Search Results (25,754)

Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder with diverse pathogenetic mechanisms and clinical manifestations. Phenotype D PCOS is characterized by oligomenorrhoea and polycystic ovaries without hyperandrogenism. Altered adipokine profiles may contribute to reproductive and metabolic disturbances. Chemerin is an adipokine involved in inflammatory and metabolic processes. It remains unclear whether altered chemerin levels in PCOS reflect metabolic dysfunction alone or are directly associated with hyperandrogenism. The aim of this study was to compare serum chemerin levels in women with normoandrogenic PCOS and a control group. Methods: This cross-sectional preliminary study included 49 women with phenotype D PCOS and 40 healthy, age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. Anthropometric, biochemical, hormonal parameters, and serum chemerin concentrations were assessed. Results: Serum chemerin concentrations did not differ significantly between the groups. In the PCOS group, the 95% confidence interval ranged from 198.61 to 234.37, while in the controls, it ranged from 187.13 to 216.21. In women with PCOS, chemerin showed significant positive correlations with weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference, total adipose tissue, and both gynoid and android fat content. Positive correlations were also observed with highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), insulin, glucose, triglycerides, and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and a negative correlation was found with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Chemerin was weakly negatively correlated with sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and positively correlated with the free androgen index (FAI). In the control group, chemerin correlated positively with CRP, insulin, triglycerides, total and gynoid adipose tissue, and negatively correlated with HDL cholesterol and SHBG. Conclusions Although chemerin levels did not differ from controls, chemerin was associated with metabolic and inflammatory markers in both groups. These findings should be considered preliminary due to the limited sample size. Chemerin may reflect metabolic and inflammatory status rather than hyperandrogenism in normoandrogenic PCOS. Full article

Background and Objectives: SARS-CoV-2 produces potentially pathogenic molecules, such as single-stranded RNA and spike proteins, which can potentially activate microglial cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 and mRNA vaccines can cause neurotoxicity directly or through microglial involvement. Materials and Methods: Primary cerebellar granule cell cultures isolated from Wistar rats and organotypic hippocampal slice cultures from transgenic C57BL/6J mice were used in the experiments. Imaging and quantitative analysis of cell viability, proliferation, and phagocytic activity were performed using light and fluorescence microscopy. Results: The exogenous SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein at 50 µg/mL concentration induced neuronal cell death in neuronal–glial co-cultures and stimulated microglial proliferation during the first 3 days of exposure without an effect on inflammatory cytokine secretion. Single application of Tozinameran/Riltozinameran and Original/Omicron BA. 4-5 vaccines did not affect neuronal viability and total neuronal number in cell co-cultures after 7 days of exposure. In contrast, three repeated treatments with mRNA vaccines at 6 ng/mL caused microglial proliferation without affecting microglial phagocytosis and TNF-α release. In organotypic brain slice cultures, only Tozinameran/Riltozinameran stimulated microglial cell proliferation in female brain slices, while male brain slices remained unaffected by both vaccines, indicating sex-dependent effects. Conclusions: The findings suggest that mRNA vaccines do not exert neurotoxic effects in primary neuronal–glial co-cultures, but induce microglial proliferation, particularly in female brains in the absence of inflammatory cytokine release. SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein at high concentrations directly induces neuronal death. Full article

Background/Objectives: Digestive problems are common in the general population and may be influenced by lifestyle, emotional status and diet. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of digestive problems in Spanish adults and examined associated factors. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional analysis of anonymized adult microdata from the 2023 Spanish Health Survey was performed. Data were collected using a mixed-mode design (self-administered web questionnaire with interviewer-administered follow-up). Digestive problems were recoded by combining gastric ulcer, constipation, and prescribed use of laxatives, astringent drugs, and stomach medication. Therefore, digestive problems are primarily defined as the presence of gastric ulcers, diarrhea, and/or constipation. Variables included sociodemographic, Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, Personal Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHQ-8), World Health Organization Well Being Index (WHO-5), and macronutrient intake estimated from a Food-Frequency Questionnaire using the Spanish Food Composition Database (BEDCA). Group comparisons and multivariable logistic regression were conducted (95% CI; significance level set at p < 0.05). Results: Of 34,148 participants, 13,518 provided information on digestive problems; among these respondents, 3860 (28.6%) reported having digestive issues. Prevalence ranged from 5.2% to 36.5% among national territories. Higher odds (OR) of digestive problems were associated with age (OR 1.026, 95% CI 1.023–1.029), female sex (OR 1.168, 1.070–1.276), non-smoking (OR 1.240, 1.005–1.531) and ex-smoking (OR 1.447, 1.272–1.647) compared to current smokers, higher PHQ-8 scores (OR 1.040, 1.029–1.051), greater protein intake (OR 1.016, 1.009–1.023), consumption of sweet pastries (OR 1.058, 1.039–1.077), and dairy products (OR 1.027, 1.002–1.053); in contrast, lower odds were associated with higher WHO-5 scores (OR 0.985, 0.982–0.987), total fiber intake (OR 0.968, 0.949–0.987), and legume consumption (OR 0.894, 0.856–0.933). Conclusions: Digestive problems show considerable variability in prevalence among survey-based Spanish sample. Digestive problems were associated with older age, female sex, depressive symptoms, high-protein intake, and higher consumption of sweet pastries and dairy products, whereas higher well-being scores, higher fiber intake and legume consumption were associated with lower odds of digestive problems. Full article

Kidney cells are exposed to a wide range of physiological and pathological stresses, including hormonal changes, mechanical forces, hypoxia, hyperglycemia, and inflammation. These insults can trigger adaptive responses, but when they persist, they can lead to organelle stress. Organelles such as mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, and primary cilia sustain cellular metabolism and tissue homeostasis. When organelle stress occurs, it disrupts cellular processes and organelle communication, leading to metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, fibrosis, and progression of kidney disease. Sex and hormonal factors play a significant role in the development of renal disorders. Many glomerular diseases show distinct differences between the sexes. Chronic Kidney Disease is more common in women, while men often experience a faster decline in kidney function, partly due to the influence of androgens. Additionally, the loss of female hormonal protection after menopause highlights the importance of sex as a factor in renal susceptibility. This narrative review synthesizes preclinical evidence on how sexual dimorphism and sex hormones affect organelle stress in mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, and primary cilia, from 33 studies identified through a non-systematic literature search of the PubMed database, to provide an overview of how these mechanisms contribute to sex-specific differences in kidney disease pathophysiology. Full article

Since the molecular mechanisms underlying sex determination in Procambarus clarkii are still unclear, it is important to investigate the genetic basis of sex determination in crustaceans. Currently, the molecular mechanisms of sex determination and the gender-specific markers in this species remain poorly understood. In this study, a total of 14,046,984 SNPs and 2,160,652 InDels were identified through genome-wide resequencing of 89 individuals (45 females and 44 males). Further analysis confirmed that the candidate chromosome was Chr38, the sex determination system was identified as XY, and the sex determination region was located at Chr38: 6,000,000–21,100,000 bp. A pair of sex-specific molecular markers has been identified based on a 21 bp female-specific insertion within the candidate sex-determining region. Additionally, SOAT, NPC1, PTGS2, FANCD1, and VAlRS were identified as candidate sex-determining genes through the screening of candidate genes and RT-qPCR validation analysis. These findings provide a robust foundation for investigating sex-determining mechanisms in crustaceans. Through the integration of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), selection signals, and transcriptome analysis, we identified, for the first time, genes associated with sex determination, growth, and immunity. These genes represent promising candidates for further functional studies and genetic improvement in Procambarus clarkii. Full article

Weight loss is an indicator of nutritional disorders, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and is more likely to be experienced by individuals with fewer teeth. In this study, we examined the relationship between 1-year body weight changes and variations in various oral function tests. In total, we examined 104 individuals aged 45–84 years (70 men and 34 women) who underwent health check-ups at our hospital in 2023 and 2024. Several oral function tests were performed, and changes over a 1-year period were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The rate of change in oral function was compared between individuals who lost ≥5% of their body weight in 1 year and those who did not; no significant differences in body weight and oral function were observed between 2023 and 2024, and no significant differences in the rates of change in oral function or weight loss were observed based on sex and age. The rates of change in occlusal force and masticatory function were significantly correlated with weight loss rates, while no differences were observed in terms of sex or age between those who lost ≥5% of their body weight in 1 year and those who did not; the only significant difference was in occlusal force: weight loss was correlated with occlusal force over 1 year, with individuals who lost ≥5% of their body weight exhibiting significantly lower occlusal force, a risk factor for nutritional disorders. Full article

Within the Rajidae family, the blonde ray (Raja brachyura) is considered one of the less resilient species to fishing pressure and other anthropogenic pressures, primarily due to its late maturity and large maximum size, which can exceed 120 cm total length. This is the first study to provide comprehensive insights into the reproductive biology of Raja brachyura in the continental waters of Portugal, with insights into its timing, maturity, and fecundity. It was determined that egg-laying occurs from February to November, with a peak observed between April and September. Males were reproductively active throughout the year, with highest proportions of active males observed between January and May. The length at first maturity was estimated at 95.2 cm for females and 90.0 cm for males, corresponding to 85% of the maximum observed length in each sex. The potential fecundity was estimated at 115 follicles per female per year, and evidence suggests that the species has a determinate fecundity. The findings reinforce the appropriateness of current management measures in Portuguese continental waters, namely seasonal closure when overlapping with the peak of the reproductive season (May and June), and provide valuable scientific support for future conservation and management measures. Full article

Behavior-related factors represent a major cause of cat relinquishment to shelters, highlighting the need for reliable tools to support appropriate matching between cats and adopters. The present study applied the ASPCA^® Meet Your Match^® Feline-ality™ assessment to evaluate personality profiles of shelter cats and to examine factors associated with variation in personality expression across shelters. A total of 113 cats housed in six shelters in the south of France were assessed using a standardized behavioral protocol. Differences between shelters were evaluated using one-way ANOVA for behavioral scale scores, while associations between personality type and shelter affiliation, sex, coat color, and age were analyzed using χ² tests of independence. Significant differences between shelters were observed for the majority of behavioral assessment items, as well as for composite valiance and independent–gregarious scale scores. Shelter affiliation was significantly associated with the distribution of Feline-ality™ personality types, indicating that personality profiles were not uniformly distributed across shelters. No statistically detectable association was found between personality type and sex. In contrast, significant associations were observed between personality type and both coat color category and age category, suggesting non-random variation in personality distribution across these factors. These findings indicate that shelter-related and individual factors are associated with variation in feline personality expression. While causal relationships cannot be inferred, the results underscore the importance of considering environmental context and population characteristics when interpreting shelter-based behavioral assessments. The Feline-ality™ framework appears to be a useful tool for characterizing personality variation in shelter cats and may support improved adoption matching when applied with appropriate caution. Full article

There is a paucity of evidence informing our understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic affected pediatric trauma in Manitoba, Canada. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to analyze the effect of the pandemic on pediatric trauma and its association with patients’ demographic characteristics. Pre-pandemic and pandemic patient cohorts were created, and the rates of these injuries were compared by patients’ sex, age, and area of residence. During the pre-pandemic period, ED presentations with an MSK or head injury were lower in patients from rural communities compared to urban communities (RR: 0.68, p < 0.001, RR: 0.51, p < 0.001). Hospitalizations with an MSK or head injury were higher in patients from rural communities (RR: 1.78, p < 0.001, RR: 1.14, p = 0.62). During the pandemic, MSK injury ED presentations (RR: 1.14, p = 0.037) and hospitalizations (RR: 1.78, p < 0.001) were higher in patients from rural communities. Patients from rural communities had a lower rate of head injury ED presentations (RR: 0.81, p < 0.001), but higher hospitalization rate (RR:1.96, p = 0.001). Differences in the rates of pediatric MSK and head injuries could be attributed to the limited healthcare resources in underserved rural communities. Efforts should be made to rectify these inequities to ensure fair access to healthcare for these patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a major cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), accounting for approximately 5–10% of patients receiving dialysis worldwide. The large and numerous cysts in the liver and kidneys cause abdominal distention and poor appetite. Previous studies showed that renal arterial embolization (RAE) reduces total kidney volume (TKV), increases appetite, and improves quality of life. This article aims to evaluate the efficacy of RAE in increasing psoas muscle (PM) and paraspinal muscle (PS) mass in patients with polycystic kidney disease. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from May 2016 to December 2020. Thirty-five patients with PKD and ESKD who received RAE were enrolled. The clinical data, including age, sex, body weight, abdominal circumference, and laboratory results, including albumin, creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and dialysis vintage, were collected. TKV was calculated with the ellipsoid formula method, and muscle mass was measured with bilateral PM and PS areas at the third lumbar level. The associated clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were compared before and after RAE. Results: There were 19 females and 16 males with a mean age of 59.9 for the final analysis. There were significant changes between baseline and 3-month, 6-month, 12-month after RAE, such as a decrease in TKV (4684 ± 3361 vs. 4079 ± 3456, 3675 ± 3401, 2459 ± 1706 mL, all p < 0.001), an increase in the PM area (12.6 ± 5.8 vs. 13.3 ± 5.7, 14.7 ± 6.9, 14.3 ± 7.1 cm², all p < 0.05), but no difference in body weight, body mass index, albumin, hemoglobin, creatinine, or estimated glomerular filtration rate. The increase in the PM and PS was more obvious in the sarcopenic group than in the non-sarcopenic group in the 12-month follow-up (p = 0.001 and 0.016 vs. p = 0.205 and 0.259). Conclusions: RAE effectively reduces TKV, increases PM and PS mass, and serves as a candidate to reverse muscle loss in patients with PKD. Full article

Background/Purpose: Primary urethral cancer is a rare malignancy, accounting for less than 1% of all urogenital cancers. Current epidemiological data from Europe are scarce and outdated. Therefore, the analyzes and comparison of the incidence and mortality of PUC in selected European countries, with particular focus on Poland, based on the most recent available registry data, were performed. Methods: Our study is based on country-level data and is descriptive in nature. Incidence data for PUC were obtained from the national cancer registries of Poland, Latvia, Slovenia, and Hungary. Mortality data were sourced from the WHO Mortality Database. Age-standardized incidence rates were calculated for two time intervals (2000–2009 and 2010–2019). Age-standardized mortality rates for individuals aged ≥45 years were calculated using the European Standard Population (ESP2013). Trends in incidence and mortality in Poland were analyzed using a five-year moving average. Results: The highest incidence of PUC was observed in Hungary, while Poland showed the lowest incidence. Latvia had the highest ASMRs for both sexes, whereas Poland and Greece reported the lowest mortality rates. Despite slight annual fluctuations, the overall PUC mortality rate in Poland has remained stable. Our study is limited by the relatively short analyzed period (2000–2021), restricted availability of C68.0 incidence data from national cancer registries, and incomplete mortality data in the WHO mortality database. Conclusions: This first contemporary comparative analysis of PUC epidemiology in Europe highlights the rarity of this malignancy and the limited data availability. Based on the knowledge drawn from the literature presented in the article on the impact of centralization on the increase in overall survival and the decrease in mortality in rare cancers, the authors believe that centralization of care can improve PUC patient outcomes. Full article

Background: Rowing performance in youth athletes is strongly influenced by anthropometric characteristics, body composition, and limb proportions; however, the combined contribution of these factors across developmental stages remains insufficiently understood. This study investigated the relationships between key anthropometric variables and ergometer performance in a multinational cohort of young rowers. Methods: A total of 194 athletes (48 females, 146 males) from ten countries participated. Based on age and sex, participants were categorized into junior female (JF), junior male (JM), adult female (AF), and adult male (AM) groups. Body height, body mass, body fat (F%), relative muscle mass (M%), limb lengths, and body surface area (BSA) were measured. Rowing performance was assessed via maximal 2000 m ergometer trials. Results: Males outperformed females across all age groups (p < 0.001). Performance showed strong positive correlations with body height (r = 0.673, p = 0.003), body mass (r = 0.724, p = 0.005), arm span (r = 0.681, p = 0.002), lower-limb length (r = 0.394, p = 0.004), relative muscle mass (39.9 ± 5.2%; r = 0.531, p < 0.001), and especially BSA (1.94 ± 0.19 m²; r = 0.739, p < 0.001). Relative body fat was negatively associated with performance (17.6 ± 6.9%; r = −0.465, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Findings indicate that rowing performance in youth athletes reflects multidimensional anthropometric configurations rather than isolated traits, characterized primarily by the combined contribution of body surface area, relative muscle mass, and segmental body dimensions. From a practical perspective, higher-performing athletes typically exhibited body surface area values approaching or exceeding ~1.90 m² and relative muscle mass above ~40%, suggesting these ranges as indicative reference benchmarks rather than fixed selection thresholds. Integrating anthropometric profiling with physiological assessment may enhance early talent identification and support individualized training strategies in competitive youth rowing. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuronal loss and abnormal α-synuclein aggregation. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising biomarkers and potential modulators of PD-related molecular pathways. In this study, we investigated the expression levels of four candidate miRNAs—miR-15a-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-139-5p, and miR-34a-3p—in patients with PD compared with healthy controls. A total of 47 PD patients and 45 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled. Plasma miRNA levels were quantified using standardized RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and qPCR protocols. We observed marked upregulation of miR-15a-5p and robust downregulation of both miR-139-5p and miR-34a-3p in PD patients, whereas miR-16-5p showed no significant difference between groups. Target gene prediction and functional enrichment analysis identified 432 unique genes, with enrichment in biological processes related to protein ubiquitination and catabolic pathways, and signaling cascades such as mTOR, PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and Hippo pathways, all of which are implicated in neurodegeneration. Elevated miR-15a-5p may contribute to pro-apoptotic mechanisms, while reduced miR-139-5p and miR-34a-3p expression may reflect impaired mitochondrial function, diminished neuroprotection, or compensatory regulatory responses. Together, these dysregulated circulating miRNAs provide novel insight into PD pathophysiology and highlight their potential as accessible, non-invasive biomarkers. Further longitudinal studies in larger and more diverse cohorts are warranted to validate their diagnostic and prognostic value and to explore their utility as therapeutic targets. Full article

Background: Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) is a major chronic sequela of spinal cord injury (SCI) with substantial implications for rehabilitation and long-term management. However, population-level evidence describing how gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostic codes are used following SCI, particularly within administrative healthcare systems, remains limited. Methods: We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study using administrative claims data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). A total of 584,266 adults with trauma-related SCI encounters between 2009 and 2019 were identified. GI diagnostic codes—paralytic ileus (K56), irritable bowel syndrome (K58), and functional bowel disorders (K59)—were evaluated as administrative proxies for bowel dysfunction. Demographic characteristics, disability status, regional factors, and health behaviors were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: GI diagnostic codes were frequently recorded after SCI, most commonly irritable bowel syndrome (approximately 30%) and functional bowel disorders (approximately 37%), whereas paralytic ileus was uncommon. Greater disability severity, female sex, older age, and rural residence were consistently associated with higher odds of GI diagnostic coding. Physical activity showed robust inverse associations across all models. Inverse associations observed with smoking and alcohol consumption were interpreted as reflecting residual confounding or health-related selection, rather than biological protective effects. Conclusions: Patterns of GI diagnostic coding after SCI likely reflect the clinical burden and management needs of neurogenic bowel dysfunction within healthcare systems, rather than the development of new gastrointestinal diseases. These findings underscore the importance of individualized bowel management, incorporation of structured physical activity into rehabilitation programs, and equitable access to SCI rehabilitation services, particularly for individuals with greater disability or those living in rural areas. Full article

As a class of glutathione-dependent oxidoreductases, glutaredoxins (GRXs) play a central role in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis, thereby influencing diverse biological processes including growth, development, and stress adaptation in plants. This study identified 36 GRX genes in Litsea cubeba through whole-genome analysis. Phylogenetic classification placed them into four subfamilies (CC-, CGFS-, CPYC-type, and a species-specific SS branch), consistent with patterns in model plants like Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa, indicating evolutionary conservation of GRX core motifs. Genomic analyses including chromosomal location, collinearity, and gene structure revealed family evolution features. Expression profiling showed 11 LcGRX genes were flower-specific, with marked differential expression during stamen (M2) and pistil (F2) degeneration, supporting their roles in sexual dimorphism. Functional assays confirmed that floral highly expressed LcGRX12 directly interacts with TGA transcription factor LcTGA10, similar to its Arabidopsis homolog ROXY1. This study reveals the GRX-TGA module’s role in floral organ development in L. cubeba, offering insights into redox-mediated sex differentiation in Lauraceae and providing candidate genes for molecular breeding. Full article