Search Results (1,212)

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and blood trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) levels. Methods: This randomized clinical trial enrolled 53 healthy adults with normal or overweight body mass index (BMI) who were recruited from a cardiology outpatient clinic in Istanbul, Turkey. Dietary patterns and Mediterranean diet adherence (assessed using the MEDAS) were evaluated alongside anthropometric and biochemical parameters, including fasting glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Twenty individuals with low adherence underwent a 4-week Mediterranean dietary intervention with daily dietary monitoring. To assess changes, pre- and postintervention data were compared. Results: The results revealed that individuals adhering to the Mediterranean diet exhibited significantly lower blood TMAO levels (p < 0.001). In males, total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, and ALT levels significantly decreased compared with those at baseline (p < 0.05), whereas fasting blood glucose, HDL, and AST levels showed no significant changes (p > 0.05). In females, only blood TMAO levels exhibited significant reduction, with no other biochemical parameters indicating significant differences (p > 0.05). Additionally, males demonstrated significant improvements in anthropometric measures, including weight, BMI, fat mass, muscle mass, waist, and hip circumference, compared with pre-intervention values (p < 0.05), whereas females exhibited no significant changes in these measures (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that implementing the Mediterranean diet in individuals with initially low adherence causes significantly reduced blood TMAO levels even within a short intervention period of 4 weeks. Full article

Sugarcane wax-derived policosanol (POL) is well recognized for its multifaceted biological activities, particularly in dyslipidemia management, whereas sugar cane extract powder (SEP), prepared from whole sugar juice blended with supplementary components, has not been thoroughly investigated for its biological activities and potential toxicities. Herein, the comparative dietary effect of four distinct SEPs (SEP-1 to SEP-4) and Cuban sugarcane wax extracted POL were examined to prevent the pathological events in high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-induced hyperlipidemic zebrafish. Among the SEPs, a 14-week intake of SEP-2 emerged with the least zebrafish survival probability (0.75, log-rank: χ² = 14.1, p = 0.015), while the POL supplemented group showed the utmost survival probability. A significant change in body weight and morphometric parameters was observed in the SEP-2 supplemented group compared to the HCD group, while non-significant changes had appeared in POL, SEP-1, SEP-3, and SEP-4 supplemented groups. The HCD elevated total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly minimized by the supplementation of POL, SEP-1, and SEP-2. However, an augmented HDL-C level was only noticed in POL-supplemented zebrafish. Likewise, only the POL-supplemented group showed a reduction in blood glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA), AST, and ALT levels, and an elevation in sulfhydryl content, paraoxonase (PON), and ferric ion reduction (FRA) activity. Also, plasma from the POL-supplemented group showed the highest antioxidant activity and protected zebrafish embryos from carboxymethyllysine (CML)-induced toxicity and developmental deformities. POL effectively mitigated HCD-triggered hepatic neutrophil infiltration, steatosis, and the production of interleukin (IL)-6 and inhibited cellular senescence in the kidney and minimized the ROS generation and apoptosis in the brain. Additionally, POL substantially elevated spermatozoa count in the testis and safeguarded ovaries from HCD-generated ROS and senescence. The SEP products (SEP-1, SEP-3, and SEP-4) showed almost non-significant protective effect; however, SEP-2 exhibited an additive effect on the adversity posed by HCD in various organs and biochemical parameters. The multivariate examination, employing principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), demonstrates the positive impact of POL on the HCD-induced pathological events in zebrafish, which are notably diverse, with the effect mediated by SEPs. The comparative study concludes that POL has a functional superiority over SEPs in mitigating adverse events in hyperlipidemic zebrafish. Full article

Background/Objectives: The objective is to study the trajectories of hematologic and biochemical markers in moderately anemic pregnant women receiving oral iron supplementation throughout pregnancy. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted from August 2021 to September 2023 involving 315 pregnant women from rural areas of Belgaum, Karnataka, India, with hemoglobin levels between 7.0 and 9.9 g/dL and serum ferritin < 30 ng/mL and/or TSAT < 20%. Participants received iron–folic acid supplementation (IFAS) as per Anaemia Mukt Bharat guidelines. Blood samples were collected to measure various hematologic and iron markers and compared across each visits. Results: We report a complete adherence rate of 95.3% for iron and 97.8% for folic acid supplementation throughout pregnancy and also observed significant improvements in hemoglobin (9.36 (8.55, 9.74) to 12.03 (11.49, 12.72)) g/dL, hematocrit (29.93 ± 2.87 to 33.71 ± 3.69) %, MCV (72.16 ± 7.90 to 83.47 ± 7.65) fL, MCH (22.44 ± 3.01 to 26.77 ± 3.08) pg levels from the early second to the early third trimester of pregnancy with significant difference (<0.001). Increased erythropoiesis was reported by a higher reticulocyte hemoglobin (23.30 ± 3.03 to 27.84 ± 3.83) pg and immature reticulocyte fractions (6.90 (4.30, 9.50) to 7.30 (4.3, 11.0)) %. Initially, iron, ferritin and TSAT levels increased but later stabilized or slightly declined towards the end of pregnancy. Conclusions: Daily IFAS in moderately anemic pregnant women improved the trajectory of iron parameters, with peak gains in early third trimester. High adherence via counselling supports targeted monitoring and trimester-specific strategies to reduce maternal anemia and may improve outcomes. Full article

Background: Studying the genetic characteristics and molecular mechanisms of immune regulation in horses is of great significance for protecting their genetic resources, improving breeding strategies, and enhancing their disease resistance, thereby ensuring their healthy performance in both sports and production. Aims/objectives: This study investigates the genetic characteristics and molecular mechanisms underlying immune regulation in Yili horses, comparing them with Thoroughbreds and Kazakh horses. Methods: Blood samples from each breed were analyzed for physiological, biochemical, and immune indices alongside transcriptome sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Results: The results revealed significant differences in neutrophil counts, monocytes, red blood cell parameters, glucose levels, and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) among breeds. Yili horses exhibited intermediate values for most parameters, aligning more closely with Thoroughbreds. Transcriptomic analysis identified 3574 DEGs, enriched in immune-related pathways such as platelet activation, antigen processing, and cytokine signaling. Key genes, including TNFRSF14, IFIT3, and IL21R, correlated with immune traits, highlighting hybrid vigor in Yili horses. Functional enrichment underscored pathways like IL-17 signaling and NF-κB regulation, linking genetic differences to immune adaptability. Conclusions: These findings provide molecular insights into breed-specific immune traits, supporting strategies to enhance disease resilience in Yili horses while preserving their athletic performance. This study underscores the importance of integrating transcriptomic and phenotypic data for informed breeding practices in equine conservation and improvement. Full article

Coated sodium selenite (CSS) is a rumen-protected selenium supplement that can improve selenium status and lactation performance in buffalo. This study investigated the effects of CSS supplementation on milk yield, rumen fermentation, digestibility, blood biochemical parameters, and antioxidant capacity in 28 dairy hybrid buffaloes (Murrah × local breed; milk yield = 5.96 ± 0.21 kg/d; parity = 2.96 ± 0.15, mean ± SD). The buffaloes were randomly allocated into four groups: control (basal diet), low CSS (LCSS, basal diet + 0.1 mg/kg CSS), medium CSS (MCSS, basal diet + 0.15 mg/kg CSS), and high CSS (HCSS, basal diet + 0.2 mg/kg CSS). The trial included a 7-day adaptation period followed by a 60-day experimental period. Compared with the control group, the LCSS group showed significant increases in rumen acetic acid, propionic acid, and total volatile fatty acid contents; milk yield, milk fat percentage, and 4% standard milk yield; neutral detergent fiber digestibility; and antioxidant capacity. These results demonstrate that supplementing 0.1 mg/kg CSS improves rumen fermentation efficiency and cellulose digestibility, thereby enhancing the antioxidant capacity and lactation performance of dairy buffaloes. Full article

Background/Objectives: The most commonly diagnosed group of rheumatic diseases in children is juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It is characterized by a chronic inflammatory process that leads to the degradation of the bone and joint system and increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6. These cytokines contribute to the dysregulation of adipocytokine metabolism, including adiponectin and leptin, as well as extracellular matrix components, such as tenascin C. While it is known that children with JIA exhibit TNF-α-stimulated degradation of most ECM cartilage components, the effect of TNF-α antagonists, such as etanercept, on these processes has not yet been evaluated. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the dynamics of changes in tenascin C, adiponectin, and leptin levels in the blood of children with JIA, both before and during therapy. Methods: The study material consisted of blood samples collected from 66 children of both sexes, including 40 girls and 26 boys diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and treated with etanercept, as well as from 40 healthy children (22 girls and 18 boys). The quantitative assessment of adiponectin, leptin, and tenascin C levels was performed using commercial ELISA tests. Results: The conducted study revealed that untreated children with JIA exhibit altered plasma levels of all examined parameters—adiponectin, leptin, and tenascin C. Specifically, there was an increase in adiponectin concentration and a decrease in leptin as well as TNC levels compared to healthy children. The results demonstrated the beneficial effects of the TNF-α antagonist, i.e., etanercept, which not only improved the clinical condition of children with JIA but also positively influenced the metabolism of both adipokines and tenascin C. Conclusions: The obtained results suggest the potential use of adiponectin, leptin, and tenascin C as biochemical markers of the effectiveness of etanercept therapy in inhibiting the progression of degenerative joint changes in children with JIA treated with TNF-α inhibitors. Full article

Understanding physiological variability in wild ungulates is essential for ecological monitoring and sustainable wildlife management. This study aimed to examine whether sex and season (autumn vs. early winter) significantly influence hematological and biochemical parameters in free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus) from the Eastern Carpathians, Romania. A total of 40 legally harvested adult individuals (20 males, 20 females) were included, and blood samples were collected post-mortem under standardized conditions to minimize pre-analytical variability. Hematological parameters (WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, PLTs) and serum biochemical markers (glucose, urea, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein) were analyzed using automated veterinary analyzers. Statistically significant sex-related differences were found in hematocrit during autumn and hemoglobin concentration during winter, with higher values in males. Seasonal variation within sex groups was not significant but indicated a physiological trend toward hemoconcentration in winter. Biochemical values remained within reference ranges and showed no significant differences across groups. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a strong association between hematocrit and urea, and moderate correlations were observed between WBC and glucose, suggesting links between oxygen transport, protein metabolism, and energy balance. Environmental factors such as reduced food availability and temperature shifts during winter likely contribute to these physiological adjustments. These results provide baseline data for the physiological assessment of red deer populations and support the development of ecological health indicators in wildlife monitoring programs. Future studies incorporating hormonal and immunological biomarkers across multiple seasons are encouraged to further understand adaptive responses in cervids. Full article

(1) Background: Chronic enteropathy (CE) in canines is associated with persistent microbiome dysbiosis, and conventional therapies (e.g., special diets, antimicrobials, and immunosuppressive drugs) are sometimes ineffective. Currently, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has proven successful in treating CE in canines via invasive methods (e.g., enemas or endoscopy) or via oral frozen liquid capsules, which must be stored at −80 °C. However, due to the invasiveness of the administration methods and the storage constraints of the liquid capsules, FMT is not widely used in veterinary clinical practice. (2) Methods: The case of a four-year-old Siberian Husky with a three-year history of CE following canine parvovirus infection received lyophilized FMT capsules for thirty days. Stool samples were collected for metagenomic sequencing and quantification of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), both pre- and post-FMT. Blood samples were analyzed using complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical testing. Ultrasound was used to assess the wall thickness of the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, and colon. (3) Results: Post-FMT, improvements in clinical outcomes were observed: fecal scores improved from 6 (unformed stools with mucus) to 2 (formed stool), and body weight increased by 8.3% (from 24.2 kg to 26.2 kg). Abnormal CBC and biochemical parameters were restored to reference ranges, including hematocrit (from 60.6% to 55.7%), hemoglobin (from 208 g/L to 190 g/L), creatinine (from 167 μmol/L to 121 μmol/L), and urea (from 11.9 mmol/L to 7.1 mmol/L). Ultrasound results showed that colonic wall thickness decreased from 0.23 ± 0.03 cm (pathological) to 0.18 ± 0.01 cm (physiological). Metagenomic analysis revealed that microbial richness (operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from 151 to 183) and diversity (Shannon and Simpson indices from 3.16 to 4.8 and from 0.87 to 0.94, respectively) all increased. The microbiota composition of the recipient exhibited a decline in the relative abundance of Firmicutes, falling from 99.84% to 35.62%, concomitant with an increase in Actinobacteria (from 0.08% to 4.78%), indicating a convergence toward a donor-like profile. Fecal SCFAs analysis revealed a 251.4% increase in propionate (from 0.0833 to 0.2929 mg/g) and elevated acetate (from 0.4425 to 0.4676 mg/g). These changes are functionally linked to enriched propanoate metabolism (Z = 0.89) in KEGG pathways. (4) Conclusions: Oral lyophilized FMT capsules resolved clinical signs of CE, enhanced microbial diversity and richness, and restored donor-like abundances of gut microbiota, particularly SCFA-producing taxa. Microbial restructuring increased microbial metabolite output, notably SCFA concentrations, and enriched functional metabolic pathways. Importantly, lyophilized FMT overcomes storage limitations and administration barriers, demonstrating its high clinical viability for treating canine CE. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the 6 February 2023 Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes on glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by analyzing pre–post changes in HbA1c and fasting glucose. In addition, it sought to identify key clinical and biochemical predictors of glycemic worsening in the post-disaster period using routinely available laboratory data. Materials and Methods: This retrospective pre–post observational cohort study included 550 adult patients with established T2DM who received care at two centers in Gaziantep, Türkiye. Laboratory data—including HbA1c, fasting glucose, triglycerides, HDL, and albumin—were compared between two periods: three months before and three to five months after the earthquake. Paired samples t-tests, Spearman’s correlation, multiple linear regression, and ROC analysis were used to evaluate changes in glycemic control and its predictors. Results: The mean age of the participants was 56.2 ± 11.0 years; 43.3% were male and 56.7% female. Post-earthquake, HbA1c (p = 0.012) and fasting glucose (p < 0.001) increased significantly, indicating deterioration in metabolic control. White blood cell (p = 0.003) and platelet counts (p < 0.001) rose, while HDL (p < 0.001), ALT (p = 0.002), and triglycerides (p = 0.010) decreased. ΔHbA1c correlated positively with ΔGlucose (r = 0.362, p < 0.001), ΔTriglyceride (r = 0.323, p < 0.001), LDL (r = 0.173, p < 0.001), and total cholesterol (r = 0.107, p = 0.032), and negatively with ΔAlbumin (r = −0.332, p = 0.029), ΔHDL (r = −0.175, p < 0.001), and WBC (r = −0.112, p = 0.009). In the fully adjusted multivariable model (age, sex, BMI, diabetes duration, insulin use), independent predictors of ΔHbA1c included ΔGlucose (β = 0.007, p < 0.001), ΔTriglyceride (β = 0.004, p = 0.001), ΔHDL (β = −0.010, p = 0.011), ΔAlbumin (β = −0.016, p = 0.007), and ΔWBC (β = −0.009, p = 0.022). Clinical predictors were BMI (β = 0.006, p = 0.045), diabetes duration >10 years (β = 0.094, p = 0.009), and insulin use (β = 0.121, p = 0.003) (Adjusted R² = 0.319). ROC analysis confirmed ΔGlucose as the strongest predictor of worsening glycemic control (AUC = 0.81; sensitivity 82.1%, specificity 73.4%). Additional predictors included insulin use (AUC = 0.66, p < 0.001), ΔTriglyceride (AUC = 0.65, p < 0.001), BMI (AUC = 0.63, p = 0.002), diabetes duration >10 years (AUC = 0.62, p = 0.004), and ΔHDL (AUC = 0.61, p = 0.016), each providing more modest predictive value. Conclusions: Glycemic control became significantly worse in adults with T2DM after the February 2023 earthquake, as reflected by increases in HbA1c and fasting glucose. Both biochemical parameters (Glucose, Triglyceride, HDL, Albumin, WBC) and clinical characteristics (BMI, diabetes duration >10 years, insulin use) were independently associated with glycemic deterioration. Among these, glucose remained the strongest predictor (AUC = 0.81), while BMI, insulin therapy, and longer diabetes duration provided additional predictive value. These findings suggest that routinely available clinical and laboratory data can be used to identify patients at highest risk of metabolic decompensation in disaster settings. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) encompasses several cardiometabolic risk factors (obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and dyslipidemia), in addition to hepatic steatosis. Therefore, treatment is often challenging and frequently involves polypharmacy. This study investigated whether the combination of empagliflozin/metformin improves MASLD disease outcomes in an experimental model of metabolic syndrome (MS). To evaluate the efficacy of the empagliflozin/metformin (12.5/850 mg/kg/day/30 days) combination, male Wistar rats (200–220 g) were fed a Western-type diet and sugary drink to induce MS. Biochemical parameters, markers of liver damage, oxidative stress, and histopathological analysis were assessed. Also, the expression of transcription factors associated with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and the modulation of oxidative stress were assessed. The analyses were performed with the combination and with the drugs independently. The combination empagliflozin/metformin decreased body weight, plasma triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels, while improving fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, and plasma HDL-cholesterol levels. Additionally, it prevented hepatic hypertrophy, liver damage at both biochemical and histological levels, and intrahepatic lipid accumulation. The combination also demonstrated a significantly greater effect in improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress by modulating the Nrf2-mediated pathway. The empagliflozin/metformin combination therapy mitigates MASLD progression, likely by improving liver and mitochondrial function, and attenuating oxidative stress. Notably, co-therapy shows greater beneficial effects than single treatments. This protective effect appears to involve modulation of key transcription factors regulating lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as influencing endogenous antioxidant defenses. Full article

Background/Objectives: APOL1 renal-risk variants (RRVs) are of increasing relevance to kidney disease and transplant outcomes. It is currently understood that the presence of RRVs in donors negatively impacts kidney allograft survival in an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. Less well known is the interplay between ischemia and alternative allograft preservation methods, such as normothermic machine perfusion (NMP), on APOL1 gene expression. To investigate this, we examined the effects of APOL1 RRVs on APOL1 gene expression in ischemic donor kidneys and compared the differences in cytokine and APOL1 expression patterns between the alternative preservation methods, static cold storage (CS) and NMP. Methods: Non-utilized deceased donor kidney pairs from donors of African ancestry were procured from Mid-America Transplant after being deemed unsuitable for kidney transplant. Samples were collected from each donor kidney pair and DNA was extracted for APOL1 genotyping. APOL1 RRVs G1 (rs73885319) (rs60910145) and G2 (rs71785313) were identified by Sanger sequencing. From each pair, one kidney underwent 6 h NMP (n = 3) and the contralateral kidney 6 h of CS (n = 3) following the initial CS. Renal perfusion and biochemical, and histologic parameters were recorded. NMP was directly compared with CS using paired donor kidneys using NMP with allogeneic red blood cells, followed by assessment of perfusion, biochemical, and histologic parameters, in addition to gene expression. Results: Donor genotyping identified kidney pairs as heterozygous for the G1 RRV (G1/G0), homozygous for the G0 allele (G0/G0), and homozygous for the G2 RRV (G2/G2), respectively. All kidneys were successfully reperfused, with mRNA transcript levels of APOL1-related genes subsequently measured. Significant differences in APOL1 gene expression were observed among all three groups of kidneys. In paired kidneys from baseline to hour 6 of NMP, mRNA expression varied significantly between G1/G0 and G2/G2 homozygous pairs (p = 0.002) as well as between the G0/G0 and G2/G2 pairs (p = 0.002). APOL1 expression shifted by a significantly higher-fold change of 2.4 under NMP conditions in the G2/G2 genotype (p < 0.001). The inflammatory cytokine marker IFN-γ was also significantly upregulated in the G2/G2 genotype kidney, in both CS and NMP groups (p = 0.001). Other related genes such as KIM-1 were upregulated by a change of 3.9-fold in the NMP group for the G2/G2 kidney. Conclusion: Donor kidney pairs with the high-risk APOL1 genotype, especially G2/G2, show increased APOL1 expression and inflammation, particularly under NMP conditions. NMP enables detection of genotype-specific molecular changes in an ischemic reperfusion injury model, supporting its potential to improve donor kidney assessment before transplantation. Full article

Pediatric dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a rare but important cause of heart failure (HF) and a major indication for cardiac transplantation. Early detection of subclinical myocardial dysfunction is essential for risk stratification and management. This study aimed to evaluate left ventricular (LV) systolic function in children with DCM using conventional echocardiographic parameters and speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) and to explore the relationship between deformation indices, clinical severity and biomarkers. Methods: We conducted a case–control study including 29 children diagnosed with DCM and 27 healthy controls matched by age and sex. All participants underwent clinical evaluation, NT-proBNP measurement, and transthoracic echocardiography. LV systolic function was assessed using conventional echocardiographic parameters, while STE was used to measure LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and strain rate (SR) from all apical views. Results: GLS and SR were significantly reduced in the DCM group across all apical views (Global GLS: −11.13 ± 6.79% vs. −19.98 ± 3.25%, Global SR: −0.74 ± 0.39 s⁻¹ vs. −1.12 ± 0.16 s⁻¹; p < 0.01). GLS strongly correlated with functional indices (LV ejection fraction, shortening fraction, S′ lateral wave), LV end-diastolic diameter Z-score and NT-proBNP (p < 0.05), but not with MAPSE. In the primary model, GLS was associated with NYHA/Ross III–IV (OR 1.54 per 1% increase; 95% CI 1.14–2.07; p = 0.005); adding systolic blood pressure (p = 0.798) or heart rate (p = 0.973) did not materially change the GLS estimate (Δ ≤ 2%). In separate collinearity-avoiding models, LVEF (OR 1.12 per 1% decrease; 95% CI 1.03–1.22; p = 0.009), LVSF (OR 1.19 per 1% decrease; 95% CI 1.04–1.36; p = 0.011), and NT-proBNP (≈OR 1.11 per 100 units; p = 0.013) were also associated with advanced class. ROC analysis showed excellent discrimination for NT-proBNP (AUC 0.948) and GLS (AUC 0.906), and good–excellent performance for LVEF (AUC 0.869) and LVSF (AUC 0.875). Conclusions: Speckle-tracking derived parameters such as GLS and SR are sensitive and clinically relevant markers of LV dysfunction in pediatric DCM. Global longitudinal strain demonstrated a strong association with both clinical and biochemical markers of disease severity, after accounting for heart rate and blood pressure, supporting its integration into routine evaluation and risk stratification in pediatric DCM. Full article

Introduction: Fetal Inflammatory Response Syndrome (FIRS) is widely acknowledged for its contribution to neonatal morbidity in premature infants. Being a systemic inflammatory process triggered by intrauterine infections or other stimuli, FIRS has gained significant attention due to its complex implications for neonatal adverse outcomes: preterm birth, early onset neonatal sepsis, death or long-term neurodevelopmental impairments. Fetal plasma Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels above 11 pg/mL define FIRS and serve as an essential biomarker, providing insights into the complex mechanisms underlying this response. This study aims to evaluate the clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic differences between preterm neonates with and without FIRS. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted, involving 125 preterm neonates with gestational ages between 23 and 37 weeks, who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Emergency University Hospital Bucharest between April 2023 and April 2025. Infants were stratified into FIRS and non-FIRS groups based on the measurement of cord blood IL-6 levels greater than 11 pg/mL. Demographic, biochemical, and therapeutic parameters were compared across the two groups. Results: Preterm neonates with FIRS had significantly lower birth weight, length, and head circumference, and lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min (p = 0.001). FIRS was associated with a higher incidence of vaginal delivery, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and neonatal metabolic imbalances, requiring more respiratory support, longer antibiotic treatment periods, and more blood transfusions (p < 0.05). Neonatal complications such as early-onset sepsis (EOS) and late-onset sepsis (LOS), respiratory distress, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) were significantly more frequent in the FIRS group (p ≤ 0.01). Among maternal cervical screening, Chlamydia trachomatis was the only pathogen significantly associated with FIRS. Conclusions: FIRS in preterm neonates is linked to important perinatal inflammation, adverse short and long-term outcomes, and extensive medical intervention. These findings highlight the value of early identification of intrauterine inflammation and targeted neonatal monitoring strategies. Further studies are needed to explore long-term outcomes and improve diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. Full article

Sheep pox, caused by sheep pox virus (SPV), is a transboundary disease that threatens sheep production and trade. This study aimed to identify genetic, immunological, and biochemical markers associated with susceptibility to SPV in Barki ewes. A total of 100 adult ewes were examined, including 50 clinically healthy and 50 naturally infected animals. PCR detected SPV DNA in 60% of suspected scab samples, highlighting diagnostic challenges in field investigations. Blood samples were analyzed for hematological indices, cytokine profiles, acute phase proteins, oxidative stress biomarkers, iron metabolism, and hormonal parameters. Expression profiles and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 15 immune and antioxidant genes were characterized from cDNA-derived sequences. Infected animals exhibited microcytic hypochromic anemia, leukocytosis, elevated proinflammatory cytokines, and reduced IL-10. Acute phase proteins, oxidative stress markers, and cortisol were increased, whereas antioxidant capacity and transferrin were reduced. Twenty-three SNPs were identified, including non-synonymous variants, which showed promising but unvalidated associations with disease status. These findings highlight immune, oxidative, and genetic alterations in SPV-infected sheep, but further longitudinal and cross-validated studies are needed to establish their diagnostic or breeding utility. Full article

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a multifaceted condition involving lipid and carbohydrate metabolism disorders and hypertension, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Accurate diagnosis and prevention require an interdisciplinary approach that includes both traditional lab tests and modern, non-invasive health assessments. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate metabolic health in adults from the Małopolska Voivodeship by analyzing the relationships between obesity indicators (BMI, waist circumference) and anthropometric, blood, and salivary biomarkers. Sixty-three participants (36 women, 27 men) aged 40–71 underwent body composition analysis (InBody 770), anthropometric measurements, and biochemical tests of blood and saliva. Assessed parameters included body composition (BMI, BFM, FFM, SMM, PBF, VFA, PA), blood pressure, blood biomarkers (glucose, TG, LDL, HDL, HbA1c, insulin, cortisol), and salivary markers (FRAP, DPPH, urea, amylase activity, protein content, pH, buffering capacity). Results: The results showed a strong correlation between body composition and biochemical markers, but the results of the analyzed salivary biomarkers were inconclusive and, in some cases, contradictory to the findings of other authors. Conclusions: Fat mass, cell integrity, and diastolic pressure were key determinants of waist circumference. Our research confirms the validity of using combined diagnostics, bioimpedance, and blood analysis for a comprehensive assessment of metabolic health and indicates the direction for further research using salivary biomarkers. A holistic approach improves risk assessment and strengthens preventive and therapeutic strategies. However, our pilot study showed that the research requires a larger sample size, especially in order to draw representative conclusions regarding salivary biomarkers and their relationship to metabolic health. Full article