Search Results (5,266)

Background: Thyroid hormone dysregulation is a well-recognized consequence of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), particularly in neonates undergoing congenital heart surgery. Triiodothyronine (T3) plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular stability, and an early decline in serum levels may adversely impact clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate perioperative thyroid hormone changes and their association with morbidity and mortality. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 132 neonates who underwent congenital cardiac surgery with CPB between January 2021 and June 2024. Serum free T3 (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured preoperatively and within one hour after admission to the cardiac intensive care unit. Demographic, clinical, and surgical variables were recorded. Associations between thyroid hormone levels and postoperative outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, ventilation duration, vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS), and length of stay, were assessed using correlation analyses, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: Postoperatively, both FT3 and TSH levels declined significantly (p < 0.01), while FT4 levels remained unchanged. Lower postoperative FT3 levels were negatively correlated with prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation (rho = −0.196, p = 0.029) and longer hospital stay (rho = −0.183, p = 0.042). Overall mortality was 7.6% (n = 10). Non-survivors had significantly lower postoperative FT3 levels compared with survivors (p = 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression, postoperative FT3 was independently associated with mortality (OR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.05–1.03, p = 0.048). ROC analysis demonstrated good predictive performance of postoperative FT3 for mortality (AUC = 0.818), with an optimal cutoff of 2.17 pg/mL (sensitivity 72%, specificity 70%). Conclusions: Early postoperative suppression of FT3 is common after CPB in neonates and is independently associated with increased mortality and adverse short-term outcomes. Early assessment of thyroid function, particularly FT3, may provide valuable prognostic information and aid in risk stratification in this high-risk population. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa, 2n = 4x = 36, AABB subgenomes) is a highly nutritious crop with the potential to diversify global diets and alleviate malnutrition. It is also adaptable for production in soils increasingly affected by salinization and water scarcity. Quinoa was domesticated and artificially selected as a crop within the Andes Mountains, the geographically isolated Mediterranean climate zone of coastal Chile, and along the northwestern fringe of the Argentine dry Pampas. In addition, there is now abundant information regarding the wild species that were its immediate ancestors and which should be viewed as its secondary and tertiary breeding gene pools. These same ancestors contributed to independent domestications of the other forms of “quinoa” in ancient Mesoamerica and eastern North America from a common AABB ancestor-species, C. berlandieri, known commonly as pitseed goosefoot (PG). This review explores the biogeography of the diploid and polyploid relatives of the AABB allotetraploid goosefoot complex (ATGC). The seven or more ecotypes of PG, including the South American taxon C. hircinum, or avian goosefoot (AG), contain broad genetic variability, and some can be used directly as crossing partners in making quinoa breeding populations. Of the extant diploid relatives, C. subglabrum (SMG) is most closely related to the original maternal subgenome A of PG, while C. suecicum (SWG) or C. ficifolium (FG) are most closely related to paternal subgenome B. These and the other AA and BB diploids are valuable model organisms for locating and modifying genes of interest and their expression, the ultimate goals being to increase quinoa’s yield potential, improve its nutritional attributes, explore value-adding industrial uses, and enhance quinoa’s already formidable mechanisms to resist environmental stresses. This review is an update on the current state of quinoa breeding, with an emphasis on the value of wild genetic resources for quinoa improvement. It provides a comprehensive review of the scientific literature for scientists interested in adding quinoa to their breeding program. Full article

This study aimed to elucidate the impact of Persian Gum (PG; Amygdalus scoparia Spach) on the heat-induced aggregation and interfacial behavior of whey protein isolate (WPI). To achieve this, pure WPI and mixed WPI-PG systems were subjected to thermal treatments between 25 and 85 °C, and their structural and functional changes were characterized using fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption, turbidity and bulk viscosity measurements, interfacial shear and dilatational rheology, and foaming assessments. The presence of PG altered the aggregation pathway of WPI in a temperature-dependent manner, producing smaller, more soluble complexes with lower turbidity, particularly at higher temperatures. Both pure WPI and WPI-PG mixtures exhibited increased surface hydrophobicity upon heating; however, PG generally reduced the dilatational elastic modulus except at 85 °C, where the mixed system showed a higher modulus than WPI alone. In contrast, the interfacial shear modulus increased over time in all samples, with consistently higher values observed for WPI-PG mixtures at both 25 °C and 85 °C. Notably, three complementary methods were employed to evaluate foaming properties and interfacial behavior in this study, revealing that factors such as concentration, measurement time, and methodological approach strongly influence the observed responses, highlighting the complexity of interpreting protein-polysaccharide interactions. The ability of PG to modulate WPI unfolding and limit the formation of large aggregates during heating demonstrates a previously unreported mechanism by which PG tailors heat-induced protein network formation. These findings underscore the potential of Persian Gum as a functional polysaccharide for designing heat-treated food systems with controlled aggregation behavior and optimized interfacial performance. Full article

To address the challenges of rutting and performance balance in asphalt pavements under high-temperature and heavy-load conditions, a novel polyolefin composite modifier (PCM-H) was developed from waste tire rubber powder, recycled ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), petroleum resin, and polymer additives. The chemical characteristics, thermal stability, and compatibility mechanisms of PCM-H were compared with those of two commercial modifiers (PCM-1 and PCM-2) using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). PCM-H exhibited superior compatibility and thermal stability. In contrast, PCM-2 tends to crystallize and precipitate within the 180–200 °C range, which is detrimental to the stability of the composite system. At an optimal dosage of 10 wt% in styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) modified asphalt, PCM-H formed a uniform dispersion and, through crosslinking reactions, established a three-dimensional network structure. Subsequently, the performance of composite modified asphalts, prepared with each of the three modifiers at their respective optimal dosages, was evaluated comparatively. Performance evaluations demonstrated that all polyolefin-modified asphalts significantly outperformed the conventional SBS modified asphalt. The PCM-H modified asphalt (PCM-H MA) exhibited the most superior performance, achieving a performance grade (PG) exceeding 94 °C, along with exceptional high-temperature elasticity and creep resistance, superior low-temperature cracking resistance, and enhanced fatigue healing capability. The results indicated that the crosslinked network structure effectively enhances asphalt cohesion, thereby providing a synergistic improvement in both high- and low-temperature performance. This study provides an effective solution and theoretical basis for developing high-performance pavement materials resistant to high temperatures and heavy loads conditions. Full article

Background and Objectives: Oxidative stress plays a central role in numerous pathological and toxicological processes, and in vivo investigations are essential for understanding integrated systemic responses. Methylxanthines have been reported to modulate redox homeostasis through multiple mechanisms, but their effects in aquatic vertebrate models under metal nanoparticle-induced oxidative stress remain poorly characterized. Materials and Methods: In the present study, adult zebrafish were exposed for 15 days to ZnO nanoparticles (0.69 mg/L) as a pro-oxidant model, and to methylxanthines (caffeine, theobromine, theophylline; 50 mg/L). Oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed by measuring the levels of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in whole-body homogenates using ELISA. Complementary molecular docking was performed to investigate methylxanthine–enzyme interactions. Results: The most substantial change was observed for SOD level, which significant increased compared to the control group (from 0.122 to 1.090 ng/g; p = 0.001), followed by CAT, which rose from 38.3 pg/g to 100.8 pg/g; p = 0.001), and GPX1 which increased from 84.3 pg/g to 142.2 pg/g; p = 0.011). In parallel, GSH levels decreased by 58.7% (p = 0.001). Co-exposure to methylxanthines significantly modulated the ZnO-NPs exposure response, by mitigating the increase in antioxidant enzyme levels and restoring glutathione. Among the tested compounds, theobromine exerted the strongest protective effect on GPx1 and GSH and caffeine primarily influenced CAT and SOD, whereas theophylline showed overall weaker responses. The molecular docking investigation indicated that all tested methylxanthines can attach to different cavities of the antioxidant enzymes. Theophylline and theobromine established hydrogen bonds and π-stacking interactions with the interfacing amino acids, potentially contributing to the modulation of enzymes stabilization and function under physiological conditions. Conclusions: ZnO-NPs trigger a robust systemic response in zebrafish, whereas methylxanthines display distinct compound-specific modulating effects. Full article

Background: Among hormone therapy options for menopause, subcutaneous estradiol pellets offer sustained hormone release, avoid first-pass hepatic metabolism, and maintain a near-physiological estradiol-to-estrone ratio. Despite clinical use since the 1940s, standardized protocols remain lacking. Methods: We performed a critical narrative review following SANRA criteria. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and LILACS were searched from 1949 to 2024 for randomized trials, cohort studies, and case series on estradiol pellets and outcomes in symptom control, bone health, pharmacokinetics, and safety. Animal studies, editorials, and reports without primary clinical data were excluded. Results: Following an initial peak within the first week, pellets maintain stable serum estradiol levels within the early-to-mid follicular range (50–113 pg/mL depending on dose) for four to six months, with a near-physiological E2:E1 ratio of approximately 1.5:1. The 25 mg dose achieves mean levels of 50–70 pg/mL, effectively controls vasomotor symptoms, and increases bone mineral density. Compared with oral estradiol, pellets bypass hepatic first-pass metabolism, resulting in neutral or favorable metabolic and thrombotic profiles. Compared with transdermal therapy, pellets provide more predictable pharmacokinetics, especially in women with low skin absorption. Safety concerns, including bleeding, tachyphylaxis, and supraphysiological levels, are mainly associated with excessive dosing, premature reimplantation, or lack of endometrial protection in women with a uterus. Conclusions: Estradiol pellets are an effective option for women with poor transdermal absorption, low adherence to daily regimens, or surgical menopause. Safety depends on clinical management with individualized dosing, adequate endometrial protection, and laboratory monitoring. Long-term comparative studies are needed to standardize protocols and support broader evidence-based use. Full article

Background and Objectives: In severe COVID-19-associated sepsis, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is used as a rescue strategy to modulate cytokine and coagulation derangements, but its biomarker and organ-failure effects remain incompletely characterised. We evaluated peri-procedural changes in interleukin-6 (IL-6), other inflammatory markers, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores according to TPE intensity, timing, and inflammatory phenotypes. Methods: We conducted a single-centre retrospective cohort study including 102 mechanically ventilated adults with COVID-19-associated sepsis who received ≥1 TPE session. Patients were grouped by number of sessions (1, 2, ≥3), timing (≤14 vs. >14 days from symptom onset), IL-6 responder status (≥50% reduction), and two unsupervised inflammatory–thrombotic clusters. Peri-procedural changes (Δ) in biomarkers and SOFA were compared using non-parametric tests, with multivariable logistic and linear regression exploring predictors of IL-6 response and ΔSOFA. Results: Baseline severity was similar across TPE-intensity groups, with median APACHE II scores of 11–12 and SOFA scores around 7 in all strata. Median IL-6 concentrations declined after TPE in each group (e.g., Δ −59.4 pg/mL after 1 session and Δ −65.1 pg/mL after ≥3 sessions), but between-group differences in ΔIL-6 were not statistically significant (p = 0.276). By contrast, D-dimer exhibited a marked decline only in the 1-session group (median Δ −1.7 mg/L vs. ~0.0 mg/L in the 2- and ≥3-session groups; p < 0.001). Timing (early vs. late TPE) did not materially affect ΔIL-6, ΔCRP, ΔSOFA (median 0.0 in both), or ΔD-dimer. Overall, 50% of patients were IL-6 responders; baseline IL-6 was the only independent predictor (adjusted OR 1.9 per doubling, 95% CI 1.3–2.8). A hyperinflammatory–thrombotic cluster (n = 44) exhibited higher baseline IL-6 (612.3 vs. 92.4 pg/mL), more ≥3-session TPE (65.9% vs. 29.3%), and higher IL-6 responder rates (75.0% vs. 31.0%), but similar 28-day mortality (40.9% vs. 29.3%). Conclusions: In this real-world TPE programme, biochemical improvements—particularly IL-6 and D-dimer reductions in hyperinflammatory–thrombotic patients—were not consistently accompanied by short-term SOFA or survival benefits, underscoring the need for phenotype-guided and trial-based use. Full article

Cynanchum thesioides (C. thesioides) is a sand-dwelling edible and medicinal plant whose fruit softens rapidly after harvest, limiting its storage life. In this study, we investigated the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of alternating magnetic field (AMF) treatment as a non-thermal and eco-friendly preservation method for C. thesioides fruit. Freshly harvested fruits were subjected to AMF at varying field intensities (1.07–1.54 mT) and exposure durations (5–25 min). We monitored the physiological indicators (respiration rate, membrane permeability, and firmness) during storage to determine the optimal conditions and performed transcriptome sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes, with qRT-PCR validation of two key cell wall-degrading genes (β-glucosidase (BG) and polygalacturonase (PG)). The results showed that AMF treatment at 1.28 mT for 15 min best maintained the postharvest quality, significantly reducing respiration and membrane leakage while delaying firmness loss. Transcriptomic analysis identified 2480 differentially expressed genes enriched in hormone signaling and cell wall metabolism pathways, and qRT-PCR confirmed that AMF downregulated BG and PG expression, suggesting suppressed cell wall degradation and delayed softening. In conclusion, AMF treatment effectively prolonged the shelf life of C. thesioides by modulating the expression of cell wall-related genes. These findings provide novel insight into magnetic field-induced fruit preservation and support AMF as a green non-thermal postharvest technology. Full article

Nonylphenol (NP) bioremediation is constrained by the scarcity of efficient and non-pathogenic degrading strains. To clarify the role of acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase (AtoB) in NP degradation, we generated an atoB-overexpressed strain (LY-OE) from the environmentally tolerant Bacillus cereus LY and compared its degradation rate with the wild type using HPLC. Untargeted lipidomics was conducted to characterize metabolic responses under NP stress, and key differential lipid metabolites (DELMs) were further validated by ELISA. Additionally, AtoB concentration and ATP content were quantified using commercial assay kits in Bacillus cereus. LY-OE showed a markedly higher NP degradation rate (96%) than LY (85%). Lipidomic analysis identified 34 significant DELMs (VIP > 1, p < 0.05), including elevated cardiolipin (CL) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and reduced phosphatidylcholine (PC) and triglycerides (TG). ELISA confirmed these changes (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001), consistent with lipidomic findings. LY-OE showed significantly higher AtoB concentration during the logarithmic growth phase and exhibited higher ATP content during NP degradation. These findings suggest that atoB overexpression enhances NP degradation by both boosting energy supply and remodeling lipid metabolism. This work identifies atoB as a key factor for NP biodegradation and provides a promising strategy for developing high-performance bioremediation strains. Full article

DNA nanoparticles have emerged as potent platforms for wearable and implantable biosensors owing to their molecular programmability, biocompatibility, and structural precision. This study delineates two principal categories of DNA-based sensing materials, DNA hydrogels and DNA origami, and encapsulates their fabrication methodologies, sensing mechanisms, and applications at the device level. DNA hydrogels serve as pliable, aqueous signal transduction mediums exhibiting stimulus-responsive characteristics, facilitating applications such as sweat-based cytokine detection with limits of detection as low as pg·mL⁻¹ and microneedle-integrated hydrogels for femtomolar miRNA sensing. DNA origami offers nanometer-scale spatial precision that improves electrochemical, optical, and plasmonic biosensing, as shown by origami-facilitated luminous nucleic acid detection and ultrasensitive circulating tumor DNA assays with fM-level sensitivity. Emerging integration technologies, such as flexible electronics, microfluidics, and wireless readout, are examined, alongside prospective developments in AI-assisted DNA design and materials produced from synthetic biology. This study offers a thorough and practical viewpoint on the progression of DNA nanotechnology for next-generation wearable and implantable biosensing devices. Full article

Background: Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity are increasingly recognized in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), yet their molecular underpinnings remain poorly defined. We sought to synthesize current evidence on biomarker associations with muscle loss and function in the post renal transplant setting. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane databases was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies evaluating biomarkers related to sarcopenia or sarcopenic obesity in adult and pediatric KTRs were included. Quality assessment was performed with the NHLBI tool. Results: Seven studies were included, encompassing 548 KTRs. Myostatin levels predicted sarcopenia in KTRs (cut-off: 390 pg/mL) and inversely correlated with Metabolic equivalent of Tasks (METs), handgrip strength (HGS), and graft performance. Although adiponectin was negatively correlated with body fat, its high-molecular-weight isoform was linked to lower muscle mass and long-term graft decline. Leptin was associated with sarcopenic obesity and lower estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). Insulin like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) independently predicted HGS but not muscle mass. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels predicted sarcopenia (cut off: 17.8 ng/mL) and reflected physical activity levels. Visfatin showed no association with sarcopenia but it was positively correlated with eGFR. Lastly, certain polymorphisms of Alpha-actinin-3 (ACTN3) were shown to genetically predispose to post-transplant sarcopenia. Conclusions: These emerging candidate biomarkers provide promising mechanistic insight into post-transplant muscle decline and may ultimately support more personalized risk assessment. Further validation is needed, and functional measures remain the most reliable clinical tools at present. Full article

Homogeneous fluorescence immunoassays are in high demand due to their simplicity, rapidity, sensitivity, and specificity. These methods typically utilize immune-induced changes in the rotational mobility of the fluorophore with depolarization of plane-polarized excitation light (FPIA, etc.) or fluorescence quenching based on intramolecular energy transfer (FRET, etc.). This article presents an immunoassay based on enhanced emission of the fluorescein label in immune complexes. Over the entire history of fluorescence immunoassay research, this effect has been described in a few papers, while it allows overcoming the limitations of prevailing approaches. We discovered the assay for detecting aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a widespread toxic contaminant of agricultural products. The one-step assay procedure consists of mixing the sample with antibodies and fluorescently labeled AFB1, accompanied by fluorescence measurement. This method enables the detection of AFB1 at concentrations up to 200 pg/mL in 10 min, including measurements in complex samples (corn extracts). Minimal manipulations in the course of the testing also provide high accuracy. The AFB1 revealed in contaminated corn samples was in the range of 76–136%. The influence of immune complex formation on the fluorescent label’s emission can be easily tested and serve as a basis for applying this principle to other diverse analytes and various kinds of samples. Full article

Background: Dulaglutide, a GLP-1-IgG4 Fc fusion, is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes therapy and other emerging indications. It is produced commercially in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The supply of the original drug is now limited in some regions, so creation of highly productive biosimilar manufacturing platforms is important. Methods: Two expression plasmids (p1.1-Tr2-Dul, p1.2-GS-Dul) encoding dulaglutide were sequentially transfected into apoptosis-resistant CHO 4BGD cells. Two-step transgene amplifications with methotrexate (MTX), followed by methionine sulfoximine (MSX) selection and subsequent cell cloning pipeline, were employed. Candidate clonal cell lines were selected using fed-batch culturing and long-term productivity testing. Results: Transfection with a second plasmid encoding glutamine synthetase (p1.2-GS-Dul) and selection with MSX resulted in a further ~30% increase titer in polyclonal population even after MTX-driven amplification. Top clone 4BGD/Dul #73 reached 1.05 g/L product titer in fed-batch culture (qP up to 22 pg·cell⁻¹·day⁻¹) and remained stable for 69 days in medium without MTX/MSX. Size exclusion-high-performance liquid chromatography showed ≥95% monomer; EC₅₀ of the purified GLP-1-Fc in a GLP-1R/CRE-Luc assay was 52 pM for the obtained product versus 76 pM for the original reference drug. Conclusions: The sequential transfection and dual-marker selection approach enables the efficient generation of a robust, high-yield, and glutamine-independent CHO producer, representing a productive strategy suitable for industrial biosimilar development. Full article

Background: Impaired bone health is a recognized complication of type 1 diabetes. This study evaluated the effects of low-carbohydrate (LC) and Mediterranean (MED) diets on bone turnover markers in adolescents and young adults. Methods: In a 24-week randomized controlled trial, 40 individuals aged 12–21 years, with type 1 diabetes, were assigned to an LC or MED intervention (20 participants per group). C-terminal telopeptide (CTX) and procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) were measured at baseline and 24 weeks. Results: The groups had similar baselines. At 24 weeks, the between-group difference in delta glucose time in range was not statistically significant; median daily carbohydrate intake was 86 g (68–95) in LC and 130 g (102–173) in MED (p < 0.001). Comparing LC to MED, the median BMI z-score was lower (−0.1 [−0.3 to −0.1] vs. 0.0 [−0.1 to −0.1], p = 0.10), and calcium (p = 0.035) and magnesium intakes (p = 0.030) were lower. These associations did not remain statistically significant after false-discovery-rate correction. The median-adjusted alkaline phosphatase level decreased significantly in the LC group (p = 0.009). The median CTX changed following LC from 395 pg/mL (232–591) to 423 pg/mL (289–591) (p = 0.278); and following MED, from 357 pg/mL (244–782) to 296 pg/mL (227–661) (p = 0.245). P1NP changed in LC from 95 ng/mL (68–112) to 88 ng/mL (62–97) (p = 0.056) and in MED from 76 ng/mL (54–198) to 71 ng/mL (55–122) (p = 0.594). Conclusions: Exploratory analyses of bone turnover markers showed insignificant differences following LC and MED diets. Full article

Background and Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complex pregnancy condition that carries substantial risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Following the implementation of universal diagnostic criteria in our clinical practice, this study was undertaken to assess their applicability and to determine whether locally conducted clinical studies are beneficial before adopting globally applicable criteria. By retrospectively analyzing parameters relevant to GDM from medical records, we aimed to determine the suitability of existing diagnostic criteria for our population, taking into account distinct socioeconomic, demographic, and genetic factors, and to assess the validity of alternative criteria. Materials and Methods: We used data from 2183 pregnant women who underwent 75 g-OGTT between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Results of the plasma glucose (PG) measurements were used to assign women into four diagnostic groups: diagnosed and treated by IADPSG criteria, diabetes mellitus in pregnancy identified according to WHO-2006 criteria, identified according to CDA-2013 criteria, and identified according to Tomic et al. criteria, based on a study on our population. Pregnancy outcomes were extracted from medical records. Results: The prevalence of GDM was 18.7% by IADPSG criteria, comparable to published data. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were consistently more frequent in GDM groups across all diagnostic systems (46.6–80% versus 33.9–35.9% in non-GDM). Maternal BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² was also associated with having large-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonates, contributing to the influence of hyperglycemia. Excessive gestational weight gain was a predictor of complications such as macrosomia and cesarean delivery. Conclusions: Before adopting universal GDM diagnostic criteria, population-specific studies are valuable to balance detection rates and clinical accuracy. Full article