during HFpEF-related hospitalizations compared to patients without MHO. Methods: Data from the 2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was analyzed using relevant ICD-10 codes to identify HFpEF admissions in older adults. Propensity score matching (1:1) was applied to generate balanced cohorts of patients with and without MHO. Multivariable adjustments were performed to assess primary outcomes, including MACCEs, all-cause mortality (ACM), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), dysrhythmia, cardiac arrest (CA), and stroke. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Each MHO cohort included 22,405 patients with a median age of 75 years. The MHO+ group demonstrated a significantly higher risk of dysrhythmia (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.21–1.43, p < 0.001). Interestingly, an “obesity paradox” was observed, as the MHO+ cohort had lower odds of MACCEs (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.61–0.81, p < 0.001), ACM (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.54–0.82, p < 0.001), and AMI (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.59–0.86, p = 0.001) compared to MHO−. No significant differences were found for CA or stroke between the groups. Conclusions: Although the MHO+ group had an elevated risk of dysrhythmia, they exhibited more favorable outcomes in terms of MACCEs, ACM, and AMI—supporting the concept of an “obesity paradox.” Further research is needed to better understand the role of MHO as a comorbid condition in patients with HFpEF. Full article

Background: Standard room temperature housing (~22 °C) represents a stress for laboratory mice, resulting in an increased metabolic rate, calorie consumption, heart rate, and catecholamine levels compared to thermoneutral conditions (29–32 °C). Using a recently established two-hit model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) (Angiotensin II + High-fat diet for 28 days; MHS), we investigated how housing temperature modulates cardiac remodelling and function in male and female C57Bl/6J mice. Methods: Using the MHS mouse model, we investigated cardiac remodelling and function in 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice of both sexes housed at 10 °C, 22 °C, and 30 °C for four weeks. Control mice were analyzed in parallel. Before the MHS, the animals were allowed to acclimate for a week before the MHS started. Results: Mice housed at 10 °C consumed more food and had increased fat mass compared to those at 22 °C or 30 °C. This was accompanied by increased heart weight, stroke volume, heart rate, and cardiac output. Mice housed at 22 °C and 30 °C were similar for these cardiac parameters. Following MHS, mice at 10 °C and 22 °C developed marked cardiac hypertrophy, whereas thermoneutral housing attenuated this response and reduced left atrial enlargement. Cold-exposed females showed more diastolic dysfunction after MHS (increased E’ wave, E/E’, and isovolumetric relaxation time) than those at 22 °C or 30 °C. Ejection fraction and cardiac output declined significantly at 10 °C after MHS but were preserved at 22 °C and 30 °C in females. Conclusions: Cold housing exacerbates cardiac dysfunction in mice subjected to HFpEF-inducing stress, with pronounced effects in females. In contrast, thermoneutrality limits the cardiac hypertrophic response. Full article

The aim of the present observational study was to evaluate the early effect of free-form essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation on cardiac and muscular performance in elderly patients with chronic heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and sarcopenia, as add-on to the optimized medical therapy (OMT) for HF. The present study included 60 elderly Caucasian patients suffering from HFrEF and sarcopenia. At the baseline and at follow-up, all patients underwent complete physical examination with the determination of the main anthropometric and hemodynamic parameters. After 6 months of supplementation with EAAs, we observed significant improvements in the parameters of sarcopenia. In addition, there was a significant improvement in glycol-metabolic parameters, and in inflammatory index as high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). In accordance with these results, significant decreases were observed in circulating levels of oxidative stress biomarkers Nox-2 (p < 0.001) and 8-Isoprostane (p < 0.001), and platelet aggregation biomarkers such as sP-Selectin (p < 0.001) and Gp-VI (p < 0.001). Of particular interest, after 6 months’ follow-up, there was a significant improvement in LVEF and global longitudinal strain (GLS). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that targeted nutritional intervention with EEAAs represents a viable therapeutic strategy for addressing the complex interplay between cardiac dysfunction and skeletal muscle wasting in elderly HF patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Iron deficiency (ID) is a common and prognostically relevant comorbidity in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). It contributes to reduced functional status, exercise capacity, and survival. Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) improves symptoms, but its effect on cardiac structure and function remains incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of intravenous FCM on echocardiographic indices of left ventricular (LV), left atrial (LA), and right ventricular (RV) morphology and function in HFrEF patients with ID and determine whether these changes correlate with improvements in exercise capacity. Methods: This sub-analysis of the RESAFE-HF registry (NCT04974021) included 86 HFrEF patients with ID (median age 71.8 years, 83% male). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at baseline and 12 months post-FCM. Parameters assessed included LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), LV diastolic function grade, LAVi, LA strain, TAPSE, and RV free wall strain (FWS). Peak VO₂ was measured to assess exercise capacity. Results: LVEF improved from 29.3 ± 7.8% to 32.5 ± 10.6% (p < 0.001), LV GLS from −7.89% to −8.62%, and the LV diastolic dysfunction grade improved (p < 0.001). LAVi, peak LA strain, TAPSE, and RV FWS also showed significant improvement. Peak VO₂ increased from 11.3 ± 3.2 to 12.1 ± 4.1 mL/min/kg (p < 0.001). Improvements in LVEF, RV FWS, and LV GLS were independent predictors of VO₂ increase (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.01, respectively), explaining 42% of the variance. Conclusions: FCM therapy improves biventricular and atrial function, with echocardiographic gains correlating with an enhanced exercise capacity in HFrEF patients with ID. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) via cryoballoon ablation (CBA) is a recommended therapeutic strategy for patients with symptomatic paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) who are refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs. Although PVI has demonstrated efficacy in reducing AF recurrence and improving patients’ quality of life, its impact on respiratory function is not well understood, particularly in patients with comorbid conditions. The aim of the study was to search for functional predictors of the respiratory system in the process of evaluating the efficiency of clinical assessment of CBA in patients with AF. Methods: We conducted a prospective study on 42 patients with symptomatic AF who underwent CBA, assessing their respiratory function through spirometry before and 30 days after the procedure. Exclusion criteria included pre-existing lung disease and cardiac insufficiency. The impact of variables such as body mass index (BMI), coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF) on spirometry parameters was analyzed using statistical tests. Results: No significant changes were observed in overall post-PVI spirometry parameters for the full cohort. However, post hoc analyses revealed a significant decline in ΔMEF₇₅ in patients with CAD and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², whereas ΔFEV₁/FVCex was significantly increased in patients with HF, as well as in patients with ejection fraction (EF) < 50%. Conclusions: CBA for AF does not universally affect respiratory function in the short term, but specific subgroups, including patients with CAD and a higher BMI, may require post-procedure respiratory monitoring. In addition, PVI may improve lung function in patients with HF and reduced EF. Full article

Urban expansion fragments once-contiguous forest patches, generating pronounced edge gradients that modulate soil physicochemical properties and biodiversity. We quantified how fragmentation reshaped the soil microbiome continuum and its implications for soil carbon storage in a temperate urban mixed deciduous forest. A total of 18 plots were considered in this study, with six plots for each fragment type. Intact interior forest (F), internal forest path fragment (IF), and external forest path fragment (EF) soils were sampled at 0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm depths and profiled through phospholipid-derived fatty acid (PLFA) chemotyping and amino sugar proxies for living microbiome and microbial-derived necromass assessment, respectively. Carbon fractionation was performed through the chemical oxidation method. Diversity indices (Shannon–Wiener, Pielou evenness, Margalef richness, and Simpson dominance) were calculated based on the determined fatty acids derived from the phospholipid fraction. The microbial biomass ranged from 85.1 to 214.6 nmol g⁻¹ dry soil, with the surface layers of F exhibiting the highest values (p < 0.01). Shannon diversity declined systematically from F > IF > EF. The microbial necromass varied from 11.3 to 23.2 g⋅kg⁻¹. Fragmentation intensified the stratification of carbon pools, with organic carbon decreasing by approximately 14% from F to EF. Our results show that EFs possess a declining microbiome continuum that weakens their carbon sequestration capacity in urban forests. Full article