Search Results (1,462)

Background/Objectives: Air pollution is associated with many adverse health consequences, including deteriorated kidney function. The aim of the research was to determine the association of medium-term exposure to air pollutants and hospitalizations due to acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods: The retrospective population-based study was conducted on the EP-PARTICLES cohort between 2011 and 2020 (80,000,000 person-years). We estimated municipality-specific associations between air pollution and AKI admissions using generalized additive models with Poisson regression. Results are reported as risk ratio in AKI admissions (RR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: During the 10-year study period, 47,467 AKI cases were reported (median age 77 years, IQR 68–84; 51.2% women). Mean concentrations of pollutants were 21.4 µg/m³ (SD 5.2) for particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM_2.5), 7.5 µg/m³ (1.8) for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and 1.8 ng/m³ (0.8) for benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). In mid-term exposure analyses (lag 0–30), each 10 µg/m³ increase in PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂ and CO, and each 1 µg/m³ increase in BaP, was associated with higher AKI risk, with the strongest effect observed for NO₂ (RR 1.066, 95% CI 1.033–1.099). No association was found for SO₂. Subgroup analyses showed consistent directions of association across sex and age groups, with NO₂ remaining the most detrimental pollutant. Although statistical significance varied between pollutants, no significant effect modification by sex or age was observed (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Mid-term exposure to ambient air pollution is associated with an increased risk of AKI-related hospitalizations, with NO₂ showing the strongest effects. These findings identify mid-term exposure as a relevant temporal window and support the role of air pollution as a modifiable risk factor for AKI. Full article

Diffusion models for 3D genome structures make inference an ensemble-generation and tiling problem. In the released ChromoGen workflow, millions of independent denoising trajectories are executed through a single-GPU path, while overlapping genomic windows are sampled without enforcing consistency of their shared physical interval. We introduce ParaChromo, a parallel inference framework for conditioned, tiled 3D genome diffusion workloads built around the trained diffusion U-Net and distance-map interface. ParaChromo organizes the workload into three inference-layer modules: a workload-dispatch module schedules region, guidance, and sample chunks across worker groups; an encoder-aware sharded-conditioning module scales and shards the EPCOT front end with FSDP while keeping the inner-loop U-Net replicated; and a seam-coherent tiled-synchronization module projects the shared 12-bead overlap of adjacent reverse chains in distance-map space. On eight A6000 GPUs, the combined reduced-step and task-parallel systems path raises throughput from $2.356\pm 0.003$ to $235.71\pm 1.120$ samples/s, a $100.04\pm 0.486$-fold gain over the released single-GPU baseline. The reduced-step setting is supported by a sweep from 50 to 1000 DDIM steps, where distance-distribution and Hi-C-based metrics remain stable across four chromosomes. For the synchronization module, the chr22 seam discrepancy falls from 150.9 pm to 7.9 pm, while matched internal and Hi-C-based quality metrics are preserved. The synchronized chr22 run also gives a chromosome-scale coordinate rendering over 32 paper-aligned tiles. Together, these results show that conditioned, tiled 3D genome diffusion can be executed as a scalable workload when throughput parallelism, sampler length, encoder placement, and spatial consistency are treated as separate but compatible constraints. Full article

The einkorn wheat group, comprising ancient diploid species (2n = 14, AA), including Triticum monococcum, Triticum boeoticum, and Triticum urartu, represents a valuable source of genetic variation for improving disease resistance in wheat. To develop a practical platform for introgressing powdery mildew resistance into bread wheat, we screened 21 einkorn accessions with Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt) race E09 and identified seven resistant donors. Because direct hybridization between diploid einkorn (AA) and hexaploid wheat (AABBDD) is constrained by genomic divergence and poor cross-compatibility, we crossed resistant einkorn accessions with susceptible durum wheat and induced chromosome doubling in the F₁ hybrids to generate synthetic durum–einkorn amphiploids. Nine amphiploids were obtained. Chromosome counts and genomic in situ hybridization confirmed the expected genomic constitution (AABBAA) in most lines, with limited variation in chromosome number in two amphiploids. Phenotyping against Bgt race E09 showed that three amphiploids retained high resistance, four showed moderate resistance, and two were moderately susceptible. Marker analysis identified five einkorn accessions contain known Pm genes such as Pm60, Pm60b, and PmNCA6/Pm37, as well as their derived amphipliods. Two einkorn accessions and their derived amphiploids may harbor novel Pm genes. Field evaluation of the agronomic traits of these amphiploids indicated some improvement in tillering, spike length, and seed weight. Moreover, these amphiploids had better seed-setting rates in crosses and backcrosses with common wheat. These synthetic durum–einkorn amphiploids thus offer a new bridging platform for transferring alien genes from diploid einkorn to hexaploid common wheat, providing valuable genetic resources for wheat-breeding programs. Full article

Sperm cryopreservation is important for livestock breeding and germplasm conservation, but freeze–thaw injury can impair ram sperm quality through oxidative stress, membrane damage, and metabolic disturbance. This study evaluated the concentration-dependent effects of kaempferol supplementation on the cryopreservation quality of semen from Yuansheng Aite dairy rams. Qualified ejaculates were pooled and randomly allocated to five equally spaced kaempferol treatment groups: 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 μg/mL. Post-thaw sperm motility, oxidative stress status, ATP-related energy metabolism, acrosome integrity, and multi-omics profiles were evaluated. Data were analyzed using appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests after assessment of normality and homogeneity of variance. Orthogonal polynomial analysis was performed to evaluate linear and nonlinear dose–response patterns across the tested kaempferol concentrations. Kaempferol supplementation significantly affected PM, VCL, and VAP, while RPM, LIN, WOB, and VSL were not significantly affected. No significant linear effect was observed for the motility parameters, whereas VCL exhibited a significant quadratic response to kaempferol concentration. Based on the observed overall responses of sperm motility, antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress markers, ATP content, and acrosome integrity, 25 μg/mL kaempferol showed the most favorable overall profile among the tested concentrations and was selected for subsequent mechanistic analyses. Proteomic and metabolomic analyses suggested that the protective effects of kaempferol may be associated with pathways related to focal adhesion, cytoskeletal organization, oxidative phosphorylation-related energy metabolism, and central carbon metabolism. These findings indicate that moderate kaempferol supplementation may improve the post-thaw quality of Yuansheng Aite dairy ram semen, although further fertility-oriented studies are needed to confirm its practical reproductive benefits. Full article

Heat stress occurs when total environmental and metabolic heat production is greater than an animal’s ability to dissipate that heat. Heat stress negatively impacts feeder cattle performance and welfare. Limited research has been conducted to determine if feeding cattle in the evening, thereby shifting their metabolic heat production to a cooler period of the day, can help mitigate heat stress. This pen-level randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of evening feeding (PM; feedings at 2000, 2300, and 0200 h; n = 24 pens) versus morning feeding (AM; feedings at 0500, 0800, and 1200 h; n = 24 pens) on terminally sorted steer performance in a commercial feedyard in the Pacific Northwest. Data collection included feed delivery, water consumption, health events, open mouth breathing prevalence, and carcass traits. Linear and generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to determine potential differences between treatment group and temperature-humidity index (THI; <80 versus ≥80). Only 14% of the total study days had a THI ≥ 80, indicating little to no heat stress impacts. There were no differences found between PM and AM for any outcome (p < 0.05). Regardless of treatment group, water consumption tended (p = 0.07) to increase, and open mouth breathing significantly (p < 0.05) increased on days with THI ≥ 80. Further research is warranted to assess evening feeding as a heat stress mitigation strategy in a feedyard setting. Full article

This experiment aimed to explore the effects of different doses of compound probiotics (a 1:1:1 mixture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bacillus subtilis) added to the diet on pregnant sows and weaned piglets. The experiment was carried out in two stages. Experiment with pregnant sows: thirty-six second-parity Large White sows at 80 d of late gestation were randomly divided into a control group, experimental group I, and experimental group II. The control group was fed a basal diet, while experimental groups I and II were fed the basal diet supplemented with 2 g/kg and 3 g/kg of compound probiotics, respectively. The pre-experiment lasted 7 d, and the formal experiment continued until the end of lactation. The results showed that the numbers of live piglets per litter, healthy piglets per litter, litter birth weight and litter weaning weight in the experimental groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Colostrum IgG concentration in experimental group I was significantly higher than that in the control group and experimental group II (p < 0.05). Compound probiotics significantly increased colostrum immunoglobulin levels (p < 0.05). The concentrations of ammonia, carbon dioxide and PM2.5 in the barns of the experimental groups all showed a decreasing trend. Experiment with weaned piglets: a total of 160 Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred weaned piglets at 30 d of age with an initial body weight of (8.01 ± 0.13) kg were randomly assigned to four groups. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the treatment groups were supplemented with 2, 3, and 4 g/kg of compound probiotics, respectively. The results indicated that average daily gain and average daily feed intake in experimental group III were significantly higher than those in the control group, while the feed-to-gain ratio and diarrhea rate were significantly lower (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of crude fiber was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05), and serum IgA was significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 2 g/kg compound probiotics for sows in late gestation showed the optimal effect, improving reproductive performance, colostrum immune indices and reducing harmful gases in the barn. For weaned piglets, supplementation with 4 g/kg compound probiotics improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility and serum immune indices. Full article

Desertification strongly alters soil microbial communities in dryland ecosystems, yet the reassembly of fungal functional groups and their interactions under increasing aridity remain unclear. This study aimed to determine how desertification reshapes arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and endophytic fungal groups in the rhizosphere of Stipa breviflora and Artemisia frigida, as well as how these shifts are associated with fungal network fragmentation. Rhizosphere soil internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing and AMF-specific amplicon sequencing, combined with root colonization assessment, functional annotation, co-occurrence network analysis, and partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM), were used to assess shifts in fungal communities along the desertification gradient. Desertification significantly reduced soil multifunctionality and fungal diversity, accompanied by a shift in community composition from environmentally sensitive taxa to stress-tolerant groups. Along the desertification gradient, AMF diversity and colonization decreased, whereas FUNGuild-inferred endophytic fungal abundance and microscopically observed dark septate endophytes (DSEs) colonization increased. FUNGuild-inferred endophytic fungal abundance was negatively correlated with AMF diversity. Co-occurrence networks showed reduced connectivity and increased fragmentation under desertification, especially at the desert steppe and steppe desert stages. PLS-PM analysis revealed that desertification directly increased fungal network fragmentation and indirectly promoted fragmentation through increased FUNGuild-inferred endophytic fungi and reduced AMF diversity, whereas soil multifunctionality mainly reflected environmental deterioration along the gradient. These findings demonstrate the functional reassembly of rhizosphere fungi under desertification and suggest that compensatory shifts among fungal guilds may contribute to ecosystem stability in dryland grasslands. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite the substantial clinical and socioeconomic burden of chronic low back pain (CLBP), objective diagnostic biomarkers remain limited. Structural alterations of the lumbosacral muscles, particularly muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration (FI), have been proposed as imaging correlates of chronic pain. This scoping review aimed to synthesize current evidence on these alterations in CLBP and characterize the imaging and segmentation methods used. Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines and guided by the Population–Concept–Context framework. Population: adults with CLBP. Concept: MRI segmentation techniques are used to evaluate morphological soft-tissue changes. Context: clinical and research settings using MRI for CLBP evaluation. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science was performed for studies published between January 2014 and October 2024. Results: Twelve observational studies met the inclusion criteria. Degenerative alterations were consistently observed in CLBP and were not reported in control groups. Muscle atrophy was reported in ten studies (multifidus [MF]: 9; erector spinae [ES]: 7; psoas major [PM]: 2; paraspinal muscles [PPM]: 1; and increased FI in all studies (MF: 9; ES: 5; PM: 2; PPM: 2). Considerable heterogeneity between studies was noted. Conclusions: Lumbosacral muscles assessment may provide useful objective information for a more objective characterization of CLBP. Degenerative alterations were reported in all examined muscles except QL, with the MF most consistently affected. Changes in ES and PM may be specific for CLBP. The frequent co-occurrence of muscle atrophy and FI suggests that their combined evaluation may provide complementary information. Full article

Considering the therapeutic potential of the Proteus mirabilis PM16 podophage, the interaction between PM16, its host strain, and the mouse immune system was investigated. We evaluated how pre-existing humoral immunity to PM16 influences the immune response against P. mirabilis and the neutralization of the phage itself. Balb/c mice were divided into three groups and immunized two times with (1) 0.9% NaCl, (2) adjuvants, or (3) a mixture of PM16 and an adjuvant. Then, each group was subdivided into three subgroups: mock infection, infection with P. mirabilis, and infection with P. mirabilis followed by model phage therapy with PM16. The obtained results demonstrated that pre-immunization with PM16 enhanced the anti-P. mirabilis IgG antibody response upon bacterial challenge, indicating that the phage potentiates antibacterial immunity. In addition, pre-immunization elicited a significant anti-PM16 antibody response that resulted in in vitro neutralization of phage lytic activity. However, phage-neutralizing antibodies neither decreased the efficacy of phage therapy nor influenced bacteria-specific immune response. Thus, while PM16 can boost the host’s immune response against its bacterial host, the resulting humoral immunity also drives phage clearance through both direct and bacteria-mediated neutralization pathways, revealing a complex immunopharmacological relationship central to phage therapy. Full article

This study evaluates the development of Halomonas bluephagenesis TD01 as a novel, sustainable microbial platform for the production of hyaluronic acid (HA). Three distinct hyaluronan synthase genes (sezHasA and spHasA "Class I" from the Streptococcal group and pmHasA "class II") were heterologously expressed and compared, with the Class II synthase from Pasteurella multocida (pmHasA) emerging as the superior variant in rich media 60-LBG, achieving significantly higher titers of 0.88 g/L and molecular weight (M_w) of 1.15 MDa (Mega Daltons). Using a combination of Plackett–Burman design and Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the fermentation process was optimized, identifying initial pH, nitrogen source, and NaCl concentration as critical factors. These optimizations led to a maximum HA yield from 0.88 to 2.38 g/L (265% improvement) and M_w from 1.15 to 9.67 MDa. Furthermore, the study demonstrates precise tuning of HA molecular weight, ranging from 2.04 MDa to 9.67 MDa in a modified medium (40LBG-Y), by modulating L-arabinose induction levels. The structural integrity of the purified HA was confirmed via ESI-MS and ¹H-NMR. These findings establish H. bluephagenesis TD01 as a robust Next-Generation Industrial Biotechnology (NGIB) chassis for the scalable and customizable production of HA with a minimal cost and high-molecular-weight HA for medical applications. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the effects of two phytobiotic mixtures on performance, nutrient digestibility, histomorphology, microbiota, and antioxidant status in fattening ducks. A total of 180 day-old male mixed-type ducks were randomly assigned to three dietary groups: a control group receiving a basal diet, and two treatment groups (PM1: commercial phytobiotic formulation containing menthol, eucalyptus oil and turmeric leaf oil as key ingredients and PM2: commercial phytobiotic formulation containing garlic oil as a key ingredient) supplemented at 250 g/ton of feed. Ducks were reared for 49 days with six replicates of ten ducks. Performance parameters, including body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and average feed intake (AFI), were significantly improved in phytobiotic groups (p ≤ 0.05). Apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, and starch remained unaffected (p > 0.05). Histological analysis showed no significant differences in villus height (VH) or crypt depth (CD). However, cecal microbiota culture-based analysis revealed increased total anerobic bacteria and Lactobacillus counts in PM1 and PM2 (p ≤ 0.05). Antioxidant status demonstrated reduced MDA levels and elevated total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in breast and thigh tissues of treated ducks. Overall, phytobiotic supplementation improved performance and microbiota balance, supporting the potential application of these phytobiotic formulations at the inclusion level of 250 g/ton in fattening ducks’ nutrition. Full article

Background: Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are a heterogenous group of disorders frequently complicated by interstitial lung disease (ILD). We sought to discern phenotypic and serological differences according to the presence of ILD and initial evaluating medical specialty, i.e., rheumatology vs. pulmonology, with the goal of advancing personalized medicine. Methods: A computer-assisted search was conducted to identify patients with a diagnosis of IIM seen at Attikon University Hospital, from January 2010 to December 2025. Medical records were reviewed for clinical, laboratory and serological features. Results: We identified 140 patients with IIM; 96 (68.6%) were female with a mean age at diagnosis of 55.8 years (SD 15.7). ILD was present in 75 patients (53.6%), being more common among males (30/44, 68.2% vs. 45/96 females, 46.9%, p = 0.019). Patients in the ILD subgroup were older at diagnosis (mean age 60.2 years vs. 50.7 years, p < 0.001) and presented more often with dyspnea (41 vs. 1, p < 0.001), higher CRP (median 5.95 mg/L vs. 2.9 mg/L, p = 0.024), and lower CPK (median 103 vs. 580, p < 0.001). Patients first seen by a pulmonologist were more likely to be older (mean age 60.5 years vs. 53 years, p = 0.002) and to present with dyspnea (33 vs. 9, p < 0.001) and ILD (48 vs. 27, p < 0.001). By contrast, skin involvement (61% vs. 27%, p = 0.04), muscle weakness (53 vs. 15, p < 0.001) and elevated CPK (median 301.5 vs. 103.5, p = 0.013) were less frequent in these patients as compared to patients first evaluated by a rheumatologist. Anti-tRNA synthetase, anti-Ro52 and anti-Pm/Scl antibodies were more frequent in the ILD subgroup. Anti-tRNA antibodies were also more frequent in patients first seen by a pulmonologist. Conclusions: Patients with IIM-ILD are more likely to present without overt clinical or biochemical characteristics of muscle involvement, thereby increasing the likelihood of initial evaluation by pulmonologists. Full article

Background: High concentrations of coarse particulate matter PM₁₀ from road dust are a major air quality concern in Visby, Sweden. To mitigate these levels, local authorities replaced soft limestone with crushed granite as an anti-slip material starting in the winter of 2023/2024. This is a follow-up study evaluating the impact of this intervention on PM₁₀ concentrations and the associated short-term respiratory health effects. Methods: Daily counts of healthcare visits for respiratory diseases (ICD-10: J00–J99) and daily mean PM₁₀ concentrations were analyzed using a quasi-Poisson regression model. This study compared the limestone period (2015–2019) with the granite period (2023–2025), stratified by season (winter/spring and summer/autumn) and age group (children 0–17 years and adults >17 years). Results: The transition to crushed granite reduced peak PM₁₀ concentrations during the spring. For adults, the relative risks for respiratory visits during winter/spring decreased during the granite period when compared to the limestone period (Wald p < 0.05). However, when considering that there were a majority of non-statistically significant differences when comparing the granite and limestone periods, these results should be interpreted with caution. Among children, more pronounced associations were observed during summer, although no significant differences in risk were detected between the limestone and granite periods. Conclusions: Although the intervention effectively lowered particle mass concentrations, only minor changes were observed in the overall epidemiological pattern. This suggests that public health improvements may be limited by factors beyond total mass reduction, such as particle mineralogy or seasonal exposure dynamics. Full article

Background: Menstrual disorders are among the most common health problems faced by young women, yet effective interventions remain limited. Recent evidence has linked endocrine disruptors (EDs) to dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), suggesting that reducing exposure may alleviate symptoms. Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of an immersive virtual reality (VR) intervention designed to promote protective behaviors against EDs and to evaluate its longitudinal impact on menstrual pain and PMS among young adult women. Methods: A nonequivalent comparison group pretest and repeated posttest experimental design was applied, using a convenience sample of 30 participants. Guided by the Information–Motivation–Behavioral skills model, the immersive VR intervention incorporated educational content, motivational cues, and avatar-based play experiences to enhance knowledge, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy. The comparison group received a small-group education session. Data were collected at baseline and at 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-baseline. Results: Repeated-measures revealed significant interaction effects between group and time for menstrual pain (F = 2.67, p = 0.039), perceived benefits of protection from ED exposure (F = 4.41, p = 0.003), self-efficacy in reducing ED exposure (F = 5.42, p = 0.001), and protective behaviors against EDs (F = 4.68, p = 0.002). However, the overall group-by-time interaction effect for PMS was not statistically significant (F = 2.05, p = 0.097). Conclusion/Implication for Practice: Immersive VR as part of digital interventions has the potential to transform patient education by enhancing engagement while promoting protective health behaviors and improving associated health outcomes. Future research should explore strategies to improve long-term behavioral adherence and examine whether booster sessions can help sustain the effects of the intervention over time. Full article

Chronic exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) derived from wood combustion represents a major environmental health burden, particularly during pregnancy. However, the impact of pregestational and gestational (PM_2.5) exposure on the maternal great vasculature remains largely unexplored. This study evaluates the effects of wood smoke-derived (PM_2.5) on the structural architecture of the maternal aortic arch and associated hemodynamic changes during pregnancy in second-generation Sprague–Dawley rats. Animals were allocated into four groups (n = 12) according to filtered (FA) or non-filtered air (NFA) exposure during pregestational and gestational periods: FA/FA, FA/NFA, NFA/FA, and NFA/NFA. Morphometric analysis revealed significant reductions in tunica media (p = 0.0251) and adventitia thickness (p = 0.0014) in exposed groups, without changes in integrated optical density, suggesting alterations in elastic matrix organization without evidence of net mass loss. Histological analysis supported exposure-dependent structural heterogeneity, including elastic lamellae fragmentation and extracellular matrix disorganization. Each exposed group exhibited a distinct systolic blood pressure trajectory across gestation, with FA/NFA reaching the highest values at day 18 (151.0 ± 17.0 mmHg) and NFA/FA displaying sustained elevations despite gestational low-exposure conditions. Principal component analysis (49.2% explained variance) revealed a structured multivariate distribution of vascular and hemodynamic variables across exposure conditions, consistent with an exposure-window-dependent pattern. These findings suggest that (PM_2.5) exposure is associated with coordinated structural and hemodynamic changes in the aortic arch and support the hypothesis that the pregestational period may represent a window of increased susceptibility. Full article