Search Results (23,424)

Aquaculture output, sustainability, and profitability can be enhanced by using functional feed additives. The effect of supplementation with two different dietary levels of propylene glycol (PG) and essential oils (EOs) was evaluated in Nile tilapia. A total of 150 juvenile fish were randomly allocated into five groups. Growth performance, feed utilization, serum biochemistry, hematology, and gene expression were assessed. PG supplementation significantly improved growth performance, feed conversion, protein efficiency, and energy utilization. Both additives significantly reduced cortisol and glucose levels and altered liver enzymes and lipid profiles. PG improved immunological indices, while hematological responses were dose-dependent; both EOs and PG increased hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). Moreover, the high PG dose significantly increased platelet counts, reduced hemoglobin (Hb), and elevated hematocrit. Additionally, EOs significantly upregulated antifreeze protein IV (AFPIV) and fat metabolism-related genes in a dose-dependent manner, indicating a potential role in lipid mobilization and stress tolerance. Expression analysis of the immunoglobulin H (IGMH) gene revealed a significant increase in PG-supplemented groups, suggesting its immunostimulatory potential. Overall, PG enhanced immunity and growth performance, while EOs promoted AFPIV and fat metabolism gene expression. Therefore, PG and EO supplementation could serve as an effective functional strategy to enhance O. niloticus growth, stress adaptation, and immune resilience. Full article

Familial partial lipodystrophy type 3 (FPLD3) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARG), which encodes the key adipogenic transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARγ). Clinical diagnosis is challenging due to phenotypic overlap with common metabolic syndromes. We identified a novel PPARG variant in a Chinese family and performed comprehensive functional characterization to elucidate its pathogenic mechanism. The proband, a 15-year-old boy presenting with atypical fat distribution, severe insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, and pancreatitis, underwent clinical evaluation and whole-exome sequencing. The identified variant was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Its functional impact was assessed through in silico modeling, luciferase reporter assays, protein stability analysis (cycloheximide chase), and evaluation of mitochondrial function (JC-1 staining) and adipocyte gene expression in cellular models. A heterozygous PPARG c.634C>T (p.Arg212Trp, R212W) variant was identified and segregated with the phenotype. Functional studies revealed that the R212W mutant exhibits a partial loss of transcriptional activity (~40% of wild-type) while retaining ligand sensitivity. Crucially, we demonstrated that the mutant protein has significantly reduced stability due to accelerated degradation. In adipocyte models, R212W expression led to impaired mitochondrial membrane potential, depleted cellular ATP levels, and downregulated expression of key metabolic genes (glucose transporter 4[GLUT4], adiponectin[ADIPOQ], fatty acid binding protein 4[FABP4], lipoprotein lipase[LPL], perilipin 1[PLIN1]). These functional deficits were partially rescued by treatment with the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone. We report a novel pathogenic PPARG R212W variant associated with FPLD3. Our data extend beyond a simple loss-of-function model by establishing a multi-faceted pathogenic mechanism involving protein destabilization, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular bioenergetic failure. The partial rescue by rosiglitazone suggests a potential therapeutic avenue. This study underscores the importance of integrating clinical phenotyping with deep functional analysis to diagnose and understand rare monogenic lipodystrophies. Full article

Obesity in women over 65 represents a growing clinical challenge, particularly due to its association with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, frailty, sleep-breathing disorders, and sarcopenia. The prevalence of obesity in this demographic is compounded by age-related metabolic changes and declining physical activity. In this context, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have emerged as promising pharmacological treatments for weight loss, showing substantial efficacy in reducing body weight and improving metabolic health. However, their use in older populations warrants careful consideration due to the potential risk of muscle loss, which may exacerbate sarcopenia and frailty. This review synthesizes current evidence on the efficacy of GLP-1 RAs for weight loss in older women, exploring both the metabolic benefits and potential risks, particularly with regard to muscle mass preservation. We discuss the mechanisms behind muscle loss associated with GLP-1 RAs, focusing on the balance between fat reduction and the preservation of lean body mass. In phase 3 trials, women aged ≥ 65 years achieved sustained weight loss of 10–20%, with consistent cardiometabolic improvements. Furthermore, we propose practical strategies to mitigate sarcopenia, including physical activity interventions, dietary modifications, and combination therapies aimed at maintaining muscle strength while promoting weight loss. By examining clinical trial data, real-world evidence, and physiological mechanisms, this narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive framework for personalized and safe therapeutic decision-making, addressing the unique needs of older women with obesity. Full article

This study examined effects of two moderate-intensity aerobic exercise prescriptions on inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress biomarkers in middle-aged obese Hispanic females. Fifty-four subjects were randomly assigned to a lower-moderate intensity group (55% VO₂max, LT, n = 18), an upper-moderate intensity group (70% VO₂max, HT, n = 19), or a non-exercise control group (CON, n = 17). Blood samples collected before and after a 12-week intervention were analyzed for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), adiponectin, C-reactive protein (CRP), total antioxidant status (TAS), and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Body fat percentage (%BF) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. TNF-α significantly decreased in both LT (p = 0.004) and HT (p < 0.001). Significant increases in adiponectin (p = 0.001) and reductions in CRP (p < 0.001) were observed within the HT, whereas these changes were not significant within the LT. TAS significantly increased in both exercise groups (p < 0.001), and 8-OHdG significantly decreased in the HT (p < 0.001) and LT (p = 0.002). Both LT and HT demonstrated significant reductions in %BF (p < 0.001) and VAT (p < 0.05), with no significant changes in CON. Results indicate that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise improves inflammatory and oxidative stress profiles when total exercise volume is matched, regardless of differences in exercise intensity within the moderate range. Although post-intervention differences between groups were not statistically significant, the observation that CRP, adiponectin, and 8-OHdG changed significantly only within HT suggests that exercise intensity may influence biomarker responsiveness and warrants further investigation. Full article

Background and Aim: Obesity has reached alarming levels globally and across the Middle East. In Saudi Arabia, approximately one-third of Saudi adults have obesity, representing a major public health concern. Understanding behavioral factors underlying obesity is essential; therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between eating styles and obesity indicators among Saudi adults and to examine gender differences in these associations. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 997 adult (405 males and 592 females) aged ≥ 18 years residing in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measures, health status. Eating behaviors were assessed using the validated Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), which measures restrained, emotional, and external eating styles. Regression models were used to examine gender differences in mean eating style scores and to assess associations between eating styles, categorical BMI, and body fatness. Results: The mean age of participants was 37.05 ± 13.39 years. Significant gender differences were observed in BMI, body fatness, and physical activity levels. Females demonstrated higher restrained eating scores compared with males (β = −0.14; 95% CI: −0.24, −0.04; p = 0.008). Participants with obesity exhibited higher emotional eating scores, while external eating was more prevalent among underweight participants. Body fatness was significantly associated with emotional and external eating but not restrained eating. Conclusions: BMI status appears to be associated with specific eating styles, particularly unhealthy eating behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of behavioral-focused nutritional interventions that support eating regulation rather than emphasizing weight loss alone. Full article

This article underscores sites of Black and Indigenous ecological failure to draw attention to the limits of figuring ideal subjects on the “ecological field” as stewards of, laborers on, and ultimately masters of, the earth. I consider depictions of errant ecological comportment to render other kinds of orientations—boredom, distraction, orgasmic submission, grief—plausible and necessary for developing and honing an ecological ethic. What is often rendered implausible or undesirable might also contain the potential to stave off the impulse to reproduce humanisms that require mastery over the earth. To better pursue failure or an inability to achieve appropriate attunement with the ecological, I focus on a Black fat femme falling from a tree and an Anishinaabeg youth lying on the ground and looking up at a tree. These errant bodies function as sites of friction that trouble old and new materialisms that continue to shape ecological thought and subjectivity. Full article

Grain quality traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), including protein content, gluten strength, and carbohydrate composition, are key determinants of end-use performance and breeding potential. This study assessed the genetic variability, stability, and multivariate relationships of seed quality traits among elite F7 pure lines derived from six long-term cultivated wheat cultivars. Field trials were conducted across six contrasting environments to evaluate genotype, environment, and genotype × environment (G × E) effects on crude protein, fat, ash, starch, crude fiber, Zeleny sedimentation, carbohydrates, non-starch carbohydrates, and moisture. Combined ANOVA revealed that genotypic effects accounted for the largest proportion of variation, though significant environmental and G × E effects were also observed. Broad-sense heritability was high for protein, Zeleny, and carbohydrate content. Stability analysis using the Stability Index (SI) highlighted A1, A2, A4, C2, E1, and F2 as genotypes combining high mean performance with a consistent expression across all environments. Principal component analysis (PCA) illustrated key trait relationships and trade-offs, particularly the negative association between protein-related traits and carbohydrate accumulation, while revealing the partial clustering of genotypes with similar quality profiles. AMMI and GGE biplots further supported broad adaptation for some genotypes (e.g., E1, F4, E2 for crude protein; F3, F4, E2 for Zeleny) and trait- or environment-specific performance for others. Correlation analyses confirmed positive associations between protein and gluten strength, and negative correlations with carbohydrate traits. Overall, targeted pure-line selection effectively exploits intracultivar genetic variation, offering a practical strategy for identifying superior, resilient wheat lines for breeding programs across diverse environments. Full article

Recycling winery by-products into small ruminant diets is an effective strategy to increase the dairy supply chain’s sustainability. The study aimed to assess the effects of a 12% replacement of alfalfa hay with ensiled black grape pomace (BGP) in a Murciano-Granadina goat diet on yogurt’s technological, nutritional and sensory properties. The yogurt was manufactured across three milk samplings in a pilot plant and stored for 1, 14, and 28 days. Data were submitted to ANOVA testing diet and storage factors and their interaction. Compared to the control diet, both in milk and yogurt, BGP significantly increased fat content and reduced yellowness (b*). The winery by-product also affected the yogurt’s fatty acid profile given the increase in C18:1 trans11 and total CLA isomers, and a decrease in PUFA n-3. A moderate influence on sensory traits was observed, including a higher overall acceptance. The yogurt’s storage time did not affect any of the investigated quality traits. The outcomes suggested that the recycling of the winery by-product into the goat diet could enhance the overall quality of the obtained yogurt, as well as the sustainability and circular economy contributing to achieve a zero-waste strategy in the involved dairy goat supply chain. Full article

Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) represents one of the most prevalent gynecological malignancies worldwide, with increasing incidence rates attributed to rising obesity, metabolic syndrome, and demographic aging. Recent evidence suggests that dyslipidemia, including elevated triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), may have a significant role in the pathogenesis of EC through inflammatory, oxidative stress, and hormonal mechanisms. Objective: This meta-analysis aims to systematically evaluate the association between serum lipid biomarkers and endometrial cancer risk by synthesizing quantitative data from observational studies. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane) to identify studies examining lipid biomarkers in patients with EC compared to healthy controls. After screening 639 articles and applying rigorous inclusion/exclusion criteria, six studies were selected for final analysis. The standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals using random-effects and fixed-effects models, considering heterogeneity assessed by the I² statistic. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s regression test. Results: The meta-analysis revealed significantly elevated TG levels in EC patients compared to controls (SMD +0.87, 95% CI [+0.65, +1.10]), markedly reduced HDL-C levels (SMD −0.92, 95% CI [−1.15, −0.69]), and increased LDL-C levels (SMD +0.74, 95% CI [+0.50, +0.98]). The heterogeneity was moderate to substantial, with an I² ranging from 49% to 62%. Subgroup analyses demonstrated stronger associations in Type I EC and obese patients (BMI > 30 kg/m²). Conclusions: This meta-analysis establishes a significant association between dyslipidemia and endometrial cancer risk, with elevated triglycerides and LDL-C conferring increased risk while HDL-C appears protective. These findings support the integration of lipid profiling into EC risk assessment protocols and suggest the potential preventive value of lipid-modulating interventions. Further studies are needed to establish causality and evaluate therapeutic applications. Full article

Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) are found in the olfactory sensory organs (antennae and maxillary palps) and/or gustatory sensory organs (labellum and legs) and have long been accepted to function through the binding of odorants. However, the same CSPs are also expressed in many tissues other than olfactory and gustatory organs, such as the gut, brain, fat body, wing, epidermis, Corpora allata, salivary gland, pheromone gland, prothoracic gland, etc. In this report, we suggest renaming the “chemosensory protein (CSP)” the “4-Cysteine Soluble Protein (4CSP)”. This paradigm and nomenclature shift is based on molecular characteristics, genomic mining, tissue distribution, and functional roles beyond those related to olfaction. We examined prior studies on this protein gene family to bolster the renaming, highlighting the most recent findings that we ascribe to “pleiotropic properties” and evolutionary relevance rather than smell. The scope of the report, per se, is broad, and this is especially true given the volume of data that has been gathered on 4CSP expressed in ways that are not consistent with the olfactory paradigm. Statements outlining the many chemosensory properties of 4CSPs, particularly how they activate olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), are currently scarce, if they exist at all. Many debates currently focus on 4CSPs’ non-chemosensory functions, which are backed by a multitude of evidence, from gene evolution to tissue distribution. Therefore, strong arguments in favor of renaming chemosensory proteins are becoming evident here, outweighing the drawbacks. Full article

This study investigated the effects of a high-fat diet (HFD), particulate matter (PM) exposure, and resistance exercise training on circulating lipid profiles, adipokines, inflammatory responses, neurotrophic factors, and blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Forty-eight 10-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 12 per group): normal diet (ND), HFD, HFD with PM exposure (HFD + PM), and HFD with PM exposure plus exercise training (HFD + PM + EX). ND and HFD were administered for 16 weeks, whereas PM exposure and exercise training interventions were initiated after 8 weeks of dietary treatment and continued for an additional 8 weeks. PM was administered via tail vein injection three times per week, and resistance exercise training consisted of a ladder-climbing exercise performed five times per week. The results indicated that body weight, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), leptin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels were significantly higher in the HFD group than in the ND group (p < 0.05), whereas adiponectin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05). In addition, the HFD + PM group exhibited significantly lower BDNF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels (p < 0.05) and significantly higher S100B and NSE levels (p < 0.05) than the HFD group. In contrast, the HFD + PM + EX group showed significantly lower TG, LDL-C, leptin, and IL-6 levels than the HFD group (p < 0.05). Moreover, compared with the HFD + PM group, the HFD + PM + EX group demonstrated significantly lower TG, LDL-C, leptin, S100B, and NSE levels (p < 0.05) and significantly higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), adiponectin, BDNF, and VEGF levels (p < 0.05). Collectively, these findings suggest that an HFD may contribute to dyslipidemia, heightened inflammatory responses, downregulation of neurotrophic factors, and increased BBB permeability and that concurrent PM exposure under HFD conditions may exacerbate adverse alterations in neurotrophic factors and BBB permeability. The results indicate that an HFD induces metabolic and neurovascular alterations, whereas concurrent PM exposure under HFD conditions is associated with additional changes in neurotrophic factors and BBB-related markers. Resistance exercise training attenuated these changes. Full article

Background/Objectives: To examine the association between metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and bone mineral density in school-aged children. To investigate the association between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and bone mineral density among school-aged children using a propensity score-matched study design. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed using baseline data from the Beijing Children and Adolescents Health Cohort, with samples collected between September 2022 and May 2023. The study included 5170 children aged 7–18 years. Standardized questionnaires collected behavioral, lifestyle, and dietary data. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference) were obtained to calculate body mass index (BMI). Fasting venous blood samples were analyzed for glucose and lipid profiles. Clinical assessments included pubertal development evaluation, abdominal ultrasound for hepatic steatosis, oscillometric blood pressure measurement, quantitative ultrasound for calcaneal bone mineral density (BMD), and bioelectrical impedance analysis for body fat percentage. MAFLD was diagnosed as hepatic steatosis combined with metabolic abnormalities (assessed via BMI, blood glucose, lipid levels, and blood pressure). Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted at a 1:3 ratio between the MAFLD and non-MAFLD groups, matching on age, sex, and pubertal stage. Multiple linear regression, conditional logistic regression, and quantile regression (10th–90th percentiles) were used to analyze the association between MAFLD and BMD. Results: Of 5170 participants, 579 had MAFLD and were matched to 1737 non-MAFLD controls (standardized mean differences < 0.001). Children with MAFLD had higher BMI, body fat percentage, and waist circumference, and lower BMD versus controls. Multiple linear regression confirmed a significant negative association between MAFLD and BMD, which was stronger in boys and mid-pubertal children. Conditional logistic regression analyses further showed that boys with MAFLD had a higher risk of reduced BMD. The odds ratios were 1.77 (95% CI: 1.14–2.75) overall, 2.74 (95% CI: 1.56–4.81) among those aged 12–14 years, 1.81 (95% CI: 1.04–3.17) in mid-puberty, and 2.27 (95% CI: 1.17–4.40) in late puberty. Quantile regression revealed the strongest associations between MAFLD and BMD at the 40th–75th percentiles (regression coefficients: −9.5 to −6.7). Conclusions: MAFLD was associated with lower bone mineral density in children, with the strongest associations observed in the lower-to-middle range. Boys, children in mid-puberty, and those with obesity may represent particularly vulnerable groups with respect to bone health in the presence of MAFLD. This highlights the importance of early MAFLD identification and targeted interventions to mitigate long-term skeletal risks. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the causal pathways between MAFLD and pediatric bone health, and future research should integrate multiple factors to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Full article

Background: Obesity is one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders worldwide, and its long-term management remains challenging due to the limited efficacy and adverse effects of current pharmacological treatments. Accordingly, there is growing interest in safe and effective anti-obesity strategies based on natural compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity effects of HT099, an extract derived from Prunus persica (peach blossom), and to investigate molecular changes associated with its metabolic effects in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse model. Methods: Male C57BL/6N mice were fed an HFD and orally administered HT099 (50 or 100 mg/kg) or the positive control orlistat (40 mg/kg) for 12 weeks. Body weight, adipose tissue accumulation, food efficiency ratio, glucose tolerance, serum lipid profiles, and hepatic gene expression related to lipid metabolism were evaluated. Results: HT099 supplementation significantly attenuated body weight gain and reduced white adipose tissue accumulation while improving food efficiency ratio. HT099 also ameliorated HFD-induced glucose intolerance and favorably modulated serum lipid profiles, including reduced triglyceride levels, increased HDL-cholesterol levels, and improved non-HDL cholesterol indices. At the molecular level, HT099 administration was associated with an increased hepatic AMPKα1 mRNA expression and decreased expression of adipogenic and lipogenic genes, including C/EBPα, PPARγ, FAS, and SREBP-1c. Conclusions: These findings indicate that HT099 exerts anti-obesity effects in HFD-induced obese mice, accompanied by improvements in lipid and glucose metabolism and changes in adipogenesis- and lipogenesis-related gene expression. Collectively, the results support the potential of HT099 as a natural bioactive agent for obesity management. Full article

Background: Physical inactivity remains a major public health challenge, particularly for underserved populations lacking exercise facility access. AI-powered smartphone applications with real-time human pose estimation offer scalable solutions, but they lack rigorous clinical validation. Objective: This study validates the clinical efficacy of a 16-week on-device AI-driven resistance training program using MediaPipe pose estimation technology in young adults with limited facility access. Primary outcomes included muscular strength (1RM squat), body composition, functional movement (FMS), and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂max). Methods: A single-group pre–post study enrolled 216 participants (mean age 23.77 ± 4.02 years; 69.2% male), with 146 (67.6%) completing the protocol. Participants performed three 30 min weekly sessions of seven compound exercises delivered via a smartphone app providing real-time pose analysis (97.2% key point accuracy, 28.6 ms inference), multimodal feedback, and personalized progression using self-selected equipment. Results: Significant improvements across all domains: muscular strength (+4.39 kg 1RM squat, p < 0.001, d = 1.148), body fat (−2.92%, p < 0.001, d = −1.373), skeletal muscle mass (+2.19 kg, p < 0.001, d = 1.433), FMS (+0.29 points, p = 0.001, d = 0.285), and VO₂max (+1.82 mL/kg/min, p < 0.001, d = 0.917). Pose classification accuracy reached 95.8% vs. physiotherapist assessment (ICC = 0.94). Conclusions: This study provides the first clinical evidence that on-device AI pose estimation enables facility-independent resistance training with outcomes comparable to traditional programs. Unlike cloud-based systems, our lightweight model (28.6 ms inference) supports real-time mobile deployment, advancing accessible precision exercise medicine. Limitations include a single-arm design and gender imbalance, warranting future RCTs with diverse cohorts. Full article

Background/Objectives: In recent decades, free flaps have emerged as the gold standard for head and neck reconstruction. However, their use is contraindicated in some cases due to advanced age and/or comorbidities. In such patients, a pedicled flap may be considered. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate strategies for head and neck reconstruction using pedicled flaps in the era of free flaps. Furthermore, the complication rate was analyzed. Methods: Patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction with pedicled flaps were included. The following flaps were considered: the pectoralis major (PMF), deltopectoral, platysma, frontal, temporal, nasolabial, supraclavicular artery island (SCAIF), infrahyoid, sternocleidomastoid, buccal fat pad, and facial artery myomucosal flap (FAMM). Patients’ characteristics, flap type, recipient sites, and flap-related complications were systematically recorded. Results: A total of 112 pedicled flaps were analyzed. A PMF was most commonly used for tongue and hypopharyngeal reconstruction. Partial and complete flap necrosis occurred in 11.6% and 1.8% of cases, respectively. Wound dehiscence was reported in 12.5% of cases, while pharyngo-/oro-cutaneous fistulas developed in 6.3% of patients. Hemorrhage from the donor site or flap occurred in 3.6% of cases, and pharyngeal stenosis in 0.9%. Conclusions: Each reconstructive strategy depends on the site and extent of tissue loss. Given the low complication rates, pedicled flaps remain a valid option for head and neck reconstruction in selected patients. Full article