Search Results (2,460)

Background/Objectives: Platelets play a role in bone metabolism and fracture healing. This study aimed to investigate the association between platelet indices and the derived systemic immune inflammation index (SII) with fracture risk in postmenopausal women. Methods: Platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet crit, percentage of large platelets (P-LCR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio, and the SII, calculated as (NxP)/L, where N, P, and L represented neutrophils, platelets and lymphocytes counts, respectively, were evaluated. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: A total of 124 women (mean age 68.4 ± 9 years) were stratified into two groups based on the median platelet count; the “lower platelet count group” (n = 58) had a count of 200,000 (174,000 to 226,000), while the “higher platelet count group” (n = 66) had a count of 281,500 (256,500 to 308,500). The higher platelet count group showed a higher hip fracture risk (7.4 vs. 4.5%, p = 0.08) and lower lumbar spine BMD (0.773 vs. 0.83 gr/cm², p = 0.03). By dividing the participants into two groups with higher SSI (950,848.6 ± 746,097.99) (n = 61) and lower SII (355,751.2 ± 88,662.6) (n = 63), the group with the higher SII showed the higher hip fracture risk (7.4 vs. 3.6%, p = 0.01). Univariate regression analysis revealed correlations between chronological age and PDW (r = 0.188, p = 0.047), and P-LCR (r = 0.208, p = 0.03), as well as associations between vitamin D status and P-LCR (r = −0.301, p = 0.034), and between SII and hip fracture risk (r = 0.12, p = 0.007). Conclusions: Platelet count and SII were associated with fracture risk in postmenopausal women undergoing osteoporosis assessment. Given their reproducibility and cost-effectiveness, these markers warrant further investigation in future prospective studies focused on bone fragility. Full article

Lychee (Lychee chinensis Sonn.) is a tropical fruit highly appreciated for its vivid red color, sweet flavor, and nutritional properties. However, it is highly perishable, with postharvest losses often due to oxidative browning and dehydration. This study evaluated the organic olive oil coating (OC), a natural lipidic system with the potential to act as a precursor for organogel development, combined with polyamide/polyethylene (PA/PE) packaging under passive modified atmosphere. Fruits were harvested at commercial maturity and divided into two groups: OC-treated and untreated control (CTR). Both groups were stored at 5 ± 1 °C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity and analyzed on days 0, 3, 6, and 9. The OC-treated fruits showed significantly better retention of physical, chemical, microbiological, and sensory qualities. The coating reduced oxidative stress and enzymatic browning, preserving color and firmness. The PA/PE packaging regulated gas exchange, lowering oxygen levels and delaying respiration and ripening. As a result, OC fruits had lower weight loss, a slower increase in browning index and maturity index, and better visual and sensory scores than the CTR group. This dual strategy proved effective in extending shelf life while maintaining the fruit’s appearance, flavor, and nutritional value. It represents a sustainable and natural approach to enhancing the postharvest stability of lychee. Full article

Background/Objectives: Constitutive activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling cascade underlies the aggressive phenotype of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, a quantitative synthesis of in vitro data on pathway inhibition remains lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to (i) aggregate standardized effects of pathway inhibitors on proliferation, apoptosis, migration/invasion, IL-6/IL-8 secretion, p-AKT, and LC3; (ii) assess heterogeneity and identify key moderators of variability, including stimulus type, cell source, and inhibitor class. Methods: PubMed, Europe PMC, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to 18 May 2025 (PROSPERO CRD420251058185). Twenty of 2684 screened records met eligibility. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality with SciRAP. Standardized mean differences (Hedges g) were pooled using a Sidik–Jonkman random-effects model with Hartung–Knapp confidence intervals. Heterogeneity (τ², I²), 95% prediction intervals, and meta-regression by cell type were calculated; robustness was tested with REML-HK, leave-one-out, and Baujat diagnostics. Results: PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibition markedly reduced proliferation (to –5.1 SD), IL-6 (–11.1 SD), and IL-8 (–6.5 SD) while increasing apoptosis (+2.7 SD). Fourteen of seventeen outcome clusters showed large effects (|g| ≥ 0.8), with low–moderate heterogeneity (I² ≤ 35% in 11 clusters). Prediction intervals crossed zero only in small k-groups; sensitivity analyses shifted pooled estimates by ≤0.05 SD. p-AKT and p-mTOR consistently reflected functional changes and emerged as reliable pharmacodynamic markers. Conclusions: Targeted blockade of PI3K/AKT/mTOR robustly suppresses the proliferative and inflammatory phenotype of RA-FLSs, reaffirming this axis as a therapeutic target. The stability of estimates across multiple analytic scenarios enhances confidence in these findings and highlights p-AKT and p-mTOR as translational response markers. The present synthesis provides a quantitative basis for personalized dual-PI3K/mTOR strategies and supports the adoption of standardized long-term preclinical protocols. Full article

Background/Objectives: Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham. is a flavonoid-rich traditional medicinal plant with established immunomodulatory properties. However, the mechanisms underlying the immunoregulatory and intestinal protective effects of its flavonoid extract (Senecio scandens flavonoids—SSF) remain unclear. This study characterized SSF’s bioactive components and evaluated its efficacy against cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression and intestinal injury. Methods: The constituents of SSF were identified using UHPLC/Q-Orbitrap/HRMS. Mice with CTX-induced immunosuppression were treated with SSF (80, 160, 320 mg/kg) for seven days. Immune parameters (organ indices, lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine, and immunoglobulin levels) and gut barrier integrity markers (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1 protein expression; sIgA secretion; microbiota composition) were assessed. Network pharmacology combined with functional assays elucidated the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Results: Twenty flavonoids were identified in SSF, with six prototype compounds detectable in the blood. The SSF treatment significantly ameliorated CTX-induced weight loss and atrophy of the thymus and spleen. It enhanced splenic T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation by 43.6% and 29.7%, respectively; normalized the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio (1.57-fold increase); and elevated levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IgM, and IgG. Moreover, SSF reinforced the intestinal barrier by upregulating tight junction protein expression and sIgA levels while modulating the gut microbiota, enriching beneficial taxa (e.g., the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Akkermansia) and suppressing pathogenic Alistipes. Mechanistically, SSF activated the TLR/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, with isoquercitrin identified as a pivotal bioactive constituent. Conclusions: SSF effectively mitigates CTX-induced immunosuppression and intestinal damage. These findings highlight SSF’s potential as a dual-functional natural agent for immunomodulation and intestinal protection. Subsequent research should validate isoquercitrin’s molecular targets and assess SSF’s clinical efficacy. Full article

This study explores entertainment consumption patterns in Romania, a transitional digital culture characterized by high digital connectivity but underdeveloped physical infrastructure. Employing a dual qualitative coding methodology, this research combines inductive analysis of consumer focus groups with deductive analysis of expert interviews, enabling a multi-layered interpretation of both overt behaviors and latent emotional drivers. Seven key thematic dimensions, motivational depth, perceived barriers, emotional needs, clarity of preferences, future behavioral intentions, social connection, and identity construction, were analyzed and compared using a Likert-based scoring framework, supported by a radar chart and comparison matrix. Findings reveal both convergence and divergence between consumer and expert perspectives. While consumers emphasize immediate experiences and logistical constraints, experts uncover deeper emotional motivators such as validation, mentorship, and identity formation. This behavioral–emotional gap suggests that, although digital entertainment dominates due to accessibility, it often lacks the emotional richness associated with physical formats, which are preferred but less accessible. This study underscores the importance of triangulated qualitative inquiry in revealing not only stated preferences but also unconscious psychological needs. It offers actionable insights for designing emotionally intelligent and culturally responsive entertainment strategies in digitally saturated yet infrastructure-limited environments. Full article

Introduction: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) represents a critical public health threat due to its rapid nosocomial dissemination, limited therapeutic options, and elevated mortality rates. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiology, carbapenemase profiles, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of CRKP isolates, as well as the clinical features and outcomes observed in infected or colonized patients. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical and microbiological data from patients with CRKP infections or colonization admitted between January 2023 and January 2024. Descriptive statistics were used to assess prevalence, resistance patterns, and patient outcomes. Two binary logistic regression models were applied to identify independent predictors of sepsis and in-hospital mortality. Results: Among 89 CRKP isolates, 45 underwent carbapenemase typing. More than half were metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) producers, with 44.4% co-harbouring NDM and OXA-48-like enzymes. Surgical intervention was associated with a significantly lower risk of sepsis (p < 0.01) and in-hospital mortality (p = 0.045), whereas intensive care unit (ICU) stay was a strong predictor of both outcomes. ICU admission conferred a 10-fold higher risk of sepsis (95%Cl 2.4–41.0) and a 40.8-fold higher risk of in-hospital death (95% Cl 3.5–473.3). Limitations: This single-center retrospective study included a limited number of isolates in certain groups. Additionally, cefiderocol (FDC) susceptibility was assessed by disk diffusion rather than by the broth microdilution method. Conclusions: Our study underscores the increasing prevalence of metallo-beta-lactamase-producing CRKP, particularly strains harbouring dual carbapenemases. Timely recognition of high-risk patients, combined with the implementation of targeted infection control measures and the integration of novel therapeutic options, is crucial to optimize clinical management and reduce mortality associated with CRKP. Full article

This study describes and validates a novel method for assessing anterior crystalline lens curvature along vertical and horizontal meridians using radial measurements derived from Scheimpflug imaging. The aim was to evaluate whether pupil diameter (PD), anterior lens curvature, and anterior chamber depth (ACD) change during accommodation and whether these changes are age-dependent. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 104 right eyes from healthy participants aged 21–62 years. Sixteen radial images per eye were acquired using the Galilei Dual Scheimpflug Placido Disk Topographer under four accommodative demands (0, 1, 3, and 5 dioptres (D)). Custom software analysed lens curvature by calculating eccentricity in both meridians. Participants were analysed as a total group and by age subgroups. Accommodative amplitude and monocular accommodative facility were inversely correlated with age. Both PD and ACD significantly decreased with higher accommodative demands and age. Relative eccentricity decreased under accommodation, indicating increased lens curvature, especially in younger participants. Significant curvature changes were detected in the horizontal meridian only, although no statistically significant differences between meridians were found overall. The vertical meridian showed slightly higher eccentricity values, suggesting that it remained less curved. By enabling detailed, meridionally stratified in vivo assessment of anterior lens curvature, this novel method provides a valuable non-invasive approach for characterizing age-related biomechanical changes during accommodation. The resulting insights enhance our understanding of presbyopia progression, particularly regarding the spatial remodelling of the anterior lens surface. Full article

Maximizing the efficient utilization of critical apatite resources through flotation necessitates the exploration of effective and innovative collectors. This study investigates the potential of a fatty acid mixture (FAM) synthesized from saturated palmitic and stearic acids, monounsaturated oleic and palmitoleic acids, and polyunsaturated linoleic acid. The saponified collector FAM and the depressant sodium alginate (NaAl) achieved a direct flotation of apatite from calcite and quartz (97% apatite, 10% calcite, and 7% quartz). The flotation performance with the tested combination exhibited a highly effective enrichment of apatite, mainly from calcite, which aligns with the surface chemistry assessments. Adsorption tests and zeta potential measurements confirmed the micro-flotation results. They provided compelling evidence of a chemisorption interaction between Ca²⁺ sites on calcite and the carboxyl and hydroxyl groups of NaAl. FTIR analyses suggested a reaction between the apatite surface and the carboxyl groups of saturated and unsaturated acid groups in FAM, even those conditioned with NaAl before, facilitating the complex formation. Remarkably, the synergistic effect of the functional groups demonstrates dual functionality, serving as both a hydrophilic entity for calcite and a hydrophobic entity for apatite flotation. The universal mechanism unveils substantial potential for the extensive application of FAM within apatite flotation. Full article

In marine engineering applications, substituting conventional crushed stone coarse aggregates with coral aggregates offers dual advantages: reduced terrestrial quarrying operations and minimized construction material transportation costs. However, the inherent characteristics of coral aggregates—low bulk density, high porosity, and elevated water absorption capacity—adversely influence concrete workability and mechanical performance. To address these limitations, this investigation employed microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) for aggregate modification. The experimental design systematically evaluated the impacts of substrate concentration (1 mol/L) and mineralization period (14 days) on three critical parameters, mass gain percentage, water absorption reduction, and apparent density enhancement, across distinct particle size fractions (4.75–9.5 mm, 9.5–20 mm) and density classifications. Subsequent application trials assessed the performance of MICP-treated aggregates in marine concrete formulations. Results indicated that under a substrate concentration of 1 mol/L and mineralization period of 14 days, lightweight coral aggregates and coral aggregates within the 4.75–9.5 mm size fraction exhibited favorable modification effects. Specifically, their mass gain rates reached 11.75% and 11.22%, respectively, while their water absorption rates decreased by 32.22% and 34.75%, respectively. Apparent density increased from initial values of 1764 kg/m³ and 1930 kg/m³ to 2050 kg/m³ and 2207 kg/m³. Concrete mixtures incorporating modified aggregates exhibited enhanced workability and strength improvement at all curing ages. The 28-day compressive strengths reached 62.1 MPa (11.69% increment), 46.2 MPa (6.94% increment), and 60.1 MPa (14.91% increment) for the 4.75–9.5 mm, 9.5–20 mm, and continuous grading groups, respectively, compared to untreated counterparts. Full article

Inflammatory arthritis (IA) is a chronic condition marked by joint dysfunction and pain, posing significant challenges for effective drug delivery. This study separated Perilla frutescens leaf-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PFE) to effectively penetrate the stratum corneum barrier. These nanovesicles and indomethacin (IND) were subsequently developed into a nanogel designed for topical drug delivery systems (PFE-IND-GEL). PFE exhibited a typical vesicular structure with a mean diameter of 98.4 ± 1.3 nm. The hydrodynamic size and zeta potential of PFE-IND-GEL were 129.6 ± 5.9 nm and −17.4 ± 1.9 mV, respectively. Mechanistic investigations in HaCaT keratinocytes showed that PFE significantly downregulated tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and Occludin, p < 0.01) via modulation of the IL-17 signaling pathway, as evidenced by transcriptomic analysis. In a sodium urea crystal-induced rat IA model, the topical application of PFE-IND-GEL significantly reduced joint swelling (p < 0.05) and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1α, TNF-α) compared to control groups. Histopathological analysis confirmed the marked attenuation of synovial inflammation and cartilage preservation in treated animals. These findings underscore the dual role of PFE as both a topical permeation enhancer and an anti-inflammatory agent, presenting a promising strategy for managing IA. Full article

Developing multifunctional wound dressings with excellent mechanical properties, strong tissue adhesion, and efficient antibacterial activity is crucial for promoting wound healing. This study prepared a novel nanocomposite hydrogel dressing based on sodium alginate-polyacrylic acid dual crosslinking networks, incorporating tannic acid-coated cellulose nanocrystals (TA@CNC) and in-situ reduced silver nanoparticles for multifunctional enhancement. The rigid CNC framework significantly improved mechanical properties (elastic modulus of 146 kPa at 1 wt%), while TA catechol groups provided excellent adhesion (36.4 kPa to pigskin, 122% improvement over pure system) through dynamic hydrogen bonding and coordination interactions. TA served as a green reducing agent for uniform AgNPs loading, with CNC negative charges preventing particle aggregation. Antibacterial studies revealed synergistic effects between TA-induced membrane disruption and Ag⁺-triggered reactive oxygen species generation, achieving >99.5% inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The TA@CNC-regulated porous structure balanced swelling performance and water vapor transmission, facilitating wound exudate management and moist healing. This composite hydrogel successfully integrates mechanical toughness, tissue adhesion, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility, providing a novel strategy for advanced wound dressing development. Full article

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) promotes growth performance and intestinal development in yellow-feathered broilers, but whether the virome and metabolites contribute to its growth-promoting effect remains unclear. This study removed the microbiota from FMT filtrate using a 0.45 μm filter membrane, retaining the virome and metabolites to perform fecal virome transplantation (FVT), aiming to investigate its regulatory role in broiler growth. Healthy yellow-feathered broilers with high body weights (top 10% of the population) were used as FVT donors. Ninety-six 8-day-old healthy male yellow-feathered broilers (95.67 ± 3.31 g) served as FVT recipients. Recipient chickens were randomly assigned to a control group and an FVT group. The control group was gavaged with 0.5 mL of normal saline daily, while the FVT group was gavaged with 0.5 mL of FVT solution daily. Growth performance, immune and antioxidant capacity, intestinal development and related gene expression, and microbial diversity were measured. The results showed that FVT improved the feed utilization rate of broilers (the feed conversion ratio decreased by 3%; p < 0.05), significantly increased jejunal length (21%), villus height (69%), and crypt depth (84%) (p < 0.05), and regulated the jejunal barrier: insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) (2.5 times) and Mucin 2 (MUC2) (63 times) were significantly upregulated (p < 0.05). FVT increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria Lactobacillales. However, negative effects were also observed: Immunoglobulin A (IgA), Immunoglobulin G (IgG), Immunoglobulin M (IgM), Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in broilers were significantly upregulated (p < 0.05), indicating immune system overactivation. Duodenal barrier-related genes Mucin 2 (MUC2), Occludin (OCLN), Claudin (CLDN1), and metabolism-related genes solute carrier family 5 member 1 (SLC5A1) and solute carrier family 7 member 9 (SLC7A9) were significantly downregulated (p < 0.05). The results of this trial demonstrate that, besides the microbiota, the gut virome and metabolites are also functional components contributing to the growth-promoting effect of FMT. The differential responses in the duodenum and jejunum reveal spatial heterogeneity and dual effects of FVT on the intestine. The negative effects limit the application of FMT/FVT. Identifying the primary functional components of FMT/FVT to develop safe and targeted microbial preparations is one potential solution. Full article

Background: This study investigated the relationship between problematic media use (PMU) and working memory in preschoolers. Methods: Parents of children aged 3 to 7 (260 boys, 257 girls; M_age = 5.57, SD = 0.73) in Jinan, China, completed questionnaires assessing children’s PMU and working memory. Subsequently, High (n_high = 32, M_age = 4.53, SD = 0.67) and Low (n_low = 30, M_age = 4.67, SD = 0.66) PMU groups, based on the survey data, complete a dual 1-back task during functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) recording. Results: Behavioral accuracy and reaction time showed no significant group differences. However, a significant interaction between the PMU group and gender on prefrontal activation was observed, F(1, 60) = 5.88–7.59, ps < 0.05, ηp² = 0.09–0.12. High-PMU boys exhibited greater left prefrontal activation than low-PMU boys, while low-PMU girls showed greater activation in these same areas compared to low-PMU boys. A three-way interaction of group, task condition, and gender on prefrontal activation was also found, F(2, 60) = 5.81–6.42, p < 0.01, ηp² = 0.10–0.19, suggesting that neural responses varied by task and participant characteristics. Conclusions: These findings indicate that PMU may be associated with altered prefrontal activation during working memory tasks in preschoolers, with gender playing a moderating role. Full article

Understanding the molecular basis of endometrial receptivity is crucial for improving implantation outcomes in assisted reproduction, especially for patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). This study investigates the timing relationship between microRNA (miRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) profiles in the endometrium using simultaneously the endometrial receptivity array (ERA) and the microRNA receptivity assay (MIRA) in 100 RIF patients undergoing euploid blastocyst transfer. The concordance rate between ERA and MIRA was 72% (Kappa = 0.50), suggesting partial overlap in profiling. Patients were stratified by the timing sequence of miRNA relative to mRNA into Fast, Equal, and Slow groups. Those with delayed miRNA expression (Slow group) had significantly lower pregnancy rates (54.5%) than those with synchronous or leading miRNA expression (81.9% and 94.1%, respectively; p = 0.031). Moreover, the Slow group exhibited higher prior implantation failure counts and altered expression in 15 miRNAs, many involved in aging-related pathways. These findings highlight that asynchronous miRNA–mRNA profiles may reflect impaired receptivity and suggest that miRNA-based staging adds valuable diagnostic insight beyond mRNA profiling alone. Dual assessment of mRNA and miRNA profiles may offer additional diagnostic insight into endometrial receptivity but requires further validation before clinical application. Full article

Background/Objectives: Prioritizing diet- or exercise-related self-efficacy and social support with their interactions may improve the effectiveness of interventions aimed at increasing daily fruit/vegetable intake and exercise, thereby reducing the risk of metabolic disorders in abdominally obese women. This study aimed to identify the profiles of diet- or exercise-related self-efficacy and social support among women with abdominal obesity, examine profiles related to insufficient fruit/vegetable intake and exercise, and explore associating factors of these profiles. Methods: A cross-sectional investigation in central south mainland China collected sociodemographic, anthropometric, and health-related variables, diet-related self-efficacy (Diet-SE) and social support (Diet-SS), exercise-related self-efficacy (Exercise-SE) and social support (Exercise-SS), and daily fruit/vegetable intake and exercise. We used latent profile analysis to identify distinct profiles, and binary logistic regression to examine the profiles’ behaviors and associating factors. Results: A total of 327 abdominally obese women were categorized into four profiles of Diet-SE and Diet-SS, and five profiles of Exercise-SE and Exercise-SS. Women in the Diet Dual-Low Group were associated with insufficient daily fruits/vegetables intake. Women in the Exercise Dual-Low Group or Exercise-SS Medium–Low Group were more likely to engage in insufficient daily exercise. Conclusions: Our findings align with previous evidence that women with low diet- or exercise-related self-efficacy and social support are at increased risk for insufficient daily fruit/vegetable intake or exercise. Additionally, medium Exercise-SS is associated with insufficient exercise behaviors, suggesting that interventions targeting healthy exercise should be initiated earlier among women with medium Exercise-SS, rather than waiting for it to decline to low level. Full article