Search Results (79,026)

Piper nigrum–Areca catechu intercropping mitigates soil problems related to continuous P. nigrum cropping, but the exact reason for this is not clear. In this study, the intercropping system increased P. nigrum’s single plant weight by 27.0–55.5% and unit yield per hectare by 5.1–33.5% in 2019–2022. Intercropping altered the metabolic profiles of root exudates from both species, with increases in flavonoids (epicatechin and 4′,5,6,7-Tetramethoxyflavone), alkaloids (litebamine), and amino acids (proline betaine, L-homocysteic acid and L-homocysteic acid). Intercropping further increased the abundance of dominant soil bacteria, including GAL15 (354.9%) and Bacteroidota (70.4%) in the P. nigrum rhizosphere, and Firmicutes (141.8%) and WPS2 (75.3%) in the A. catechu rhizosphere. In the intercropping system, the abundance of soil flavonoids, including tangeritin, trifolirhizin, and hexamethylquercetagetin, which participated in improving nutrient absorption and plant growth, increased by 106.4~356.0%, 28.9~45.5%, and 45.2~127.1%, respectively, during the whole growing period. Overall, intercropping with A. catechu promoted carbon input to the P. nigrum soil via root exudates. This increased the diversity of P. nigrum rhizosphere beneficial bacterial communities, as well as the amounts of nutrients and plant growth-promoting secondary metabolites. Together, these effects improved nutrient uptake and utilization, thereby driving the sustainable production of P. nigrum, and ultimately achieving higher yields. Full article

The antioxidant properties of resveratrol (RES) against oxidative toxicity induced by testicular toxicants are well documented. The current study aimed to investigate the probable beneficial role of RES on male reproduction in adult rats following prepubertal exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Healthy rats of the Wistar strain (23 days old) were allocated into four groups. Rats in group I did not receive any treatment, while rats in groups II, III, and IV received RES, PFOA, and RES + PFOA, respectively, between days 23 and 56 and were monitored for up to 90 days. Exposure to PFOA resulted in a significant reduction in spermiogram parameters, testicular 3β- and 17β-HSD activity levels, and circulatory levels of testosterone. A significant elevation in LPx, PCs, H₂O₂, and O₂⁻, associated with a concomitant reduction in SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GSH, was noticed in the testes, as well as region-specific changes in pro- and antioxidants in the epididymides of exposed rats compared to controls. A significant increase in serum FSH and LH, testicular cholesterol levels, and caspase-3 activity was observed in PFOA-exposed rats compared to controls. Histological analysis revealed that the integrity of the testes was deteriorated in PFOA-exposed rats. Transcriptomic profiling of the testes and epididymides revealed 98 and 611 altered genes, respectively. In the testes, apoptosis and glutathione pathways were disrupted, while in the epididymides, glutathione and bile secretion pathways were altered in PFOA-exposed rats. PFOA exposure resulted in the down-regulation in the testes of 17β-HSD, StAR, nfe2l2, ar, Lhcgr, and mRNA levels, associated with the up-regulation of casp3 mRNA, and down-regulation of alpha 1 adrenoceptor, muscarinic choline receptor 3, and androgen receptor in the epididymides of exposed rats compared to the controls. These events might lead to male infertility in PFOA-exposed rats. In contrast, restoration of selected reproductive variables was observed in RES plus PFOA-exposed rats compared to rats exposed to PFOA alone. Taken together, we postulate that prepubertal exposure to PFOA triggered oxidative damage and altered genes in the testes and epididymides, leading to suppressed male reproductive health in adult rats, while RES, with its steroidogenic, antiapoptotic, and antioxidant effects, restored PFOA-induced fertility potential in rats. Full article

When conducting sequence-based analysis of microbiome samples, it is important to accurately represent the bacterial communities present. The aim of this study was to compare two commercially available DNA isolation and PCR amplification approaches to determine their impact on the taxonomic composition of microbiome samples following 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A well-established 16S rRNA gene profiling approach, which was widely used in the Human Microbiome Project (HMP), was compared with a novel alkaline degenerative technique that utilizes alkaline cell lysis in combination with a degenerate pool of primers for nucleic acid extraction and PCR amplification. When comparing these different approaches for the microbiome profiling of human and mouse fecal samples, we found that the alkaline-based method was able to detect greater taxonomic diversity. An in silico analysis of predicted primer binding against a curated 16S rRNA gene reference database further suggested that this novel approach had the potential to reduce population bias found with traditional methods, thereby offering opportunities for improved microbial community profiling. Full article

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are widely used in industry as an efficient means to control the rotational speed of AC motors by varying the supply frequency to the motor. VFD signatures can be detected in vibration signals in the form of sidebands (modulations) induced on tonal components (carrier frequencies). These sidebands are spaced at twice the “pseudo line” VFD frequency, as the magnetic forces in the motor have two peaks per current cycle. VFD-related signatures are generally less susceptible to interference from other mechanical sources, making them particularly useful for deriving speed variation information and obtaining a “pseudo” tachometer from the motor’s synchronous speed. This tachometer can then be employed to accurately estimate the speed profile and to facilitate order tracking in mechanical systems for vibration analysis purposes. This paper presents a signal processing technique designed to extract a pseudo tachometer from the VFD signature found in a vibration signal. The algorithm was tested on publicly available vibration data from a test rig featuring a two-stage gearbox with seeded bearing faults operating under variable-speed conditions with no load, i.e., with minimal slip between the induction motor’s synchronous and actual speed. The results clearly demonstrate the feasibility of using VFD signatures both to extract an accurate speed profile (root mean square error, RMSE of less than 2.5%) and to effectively perform order tracking, leading to the identification of bearing faults. This approach offers an accurate and reliable tool for the analysis of vibration in mechanical systems driven by AC motors with VFDs. However, it is important to note that some inaccuracies may occur at higher motor slip levels under heavy or variable loads due to the mismatch between the synchronous and actual speeds. Slip-induced variations can further distort tracked order frequencies, compromising the accuracy of vibration analysis for gear mesh and bearing defects. These issues will need to be addressed in future research. Full article

Background: This study aimed to perform a comprehensive gene expression analysis in patients with early-stage gastric cancer (EGC) to identify gene expression profiles specific to gastric cancer (GC) lesions. Methods: Biopsy specimens were collected from one EGC lesion and three background mucosal areas of patients scheduled for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Lesion-specific gene profiles in these four biopsies were analyzed using DNA microarrays. Patients with concurrent EGCs at the time of an ESD or a history of GC were classified into the multiple GC group (n = 26), while those without such histories were assigned to the single GC group (n = 74). Results: After excluding patients with heterogeneous factors, 55 patients were analyzed. Twenty-one differential genes exhibiting distinct mean expression profiles stratified by background gastric mucosa were extracted between the single and multiple GC groups. A scoring system constructed using these genes to calculate the weighted expression values for each patient, with an optimal cutoff value of −2.574, yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 85.7%. Conclusions: This study identified the different gene expression profiles between synchronous and metachronous multiple GCs and single GCs in patients with EGC. The developed scoring system has potential to distinguish between single and multiple GCs. Full article

Backgroub/Objectives: Exploring how early-life nutritional interventions may impact future generations, this study examines the inter- and transgenerational effects of in ovo injection of bioactive compounds on gene expression in the cecal tonsils and cecal mucosa using a chicken model. Methods: Synbiotic PoultryStar^® (Biomin) and choline were injected in ovo on the 12th day of egg incubation. Three experimental groups were established in the generation F1: (1) a control group (C) receiving 0.9% physiological saline (NaCl), (2) a synbiotic group (SYN) receiving 2 mg/embryo, and (3) a combined synbiotic and choline group (SYNCH) receiving 2 mg synbiotic and 0.25 mg choline per embryo. For the generations F2 and F3, the SYN and SYNCH groups were each divided into two subgroups: (A) those injected solely in F1 (SYNs and SYNCHs) and (B) those injected in each generation (SYNr and SYNCHr). At 21 weeks posthatching, cecal tonsil and cecal mucosa samples were collected from F1, F2, and F3 birds for transcriptomic analysis. Results: Gene expression profiling revealed distinct intergenerational and transgenerational patterns in both tissues. In cecal tonsils, a significant transgenerational impact on gene expression was noted in the generation F3, following a drop in F2. In contrast, cecal mucosa showed more gene expression changes in F2, indicating intergenerational effects. While some effects carried into F3, they were less pronounced, except in the SYNs group, which experienced an increase compared to F2. Conclusions: The study highlights that transgenerational effects of epigenetic modifications are dynamic and unpredictable, with effects potentially re-emerging in later generations under certain conditions or fading or intensifying over time. This study provides valuable insights into how epigenetic nutritional stimulation during embryonic development may regulate processes in the cecal tonsils and cecal mucosa across multiple generations. Our findings provide evidence supporting the phenomenon of epigenetic dynamics in a chicken model. Full article

Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in severe neurologic deficits, with hemodynamic instability contributing to secondary ischemic damage. Beyond surgical decompression, maintaining adequate mean arterial pressure (MAP) is key to enhancing spinal cord perfusion and oxygenation. Vasopressor therapy is frequently used to achieve hemodynamic stability, but optimal MAP targets and vasopressor selection remain controversial. This review explores updated guidelines and current evidence regarding MAP management and the use of vasopressors in SCI, focusing on their impact on spinal cord perfusion and neurologic outcomes. Recent studies highlight the role of durotomy in directly improving spinal cord perfusion pressure (SCPP) by reducing intraspinal pressure (ISP), offering a complementary mechanical intervention as part of pharmacologic therapies. Recent guidelines suggest an MAP range of 75–80 mmHg as a lower limit and 90–95 mmHg as an upper limit for 3–7 days post-injury, highlighting the need for personalized hemodynamic management. Norepinephrine is commonly preferred due to its balanced effects on peripheral vascular resistance and spinal cord perfusion pressure (SCPP), though dopamine, phenylephrine, and dobutamine each offer unique hemodynamic profiles suited to specific clinical scenarios. Despite their benefits, vasopressors carry significant risks, including arrhythmias and potential myocardial strain, necessitating careful selection based on individual patient factors. Further research is needed to refine vasopressor use and establish evidence-based protocols that optimize neurologic recovery, alongside continued exploration of SCPP as a potential therapeutic target. Full article

Up to 30% of individuals with obesity may exhibit normal insulin sensitivity, a favorable lipid profile, and no signs of hypertension. This prompts the exploration of factors distinguishing cardiometabolically healthy individuals from those developing complications. This cross-sectional study included 116 individuals categorized into four groups by combining abdominal obesity and cardiometabolic health statuses. We compared circulating adipokines and gut microbiota composition between these groups. Individuals with abdominal obesity had higher levels of hs-CRP, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-18, chemerin, and leptin, and a less favorable gut microbiota composition, including higher levels of potentially harmful bacteria (CAG-Pathogen) and lower levels of beneficial bacteria (CAG-Ruminococcaceae and CAG-Akkermansia), compared to those with adequate waist circumference. Those with obesity but cardiometabolically healthy displayed similar adipokine levels and microbiota composition to those with adequate waist. In contrast, individuals with abdominal obesity cardiometabolically abnormal exhibited significantly higher levels of hs-CRP, IL-18, chemerin, and leptin, and lower levels of adiponectin and CAG-Ruminococcaceae compared to those with abdominal obesity cardiometabolically healthy and adequate waist. Additionally, they differed in hs-CRP and adiponectin/leptin ratio from individuals with obesity cardiometabolically healthy. These findings suggest that altered adipokine profiles and gut microbiota may contribute to the development or persistence of cardiometabolic complications in obesity. Full article

The lactate threshold (LT) and the associated running velocities are important markers used to define physical readiness and prescribe exercise intensity in athletes. This study examined blood LT during maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing using four methods: visual inspection, log-to-log transformation, the Dmax method, and the 4 mmol/L fixed blood lactate accumulation (FBLA) method. The participants included 96 soccer players, comprising 52 professional (27.37 ± 5.67 years) and 44 elite youth players (16.20 ± 0.8 years). A total of 554 capillary blood lactate samples were analyzed. Bland–Altman and ICC analyses for running velocities, determined using the four LT detection methods, demonstrated poor agreement in both groups. Results indicated that the youth players had significantly (p < 0.05) higher V̇O₂ max (59.89 ± 5.6 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) compared to the professional players (56.43 ± 4.81 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹). However, the professional players had significantly better running performance and running economy. A two-way ANOVA revealed a main effect of playing standard, with professional players exhibiting significantly higher 4 mmol/L FBLA LT compared to youth players. A mixed-design ANOVA indicated a significant (p < 0.01) interaction, with the youth exhibiting higher lactate accumulation only after completing the 18 Km/h stage. Therefore, youth and professional players should not use the different LT concepts interchangeably. Additionally, the 4 mmol/L FBLA LT method appears to be more robust for youth soccer players. Full article

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the suitability of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples and fixed fresh (FF) samples for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq). To this end, we compared single-cell profiles from FFPE and matched FF tissue samples of one invasive carcinoma of no special type carcinoma (invasive ductal carcinoma–IDC) and one invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) to assess consistency in cell type distribution and molecular profiles. The results were validated using immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and electron microscopy. Additionally, immune cell proportions identified by IHC were quantified using QuPath and compared to the scRNAseq results. FFPE- and FF-derived libraries demonstrated high-quality sequencing metrics, and cellular heterogeneity was similar. No exclusive cell populations were identified by either approach. The four samples analysis identified six types of epithelial cells, as well as tumoral microenvironment populations. The scRNAseq results from epithelial neoplastic cells were concordant with common IHC markers. The proportion of immune cells identified by IHC in FFPE sections were similar to those obtained by scRNAseq. We identified and validated a previously poorly recognized subpopulation of neoplastic multi-ciliated cells (MCCs) (FOXJ1, ROPN1L). Analysis of FOXJ1 in 214 ER-positive invasive carcinomas demonstrated protein expression in one third of tumors, suggesting frequent focal MCC differentiation. Our results support the suitability of scRNAseq analysis using FFPE tissue, and identified a subpopulation of neoplastic MCC in breast cancer. Full article

Chronic drug treatment can alter the lipidome of cancer cells, potentially leading to significant biological changes, such as drug resistance or increased tumor aggressiveness. This study examines the lipidome profiles of four human colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines, comparing treatment-naïve cells with the same cells after chronic exposure to a clinically used combination therapy (FOLFOXIRI: folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan). Lipidomic profiling was obtained with untargeted liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). For data deconvolution and to interpret the multifactorial dataset generated, Analysis of Variance Multiblock Orthogonal Partial Least Squares (AMOPLS) was used. Our results indicate specific shifts in triglycerides (TGs), sphingolipids, and phospholipids in CRC cells resistant to FOLFOXIRI. The overall shift in TGs, phosphatidylcholine, and cholesteryl ester species was notably linked to FOLFOXIRI resistance (-R) in SW620 cells, whereas an increased abundance of phospholipids, mainly hexosylceramide and sphingomyelin, was present in the signatures of HCT116-R, LS174T-R, and DLD1-R cells. These altered lipid species may serve as potential prognostic markers in CRC following chemotherapy. Furthermore, lipid-targeting therapies aimed at reprogramming the lipid profiles of drug-resistant cells could play a crucial role in restoring drug sensitivity and improving patient survival. Full article

Background: Dietary lipids, sedentary habits, and eating behaviors influence childhood obesity, but their interrelations remain unclear. Aim: To assess the relationships between young children’s dietary lipid profile and children’s eating behavior, as well as their sedentary habits, providing evidence-based insights that can help mitigate obesity risk in this vulnerable population. Design: A longitudinal randomized controlled trial conducted over 9 months, involving 90 children aged 2–6 years with overweight or obesity who were followed under a program that promoted healthy lifestyle habits for all participants and regularly monitored their parameters. Methods: The dietary lipid profile, eating behavior, and sedentary habits were assessed at baseline and after 9 months using validated tools, including 24 h recalls, the child eating behavior questionnaire (CEBQ), and screen time questionnaires. Results: Reductions in screen/sedentary time were significantly associated with decreased total fat (−11.1 g/day) and saturated fat (−4.3 g/day) intake, compared to smaller reductions in unchanged screen hours and increases with prolonged screen use. A positive correlation was observed between changes in dietary fat and the CEBQ domain “Desire to drink” (r = 0.528, p < 0.001), with regression analysis confirming a direct relationship. Conclusions: Managing screen time and eating behavior is crucial for improving dietary lipid profile and reducing childhood obesity risk. Strategies should include reducing sedentary behaviors, limiting sugary drinks, and promoting water as the main beverage, alongside effective nutrition education for families. Full article

Introduction: The variants rs10517086 and rs1534422 are predictive of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) development and poor residual β cell function within the first year of diagnosis. However, the mechanism by which risk is conferred is unknown. We explored the impact of both variants on β cell function in vitro and assessed their relationship with C-peptide in people with T1DM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Using CRISPR/Cas9, the variants were introduced into a β cell line (BRIN-BD11) and a T cell line (Jurkat cells) from which the conditioned media was applied to otherwise healthy β cells to model the inflammatory environment associated with these variants. Results: Both variants significantly reduced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced expression of several β cell markers and transcription factors (KCNJ11, KCNQ1, SCL2A2, GCK, NKX6.1, Pdx1 NGN3). However, HNF1A was significantly upregulated in the presence of both variants. We subsequently silenced HNF1A in variant expressing BRIN-BD11 cells using siRNA and found that gene expression profiles were normalised. Induction of each variant significantly increased expression of the lncRNAs they encode, which was normalised upon HNF1A silencing. Analysis of the DARE (Diabetes Alliance for Research in England) study revealed an association of rs10517086_A genotype with C-peptide in 153 individuals with T1DM, but not in 417 people with T2DM. Conclusions: These data suggest that rs1534422 and rs10517086 exert multiple insults on the β cell through excessive upregulation of HNF1A and induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and highlight their utility as prognostic markers of β cell function. Full article

This study examines the biochemical profile of saliva, focusing on flow rate, total protein concentration, and the enzymatic activities of amylase and catalase. The study aims to explore the correlations between these parameters and their response to physiological stress induced by physical activity, providing insights into saliva’s diagnostic potential. Thirty-one participants were recruited, and saliva samples were collected before and after a structured physical activity session. Biochemical parameters were analyzed using established protocols to assess changes induced by exercise. Significant positive correlations were observed between protein concentration and amylase activity, particularly in post-exercise conditions. No significant correlations were found between the salivary flow and enzyme activities. Catalase activity displayed a weaker association with protein levels. These findings suggest that saliva can be a non-invasive biomarker for systemic health and stress responses. The study highlights the diagnostic utility of saliva and underscores the need for further investigations in younger and healthier populations to broaden the applicability of these results. Full article

A novel Gram-negative, orange-colored, rod-shaped, oxidase and catalase-positive, non-spore-forming bacterium, designated as zp-37^T, was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud in Kashgar County, Xinjiang, China. The phylogenetic analysis, based on the 16S rRNA genes, revealed that strain zp-37^T belongs to the genus Halomonas. Growth of strain zp-37^T was observed at 10–43 °C, pH 6.0–11.0, and 0–20% NaCl (w/v). The principal fatty acids of strain zp-37^T were summed feature 8 (C_18:1ω7c and/or C_18:1ω6c, 55.67%) and summed feature 3 (C_16:1ω7c and/or C_16:1ω6c, 20.16%). The polar lipid profile contained diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), unidentified phospholipids (UPL 1–3), unidentified aminophospholipids (UAPL 1–2), and unidentified lipid (UL). Its main respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-9 (100%). The genome of strain zp-37^T was 3,489,967 bp in size, containing two plasmids with lengths of 18,112 bp and 4364 bp, respectively. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain zp-37^T was 59.3%. By the genome annotation, various genes related to the function of saline-alkaline stress tolerance and plant growth promotion were predicted. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain zp-37^T and its five closely related strains were 72.64–75.59% and 19.70–20.40%, respectively, which were lower than the threshold for species delineation (ANI: 95–96%, dDDH: 70%). Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic analyses and genomic comparisons, strain zp-37^T was suggested to represent a novel species within the genus Halomonas, for which the name Halomonas kashgarensis sp. nov. is proposed. The strain type was designated zp-37^T (=CGMCC 1.62213^T = JCM 37305^T). Full article