Life-Basel最新文献

This research investigated the unstudied impact, in 416 cases of stone-induced hydronephrosis detected radiographically in 369 patients, of stone size on the stone's location in the urinary tract and on the hydronephrosis grade. Most (62.5%) of the hydronephrosis cases were Grade 2; 17.1%, Grade 3; 10.6%, Grade 4; and 9.9%, Grade 1. The mean size of the stones reported in the renal pelvis, pelviureteric junction (PUJ), upper ureter (UU), midureter (MU), lower ureter (LU), and vesicoureteral junction (VUJ) that caused hydronephrosis were 23.03 ± 8.97 mm, 15.56 ± 6.59 mm, 12.91 ± 6.02 mm, 11.05 ± 4.27 mm, 10.41 ± 4.80 mm, and 6.73 ± 3.28 mm, respectively. The mean size of Grade 1-causing stones was 16.63 mm; Grade 2, 11.49 mm; Grade 3, 15.69 mm; and Grade 4, 21.23 mm. The mean stone size significantly decreased from the renal pelvis, through the PUJ, UU, MU, and LU, and down to the VUJ and increased as the hydronephrosis grade increased from Grade 2 to Grade 4. In conclusion, large-size stones were predominantly located in the renal pelvis and PUJ, with few located in the lower ureter, and no large stones reached the VUJ. Small-size stones were mostly located in the VUJ, with only one stone in the PUJ, and no small-size stones were present in the renal pelvis. Large-size stones caused severe hydronephrosis, and small-size stones caused grade 2 hydronephrosis. Increases in stone size decreased its passage rate in the ureter and increased the chance of causing high-grade hydronephrosis. These results alert urologists to adopt faster therapeutic procedures for larger stone sizes to reduce renal damage caused by obstructive uropathy.

We examined long-term trends in the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) in Lithuania using data collected from 1980 to 2024. Over 10,000 individuals were captured and 5666 were necropsied to measure standard morphometric traits, including body mass, length, and appendage dimensions. Temporal trends revealed an increase in the proportion of A. flavicollis within small mammal communities, from 6.5% in the 1980s to 28.2% in the 2020s, particularly in forest and grassland habitats. Sexual dimorphism was confirmed, with males generally larger than females in all traits, although age influenced the degree of size difference. Morphometric traits showed a consistent increase from the 1980s to the 2010s, followed by significant declines in body mass, body length, and ear length in the 2020s. Declines were most pronounced in males across all age groups. These findings are consistent with our previous findings in the field vole (Microtus agrestis) from the Baltic region, and the global patterns of body size reduction in small mammals due to climate warming and habitat change. This study highlights the importance of integrating sex- and age-based analyses to understand the ecological and evolutionary responses of mammals to environmental pressures. Future research is essential to explore the broader implications of these trends for ecosystem dynamics and species survival.

Hainan tropical rainforest is the largest contiguous tropical rainforest in China, but it has experienced increasing disturbances from anthropogenic activities in recent decades due to economic and social development. However, the current status of wildlife habitats within the rainforest remains insufficiently studied, lacking systematic and scientific assessments necessary to guide effective biodiversity conservation strategies. This study focuses on Jianfengling area of Hainan tropical rainforest, using wildlife infrared camera monitoring data and habitat environmental factor data collected through multi-source monitoring in 2020-2021. By applying the Ensemble Species Distribution Model (ESDM), we assessed the spatial distribution of habitat suitability and its influencing factors for seven representative wildlife species, as well as the overall spatial distribution of multi-species habitat suitability. The results indicate that wildlife habitat suitability in Jianfengling study area exhibits a spatial pattern of high suitability in the central regions and low suitability in surrounding areas. Anthropogenic activities and DEM were identified as the most significant factors influencing habitat selection, with most species favoring mid and high altitude areas (500-1000 m) where human activities are less prevalent. This study provides scientific support for tropical rainforest management authorities to optimize resource allocation, develop dynamic monitoring strategies, and implement effective conservation measures.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a wide variety of clinical manifestations.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17), Interleukin-17A (IL-17A), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), apelin (AP), and vitamin D (VD) biomarkers in nasopharyngeal swab (NPS), serum, and saliva, as well as the change in their values depending on the health status of individuals.

Material and methods: The analysis was performed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods.

Results: Comparing the levels of the investigated markers in saliva, we found significantly elevated ACE2 values in vaccinated patients, followed by those with severe COVID-19, compared to healthy, previously infected, and mild COVID-19 groups. For TMPRSS2, IL-17A, ADAM-17, and AP, values were significantly higher in all non-healthy groups (previously infected, mild, and severe COVID-19) compared to healthy individuals. Serum levels of VD were consistently low across all five studied groups, suggesting values below normal ranges. Analysis of marker data in saliva, NPS, and serum revealed a positive correlation between NPS and serum and saliva and serum, as well as between saliva and NPS for all studied markers.

Conclusions: In summary, monitoring changes in biomarkers present in Saliva holds promise as a predictive tool for various diseases. This approach enables the early implementation of preventive measures and protective strategies, potentially improving overall health outcomes.

Objective: This study aimed to establish a dominant and non-dominant limb muscle strength evaluation model to evaluate the asymmetry of lower extremity muscle strength.

Methods: The hip, knee, ankle flexors and extensors of 86 runners were evaluated separately in different contraction modes and at different movement speeds. A principal component analysis was used to establish a model for evaluating dominant and non-dominant lower extremity muscle strength and to comprehensively evaluate the asymmetry of lower extremity muscle strength.

Results: Six main factors were present in both dominant and non-dominant indicators of lower extremity muscle strength, with dominant indicators of lower extremity muscle strength explaining 80.413% of the total variance and non-dominant indicators explaining 78.607% of the total variance.

Conclusions: In a population of healthy male runners, there were differences in the symmetry of lower limbs in the comprehensive assessment model. The main contribution of the non-dominant side was the knee muscles, and the dominant side was the hip and knee muscles, so this difference should be considered in constructing future muscle strength evaluation models. It is critical to understanding the design and function of the human muscle system, and can reduce the number of meaningful tests we perform on diverse populations and help us reduce asymmetry.

Living kidney transplantation yields better outcomes for recipients than deceased donation, though it may present long-term challenges for donors. This study assessed the quality of life (QoL) of living kidney donors in Greece using the SF-36 questionnaire and examined associated sociodemographic and clinical factors. This cross-sectional study included 242 clinically stable kidney donors from Laiko General Hospital's Kidney Donor Outpatient Clinic in Athens. Data on demographics, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, and QoL were collected. Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to identify associations between QoL scores and influencing factors. The majority of donors were female (73.55%). Donors reported high QoL, with median PCS and MCS scores of 55.27 (49.08-57.73) and 54.17 (46.64-59.93), respectively. Male donors had higher PCS and MCS scores than females (p = 0.028 and p = 0.004). Laparoscopic nephrectomy was associated with better mental health and physical outcomes compared to open surgery (p < 0.001). Higher education and eGFR correlated with better PCS scores, while older age negatively affected QoL (p < 0.05). Living kidney donors reported a satisfactory level of overall QoL post-donation. Lower QoL scores were correlated with the female gender, older age, and open nephrectomy. These findings may further reinforce support for our current organ donation policy. Non-modifiable factors appear to influence donor quality of life. These findings reinforce the current organ donation policy while emphasizing the need for careful pre-transplant counseling and ongoing monitoring post-donation.

The genus Camphora encompasses species of significant ecological and economic importance, such as C. parthenoxylon and C. officinarum, which exhibit distinct phenotypic traits and stress responses. This study seeks to elucidate the molecular basis of cold tolerance through comparative transcriptomic analysis complemented by physiological characterization. RNA sequencing revealed 6123 differentially expressed genes between the two species, with enriched pathways related to cold stress, oxidative stress, carotenoid biosynthesis, and photosynthesis. Key genes, such as annexin D5, chlorophyll a/b-binding protein, early light-induced protein 1, 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase, were identified as critical regulators of frost resistance, photosynthetic efficiency, and carotenoid biosynthesis. Functional enrichment analyses highlighted the involvement of signal transduction, membrane stabilization, and secondary metabolism in adaptive responses. Physiological assays supported these findings, showing higher chlorophyll and carotenoid content and enhanced antioxidative enzyme activities in C. parthenoxylon. These results provide valuable insights into the genetic and biochemical mechanisms underlying stress adaptation in Camphora species and offer promising targets for enhancing resilience in economically valuable plants.

Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is a severe condition with high rates of illness and death. Current treatments are limited and not always effective because the cancer responds differently to drugs in different patients. This research aims to use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve treatment by predicting which therapies will work best for individual patients. By analyzing large sets of patient data and using machine learning, we hope to create a model that can identify which patients will respond to chemotherapy, either alone or combined with other targeted treatments. The study will involve dividing patients into training and validation sets to develop and test the models, avoiding overfitting. Various machine learning algorithms, like random survival forest and neural networks, will be integrated to develop a highly accurate and stable predictive model. The model's performance will be evaluated using statistical measures such as sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve (AUC). The aim is to personalize treatments, improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and make the treatment process more efficient. If successful, this research could significantly impact the medical community by providing a new tool for better managing and treating mCRC, leading to more personalized and effective cancer care. In addition, we examine the applicability of learning methods to biomarker discovery and therapy prediction by considering recent narrative publications.

Lip augmentation has become increasingly popular in aesthetic medicine, driven by advancements in dermal filler technologies and injection techniques. This review provides a comprehensive overview of lip anatomy, age-related changes, and current best practices in lip augmentation using dermal fillers. The complex structure of the lips, including multiple layers of skin, muscle, and mucosa, contributes to their unique appearance and function. Age-related changes, such as volume loss, thinning of the vermilion border, and flattening of the philtrum, significantly impact lip aesthetics. Understanding these changes is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies. The review discusses the importance of tailoring treatments to individual patient needs, considering factors such as ethnic variations in lip structure and cultural preferences. It emphasizes the significance of proper filler selection, with hyaluronic acid-based products being the gold standard due to their biocompatibility and reversibility. Injection techniques, including needle and cannula approaches, are described in detail, with a focus on safety and optimal aesthetic outcomes. Anatomical considerations, particularly the vascular supply to the lips, are highlighted as critical for avoiding complications during filler injections. The review also addresses the evolving approach to lip augmentation, which now focuses on restoring natural contours and addressing age-related changes in the perioral region rather than simply increasing volume. Finally, the importance of managing patient expectations and the potential for future advancements in the field are discussed, including the development of more targeted filler products and refined injection techniques.

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS), a nutrient-dense byproduct of mushroom cultivation, has emerged as a promising feedstock for biochar production, offering a sustainable solution to modern agricultural and environmental challenges. This review explores SMS properties, its conversion into biochar, and its various applications. Due to its lignocellulosic structure, high organic matter (OM), and essential nutrients, SMS is ideal for pyrolysis, a process that enhances biochar's porosity, nutrient retention, and carbon stability. These properties improve soil fertility, water retention, microbial activity, and plant growth while also contributing to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration. SMS-derived biochar stands out for its superior benefits, including a balanced pH, a rich nutrient profile, and the ability to adsorb heavy metals, which mitigates soil and water contamination and minimizes toxic risks in the food chain. By enhancing soil structure, nutrient cycling, and moisture retention, SMS-derived biochar supports sustainable farming practices that reduce chemical fertilizer use and boost climate resilience. Beyond soil applications, SMS-derived biochar is effective in wastewater treatment, mitigating plant diseases, and improving mushroom cultivation substrates, thereby enhancing mycelial growth and productivity. Economically, it is a cost-effective alternative due to the abundant availability and inexpensive nature of SMS. Nevertheless, challenges still exist, particularly in optimizing production methods and ensuring consistency in biochar properties, influenced by variations in pyrolysis conditions and SMS types. Advances in production technology and sustainable practices are vital for scaling up SMS-derived biochar production. This paper emphasizes the transformative potential of SMS-derived biochar, advocating for its integration into circular economy frameworks and sustainable agricultural systems. Recommendations for future research and policy support are provided to maximize the ecological and economic benefits of SMS-derived biochar, fostering its widespread adoption in global agricultural and environmental strategies.