Life-Basel最新文献

Zooplanktonic copepods represent a major biological mass in the marine food chain that can be affected by climate change. Monitoring the health of this critical biomass is essential for increasing our understanding of the impact of environmental changes on marine environments. Since the lipidomes of marine organisms are known to adapt to alterations in pH, temperature, and availability of metabolic precursors, lipidomics is one technology that can be used for monitoring copepod adaptations. Among the key lipid parameters that can be monitored are the fatty acid substituents of glycerolipids and glycerophospholipids. We utilized high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (≤2 ppm mass error) to characterize the fatty acid substituents of triacylglycerols, glycerophosphocholines, ceramides, and sphingomyelins of Labidocerca aestiva. This included monitoring for furan fatty acid substituents, a family of fatty acids unique to marine organisms. These data will contribute to establishing a lipid database of the fatty acid substituents of essential structural lipids. The key findings were that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were only major substituents in glycerophosphocholines with 36 to 44 carbons. Triacylglycerols, ceramides, and sphingomyelins contained minimal PUFA substituents. Furan fatty acids were limited to mono- and di-acylglycerols. In summary, we have built a baseline database of the fatty acid substituents of key structural lipids in Labidocerca aestiva. With this database, we will next evaluate potential seasonal changes in these lipid substituents and long-term effects of climate change.

Larch wood, a prevalent cultivation medium for Ganoderma tsugae, has yet to be scrutinized concerning the differential impacts of sterilized and non-sterilized substrates on the growth and development of this fungus. Our present investigation sought to elucidate these effects in a forest-like environment. After larch wood segments were sun-dried, they were divided into two groups; one group was bagged and autoclaved, while the other group was bagged without any treatment. Subsequently, all segments were inoculated with the G. tsugae strain HLXL1 and ensconced under the canopy of a Pinus koraiensis forest, thereby approximating the conditions of natural growth. Wild G. tsugae was used as the control. Data on agronomic traits, production days, fruiting body yield, and effective constituent content were analyzed. The results indicated no significant differences between sterilized and non-sterilized substrates in terms of agronomic traits. However, the mineral content and bioactive compounds in G. tsugae fruiting bodies significantly differed across various growth stages. The outcomes were optimal for non-sterilized substrates, followed by sterilized substrates, while the wild strains were markedly less effective than the cultivated ones.

The present study explored the possible antiobesogenic and osteoprotective properties of the gut metabolite ginsenoside CK to clarify its influence on lipid and atherosclerosis pathways, thereby validating previously published hypotheses. These hypotheses were validated by harvesting and cultivating 3T3-L1 and MC3T3-E1 in adipogenic and osteogenic media with varying concentrations of CK. We assessed the differentiation of adipocytes and osteoblasts in these cell lines by applying the most effective doses of CK that we initially selected. Using 3T3-L1 adipocytes in vitro assessments, CK could effectively decrease intracellular lipid accumulation, inhibit α-glucosidase enzyme, increase 2-NBDG glucose uptake, reduce inflammation-associated cytokines (TNFα, and IL-6), adipogenic regulatory genes (PPARγ, FAS, C/EBPα), lipogenic gene LPL, and increase the expression of thermogenic gene UCP1. Additionally, CK treatment induced osteoblast development in MC3T3-E1 cells as shown by increased mineralization and calcium distribution, collagen content, alkaline phosphatase activity, and decreased inflammatory cytokines TNFα, and IL-6 and increased the regulated expressions of osteogenic genes including Runx2, ALP, BGLAP, OCN, and Col1a1. Significantly, as a major inhibitory regulator, the TP⁵³ gene was down-regulated in both 3T3-L1 and MC3T3E1 cells after the treatment of CK. These encouraging results demonstrate the possible use of CK as an innovative treatment for controlling obesity and osteoporosis, targeting the underlying mechanisms of obesogenic and bone loss. Further studies are necessary to explore the clinical implications of these results and the potential of CK in future treatment strategies. This research highlights the promise of CK in addressing significant health issues.

(1) Background: Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) is a technique designed to assess and recondition marginal lungs, potentially expanding the donor pool and improving transplant outcomes (2) Methods: This retrospective study evaluated lung transplantation outcomes after EVLP. Donor lungs were assessed using the Toronto protocol, with data on hemodynamics, gas exchange, and perfusion parameters collected and analyzed. Post-transplant complications and survival rates were also examined. (3) Results: Over five years, 17 EVLP procedures were performed. Despite an improvement in lung function, 47% of donor lungs were rejected after EVLP. EVLP-reconditioned lungs showed comparable survival rates to standard transplants, but complications like sepsis and primary graft dysfunction (PGD) occurred. (4) Conclusions: EVLP shows promise in expanding the donor organ availability and reducing PGD, but nearly half of the lungs assessed were rejected. Further research is necessary to optimize EVLP and address potential complications like lung injury and sepsis.

(1) Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is a specific condition within the spectrum of musculoskeletal pain disorders, with an estimated global prevalence of 2%. Physical exercise has shown promise in modulating pain and improving physical function without the drawbacks of pharmacotherapy. This study aims to examine the effects of a 6-week telerehabilitation combined exercise program-including mobility, strength, and high-intensity exercises-on pain, psychological variables, and disability in women with fibromyalgia. (2) Methods: In this observational study involving 53 FM patients, the outcomes measured were the pressure pain threshold (PPT), the conditioned pain modulation (CPM) paradigm, levels of pain on the measurement day and the average of the last week (using NRS) the impact of the fibromyalgia (using Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and anxiety (using the Spanish version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-STAI). (3) Results: Statistically significant changes were observed in the intervention group in PPT, CPM, NRS, and FIQ. (4) Conclusions: A six-week telerehabilitation therapeutic exercise intervention consisting of two scheduled exercise sessions per week lasting approximately 45 min each is associated with reduced pain levels, enhanced pain inhibitory pathways, and a decreased impact of fibromyalgia compared to patients who do not adopt a more active lifestyle.

The temporal range of eodiscids and agnostoid arthropods overlaps with several early Paleozoic geological events of evolutionary significance. However, the responses of agnostids to these events and how the perturbations associated with them (both abiotic and/or biotic) may have impacted agnostids remain uncertain. To address this uncertainty, we employ geometric morphometrics to reconstruct morphospace occupation for agnostids, thereby elucidating their evolutionary response to geological events during the early Paleozoic. The results indicate that maximum morphospace occupation was reached by Cambrian Series 2 and then declined soon thereafter. Subsequent reductions in agnostid morphospace occupation coincide not only with significant abiotic changes and associated extinction events, such as the Botoman-Toyonian Extinctions (BTEs), the Redlichiid-Olenellid Extinction Carbon Isotope Excursion (ROECE), the Drumian Carbon Isotope Excursion (DICE), and the Steptoean Positive Carbon Isotope Excursion event (SPICE), but also with major evolutionary episodes, such as the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE). These repeated and periodic declines in agnostid morphological diversity following Cambrian Series 2 suggest that the extinction of agnostids reflects the culmination of an episodic reduction in morphological occupancy for agnostids rather than a singular, sudden event. Accordingly, it cannot be tied to a single cause, either abiotic or biotic.

The evolution of regional anesthesia techniques has markedly influenced the management of postoperative pain, particularly in thoracic surgery. As part of a multimodal analgesic approach, fascial plane blocks have gained prominence due to their efficacy in providing targeted analgesia with minimal systemic side effects. Among these, the superficial intercostal plane (SPIP) block and deep parasternal intercostal plane (DPIP) block are of notable interest. The aim of this study was to investigate the dye spread to the anterior chest wall space and its spread pathway through anatomical morphometric analyses on cadavers for single-injection and double-injection SPIP blocks versus DPIP blocks. In both qualitative and quantitative evaluations, the single-injection SPIP block with 10 mL of dye demonstrated a broader and more extensive spread compared to the double-injection SPIP block, which used 5 mL of dye per injection site (p < 0.05), and the DPIP block with 10 mL of dye (p < 0.05). All the blocks had a positive correlation between the distances from the sternum border and the area of dye spread, suggesting that the crucial role of volume in fascial blocks is that it significantly affects the opening of the fascial compartment, enabling optimal spread of the anesthetic. Adequate volume facilitates proper spread and diffusion across the fascial plane, ensuring more comprehensive fascia coverage and thus enhancing the block's effectiveness. Finally, precise volume management is key to maximizing both efficacy and safety.

Background: We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate whether children receiving long-term parenteral nutrition (LPN) are at risk of imbalances in selected trace elements. Methods: Serum levels of manganese, zinc, copper, selenium, and iodine were measured in 83 children on LPN and compared with 121 healthy controls. Children with signs of infection or elevated C-reactive protein levels were excluded. Elemental analysis was performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: Manganese and copper levels were significantly lower in the study group compared with controls (p < 0.001) but remained within normal ranges. Iodine levels were also significantly lower in the study group (p < 0.05), though pediatric reference values are lacking. Zinc and selenium levels were significantly higher in the study group (p < 0.001), with median levels within normal ranges in both groups. Zinc, selenium, and iodine levels were higher in patients weighing ≤15 kg (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.02). Conclusions: Serum concentrations of manganese, copper, and selenium in the study group remained within normal ranges, even though children weighing over 15 kg received doses below those recommended by scientific guidelines. An iodine intake below 1 μg/kg/day in patients weighing over 15 kg appears insufficient. Patients on LPN required a higher zinc intake than current recommendations.

The aim of this study was to compare balance, fear of falling, and dual-task performance in frail, pre-frail, and non-frail individuals with type 2 DM. The study included 110 voluntary individuals diagnosed with type 2 DM. Individuals with type 2 DM were divided into three groups according to the FRAIL Scale: frail (n = 26), pre-frail (n = 52), and non-frail (n = 32). The FRAIL Scale evaluated individuals' frailty levels, Timed Up and Go Test evaluated dual-task performance (cognitive and motor), and Tinetti Balance and Gait Scale evaluated balance and risk of falls. Considering the Fall Efficacy Scale, Tinetti Balance and Gait Scale, TUG_{standard (sec)}, TUG_{cognitive (sec)}, and TUG_{motor (sec)} results of frail, pre-frail, and non-frail individuals with type 2 DM, a statistically significant difference was found between the groups (p < 0.05). This difference originated from the frail group. Considering the increase in old age and chronic syndromes, such as DM, it brings about, it was concluded that the early evaluation of older adults for frailty and balance was essential and that individually planned intervention could improve prognosis, reduce falls that might occur due to a loss of balance and muscle strength, and enhance the quality of life in older adults.

Prediabetes, a state between normoglycemia and diabetes, is increasingly affecting population health; thus, it should not be overlooked. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the efficacy of aerobic exercise on blood glucose indicators among those with prediabetes. Five databases, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CINAHL, were searched up to September 2024 to identify randomized controlled trials measuring the effect of aerobic exercise on blood glucose levels among individuals with prediabetes. Data on fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-h postprandial plasma glucose (2hPG), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were extracted. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on intervention duration, weekly exercise duration, and volume. In total, 2518 relevant records were initially retrieved, and 16 studies were included in this systematic review, with 14 providing sufficient data for meta-analysis. Compared to the control group, the weighted mean difference (MD) for FBG, 2hPG, and HbA1c was -1.33 (95%CI: -1.87, -0.89), -1.00 (95%CI: -1.60, -0.39), and -1.05 (95%CI: -1.49, -0.61), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that pooled effect size for FBG, 2hPG, and HbA1c was greater in the subgroup subjected to ≥48 weeks of intervention compared to the subgroup subjected to ≤24 weeks of intervention, although only the difference in FBG was significant (p < 0.05). Weekly exercise longer than 180 min/week led to greater reductions in FBG, 2hPG, and HbA1c compared to weekly exercise shorter than 150 min/week, and only differences in 2hPG were not significant (p > 0.05). Total weekly exercise of 1314-1323 MET·min/week led to greater reductions in FBG and HbA1c levels compared to 975-1080 MET·min/week (p > 0.05). Aerobic exercise effectively decreases FBG, 2hPG, and HbA1c and controls blood glucose levels. The volume and duration of aerobic exercise are important factors affecting the reduction in blood glucose levels, exhibiting a positive correlation within a specific range. Aerobic exercise can serve as a viable therapeutic approach for reducing the risk of diabetes among individuals with prediabetes.