Life-Basel最新文献

The technological properties of durum wheat grain are determined by prolamins (gliadins and glutenins). Information on the allelic composition of key loci remains incomplete despite existing global studies examining prolamin variability. This highlighted the need to study these traits in durum wheat in Kazakhstan. The effects of specific gliadin components with high- and low-molecular-weight glutenin fractions on gluten quality are also not fully clarified. This study aimed to characterise allelic diversity at prolamin-coding loci and evaluate associated grain quality traits. Using native and denaturing SDS-electrophoresis, 181 tetraploid wheat accessions from Kazakhstan, an International germplasm collection, and 26 breeding lines were analysed for allelic variation and associations with protein content, gluten content, gluten index, and SDS-sedimentation. The γ45 gliadin component and Glu-A3a allele were positively associated with SDS-sedimentation and gluten index, while Glu-B3b had a negative effect. Distinct prolamin profiles were observed among accessions from different ecological and geographical locations. These results support the selection of superior durum wheat genotypes and enable the identification of favourable allele combinations at the Gli-1, Gli-2, Glu-1, and Glu-3 loci in cultivars from Kazakhstan. Comparison with global tetraploid wheat germplasm collections demonstrates unique genetic diversity in genotypes, providing a valuable basis for breeding programs aimed at improving grain and gluten quality in durum wheat in Kazakhstan and Central Asian countries.

Automated quality assurance is essential for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung screening, yet manual checks strain clinical workflows. We present a fully automated artificial intelligence tool that quantifies scan coverage and image noise in LDCT without user input. Lungs and the aorta are segmented to measure cranial/caudal over- and underscanning, and noise is computed as the standard deviation of Hounsfield units (HUs) within descending aortic blood, normalized to a 1 mm3 voxel. Performance was verified in a reader study of 98 LDCT scans from the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), and then applied to 38,834 NLST scans reconstructed with a standard kernel. In the reader study, lung masks were rated ≥"Nearly Perfect" in 90.8% and aorta-blood masks in 96.9% of cases. Across 38,834 scans, mean overscanning distances were 31.21 mm caudally and 14.54 mm cranially; underscanning occurred in 4.36% (caudal) and 0.89% (cranial). The tool enables objective, large-scale monitoring of LDCT quality-reducing routine manual workload through exception-based human oversight, flagging protocol deviations, and supporting cross-center benchmarking-and may facilitate dose optimization by reducing systematic over- and underscanning.

Background: Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative disorder of the spine, frequently associated with chronic neck pain, reduced mobility, and functional impairment. Patients develop alterations in muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity, which further contribute to disability. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 14-day standardized rehabilitation program on the biomechanical and contractile properties of cervical and scapular muscles in patients with cervical spondylosis.

Methods: This study used a single-group pre-post observational design on 23 patients (16 women, 7 men; mean age 61.1 ± 14.2 years) diagnosed with cervical spondylosis. All participants completed a standardized rehabilitation treatment that included cervical mobilization, stretching, isometric exercises, scapular stabilization, electrotherapy, ultrasound, thermotherapy, and balneotherapy. Muscle properties were evaluated bilaterally using the MyotonPRO^® device, measuring frequency, stiffness, decrement, relaxation time, and creep. Assessments were performed in a sitting position for the deltoid, upper trapezius and pectoralis major, both at baseline (T0) and after treatment (T1). Handgrip strength was assessed bilaterally with a handheld dynamometer.

Results: The deltoid muscle showed a significant reduction in frequency (14.86 → 13.50 Hz, p = 0.034) and stiffness (306.4 → 256.1 N/m, p = 0.014) on the right side, suggesting normalization of tone and passive resistance. The upper trapezius had a significant bilateral decrease in decrement (p < 0.05), reflecting improved elasticity. The pectoralis major displayed the most consistent adaptations, with increased frequency (right side, p = 0.008), improved relaxation bilaterally (p < 0.05), and significant reductions in decrement and creep (p < 0.01). Handheld dynamometry confirmed increased handgrip strength, with a 5.4% improvement on the left side and 7.6% on the right side.

Conclusions: In our study measurable changes in muscle parameters were observed following a rehabilitation program in patients with cervical spondylosis. The integration of myotonometry and dynamometry allowed objective assessment of muscle adaptations supporting the clinical value of individualized rehabilitation strategies.

The origin of life embodies two fundamental questions: how and when did life begin? It is commonly conjectured that life began on Earth around 4 billion years ago. This requires that the complex organization of RNA, DNA, triplet codon, protein, and lipid membrane (RDTPM) architecture was easy to establish between the time the Earth cooled enough for liquid water and the time when early microorganisms appeared. These bracketing events create a narrow window of time to construct a completely operational self-replicating organic system of very high complexity. Another conjecture is that life did not begin on Earth but was seeded from life-bearing space objects (e.g., asteroids, comets, space dust), commonly referred to as panspermia. The second conjecture implies that life formed somewhere else and was part of the solar nebula, originating from an earlier generation star where there was more time available for the development of life. In this paper, the goal is to provide a hypothetical perspective related to the timing for the origin of pre-biotic chemistry and life itself. Using a form of complexity growth, biological features spanning from the present day back to early life on Earth were examined for trends across time. Genome sizes, gene number, protein-protein binding sites, energy for cell construction, mass of individual cells, the rate of cell mass growth, and a molecular complexity measure all yield highly significant regressions of linearly increasing complexity when plotted over the last 4 Gyr (billion years). When extrapolated back in time, intersections with simple complexities associated with each variable yield a mean value of 8.6 Gyr before the present time. This era coincides with the peak of star and planet formation in the universe. This speculative analysis is consistent with the second conjecture for the origin of life. The major assumptions of such an analysis are presented and discussed.

Chloride, the leading extracellular anion, plays a crucial role in acid-base balance, fluid homeostasis, and neuromuscular function. Despite historical underrecognition, emerging evidence demonstrates significant associations between chloremia disturbances and critical care outcomes. This paper aims to narratively review the pathophysiology, clinical features, and management strategies of chloremia disturbances in critically ill patients. Chloremia disturbances are common in ICU patients, with both hypochloremia (<96 mEq/L) and hyperchloremia (>106 mEq/L) independently associated with increased mortality, prolonged ICU length of stay, and organ dysfunction. In sepsis, chloride levels exhibit a prognostic value, with threshold effects around 105 mEq/L. Hyperchloremia particularly increases acute kidney injury risk, while hypochloremia correlates with prolonged mechanical ventilation. The choice of resuscitation fluids significantly influences clinical outcomes, with balanced crystalloids potentially reducing adverse events if compared to normal saline solutions. Recent large-scale trials demonstrate lower rates of major adverse kidney events with chloride-restrictive strategies. Optimal management requires careful patient monitoring along with acid-base assessment. Treatment approaches must identify underlying causes to avoid complications. Prevention strategies include protocol-based fluid therapy, medication selection consideration, and early intervention in high-risk patients. Emerging technologies, including continuous monitoring systems and machine learning algorithms, offer promising advances for predicting and managing chloride disturbances.

Background/objectives: It is well established in the modern literature that newborns delivered from multiple gestations are more predisposed to low birthweight in comparison to their singleton equivalents. In this study, we sought to explore the potential of first-trimester biochemical (PAPP-A and free β-hCG) and biophysical indices (uterine artery Doppler) to predict low birthweight in one or both twins.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort analysis of 400 twin viable pregnancies presenting for routine first-trimester assessment in four fetal medicine centers between 2014 and 2025. The examination included the recording of maternal demographic characteristics and medical history, the assessment of markers of aneuploidy and the fetal anatomy, the measurement of mean arterial pressure, the assessment of uterine arteries and the measurement of serum concentration of PAPP-A and free β-hCG. The evaluated outcomes included BW ≤ 3rd centile and BW ≤ 10th centile in one or both twins based on local population birthweight reference charts.

Results: The study cohort consisted of 400 twin pregnancies. BW ≤ 3rd centile in one or both twins was reported in 1.5 and 3.8% of cases, respectively, and there was no association of BW ≤ 3rd centile with any of the studied parameters. BW ≤ 10th centile in one or both twins was reported in 14.8 and 9.8% of the cases, respectively. PAPP-A MoM values were significantly lower in cases complicated by BW ≤ 10th centile in one and in both twins, remaining statistically significant even after the appropriate multiple logistic regression. PAPP-A MoM demonstrated statistically significant but low prognostic value for BW ≤ 10th centile in either one or both twins.

Conclusions: Low PAPP-A levels were associated with BW ≤ 10th centile in one and both twins and its significant value as a risk marker was demonstrated. Higher PAPP-A MoM halves the risk of having at least one twin with low BW. Other maternal biophysical and biochemical indices did not seem to be predictive of low birthweight.

Biofilm formation by non-C. albicans Candida (NAC) species is a major factor in device-associated infections, yet few studies have examined their development under physiologically relevant conditions. This study evaluated the biofilm-forming capacity of Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto and Candida albicans on stainless steel surfaces in the presence of artificial saliva, simulating the respiratory tract environment of tracheostomized patients. Standardized inocula were incubated for 24 h, and biofilms were assessed through quantification of viable cells, biomass, biofilm matrix production and structural characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). C. tropicalis produced the most robust biofilms compared to C. albicans and C. parapsilosis stricto sensu isolates, with significantly higher biomass and biofilm matrix (p < 0.001). C. parapsilosis sensu stricto developed less dense yet structurally defined biofilm networks. SEM confirmed mature and compact biofilm architecture, especially in C. tropicalis. These results demonstrate the strong intrinsic biofilm-forming ability of NAC species on stainless steel under host-like conditions, reinforcing their capacity to persist on medical surfaces and their relevance as independent contributors to biofilm-related contamination and infection.

Aged skeletal muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) exhibit impaired autophagy-related activity, reduced proliferative capacity, and compromised myogenic differentiation, which collectively contribute to defective muscle regeneration during aging. However, whether hypoxia-driven modulation of autophagy-related activity can improve aged MuSC function and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this study, aged MuSCs were divided into three groups: normoxia, hypoxia, and hypoxia combined with an autophagy inhibitor. Aged MuSCs exhibited a decreased LC3B-II/LC3B-I ratio and Beclin-1 expression, together with elevated p62 levels, indicating altered autophagy-related activity. Hypoxic culture was associated with enhanced autophagy-related activity in aged MuSCs, accompanied by HIF-1α stabilization, BNIP3 upregulation, and reduced p62 accumulation. Functionally, hypoxia significantly promoted the proliferation and myogenic differentiation of aged MuSCs. Pharmacological inhibition of autophagy using 3-methyladenine, as well as BNIP3 suppression, markedly attenuated these hypoxia-induced functional improvements. Collectively, these findings suggest that hypoxia is associated with improved proliferative and myogenic capacities of aged MuSCs, potentially involving autophagy-related activity regulated by the HIF-1α/BNIP3 pathway. This study provides insight into the relationship between hypoxic signaling and autophagy in aged MuSCs and may inform future strategies aimed at improving muscle regeneration during aging.

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic psychiatric condition characterized by recurrent mood episodes and substantial functional impairment. Emerging evidence highlights the role of nutrition in modulating neurobiological pathways and influencing the course of BD. However, systematic recommendations for dietetic prescriptions remain limited.

Methods: This narrative review was conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to October 2025. Keywords included "bipolar disorder," "nutrition," "dietary interventions," and "nutritional psychiatry." Studies focusing on nutritional patterns, dietary components, and dietetic recommendations relevant to BD were included. Evidence was synthesized narratively to identify potential dietary strategies and gaps in current knowledge.

Results: The available literature suggests that nutritional interventions may influence mood stabilization, metabolic comorbidities, and treatment response in BD. Key findings highlight the potential benefits of Mediterranean-style diets, omega-3 fatty acids, micronutrients (including magnesium, zinc, and vitamins D and B-complex), and dietary approaches targeting inflammation and oxidative stress. Conversely, Western-style diets, rich in saturated fats and refined sugars, appear to exacerbate mood instability and metabolic burden. Despite promising findings, heterogeneity across studies and the scarcity of randomized controlled trials limit firm conclusions.

Conclusions: Nutrition represents a promising adjunctive strategy in the management of BD. Dietetic prescriptions may contribute to improved outcomes by addressing both psychiatric symptoms and physical health comorbidities. Future research should prioritize well-designed clinical trials to establish evidence-based guidelines for integrating nutrition into BD management.

Body mass index (BMI) has shown inconsistent associations with outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and evidence from the Middle Eastern population is limited. This study evaluated whether BMI independently predicts early complications, mortality, or infection following TAVR in a Saudi Arabian cohort. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 197 patients who underwent TAVR between 2015 and 2024, stratified by BMI < 25, 25-29.9, and ≥30 kg/m². The primary endpoint was the in-hospital Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 (VARC-3) composite safety outcome, with secondary outcomes including individual complications, infection, length of stay, and 30-day mortality or readmission. Overall, patients had a mean age of 74.9 ± 8.8 years and 52.3% were female; in-hospital mortality was 2.0%, technical success 99%, and 30-day readmission 12.7%. BMI category was not independently associated with in-hospital complications or mortality, while advanced age ≥ 75 years (adjusted OR 2.52, p = 0.009), moderate Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk (adjusted OR 3.75, p = 0.008), and high STS risk (adjusted OR 2.26, p = 0.033) independently predicted complications. Overweight patients had higher in-hospital infection rates (14.1% vs. ~3%, p = 0.020). These findings suggest that physiologic vulnerability and operative risk, rather than BMI alone, should guide early TAVR risk assessment.