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Keywords = biochemical parameters

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17 pages, 1357 KB  
Article
Effects of Alkaline Mineral Complex Supplementation on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Serum Biochemical Parameters, and Digestive Function of Fattening Lambs
by Qing Mu, Jiawei Ai, Zhiqiang Gao, Shujun Tian and Xiaoyong Chen
Animals 2026, 16(1), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16010106 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025
Abstract
Serving as a mineral-derived dietary buffer, the alkaline mineral complex (AMC) has the potential to influence the physiological functions of animals. Nonetheless, there is a notable scarcity of research in the field of ruminant science regarding its effects on fattening lambs. Therefore, the [...] Read more.
Serving as a mineral-derived dietary buffer, the alkaline mineral complex (AMC) has the potential to influence the physiological functions of animals. Nonetheless, there is a notable scarcity of research in the field of ruminant science regarding its effects on fattening lambs. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of AMC supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, serum biochemical parameters, and digestive function of fattening lambs. A total of 96 six-month-old male Small-Tailed Han lambs with an average body weight of 48 ± 3.85 kg were randomly assigned to four groups: the control group (CON, 0 g/d per lamb of AMC), test group 1 (LAMC, 2 g/d per lamb of AMC), test group 2 (MAMC, 3 g/d per lamb of AMC), and test group 3 (HAMC, 4 g/d per lamb of AMC). Each group contained 24 lambs, with 3 pens per group and 8 lambs per pen. The trial lasted for 45 days, and the results showed that, compared with the CON group, the MAMC group demonstrated a significantly enhanced average daily gain (ADG) with a reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05). The redness (a*) of the meat in the AMC-treated groups was significantly greater than that of the CON group (p < 0.05). The intramuscular fat (IMF) content in the longissimus dorsi (LD) of the MAMC group was significantly increased compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC) levels in the HAMC group were greater than those of other groups (p < 0.01), and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) content was higher in the AMC-treated groups compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). In addition, the duodenum lipase content in the HAMC group was significantly lower than that in the CON group (p < 0.05), and the amylase content in the MAMC group was significantly higher than that of the CON group (p < 0.05). The HAMC group had a significantly lower jejunum lipase content than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). The LEfSe analysis showed that the MAMC group possessed significantly increased g_Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group levels. Furthermore, SOD and catalase (CAT) were both positively correlated with meat redness (a*) but were not significantly associated with ADG. In contrast, malondialdehyde (MDA) was negatively correlated with ADG, while no significant relationship was observed for meat redness (a*). In conclusion, an appropriate supplementation of AMC (3 g/d per lamb) can improve growth performance and meat quality by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and modulating the composition of beneficial rumen bacteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Small Ruminants)
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16 pages, 864 KB  
Article
Fatigue and Related Sleep Disturbances in Hemodialysis Patients: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and the Influence of Nutritional Status
by Ana Casaux-Huertas, María Luz Sánchez-Tocino, Marta San Juan-Miguelsanz, Julia Audije-Gil, Neydu Romero-Lugo, Sonia Muñoz-Pilar, Fabiola Da Pena-Vielba, David Hernan-Gascueña, Paula Manso-Del Real, Soraya Escribano-Loma, Cristina Cubas Sánchez-Beato, María Dolores Arenas-Jiménez, Research Unit, Fundación Renal Española and FRAGILDIAL Working Group, Fundación Renal Española
Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010124 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025
Abstract
Post-dialysis fatigue is one of the most frequent and limiting symptoms among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD), characterized by intense physical exhaustion that may persist beyond the treatment session. Sleep disturbances frequently coexist with fatigue and may contribute to overall symptom burden. Nutritional status [...] Read more.
Post-dialysis fatigue is one of the most frequent and limiting symptoms among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD), characterized by intense physical exhaustion that may persist beyond the treatment session. Sleep disturbances frequently coexist with fatigue and may contribute to overall symptom burden. Nutritional status has been identified as a potential determinant of fatigue severity. Understanding these relationships may help identify associated factors and guide multidisciplinary interventions. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and intensity of fatigue in patients receiving HD, to describe the burden of sleep disturbances, and to analyze their association with nutritional status and various clinical, dialytic, and sociodemographic variables. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between November and December 2024 in adults with chronic kidney disease undergoing maintenance HD. Fatigue and sleep disturbances were assessed using brief patient-reported outcome items adapted from PROMIS item bank concepts and analyzed as separate subscales. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment–Short Form (MNA-SF). Sociodemographic, clinical, dialytic, and laboratory variables were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v29, applying association and correlation tests (p ≤ 0.05). Results: A total of 729 patients were included (67.1% men), with a mean age of 67.7 ± 14.5 years. Clinically relevant fatigue was reported by approximately 50% of participants, with around 20% presenting severe fatigue. Sleep disturbances affected nearly 60% of patients, with severe impairment reported in approximately 30%. Regarding nutritional status, 61.9% had normal nutrition, 33.2% were at risk of malnutrition, and 4.9% were malnourished. Fatigue was significantly associated with female sex (p < 0.001), longer time on hemodialysis (p < 0.001), greater weekly dialysis exposure (p = 0.012), and poorer nutritional status (p = 0.003). The absence of residual urine output showed a borderline association with fatigue (p = 0.059) but was significantly associated with sleep disturbances (p = 0.002). Sleep disturbance scores were also significantly associated with lower levels of albumin, total proteins, and transferrin. No associations were observed between fatigue and age, BMI, comorbidity, ultrafiltration rate, or biochemical parameters. Conclusions: Fatigue is a highly prevalent and clinically relevant symptom in patients undergoing HD and is closely associated with nutritional status and dialysis-related factors. Sleep disturbances are also highly prevalent and may act as an important modulating factor, potentially amplifying fatigue, particularly in patients with greater biological vulnerability or loss of residual kidney function. The systematic use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to assess fatigue and sleep, together with nutritional evaluation, may facilitate the early identification of vulnerable patients and guide targeted strategies to reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Kidney Nutrition and Metabolism)
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21 pages, 2325 KB  
Article
A TabNet-Based Multidimensional Deep Learning Model for Predicting Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer Patients
by Juanwen Cao, Xiaojian Hong, Li Dong, Wei Jiang and Wei Yang
Cancers 2026, 18(1), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18010117 (registering DOI) - 30 Dec 2025
Abstract
Objective: To develop and validate an interpretable deep learning model based on the TabNet architecture for predicting doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) in patients with breast cancer through integration of multidimensional clinical data. Methods: This retrospective study included 2034 patients who received doxorubicin-based chemotherapy at [...] Read more.
Objective: To develop and validate an interpretable deep learning model based on the TabNet architecture for predicting doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) in patients with breast cancer through integration of multidimensional clinical data. Methods: This retrospective study included 2034 patients who received doxorubicin-based chemotherapy at The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University between January 2021 and December 2023. Clinical, biochemical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic parameters were incorporated into six predictive algorithms: logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, gradient boosting machine, XGBoost, and TabNet. Model discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility were assessed using AUC, C-index, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis. Model interpretability was evaluated through attention-based feature importance and SHAP analysis. Results: TabNet achieved the best overall predictive performance, with an AUC of 0.86 and a C-index of 0.80 in the validation cohort, demonstrating superior discrimination, calibration, and generalization compared with all baseline models. Decision curve analysis confirmed its higher net clinical benefit across threshold probabilities. The model identified eight dominant predictors—cumulative anthracycline dose, LVEF, QTc interval, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, glucose, hypertension, and platelet count—that collectively reflected myocardial contractility, electrophysiological stability, and systemic metabolic stress. Correlation and clustering analyses revealed that high-risk patients exhibited concurrent QTc prolongation, metabolic disturbance, and LVEF decline, defining a distinct cardiometabolic injury phenotype. These findings highlight TabNet’s ability to uncover complex feature interactions while maintaining transparent and clinically interpretable outputs. Conclusions: The TabNet-based multidimensional model provides an accurate, stable, and interpretable tool for individualized prediction of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, supporting early intervention and precision management in breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Methods and Technologies Development)
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17 pages, 980 KB  
Article
Integrated Assessment of Obesity Indices and Novel Inflammatory Biomarkers in Predicting the Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
by Burcu Baran, Filiz Miraç Şimşek, Hasan Durmuş, Nur Aleyna Yetkin, Bilal Rabahoğlu, Nuri Tutar, İnci Gülmez and Fatma Sema Oymak
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(1), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15010273 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Obesity is a significant risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); however, conventional anthropometric measures, such as body mass index (BMI), may not fully reflect the physiological burden associated with adiposity. The triponderal mass index (TMI) has been proposed as an [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Obesity is a significant risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); however, conventional anthropometric measures, such as body mass index (BMI), may not fully reflect the physiological burden associated with adiposity. The triponderal mass index (TMI) has been proposed as an alternative anthropometric indicator, while inflammation-related biomarkers have emerged as potential complementary tools for characterizing OSA severity. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between BMI, TMI, hypoxemia, and systemic inflammation, and to assess whether combining anthropometric indices with inflammatory biomarkers improves the identification of severe OSA. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 238 adults undergoing full-night polysomnography were classified into four groups: non-OSA, mild OSA, moderate OSA, and severe OSA, based on the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI). Anthropometric indices, polysomnographic parameters, and a comprehensive panel of laboratory biomarkers—including C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil- and platelet-derived inflammatory indices, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), CRP-to-albumin ratio (CAR), and CRP-to-lymphocyte ratio (CLR)—were analyzed. Associations were evaluated using Spearman correlation analyses, and diagnostic performance for severe OSA (AHI ≥ 30 events/h) was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, DeLong tests, and multivariable models. Results: Both BMI and TMI increased progressively with OSA severity (both p < 0.001) and showed comparable correlations with AHI and nocturnal oxygenation parameters. ROC analyses demonstrated similar discriminative performance for severe OSA (BMI AUC = 0.834; TMI AUC = 0.823; p = 0.229). Among inflammatory biomarkers, CRP, multi-inflammatory index (MII), CAR, and CLR showed moderate diagnostic accuracy. Among the evaluated markers, serum albumin (AUC = 0.836) and PNI demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.994). A combined model integrating BMI or TMI with PNI achieved near-perfect discrimination for severe OSA (BMI-based AUC = 0.9956; TMI-based AUC = 0.9969), while the addition of CRP-based inflammatory markers did not yield meaningful incremental benefit. Conclusions: BMI and TMI exhibit comparable performance in relation to OSA severity, hypoxemia, and systemic inflammation, with no clear superiority of TMI over BMI in adult patients. Inflammation-related biomarkers—particularly PNI—provide additional discriminatory value beyond anthropometric measures alone. Integrating simple biochemical markers with anthropometric and polysomnographic parameters may enhance risk stratification and identification of severe OSA phenotypes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Respiratory Medicine)
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27 pages, 6999 KB  
Article
Enhanced Salt Stress Tolerance in Maize Using Biostimulant and Biosurfactant Applications
by Zeynep Gul, Melek Ekinci, Melike Akca, Metin Turan, Esma Yigider, Murat Aydin, Nazlı Ilke Eken Türer and Ertan Yildirim
Agronomy 2026, 16(1), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16010100 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
This research was conducted to investigate effects of biostimulants containing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and enriched biosurfactants, which were tested individually and in combination (biostimulant + enriched biosurfactant) on plant growth parameters, physiological and biochemical properties of maize seedlings under different salinity conditions (0, [...] Read more.
This research was conducted to investigate effects of biostimulants containing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and enriched biosurfactants, which were tested individually and in combination (biostimulant + enriched biosurfactant) on plant growth parameters, physiological and biochemical properties of maize seedlings under different salinity conditions (0, 100, 200 mM NaCl). In the experiment, biostimulant (B: 0.3 g/L), enriched biosurfactant (E-S: 3 mL/L), and their combination (B + E-S) were applied by foliar spray at each NaCl level. Salt stress negatively affected the growth and physiological traits of maize seedlings, while biostimulant and enriched biosurfactant improved these parameters. Under severe salinity stress (200 mM NaCl), the biostimulant, enriched biosurfactant, and their combined application markedly mitigated oxidative and osmotic damage. Compared with the untreated 200 mM NaCl group, these treatments (B, ES, B + ES) reduced proline accumulation by 65%, 52%, and 70%; hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level by 53%, 39%, and 58%; and malondialdehyde (MDA) content by 72%, 50%, and 73%, respectively. These reductions indicate a substantial decrease in oxidative stress and membrane lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, biostimulant and enriched biosurfactant applications may be a promising approach to reduce the negative effects of salinity stress on maize. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)
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15 pages, 4543 KB  
Article
Acteoside Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis and Liver Injury in MASLD Mice Through Activation of PINK1/Parkin-Related Mitophagy Markers
by Meili Cong, Xinxin Qi, Hongguang Sun, Xinxuan Zhang, Yunxin Yan, Tao Liu and Jun Zhao
Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010118 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Objective: Acteoside (ACT) has different pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Impaired mitophagy has been recognized as an important pathogenic factor in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Nevertheless, the possible therapeutic role of ACT in MASLD and the [...] Read more.
Objective: Acteoside (ACT) has different pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Impaired mitophagy has been recognized as an important pathogenic factor in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Nevertheless, the possible therapeutic role of ACT in MASLD and the exact effect of ACT on mitophagy regulation are not explored. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic efficacy of ACT in a high-fat and high-sugar (HFHS) diet-induced mouse model of MASLD and to determine whether its effects are related to the activation of PINK1/Parkin-related mitophagy markers. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated to control, model, rosuvastatin (RSF, 3 mg/kg), and ACT (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg) groups. Following a 14-week continuous intervention, biochemical parameters, liver histology, and mitophagy-related markers were assessed. Results: ACT administration significantly improved serum lipid profiles, liver function and insulin resistance, marked by reduced levels of MDA, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, LDL-C, TC, TG, AST, ALT, HOMA-IR (p < 0.05), while increasing HDL-C and enhancing hepatic GSH-Px and SOD activities (p < 0.05). Histological examination revealed a notable attenuation of hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation. At the molecular level, ACT promoted mitophagy activation, as indicated by upregulated PINK1, LC3II/I, and Parkin expression and downregulated P62 and p-P62. Electron microscopy further validated the restoration of mitochondrial morphology and reduction in lipid droplets. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that ACT ameliorates MASLD progression by improving metabolic homeostasis, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and alleviating PINK1/Parkin-related mitophagy impairment to restore mitophagy homeostasis. Our study highlights the potential of ACT as a new therapeutic agent for MASLD. Full article
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16 pages, 743 KB  
Article
Emotional and Uncontrolled Eating Mediate the Well-Being–Adiposity Relationship in Women but Not in Men
by Maria Diez-Hernández, Isabella Parilli-Moser, María Fernanda Zerón-Rugerio and Maria Izquierdo-Pulido
Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010111 - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Sex and gender influence dietary habits, eating behaviors, mental health, and obesity risk. Women exhibit a higher prevalence of emotional eating and mental health problems, which may contribute to sex-specific differences in adiposity. This study aimed to explore the associations between [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Sex and gender influence dietary habits, eating behaviors, mental health, and obesity risk. Women exhibit a higher prevalence of emotional eating and mental health problems, which may contribute to sex-specific differences in adiposity. This study aimed to explore the associations between adiposity, diet quality, eating behaviors, mental health, and well-being, and to examine whether eating behaviors mediate the relationship between mental health and adiposity, stratified by sex. Methods: One hundred twenty-three adults (35.6 ± 7.9 years; 63.4% women) with overweight and obesity participated in this cross-sectional study. Adiposity parameters (BMI, body fat, waist and hip circumferences), biochemical parameters, eating behaviors (Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R21), well-being (WHO-5), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), diet quality (17-item MedDiet questionnaire), and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) were evaluated. Linear regression and path analyses were used to examine associations and mediation effects. Results: Women reported higher emotional eating and cognitive restraint scores (p = 0.017 and p = 0.034, respectively) and greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p < 0.001) than men. In men, well-being was positively associated with diet quality, while higher stress, cognitive restraint, and poorer diet quality were linked to greater adiposity. In women, well-being and diet quality were inversely associated with adiposity, while emotional and uncontrolled eating were related to higher adiposity and poorer biochemical markers. Emotional and uncontrolled eating mediated the relationship between well-being and adiposity only in women. Conclusions: Our results underscore the importance of incorporating sex- and gender-sensitive approaches in obesity prevention and treatment. For women, interventions should focus on emotional regulation and coping strategies, whereas for men, improving diet quality may be more effective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Behaviors and Lifestyle in Body Weight and Health)
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14 pages, 793 KB  
Article
Dietary Chia Seed Oil Enhances Growth, Immunological Response, and Disease Resistance Against Aeromonas hydrophila in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
by Ümit Acar, Osman Sabri Kesbiç, Sercan Yapıcı, Rifat Tezel, Gökçen Bilge, Ali Türker, Kenan Güllü, Hüseyin Serkan Erol, Funda Terzi, Beste Demirci and Daniela Giannetto
Fishes 2026, 11(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11010018 (registering DOI) - 28 Dec 2025
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of chia seed oil (CSO; Salvia hispanica L.) on the growth performance, haematological-biochemical parameters, immune-related gene expression, and disease resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The fish were fed diets [...] Read more.
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of chia seed oil (CSO; Salvia hispanica L.) on the growth performance, haematological-biochemical parameters, immune-related gene expression, and disease resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The fish were fed diets containing 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% CSO for 60 days. The results showed a significant improvement in final weight, specific growth rate (SGR), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in fish fed diets containing 1% and 2% CSO compared to the control group. Haematocrit (Hct) and haemoglobin (Hb) levels increased in the CSO groups, while serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels decreased significantly, particularly in the 1% CSO group. The observed decrease in liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT) suggested a hepatoprotective effect of CSO. In the stress test with A. hydrophila, the highest survival rate (80%) was recorded in the 2% CSO group. Furthermore, gene expression analyses performed on spleen tissue revealed an increase in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 in the groups fed with CSO, particularly at the 1% level. These findings indicate that adding 1–2% CSO to carp feed promotes growth, improves lipid metabolism, strengthens immune status, and increases resistance to bacterial infection. Consequently, the use of CSO as a sustainable and functional additive to fish oil in fish feed is suggested. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Immunology of Aquatic Animals)
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12 pages, 338 KB  
Article
Milk Performance and Blood Biochemical Indicators of Dairy Goats Fed with Black Oat Supplements
by Zvonko Antunović, Josip Novoselec, Zvonimir Steiner, Mislav Didara, Mario Ronta and Željka Klir Šalavardić
Agriculture 2026, 16(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16010068 - 28 Dec 2025
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Abstract
This research determined the milk performance and milk and blood biochemical indicators of dairy goats fed with black oat supplements. The experiment was conducted on 20 French Alpine goats on the 48th day of lactation, divided into two groups of 10 goats each [...] Read more.
This research determined the milk performance and milk and blood biochemical indicators of dairy goats fed with black oat supplements. The experiment was conducted on 20 French Alpine goats on the 48th day of lactation, divided into two groups of 10 goats each (initial body weights (BW) of 53.90 and 52.15 kg). The research lasted for 30 days, and the monitoring of production properties and blood sampling were carried out on the 1st, 15th, and 30th days of the research. Goats in the BOG group were fed a diet in which yellow oats were gradually replaced with black oats, whereas goats in the COG group received a diet containing yellow oats (CP: 143.64 vs. 150.40 g/kg DM; EE: 48.60 vs. 48.80 g/kg DM; NEL: 7.18 vs. 7.19 MJ/kg DM). These values were subjected to repeated-measures analysis using the PROC MIXED procedure and were further analyzed using Tukey’s post hoc test. Compared with the COG group, no significant differences were observed in the BOG group for the production performance of the goats, except for a slightly increased milk yield (1264.94 vs. 1542.10 g/day, p = 0.098) and reduced concentrations of urea and globulin in the milk of the BOG group (7.90 vs. 7.05 mmol/L, p = 0.081; 5.16 vs. 3.96 g/L, p = 0.091). In the blood of BOG goats, a significantly lower urea concentration was detected (8.75 vs. 7.05 mmol/L, p = 0.020). However, compared with the COG group, goats in the BOG group showed a slight increase (p > 0.05) in protein fractions and a decrease in lipid-related indicators in the blood. These findings confirm the moderate benefit of black oats as a dietary supplement in feed for lactating goats. Full article
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19 pages, 280 KB  
Article
Metabolic Determinants of PCSK9 Regulation in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Role of Insulin Resistance, Obesity, and Tobacco Smoke Exposure
by Justyna Niepsuj, Agnieszka Piwowar, Grzegorz Franik and Anna Bizoń
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010331 - 28 Dec 2025
Viewed by 42
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine associations involving serum proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in metabolic disturbances observed in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with particular emphasis on the potential impact of tobacco smoke exposure. The study included 88 [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to examine associations involving serum proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in metabolic disturbances observed in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with particular emphasis on the potential impact of tobacco smoke exposure. The study included 88 women: 60 with PCOS (23 smokers and 37 non-smokers) and 28 without PCOS. Selected biochemical and molecular biomarkers related to lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation were assessed. No significant differences in PCSK9 levels were observed among non-smoking women with PCOS, smoking women with PCOS, and non-smoking women without PCOS. However, in women with PCOS, excess body weight and insulin resistance were associated with increased PCSK9 concentrations. Significant correlations between PCSK9, lipid profile parameters, and the Castelli and triglycerides-glucose indices suggest a potential role of PCSK9 as a biomarker of dyslipidemia and cardiometabolic risk. Elevated PCSK9 levels may contribute not only to increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol but also to enhanced formation of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, which is particularly detrimental to cardiovascular and metabolic health. Vitamin D levels were more strongly associated with smoking status and insulin resistance than with excess body weight. Overall, these findings indicate that PCSK9 regulation in PCOS may be driven predominantly by metabolic factors rather than PCOS status or smoking per se, and that metabolic status and vitamin D deficiency should be considered when assessing cardiometabolic risk in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Insights into Reproductive Toxicology)
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18 pages, 2598 KB  
Article
Structure-Functional Examination of Cysteine Synthase A (CysK) from Limosilactobacillus reuteri LR1
by Anastasia A. Pometun, Evgenii K. Les, Alla V. Chernobrovkina, Anastasiia V. Gorbovskaia, Natalia Yu Chikurova, Anastasia A. Loginova, Alexey N. Antipov, Nadezhda N. Mordkovich, Leonid A. Shaposhnikov, Svyatoslav S. Savin, Sergey Yu Kleymenov, Ilya O. Matyuta, Konstantin M. Boyko, Mikhail E. Minyaev, Dmitry M. Hushpulian, Evgenii V. Pometun and Vladimir I. Tishkov
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010327 - 28 Dec 2025
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Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive analysis of cysteine synthase A (CysK) from Limosilactobacillus reuteri LR1 (LreCysK), an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of L-cysteine. This protein supports crucial cellular functions such as sulfur metabolism, antioxidant defense, detoxification, and protein synthesis. Previously, the gene [...] Read more.
This study presents a comprehensive analysis of cysteine synthase A (CysK) from Limosilactobacillus reuteri LR1 (LreCysK), an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of L-cysteine. This protein supports crucial cellular functions such as sulfur metabolism, antioxidant defense, detoxification, and protein synthesis. Previously, the gene encoding LreCysK was cloned, and the enzyme with His-tag on the N-terminus was obtained in active and soluble form. Here, kinetic parameters of the enzyme were determined by the previously developed high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ninhydrin methods. It was found that LreCysK has similar KMOAS and kcat as CysKs from Escherichia coli and from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The thermal stability of LreCysK was studied using differential scanning calorimetry. It was revealed that the melting point of the enzyme increases to almost 90°C when Pyridoxal-5 phosphate (PLP) is added, indicating that the stability of the enzyme complex with PLP is relatively high. Structural studies revealed that LreCysK is a dimer, and its active site is similar to those of other enzymes, but exhibits some features characteristic of lactobacilli CysKs (GISA), as well as unique residues, such as Ile50. Also, the potential biotechnological applications of LreCysK are discussed. These findings enhance our understanding of LreCysK’s biochemical versatility and its potential applications in biotechnology and medicine. Full article
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14 pages, 825 KB  
Article
Trends in Serum Amylase Levels in People Living with HIV: A Comparison Between INSTI and NNRTI/PI-Based Regimens
by Elena Rabinovich, Ramon Cohen, Shay Nemet, Haitham Abu Khadija, Shira Bezalel-Rosenberg, Ilan Asher, Keren Mahlab-Guri and Daniel Elbirt
Viruses 2026, 18(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18010045 - 27 Dec 2025
Viewed by 164
Abstract
Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV into a chronic manageable condition, yet metabolic toxicities including pancreatic enzyme alterations remain concerns. While older ART regimens have been associated with hyperamylasemia, the impact of integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based therapies on serum amylase [...] Read more.
Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV into a chronic manageable condition, yet metabolic toxicities including pancreatic enzyme alterations remain concerns. While older ART regimens have been associated with hyperamylasemia, the impact of integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based therapies on serum amylase levels has not been specifically examined. Purpose: This study aimed to compare longitudinal patterns of serum amylase levels between people living with HIV receiving INSTI-based versus NNRTI/PI-based ART regimens. Methods: This retrospective observational study analyzed 99 HIV-positive patients at Kaplan Medical Centre, Israel (2002–2023). Participants received either INSTI-based (n = 49) or NNRTI/PI-based (n = 50) regimens for ≥24 months. Serum amylase, viral load, CD4 counts, and metabolic parameters were measured at baseline, one year, and two years. Repeated-measures ANOVA assessed longitudinal changes. Results: NNRTI/PI-treated patients maintained significantly higher mean amylase levels throughout follow-up (baseline: 122.9 ± 42.1 U/L; two years: 129.6 ± 38.0 U/L) compared to INSTI-treated patients (baseline: 78.7 ± 32.3 U/L; two years: 68.4 ± 23.4 U/L; p < 0.0001 at all timepoints). A significant linear time-by-group interaction (p = 0.037) demonstrated divergent trajectories. No clinical pancreatitis was observed in either treatment group during the follow-up period, and all observed variations in serum amylase were biochemical and asymptomatic. While these findings are reassuring regarding acute pancreatic toxicity, the clinical significance of chronic subclinical enzyme elevations remains uncertain. Conclusion: INSTI-based antiretroviral regimens suggest a favorable pancreatic and metabolic safety profile compared with NNRTI/PI-based therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Human Virology and Viral Diseases)
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13 pages, 5626 KB  
Article
Effects of Carvacrol on Oxidative Stress and Fibrosis in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy: Histological, Gene Expression, and Biochemical Insights
by Halime Tuba Canbaz, Mehmet Enes Sozen, Ilknur Cinar Ayan, Hasan Basri Savas, Furkan Adem Canbaz, Gokhan Cuce and Serpil Kalkan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010291 - 27 Dec 2025
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Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) leads to renal damage through oxidative stress. Carvacrol (CAR), a monoterpenoid phenol, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. We investigated the potential effects of CAR on histological, gene expression, and biochemical parameters in a rat model of DM. Four groups were [...] Read more.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) leads to renal damage through oxidative stress. Carvacrol (CAR), a monoterpenoid phenol, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. We investigated the potential effects of CAR on histological, gene expression, and biochemical parameters in a rat model of DM. Four groups were created: group 1, control; group 2 (n = 9), DM; group 3 (n = 9), DM + dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); and group 4 (n = 9), DM + CAR. DM was created by injecting streptozotocin (STZ). CAR (20 mg/kg) was prepared through dissolution in 0.1% DMSO. CAR and 0.1% DMSO were administered daily for 4 weeks to groups 4 and 3, respectively. At the end of this study, urea, creatinine, paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), and arylesterase (ARES) were measured in serum samples. Histopathological changes and expression of Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf-2) in renal tissues were assessed. Immunohistochemical(ihc) staining and RT-qPCR analysis were performed to evaluate apoptosis, focusing on Bax and Bcl-2gene expression. Masson’s trichrome(MT) staining and RT-qPCR analysis of COL1A1 and COL3A1 mRNA levels were used to assess fibrosis. Increased urea and creatinine levels in DM were significantly decreased after CAR administration. CAR application also improved reduced levels of PON 1 and ARES, which are associated with diabetes. Both immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR analyses revealed that CAR therapy mitigated the diabetes-induced elevation in Bax and reduction in Bcl-2 expression. CAR treatment improved histopathological findings and renal Nrf-2 immunofluorescence(if) intensity. Furthermore, gene expression analysis demonstrated that COL1A1 and COL3A1 were upregulated in DM, while CAR administration downregulated them. In conclusion, CAR has a protective role in decreasing renal impairment linked to DM by regulating Bax and Bcl-2 levels and rectifying histological damage. Full article
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11 pages, 387 KB  
Article
Beyond Biochemical Markers: Characterizing Malnutrition in COVID-19
by Katarzyna Plewka-Barcik, Maria Różańska-Trzepla, Krzysztof Kłos, Marta Krawczyk, Andrzej Chciałowski, Stanisław Niemczyk and Anna Matyjek
Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010075 - 26 Dec 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objective: Malnutrition is common in hospitalized patients and worsens clinical outcomes, particularly in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in which inflammation and metabolic disruption contribute to nutritional decline. Thus, identifying simple and accessible markers is essential for early detection and intervention to prevent [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Malnutrition is common in hospitalized patients and worsens clinical outcomes, particularly in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in which inflammation and metabolic disruption contribute to nutritional decline. Thus, identifying simple and accessible markers is essential for early detection and intervention to prevent further deterioration. This study aimed to investigate biochemical and body composition changes during COVID-19 hospitalization and identify key features of hospital-acquired nutritional status disorders. Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-center, observational study of 66 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between December 2020 and June 2021. Biochemical markers and body composition parameters were measured at admission and at discharge. Deterioration of nutritional status was defined as a weight loss of more than 3% during hospitalization. Results: A total of 66 patients (61% male, aged 56.7 ± 13.4 years; 39% female, aged 58.8 ± 12.0 years) were included. Deterioration of nutritional status was observed in 20 (30%) individuals, more likely in men (OR 7.94, 95% CI: 1.28–49.08) and patients with longer hospitalization (OR 1.30 per day, 95% CI: 1.08–1.57). Weight loss was primarily characterized by a reduction in adipose tissue mass, whereas lean tissue mass did not change significantly. Traditional biochemical markers of malnutrition, including low albumin, prealbumin, or cholesterol levels, were not present in this cohort. Conclusions: Our study highlights the significant burden of nutritional deterioration in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and demonstrates its atypical presentation, which may limit the effectiveness of standard malnutrition assessment tools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Nutrition)
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27 pages, 7545 KB  
Article
Winter Wheat Yield Estimation Under Different Management Practices Using Multi-Source Data Fusion
by Hao Kong, Jingxu Wang, Taiyi Cai, Jun Du, Chang Zhao, Chanjuan Hu and Han Jiang
Agronomy 2026, 16(1), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16010071 - 25 Dec 2025
Viewed by 128
Abstract
Accurate crop yield estimation under differentiated management practices is a core requirement for the development of smart agriculture. However, current yield estimation models face two major challenges: limited adaptability to different management practices, thus exhibiting poor generalizability, and ineffective integration of multi-source remote [...] Read more.
Accurate crop yield estimation under differentiated management practices is a core requirement for the development of smart agriculture. However, current yield estimation models face two major challenges: limited adaptability to different management practices, thus exhibiting poor generalizability, and ineffective integration of multi-source remote sensing features, limiting further improvements in estimation accuracy. To address these issues, this study integrated UAV-based multispectral and thermal infrared remote sensing data to propose a yield estimation framework based on multi-source feature fusion. First, three machine learning algorithms—Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), Random Forest (RF), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)—were employed to retrieve key biochemical parameters of winter wheat. The RF model demonstrated superior performance, with retrieval accuracies for chlorophyll, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents of R2 = 0.8347, 0.5914, and 0.9364 and RMSE = 0.2622, 0.4127, and 0.0236, respectively. Subsequently, yield estimation models were constructed by integrating the retrieved biochemical parameters with phenotypic traits such as plant height and biomass. The RF model again exhibited superior performance (R2 = 0.66, RMSE = 867.28 kg/ha). SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis identified May chlorophyll content (Chl-5) and March chlorophyll content (Chl-3) as the most critical variables for yield prediction, with stable positive contributions to yield when their values exceeded 2.80 mg/g and 2.50 mg/g, respectively. The quantitative assessment of management practices revealed that the straw return + 50% inorganic fertilizer + 50% organic fertilizer (RIO50) treatment under the combined organic–inorganic fertilization regime achieved the highest measured grain yield (11,469 kg/ha). Consequently, this treatment can be regarded as an optimized practice for attaining high yield. This study confirms that focusing on chlorophyll dynamics during key physiological stages is an effective approach for enhancing yield estimation accuracy under varied management practices, providing a technical basis for precise field management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)
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