Search Results (42,841)

Background/Objectives: Maternal free fatty acids (FFAs) play a critical role in maternal metabolism, fetal growth, and pregnancy outcomes. However, their relationship with maternal metabolic status in early pregnancy and the subsequent development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains unclear. Aim: Assess the trajectory of FFA concentrations during pregnancy, considering first-trimester metabolic status (obesity, insulin resistance—IR) and the development of GDM, and evaluate whether first-trimester FFA is a relevant risk factor for GDM. Methods: A case–control study nested within the OBESO cohort (Mexico City, pregnant women and their children), classified women according to first-trimester metabolic status (pregestational body mass index—pBMI, insulin resistance homeostasis model assessment—HOMA-IR > 1.6), as well as the presence of GDM: Group 1 (normal weight without IR, n = 60), Group 2 (obesity without IR, no GDM, n = 20), Group 3 (obesity with IR, no GDM, n = 20), and Group 4 (obesity with IR, with GDM, n = 9). FFA concentrations were measured each trimester. Statistical analyses included repeated measures ANOVA and logistic regression models. Results: FFA concentrations were the highest in Group 4 across all trimesters (p < 0.05). FFAs decreased throughout pregnancy in all groups (p = 0.023), with the most significant decline from the first to the third trimester (p < 0.001). The greatest reduction occurred in Group 4 (p < 0.001), followed by Group 3. Multivariate logistic regression showed no association between first-trimester FFAs and the development of GDM. Higher gestational weight gain was associated with a higher GDM risk (OR: 1.22, 95%CI: 1.01–1.48), when the FFAs difference was accounted for. Conclusions: FFA levels are higher in women with GDM compared with women with obesity or a normal weight. However, FFAs progressively decline from the first to the third trimester, with the most pronounced decrease in women with obesity, IR, and GDM. Full article

Problematic internet use has become an increasing concern among university students, as it may negatively affect academic performance, emotional well-being, and social functioning. Understanding the psychological and emotional factors that influence internet use is crucial to developing effective preventive strategies. This study aimed to examine the relationship between resilience and social–emotional competence and problematic internet use among university students. This study was conducted with the participation of 191 students. The students’ problematic internet use levels were assessed using the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale-2, their resilience levels were assessed using the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, and their social–emotional competence levels were assessed using the Social–Emotional Competence Scale. Regression analysis was performed using the elastic net regression model and partial least squares (PLC) model. The general resilience level (p = 0.0015) and its sub-dimensions of tenacity (p = 0.0014), tolerance to negative affect (p = 0.0114), and spirituality (p = 0.0278) were found to be significant predictors of problematic internet use. The general social emotional competence level (p = 0.0115) and adaptability (p = 0.0278) were found to significantly predict problematic internet use. The predictive factors for the social interaction domain of problematic internet use were tenacity (p = 0.04), adaptability (p = 0.02), and expressivity (p = 0.03), while for negative results, they were tolerance to negative events (p = 0.05), spirituality (p = 0.04), and adaptability (p = 0.05). The factors affecting emotional regulation were tenacity (p = 0.03), spirituality (p = 0.03), adaptability (p = 0.03), and expressivity (p = 0.03). Only the spirituality (p = 0.05) and expressivity (p = 0.04) levels predicted insufficient self-regulation. The effects of the resilience and social–emotional competence levels on problematic internet use should not be ignored. In the plans and interventions to be developed, it is of great importance to take measures to improve the level of resilience and social–emotional competence skills. Full article

Background/Objectives: Overweight and obesity in children is a worldwide health concern, with a high prevalence and an increasing trend in recent years. The prevalence of pediatric overweight and obesity in Romania is unclear; some studies estimate the rate of overweight at 15–20% and the obesity rate at 8.7–10.7%. The objective of this study is to measure the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children in Romania and to highlight their risks and protective factors. Methods: A repeated cross-sectional study that included children between 5 and 17 years old was performed across 2 years. Anamnestic data regarding demographics, family, and child’s lifestyle was collected from the child’s parent, and some medical and anthropometric parameters of the child were measured. The BMI and z-scores were calculated using the WHO charts. Logistic regression models were verified for goodness-of-fit and used for estimating the prediction value of fast-food consumption, parents’ education, and the presence of parents with obesity in the case of increased weight in the child. Results: A total of 1231 children were included in the study, 25.1% of whom exhibited an excess of weight. The prevalences of overweight and obesity were 17.5% and 7.6%, respectively. In the multivariate model, the following variables significantly predicted the weight of children: days of fast-food consumption, parents’ education, parents with excess weight, and hours of physical activity (p < 0.005) Conclusions: The prevalence of pediatric overweight and obesity in Romania is in accordance with the global prevalence. Considering fast-food consumption and the presence of parents with obesity as risk factors for children’s overweight or obesity and physical activity and a higher level of education of the parent as protector factors, we strongly emphasize the importance of public health initiatives directed towards these factors. Full article

Objective: This study employed advanced biostatistical methods to investigate Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in serum and plasma samples from patients with severe osteoarthritis (OA) compared to volunteers. The primary aim was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of these biomarkers and address statistical challenges, including non-normal data distribution and non-aged-matched groups. Design: Using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs), IL-6, TNF-α, and MPO concentrations were analysed in 58 OA patients and 28 volunteers. Statistical analyses included Shapiro–Wilk tests to assess normality, a Mann–Whitney U (MWU) test to compare biomarker levels, and sensitivity analyses using Rank-based ANCOVA, and regression models were used to address non-normal data distributions and to validate the findings under adjustments for age and gender. Levene’s test was used to evaluate the homogeneity of variables. Results: Serum TNF-α and plasma MPO were significantly higher in OA patients than in volunteers (p < 0.05), while IL-6 levels were non-significant (p = 0.160). MWU tests confirmed significant differences for TNF-α (p = 0.045) and MPO (p = 0.0001). Sensitivity analysis using Rank-based ANCOVA and regression models confirmed the robustness of these biomarkers, with TNF-α (p = 0.037) and MPO (p = 0.0099) retaining statistical significance after adjusting for covariates. IL-6 remained non-significant across all analyses. Conclusions: TNF-α and MPO emerged as statistically robust biomarkers for severe OA, with the serum samples better reflecting inflammation than plasma. These findings underscore the importance of using advanced biostatistical methods such as Rank-based ANCOVA and regression to validate biomarkers, particularly in heterogenous datasets. Future research should incorporate larger, more diverse cohorts and detailed demographic profiling to explore the early diagnostic potential of these biomarkers and further understand OA progression. Full article

Background: The Pearl River Delta (PRD) region in Guangdong, China, is urbanized and economically significant. Rapid development has shaped diverse dietary habits. In this densely populated area, there is an urgent need to assess vitamin status and its impact on age-related diseases. Methods: A total of 2646 participants (age: 50.92 ± 9.30 years; male: 64.06%) were recruited from the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region. Participants were included from 1 December 2020 to 30 November 2021. Three restricted cubic spline logistic models, interaction terms, and mediated effects analyses were used to assess the association between vitamin A, B, E, B₁, B₂, B₃, B₅, B₆, and B₉ between five age-related diseases: cerebrovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension (HTN), dyslipidemia (DYS), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Results: Blood concentrations of nine vitamins showed a right-skewed distribution. Significant correlations were found between vitamin levels and age-related diseases across nine groups (p < 0.05). A J-shaped relationship was observed between vitamin levels and the risk of age-related diseases, except for the Vitamin A-HTN/T2DM, which showed Maximum Effective Concentration (MEC). Specific thresholds included: Vitamin A: 1080 ng/mL (DYS); Vitamin B₁: 77 ng/mL (CVD), 75.5 ng/mL (HTN); Vitamin B₅: 900 ng/mL (CVD), 600 ng/mL (HTN), 690 ng/mL (DYS); Vitamin B₆: 82 ng/mL (CVD). The protective effect of vitamins against age-related diseases decreased with age, and higher levels of vitamins A and B₁ correlated with increased hypertension risk in older adults (P_interaction < 0.01). Low Body Resilience Index (BRI) and physical activity mediated the protective effects of vitamins A and B₅ on HTN and DYS, while no mediating effects were found for smoking and alcohol consumption. Conclusions: The effectiveness of multivitamin supplementation in preventing cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and metabolic diseases may be limited in healthy aging populations. Health professionals should consider patients’ physiological conditions and blood vitamin levels to avoid overdose. More interventional studies are needed to establish causal relationships. Full article

Background: This study investigates the link between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) using the ultrasonographic fatty liver indicator (US-FLI) to assess liver steatosis. Methods: A total of 204 patients were included, with hepatic steatosis evaluated through ultrasound characteristics, diagnosing fatty liver when US-FLI was ≥2. CAD severity was determined using the SYNTAX score (SS), categorizing 100 CAD patients into mild (SS ≤ 22) and moderate-severe (MS) (SS ≥ 23) groups. The association between US-FLI and SS in patients with MAFLD was evaluated through the multivariate logistic regression model. A receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to determine the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of US-FLI in predicting SS. Results: In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, US-FLI was an independent predictor of the CAD group (OR = 1.194, 95% CI: 1.008–1.414, p = 0.040) and the MS group (OR = 1.262, 95% CI: 1.025–1.553, p = 0.028). In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a US-FLI value of 2 was found to be the optimal threshold point for diagnosing MS CAD patients (AUC = 0.620, 95% CI: 0.509–0.713, p = 0.039), with a sensitivity of 65.22% and a specificity of 55.56%. The diagnostic performance of MS CAD patients significantly improved when US-FLI was combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (AUC = 0.732, 95% CI: 0.632–0.832, p < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 65.22% and specificity of 77.78%. Conclusions: US-FLI was independently and positively associated with CAD severity. US-FLI combined with T2DM had better diagnostic performance in patients with MS CAD. Full article

Background: Individual nutrients are associated with cognitive performance, but there is less evidence on the relationship between overall dietary patterns and cognitive performance in midlife. Objective: To examine the relation between dietary patterns and cognitive performance in midlife adults within the Bogalusa Heart Study (BHS). Methods: Cross-sectional data from the 2013–2016 cycle of the Bogalusa Heart Study, a life-course prospective cohort study, were used to generate diet quality scores, including the Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI), the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI), and the Alternate Mediterranean Dietary Pattern (aMed), based on food frequency questionnaires. Cognitive scores assessing attention and processing, episodic memory, and executive function were generated through validated cognitive tests. Generalized linear and logistic regression models were fit with adjustment for potential confounders. Results: Of 1053 participants included in the analysis, the mean age was 48.18 (SD = 5.22) years; 38.94% were male; and 31.14% identified as Black. Higher diet quality scores were associated with a higher global cognitive score (P-trend = 0.01 for AHEI, 0.02 for HEI, and 0.04 for aMed) after adjusting for age, sex, race, employment, education, smoking status, total energy intake, physical activity, BMI, diabetes, and hypertension. In dichotomous outcome analyses, higher AHEI and aMed scores remained inversely associated with low cognition when adjusting for similar covariates (P-trend = 0.03 for AHEI, 0.03 for aMed), but the association was attenuated to non-significance for HEI. In joint effect analysis between employment and dietary patterns (P-interaction = 0.28 for AHEI, 0.01 for HEI, and 0.11 for aMed), unemployment with a lower quality diet was associated with lower cognitive performance (P-trend = 0.02 for AHEI, 0.02 for HEI, and 0.01 for aMed). Conclusions: A high-quality diet is associated with optimal cognitive performance among midlife adults, and unemployment status may influence this association. These findings suggest that dietary interventions during midlife may represent a public health strategy to preserve cognitive function and reduce future neurodegenerative disease burden, especially in disadvantaged populations. Full article

Planococcus minor is an invasive pest of significant economic importance that has attracted international attention. Predicting the potential geographic distribution of P. minor under climate change is crucial to developing effective prevention and control strategies for safeguarding agricultural productivity. In this study, we selected four species distribution models (GBM, GLM, MARS, MAXENT) and utilized the Biomod2 package to construct an ensemble model for predicting the suitable habitats of P. minor under the averaged climate conditions of 1970–2000 and 2041–2060 (2050s), including a low-emission pathway (SSP1-2.6) and a high-emission pathway (SSP5-8.5). Among the 19 bioclimatic variables considered, precipitation of the wettest quarter and temperature seasonality were identified as the most influential factors affecting the distribution of P. minor. Under the averaged climate conditions of 1970–2000, suitable habitats for P. minor are mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. In China, highly suitable zones are concentrated in Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, and Taiwan. In the future, the global range of P. minor is projected to expand, with some highly suitable areas transitioning toward medium and low suitability. Under the high-emission pathway (SSP5-8.5) scenario, suitable habitats in China are anticipated to exhibit a pronounced trend of inland expansion. Establishing an ensemble model to predict the potential geographic distribution of P. minor will facilitate the assessment of invasion and spread risks, thereby providing a scientific foundation for developing targeted prevention and monitoring strategies for relevant regions. Full article

Lipid metabolism and oxidative stress are major contributors to ocular diseases, including drusen formation and photoreceptor damage. Aster-B, encoded by GRAMD1B, mediates the non-vesicular transport of cholesterol and carotenoids and is highly expressed in the human eye, though its specific ocular functions remain unknown. We investigated Aster-B’s role in ARPE-19 cells, a model of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), using CRISPR/dCas9 to generate an Aster-B-expressing cell line. Aster-B expression significantly improved cell survival under oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and was associated with the activation of the p53 and TGFβ signaling pathways, indicating a role in modulating stress responses. To confirm its lipid transport activity, we treated cholesterol-depleted cells with carotenoids and tracked their localization. In Aster-B-expressing cells, carotenoids accumulated in mitochondria, while in control cells, they remained in other cellular compartments. Under oxidative stress, mitochondrial carotenoid levels declined in Aster-B-expressing cells but not in control cells. Interestingly, carotenoids enhanced survival in control cells exposed to H₂O₂ but had a detrimental effect in Aster-B-expressing cells, suggesting that carotenoid function is context and location dependent. These findings highlight Aster-B’s role in coordinating lipid transport and stress responses in the RPE, with implications for oxidative stress-related eye diseases. Full article

Industrial motors generate vibration energy that can be converted into electrical energy using piezoelectric vibration energy harvesters (pVEHs). These energy harvesters can power devices or function as self-powered sensors. However, optimal electromechanical designs of pVEHs are required to improve their output performance under different vibration frequency and amplitude conditions. To address this challenge, we performed the electromechanical modeling of a multilayer pVEH that harvests vibration energy from induction electric motors at frequencies close to 30 Hz. In addition, a parametric analysis of the geometry of the multilayer piezoelectric device was conducted to optimize its deflection and output voltage, considering the substrate length, piezoelectric patch position, and dimensions of the central hole. Our analytical model predicted the deflection and first bending resonant frequency of the piezoelectric device, with good agreement with predictions from finite element method (FEM) models. The proposed piezoelectric device achieved an output voltage of 143.2 V and an output power of 3.2 mW with an optimal resistance of 6309.5 kΩ. Also, the principal stresses of the pVEH were assessed using linear trend analysis, finding a safe operating range up to an acceleration of 0.7 g. The electromechanical design of the pVEH allowed for effective synchronization with the vibration frequency of an induction electric motor. This energy harvester has a potential application in industrial electric motors to transform their vibration energy into electrical energy to power sensors. Full article

Background: Tay–Sachs disease (TSD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder characterized by the accumulation of GM2 ganglioside due to mutations in the HEXA gene, which encodes the α-subunit of β-Hexosaminidase A. This accumulation leads to significant neuropathological effects and premature death in affected individuals. No effective treatments exist, but enzyme replacement therapies are under investigation. In our previous work, we demonstrated the internalization and efficacy of human recombinant lysosomal β-hexosaminidase A (rhHex-A), produced in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris, in reducing lipids and lysosomal mass levels in fibroblasts and neural stem cells derived from patient-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In this study, we further evaluated the potential of rhHex-A to prevent GM2 accumulation using fibroblast and neuroglia cells from a TSD patient alongside a relevant mouse model. Methods: Fibroblasts and neuroglial cell lines derived from a murine model and TSD patients were treated with 100 nM rhHexA for 72 h. After treatment, cells were stained by anti-GM2 (targeting GM2 ganglioside; KM966) and anti-LAMP1 (lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1) colocalization staining and incubated with 50 nM LysoTracker Red DND-99 to label lysosomes. In addition, GM2AP and HEXB expression were analyzed to assess whether rhHex-A treatment affected the levels of enzymes involved in GM2 ganglioside degradation. Results: Immunofluorescence staining for LysoTracker and colocalization studies of GM2 and Lamp1 indicated reduced lysosomal mass and GM2 levels. Notably, rhHex-A treatment also affected the expression of the HEXB gene, which is involved in GM2 ganglioside metabolism, highlighting a potential regulatory interaction within the metabolic pathway. Conclusions: Here, we report that rhHex-A produced in yeast can efficiently degrade GM2 ganglioside and rescue lysosomal accumulation in TSD cells. Full article

Background: The positive effects of urban green space (UGS) on public health and well-being have been confirmed. However, most previous studies on the health benefits of UGS have focused on the influencing factors, mechanisms, and different groups of people, with little attention paid to regional heterogeneity. Methods: Using provincial-level panel data from China (2007–2020), this study measures residents’ comprehensive health levels (CHLs) through factor analysis encompassing physiological, mental, and social dimensions. Fixed-effects models and panel quantile regressions are employed to analyze UGS–health associations across climatic zones and health status quantiles. Results: The CHL of residents in China has improved as a whole, but with some provinces showing a declining or unpredictable trend. The results of the effects of UGS on the health status of urban residents were inconsistent. Overall, the amount of UGS is positively related to the CHL of the inhabitants (Coef. = 0.113; p < 0.01). In addition, the health-promoting effect of UGS is significantly stronger in provinces with a higher health level than in provinces with a lower health level, and no positive effect was observed in the provinces with the lowest health level. Increasing the amount of UGS can effectively improve the CHL of residents in the mid-temperate (Coef. = 0.189; p < 0.05) and warm temperate (Coef. = 0.135; p < 0.05) regions, but no health-promoting effect was found in the subtropical regions. Conclusions: This study expands our scientific understanding of the effects of UGS on the comprehensive health status of urban residents. Full article

Background/Objectives: Biliary atresia (BA) is the most common etiology for pediatric liver transplantation (LT). However, whether a previous Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy (KP) and its timing influence the outcomes of BA patients who undergo LT remains controversial. Methods: Pediatric patients with BA who underwent LT at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, between June 2013 and November 2022 were recruited. The patients were divided into non-KP, early-KP (before 90 days of life), and late-KP subgroups. The clinical data were compared among the groups. A nomogram to predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-year graft survival probabilities based on a multivariate Cox model was constructed and validated. Results: Among the 475 BA patients, the no-KP group accounted for 31.8%, the early KP for 60.4%, and the late KP for 7.8%, respectively. The incidences of LT complications were comparable among the groups. From the multivariate Cox analyses, an intensive care unit (ICU) stay and bleeding were identified as the independent risk factors for postoperative patient survival, and the LT type, graft type, vascular complications, and biliary complications were those for graft survival. A nomogram for graft survival was constructed, with a C-index of 0.82, and areas under the curves (AUCs) of 0.829, 0.824, and 0.824 for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival nomograms, respectively. The calibration and decision curve analysis (DCA) curves showed good discrimination ability and clinical applicability. A risk classification system was further developed, and the Kaplan–Meier curves demonstrated high discrimination between the high- and low-risk groups (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: A previous KP has no impact on patients or graft survival after LT in BA patients. The established nomogram may be helpful for counseling BA patients about their clinical prognosis after LT. Full article

Accurately modeling fractures in wave-propagation simulations is challenging due to their small scale relative to other features. While equivalent-media models can approximate fracture-induced anisotropy, they fail to capture their discrete influence on wave propagation. To address this limitation, the Interior-Penalty Discontinuous Galerkin Method (IP-DGM) can be adapted to incorporate the Linear-Slip Model (LSM) to represent fractures explicitly. In this study, we apply IP-DGM to elastic wave propagation in fractured cylindrical domains using realistic fracture compliances obtained from laboratory experiments (using ultrasonic-pulse transmission) to simulate the effects of fluid-filled fractures. We analyze how fracture spacing and fluid type influence P- and S-wave behavior, focusing on amplitude attenuation and wave-front delays. Our numerical results align with experimental and theoretical predictions, demonstrating that higher-density fluids enhance wave transmission, reducing the impedance contrast and improving coupling across fracture surfaces. These findings highlight the capability of IP-DGM to accurately model wave propagation in realistic fractured and saturated media, providing a valuable tool for seismic monitoring in fractured reservoirs and other applications where fluid-filled fractures are prevalent. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of six innovative peat-free substrate formulations, combined with either a conventional solid fertilizer or a novel liquid fertilizer developed by the research team, on the early growth and root morphology of Fagus sylvatica L. and Quercus robur L. seedlings. Treatments were analyzed through two-way ANOVA and species-specific linear regression models. Following one year of field growth, survival rates remained high across all treatments. While R22 (a peat-free substrate with liquid fertilizer) exhibited the highest mean values for seedling height and diameter, only height showed statistically significant variation among treatments (p < 0.05), with no significant differences observed for diameter increment. It was further, revealed that seedlings treated with peat-free substrates and liquid fertilizers exhibited adequate survival, with several combinations especially R22 showing comparable performance to traditional peat-based media with solid fertilizer. Root morphological traits, particularly fine root length (≤0.50 mm) were strong predictors of above-ground growth in F. sylvatica, but less so in Q. robur, which relied more on total root length. The results highlight species-specific root–shoot coordination strategies, with beech exhibiting above-ground growth pattern and oak a gravitropic one. The findings concluded that R22 substrates confirmed exceptional performance with enhanced root growth comparable to peat after one year of forest planting, indicating strong potential for future development without the environmental concerns associated with peat use. Full article