Search Results (4,499)

Background: We aim to estimate the variation in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients from a Brazilian cardiologic center. Methods: The outpatient serum creatinine level and urine albumin–creatinine ratio (UACR) in samples from patients ≥18 years old between 2014 and 2023 were evaluated. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m². Participants were categorized into low-, moderate-, high- or very high-risk groups according to the CKD heatmap, which combines eGFR with UACR results. Results: The mean number of adults with serum creatinine results per year was 36,477 ± 7239, and the mean number of those with UACR results was 16,870 ± 4310. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of participants with CKD increased significantly (from 20% to 31%; R² = 0.853; p < 0.001), as was the prevalence of individuals in the high or very high CKD risk groups (14% to 21%; R² = 0.945; p < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of CKD during the study period was 21.7% and was higher in females and in older age groups. Conclusions: The roughly 50% increase in the laboratory-based CKD prevalence over 10 years underscores the need for healthcare services to adapt to managing a population with growing complexity and a heightened risk of requiring kidney replacement therapy. Full article

Aim: The aim of this study was to correlate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FTO and MC4R genes with body composition (BC) in populations with various levels of physical activity, and to investigate associations of SREBF1 methylation with the level of physical activity (PA) and BC. Methods: Fifty-six participants aged 18–65 years old with no underlying medical conditions were included in the study and were classified into sedentary/light PA (SLPA), moderate PA (MPA) and vigorous PA (VPA) groups using the International PA questionnaire (IPAQ). Anthropometric measures such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP) were recorded at the time of recruitment. Venous blood samples were collected during participant recruitment and DNA was extracted. Genotyping assays were performed for SNPs in FTO (rs9939609) and MC4R (rs17782313) using Taqman^® RT qPCR and TaqMan Genotyper software 1.7.1. Methylation analysis assay for CpG sites in the SREBF1 gene was performed on 56 samples using PyroMark^® Q48 Autoprep (Qiagen,Venlo, Netherlands). The results were statistically analysed to identify any associations between FTO/MC4R genotypes and the level of PA, and between SREBF1 methylation status and the level of PA. This is the first study to investigate links between PA and quantitative methylation of SREBF1. Results: According to IPAQ guidance, the 56 participants were classified into SLPA n = 14, MPA n = 11 and VPA n = 31. The correlation analysis revealed that the FTO rs9939609 ‘A’ risk allele had a significant negative association with BFP in the VPA group (p = 0.0387); the MC4R rs17782313 ‘C’ risk allele had a significant positive association with BMI in the VPA group (p = 0.0256). In the SREBF1 pyrosequencing analysis, higher levels of methylation were observed in the VPA group (p = 0.07). Conclusions: We concluded that SNPs associated with obesity identified in FTO rs9939609 and MC4R rs17782313 could help to predict the molecular effects of PA. A high frequency of FTO risk variants in the cohort was observed and the VPA group could help maintain a healthy BFP. Full article

Fine particulate matter with a diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM_2.5) pollution poses a global public health crisis, demonstrating significant threats to human health. This study focused on the strategically important Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle in western China, systematically comparing the toxic effects of urban and rural PM_2.5 across five levels. PMF and regression analysis were used to identify source contributions, dual-omics to pinpoint key molecules, and epidemiological data with a GAM model to assess health risks. Findings demonstrate that rural PM_2.5 possesses greater biotoxicity than its urban counterpart. Cytotoxicity in urban and rural PM_2.5 originated from road dust/vehicle emissions and biomass burning, respectively. Subsequently, integrated omics and molecular biology analyses identify kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A) as a shared key target, which mediates toxicity induced by both urban and rural PM_2.5. Finally, epidemiological analysis reveals that females and ≥65 years old exhibit relatively high sensitivity to urban PM_2.5 exposure trends, with rhinitis showing a comparatively higher impact among various related diseases. The novelty of this work lies in its pioneering application of a multi-tiered investigative approach. This approach spans “environmental samples-cellular mechanisms-population health” within the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle context, systematically elucidating common and distinct respiratory health risk of urban and rural PM_2.5. This work offers a vital scientific foundation for advancing region-specific, precise air pollution prevention and control measures. Full article

Wilson–Turner syndrome (WTS) is an X-linked developmental disorder associated with variants in the LAS1L gene, which plays a role in ribosome biogenesis. We report a 6-year-and-5-month-old boy presenting with growth retardation, early developmental delay, and mild scoliosis. Exome sequencing analysis identified a novel hemizygous LAS1L frameshift variant, c.2082dup (p.Leu697ProfsTer59), inherited from his asymptomatic mother that was absent from population databases. Functional analysis in HEK-293T cells suggested reduced protein expression with a partial loss of function effect, while structural modeling indicated potential alteration of the C-terminal region. The patient lacked classical WTS features, including craniofacial dysmorphism, truncal obesity, hypogonadism, and neuromuscular involvement. This case expands the phenotypic spectrum of LAS1L-related disorders and highlights the consideration of LAS1L variants in children with unexplained growth failure, scoliosis, or developmental delay, even in the absence of classical WTS features. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of replacing 25% of wheat straw with dried carob (Ceratonia siliqua) leaves and twigs, either untreated or treated with 5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH), on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, meat quality, blood metabolites, and rumen microbial populations in Assaf lambs. Twenty-four male lambs (2.5 months old; 29 ± 0.5 kg) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments (n = 8): a control diet containing wheat straw as the sole roughage source, supplemented with a concentrate feed, a diet with 25% untreated carob leaves and twigs (UCL), and a diet with 25% NaOH-treated carob leaves and twigs (TCL). Following a 14-day adaptation period, lambs were fed the corresponding experimental diet for 14 weeks. Carob inclusion improved growth performance, with UCL lambs showing the highest average daily gain (214 g/d) compared with TCL (201 g/d) and control (160 g/d), resulting in improved feed conversion ratio (9.02 vs. 5.68 and 5.63, respectively) (p < 0.001). Blood urea nitrogen was reduced (p < 0.001) in UCL lambs (26.8 vs. 38.5 mg/dL in control), suggesting improved nitrogen retention. Digestibility responses differed between treatments (p < 0.001), as TCL increased dry matter digestibility to 72.6% compared with 65.4% (UCL) and 63.6% (control), indicating enhanced nutrient utilization following NaOH treatment. Both UCL and TCL increased (p < 0.001) carcass weights (up to 24.7 vs. 21.0 kg in control), while TCL achieved the highest dressing percentage (46.6% vs. 43.4%). Meat quality traits were generally unaffected in terms of color (lightness, redness, and yellowness) and water-holding capacity; however, shear force decreased from 33.6 N (control) to 30.0 N (TCL), indicating improved tenderness. Carob inclusion modified meat composition by increasing (p < 0.001) lipid content (12.0–12.2 vs. 9.6%) and improving fatty acid profile, with reduced saturated fatty acids (53.4–56.5 vs. 61.4%) and increased α-linolenic acid (2.04 vs. 1.58%), leading to a lower n-6/n-3 ratio (5.54–5.61 vs. 6.45). Rumen fermentation was also affected (p < 0.001), as carob diets increased total bacterial populations and reduced protozoal counts, suggesting shifts toward more efficient microbial activity. In conclusion, replacing 25% of wheat straw with carob leaves improved growth performance and feed efficiency, with untreated carob primarily enhancing nitrogen utilization and treated carob improving fiber digestibility and carcass yield. These findings support the use of carob by-products as a viable alternative feed resource, although responses depend on processing method and targeted production outcomes. Full article

Background and objectives: Social media use has become pervasive among the general population, with growing concern regarding its potential effects on mental health and sleep. While existing studies report associations between social media engagement and psychological outcomes, limited attention has been given to users’ self-perceived impact. To assess the self-perceived impact of social media use on mental health and sleep-related outcomes among healthy adolescents and adults aged 16–50 years old, and to identify associated demographic and behavioral factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among residents of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aged 16–50 years without a history of psychiatric or chronic sleep disorders, using a structured online questionnaire. Perceived mental health impact was assessed using a six-item study-specific questionnaire evaluating participants’ subjective perceptions regarding emotional and psychological responses to social media exposure. Higher perceived impact was defined as a composite score of 12–24 points on the study-specific scale. Data included sociodemographic characteristics, patterns of social media use, perceived mental health impact assessed through a 6-item Likert scale, and sleep-related outcomes. Associations were evaluated using chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis. Results: Most participants reported daily social media use exceeding 3 h, with 44.9% engaging in late-night use and 87.6% using devices within 30 min before sleep. Overall, 18.6% exhibited higher perceived mental health impact. Higher odds were observed among younger participants, students, and single individuals. Snapchat and YouTube use, and late-night engagement were independently associated with increased perceived impact. Approximately one-third reported insomnia after social media use, and 44.3% perceived improved sleep with reduced usage. Conclusions: Social media use is widely prevalent and commonly perceived to negatively affect mental well-being and sleep, particularly with intensive and late-night use. Self-awareness of these effects may represent a valuable leverage point for prevention, supporting the need for targeted digital wellness strategies and public health interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: There has been a growing concern about excessive caffeine consumption among heavy green tea drinkers on health outcomes, such as cardiovascular diseases or cancer. We evaluated the association between green tea consumption and risk of all-cause mortality in Vietnam. Methods: We used data from the Hanoi Prospective Cohort Study, an ongoing study comprising 42,146 participants aged 10 or older in Northern Vietnam who have been followed up between 2007 and 2019. Green tea intake was derived from a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. We performed a Cox proportional hazard regression model to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the association between green tea consumption and risk of all-cause mortality, adjusted for potential confounding factor. Results: After a median follow-up of 11 years (range: 0.13–11.64 years), we identified 2494 deaths. Overall, there was an inverse association between green tea intake and risk of all-cause mortality (HR_{perSDincrement} = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.89–0.97, P_trend < 0.001). This pattern was more pronounced in males (HR_{perSDincrement} = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.89–0.97, P_trend < 0.001) but not in females (HR_{perSDincrement} = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.86–1.02, P_trend = 0.12; P_{heterogeneity} = 0.81). In stratified analysis, the inverse association pattern was seen in both younger and old age groups, in individuals with BMI < 23 kg/m², in both ever and never smokers, among ever alcohol drinkers and never coffee drinkers, and in individuals with and without history of type 2 diabetes (P_{heterogeneity} = 0.31). Conclusions: Findings from the current study, the first prospective cohort study in Vietnam, suggest a protective effect of green tea consumption on risk of all-cause mortality. Further studies are warranted to validate our findings in similar population and settings. Full article

P. grumi Berg, an endemic species of the Turpan Basin, constitutes an important component of the local aquatic biodiversity. This study aimed to identify the growth model that best describes the growth characteristics of P. grumi Berg and provide baseline biological information on this poorly studied species in Turpan. The research was conducted in the Turpan Basin in November 2024 and March 2025. A total of 527 specimens were collected, with body lengths ranging from 39.0 to 96.0 mm and body weights ranging from 0.69 to 16.00 g. The female-to-male sex ratio was 3.6:1. Age determination based on otolith analysis indicated that individuals ranged from 1 to 5 years old, with age groups 2–3 years predominating in the population, with age groups 2–3 years predominating in the population. The length–weight relationship for females was W = 4.0674 × 10⁻⁵L^2.7695 (R² = 0.8028), for males was W = 1.2645 × 10⁻⁵L^3.02 (R² = 0.9103), and for the combined population was W = 1.9513 × 10⁻⁵L^2.9321 (R² = 0.8221). The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated as follows: L_∞ = 102.25 mm, k = 0.331, t₀ = −0.7548, Φ = 2.3297, t_i = 3.5392; L_∞ = 105.82 mm, k = 0.2157, t₀ = −0.6737, Φ = 4.4503, t_i = 3.3829. The results suggest that the P. grumi Berg population may currently exhibit an increasing population trend; however, the age structure was dominated by younger individuals, indicating a relatively unstable population structure. These findings enrich the basic biological information available for P. grumi Berg and provide an important scientific basis for future conservation and management strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Arthrochalasia Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (aEDS) is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by severe joint hypermobility, congenital hip dislocation, skin hyperextensibility, and muscle hypotonia. It is typically caused by heterozygous splice-site variants in COL1A1 or COL1A2, leading to exon 6 skipping. Autosomal recessive forms are extremely rare and have been reported predominantly in families from Saudi Arabia carrying the homozygous COL1A1 missense variant c.2050G>A, p.(Glu684Lys), with clinical presentations ranging from severe to mild. Methods: Clinical and molecular genetic evaluation of the patient was performed. Whole-exome sequencing was carried out, followed by confirmatory Sanger sequencing in the proband and both parents. Results: A 10-month-old boy presented with severe congenital hypotonia, bilateral hip dislocation, generalized joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility and craniofacial dysmorphism. A homozygous likely pathogenic variant NM_000088.4:c.2050G>A, p.(Glu684Lys) was identified in exon 31 of COL1A1; both healthy parents were confirmed to be heterozygous carriers of this variant. To our knowledge this is the first reported case in the Russian population and one of the few cases described worldwide of an autosomal recessive arthrochalasia-like EDS phenotype. Conclusions: This case further refines the phenotypic characterization associated with the recurrent homozygous COL1A1 p.(Glu684Lys) variant, demonstrating an arthrochalasia-like EDS phenotype of intermediate severity between the severe neonatal form with respiratory distress and recurrent fractures and the classical EDS. It further highlights the importance of considering collagenopathies in the differential diagnosis of congenital hypotonia, particularly in cases initially suggestive of neuromuscular disorders. Full article

Information on factors influencing fitness, flowering, and fruit production in Cyclamen species remains limited. This study evaluated these traits throughout the growing season in three populations of Cyclamen purpurascens subsp. immaculatum under contrasting environments: a young beech forest (half-shade), an old beech forest (shade), and an open meadow. Because this protected endemic taxon of the Western Carpathians (Veľká Fatra and Starohorské vrchy Mountains, Slovakia) cannot be sampled destructively, we used in situ observations and chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements. We found seasonal variation in photosystem II (PSII) efficiency and high environmentally driven inter-individual variability. Plants in the meadow exhibited significantly lower values of F_v/F_m, F_m/F₀, and Area parameters, likely reflecting combined microclimatic stress. These plants also produced significantly fewer flowers, suggesting reduced resource availability for reproduction. In contrast, no significant differences in fluorescence parameters were detected between the two forest habitats, which showed similar seasonal dynamics. However, plants in the young forest produced the most flowers and slightly more fruits than those in the old forest or open meadow. Overall, our results suggest that meadow habitats may be less suitable for this taxon, while old-forest environments are tolerated but may reduce reproductive output. Semi-shaded forest habitats may be important for long-term persistence of this taxon. Full article

Background: Population-level predictors of intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering surgery for neovascular glaucoma (NVG) are understudied. This study examines factors associated with IOP-lowering surgery in California (CA) Medicare beneficiaries with NVG. Methods: The study population included all 2019 CA Medicare beneficiaries with NVG. Covariates included age, sex, race/ethnicity, history of treatments for retinal ischemia, dual Medicare/Medicaid eligibility, Social Vulnerability Index score, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score. Outcomes included incidence of trabeculectomy, tube shunt, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, cyclophotocoagulation (CPC), or any IOP-lowering surgery. Results: Of 1843 beneficiaries, 264 (14.3%) had IOP-lowering surgeries. In multivariable logistic regression including all covariates, CCI ≥ 5 versus 0 was associated with lower odds of any IOP-lowering surgery and of each type of surgery except CPC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.29, 0.75 for any versus no surgery; aOR = 1.35, CI = 0.51, 3.60 for CPC). Compared to Non-Hispanic White, racial and ethnic minorities had increased odds of trabeculectomy (aOR = 3.77, CI = 1.05, 13.57 for Black; aOR = 2.69, CI = 1.04, 6.92 for Hispanic) and tube shunt (aOR = 2.62, CI = 1.27, 5.41 for Other/Unknown). Beneficiaries 75–79 versus 65–69 years old had decreased odds of trabeculectomy (aOR = 0.21, CI = 0.05, 0.98). Conclusions: Among CA Medicare beneficiaries, higher systemic disease burden was associated with a decreased likelihood of surgery for NVG, while racial and ethnic minorities were more likely to undergo certain procedures. These findings suggest surgical risk stratification and treatment pattern disparities for individuals with NVG. Full article

The coexistence of urban shrinkage and land finance dependency poses a distinct institutional challenge to regional development in China. However, the mechanisms linking multidimensional urban decline with reliance on land conveyance revenue remain inadequately understood. Using Liaoning Province as a case study, this research develops a comprehensive indicator system to assess urban shrinkage across demographic, economic, social, and spatial dimensions, and constructs a model to measure land finance dependency. Employing panel data from 2016 to 2023, the study evaluates urban shrinkage and land finance dependency in Liaoning and applies a coupling coordination degree model to explore their spatiotemporal evolution. The results show that 7 of the 14 prefecture-level cities in Liaoning experienced shrinkage. These cities demonstrate a distinct core–periphery spatial pattern and cluster mainly in traditional industrial and resource-dependent regions. Land finance dependency exhibits an inverted U-shaped pattern, peaking around 2020 and sharply declining from 2021 onwards, suggesting a substantial collapse in the fiscal support capacity of land finance within shrinking cities. This study argues that a structural contradiction exists between the growth-oriented land finance model and the emerging reality of urban shrinkage, with traditional fiscal tools becoming irreversibly disconnected from sustainable urban governance in the region. Therefore, a fiscal resilience framework suitable for the post-land-finance era should be established, endogenous urban renewal encouraged, and institutional adjustments tailored to population shrinkage implemented, replacing the conventional land-driven expansion model. This transition has significant implications for old industrial cities in transitional economies. Full article

Punjab, Pakistan, is experiencing severe groundwater depletion due to excessive and unplanned extraction, declining surface water availability, rapid population growth, and increasing climate variability. Groundwater has become the primary source of irrigation and drinking water across the province, contributing about 50%, 90% and 95% of the requirements of agricultural, domestic, and industrial water demands. Natural recharge rates have been reduced due to construction, pavements, and the lining of irrigation channels. This study presents the first pilot-scale Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) initiative implemented by the Irrigation Research Institute (IRI) of the Punjab Irrigation department. Floodwater has been diverted into the bed of the abandoned Old Mailsi Canal (OMC), which off-takes from Islam Headworks. About 144 recharge wells have been constructed in the bed of the OMC. During the 2025 flood season, approximately 12,000 acre-feet of floodwater was diverted and stored through engineered ponding, canal-bed rehabilitation, and recharge wells. A comprehensive monitoring program was established, including piezometers, automated data loggers, groundwater quality sampling, pumping tests, geophysical surveys, and sediment analyses. The results indicate a maximum groundwater level rise of up to 11 ft., with average increases ranging from 2.6 to 5.2 ft across the recharge ponds. Groundwater quality also showed an improvement following MAR implementation; electrical conductivity decreased from 900 to 650 μS/cm in Pond-I and from 850 to 750 μS/cm in Pond-III. These findings demonstrate that repurposing abandoned canal infrastructure for floodwater-based MAR provides a technically feasible, environmentally sustainable, and climate-resilient strategy for enhancing groundwater availability for sustainable management in Punjab and other water-stressed regions. Full article

Junmu No.1 is a commercially important Chinese pig breed, yet stable in vitro models for investigating its muscle development mechanisms and genetic regulation remain lacking; this study aimed to establish an immortalized porcine satellite cell line from Junmu No.1 pigs to address this gap. Primary porcine satellite cells (PSCs) were isolated from a 2-day-old Junmu No.1 piglet and immortalized via lentiviral transduction using the pHAGE-EF1α-eGFP-SV40LT-BleoR vector. The resulting cell line (imPSC-JM) was characterized for morphology, satellite cell marker expression, karyotype stability, myogenic differentiation capacity, and long-term proliferative potential, and RNA sequencing combined with Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to assess transcriptomic fidelity relative to primary PSCs. The imPSC-JM line retained characteristic spindle-shaped satellite cell morphology, consistently expressed PAX7, maintained a normal diploid karyotype (2n = 38, XY), and showed stable SV40 large T antigen expression, enabling sustained proliferation exceeding 100 cumulative population doublings while preserving myogenic differentiation and the formation of multinucleated myotubes expressing Desmin, MYHC, and DMD. Transcriptomic profiles were highly concordant with primary PSCs (Pearson r ≥ 0.95; R² = 0.9188; 83.8% of expressed genes unchanged), with key satellite-cell and myogenic regulator genes (PAX7, MYOD1, MYF5, MYOG, MYF6) unaltered, while GSEA revealed upregulation of autophagy and inflammatory signaling and downregulation of ribosome biogenesis. The imPSC-JM line thus provides a reliable experimental platform with high transcriptomic fidelity for studying muscle development and genetic regulation in Junmu No.1 pigs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Rabbit farming in Romania is increasingly important for providing high-quality meat, yet productivity is frequently threatened by enteric diseases, particularly in young animals. Among bacterial etiologies, Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) has emerged as a significant gastrointestinal pathogen, with findings suggestive of systemic dissemination and public health implications. This study aimed to investigate a fatal case of C. difficile infection in a farmed rabbit and to characterize the pathogen’s microbiological, toxigenic, and antimicrobial profile. Methods: An 11-month-old male German Giant Spotted rabbit presenting acute diarrhea, anorexia, and rapid deterioration after unsupervised administration of enrofloxacin and sulfaquinoxaline was submitted postmortem. Necropsy was performed, and samples from cecum, colon, liver, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, lungs, and femoral bone marrow were collected. Microbiological analysis included selective culture on CCFA medium, ELISA for toxin A and B detection, MALDI-TOF MS identification, PCR confirmation, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing with the VITEK 2 system. Histopathological examination was conducted on intestinal and parenchymal tissues. Results: Necropsy revealed severe congestion and necrosis of the cecal and colonic mucosa, hepatomegaly, splenic congestion, and petechial hemorrhages. C. difficile was isolated from intestinal sites, confirmed as toxigenic by ELISA and PCR. Histopathology showed necrotizing colitis with epithelial desquamation, fibrin deposition, and heterophilic infiltration. The strain exhibited resistance to clindamycin, ampicillin, and tetracycline, with susceptibility to vancomycin, linezolid, and tigecycline. Conclusions: This case demonstrates that C. difficile can cause severe disease in rabbits, particularly following antimicrobial-induced dysbiosis. The findings underscore the importance of prudent antibiotic use, monitoring of toxigenic strains in rabbit populations, and implementation of preventive strategies to mitigate health risks in both animals and potentially humans. Full article