Search Results (30,247)

Background/Objectives: Cryptococcus gattii presents a significant threat to healthy individuals. Titan cell formation, a key virulence factor, is influenced by the nutritional environment and plays a critical role in immune evasion and stress resistance. This study investigates the molecular and biophysical changes in titanized C. gattii cells grown in nutrient-rich Neurobasal™ medium, a potent inducer of titan cells. Methods: An integrative approach was used, combining scanning electron microscopy, optical tweezers, fluorescence microscopy, and physicochemical methods to analyze C. gattii cells grown in Neurobasal™ medium and minimal media. Results: Cells grown in Neurobasal™ medium exhibited significant differences compared to those grown in minimal media. These included a thicker and more defined polysaccharide capsule, enhanced capsule elasticity, and the secretion of more elastic polysaccharides. Furthermore, cells grown in the enriched medium showed reduced susceptibility to antifungals and delayed mortality in infection models. Conclusions: C. gattii adapts to nutritional cues by forming titan cells, thereby enhancing its pathogenicity. Targeting nutritional sensing pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies against cryptococcal infections. Full article

Background: Blunt abdominal trauma in pregnancy is a medical emergency with significant maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality. Although rare, intestinal ischemia can occur as a serious abdominal complication following trauma during pregnancy. Case presentation: A 41-year-old woman at 33 weeks and 6 days of gestation was involved in a car accident, as a passenger in the front seat of a vehicle that left the road and overturned. The initial examination revealed severe chest trauma but no immediate signs of abdominal injury. However, the patient’s condition worsened, showing delayed symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunction, clinical deterioration, and labor onset. Complementary imaging studies did not reveal conclusive findings suggesting complications related to the blunt abdominal trauma. Following a multidisciplinary team’s decision to perform an emergency cesarean section in the maternal-fetal interest, intestinal ischemia secondary to a mesenteric tear was discovered, necessitating intestinal resection and end-to-end anastomosis. Conclusions: Despite being a rare condition often associated with diagnostic delays, in cases of sudden clinical deterioration or maternal hemodynamic instability, immediate multidisciplinary intervention is essential. This approach may allow the early detection of trauma-related complications, reducing potentially preventable deaths and achieving favorable maternal and neonatal outcomes. Full article

While most of the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases are sporadic and manifest after age 65 (late-onset AD, LOAD), a subset of patients develop symptoms earlier in life (early-onset, EOAD) due to mutations in the PSEN1, PSEN2, or APP genes with an autosomal-dominant inheritance pattern (AD-EOAD). In this study, we examined the association between age of onset (AoO) and first clinical manifestation (FCM) with the APOE and DAOA genotypes, previously described as modifiers of clinical phenotypes in LOAD and EOAD in 88 individuals clinically diagnosed with AD-EOAD due to the PSEN1 A431E variant (39 females, 49 males). We classified the population according to their genotype (APOEε2, APOEε3, and APOEε4 and DAOA G/G, G/A, and A/A) and FCM (cognitive, behavioral, motor, and memory impaired). Memory impairment was the most frequent symptom (51%), followed by motor disturbances (31.8%), cognitive symptoms other than memory (10.4%), and behavioral changes (6.8%). We found a significant association between APOE genotype and AoO (p < 0.001), with the APOEε4 allele being linked to a delayed onset (β = 4.04, SE = 1.11, p = 0.0003). Similarly, individuals with the DAOA rs2391191 A/A genotype showed a significantly later AoO compared to G/G carriers (β = 2.13, SE = 0.96, p = 0.0301). No significant association was found between APOE or DAOA genotypes and FCM. The findings suggest that both the APOEε4 allele and DAOA rs2391191 A/A genotype may act as genetic modifiers of AoO, delaying symptom onset in individuals with AD-EOAD. Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular pathways through which APOE and DAOA influence AD-EOAD progression. Full article

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is an innovative non-thermal sterilization and preservation method that has recently emerged as a safe, effective, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative for biomedical applications. Curcumin (Cur), a commonly used food additive, possesses photosensitizing properties. In this study, we investigated the effect of curcumin-mediated photodynamic treatment (Cur-PDT) on the preservation of fresh wolfberries. Our experimental data revealed that a Cur-PDT treatment using a cur concentration of 500 μmol/L for 30 min, with 20 W irradiation, achieved the best preservation effect on fresh wolfberries. This intervention significantly slowed the decline in post-harvest hardness and delayed the progression of decay. It also reduced the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and superoxide anion (•O₂⁻). Notably, at day 3, the enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in Cur-PDT-treated wolfberries were 1.12 and 1.88 times higher, respectively, than those in the control group. These elevated enzyme activities promoted the biosynthesis and recycling of ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH), leading to their substantial accumulation under oxidative stress conditions. By modulating the antioxidant defense system, Cur-PDT has the potential to extend the shelf-life of post-harvest wolfberries and enhance their overall quality attributes, thereby maintaining physiological homeostasis during storage. Full article

Background/Objectives: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic orofacial pain disorder characterized by persistent intraoral burning sensations without visible mucosal lesions. Although its biopsychosocial complexity is increasingly recognized, cross-cultural comparison data remain limited. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed 60 patients with BMS (30 Italian, 30 Romanian) who underwent standardized clinical, psychological, and sleep evaluations. Data collected included sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, diagnostic history, comorbidities, and symptomatology. The assessment tools used included the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Short Form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Statistical comparisons were conducted using Mann–Whitney U and Fisher’s exact tests with Bonferroni correction. Results: No significant differences were observed in age, sex, or body mass index. Italian patients had fewer years of education (p = 0.001), higher pain intensity (NRS, p < 0.001), poorer sleep quality (PSQI, ESS, p = 0.001), and more frequent pre-existing sleep disorders (p < 0.001). Romanian patients showed higher levels of anxiety (HAM-A, p < 0.001), longer diagnostic delays (p = 0.002), and more dysesthetic or perceptual symptoms, including tingling and oral dysmorphism (p < 0.05). Stressful events before onset were more common among Romanians (p < 0.001), while Italians more often received a correct diagnosis at first consultation (p = 0.005). Conclusions: This first cross-national comparison of BMS in Western and Eastern Europe shows that cultural, healthcare, and clinician education differences can shape symptom profiles, comorbidities, and diagnostic delays, underscoring the need for personalized, country-specific management strategies. Full article

Cellular senescence is a fundamental contributor to numerous dysfunctions and degenerative diseases, including osteoporosis. In genetically modified and preclinical animal models, therapeutic strategies targeting persistent senescent cells have been shown to delay and prevent osteoporosis. Senolytics are a class of drugs or compounds designed to selectively eliminate senescent cells without adversely affecting normal cells. In this review, we focus on the role of senolytic agents in regulating bone metabolism and their potential in the treatment of osteoporosis. We discussed major types of senolytics, such as natural compounds, kinase inhibitors, Bcl-2 family inhibitors, inhibitors of the mouse double minute 2/p53 interaction, heat shock protein 90 inhibitors, p53-binding inhibitors, and histone deacetylase inhibitors. This review also highlights the progress of senolytics in clinical trials. However, clinical results diverge from preclinical evidence. Therefore, senolytics should be critically evaluated as a potential therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis, with further validation required. Full article

Background: Mobility plays a fundamental role in causal reasoning (causal inference or cause–effect learning), which is essential for brain development at early ages. Children naturally develop causal reasoning through interaction with their environment. Therefore, children with severe motor disabilities (GMFCS levels IV–V), who face limited opportunities for interaction, often show delays in causal reasoning. Objective: This study investigates how a wheelchair-mounted, semi-autonomous mobility platform operated via a simple switch may enhance causal learning in children with severe disabilities, compared with traditional therapies. However, due to the scarcity of participants who meet the inclusion criteria and the need for long-term evaluation, recruitment poses a significant challenge. This study aims to provide an initial assessment of the platform and collect preliminary data to estimate the required sample size and number of sessions for future studies. Methods: We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess platform usability and its effect on reaction time and keystroke accuracy. Four children, aged 8.5 ± 2.38, participated in seven 30 min sessions. They were randomly assigned in equal numbers, with two participants in the intervention group (using the platform) and two in the control group (receiving standard therapy). Usability was evaluated through a questionnaire completed by two therapists. Key outcome measures included the System Usability Scale (SUS), reaction time (RT), and keystroke accuracy (NIS). Results: Despite the small sample size and recruitment challenges, the data allowed for preliminary estimates of the sample size and number of sessions required for future studies. Therapists reported positive usability scores. Children using the platform showed promising trends in RT and NIS, suggesting improved engagement with cause–effect tasks. Conclusions: The findings support the feasibility and usability of the mobility platform by therapists, although some improvements should be implemented in the future. No conclusive evidence was found regarding the platform’s effectiveness on causal learning, despite a positive trend over time. This pilot study also provides valuable insights for designing larger, statistically powered trials, particularly focused on NIS. Full article

Traditional hydraulic-fracturing models are restricted by low computational efficiency, insufficient field data, and complex physical mechanisms, causing evaluation delays and failing to meet practical engineering needs. To address these challenges, this study innovatively develops a dynamic hydraulic-fracturing monitoring method that integrates machine learning with numerical simulation. Firstly, this study uses GOHFER 9.5.6 software to generate 12,000 sets of fracture geometry data and constructs a big dataset for hydraulic fracturing. In order to improve the efficiency of the simulation, a macro command is used in combination with a Python 3.11 code to achieve the automation of the simulation process, thereby expanding the data samples for the surrogate model. On this basis, a parameter sensitivity analysis is carried out to identify key input parameters, such as reservoir parameters and fracturing fluid properties, that significantly affect fracture geometry. Next, a neural-network surrogate model is established, which takes fracturing geological parameters and pumping parameters as inputs and fracture geometric parameters as outputs. Data are preprocessed using the min–max normalization method. A neural-network structure with two hidden layers is chosen, and the model is trained with the Adam optimizer to improve its predictive accuracy. The experimental results show that the efficiency of automated numerical simulation for hydraulic fracturing is significantly improved. The surrogate model achieved a prediction accuracy of over 90% and a response time of less than 10 s, representing a substantial efficiency improvement compared to traditional fracturing models. Through these technical approaches, this study not only enhances the effectiveness of fracturing but also provides a new, efficient, and accurate solution for oilfield fracturing operations. Full article

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a major threat to wheat production that is caused by toxigenic species of the Fusarium graminearum complex. This study aimed to investigate the biochemical and molecular defense responses of Brazilian wheat genotypes (BRS 194, BRS Parrudo, and Frontana) with contrasting FHB susceptibilities following inoculation with F. graminearum (deoxynivalenol producer) and F. meridionale (nivalenol producer). Temporal patterns of antioxidant enzymes, defense-related enzymes, and gene expression (ABC-Transporter and Ca²⁺-ATPase) were analyzed from 12 to 96 h after inoculation. The ANOVA results revealed significant effects of genotypes, inoculation, and time after inoculation on most of the evaluated enzymatic activities. Frontana exhibited high basal activity for most enzymes, and after inoculation, the enzyme activity was higher than in other genotypes. BRS 194 presented delayed and fragmented activation patterns, particularly under DON-producing pathogen infection. According to the transcriptome results, inoculation with the NIV-producing pathogen upregulated both genes, reaching up to an 18-fold increase. BRS 194 showed an upregulated transcript pattern from the early hours after inoculation. Frontana showed increased transcript levels, reaching 12-fold, under DON-producing pathogen infection. These findings show that biochemical and molecular responses varied depending on genotype and the chemotype of the Fusarium isolate, highlighting the importance of early, coordinated defense activation in FHB resistance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a food-related hypersensitivity disorder characterized by delayed repeated vomiting that typically presents within the first years of life. Although FPIES has traditionally been considered a pediatric condition, it has more recently been observed also in teenagers and adults. Adult FPIES may be a continuation of childhood-onset disease or new-onset forms developing later in life. This review aims to describe the peculiarities of FPIES across the lifespan and to provide an update from the last years on the studies focused on FPIES in adolescence. Methods: Papers focusing on FPIES in adolescents, in English and published in PubMed, were reviewed. Results: There is less data available in the literature on FPIES in adolescents. Multiple sensitizations to food can compromise nutritional status in patients with FPIES. Several potential diagnostic biomarkers related to genomic susceptibility, altered immunologic response, mucosal inflammation and intestinal microbiota are under study/validation. The lack of age-specific diagnostic algorithms makes it difficult to understand the clinical features of persistent forms of FPIES. Conclusions: Shared transition medicine protocols tailored to adolescents could help us better understand the clinical, pathophysiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic characteristics of this delicate phase of life. Full article

Background: Functional massage is a soft tissue intervention that combines tissue compression with specific joint movements to enhance muscle function, improve joint mobility and reduce pain. The physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWC_FT) uses surface electromyography to determine the highest exercise intensity that can be sustained indefinitely. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine the influence of FM on a multi-joint exercise such as cycle ergometry. Methods: Twelve healthy college-aged men volunteered for the current study. On two occasions, separated by seven days and in randomized order, subjects either completed a 14 min FM on both legs prior to an incremental cycle ergometer test to determine PWC_FT, or rested for 14 min before performing the same cycling test. Results: The paired samples t-tests revealed a significant (p < 0.05) difference for the absolute and relative PWC_FT values between the no-FM and FM conditions. Conclusions: These results indicate that FM may delay the onset of neuromuscular fatigue for whole-body exercise. Full article

Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) are highly perishable fruits that rapidly lose their quality properties, even when stored under cold conditions. The purpose of this research was to study the effectiveness of hesperidin (10, 50, and 100 mg L⁻¹) to preserve harvest-ripe strawberry quality during cold storage (2 °C). The data obtained indicate that hesperidin treatments were able to delay fruit metabolism and thus weight loss, while maintaining firmness and delaying colour evolution, obtaining positive results even with the lower concentrations applied. Strawberries treated with hesperidin exhibited a cell membrane with greater integrity, as reflected by a lower loss of electrolytes, resulting from reduced oxidation degradation. In addition, these strawberries maintained a higher concentration of chlorophylls in the calyx during storage, which could be due to a better antioxidant balance and a more effective preservation of their qualities. In this regard, the levels of bioactive substances, including total phenolics and the major anthocyanin compounds present in strawberries, were delayed in hesperidin-treated strawberries. This is the first report highlighting the effectiveness of hesperidin as a postharvest treatment in fruit, specifically in strawberries, delaying senescence. These results suggest that hesperidin, either by itself or in hesperidin-rich extracts, could become a valuable tool for postharvest fruit preservation. Full article

Background/Objective: Traumatic injuries to the flexor tendons of the hand are frequently treated by hand surgeons. Late repair is not classically considered to be feasible due to the high risk of failure and functional complications. The present study aims to present the functional results of primary flexor tendon repairs performed more than three months after trauma, along with evidence regarding the time limit for primary flexor tendon repair. Methods: The clinical outcomes of direct flexor tendon repairs in zones 1 and 2 of the long fingers or thumb are reported herein. A scoping review was undertaken using Medline and CINHAL to identify studies reporting the functional outcomes of flexor repair following trauma. Results: In this series, four patients were treated with direct M-Tang and epitendinous suture or pull-out reinsertion. Accessory procedures were required to perform a direct repair. The mean delay was 5.5 months, and the follow-up period was 24 months. The mean total active movement was 195°. Extension lags of 10° and 20° were registered at the proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints, respectively. While a literature review showed that most cases treated with primary repair after three months resulted in functional complications, these procedures were performed around 40 years ago and no recent reports were found. Conclusions: In the small cohort of patients here reported it has been possible to repair flexor tendons in zones 1 and 2, and to reinsert a jersey finger, even three months after trauma. Accessory procedures were required. Accurate patient selection and counseling is mandatory before surgery to inform patients about alternatives. The literature review confirmed that no positive results have previously been reported in the literature on this topic. It is thought that modern materials and surgical techniques for flexor tendon repair should extend the edge for primary repair in selected patients, as compared to previous practices. Full article

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by adverse myocardial remodeling involving both the contractile cardiomyocytes and the conduction tissue. HF is often associated with atrioventricular (AV) node dysfunction, which frequently leads to conduction delays and subsequent dyssynchrony ultimately related to adverse clinical outcomes. Despite its clinical relevance, AV node pathology in HF remains poorly explored. This review aims to investigate the pathophysiology underlying AV node dysfunction and the clinical implications for patients with HF, and to provide an overview of current therapeutic approaches, including an analysis of potential future treatments. Full article

Objective: The association between right ventricular myocardial fiber deformation and nutrition in weightlifters has not been fully characterized. This study analyzed nutritional factors and right ventricle speckle tracking echocardiography parameters in weightlifters before and after bench press exercises. Methods: This interventional study examined the effects of bench press exercises on myocardial function. Nutritional parameters were assessed prior to exercise. Echocardiography with speckle tracking using vector velocity analysis was performed before and immediately after the bench press exercise. This study included a group of non-elite athlete weightlifters and a non-athlete control group to compare right myocardial function. In the athlete group, transthoracic echocardiograms (TTEs) were conducted before and after the exercise to assess changes in systolic and diastolic right heart function. A cohort of 30 weightlifters from 2014 who continued regular training was re-evaluated in 2024, and nutritional data were collected. Data analyses included ANOVA and Student’s T-tests, and correlation coefficients were calculated to explore associations with speckle tracking results. Results: This study involved 211 male weightlifters and a control group of 60 non-athletes. Measured values for the control group and athletes before and after bench press exercise were as follows: right longitudinal global strain (−27.31 ± 1.47, −23.55 ± 2.37, −30.98 ± 2.12); right global longitudinal strain rate (−1.79 ± 0.078, −1.48 ± 0.33, −2.88 ± 0.259 1/s), all p < 0.001; and isovolumic acceleration (2.38 ± 0.22, 3.52 ± 0.15, 6.66 ± 0.88 m/s², p < 0.001). Following exercise, right intraventricular synchrony increased, and longitudinal strain delay decreased (144.88 ± 22.52, 168.92 ± 29.35, 98.27 ± 12.11 ms, p < 0.001). The follow-up group demonstrated a similar response to exercise as the other weightlifters. Right ventricular longitudinal strain showed correlations with protein, vitamin E, and zinc levels (R² = 0.399, p = 0.021; R² = 0.378, p = 0.03; R² = 0.566, p < 0.01), and right ventricular radial velocities correlated with group B vitamins. Conclusions: Weightlifters show less right ventricular deformity before exercise compared to controls, but their strain increases significantly post-exercise. Speckle tracking values might correlate with nutrition. Full article