Search Results (12,339)

The kallikrein–kinin system and its B1 and B2 receptors are key regulators in metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance. Obesity, a chronic and multifactorial condition often associated with comorbidities like type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia, remains poorly understood at the metabolic level. The kinin B2 receptor (B2R) is involved in blood pressure regulation and glucose metabolism, promoting glucose uptake in skeletal muscle via bradykinin. Studies in B2R-KO mice demonstrate that the absence of this receptor predisposes animals to glucose intolerance under a high-fat diet and impairs adaptive thermogenesis, indicating a protective role for B2R in metabolic homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. In contrast, the kinin B1 receptor (B1R) is inducible under pathological conditions and is activated by kinin metabolites. Mouse models lacking B1R exhibit improved metabolic profiles, including protection against high-fat diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance, enhanced energy expenditure, and increased leptin sensitivity. B1R inactivation in adipocytes enhances insulin responsiveness and glucose tolerance, supporting its role in the development of insulin resistance. Moreover, B1R deficiency improves energy metabolism and thermogenic responses to adrenergic and cold stimuli, promoting the activation of brown adipose tissue and the browning of white adipose tissue. Collectively, these findings suggest that B1R and B2R represent promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Full article

Maternal undernutrition (MUN) causes severe metabolic disruption in the offspring of mammals. Here we determined the role of histone modification in hepatic gene expression in late-gestation fetuses of nutritionally restricted cows, an established model using low-nutrition (LN) and high-nutrition (HN) conditions. The chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing results show that genes with an altered trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) are associated with cortisol synthesis and secretion, the PPAR signaling pathway, and aldosterone synthesis and secretion. Genes with the H3K27me3 alteration were associated with glutamatergic synapse and gastric acid secretion. Compared to HN fetuses, promoter H3K4me3 levels in LN fetuses were higher in GDF15, IRF2BP2, PPP1R3B, and QRFPR but lower in ANGPTL4 and APOA5. Intriguingly, genes with the greatest expression changes (>1.5-fold) exhibited the anticipated up-/downregulation from elevated or reduced H3K4me3 levels; however, a significant relationship was not observed between promoter CpG methylation or H3K27me3 and the gene set with the greatest expression changes. Furthermore, the stress response genes EIF2A, ATF4, DDIT3, and TRIB3 were upregulated in the MUN fetal liver, suggesting activation by upregulated GDF15. Thus, H3K4me3 likely plays a crucial role in MUN-induced physiological adaptation, altering the hepatic gene expression responsible for the integrated stress response and systemic energy metabolism, especially circulating lipoprotein lipase regulation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cancer is a complex disease that affects patients’ nutritional and psychological status. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of patients diagnosed with lung and gastrointestinal system cancers and evaluate its association with anthropometric measurements, nutrient intake, and psychological symptoms. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 180 patients with lung and gastrointestinal system cancers. Data were collected face-to-face by a questionnaire that included the Subjective Global Assessment-(SGA), Cachexia Assessment Criteria, 24 h Food Consumption Record, and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised-(SCL-90-R). Some anthropometric measurements were collected. Results: Body Mass Index (BMI) was found to be significantly lower (p < 0.001) in SGA-B (moderately malnourished) and SGA-C (severely malnourished) compared to those in SGA-A (well-nourished). The calf circumference was significantly lower (p = 0.002) in SGA-C compared to those in SGA-A and SGA-B. The mean SGA scores were found to be higher in cachexia-diagnosed participants (p < 0.001). The energy intake of SGA-C was significantly lower than SGA-A and SGA-B (p < 0.001). In addition, the energy intake of SGA-B was lower than SGA-A (p < 0.001). The protein intake of SGA-C was lower than SGA-A and SGA-B (p < 0.001). The protein intake of SGA-B was lower than SGA-A (p < 0.001). Regarding the intake of vitamins A, C, E, B1, and B6 and carotene, folate, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc, SGA-B and SGA-C were significantly lower than SGA-A (p < 0.001). Additionally, only phobic anxiety was found to be significantly higher in SGA-B than in SGA-A (p: 0.024). Conclusions: As the level of malnutrition increased, a reduction in some nutrient intake and anthropometric measurements was observed. No significant difference was found in any psychological symptoms except phobic anxiety. With this in mind, it is important that every cancer patient, regardless of the stage of the disease, is referred to a dietitian from the time of diagnosis. Full article

This paper proposes an intelligent power adaptation framework for Free-Space Optics (FSO) communication systems operating under different weather conditions exploiting a deep learning (DL) analysis of received eye diagram images. The system incorporates two Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architectures, LeNet and Wide Residual Network (Wide ResNet) algorithms to perform regression tasks that predict received signal quality metrics such as the Quality Factor (Q-factor) and Bit Error Rate (BER) from the received eye diagram. These models are evaluated using Mean Squared Error (MSE) and the coefficient of determination (${\mathrm{R}}^2$ score) to assess prediction accuracy. Additionally, a custom CNN-based classifier is trained to determine whether the BER reading from the eye diagram exceeds a critical threshold of ${10}^{-4}$; this classifier achieves an overall accuracy of 99%, correctly detecting 194/195 “acceptable” and 4/5 “unacceptable” instances. Based on the predicted signal quality, the framework activates a dual-amplifier configuration comprising a pre-channel amplifier with a maximum gain of 25 dB and a post-channel amplifier with a maximum gain of 10 dB. The total gain of the amplifiers is adjusted to support the operation of the FSO system under all-weather conditions. The FSO system uses a 15 dBm laser source at 1550 nm. The DL models are tested on both internal and external datasets to validate their generalization capability. The results show that the regression models achieve strong predictive performance, and the classifier reliably detects degraded signal conditions, enabling the real-time gain control of the amplifiers to achieve the quality of transmission. The proposed solution supports robust FSO communication under challenging atmospheric conditions including dry snow, making it suitable for deployment in regions like Northern Europe, Canada, and Northern Japan. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a lethal malignancy curable only by surgical resection in early stages (Tis, T1, T2). Significant controversy exists regarding the optimal extent of surgery. This review summarizes recent trends and evidence on surgical strategies for Tis, T1, and T2 GBC to guide practice and research. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes recent literature on surgical management of Tis, T1a, T1b, and T2 GBC based on American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition staging. It examines simple vs. extended cholecystectomy (simple cholecystectomy (SC) vs. extended/radical cholecystectomy (EC/RC)), the role of lymphadenectomy (LND) and hepatectomy, and minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Results: Simple cholecystectomy is curative for Tis/T1a GBC. For T1b, regional LND is essential for staging/potential benefit, especially examining ≥5–6 nodes. Tumor size is critical; SC alone may suffice for T1b < 1 cm (low lymph node metastasis (LNM) risk), while EC/RC with LND is indicated for ≥1 cm (higher LNM risk). Routine hepatectomy for T1b lacks survival support. For T2 GBC, mandatory regional LND (≥6 nodes) is required for both T2a and T2b substages due to high LNM rates; T2b has higher LNM than T2a. Routine hepatectomy for T2 is debated; evidence suggests no routine benefit for T2a beyond LND, with conflicting findings for T2b. R0 resection is paramount. MIS is feasible for early stages in experienced hands. Conclusions: Management of early GBC is moving towards risk stratification. SC is standard for Tis/T1a. Adequate regional LND is crucial for T1b (especially ≥1 cm) and mandatory for T2 GBC. Routine hepatectomy, particularly for T2b, remains controversial. Tailored surgery prioritizes R0 resection and comprehensive LND, necessitating further standardized research. Full article

Chronic musculoskeletal pain negatively affects patients’ quality of life, and pain perceptions may significantly influence rehabilitation outcomes. This study investigated the relationships among pain intensity, pain perceptions, and kinesiophobia in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain. No previous studies have examined these variables in combination. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 37 participants with non-specific chronic musculoskeletal pain for at least 6 months, affecting the neck (n = 8), lower back (n = 18), upper limbs (n = 5), lower limbs (n = 5), or shoulder (n = 1). The following validated tools were used: (a) Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory (PBPI), (b) the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), and (c) the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). Spearman r correlation analyses were performed. Total kinesiophobia scores were positively correlated with (a) total pain intensity (McGill score) (r = 0.37, p = 0.022), (b) present pain intensity (PPI) (r = 0.52, p = 0.001), (c) pain duration (r = 0.51, p = 0.001), (d) the “mystery” factor of pain perception (r = 0.41, p = 0.013), and (e) the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (r = 0.42, p = 0.009). The total pain perception scores were positively associated with the “fear of injury” factor of kinesiophobia (r = 0.36, p = 0.028). The McGill pain scores were strongly correlated with both PPI (r = 0.63, p = 0.001) and VAS (r = 0.51, p = 0.001). There is a significant relationship between pain perception and kinesiophobia levels in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Limitations of the study include a small and heterogeneous sample regarding pain localization. Further research is required using larger, more homogeneous populations to confirm the present findings. Full article

Ischemic stroke is a serious disease that frequently occurs in the elderly and is characterized by a complex pathophysiology and a limited number of effective therapeutic agents. Salvianolic acid A (SAL-A) is a natural product derived from the rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza, which possesses diverse pharmacological activities. This study aims to investigate the effect and mechanisms of SAL-A in inhibiting ferroptosis to improve ischemic stroke. Brain injury, oxidative stress and ferroptosis-related analysis were performed to evaluate the effect of SAL-A on ischemic stroke in photochemical induction of stroke (PTS) in mice. Lipid peroxidation levels, antioxidant protein levels, tissue iron content, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and mitochondrial morphology changes were detected to explore its mechanism. SAL-A significantly attenuated brain injury, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 4 (ACSL4) levels. In addition, SAL-A also amplified the antioxidative properties of glutathione (GSH) when under glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and the reduction in ferrous ion levels. In vitro, brain microvascular endothelial cells (b.End.3) exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) were used to investigate whether the anti-stroke mechanism of SAL-A is related to Nrf2. Following OGD/R, ML385 (Nrf2 inhibitor) prevents SAL-A from inhibiting oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction in b.End.3 cells. In conclusion, SAL-A inhibits ferroptosis to ameliorate ischemic brain injury, and this effect is mediated through Nrf2. Full article

Background and Objectives: Risk stratification in acute heart failure (AHF) remains challenging, particularly in settings where biomarker availability is limited. Echocardiography offers valuable hemodynamic insights, but no single parameter fully captures the complexity of biventricular dysfunction and pressure overload. This study aimed to evaluate a novel echocardiographic index (ViRTUE Index–VTI-RVRA-TAPSE Unified Evaluation) integrating a peak systolic gradient between the right ventricle and right atrium (RV-RA gradient), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), the velocity–time integral in the left ventricular outflow tract (VTI LVOT), NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro–B-type Natriuretic Peptide) levels, and in-hospital mortality among patients with AHF. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 123 patients admitted with AHF. Echocardiographic evaluation at admission included TAPSE, VTI LVOT, and the RV-RA gradient. An index was calculated as ${\displaystyle \frac{RV-RA gradient }{TAPSE x VTI LVOT}}$. NT-proBNP levels and in-hospital outcomes were recorded. Statistical analysis included correlation, logistic regression, and ROC curve evaluation. Results: The proposed index showed a significant positive correlation with NT-proBNP values (r = 0.543, p < 0.0001) and good discriminative ability for elevated NT-proBNP (AUC = 0.79). It also correlated with in-hospital mortality (r = 0.193, p = 0.032) and showed moderate prognostic performance (AUC = 0.68). Higher index values were associated with greater mortality risk. Conclusions: This novel index, based on standard echocardiographic measurements, reflects both systolic dysfunction and pressure overload in AHF. Its correlation with NT-proBNP and in-hospital mortality highlights its potential as a practical, accessible bedside tool for early risk stratification, particularly when biomarker testing is unavailable or delayed. Full article

Soil salinization is a major constraint to global crop productivity, highlighting the need to identify salt tolerance genes and their molecular mechanisms. Here, we integrated mRNA and miRNA profile analyses to investigate the molecular basis of salt tolerance of an elite Brassica napus cultivar S268. Time-course RNA-seq analysis revealed dynamic transcriptional reprogramming under 215 mM NaCl stress, with 212 core genes significantly enriched in organic acid degradation and glyoxylate/dicarboxylate metabolism pathways. Combined with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and RT-qPCR validation, five candidate genes (WRKY6, WRKY70, NHX1, AVP1, and NAC072) were identified as the regulators of salt tolerance in rapeseed. Haplotype analysis based on association mapping showed that NAC072, ABI5, and NHX1 exhibited two major haplotypes that were significantly associated with salt tolerance variation under salt stress in rapeseed. Integrated miRNA-mRNA analysis and RT-qPCR identified three regulatory miRNA-mRNA pairs (bna-miR160a/BnaA03.BAG1, novel-miR-126/BnaA08.TPS9, and novel-miR-70/BnaA07.AHA1) that might be involved in S268 salt tolerance. These results provide novel insights into the post-transcriptional regulation of salt tolerance in B. napus, offering potential targets for genetic improvement. Full article

We report a case of catheter-associated bloodstream infection caused by a putative novel species in the genus Erwinia, identified using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). A female adolescent receiving long-term home parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter (CVC) presented with a fever. Gram-negative rods were isolated from two CVC-derived blood culture sets, while peripheral cultures remained negative. Conventional identification methods, including VITEK 2, Phoenix M50, MALDI-TOF MS, and 16S rRNA and rpoB gene sequencing, failed to achieve species-level identification. WGS was performed on the isolate using Illumina MiSeq. Genomic analysis revealed a genome size of 5.39 Mb with 56.8% GC content and high assembly completeness. The highest average nucleotide identity (ANI) was 90.3% with Pantoea coffeiphila, and ≤85% with known Erwinia species, suggesting that it represents a distinct taxon. Phylogenetic analyses placed the isolate within the Erwinia clade but separate from any known species. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed broad susceptibility. This case highlights the utility of WGS for the identification of rare or novel organisms not captured by conventional methods and expands the clinical spectrum of Erwinia species. While the criteria for species delineation were met, the phenotypic characterization remains insufficient to formally propose a new species. Full article

Antioxidative neuroprotection is effective at preventing ischemic stroke (IS). Ferulic acid (FA) offers benefits in the treatment of many diseases, mostly due to its antioxidant activities. In this study, a glycosylated ferulic acid conjugate (FA-Glu), with 1,2,3-triazole as a linker and bioisostere between glucose at the C6 position and FA at the C4 position, was designed and synthesized. The hydrophilicity and chemical stability of FA-Glu were tested. FA-Glu’s protection against DNA oxidative cleavage was tested using pBR322 plasmid DNA under the Fenton reaction. The cytotoxicity of FA-Glu was examined via the PC12 cell and bEnd.3 cell tests. Antioxidative neuroprotection was evaluated, in vitro, via a H₂O₂-induced PC12 cell test, measuring cell viability and ROS levels. Antioxidative alleviation of cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury (CIRI), in vivo, was evaluated using a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. The results indicated that FA-Glu was water-soluble (LogP −1.16 ± 0.01) and chemically stable. FA-Glu prevented pBR322 plasmid DNA cleavage induced via •OH radicals (SC% 88.00%). It was a non-toxic agent based on PC12 cell and bEnd.3 cell tests results. FA-Glu significantly protected against H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in the PC12 cell (cell viability 88.12%, 100 μM) and inhibited excessive cell ROS generation (45.67% at 100 μM). FA-Glu significantly reduced the infarcted brain areas measured using TTC stain observation, quantification (FA-Glu 21.79%, FA 28.49%, I/R model 43.42%), and H&E stain histological observation. It sharply reduced the MDA level (3.26 nmol/mg protein) and significantly increased the GSH level (139.6 nmol/mg protein) and SOD level (265.19 U/mg protein). With superior performance to FA, FA-Glu is a safe agent with effective antioxidative DNA and neuronal protective actions and an ability to alleviate CIRI, which should help in the prevention of IS. Full article

The optimization of high-frequency circuits remains a computationally intensive task due to the need for repeated high-fidelity electromagnetic (EM) simulations. To address this challenge, we propose a novel integration of machine learning-generated inverse maps within the space mapping (SM) optimization framework to significantly accelerate circuit optimization while maintaining high accuracy. The proposed approach leverages Bayesian Neural Networks (BNNs) and surrogate modeling techniques to construct an inverse mapping function that directly predicts design parameters from target performance metrics, bypassing iterative forward simulations. The methodology was validated using a low-pass filter optimization scenario, where the inverse surrogate model was trained using electromagnetic simulations from COMSOL Multiphysics 2024 r6.3 and optimized using MATLAB R2024b r24.2 trust region algorithm. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach reduces the number of high-fidelity simulations by over 80% compared to conventional SM techniques while achieving high accuracy with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.0262 (0.47%). Additionally, convergence efficiency was significantly improved, with the inverse surrogate model requiring only 31 coarse model simulations, compared to 580 in traditional SM. These findings demonstrate that machine learning-driven inverse surrogate modeling significantly reduces computational overhead, accelerates optimization, and enhances the accuracy of high-frequency circuit design. This approach offers a promising alternative to traditional SM methods, paving the way for more efficient RF and microwave circuit design workflows. Full article

Cyanobacteria are a prolific source of bioactive metabolites with expanding applications in sustainable agriculture and biotechnology. This work explores, for the first time in thermotolerant Colombian isolates, the impact of light spectrum, photoperiod, and irradiance on the co-production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Six strains from hot-spring environments were screened under varying blue:red (B:R) LED ratios and full-spectrum illumination. Hapalosiphon sp. UFPS_002 outperformed all others, reaching ~290 mg L⁻¹ EPS and 28 µg mL⁻¹ IAA in the initial screen. Response-surface methodology was then used to optimize light intensity and photoperiod. EPS peaked at 281.4 mg L⁻¹ under a B:R ratio of 1:5 LED, 85 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, and a 14.5 h light cycle, whereas IAA was maximized at 34.4 µg mL⁻¹ under cool-white LEDs at a similar irradiance. The quadratic models exhibited excellent predictive power (R² > 0.98) and a non-significant lack of fit, confirming the light regime as the dominant driver of metabolite yield. These results demonstrate that precise photonic tuning can selectively steer carbon flux toward either EPS or IAA, providing an energy-efficient strategy to upscale thermotolerant cyanobacteria for climate-resilient biofertilizers, bioplastics precursors, and other high-value bioproducts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aging is associated with a gradual decline in physical capabilities, often leading to impaired balance and reduced functional status, which are major contributors to falls in older adults. Although many studies have assessed these variables independently, a limited amount of research has explored the direct relationship between balance and functional status in a healthy geriatric population. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between balance and functional capacity and to assess the influence of demographic factors such as age, comorbidities, smoking status, and history of falls. Methods: A sample of community-dwelling older adults (19 women, 16 men) (n = 35), aged 60 years and above (M = 78 years; SD = 9.23) from Sparta, Greece, took part in the present study. Participants were assessed using three validated tools: (a) the Five Times Sit-to-Stand test, (b) the Timed Up-and-Go test, and (c) the Berg Balance Scale. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used for statistical analysis (α = 0.05). Results: Age was positively correlated with poorer performance in the Five Times Sit-to-Stand (r = 0.40; p < 0.01) and the Timed Up-and-Go test (r = 0.47; p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with Berg Balance Scale scores (r = −0.51; p < 0.01). Comorbidities and smoking were also associated with the Berg Balance Scale. A strong negative correlation was observed between balance and the other two functional tests (Five Times Sit-to-Stand: r = −0.51; Timed Up-and-Go: r = −0.66; both p < 0.01). Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of evaluating both balance and functional capacity in older adults as interrelated factors that can significantly influence quality of life and fall risk. Future research with larger and more diverse populations is recommended to confirm the present findings and to use exercise programs to prevent falls in the geriatric population. Full article

Acalitus simplex is an eriophyoid mite pest of the ornamental plant Ruellia simplex. Acalitus simplex compromises the esthetics of R. simplex by inducing erinea formation. Management practices for A. simplex are currently lacking. This study assessed the potential of commercial biorational (citric acid, potassium salt of fatty acids, garlic, thyme, and mineral oil) and conventional (abamectin, fenpyroximate, bifenthrin, spiromesifen) pesticides under laboratory conditions, using two types of spray applications: (A) curative, after erinea formation, and (B) prophylactic, before erinea formation. In the curative application, abamectin, garlic oil, and mineral oil were most effective; in the prophylactic application, abamectin and mineral oil showed the highest efficacies. Abamectin and mineral oil were further tested under greenhouse conditions. Both treatments effectively controlled A. simplex by preventing erinea formation over a four-week post-application period, regardless of the application type. At the end of the experiment, mites were extracted from R. simplex plants. In the curative application, significantly fewer mites were extracted from abamectin and mineral oil treatments than in the control. In the prophylactic application, mites were absent in abamectin and mineral oil treatments but present in the control. Abamectin and mineral oil can be used to manage A. simplex in landscapes. Full article