Search Results (340)

Background: Extremely and very preterm infants are at high risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Early prediction remains challenging when relying on static clinical markers or single time-point neuroimaging. Serial cranial ultrasound (CUS) enables repeated bedside assessment of cerebral growth and may provide longitudinal trajectory biomarkers integrable with routine clinical data. Methods: In this retrospective two-center cohort study, 89 preterm infants (<32 weeks’ gestation and/or <1500 g birth weight) were assessed using the Bayley-III at 24 months corrected age. Brain volume trajectory features were derived from serial CUS using a standardized ellipsoid model. A three-level analytical framework was applied as follows: univariate regression (62 models, Bonferroni and Benjamini–Hochberg correction), multivariate SVM classification with five-fold GroupKFold cross-validation, ensuring patient-level data separation and feature importance analysis with interaction characterization using stratified Spearman correlation and two-dimensional partial dependence plots. Results: Multivariate classification yielded modest but above-chance performance (balanced accuracy 0.277–0.463, Cohen’s κ 0.042–0.152). Respiratory morbidity duration—mechanical ventilation and BPD severity—were the most robustly associated univariate predictors, surviving Bonferroni correction. Brain volume trajectory features showed no significant univariate associations but contributed conditionally within the multivariate framework as follows: the interaction between brain volume slope and trajectory linearity was the strongest for cognitive outcome (Δr = 0.47), and postnatal growth restriction showed amplified adverse effects at lower birth weight for motor outcome (Δr = 0.47). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the value of ML methods as structured analytical tools for characterizing predictor–outcome relationships in preterm neurodevelopment; respiratory morbidity and brain volume trajectory features emerged as the most informative predictor classes. Prospective multicenter validation is required before clinical translation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of permanent deterioration of central vision in elderly people. While anti-VEGF therapy remains the standard of care for neovascular AMD, disease progression and functional deterioration remain common. Methods: This pilot prospective controlled study evaluated the effects of an individualized dietary intervention in patients with neovascular AMD receiving anti-VEGF therapy. A total of 43 patients completed a six-month follow-up and were divided into a control group (standard treatment) and an intervention group receiving a personalized dietary plan. Anthropometric and body composition parameters were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Clinical retinal outcomes were classified as improvement, no change, or deterioration. Statistical analyses included parametric and non-parametric tests. Results: Retinal outcomes did not differ significantly between groups, although patients with retinal improvement or stabilization in the intervention group tended to exhibit more favorable changes in body composition. After adjustment for baseline values using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), the dietary intervention remained significantly associated with reductions in body weight and BMI (p < 0.01). After 6 months, the intervention group demonstrated a numerically higher frequency of retinal improvement and a lower frequency of retinal deterioration compared with the control group; however, these differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.386). Conclusions: An individualized dietary intervention effectively improved body composition in patients with neovascular AMD but did not produce a statistically significant effect on retinal status over six months. Nevertheless, the dietary intervention group showed numerically more favorable retinal outcomes than the control group. Dietary modification may support general health and weight management. Full article

Background: Chronic exposure to artificial light at night (light pollution) causes circadian desynchronosis and melatonin deficiency, which is considered an independent driver of metabolic disorders and accelerated aging. However, the long-term effects of chronic desynchronosis on systemic metabolism and liver structure throughout the life cycle, as well as the potential of preventive melatonin administration, remain poorly understood. Objective: To evaluate the effects of chronic dark deprivation and prevention of metabolic disorders by exogenous melatonin on plasma melatonin levels, metabolic profile, liver function, and morphological changes in rats over a 24-month experiment. Methods: A 24-month experiment was conducted on 360 male Wistar rats divided into three groups: control (standard 10:14 h light/dark photoperiod), dark deprivation (DD, constant illumination), and correction (DD+Mel, constant illumination + melatonin 10 mg/kg five times per week). Animals were sacrificed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Plasma melatonin was assessed by ELISA. Biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, LDH, total protein, albumin, bilirubin, glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol), body weight, liver weight, relative liver weight, and histological parameters (steatosis, fibrosis, nuclear area, nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, and binucleated hepatocytes) were analyzed. Results: In the DD group, a persistent progressive melatonin deficiency was detected (5.1-fold decrease by 6 months, p < 0.0005), accompanied by hypertriglyceridemia (Cohen’s d = 6.40), hypercholesterolemia (d = 4.59), biphasic dysglycemia (hypoglycemia followed by hyperglycemia), elevated ALT and AST activity (d = 2.60 and 2.46, respectively), hypoproteinemia (d = 5.33), hypoalbuminemia (d = 3.34), and hyperbilirubinemia (d = 3.22–4.37), as well as progressive steatosis (2.8 ± 0.3 points, d = 7.20) and pericellular fibrosis (1.8 ± 0.4 points, d = 4.50). In the DD group, a decrease in relative liver weight during the first 12 months was observed (metabolic disproportion, d = 2.31), reflecting disproportionate body weight gain. In the DD+Mel group, exogenous melatonin restored the biochemical parameters to values that did not differ statistically from the control values (Cohen’s d < 0.2 for most parameters), prevented steatosis (0.8 ± 0.3 points, d = 0.80) and fibrosis (0 points), increased relative liver weight by 24 months (3.83 ± 0.49 vs. 3.27 ± 0.029 in the control, d = 1.60), and increased the hepatocyte nuclear area (58.4 ± 4.1 vs. 48.6 ± 3.8 μm², d = 2.32). Conclusions: Chronic desynchronosis induced by constant illumination leads to persistent melatonin deficiency and complex metabolic and structural liver disturbances modeling accelerated aging. Exogenous melatonin (10 mg/kg five times per week) exhibits pronounced geroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antifibrotic effects, normalizing all biochemical parameters and preventing age-related liver involution. Full article

Prediction models for standardized ileal amino acid digestibilities (SIAADs) of sorghums in yellow-feathered chickens have not been previously reported. This study characterized the chemical composition of 10 sorghum samples from different sources, assessed their SIAADs in medium-growing yellow-feathered chickens, and subsequently developed and validated prediction models based on chemical composition and amino acid profiles. A total of 276 Tianluma roosters (60 d of age) were randomly assigned by body weight (average 1.32 kg per bird) to 11 dietary treatments, including a nitrogen-free diet (NFD) group and 10 sorghum-based diet groups. Each treatment included 6 replicate cages, with 4 birds per replicate cage for the sorghum-based diet groups and 6 birds per replicate cage for the NFD. Birds were fed the experimental diets from d 63 to 67, after which ileal digesta were collected to determine SIAADs of 10 sorghum samples. Data from 9 sorghum samples were used to establish prediction equations using stepwise regression, while the remaining sample was used for model validation. Sorghum source significantly influenced (p ≤ 0.002) the SIAADs of most amino acids. Arginine (Arg) exhibited the highest standardized ileal digestibility (SID) (68.2%), whereas tyrosine (Tyr) showed the lowest value (49.0%). Eighteen preliminary prediction models were developed for the SIDs of valine (Val, R² = 0.981, p = 0.001), methionine (Met, R² = 0.978, p < 0.001), isoleucine (Ile, R² = 0.983, p < 0.001), leucine (Leu, R² = 0.981, p < 0.001), threonine (Thr, R² = 0.748, p = 0.016), phenylalanine (Phe, R² = 0.981, p < 0.001), lysine (Lys, R² = 0.988, p < 0.001), histidine (His, R² = 0.988, p = 0.004), Arg (R² = 0.986, p < 0.001), tryptophan (Trp, R² = 0.934, p < 0.001), aspartic acid (Asp, R² = 0.986, p < 0.001), serine (Ser, R² = 0.980, p < 0.001), glutamic acid (Glu, R² = 0.988, p < 0.001), glycine (Gly, R² = 0.898, p = 0.007), alanine (Ala, R² = 0.983, p < 0.001), cysteine (Cys, R² = 0.968, p = 0.003), Tyr (R² = 0.898, p = 0.001), and proline (Pro, R² = 0.944, p = 0.002). The models for the SIDs of Lys, His, and Glu exhibited the highest coefficients of determination (R² = 0.988, p ≤ 0.004), whereas the model for the Thr SID exhibited the lowest fit (R² = 0.748, p = 0.016). Except for Leu and Tyr, the predicted values of the remaining amino acids were generally consistent with the determined values in the validation sample. These preliminary models provide a basis for estimating amino acid digestibilities in sorghums for medium-growing yellow-feathered chickens. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lower-limb muscle quantity and quality may be associated with mobility performance, but the relationship between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)-derived lower-limb indices and slow Timed Up and Go (TUG) performance remains insufficiently established. This cross-sectional study examined the associations of lower-limb muscle mass and phase angle (PhA) with TUG performance and explored ROC-derived values for slow TUG performance in 280 community-dwelling Japanese adults. Methods: Lower-limb muscle mass and segmental lower-limb PhA were measured using multifrequency segmental BIA and averaged across both legs. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine associations between TUG time and BIA-derived indices after adjusting for age and body size. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed for slow TUG performance, defined as TUG ≥ 9 s and ≥10.2 s, and Youden index-derived values were calculated as exploratory estimates. Results: Lower-limb PhA was independently associated with TUG performance across both body-size adjustment models, whereas lower-limb muscle mass was retained only in the model adjusted for BMI. For slow TUG performance, the lower-limb muscle mass-to-body weight ratio showed moderate discriminatory ability, with AUCs of 0.75 for TUG ≥ 9 s and 0.78 for TUG ≥ 10.2 s. Standardized lower-limb PhA showed AUCs of 0.65 and 0.64, respectively. The Youden index-derived standardized PhA value was Z = −1.04 for both TUG thresholds; however, these ROC-derived values were not internally or externally validated. Conclusions: Lower-limb BIA-derived indices, particularly segmental lower-limb PhA, were associated with TUG performance in community-dwelling Japanese adults. The ROC-derived values should be interpreted strictly as exploratory, hypothesis-generating estimates and should not be used for clinical screening or individual-level clinical decision-making without validation in larger independent cohorts. Full article

Importance: Lifestyle and supportive care interventions may improve treatment tolerance, long-term health behaviors, and survivorship outcomes among breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Few randomized trials have integrated nutrition, exercise, stress management, and psychosocial counseling concurrently with radiotherapy and extended across survivorship. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention (CompLife) initiated during radiotherapy and maintained for 12 months on body composition, fitness, quality of life, symptoms, and nutrition. Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized clinical trial at a single cancer center. Eligible women were aged ≥18 years with stage II/III breast cancer scheduled for radiotherapy, BMI ≥ 24.5, and ≥2 lifestyle risk factors. Participants were randomized to CompLife or standard of care (SOC). Assessments occurred at baseline, end of radiotherapy, and 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome of recurrence is ongoing; this report examines prespecified secondary outcomes. Interventions: CompLife included 6 weeks of in-person counseling integrating nutrition, physical activity, mindfulness, stress management, and psychosocial support; twice-weekly exercise, diet, and mind–body sessions during radiotherapy; and telehealth counseling for 12 months. SOC participants received standard educational materials. Main Outcomes and Measures: Secondary outcomes included visceral adipose tissue (VAT), weight, waist circumference, fitness (VO₂ max, strength), SF-36 Physical and Mental Component Summary scores, MD Anderson Symptom Inventory scores, mindfulness (FFMQ), and dietary fiber intake. Results: Ninety-five women were randomized (CompLife, n = 50; SOC, n = 45). CompLife participants had lower VAT at 3 and 6 months (e.g., 3 months: 118 vs. 141 cm²; p = 0.044) and greater improvements in VO₂ max at 3 (23.4 vs. 18.8 mL/kg/min; p = 0.025) and 6 months. SF-36 Physical scores improved to within population norms for CompLife at all follow-ups but remained below norms in SOC. CompLife participants reported fewer symptoms at 12 months (MDASI: 1.3 vs. 2.5; p = 0.014). Fiber intake was consistently higher in CompLife participants (20.5 g vs. 14.0 g; p < 0.001). The results should be interpreted with caution due to the large number of comparisons among the secondary outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance: A multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention delivered during radiotherapy and extended across survivorship produced clinically meaningful improvements in body composition, fitness, diet, and patient-reported outcomes. The findings suggest potential value in integrating structured lifestyle and psychosocial counseling into oncology care and warrant confirmation in larger multicenter trials with mature recurrence endpoints. Full article

This study investigates the influence of fly ash (FA) content and aggregate type on the mechanical performance and environmental efficiency of concrete. Twelve concrete mixtures were prepared using limestone and basalt aggregates, with FA replacement levels of 0%, 15%, and 35% and water-to-binder (w/b) ratios of 0.4 and 0.7. Compressive strength (CS), the modulus of elasticity (MoE), water absorption, and freeze–thaw resistance were measured. Basalt aggregates enhanced the CS and MoE while reducing water absorption and freeze–thaw deterioration compared to limestone. Although a higher FA content lowered early-age strength and stiffness, it contributed to long-term improvements and greater eco-efficiency. A new MoE prediction model incorporating CS, unit weight, aggregate type, and FA content demonstrated better accuracy than current standards. Assessment of binder usage and CO₂ intensity confirmed that all mixtures remained below the average literature values. The optimal combination was achieved with basalt aggregates, a high FA content, a low w/b ratio, and extended curing, highlighting strategies for sustainable concrete production. Full article

A total of 192 weaned piglets (Topigs TN70), 26 days of age, with an initial body weight of 7.2 ± 0.5 kg, were used to determine the standardized ileal digestible (SID) histidine (His) to lysine (Lys) ratio required to maximize growth performance. Six dietary treatments with graded SID His to Lys ratios ranging from 0.2 to 0.38 were generated with the supplementation of L-His to a grain-based basal diet deficient in His. At the end of the trial (day 41 post weaning), 72 male piglets were euthanized for the analysis of histidine-containing dipeptides, particularly carnosine, in the M. longissimus dorsi. In addition, blood samples were collected from 72 piglets to determine plasma urea-nitrogen and hematological parameters. Piglets fed low dietary His (SID His to Lys < 0.27) exhibited hemoglobin concentrations below the reference value, indicating anemia. Muscle carnosine content increased linearly with increasing dietary His and did not reach a plateau within the tested range. Based on growth performance responses, the SID His to Lys ratio required to achieve maximum growth performance in fast-growing piglets is 0.34. These findings emphasize the importance of supervising the SID His to Lys ratio, particularly in practical piglet feed formulations. Full article

Backgroud and Objectives: To evaluate conventional Doppler indices and the novel middle cerebral artery (MCA) diastolic deceleration area (DDA) in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and to explore their associations with perinatal outcomes. Prospective case–control study conducted at a tertiary referral perinatology center. Materials and Methods: The study included 83 women with GDM and 92 healthy controls. Standard fetal biometric and Doppler parameters—umbilical artery, MCA, ductus venosus, cerebroplacental ratio, and umbilicocerebral ratio—were assessed, alongside calculation of MCA DDA. Perinatal outcomes were recorded. Results: Most conventional Doppler indices did not differ between groups, except for lower MCA dicrotic notch velocity and higher ductus venosus time-averaged maximum velocity in the GDM group. MCA DDA values did not differ significantly between GDM and control groups (6.67 [5.02–8.20] vs. 7.05 [5.21–8.39] cm·s, p = 0.444) and showed no difference between insulin- and diet-controlled subgroups (p > 0.05). MCA DDA showed significant correlations with gestational age, MCA peak systolic velocity, and birth weight. However, after adjustment for potential confounders, gestational age remained the only independent determinant of MCA DDA. The multivariable analysis evaluating composite adverse neonatal outcomes was limited by the small number of adverse events (n = 14). Conclusions: MCA DDA did not differ between GDM and control pregnancies and primarily reflected gestational age-related physiological variation rather than diabetes specific hemodynamic changes. However, its relationship with adverse neonatal outcomes remains uncertain and requires further investigation in larger prospective studies. Full article

Background/Objective: Bedside ultrasonographic measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) has increasingly been used as a non-invasive method for evaluating intracranial dynamics. In preterm infants, interpretation of these measurements is complicated by the strong influence of gestational maturity. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between ONSD and respiratory support in preterm infants and to determine whether this relationship reflects an independent physiological effect or is mainly related to maturational confounding. Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 110 preterm infants. ONSD measurements were obtained at the bedside using a standardized ultrasonographic technique. Infants were categorized according to the need for invasive mechanical ventilation. Associations between ONSD, respiratory parameters, and clinical variables were evaluated with correlation analyses and multivariable logistic regression after adjustment for gestational age and birth weight. Results: ONSD values were lower in infants who required invasive mechanical ventilation and who also had lower gestational age and birth weight. After adjustment for these variables, the association between ONSD and invasive ventilation became less pronounced. Although ONSD showed a moderate unadjusted correlation with SpO₂, no consistent independent association with respiratory parameters remained after adjustment for maturational factors. The difference in ONSD between groups was small (0.48 mm) and within the expected range of measurement variability. Conclusions: In this cohort, differences in ONSD according to respiratory support appeared to be more closely related to maturational status than to respiratory disease severity. ONSD measurements in preterm infants should therefore be interpreted within the clinical context of prematurity rather than used alone as indicators of respiratory status. Full article

Methods: This study explored key study design factors that could impact the precision of pediatric pharmacokinetics (PK) estimation. A virtual pediatric population was constructed, incorporating diverse body weight distribution sourced from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts. These generated weights were aggregated based on age ranges (2–5, 6–11, 12–17, and 2–17 y.o.), and different sample sizes were randomly selected to simulate PK concentrations over an approximately 5 half-lives period for a hypothetical monoclonal antibody. Throughout the simulations, the “true” allometric scaling exponents for the apparent volume of distribution and apparent clearance were consistently assumed to be 1.0 and 0.75, respectively, consistent with physiological and pharmacological knowledge for monoclonal antibodies. The impact of various pediatric study design factors on the model estimates of allometric exponents was then investigated by assuming the generated PK data as observed, with unknown PK parameters and allometric scaling exponent values. The data were subsequently fitted with population PK models, and estimated parameters were compared to “true” values to assess precision. Precision in estimated allometric exponents served as a marker for evaluating how effectively data from various study designs can inform the pediatric PK estimation. Results: Generally, estimates of allometric scaling exponents were more accurate with a larger sample size, proper PK sampling scheme, inclusion of densely sampled adult data, and a broader range of age. Conclusions: Considering the limitations in designing most pediatric studies, these findings support recent regulatory recommendations that standard allometric exponents should be considered in pediatric PK analysis for monoclonal antibodies in general. Full article

Background/Objectives: Opioids are widely used for perioperative analgesia in small animal practice; however, their administration is associated with dose-dependent adverse effects, regulatory restrictions, and increasing stewardship concerns. Evidence supporting opioid-free anesthesia protocols in cats remains limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of a dexmedetomidine constant rate infusion as part of an opioid-free anesthetic protocol in cats undergoing ovariectomy, as well as to determine its effect on intraoperative opioid requirements. Methods: This prospective, randomized clinical trial included forty healthy female cats (mean age 1.9 ± 0.7 years; mean body weight 3.5 ± 0.6 kg; body condition score 5 [range 4–5]/9) undergoing elective ovariectomy. Cats were randomly assigned to receive either a dexmedetomidine constant rate infusion (CRI) at 1 mcg kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ (GR-E) or a control protocol without dexmedetomidine CRI (GR-C). Anesthesia was induced and maintained using standardized protocols in both groups. Intraoperative fentanyl (5 mcg kg⁻¹ IV) was administered as rescue analgesia when two of three physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, mean arterial pressure) increased by ≥20% compared to the previous recorded value. Cardiovascular and respiratory variables, rescue opioid requirements, and recovery quality were recorded. Results: The requirement for rescue analgesia was significantly lower in GR-E (4/20; 20%) compared to GR-C (13/20; 65%) (p = 0.0097). Cats receiving dexmedetomidine showed greater intraoperative cardiovascular stability during ovarian pedicle manipulation. No clinically relevant adverse effects were observed. Recovery was smooth in all cats, and all resumed feeding within eight hours postoperatively. Conclusions: A low-dose dexmedetomidine CRI effectively reduced intraoperative opioid requirements during feline ovariectomy while maintaining physiological stability and satisfactory recovery. This opioid-free anesthetic protocol represents a safe and clinically applicable alternative in settings where opioid use is restricted or limited. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between patient demographics and overall operating time during bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). Methods: For this retrospective study, data were collected from patients who had undergone BSSO in our hospital between 2016 and 2023. The mandibular body and mandibular ramus were evaluated from preoperative computed tomography (CT), and CT attenuation values of cortical and cancellous bone in the mandibular ramus were obtained from standardized preoperative CT images. Patient demographics (age, sex, occlusal class, and body weight) before surgery were also collected from the medical record. Results: Forty-six patients were included in this study. Weight and CT attenuation of the mandibular ramus (both cortical and cancellous bone) correlated with operating time (weight: rs = 0.304, p = 0.04; CT attenuation of mandibular ramus: rs = 0.323, p = 0.029). In addition, the Mann–Whitney U test revealed significantly greater operating time in males (p < 0.05). Effects of each variable were estimated after adjusting for other variables, and CT attenuation of the mandibular ramus (both cortical and cancellous bone) (B = 0.088, p = 0.008) was identified as having an effect on operating time. Higher CT attenuation, reflecting greater cortical and cancellous bone density, may increase resistance during osteotomy and consequently prolong operating time. Conclusions: This pilot study observed a possible association between CT attenuation of the mandibular ramus and operating time in BSSO. However, these findings are preliminary and do not imply any causal relationships. Thus, further studies with larger cohorts are required to confirm these observations. Full article

Background and Objectives: We aimed to evaluate early postoperative radiographic changes in sagittal foot alignment following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and to investigate the association between early weight loss and sagittal foot alignment parameters. Materials and Methods: This study included 72 consecutive patients who underwent primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Standardized lateral foot radiographs were obtained preoperatively and at the fourth postoperative month. Meary’s angle, calcaneal pitch, and talar declination angle were measured on all radiographs. Demographic and clinical variables, including age, sex, height, body weight, and body mass index (BMI), were recorded. Results: Meary’s angle demonstrated a significant postoperative decrease from 15° (IQR, 8°) to 11° (IQR, 12°) (p < 0.001), indicating improvement in medial longitudinal arch alignment. In contrast, no significant postoperative changes were observed in the calcaneal pitch (p = 0.227) or talar declination angles (p = 0.751). The proportion of patients within the normal range for all measured sagittal alignment parameters increased postoperatively, without showing statistical significance. Statistical analysis revealed that all postoperative sagittal alignment parameters showed significant correlation with preoperative values. Notably, postoperative Meary’s angle demonstrated a very strong positive correlation with preoperative Meary’s angle (r = 0.80, p < 0.001), whereas no significant correlation was identified between postoperative Meary’s angle and either postoperative weight or weight/BMI loss (p > 0.05). Although BMI loss showed a significant correlation with postoperative calcaneal pitch and talar declination angles, these correlations were weak to moderate (r = −0.403, and r = −0.362, respectively). Conclusions: Early postoperative body weight/BMI loss following sleeve gastrectomy is associated with modest, parameter-specific improvements in sagittal foot alignment, primarily reflected by changes in Meary’s angle, suggesting that the medial longitudinal arch may be more responsive to early postoperative unloading than other sagittal alignment parameters. The strong association between preoperative and postoperative measurements underscores the central role of baseline alignment in determining early postoperative outcomes. Full article

This study aimed to estimate life expectancy at birth and survival patterns within a multigenerational family from Romania (102 individuals), whose members lived across the period 1900–2024. Life expectancy was estimated using abridged synthetic cohort life tables, and the results were interpreted through survival curve analysis. Life expectancy at birth was estimated at approximately 84 years for females and 80 years for males, while the overall life expectancy for the total family population was 81 years, representing a weighted estimate derived from sex-specific life tables, with weights corresponding to the proportion of females and males in the studied population, rather than a simple arithmetic mean, following standard demographic practice. The resulting survival curves exhibited a clear Type I survival pattern, characterized by low mortality at younger ages and an increasing concentration of deaths at older ages. When contextualized using recent Eurostat data, the life expectancy estimated for the analyzed family exceeds current national-level values reported for Romania and is close to the European Union average, particularly for females. These findings indicate a favorable survival profile at the familial level and illustrate the usefulness of life tables for investigating longevity patterns in small populations. Full article