Life-Basel最新文献

The Ohrid trout, Salmo letnica, is an endemic species of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest lakes, located on the Albania-North Macedonia border. This species exhibits distinct morphotypes-Salmo letnica typicus, Salmo letnica aestivalis, Salmo letnica balcanicus, and Salmo letnica lumi-that differ in morphology and spawning behaviour. However, the extent of their genetic differentiation remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the genetic variability and population structure of Salmo letnica morphotypes using the mitochondrial Control Region as molecular marker. We obtained 127 sequences from Salmo letnica morphotypes and compared them with sequences from other species within the genus Salmo. Phylogenetic and clustering analyses revealed no significant genetic structuring among the four morphotypes, suggesting an ecological differentiation not (yet) fixed at mitochondrial level. Additionally, our findings suggest that the modern Salmo letnica population likely originated in Lake Ohrid from Salmo farioides founders through evolutionary differentiation, potentially driven by environmental changes. Future studies incorporating a larger number of samples from both Salmo letnica and Salmo farioides are essential to fully understand the evolutionary and ecological dynamics of Salmo letnica morphotypes.

Background: Stroke volume index (SVI) is an important prognostic parameter in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The direct Fick (DF) method represents the gold standard for measuring it. Indirect Fick (IF) and thermodilution (TD) are simpler and widely used alternatives. However, data on the accuracy of these methods in estimating SVI in PAH are scant. We aimed to compare these different invasive methods, and in a subgroup of patients, to a non-invasive method using MRI.

Methods: We enrolled 103 PAH patients undergoing a diagnostic or follow-up right heart catheterization at our centre (mean age 56 years, 56% female). The Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess agreement between methods. Potential demographic, clinical, and hemodynamic biases were explored. The accuracy of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived SVI was assessed in a subset of patients.

Results: The mean bias for IF-SVI vs. DF-SVI was -5.53 mL/min/m² with a median percentage error (PE) of 15%. The mean bias was lower, 0.09 mL/min/m², for TD-SVI vs. DF-SVI with a median PE of 10%. Low cardiac index and severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) were associated with a greater bias between TD and DF. CMR-SVI showed good accuracy and precision even in patients with severe TR, compared to DF.

Conclusions: The indirect Fick is the less reliable method to assess SVI also in PAH patients. Thermodilution is a valid alternative to direct Fick, but it should be used with caution in patients with severe TR or low cardiac index. SVI measured by cardiac MRI is a promising non-invasive alternative, especially in patients with severe TR. Our observation needs to be confirmed by other series and larger studies.

Objectives: Subway-related accidents have risen with advancements in the system. We aim to study the injury patterns from these incidents.

Methods: This is a retrospective study from a single center, covering patients from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2023. Patients were identified using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) injury descriptions and Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) body regions.

Results: Out of 360 patients (total), 23.5% presented with head injuries with an AIS score ≥ 3. Patients with blunt trauma (93.99%) were in higher numbers than penetrating (5.74%) and burn trauma (0.3%). Overall, the mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 10.69, suggesting a broad range of traumatic injuries. ISSs for severe injuries (17-24) comprised 9.2%, moderate injuries (10-16) comprised 17.5%, and minor injuries (1-9) comprised 60.8%. Falls had the highest percentage of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) (65.60%) and fractures (67.50%). Assaults showed a significant occurrence of traumatic thoracic injuries (28.90%). Suicide attempts demonstrated a high percentage of traumatic amputations (30.80%). In the emergency department (ED), most patients (69.4%) were admitted for further care, such as trauma, neurosurgery, or other care. Of these patients, 0.5% died in the ED, 0.5% died on arrival, and 1.04% died within 15 min of arrival. The mortality rate among serious fall patients was 17.20% compared to the suicide and train-struck groups at 37.90% each.

Conclusions: There were high occurrences of TBIs, and fractures, thoracic injuries, and amputations. Numbers of patients with blunt trauma were a lot higher than those with penetrating and burn trauma. The mortality rates observed in the suicide and train-struck groups were higher than those in patients with severe falls.

Background/objectives: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria pose a considerable challenge due to high treatment failure rates and associated healthcare costs. This pioneering study evaluates the effectiveness of personalized autovaccine therapy in managing recurrent UTIs in patients with MDR bacteria, aiming to offer an innovative treatment that reduces antibiotic resistance and hospitalizations.

Methods: In this prospective, single-center study, 40 patients with recurrent MDR UTIs received personalized sublingual autovaccines derived from their own bacterial isolates. The study assessed UTI recurrence rates, changes in antibiotic use, and hospitalization days over 12 months.

Results: The autovaccine therapy significantly reduced UTI recurrence, with 67.5% of patients experiencing fewer infections. Antibiotic usage decreased by 74.4%, and total hospitalization days annually reduced from 400 to 216. A significant shift was observed from MDR to multi-susceptible bacterial profiles among participants.

Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate that autovaccine therapy is a safe and effective approach for managing recurrent UTIs caused by MDR bacteria, significantly lowering infection frequency, antibiotic needs, and hospitalization. These findings support integrating autovaccine therapy into standard UTI management to combat antibiotic resistance and lessen healthcare burdens.

Resveratrol can beneficially affect growth and follicle development and lead to improved sperm function parameters in pre-clinical studies, while information from clinical studies is still inconclusive. This study aims to evaluate the biological and clinical impact of a resveratrol-based multivitamin supplement on level II assisted reproduction cycles (IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]). A retrospective, case-control study, involving 70 infertile couples undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles, was conducted at the Assisted Reproductive Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit-Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital in Palermo. The study group underwent pre-treatment with a daily nutraceutical based on resveratrol, whereas the control group received 400 mcg/day of folic acid. Primary endpoints to be evaluated were the number of mature follicles developed (>16 mm), total oocytes and Metaphase II (MII) oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, number of embryos/blastocysts obtained, and semen quality. Secondary objectives in our evaluation were the duration and dosage of gonadotropins, the starting dose, the number of blastocysts to be transferred and frozen, implantation rate, and, ultimately, biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates. In the study group, a significantly higher number of mature follicles, oocytes, and MII oocytes were collected compared to the control group. In the study group, a higher fertilization rate as well as higher numbers of cleavage embryos per patient, blastocysts per patient, and frozen blastocysts were obtained. In the study group, a shorter administration time and lower dosages of gonadotropins required to reach follicle maturity were also observed compared to controls, with fewer dose adjustments during stimulation compared to the starting dose. No significant differences were found in biochemical or clinical pregnancy rates. A 12-month period of dietary supplementation with a resveratrol-based multivitamin nutraceutical leads to better biological effects on ICSI cycles.

Biofilms, composed of structured communities of bacteria embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix, pose a significant challenge due to their heightened resistance to antibiotics and immune responses. This review highlights the mechanisms underpinning antibiotic resistance within bacterial biofilms, elucidating the adaptive strategies employed by microorganisms to withstand conventional antimicrobial agents. This encompasses the role of the extracellular matrix, altered gene expression, and the formation of persister cells, contributing to the recalcitrance of biofilms to eradication. A comprehensive understanding of these resistance mechanisms provides a for exploring innovative therapeutic interventions. This study explores promising avenues for future research, emphasizing the necessity of uncovering the specific genetic and phenotypic adaptations occurring within biofilms. The identification of vulnerabilities in biofilm architecture and the elucidation of key biofilm-specific targets emerge as crucial focal points for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. In addressing the limitations of traditional antibiotics, this review discusses innovative therapeutic approaches. Nanomaterials with inherent antimicrobial properties, quorum-sensing inhibitors disrupting bacterial communication, and bacteriophages as biofilm-specific viral agents are highlighted as potential alternatives. The exploration of combination therapies, involving antimicrobial agents, biofilm-disrupting enzymes, and immunomodulators, is emphasized to enhance the efficacy of existing treatments and overcome biofilm resilience.

Introduction: Inflammatory biomarkers, including Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), play a significant role in influencing stroke outcomes, particularly in the progression of post-stroke disability. While numerous studies have suggested a correlation between elevated levels of these cytokines and poor functional recovery, further investigation is needed to understand their prognostic value in acute ischemic stroke.

Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective study on 56 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke, evaluating IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels on days 1 and 7 post symptom onset. Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and functional outcomes were measured with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the association between biomarker levels and stroke severity and recovery.

Results: Our study demonstrated that elevated levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha on both days 1 and 7 were significantly correlated with greater stroke severity and poorer functional outcomes, as indicated by higher NIHSS and mRS scores. These findings are consistent with broader research indicating strong associations between inflammatory cytokines and post-stroke disability, further reinforcing their relevance as prognostic indicators.

Conclusions: IL-6 and TNF-alpha are promising biomarkers for predicting stroke severity and functional recovery in acute ischemic stroke. Monitoring these cytokines in the early stages of stroke could aid in identifying patients at higher risk for long-term disability, potentially guiding personalized therapeutic strategies. Further research into anti-inflammatory therapies targeting these cytokines may improve stroke rehabilitation and outcomes.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by central facial redness, papulopustular lesions, and occasionally phymatous changes. There is ongoing debate regarding rosacea as a cutaneous disease with systemic inflammatory effects and its associations with cardiovascular diseases. Although the pathogenesis of both atherosclerosis and rosacea demonstrate notable similarities, particularly in the central role of inflammation, significant gaps in understanding these connections remain. This study aims to investigate this potential relationship by assessing biochemical markers and sonographic findings in rosacea patients who were divided into groups based on disease severity. Our study included 73 rosacea patients and 73 age- and sex-matched controls, without cardiovascular disease. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were recorded for all participants. Carotid intima-media thickness and the thickness of subcutaneous, preperitoneal, posterior perirenal, and aortic-level visceral adipose tissues were measured by ultrasonography. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly elevated in rosacea patients versus controls. Additionally, sonographic assessments revealed that both aortic-level visceral adipose tissue and preperitoneal adipose tissue were significantly thicker in rosacea patients than in the control group, a finding corroborated by multivariable linear regression analysis. While thicker preperitoneal and perirenal adipose tissues were observed with increasing disease severity, these differences did not achieve statistical significance when subjected to multivariable linear regression analysis. The thorough examination and follow-up of patients with rosacea for cardiovascular risk factors may be necessary in clinical practice.

Background and aims: Telerehabilitation is essential for the recovery of post-COVID-19 patients, improving exercise tolerance, dyspnea, functional capacity, and daily activity performance. This study aimed to describe telerehabilitation protocols specifically designed for individuals with post-COVID-19 sequelae.

Materials and methods: A systematic review was conducted with registration number CRD42023423678, based on searches developed in the following databases: ScienceDirect, Scopus, Dimensions.ai and PubMed, using keywords such as "telerehabilitation" and "COVID-19". The final search date was July 2024. The selection of studies involved an initial calibration process, followed by independent filtering by the researchers. The selection criteria were applied prior to critical appraisal, data extraction, and the risk of bias assessment.

Results: After reviewing 405 full-text papers, 14 articles were included that focused on telerehabilitation interventions for post-COVID-19 patients. These interventions were designed for remote delivery and included exercise protocols, vital sign monitoring, and virtual supervision by physical therapists. The studies reported improvements in physical function, muscle performance, lung capacity, and psychological outcomes. Significant gains were observed in strength, mobility, and functional capacity, as well as reductions in dyspnea, fatigue, and improvements in quality of life, particularly in social domains. Intervention protocols included aerobic, strength, and respiratory exercises, monitored using tools such as heart rate monitors and smartphones.

Conclusions: Telerehabilitation positively impacts lung volumes, pulmonary capacities, dyspnea reduction, functionality, muscle performance, and independence in post-COVID-19 patients.

Purpose: To compare the accuracy of seven artificial intelligence (AI)-based intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas in medium-long Caucasian eyes regarding the root-mean-square absolute error (RMSAE), the median absolute error (MedAE) and the percentage of eyes with a prediction error (PE) within ±0.5 D. Methods: Data on Caucasian patients who underwent uneventful phacoemulsification between May 2018 and September 2023 in MW-Med Eye Center, Krakow, Poland and Kyiv Clinical Ophthalmology Hospital Eye Microsurgery Center, Kyiv, Ukraine were reviewed. Inclusion criteria, i.e., complete biometric and refractive data, were applied. Exclusion criteria were as follows: intraoperative or postoperative complications, previous eye surgery or corneal diseases, postoperative BCVA less than 0.8, and corneal astigmatism greater than 2.0 D. Prior to phacoemulsification, IOL power was computed using SRK/T, Holladay1, Haigis, Holladay 2, and Hoffer Q. The refraction was measured three months after cataract surgery. Post-surgery intraocular lens calculations for Hill-RBF 3.0, Kane, PEARL-DGS, Ladas Super Formula AI (LSF AI), Hoffer QST, Karmona, and Nallasamy were performed. RMSAE, MedAE, and the percentage of eyes with a PE within ±0.25 D, ±0.50 D, ±0.75 D, and ±1.00 were counted. Results: Two hundred fourteen eyes with axial lengths ranging from 24.50 mm to 25.97 mm were tested. The Hill-RBF 3.0 formula yielded the lowest RMSAE (0.368), just before Pearl-DGS (0.374) and Hoffer QST (0.378). The lowest MedAE was achieved by Hill-RBF 3.0 (0.200), the second-lowest by LSF AI (0.210), and the third-lowest by Kane (0.228). The highest percentage of eyes with a PE within ±0.50 D was obtained by Hill-RBF 3.0, LSF AI, and Pearl-DGS (86.45%, 85.51%, and 85.05%, respectively). Conclusions: The Hill-RBF 3.0 formula provided highly accurate outcomes in medium-long eyes. All studied AI-based formulas yielded good results in IOL power calculation.