Search Results (1,178)

Background/Objectives: Stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD), or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requires renal replacement therapy, commonly hemodialysis (HD). This treatment necessitates dietary changes due to impaired excretory function and protein-energy wasting (PEW). A structured diet with adequate energy, protein, electrolytes, and fluids is essential. The aim was to characterize habitual dietary intake in adults on HD relative to KDOQI and ESPEN recommendations. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 adults on maintenance HD at the Medical University of Warsaw completed a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (55 items, nine frequency categories). The study was questionnaire-based and did not collect, link, or analyze dialysis efficacy indices, residual diuresis, or anthropometric measurements; all dietary estimates are independent of these clinical parameters. Estimated intakes of energy, macronutrients, fiber, electrolytes (Na, K, Ca, P), and fluids were compared with KDOQI 2020 and ESPEN 2021 recommendations. Sensitivity analyses included deterministic scenarios and Monte Carlo simulations. Results: Mean intakes were 2696.9 ± 1392.7 kcal and 87.7 ± 35.3 g protein; 64% and 82% met reference values. Sensitivity analyses revealed per-kg shortfalls in heavier patients (>75 kg): Monte Carlo medians were 37.8 kcal/kg/day and 1.28 g/kg/day. Diets were fat-dominant (~46%E), with low carbohydrates (~40%E) and low fiber, about 8 g per 1000 kcal. Sodium and phosphorus were elevated, about 1119 mg and 498 mg per 1000 kcal, while calcium was low (~346 mg/1000 kcal). Conclusions: Despite adequate mean intake, sensitivity analyses revealed per-kg energy/protein deficits and elevated sodium and phosphorus. Individualized counseling with electrolyte and fluid management, greater dietary diversity, and psychosocial support is warranted in HD. Full article

Cataracts cause vision loss in rabbits, often either spontaneously or as secondary to uveitis. This study considers the ophthalmic presentation, treatment, and outcome of phacoemulsification in seven pet rabbits: six presenting with lens cloudiness and one presenting with a white mass in the iris. Ophthalmic examinations revealed cataracts. The treatment plan was phacoemulsification. Encephalitozoon cuniculi was identified via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique performed on all rabbits. Ocular ultrasonography was performed to rule out retinal detachment. Phacoemulsification using the one-handed technique without intraocular lens implantation was performed in 8 of the eyes of the 7 rabbits. After surgery, the corneal wounds healed within 2 weeks. All rabbits were comfortable with opening their eyes and had a positive dazzle reflex and a clear visual axis, with no other severe complications (such as retinal detachment, intraocular hemorrhaging, or uncontrolled glaucoma) throughout the post-operative period. Postoperative complications consisted of corneal edema around the surgical wound (2 eyes; 25%); partial anterior synechiae (1 eye; 12.5%); partial posterior synechiae (5 eyes; 3 eyes before surgery and 2 eyes after surgery; 25%); posterior capsular opacities (3 eyes; 37.5%); and lens fiber overgrowths (2 eyes; 25%). In conclusion, successful phacoemulsification was achieved in the seven pet rabbits. Full article

A novel bio-gelatin fiber-reinforced composite (BFRC) was first developed by incorporating industrial bone glue/gelatin as the matrix, magnesium oxide (MgO) as an additive, and natural or synthetic fibers as reinforcement. Systematic tests evaluated mechanical, impact, and thermal performance, alongside microstructural mechanisms. Results showed that polyethylene (PE) fiber-reinforced composites achieved a tensile strength of 3.40 MPa and tensile strain of 10.77%, with notable improvements in compressive and flexural strength. PE-based composites also showed excellent impact energy absorption, while bamboo fiber-reinforced composites exhibited higher thermal conductivity. Microstructural analysis revealed that coordination between Mg²⁺ ions and amino acids in gelatin formed a stable cross-linked network, densifying the matrix and improving structural integrity. A multi-criteria evaluation using the TOPSIS model identified the BC-PE formulation as the most balanced system, combining strength, toughness, and thermal regulation. These findings demonstrate that ionic coordination and fiber reinforcement can overcome inherent weaknesses of gelatin matrices, offering a sustainable pathway for building insulation and cushioning packaging applications. Full article

Recent evidence demonstrates that mitral valve prolapse (MVP) increases mechanical stress on the subvalvular apparatus and is linked to regional myocardial fibrosis and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. However, current surgical guidelines do not account for the extent of myocardial fibrosis or the severity of leaflet involvement, both key features of arrhythmogenic MVP. To address this gap, we conducted histopathological analysis of endomyocardial biopsies from patients with MVP and regionalized myocardial fibrosis (n = 6) who underwent mitral valve repair. Using digital pathology-based quantitative image analysis (QIA), we found that fibrosis in peri-papillary biopsies exhibited a significantly higher Morphometric Composite Score compared with remote biopsies (5.68 ± 0.69 vs. 3.71 ± 0.49, p = 0.042), reflecting larger, more branched, and more assembled collagen fibers, indicative of a mature and persistent fibrotic phenotype. These findings suggest that myocardial scarring in MVP is well-established by the time of surgery and underscore the potential value of earlier surgical intervention to reduce the risk of arrhythmia and preserve post-operative left ventricular function. Full article

Wavefront aberrations caused by thermal flows or arising from the quality of optical components can significantly impair wireless communication links. Such aberrations may result in an increased error rate in the received signal, leading to data loss in laser communication applications. In this study, we explored a newly developed combined stochastic gradient descent optimization algorithm aimed at compensating for optical distortions. The algorithm we developed exhibits linear time and space complexity and demonstrates low sensitivity to variations in input parameters. Furthermore, its implementation is relatively straightforward and does not necessitate an in-depth understanding of the underlying system, in contrast to the Stochastic Parallel Gradient Descent (SPGD) method. In addition, a developed switch-mode approach allows us to use a stochastic component of the algorithm as a rapid, rough-tuning mechanism, while the gradient descent component is used as a slower, more precise fine-tuning method. This dual-mode operation proves particularly advantageous in scenarios where there are no rapid dynamic wavefront distortions. The results demonstrated that the proposed algorithm significantly enhanced the total collected power of the beam passing through the 10 μm diaphragm that simulated a 10 μm fiber core, increasing it from 0.33 mW to 2.3 mW. Furthermore, the residual root mean square (RMS) aberration was reduced from 0.63 μm to 0.12 μm, which suggests a potential improvement in coupling efficiency from 0.1 to 0.6. Full article

Elastin is the principal protein found in the elastic fibers of vertebrate tissues, and the water within these fibers plays a crucial role in preserving the structure and function of this hydrophobic protein. Soluble elastin was successfully obtained by repeatedly treating insoluble elastin, extracted from pig aorta, with oxalic acid. Solid-state NMR analysis was performed on the soluble elastin, focusing on conformation-dependent chemical shifts of alanine residues. This analysis revealed that cross-linked alanine residues exhibited both α-helix and random coil structures in the dry state. In contrast, the hydrated state favored random coil structures, with some distorted helices possibly present, indicating that the cross-linked configuration is relatively unstable. Similar conformational changes were observed in insoluble elastin, mirroring those found in the soluble form. Additionally, when the soluble elastin was re-cross-linked using 1,12-dodecanedicarboxylic acid and 4-hydroxyphenyl dimethylsulfonium methylsulfate, it retained a mixture of α-helix and random coil structures in the dry state. Remarkably, in the hydrated state, α-helix structures were more prominently preserved alongside random coils. These structural changes corresponded with increased stiffness of molecular chains in the hydrophobic regions compared to their state prior to re-cross-linking, even under hydrated conditions. Full article

Background: Childhood obesity is a growing public health challenge, with altered taste perception potentially influencing food choices and contributing to weight gain. Objective: To determine detection thresholds for linoleic acid (fat taste) and sucrose (sweet taste) in children aged 6–12 years, and to explore associations with obesity, dietary intake, and food preferences. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 Tunisian children (mean age: 8.05 ± 1.44 years; 54% girls; 45 obese, 55 non-obese) were recruited from an educational support center in Nabeul. Taste sensitivity was evaluated using the 3-alternative forced choice (3-AFC) method with ascending concentrations of linoleic acid (0.018–12.0 mM) for fat taste and sucrose (0.00125–0.32 mol/L) for sweet taste. Participants were categorized as tasters or non-tasters based on detection thresholds. Anthropometric measurements, 24 h dietary recalls, food frequency questionnaires, and food preference assessments were also conducted. Results: Low taste sensitivity was common (93% for sweet, 49% for fat). Girls were more often fat tasters than boys (68.6% vs. 31.4%, p = 0.003). Children with obesity had higher fat taste thresholds (median 3.00 mM, range 0.37–12.0) than non-obese peers (median 1.50 mM, range 0.018–6.0; p = 0.012), indicating reduced fat taste sensitivity. Linear regression showed a significant positive association between fat taste threshold and BMI (p = 0.001), meaning higher detection thresholds corresponded to higher BMI. Sweet taste thresholds did not differ significantly between children with and without obesity (p = 0.731). Sweet non-tasters consumed more sucrose (85.9 ± 64.9 g/d vs. 70.3 ± 62.3 g/d; p = 0.033) and reported more frequent table sugar use (p = 0.047). Fat non-tasters consumed more magnesium (425 ± 414 mg/d vs. 287 ± 60.8 mg/d; p = 0.026) and fiber (22.9 ± 7.51 g/d vs. 20.3 ± 5.32 g/d; p = 0.048) and reported higher intake frequencies of cheese (p = 0.039), sour cream (p = 0.004), and fast food (p = 0.012). Food preferences reflected similar patterns, with non-tasters generally rating high-fat or high-sugar foods more favorably. While most children demonstrated high detection thresholds, girls showed significantly higher fat taste sensitivity compared to boys (p = 0.03). Children with obesity exhibited significantly higher fat taste detection thresholds compared to non-obese children (p = 0.012), with thresholds ranging from 0.37 to 12.0 mM versus 0.018 to 6.0 mM, respectively. No significant difference was observed for sweet taste perception between weight groups (p = 0.731). Conclusions: Nearly half of the children exhibited reduced fat taste sensitivity, which was moderately associated with obesity and positively linked to BMI. Full article

Background: Sarcopenia is a critical complication in hemodialysis patients, associated with poor clinical outcomes, increased morbidity, and reduced quality of life. Despite this, its significance, prevalence, and risk factor data in developing countries remain limited. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and identify its independent risk factors in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis, while evaluating its impact on physical performance, nutritional intake, and quality of life. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted across three hemodialysis units in Tunisia. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using EWGSOP2 (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2) criteria based on muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance. Handgrip dynamometry, mid-arm and calf circumferences, gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test were employed. Nutritional intake was assessed using a 7-day food history. Quality of life and functional status were evaluated using the SF-36 and Barthel Index, respectively. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of sarcopenia. Results: Among 118 patients (mean age 56.74 ± 14.44 years), the prevalence of sarcopenia was 42.4% (n = 50). Sarcopenic individuals exhibited significantly poorer physical performance than their non-sarcopenic counterparts. Marked reductions were observed in handgrip strength (p < 0.001, d = −1.60, very large), SPPB scores (p < 0.001, d = −1.55, very large), and increased TUG time (p < 0.001, d = 1.46, very large), indicating substantial functional impairment. Limb circumferences were also significantly lower in the sarcopenic group, including calf circumference (p = 0.002, d = −1.39, large) and mid-arm circumference (p = 0.013, d = −0.87, large). Gait speed was slower (p = 0.010, d = −0.40, small to moderate). Health-related quality of life was significantly compromised in sarcopenic individuals, with lower SF-36 total scores (p = 0.001, d = −1.96, very large) and reduced functional independence as measured by the Barthel Index (p = 0.010, d = −0.97, large). Hemoglobin levels were also significantly lower in the sarcopenic group (p = 0.048, d = −0.96, large). Dietary assessment revealed lower fiber intake (p = 0.006, d = 1.80, very large) and reduced magnesium consumption (p = 0.020, d = 0.94, large) among individuals with sarcopenia. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.30–3.67, p < 0.001) and longer duration of hemodialysis (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.20–2.71, p = 0.028) were identified as independent predictors of sarcopenia. A lower SPPB score (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.35–0.65, p < 0.001) was associated with sarcopenia. Conclusion: Sarcopenia is highly common among hemodialysis patients and is independently linked to diabetes, treatment duration, and reduced physical performance. It significantly affects the quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. Routine screening with simple functional tests is crucial, especially in high-risk patients. Early intervention should include physical rehabilitation, nutritional support, and strict blood sugar management to decrease sarcopenia-related complications. Full article

The continued acidification of red soil reduces phosphorus availability and microbial activity, which restricts corn growth. Phosphorus tailings, a waste product from phosphate mining, can neutralize soil acidity and supply controlled-release phosphorus, but their effects on the red soil-corn system remain unclear. A field experiment in Qujing, Yunnan (2023–2024), tested four treatments: CK (standard fertilization), T1 (CK plus phosphorus tailings), T2 (80% of standard fertilizer plus phosphorus tailings), and T3 (80% of standard fertilizer plus phosphorus tailings and organic fertilizer, both applied at 6.0 t·ha⁻¹). Using high-throughput sequencing, redundancy analysis (RDA), and structural equation modeling (SEM), the study evaluated impacts on soil properties, microbial communities, and corn yield and quality. Results showed: (1) Phosphorus tailings reduced soil acidification; T3 raised soil pH in the top 0–10 cm by 0.54–0.9 units compared to CK and increased total, available, and soluble phosphorus in the 0–20 cm layer to 952.82, 28.46, and 2.04 mg/kg, respectively. (2) T3 exhibited the highest microbial diversity (Chao1 and Shannon indices increased by 177.57% and 37.80% versus CK) and a more complex bacterial co-occurrence network (114 edges versus 107 in CK), indicating enhanced breakdown of aromatic compounds. (3) Corn yield under T3 improved by 13.72% over CK, with increases in hundred-grain weight (+6.02%), protein content (+18.04%), and crude fiber (+9.00%). (4) Effective nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, available phosphorus, and soil conductivity were key factors affecting gcd/phoD phosphorus-reducing bacteria. (5) Phosphorus tailings indirectly increased yield by modifying soil properties and pH, both positively linked to yield, while gcd-carrying bacteria had a modest positive influence. In summary, combining phosphorus tailings with a 20% reduction in chemical fertilizer reduces fertilizer use, recycles mining waste, and boosts corn production in acidic red soil, though further studies are needed to evaluate long-term environmental effects. Full article

Muscle traits are critical determinants of meat quality and productivity in sheep, influenced by both breed and anatomical region. Hanzhong sheep, an indigenous Chinese breed, are prized for tender, low-odor meat; yet, the molecular mechanisms underlying these traits remain poorly understood. In this study, we integrated meat quality assessment with metabolomic and transcriptomic profiling of the longissimus dorsi (HZ-B) and triceps brachii (HZ-T) muscles to elucidate biochemical and molecular bases of regional differences. The results, derived from metabolomic profiling, demonstrated that the muscle tissue of Hanzhong sheep contained abundant proteins (95 kinds) and fatty acids (150 kinds). The greater tenderness of HZ-B compared to HZ-T was associated with higher levels of dipeptides such as carnosine (FC = 1.07) and anserine (FC = 1.04), as well as upregulated expression of oxidative fiber-related genes MYH2 (FC = 2.92) and TPM1 (FC = 2.15). In contrast, HZ-T showed enrichment of flavor-associated metabolites, including acylcarnitines and glutamate, alongside higher expression of FBXO32 (FC = 0.35) and MYBPC1 (FC = 0.47), linked to structural integrity and muscle contraction. Integrated analysis revealed strong associations between metabolite abundance (carnosine/anserine) and key genes (FBXO32/GADL1), suggesting coordinated regulation of meat quality traits. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the metabolic and transcriptomic determinants of muscle quality in Hanzhong sheep, offering a foundation for genetic improvement and conservation strategies. Full article

Neural function relies on tightly regulated lipid metabolism to sustain membrane integrity, synaptic signaling, and energy production. Myelinating glia, particularly Schwann cells, require continuous lipid flux to build and maintain myelin, rendering them vulnerable to imbalances between lipid entry and oxidative capacity. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), widely studied in hepatic cholesterol regulation, has emerging roles in the nervous system. In the central nervous system (CNS), local PCSK9 expression influences low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family abundance, neuronal survival pathways, and neuroinflammatory tone, although circulating PCSK9 has limited parenchymal access due to the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), recent evidence highlights a PCSK9–CD36 axis in Schwann cells; genetic Pcsk9 loss elevates CD36, increases fatty-acid influx, promotes lipid droplet expansion and acylcarnitine accumulation, and triggers mitochondrial stress that manifests as hypomyelination, C-fiber pathology, and selective small-fiber neuropathy. These findings suggest that PCSK9 normally restrains CD36-dependent transport to align lipid supply with metabolic demand. Clinically, PCSK9 inhibitors have demonstrated cardiovascular benefit without major neurocognitive signals, yet small-fiber outcomes have not been systematically assessed. This review integrates current evidence on PCSK9 biology across neural compartments, highlights mechanistic links to Schwann cell lipid handling, and outlines research priorities to resolve neural safety and therapeutic potential in lipid-driven neuropathies. Full article

Background and Objectives: In vitro evaluation of macro and microscopic features of five resorbable barrier membranes used for Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) in oral hard tissue surgery. Materials and Methods: Five different resorbable barrier membranes were analyzed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For each sample, surface appearance, the presence and size of ridges and depressions, number of layers, and the inner structure were recorded. Each membrane was cut into 1 × 1 cm squares to determine mass, density and thickness. In addition, an EDX microanalysis was performed. Results: Under optical microscopy, all membranes appeared rough, with ridges and depressions. In cross-section, only Sample 2 presented true stratification. On SEM, most membranes showed a three-dimensional collagen fiber architecture. Sample 3, a sheet of collagenated equine bone, differed accordingly. EDX spectra showed broadly overlapping elemental composition, characterized by N, O and C. The mass depends on the composition: bone-containing membranes weighed more; those composed predominantly of collagen weighed less. Conclusions: Pore size, surface density and roughness, and the type of cross-linking can influence cell interaction and may lead to different regenerative scenarios, potentially improving the quality and timing of tissue regeneration. Membrane selection should be dictated by the clinical scenario, prioritizing properties most advantageous for the defect. Full article

Melt-spun PA6/TiO₂ fibers with TiO₂ modified by silane coupling agents KH550 and KH570 at 0, 1.6, and 4 wt% provide a practical testbed to address three fiber-centric gaps: transferable interphase quantification, interphase-resolved indications of compatibility, and a reproducible kinetics–structure–property link. This work proposes, for the first time at fiber scale, a four-phase partition into crystal (c), crystal-adjacent rigid amorphous fraction (RAF-c), interfacial rigid amorphous fraction (RAF-i), and mobile amorphous fraction (MAF), and extracts an interfacial triad consisting of the specific interfacial area (S_v), polymer-only RAF-i fraction expressed per composite volume (Γ_i), and interphase thickness (t_i) from SAXS invariants to establish a quantitative interphase-structure–property framework. A documented SAXS/DSC/WAXS workflow partitions the polymer into the above four components on a polymer-only basis. Upon filling, Γ_i increases while RAF-c decreases, leaving the total RAF approximately conserved. Under identical cooling, DSC shows the crystallization peak temperature is higher by 1.6–4.3 °C and has longer half-times, indicating enhanced heterogeneous nucleation together with growth are increasingly limited by interphase confinement. At 4 wt% loading, KH570-modified fibers versus KH550-modified fibers exhibit higher α-phase orientation (Hermans factor f(α): 0.697 vs. 0.414) but an ~89.4% lower α/γ ratio. At the macroscale, compared to pure (neat) PA6, 4 wt% KH550- and KH570-modified fibers show tenacity enhancements of ~9.5% and ~33.3%, with elongation decreased by ~31–68%. These trends reflect orientation-driven stiffening accompanied by a reduction in the mobile amorphous fraction and stronger interphase constraints on chain mobility. Knitted fabrics achieve a UV protection factor (UPF) of at least 50, whereas pure PA6 fabrics show only ~5.0, corresponding to ≥16-fold improvement. Taken together, the SAXS-derived descriptors (S_v, Γ_i, t_i) provide transferable interphase quantification and, together with WAXS and DSC, yield a reproducible link from interfacial geometry to kinetics, structure, and properties, revealing two limiting regimes—orientation-dominated and phase-fraction-dominated. Full article

With global sustainable construction growth, fully recycled coarse aggregate concrete (RCAC)—eco-friendly for cutting construction waste and reducing natural aggregate over-exploitation—has poor durability in seasonally freezing saline-soil regions (e.g., Tumushuke, Xinjiang): freeze-thaw and salt ions (NaCl, Na₂SO₄) cause microcracking, faster performance decline, and shorter service life, limiting its use and requiring better salt freeze resistance. To address this, a field survey of Tumushuke’s saline soil was first conducted to determine local salt type and concentration, based on which a matching 12% NaCl + 4% Na₂SO₄ mixed salt solution was prepared. RCAC specimens modified with fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), and polypropylene fiber (PPF) were then fabricated, cured under standard conditions (20 ± 2 °C, ≥95% relative humidity), and subjected to rapid freeze-thaw cycling in the salt solution. Multiple macro-performance and microstructural indicators (appearance, mass loss, relative dynamic elastic modulus (RDEM), porosity, microcracks, and corrosion products) were measured post-cycling. Results showed the mixed salt solution significantly exacerbated RCAC’s freeze-thaw damage, with degradation severity linked to cycle count and admixture dosage. The RCAC modified with 20% FA and 0.9% PPF exhibited optimal salt freeze resistance: after 125 cycles, its RDEM retention reached 75.98% (6.60% higher than the control), mass loss was only 0.28% (67.80% lower than the control), and its durability threshold (RDEM > 60%) extended to 200 cycles. Mechanistic analysis revealed two synergistic effects for improved performance: (1) FA optimized pore structure by filling capillaries, reducing space for pore water freezing and salt penetration; (2) PPF enhanced crack resistance by bridging microcracks, suppressing crack initiation/propagation from freeze-thaw expansion and salt crystallization. A “pore optimization–ion blocking–fiber crack resistance” triple synergistic protection model was proposed, which clarifies admixture-modified RCAC’s salt freeze damage mechanism and provides theoretical/technical guidance for its application in extreme seasonally freezing saline-soil environments. Full article

This review explores the maternal gut microbiome’s role in shaping neonatal neurodevelopmental outcomes following perinatal asphyxia (PA), a leading cause of infant mortality and disability with limited therapeutic options beyond hypothermia. We synthesized current evidence on microbiome-mediated neuroprotective mechanisms against hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. The maternal microbiome influences fetal development through bioactive metabolites (short-chain fatty acids, indole derivatives) that cross the placental barrier, bacterial antigen regulation, and infant microbiome colonization. These pathways activate multiple protective mechanisms: anti-inflammatory signaling via NF-κB suppression and regulatory T cell expansion; antioxidant defenses through Nrf2 activation; neural repair via BDNF upregulation and neurogenesis; and oxytocin system modulation. Animal models demonstrate that maternal dysbiosis from high-fat diet or antibiotics exacerbates PA-induced brain damage, increasing inflammatory markers and hippocampal injury. Conversely, probiotic supplementation, dietary fiber, and specific interventions (omega-3, resveratrol) reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative injury. Human studies link maternal dysbiosis-associated conditions (obesity, gestational diabetes) with adverse pregnancy outcomes, though direct clinical evidence for PA severity remains limited. Understanding the maternal microbiome-fetal brain axis opens therapeutic avenues, including prenatal probiotics, dietary modifications, and targeted metabolite supplementation to prevent or mitigate PA-related neurological sequelae, potentially complementing existing neuroprotective strategies. Full article