Search Results (32,597)

Canine osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative joint condition characterized by inflammation, structural damage, pain, and impaired joint function. Osteoarthritis risk is influenced not only by well-established factors such as age, genetics, obesity and underlying arthropathies, but also by systemic conditions such as low-grade inflammation and sarcopenia. Current interventions are primarily focused on pain relief rather than mitigating physiological impairment, despite recent veterinary guidelines. In this study, several preclinical models were employed to identify postbiotic candidates with potential to promote canine joint health. An initial screening of nine heat-treated bacterial strains identified two Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strains, PRIOME^® JH and HT-PB01, which demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity on canine chondrocytes. Further characterization revealed that these two strains significantly increased type II collagen synthesis in canine chondrocytes and modulate immune responses in canine macrophages, enhancing Interleukin-10 secretion over Interleukin-12. Additionally, both strains showed potential in mitigating risk factors such as gut inflammation and permeability, fat accumulation and sarcopenia in Caenorhabditis elegans models. In conclusion, this study identified two promising postbiotic candidates, PRIOME^® JH and HT-PB01, with the potential to target key risk factors associated with osteoarthritis through multifactorial mechanisms. These findings emphasize conducting dog clinical trials to evaluate their relevance in osteoarthritis. Full article

Objective: To investigate the relationship between glycemic control and inflammation–nutrition indices in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to evaluate their prognostic value for 30-day mortality. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 372 hospitalized patients aged ≥65 years with type 2 diabetes. Laboratory data were used to calculate the hemoglobin–albumin–lymphocyte–platelet (HALP) score, the endothelial activation and stress index (EASIX), and the uric acid-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (UHR). Cox regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of 30-day mortality, and combined stratification models using HALP, EASIX, and UHR were evaluated for risk discrimination. Results: Thirty-day mortality occurred in 57 patients (15.3%). HbA1c levels were not significantly associated with mortality (p = 0.615). Non-survivors had higher UHR, and EASIX, and lower HALP score levels (all p < 0.05). In multivariate Cox regression, age (HR 1.066, 95% CI 1.024–1.109, p = 0.002), length of hospital stay (HR 1.050, 95% CI 1.026–1.074, p < 0.001), ICU admission (HR 2.394, 95% CI 1.227–4.672, p = 0.010), and UHR (HR 1.028, 95% CI 1.013–1.042, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of mortality. Stratification by EASIX and UHR revealed that patients with both high EASIX or UHR and low HALP had the highest mortality risk, with adjusted HRs up to 4.206 (95% CI 1.930–9.166, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Among older adults with type 2 diabetes, short-term mortality is more strongly associated with inflammation, endothelial stress, and nutritional status than with glycemic control. Combined inflammation–nutrition indices (HALP, EASIX, UHR) provide superior risk stratification and help identify high-risk patients early. Full article

Coffee-derived materials from diverse botanical sources (beans, leaves, fruit and spent grounds) contain bioactive polyphenolic compounds, alkaloids, and diterpenes with potential dermatological applications. This review critically evaluates evidence quality across study designs. In vitro studies demonstrate antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, wound-healing, and antimicrobial activities. Animal models show photoprotection and wound-healing effects. These studies highlight the multifunctional dermatological value of coffee-derived materials as ingredients for cosmetic and therapeutic formulations aimed at combating skin aging, inflammation, and barrier dysfunction. Limited human trials (typically small sample sizes and short duration) report modest improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, barrier function, and reductions in erythema, transepidermal water loss, and ultraviolet-induced damage, though methodological limitations constrain interpretation. Observational epidemiological studies report inverse associations between coffee consumption and melanoma/basal cell carcinoma risk, but residual confounding by sun exposure, lifestyle factors, and genetic susceptibility precludes causal inference. Critical translational barriers include insufficient pharmacokinetic characterization, inadequate extract standardization across sources and processing methods, formulation challenges, bioavailability uncertainties, and limited independent validation. While preclinical evidence supports diverse biological activities and suggests multifunctional potential for cosmetic and therapeutic applications, current evidence remains insufficient to recommend coffee-derived products as a primary evidence-based dermatological intervention. Overall, large-scale, independent clinical trials with adequate duration and clinically meaningful endpoints are essential for translating laboratory findings into validated clinical applications. Full article

As agriculture faces increasing pressure to reduce pesticide residues and heavy metal accumulation in soils, marine microalgae are emerging as sustainable sources of biopesticides. Among them, Amphidinium carterae produces amphidinols (AMs), polyketide metabolites with strong antifungal activity against crop pathogens. Currently, large-scale AM production remains constrained by a limited understanding of AM biosynthesis across different A. carterae growth phases and by the lack of high-performing industrial strains. In this study, AM production dynamics were investigated in one wild-type (WT) and five mutagenized A. carterae strains. The production of bioactive AM18 and its sulfated inactive form AM19 was monitored through exponential, linear, and early stationary growth phases. The maximum AM productivity occurred between the linear and early stationary phase, with the average values of 5.58 ± 0.4 and 3.58 ± 0.2 µg/mL/day for AM18 and AM19, respectively. The AM18/AM19 ratio consistently decreased with the culture age, indicating that earlier harvesting favors higher proportions of bioactive AMs. UV mutagenesis increased the AM18 cell content by more than twofold and the growth rate by up to 20% in certain mutagenized strains compared to the WT strain, but did not enhance the volumetric AM productivity. Overall, these results identify optimal AM harvesting windows and clarify the potential benefits of mutagenesis strain improvement for industrial AM production improvement. Full article

Background: Inflammatory hyperreflective retinal foci (I-HRF) have been recognized as an optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarker of aggregates of activated microglial cells. Microglia, the principal resident immune cells, are key players in geographic atrophy (GA) development and progression. Objective: To quantify I-HRF distribution across inner (IR) and outer (OR) retinal layers in GA compared with healthy controls. Methods: Retrospective observational study including patients aged ≥50 years with GA lesion area >1.25 mm² and age-matched healthy subjects. GA eyes were classified as bilateral GA (B-GA) or unilateral GA (U-GA; fellow eye with macular neovascularization). Using Spectralis OCT, I-HRF (≤30 μm; RNFL-like reflectivity; no posterior shadowing) were identified and counted across IR and OR. Results: Sixty-eight eyes from 46 patients with GA (B-GA: 49 eyes; U-GA: 19 eyes) and 19 control eyes were studied. I-HRF were higher in IR than in OR in all groups (p < 0.001). I-HRF were higher in GA eyes in both layers compared with controls (p < 0.05). U-GA exhibited higher I-HRF than B-GA in IR (44.32 ± 8.47 vs. 30.10 ± 7.62; p < 0.001), while I-HRF were not significantly different in OR (9.58 ± 3.04 vs. 8.02 ± 3.33; p = 0.081). Conclusions: I-HRF are increased in GA. They are more numerous in IR, consistent with their proposed inflammatory origin. These findings further support the role microglia may play in GA pathology. I-HRF may become an OCT biomarker to track GA-associated neuroinflammation in different GA phenotypes. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify I-HRF significance in GA progression. Full article

Introduction: The postmenopausal period is characterized by significant biological and psychosocial changes that can impact women’s physical activity levels and overall quality of life. Physical activity is recognized as one of the key modifiable factors promoting mental health. Still, its role in shaping the emotional domains of quality of life in postmenopausal women remains insufficiently recognized. The study aimed to assess the relationship between physical activity levels and quality of life in postmenopausal women, with particular emphasis on the emotional domains of quality of life, and to determine the role of selected sociodemographic factors. Materials and methods: The cross-sectional study included 174 postmenopausal women. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), while quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis tests with Dunn-Bonferroni post-hoc analysis, and multiple linear regression were used, taking into account age and BMI. Results: Higher levels of physical activity were significantly associated with better emotional well-being, higher energy levels, and a more favourable overall health assessment. Physical activity emerged as the strongest and independent variable statistically associated with the emotional domains of quality of life. Educational level and occupational group differentiated the level of physical activity and emotional well-being. Conclusions: Physical activity is an important and independent predictor of emotional quality of life in postmenopausal women. The results emphasize the importance of promoting physical activity as part of mental health prevention in this population. Full article

Background/Objectives: In the context of minimally invasive dentistry, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is regarded as a biologically oriented method for controlling microbial activity during caries excavation. Brix 3000 is a modern material used in chemo-mechanical removal of carious lesions, enabling selective elimination of infected dentin. The present study compares the antimicrobial effectiveness of Brix 3000 and adjunctive PDT performed with the FotoSan 630 Intro Kit. Methods: This study included 30 children aged 4–7 years with carious lesions on primary molars classified as ICDAS II code 06. The lesions were allocated into two groups: Group 1 (the control group), encompassing 15 lesions excavated using Brix 3000 only, and Group 2 (the experimental group), encompassing 15 lesions excavated with Brix 3000 followed by adjunctive PDT with the FotoSan 630 Intro Kit. A total of 75 microbiological samples were collected: 30 from infected dentin before excavation, 30 from partially infected dentin after Brix 3000, and 15 (experimental group only) after subsequent PDT. Results: The results revealed a wide diversity of cariogenic microorganisms in the infected dentin, with S. mutans being the most frequently isolated and present in the highest quantities. Using Brix 3000 reduced microbial diversity and quantity following excavation of partially infected dentin, although S. mutans persisted at lower levels. Conclusions: After the additional photodynamic disinfection, no microorganisms were isolated from the partially infected dentin. Adjunctive PDT provides localized, non-invasive antimicrobial disinfection and can be integrated into minimally invasive caries management in primary teeth. Full article

To reveal the evolution of the North China Craton (NCC) and the breakup process of the Columbia supercontinent, this study conducted zircon geochronology and garnet mineralogical analyses on kimberlites from the Bayan Obo area, on the northern margin of the NCC. Zircon U-Pb dating yielded four groups of concordant ages: 2505 ± 46 Ma, 2210 ± 57 Ma, 1928 ± 58 Ma, and 1455 ± 88 Ma. Among these, 1455 ± 88 Ma represents the formation age of the kimberlite, corresponding to a regional extensional tectonic setting. The other three groups are xenocrystic zircon ages, recording the formation of the Archean basement of the NCC, extensional magmatic activity in the middle Paleoproterozoic, and collisional metamorphic events in the late Paleoproterozoic, respectively. The major element characteristics of the garnets indicate they are granulite-facies crust-derived garnets (G4 type), formed under temperature and pressure conditions of 791 ± 50–876 ± 50 °C and 14 ± 3.0 kbar. This corresponds to a mantle heat flow value of approximately 60 ± 5 mW/m², suggesting an unstable state of the lithosphere in the study area. Combined with the regional geological background, the depositional age of the Bilute Formation in Bayan Obo is determined to be between 1455 and 1524 Ma. The emplacement of kimberlite is related to extensional rifting driven by the breakup of the Columbia supercontinent, and garnets hosted in kimberlite record the crustal extension and mantle magma underplating during the rift-spreading stage of this period. This study provides key petrological and chronological evidence for the tectonic evolution of the northern margin of the NCC and the breakup of the Columbia supercontinent. Full article

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent chronic disease requiring effective pharmacological treatment, sustained self-management, and patient education. Pharmacists are increasingly recognized as key contributors to diabetes care; however, their role remains underutilized in Bulgaria. This study aimed to assess self-management behaviors, medication adherence, patient awareness, and the perceived role of pharmacists among patients with T2DM in Bulgarian primary care. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 105 patients with T2DM using an anonymous questionnaire based on the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire and supplementary items adapted to the local healthcare context. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests to explore associations between demographic characteristics, treatment patterns, self-management behaviors, and educational needs. Results: Most patients were treated with oral antidiabetic therapy (90.0%), predominantly metformin-based regimens (64.0%). Adherence to prescribed pharmacological treatment was high (93.0%), while adherence to dietary recommendations (70.0%), regular physical activity (60.0%), and blood glucose self-monitoring (63.0%) was less consistent. Although 92.0% of participants reported good or excellent disease awareness, 41.0% expressed a need for additional education, particularly regarding confidence in managing hypoglycemia and the use of digital monitoring tools. More than half of respondents (54.0%) had received diabetes-related information from a pharmacist; however, only 38.0% expressed willingness to participate in pharmacist-led education, while 34.0% were undecided. Female sex was associated with a higher prevalence of comorbidities (p = 0.010), while increasing age was associated with reduced metformin use (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Despite good pharmacological adherence and self-reported awareness, gaps remain in lifestyle-related self-management and patient education. The findings support an expanded role for pharmacists in diabetes care, particularly through structured educational and counseling interventions to enhance self-management and complement physician-led treatment. Full article

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with limited treatment options for advanced stages. This study systematically investigated the molecular mechanisms of quercetin, an active compound from Epimedium, against GC using network pharmacology and experimental validation. Methods: Active compounds were screened from Epimedium. GC targets from GeneCards and Epimedium targets were analyzed for overlap. Molecular docking was conducted using AlphaFold-predicted structures. Serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1) expression, prognostic value, and immune correlations were analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas data. In vitro assays were performed to evaluate quercetin’s effects on AGS/MGC803 cells. BALB/c xenograft models were used to assess in vivo efficacy. Results: We identified 137 shared targets, with SERPINE1 as the core target. SERPINE1 was overexpressed in GC and correlated with poor prognosis and M2 macrophage infiltration. In vitro, quercetin dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation, suppressed migration, and induced apoptosis through increasing Bax while decreasing Bcl-2 expression. It also inhibited AKT/MAPK signaling and reversed epithelial–mesenchymal transition by upregulating E-cadherin and downregulating N-cadherin. In vivo, quercetin treatment led to a 78.4% reduction in tumor volume without causing systemic toxicity. Conclusion: This study elucidated the multifaceted antitumor mechanisms of Epimedium-derived quercetin, which orchestrates dual suppression of tumor proliferation and immune microenvironment regulation through precise targeting of SERPINE1, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Full article

Aim: Brain training games offer a promising avenue for promoting cognitive engagement and healthy aging among older adults. However, little is known about how design features align with the specific needs of this demographic to promote sustained usage and thereby cognitive intervention. The aim of this study was to characterize how all aspects of the game design and player experience might influence adherence mechanisms, and assess the feasibility and acceptability of a wearable brain-activity measuring device. Methods: We use an exploratory mixed-methods approach with n = 6 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 68 ± 3.94) within a smart-home-style Living-Lab. Participants played two commercially available brain-training games. One of the games uses a wearable brain-activity measuring device. We collected System Usability Scale (SUS) and User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) scores and conducted focus-group interviews and structured observations. We performed a qualitative theory-informed analysis through the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) framework. Results: Participants reported high motivation to play brain-training games for dementia prevention. They preferred large, high-contrast text, intuitive navigation, touch-based controls, and a relaxed pacing. The wearable device was acceptable and comfortable for home use. There were requests for a clearer meaning of brain activity scores and the integration of personalized brain data with other health apps and broader health metrics. Quantitative scales (SUS and UEQ) showed similar ratings for both games, with both meeting the threshold for acceptability. Conclusions: In this formative study, concrete design features that plausibly increase engagement, persistence and adherence were identified, alongside evidence for the feasibility of integrating a wearable brain-sensor. Our findings motivate a follow-on trial testing whether an adherence-optimized design increases the training dose and downstream cognitive outcomes. Full article

With the continuous development of the livestock industry, the availability of high-quality roughage is becoming increasingly constrained. Therefore, the exploitation of unconventional feed resources is crucial for the sustainable development of the sector. Grape branches and leaves are a major by-product of viticulture, abundant in supply but currently underutilised. Their ensilage presents potential feed value and ecological benefits. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with grape branch and leaf silage on the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, gut microbiota, and metabolomic profiles of Kazakh rams. Sixty Kazakh rams aged 6.0 ± 0.5 months with similar initial body weight (34.21 ± 2.13 kg) were randomly allocated to three dietary treatment groups: the control group (CG) fed whole-crop corn silage, the EG50 group where grape branch and leaf silage replaced 50% of the whole-crop corn silage, and the EG100 group where grape branch and leaf silage entirely replaced the whole-crop corn silage. Each treatment comprised four replicates with five rams per replicate. Following a 7-day adaptation period, a formal feeding trial was conducted for 120 days, after which relevant parameters were measured. Results: (1) Compared with the CG, the dressing percentage was significantly increased in the EG100 group (p < 0.05), while tail fat weight and tail fat percentage were both markedly decreased (p < 0.01). (2) Serum immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG) levels and antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT) activities were significantly elevated in the EG100 group (p < 0.05), accompanied by enhanced total antioxidant capacity. Concurrently, levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and the oxidative damage marker malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). (3) Based on slaughter performance, jejunal microbiota analysis was performed for the CG and EG100 groups. The relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes increased in the EG100 group, with beneficial genera such as Ruminococcus and Lactobacillus becoming predominant. (4) Metabolomic analysis revealed significant enrichment of pathways including primary bile acid biosynthesis and glycerophospholipid metabolism in the EG100 group, with 20 key differential metabolites identified. Dietary supplementation with grape branch and leaf silage may improve slaughter performance and reduce fat deposition in Kazakh rams, potentially by modulating the gut microbiota structure and its metabolic functions, thereby synergistically enhancing nutrient utilisation, anti-inflammatory capacity, and antioxidant status. This study provides a theoretical basis for the feed-oriented and value-added utilisation of grape processing by-products. Future research should further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between its active components and host metabolism. Full article

Lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic molecules including fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids that are vital for numerous biological functions including energy storage, cellular structure, and signaling whose composition and metabolism undergo profound transformations with age. These age-related shifts due to increased lipid peroxidation, disrupted cholesterol homeostasis, and altered membrane phospholipid content, actively contribute to progressive loss in cellular homeostasis and pathogenesis of major age-related diseases. This review explores the critical role of lipids: as master regulators of cellular signaling pathways, and as key drivers of chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Dysregulated lipid metabolism is central to cardiovascular disease which is driven by altered myocardial energy substrate utilization and lipoprotein dynamics. In neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, disruptions in ceramide, cholesterol, and specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators fuel neuroinflammation and protein aggregation. Furthermore, we explore the dual role of dietary lipids, which can either exacerbate or mitigate age-related decline, highlighting the potential of personalized nutritional approaches and lipid-targeting therapeutics. By integrating the mechanisms of lipid signaling, inflammation, and metabolic regulation, this analysis highlights that lipids are not merely passive structural components but active drivers of the aging process, positioning lipid metabolism as a promising frontier for interventions aimed at promoting health span and combating age-related disease. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, along with regular physical activity, is essential for maintaining skeletal health in postmenopausal women. In populations with low dairy consumption, sustainable and bioavailable calcium sources are required to support bone integrity. Eggshell powder offers a highly bioavailable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective calcium source consistent with environmental sustainability goals. This pilot randomized, double-blind, controlled trial investigated the effects of calcium- and vitamin D-fortified home meal replacements (HMRs) made with eggshell powder, combined with weight-bearing aerobic exercise, on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women. Methods: Thirty-six women aged 50–59 years were randomly assigned (1:2 ratio) to a control group (regular HMR) or an intervention group (HMR fortified with 418 mg eggshell-derived calcium and 837 IU vitamin D). Participants consumed one HMR daily, five days per week, and were encouraged to engage in weight-bearing aerobic exercise for 30–60 min, five times weekly, over six months. Results: High adherence was observed for both dietary (94%) and exercise regimens. No significant differences were found between groups in overall BMD or bone metabolic markers after six months. Exploratory post hoc subgroup analysis suggested possible exercise–nutrition interactions in lumbar spine BMD. Conclusions: No significant overall BMD effect was found. Fortified HMRs achieved excellent adherence and corrected nutrient deficiencies, demonstrating feasibility. Future large-scale trials with adequate power based on realistic effect sizes are warranted to evaluate reproducibility of these exploratory findings. Full article

This study systematically investigated the effects of four supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), namely ferronickel slag (FNS), lithium slag (LS), steel slag (SS), and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS), on various properties of autoclaved cementitious materials. Cement pastes and mortars with 0% and 30% replacement levels were prepared to examine their impacts on early age hydration products and mechanical properties, with comparisons made to specimens under standard 28-day curing. Key findings reveal that autoclaving promoted the formation of tobermorite, crystalline calcium aluminosilicate hydrate (CASH), gypsum and hydrogarnet, with the latter two phases potentially compromising concrete durability. Autoclave curing significantly enhanced SCM reactivity, as evidenced by thermogravimetric analysis: the mass loss below 200 °C (mainly from C–S–H gels decomposition) in SCM-incorporated pastes ranged from 87.0% (SS) to 104.6% (GBFS) of the control value, while the portlandite (Ca(OH)₂) content decreased to between 47.7% (LS) and 82.4% (GBFS) of the control. Among the SCMs studied, autoclaving exhibited the most pronounced activation effect on LS, which also showed superior potential as a GBFS alternative in autoclaved concrete products. However, the low CaO content and acidic nature of LS limited its use to low replacement levels unless supplementary sources of alkalinity and CaO were provided. Full article