Search Results (412)

Herbaceous plants from dry forests respond to different levels of light availability over time and space through strategies that promote their establishment and survival. This study aimed to evaluate the tolerance of the perennial herb Talinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd., which is pantropically distributed and forms dense populations in the Caatinga, under varying light availabilities. The treatments applied were full sun and 70%, 50%, and 30% light availability, each with 30 replicates. Vegetative, reproductive, and phenological responses were monitored over six months, during which the plant’s reproductive cycle was completed and water availability was higher. In T100, plants showed greater height, diameter, leaf production, flowers, fruits, and seeds. In contrast, reduced light availability led to lower values in these traits but resulted in increased leaf area, seed viability, and higher fruit/flower and seed/fruit ratios as compensatory responses. These findings suggest that higher light availability increases the establishment success of the studied species, although reduced light does not necessarily limit its reproductive success. The study highlights its adaptability to different light conditions and its potential for continued population expansion in dry tropical forests, despite fluctuations in light availability. Full article

Background: Feigned restriction of shoulder joint movement for secondary gain is clinically relevant and may misdirect care, distort disability determinations, and inflate system costs. Distinguishing feigning from structural pathology and from functional or psychosocial presentations is difficult because pain is subjective, performance varies, and no single sign or test is definitive. This comprehensive review hypothesizes that the systematic integration of clinical examination, objective biomechanical and neurophysiological testing, and emerging technologies can substantially improve detection accuracy and provide defensible medicolegal documentation. Methods: PubMed and reference lists were searched within a prespecified time frame (primarily 2015–2025, with foundational earlier works included when conceptually essential) using terms related to shoulder movement restriction, malingering/feigning, symptom validity, effort testing, functional assessment, and secondary gain. Evidence was synthesized narratively, emphasizing objective or semi-objective quantification of motion and effort (goniometry, dynamometry, electrodiagnostics, kinematic sensing, and imaging). Results: Detection is best approached as a stepwise, multidimensional evaluation. First-line clinical assessment focuses on reproducible incongruence: non-anatomic patterns, internal inconsistencies, distraction-related improvement, and mismatch between claimed disability and observed function. Repeated examinations and documentation strengthen inference. Instrumented strength testing improves quantification beyond manual testing but remains effort-dependent; repeat-trial variability and atypical agonist–antagonist co-activation can indicate submaximal performance without proving intent. Imaging primarily tests plausibility by confirming lesions or highlighting discordance between claimed limitation and minimal pathology, while recognizing that normal imaging does not exclude pain. Diagnostic anesthetic injections and electrodiagnostics can clarify pain-mediated restriction or exclude neuropathic weakness but require cautious interpretation. Motion capture and inertial sensors can document compensatory strategies and context-dependent normalization, yet validated standalone thresholds are limited. Conclusions: Feigned shoulder impairment cannot be confirmed by any single test. The desirable strategy combines structured assessment of inconsistencies with objective biomechanical and neurophysiologic measurements, interpreted within the whole clinical context and rigorously documented; however, prospective validation is still needed before routine implementation. Full article

Biotinidase deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder that disrupts biotin recycling and multiple carboxylase-dependent pathways. Early and continuous biotin therapy prevents major clinical manifestations, but its long-term biochemical effects remain unclear. This study applied untargeted metabolomic and lipidomic profiling in 54 pediatric patients with genetically confirmed BD receiving regular biotin supplementation and 30 age- and sex-matched controls. Multivariate analyses and pathway enrichment revealed distinct biochemical signatures involving amino acid, energy, and lipid metabolism. Reduced levels of serine, glycine, threonine, and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates suggested modified mitochondrial flux, while octopine, exhibiting an approximately 11-fold increase, was the metabolite best able to discriminate between the groups. Lipidomic profiling indicated elevations in sphingolipids, phosphatidylcholines, long-chain fatty acids, and acylcarnitines, consistent with systemic lipid remodeling. These coordinated alterations imply metabolic adaptations to sustained biotin exposure rather than ongoing pathology. Octopine and selected lipid species may represent biochemical indicators of this adaptive state. Overall, the findings highlight that clinically stable children with Biotinidase deficiency exhibit unique metabolic and lipidomic patterns reflecting long-term compensatory mechanisms, underscoring the value of combined omics approaches for understanding disease-specific homeostasis and informing personalized follow-up strategies. Full article

The cornea is an avascular, immune-privileged tissue critical to maintaining transparency, optimal light refraction, and protection from microbial and immunogenic insults. Corneal neovascularization (CoNV) is a pathological sequela of multiple anterior segment diseases and presents a major cause for reduced visual acuity and overall quality of life. Various aetiologies, including infection (e.g., herpes simplex), inflammation (e.g., infective keratitis), hypoxia (e.g., contact lens overuse), degeneration (e.g., chemical burns), and trauma, disrupt the homeostatic avascular microenvironment, triggering an overactive compensatory response. This response is governed by a complex interplay of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. This review investigates the potential for these mediators to serve as therapeutic targets. Current therapeutic strategies for CoNV encompass topical corticosteroids, anti-VEGF injections, fine-needle diathermy, and laser modalities including argon, photodynamic therapy and Nd:YAG. Emerging therapies involve steroid-sparing immunosuppressants (including cyclosporine and rapamycin), anti-fibrotic agents and advanced drug delivery systems, including ocular nanosystems and viral vectors, to enhance drug bioavailability. Adjunctive therapy to attenuate the protective corneal epithelium prior to target neovascular plexi are further explored. Gene-based approaches, such as Aganirsen (antisense oligonucleotides) and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated VEGF-A editing, have shown promise in preclinical studies for CoNV regression and remission. Given the multifactorial pathophysiology of CoNV, combination therapies targeting multiple molecular pathways may offer improved visual outcomes. Case studies of CoNV highlight the need for multifaceted approaches tailored to patient demographics and underlying ocular diseases. Future research and clinical trials are essential to elucidate optimal therapeutic strategies and explore combination therapies to ensure better management, improved treatment outcomes, and long-term remission of this visually disabling condition. Full article

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a major cause of acute liver failure and can be fatal, often without early symptoms. Protein deficiency, arising from illness or inadequate diet, impairs growth, immunity, and tissue repair. Both conditions can harm the kidneys, yet the impact of energy imbalance on renal physiology remains unclear. In this study, APAP toxicity and a low-protein diet induced behavioral suppression and tissue damage, as evidenced by reduced whole-body, liver, and kidney weights in rats. In kidney mitochondria of rats exposed to only toxic APAP doses, ATP levels declined sharply while ADP and AMP increased. AMP deaminase and ATPases’ activities rose about twofold and 1.5-fold, respectively, whereas cytosolic 5′-nucleotidase activity fell nearly threefold, suggesting compensatory responses to disrupted energy balance. The strongest reductions in ATP and the greatest increases in AMP and ATPase activity occurred in APAP-intoxicated rats fed a low-protein diet. This combination also intensified lipid peroxidation and oxidative protein damage, evidenced by elevated TBARS, reduced protein SH-groups, and increased protein carbonyls. Overall, APAP intoxication with protein deficiency disrupts renal energy metabolism, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and structural kidney injury. Nutritional status therefore critically influences drug-induced nephrotoxicity, and antioxidant strategies may help prevent damage under metabolic stress. Full article

Analyzing the dynamics of muscle activation patterns and joint range of motion is essential to understanding human movement during complex tasks such as tooth brushing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). In individuals with neuromotor impairments, accurate assessment of upper limb motor patterns plays a critical role in rehabilitation, supporting the identification of compensatory strategies and informing clinical interventions. This study presents the validation of a previously developed novel, low-cost, wearable, and portable multimodal prototype that integrates inertial measurement units (IMU) and surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors into a single device. The system enables bilateral monitoring of arm segment kinematics and muscle activation amplitudes from six major agonist muscles during ADLs. Eleven healthy participants performed a functional task, tooth brushing, while wearing the prototype. The recorded data were compared with two established gold-standard systems, Qualisys^® motion capture system and Biosignalsplux^®, for validation of kinematic and electrophysiological measurements, respectively. This study provides technical insights into the device’s architecture. The developed system demonstrates potential for clinical and research applications, particularly for monitoring upper limb function and evaluating rehabilitation outcomes in populations with neurological disorders. Full article

Aim: This study examined how load size and symmetry affect trunk muscle activation patterns, vertical ground reaction forces, and estimated lumbar spine compression during overground walking in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and those without symptoms. Methods: Thirty male participants (15 with CLBP, 15 controls; ages 23–28 years) performed walking tests under four load conditions: symmetric and asymmetric carriage at 10% and 20% of body weight. Bilateral surface electromyography measured activation from seven trunk muscles (rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, latissimus dorsi, lumbar erector spinae, multifidus) and the thoracolumbar fascia region, normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contractions (%MVIC). Force plates recorded vertical ground reaction forces synchronized with heel-strike events. A repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni corrections was used to analyze the effects of load configuration and magnitude. Results: Asymmetric loading at 20% body weight caused significantly higher peak vertical ground reaction forces compared to symmetric loading (mean difference = 47.3 N, p < 0.001), with a significant interaction between load magnitude and configuration (p = 0.004, ηp² = 0.26). Participants with CLBP showed consistently higher trunk muscle activation throughout the gait cycle (peak: 37% MVIC vs. 30% MVIC in controls; p < 0.001, d = 1.68), with maximum recruitment at shorter muscle lengths and 24% less activation at optimal length (95% CI: 18.2–29.8%). The lumbar erector spinae and multifidus muscles exhibited the highest activation during asymmetric 20% loading in CLBP participants (0.282 and 0.263%MVIC, respectively), indicating compensatory neuromuscular strategies. Conclusion: Asymmetric load carriage creates disproportionately high mechanical and neuromuscular demands, effects that are greatly amplified in individuals with CLBP. These findings support rehabilitation strategies that improve load distribution and restore motor control, thereby reducing compensatory strain and enhancing trunk stability. Full article

Background: Inter-limb asymmetry has implications for both athletic performance and healthcare practice. High baseline inter-limb asymmetries have been associated with impaired mobility, increased fall risk, and musculoskeletal injuries across the lifespan. Exercise interventions able to stimulate the stretch–shortening cycle (e.g., plyometric training and jump training) have been shown to have a good impact on asymmetries. Among these, Mini-Trampoline Training (MTT) has recently emerged as potentially effective in reducing asymmetries. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of a single MTT session on muscle power and inter-limb asymmetry in young adults. Methods: Twenty-eight recreationally active participants (25.6 ± 2.4 years) completed one MTT session. Before (PRE) and after (POST) the MTT session, single-leg 6 m Timed Hop (6MTH) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests were administered. Additionally, 6MTH values of the dominant (DOM) and non-dominant (NODOM) limbs were used to stratify participants according to higher (HBIA) or lower (LBIA) baseline inter-limb asymmetry, based on a commonly adopted Normalized Symmetry Index (NSI) threshold (NSI ≥ 10%, n = 12; NSI < 10%, n = 16). Repeated-measures mixed models were used to evaluate the effects of the MTT session on 6MTH, NSI, and CMJ. Results: Regardless of group and limb, significant (p < 0.0001) improvements in 6MTH (PRE: 2.5 ± 0.06 s; POST: 2.3 ± 0.05 s) were found. Interestingly, the MTT session had a significant (p = 0.01) effect on both groups, with a significant (p = 0.003) interaction with NSI values, showing an improvement for HBIA (PRE = 15.4 ± 1.1%, POST = 11.3 ± 2.1%), whereas a decrement in LBIA was recorded (PRE = 5.1 ± 0.6%, POST = 9.6 ± 1.5%). CMJ did not show any changes in HBIA (PRE: 36.2 ± 0.9 cm; POST: 35.1 ± 0.7 cm), while a significant (p = 0.007) decrease was found in LBIA (PRE: 34.8 ± 1.2 cm; POST: 33.2 ± 1.3 cm). Conclusions: A single MTT session induced acute neuromuscular fatigue, reflected by reduced CMJ performance and improved (~8%) inter-limb control during hopping. The HBIA group preserved jump height (~36 cm) and demonstrated a significant reduction in asymmetry (NSI: −4.1%), suggesting more balanced lower-limb recruitment. Conversely, LBIA showed a significant decrease in CMJ and an increased NSI (+4.5%), possibly reflecting fatigue-related compensatory strategies. Overall, a single MTT elicited distinct responses according to baseline asymmetry, supporting its potential as an adaptable modality for enhancing neuromuscular function in HBIA. Full article

Amid the intensifying global mandate for sustainable aquafeed strategies, this study investigates the functional efficacy and biochemical implications of black soldier fly larvae oil (BLO), extracted via recently approved patent method depending on cold-aqueous process, as a substitute for conventional fish oil (FO) in zebrafish (Danio rerio) diets. The refined extraction technique, representing an advancement over traditional aqueous methodologies, was engineered to selectively preserve bioactive lipid fractions while minimizing environmental footprint and processing residues. Over a 28-day feeding period, adult zebrafish were allocated into triplicate groups and fed diets comprising 0%, 50%, and 100% substitution of FO with BLO and growth, lipid composition, and dietary fatty acid profiles of both diets and flesh were rigorously evaluated. Zebrafish fed the BLO₁₀₀ diet exhibited the most pronounced somatic growth (2.47 ± 0.01 g), significantly elevated specific growth rates (3.88 ± 0.82% day⁻¹), and the most efficient feed conversion, without compromising survival. Flesh lipid analysis revealed a substantial enrichment in saturated fatty acids—most notably lauric acid (C12:0)—corresponding to increasing dietary BLO levels. Although dietary EPA and DHA levels were reduced, DHA concentrations in fish tissues remained comparable to those of the control group, indicating a compensatory capacity mediated by endogenous elongation and desaturation pathways. These findings substantiate the dual potential of BLO as both a nutritionally viable lipid source and a vector for enhancing aquafeed sustainability. The cold-aqueous extraction method demonstrated here underscores a pivotal advancement in green lipid processing, aligning oil quality with ecological stewardship. This integrative approach not only reinforces BLO’s candidacy as a strategic fish oil substitute but also delineates a pathway toward scalable, species-adapted feed innovation. Future investigations should prioritize the modulation of fatty acid profiles through dietary and extraction optimization to fully realize the translational potential of insect-derived lipids in aquaculture. Full article

Metabolic reprogramming allows cancer cells to proliferate rapidly, survive nutrient limitation, and resist stress, making tumor metabolism an important therapeutic target. However, pharmacological inhibition of metabolic enzymes often causes systemic toxicity and compensatory pathway activation. To overcome these limitations, recent studies have highlighted an alternative host-centered strategy based on increasing systemic energy expenditure. Recent studies highlight an alternative strategy in which the host increases energy expenditure through uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) dependent thermogenesis, thereby lowering systemic glucose, fatty acid, and nucleotide availability for tumors. Engineered beige adipocytes overexpressing UCP1, PR domain-containing protein 16 (PRDM16), or peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PPARGC1A/PGC1A) suppress tumor growth through nutrient competition, suggesting that activating endogenous UCP1 may provide a non-genetic and physiologically aligned anticancer approach. Building on this concept, natural products such as polyphenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, and carotenoids have emerged as promising UCP1 activators that stimulate beige and brown adipocyte thermogenesis through pathways involving AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), PGC1A, PRDM16, and mitochondrial biogenesis. In parallel, computational studies further indicate that several plant-derived compounds bind directly to the central cavity of UCP1 with high affinity, offering structural support for their thermogenic action. Importantly, many of these compounds also inhibit cancer cell intrinsic metabolism by reducing glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, lipid synthesis, and amino acid dependent anaplerosis. This review integrates UCP1 biology, natural product mediated thermogenesis, molecular docking evidence, and tumor metabolic suppression, proposing a unified framework in which natural compounds impose coordinated metabolic pressure on cancer through both adipocyte-driven nutrient competition and direct inhibition of tumor metabolism. Full article

Background: Electromyography (EMG) is increasingly used to characterize neuromuscular alterations after total hip arthroplasty (THA), yet available evidence remains fragmented and inconsistent. This systematic review synthesizes postoperative EMG findings during gait, functional tasks, and static assessments, highlighting clinical implications and future research needs. Methods: Peer-reviewed studies employing surface, needle, or high-density EMG after THA were systematically examined. Extracted variables included activation amplitude, timing (onset, offset, burst duration), co-activation patterns, and the influence of surgical approach. Methodological rigor, normalization procedures, and the extractability of quantitative EMG metrics were also assessed. Results: Across studies, postoperative EMG consistently revealed non-physiological activation patterns, including delayed or prolonged gluteus medius activity and excessive recruitment of posterior chain muscles. These abnormalities persisted for up to 12 months and, in isolated cases, beyond a decade. Comparisons of surgical approaches demonstrated early denervation signs and impaired recruitment following lateral-based incisions, whereas later adaptations differed between lateral and posterior approaches but remained abnormal in both. Needle EMG studies confirmed transient involvement of muscles innervated by the superior gluteal nerve, while high-density EMG identified persistent deficits in spatial and temporal organization despite clinical improvement. Load-bearing and assisted-task studies showed that cane use and balance challenges modulate abductor demand yet continue to expose asymmetries and elevated stabilization requirements. Nonetheless, comparability across investigations remains limited because few studies adopted standardized normalization procedures or reproducible locomotor tasks. Conclusions: Neuromuscular recovery after THA appears incomplete and asymmetric, characterized by compensatory strategies not detectable through clinical or kinematic assessments alone. Improved diagnostic sensitivity and clinical applicability will require protocol standardization and the broader adoption of advanced EMG approaches. Full article

Background: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that can disrupt joint function and biomechanics, often leading to altered gait patterns. When coexisting with secondary scoliosis—a common musculoskeletal complication in children with JIA—postural and movement impairments may be further exacerbated. However, limited research has investigated the combined impact of JIA and secondary scoliosis on gait characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate gait parameters in children diagnosed with JIA and secondary scoliosis and to compare them with age-matched healthy peers. Methods: A total of 50 children (25 with JIA and secondary scoliosis, 25 healthy controls) were included. Demographic data, plantar pressure distribution, temporal gait parameters, and center of mass (CoM) displacement were assessed using computerized gait analysis. Group comparisons were performed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Children with JIA and secondary scoliosis exhibited significantly lower forefoot loading on both dominant and non-dominant sides compared to controls (p < 0.05). Maximum loading values were also reduced bilaterally in the JIA group (p < 0.001). The dominant side single-limb support duration was significantly shorter (p = 0.027), and CoM displacement was greater (p = 0.044) in the JIA group. No differences were observed in rearfoot loading or walking speed. Conclusions: Children with coexisting JIA and secondary scoliosis demonstrate altered gait mechanics, likely reflecting compensatory adaptations due to joint inflammation and postural asymmetries. Gait analysis may offer valuable insights for tailoring rehabilitation strategies in this patient population. Full article

Conventional drilling pressure relief technology destroys the rock integrity of the roadway-surrounding rock and support system in the anchorage area of surrounding rock at the same time as roadway pressure relief. To overcome the incompatibility between roadway pressure relief and structural support, an integrated control strategy combining anchorage reinforcement with pressure release was established. The distribution characteristics of the deviatoric stress field under different internal borehole parameters were investigated through numerical simulations, and the influence degree of each parameter is discussed. We constructed a similar model to verify the reasonable key parameters of pressure relief and evaluate the pressure relief effect. The conclusions drawn are as follows. (1) The sensitivity ranking of factors affecting pressure relief in the surrounding rock was determined as internal hole-making position > internal hole-making length > internal hole-making spacing. At an internal hole-making depth of 10 m, the peak deviatoric stress migrated to deeper regions, accompanied by a notable reduction in its distribution range. Hence, the stress within the roadway-surrounding rock was effectively released. (2) The internal deviatoric stress peak (si) and its corresponding location were identified according to the internal borehole-creation position. As the internal hole-making length increased, the positional transfer effect became notably stronger. Appropriately extending the internal hole-making length can thus create a compensatory buffer zone that accommodates the volumetric expansion deformation of the roadway sides. (3) By appropriately determining the position and length of the internal boreholes, reducing the spacing between them can substantially release high deviatoric stress. When the spacing was ≤4 m, the rock surrounding the borehole exhibited a low-deviatoric-stress state, suggesting that the deviatoric stress between adjacent internal holes was largely dissipated without elevating the stress level in the shallow surrounding rock. (4) A comparable simulation approach confirmed the feasibility of implementing internal hole-making and pressure relief measures on both sides of a deep coal roadway. Field engineering applications further demonstrated that the proposed “anchorage + pressure relief” cooperative control system can effectively restrain the continuous large deformation of the surrounding rock along the sidewalls in soft and fractured deep chambers. These findings offer an effective strategy for controlling large-scale deformation and failure of surrounding rock in similar deep roadways and provide valuable engineering insights. Full article

Obesity is a foremost risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, a hallmark of which is chronic vascular inflammation and overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). NADPH oxidases (NOX) are central mediators of ROS overproduction in the obese vasculature, yet a complete understanding of the mechanism underlying their dysregulation in obesity remains poorly understood. Herein, we investigated the contribution of NOX1 in obesity-associated hypertension and evaluated the therapeutic potential of pharmacologically targeting NOX1 using the novel inhibitor GKT771. In obese db/db mice, NOX1 deletion ameliorated hypertension independent of metabolic improvements such as weight loss or improved glucose handling. Furthermore, NOX1 deletion improved renal sodium handling with no compensatory upregulation of other NOX isoforms. Importantly, treatment with the NOX1-specific inhibitor GKT771 rescued endothelial function in obese mice, restoring microvascular function to levels observed in lean controls. These data highlight the importance of NOX1 as a driver of endothelial dysfunction in obesity and suggest that NOX1 inhibition may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for obesity-associated endothelial dysfunction and its downstream cardiovascular complications. Full article

Background: Maternal aging progressively compromises oocyte competence, yet the precise molecular trajectory across the reproductive lifespan remains insufficiently defined. Methods: Here, we mapped the transcriptomic landscape of mouse germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes across three distinct reproductive stages: post-pubertal peak fertility (Young, 8 weeks), fertility decline (Middle, 12 months), and reproductive senescence (Old, 18 months). Results: Our bioinformatic analyses reveal that oocyte aging follows a biphasic nonlinear trajectory. The transition from Young to Middle age marked the most profound period of transcriptional destabilization, characterized by 1197 DEGs and extensive perturbation of metabolic and signaling networks. To elucidate the regulatory drivers of this early drift, we performed transcription factor binding site (TFBS) analysis, which identified massive regulatory potential involving master regulators such as LHX8, MYC, and GATA4. Interestingly, despite the predicted extensive TF–target interactions, the mRNA expression levels of these TFs remained stable across age groups. This discrepancy suggests that the observed transcriptional dysregulation is likely associated by age-associated epigenetic modifications that alter chromatin accessibility or binding efficiency, rather than TF depletion. In the subsequent transition from Middle to Old age, the landscape shifted from active perturbation to systemic collapse. This late stage was characterized by mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction and severe proteostatic stress. Conclusions: Colectively, our findings define oocyte aging as a biphasic transition from compensatory resistance to systemic collapse. We identify midlife as the critical inflection point of regulatory remodeling, followed by terminal network exhaustion in senescence. This framework provides a molecular foundation for therapeutic and rejuvenation strategies aimed at mitigating age-associated infertility. Full article