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Early direct repair is recommended as the reference standard treatment in the vast majority of acute flexor tendon injuries. J Hand Surg Eur. 2013, 38: 788-94. 7 Hausmann JT, Vekszler G, Bijak M, Benesch T, Vécsei V, Gäbler C. Biomechanical comparison of modified Kessler and running suture repair in 3 different animal tendons and in human flexor tendons. Testing equipment and protocols Clamp setup Clamp setup must be optimized to prevent tendon slippage while minimizing gross tendon damage that could induce plastic deformity and compromise the integrity and strength of the tendon itself. 8 Havulinna J, Leppänen OV., Järvinen TLN, Göransson H. Comparison of modified Kessler tendon suture at different levels in the human flexor digitorum profundus tendon and porcine flexors and porcine extensors: an experimental biomechanical study. [Extracted from the article]

Thrombin, also known as an active plasma coagulation factor II, belongs to the family of serine proteases and plays a crucial role in blood coagulation process. The process of thrombin generation is the central event of the hemostatic process and regulates blood coagulant activity. For this reason, thrombin inhibition is key to successful novel antithrombotic pharmacotherapy. The aim of our present study was to examine the effects of the well-known polyphenolic compounds on the activity of thrombin, by characterization of its interaction with selected polyphenols using different biochemical methods and biosensor BIAcore analyses. Only six compounds, cyanidin, quercetin, silybin, cyanin, (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin, of all examined in this study polyphenols caused the inhibition of thrombin amidolytic activity. But only three of the six compounds (cyanidin, quercetin and silybin) changed thrombin proteolytic activity. BIAcore analyses demonstrated that cyanidin and quercetin caused a strong response in the interaction with immobilized thrombin, while cyanin and (−)-epicatechin induced a low response. Lineweaver-Burk curves show that used polyphenol aglycones act as competitive thrombin inhibitors. Our results suggest that polyphenolic compounds might be potential structural bases and source to find and project nature-based, safe, orally bioavailable direct thrombin inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic study of crystal lattice reorientation in early stages of recrystallization has been carried out to correlate the orientations of recrystallization nuclei with the deformation microtexture and with slip systems. Microstructure and texture of Al–1 wt.% Mn single crystals of unstable initial orientations of {112}〈111〉, {100}〈001〉 and {001}〈110〉 have been examined by high-resolution field-emission gun scanning electron microscope local orientation measurements. All single crystals were channel-die deformed at room temperature and then annealed for a short time. It was shown that often observed presence of the 〈112〉 directions as rotation axes in the formation of new nuclei orientation directly suggested a close link with the deformation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our understanding of the effects of long-term denervation on skeletal muscle is heavily influenced by an extensive literature based on the rat. We have studied physiological and morphological changes in an alternative model, the rabbit. In adult rabbits, tibialis anterior muscles were denervated unilaterally by selective section of motor branches of the common peroneal nerve and examined after 10, 36, or 51 wk. Denervation reduced muscle mass and cross-sectional area by 50–60% and tetanic force by 75%, with no apparent reduction in specific force (force per cross-sectional area of muscle fibers). The loss of mass was associated with atrophy of last fibers and an increase in fibrous and adipose connective tissue; the diameter of slow fibers was preserved. Within fibers, electron microscopy revealed signs of ultrastructural disorganization of sarcomeres and tubular systems. This, rather than the observed transformation of fiber type from IIx to IIa, was probably responsible for the slow contractile speed of the muscles. The muscle groups denervated for 10, 36, or 51 wk showed no significant differences. At no stage was there any evidence of necrosis or regeneration, and the total number of fibers remained constant. These changes are in marked contrast to the necrotic degeneration and progressive decline in mass and force that have previously been found in long-term denervated rat muscles. The rabbit may be a better choice for a model of the effects of denervation in humans, at least up to 1 yr after lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of repeated treatment with various antidepressant drugs on the reactivity of CA1 neurons to the 5-HT receptor agonist zacopride was examined. Zacopride decreased the calcium-activated afterhyperpolarization and adaptation, it also elicited a slow membrane depolarization associated with an increase in input resistance. All those effects may have contributed to the zacopride-induced increase in the amplitude of population spikes, evoked in the CA1 cell layer by stimulation of the Schaffer collateral/commissural pathway. The later effect of zacopride was concentration-dependent and was antagonized by the 5-HT receptor antagonist DAU 62805. Repeated (14 days, twice daily), but not single, administration of the antidepressant drugs imipramine, citalopram, fluvoxamine and paroxetine (10 mg/kg) attenuated the effect of zacopride on population spikes. Because inhibitory 5-HT and excitatory 5-HT receptors are colocalized on pyramidal neurons, and our previous data demonstrated an increase in the 5-HT receptor-mediated inhibition after repeated treatment with antidepressants, we conclude that treatment with antidepressant drugs may enhance the inhibitory effect of 5-HT directly, by increasing the 5-HT receptor responsiveness, and indirectly, by inducing subsensitivity to the 5-HT receptor activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystallography of recrystallization has been investigated in channel-die deformed pure aluminium bicrystals with {100}<011>/{110}<001> orientations. The microstructural and microtextural changes during the early stages of recrystallization were followed by systematic local orientation measurements using scanning and transmission electron microscopes. In particular, orientation mapping combined with in situ sample heating was used to investigate the formation and growth of new grains at very early stages of recrystallization. Grain boundary migration and ‘consumption’ of the as-deformed areas was always favoured along directions parallel to the traces of the {111} slip planes that had been most active during deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven paraplegic Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) experienced users volunteered to test a newly developed eight channel stimulation system. The goal was to discover the influence of various stimulation parameters on the gait quality. As additional task the usability should be improved and simplified as much as possible. Commercially available hydrogel electrodes were attached to quadriceps and gluteus muscles to achieve hip and knee extension, to peroneal nerve to elicit flexion reflex and later also to adductor muscles. All patients were positive about the handling of the stimulation system. Especially the wireless remote control was highly approved. First results demonstrate the importance of an amplitude ramp during stimulation onset (0.1-0.4 s) resulting in a smooth and more 'natural' movement. For an adequate step length and walking speed the timing of quadriceps and peroneal nerve stimulation at the end of the swing phase are crucial. Experienced patients with a higher walking speed require a short swing phase and an overlap of quadriceps decay and peronaeus onset (0-0.2 s). Activation of the adductor muscles reduces knee abduction and lead to a better knee trajectory during standing up and better leg movement during the swing phase. Patients can perform 15-25 steps per minute with a step length of 20-30 cm. The walking distance until exhaustion or muscle fatigue occurs is 4-60 m. The analysis of the used stimulation sequences brought up guidelines for a fast and effective parameter optimization procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests that metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) are involved in mediating seizures and epileptogenesis. In the present experiments, the selective, group II mGluR agonist (+)-2-aminobicyclo-[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY354740, 0.1–1.0 µM) inhibited spontaneous epileptiform discharges which developed in rat cortical slices in Mg2+- free medium. LY354740 (4–16 mg/kg) administered prior to an injection of pentylenetetrazol (80 mg/kg) or picrotoxin (3.2 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent decrease in the number of mice exhibiting clonic convulsions, but had no effect on N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA, 150 mg/kg)-induced convulsions. LY354740 (4–16 mg/kg) did not affect lethality induced in mice by pentylenetetrazol, picrotoxin or NMDA. LY354740 potentiated the anticonvulsant activity of the conventional antiepileptic drug diazepam, significantly decreasing the ED50 for that drug's effect on pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions by 30%, but had no influence on anticonvulsant activity of ethosuximide and valproic acid. A pharmacokinetic interaction between LY354740 and diazepam, leading to the lowering of the plasma level of free diazepam, was also demonstrated. Our data suggest that the group II mGluR agonist LY354740 possesses anti-seizure activity and may modify the effects of some conventional antiepileptic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have shown potential as diagnostic biomarkers for myocardial infarction (MI) due to their early dysregulation and stability in circulation after MI. Moreover, they play a crucial role in regulating adaptive and maladaptive responses in cardiovascular diseases, making them attractive targets for potential biomarkers. However, their potential as novel biomarkers for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases requires systematic evaluation. Methods: This study aimed to identify a miRNA biomarker panel for early-stage MI detection using bioinformatics and machine learning (ML) methods. miRNA expression data were obtained for early-stage MI patients and healthy controls from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Separate datasets were allocated for training and independent testing. Differential expression analysis was performed to identify dysregulated miRNAs in the training set. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was applied for feature selection to prioritize relevant miRNAs associated with MI. The selected miRNAs were used to develop ML models including support vector machine, Gradient Boosted, XGBoost, and a hard voting ensemble (HVE). Results: Differential expression analysis discovered 99 dysregulated miRNAs in the training set. LASSO feature selection prioritized 21 miRNAs. Ten miRNAs were identified in both the LASSO subset and independent test set. The HVE model trained with the selected miRNAs achieved an accuracy of 0.86 and AUC of 0.83 on the independent test set. Conclusions: An integrated framework for robust miRNA selection from omics data shows promise for developing accurate diagnostic models for early-stage MI detection. The HVE model demonstrated good performance despite differences between training and test datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke patients typically suffer from a range of symptoms, such as motor and language impairments, due to shared neural networks. The recovery process after stroke is intricate and requires a comprehensive approach. While previous studies have investigated the motor and language interventions independently, this study aimed to explore the relationship between these domains and compared the effectiveness of individual interventions versus their combined use. Methods: We divided 45 stroke patients into three groups: Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) group; Arm Ability Training (AAT) group; and consecutive combination of SLT and AAT group. Participants attended 40-min sessions three days a week for three weeks. Standardized assessments, including picture naming test, syntactic comprehension test, and Test d'Evaluation des Membres Supérieurs de Personnes Âgées (TEMPA) test, were conducted pre-and post-treatment and during the first and second weeks of the intervention. Results: Within-group comparisons demonstrated a significant enhancement in test scores for all groups post-intervention compared to pre-intervention (p < 0.05). Between-group comparisons revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in performance on the picture naming test during the first week, the syntactic comprehension test in the second week, the functional rating subscale of Tempa test changes pre-and post-treatment and the first week, and the length of the time subscale of Tempa test improvements from pre-intervention to the first week. Conclusion: Findings underscored the mutual and synergistic benefits of integrating motor and language in stroke rehabilitation. While SLT and AAT were effective when applied independently, their combined application yielded superior outcomes, emphasizing the holistic advantages of integrating these interventions, as supported by existing literature on dual-task rehabilitation strategies. Clinical trial registration: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20200114046134N1, IRCT20200114046134N1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxalate-induced damage to renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) is an essential factor in the incident kidney stone, but the specific mechanism is unclear. Recent research has pinpointed interacting areas within the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, called mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs). These studies have linked endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and oxidative imbalance to kidney disease development. The sigma-1 receptor (S1R), a specific protein found in MAMs, is involved in various physiological processes, but its role in oxalate-induced kidney stone formation remains unclear. In this study, we established cellular and rat models of oxalate-induced kidney stone formation to elucidate the S1R's effects against ERS and apoptosis and its mechanism in oxalate-induced RTEC injury. We found that oxalate downregulated S1R expression in RTECs and escalated oxidative stress and ERS, culminating in increased apoptosis. The S1R agonist dimemorfan up-regulated S1R expression and mitigated ERS and oxidative stress, thereby reducing apoptosis. This protective effect was mediated through S1R inhibition of the CHOP pathway. Animal experiments demonstrated that S1R's activation attenuated oxalate-induced kidney injury and alleviated kidney stone formation. This is the first study to establish the connection between S1R and kidney stones, suggesting S1R's protective role in inhibiting ERS-mediated apoptosis to ameliorate kidney stone formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is associated with a low-grade chronic inflammatory process characterized by higher circulating TNFα levels, thus contributing to insulin resistance. This study evaluated the effect of silybin, the main bioactive component of silymarin, which has anti-inflammatory properties, on TNFα levels and its impact on glucose uptake in the adipocyte cell line 3T3-L1 challenged with two different inflammatory stimuli, TNFα or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Silybin's pre-treatment effect was evaluated in adipocytes pre-incubated with silybin (30 or 80 µM) before challenging with the inflammatory stimuli (TNFα or LPS). For the post-treatment effect, the adipocytes were first challenged with the inflammatory stimuli and then post-treated with silybin. After treatments, TNFα production, glucose uptake, and GLUT4 protein expression were determined. Both inflammatory stimuli increased TNFα secretion, diminished GLUT4 expression, and significantly decreased glucose uptake. Silybin 30 µM only reduced TNFα secretion after the LPS challenge. Silybin 80 µM as post-treatment or pre-treatment decreased TNFα levels, improving glucose uptake. However, glucose uptake enhancement induced by silybin did not depend on GLUT4 protein expression. These results show that silybin importantly reduced TNFα levels and upregulates glucose uptake, independently of GLUT4 protein expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurological and cardiovascular illnesses, cancers, metabolic disorders, and microbial infections result in deaths of millions of people globally. Recent researches have intensely been directed at evaluating the therapeutic potential of herbal plants as alternative medicines. One such species is chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), from the Asteraceae family. It elicits protective properties against inflammation and oxidative stress, bacterial and fungal infections, cancers, ulcers, neuropathologies, etc. The present review focuses on various medical/ethnomedicinal uses of chamomile. Moreover, we emphasize on the therapeutic actions of constituents from chamomile, along with their underlying mechanism(s). Literature was systematically searched on electronic databases using keywords; "Matricaria chamomilla/chamomile" in combination with "medicinal," and "therapeutic." Our analyses of the retrieved articles indicate tremendous therapeutic potential of chamomile, and establish it as an alternative multimodal herbal medicine. The individual active constituents (e.g., geraniol, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, umbelliferone, rutin) were also found to elicit significant beneficial properties in various disorders. Collectively, chamomile and its bioactive seem to hold great promises as miraculous herbal drugs with multiple medical uses. In conclusion, based upon its beneficial antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, Matricaria chamomilla is strongly implicated in protection against skin photo-damage, aging, neuropathologies and cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying kidney stones by analyzing gene expression profiles. They focused on identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs), performing gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), functional enrichment analysis, and screening optimal feature genes using various machine learning algorithms. Methods: Data from the GSE73680 dataset, comprising normal renal papillary tissues and Randall's Plaque (RP) tissues, were downloaded from the GEO database. DEGs were identified using the limma R package, followed by GSEA and WGCNA to explore functional modules. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted using KEGG and Disease Ontology. Various machine learning algorithms were used for screening the most suitable feature genes, which were then assessed for their expression and diagnostic significance through Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and ROC curves. GSEA and correlation analysis were performed on optimal feature genes, and immune cell infiltration was assessed using the CIBERSORT algorithm. Results: 412 DEGs were identified, with 194 downregulated and 218 upregulated genes in kidney stone samples. GSEA revealed enriched pathways related to metabolic processes, immune response, and disease states. WGCNA identified modules correlated with kidney stones, particularly the yellow module. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted pathways involved in metabolism, immune response, and disease pathology. Through machine learning algorithms, KLK1 and MMP10 were identified as optimal feature genes, significantly upregulated in kidney stone samples, with high diagnostic value. GSEA further elucidated their biological functions and pathway associations. Conclusion: The study comprehensively analyzed gene expression profiles to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying kidney stones. KLK1 and MMP10 were identified as potential diagnostic markers and key players in kidney stone progression. Functional enrichment analysis provided insights into their roles in metabolic processes, immune response, and disease pathology. These results contribute significantly to a better understanding of kidney stone pathogenesis and may inform future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischemic stroke consists of rapid neural death as a consequence of brain vessel obstruction, followed by damage to the neighboring tissue known as ischemic penumbra. The cerebral tissue in the core of the lesions becomes irreversibly damaged, however, the ischemic penumbra is potentially recoverable during the initial phases after the stroke. Therefore, there is real need for emerging therapeutic strategies to reduce ischemic damage and its spread to the penumbral region. For this reason, we tested the effect of Extreme Low Frequency Electromagnetic Stimulation (ELF-EMS) on in vitro primary neuronal and microglial cultures under oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) conditions. ELF-EMS under basal non-OGD conditions did not induce any effect in cell survival. However, ELF-EMS significantly reduced neuronal cell death in OGD conditions and reduced ischemic induced Ca2+ overload. Likewise, ELF-EMS modulated microglia activation and OGD-induced microglia cell death. Hence, this study suggests potential benefits in the application of ELF-EMS to limit ischemic irreversible damages under in vitro stroke conditions, encouraging in vivo preclinical validations of ELF-EMS as a potential therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of myeloid cells (granulocytes and monocytes) in neurodegeneration and neurodegenerative disorders (NDD) is indisputable. Here we discuss the roles of myeloid cells in neurodegenerative diseases, and the recent advances in biofluid and imaging myeloid biomarker research with a focus on methods that can be used in the clinic. For this review, evidence from three neurodegenerative diseases will be included, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). We discuss the potential for these biomarkers to be used in humans with suspected NDD as prognostic, diagnostic, or monitoring tools, identify knowledge gaps in literature, and propose potential approaches to further elucidate the role of myeloid cells in neurodegeneration and better utilize myeloid biomarkers in the understanding and treatment of NDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemoglobinopathies, namely β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD), are hereditary diseases, characterized by molecular genetic aberrations in the beta chains of hemoglobin. These defects affect the normal production of hemoglobin with severe anemia due to less or no amount of beta globins in patients with β-thalassemia (quantitative disorder), while SCD is a serious disease in which a mutated form of hemoglobin distorts the red blood cells into a crescent shape at low oxygen levels (qualitative disorder). Despite the revolutionary progress in recent years with the approval of gene therapy and gene editing for specific patients, there is an unmet need for highlighting the mechanisms influencing hemoglobin production and for the development of novel drugs and targeted therapies. The identification of the transcription factors and other genetic modifiers of hemoglobin expression is of utmost importance for discovering novel therapeutic approaches for patients with hemoglobinopathies. The aim of this review is to describe these complex molecular mechanisms and pathways affecting hemoglobin expression and to highlight the relevant investigational approaches or pharmaceutical interventions focusing on restoring the hemoglobin normal function by linking the molecular background of the disease with the clinical perspective. All the associated drugs increasing the hemoglobin expression in patients with hemoglobinopathies, along with gene therapy and gene editing, are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera (MO) has been an important plant for food and traditional medicine in Asian countries, including Indonesia. The leaves of these plants are reported to be rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and micronutrients and have been proven to have nootropic properties. Therefore, we investigated whether MO could provide protective effects on SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells exposed to H2O2. In this study, we observed cotreating water‐extracted MO leaves on the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We found that this treatment enhanced the activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. In addition, it suppressed the mRNA expression levels of apoptotic gene‐related genes, specifically Bcl‐2 associated protein X (BAX) and caspase 3. Furthermore, it promoted neuroplasticity by increasing the brain‐derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in SH‐SY5Y cells. The protein expression of phosphorylated‐Akt and phosphorylated‐CREB, essential genes in neuroplasticity, was also increased in cells treated with H2O2 and MO. Therefore, the neuroprotective effects of MO against oxidative stress are attributed to its antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties, as well as its ability to modify the neuronal signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of red blood cell (RBC) storage lesion during hypothermic storage has long posed challenges for blood transfusion efficacy. These alterations are primarily driven by oxidative stress, concern both structural and biochemical aspects of RBCs, and affect their interactions with the recipient's tissues post-transfusion. Efforts to counteract these effects focus on improving the antioxidant capacity within stored RBCs, reducing oxygen exposure, and scavenging harmful molecules that accumulate during storage. Various supplements, such as ascorbic acid, N-acetylcysteine, polyphenolic compounds, and specific metabolites have shown the potential to improve RBC quality by reducing oxidative lesions and lysis phenomena, and enhancing antioxidant, energy, or proteostasis networks. Accordingly, anaerobic storage has emerged as a promising strategy, demonstrating improved RBC storability and recovery in both animal models and preliminary human studies. Finally, targeted scavenging of harmful storage-related phenotypes and molecules, like removal signals, oxidized proteins, and extracellular hemoglobin, while not so studied, also has the potential to benefit both the unit and the patient in need. Omics technologies have aided a lot in these endeavors by revealing biomarkers of superior storability and, thus, potential novel supplementation strategies. Nonetheless, while the so far examined storage modifications show significant promise, there are not many post-transfusion studies (either in vitro , in animal models, or humans) to evaluate RBC efficacy in the transfusion setting. Looking ahead, the future of blood storage and transfusion will likely depend on the optimization of these interventions to extend the shelf-life and quality of stored RBCs, as well as their therapeutic outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic fields are widely used in medical diagnostics because of their superior non-invasive properties. In addition, with the widespread use of magnetic fields in transportation and other areas, their potential hazards to human health and the assessment of their safety have attracted considerable attention. The effects of magnetic fields on living organisms have a long history. The biological effects of magnetic field exposure in mice and rats depend on the magnetic field strength, exposure time, and direction; depending on these and potentially other factors, magnetic fields can cause a series of neurobiological effects. We reviewed global research on the neurobiological effects of magnetic fields from recent years to provide an overview and insights into the underlying mechanisms. This review focuses on the biological effects of static and dynamic magnetic fields of different frequencies and intensities on animals and nerve cells and their mechanisms of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The liver is the largest, important organ and the site for essential biochemical reactions in the human body. It has the function to detoxify toxic substances and synthesize useful biomolecules. Liver diseases related complications represent a significant source of morbidity and mortality worldwide, creating a substantial economic burden. Oxidative stress, excessive inflammation, and dysregulated energy metabolism significantly contributed to liver diseases. Therefore, discovery of novel therapeutic drugs for the treatment of liver diseases are urgently required. For centuries, flavonoids and their preparations which have the beneficial health effects in chronic diseases have been used to treat various human illnesses. Flavonoids mainly include flavones, isoflavones, flavanols, dihydroflavones, dihydroflavonols, anthocyanins and chalcones. The primary objective of this review is to assess the efficacy and safety of flavonoids, mainly from a clinical point of view and considering clinically relevant end-points. We summarized the recent progress in the research of hepatoprotective and molecular mechanisms of different flavonoids bioactive ingredients and also outlined the networks of underlying molecular signaling pathways. Further pharmacology and toxicology research will contribute to the development of natural products in flavonoids and their derivatives as medicines with alluring prospect in the clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the longitudinal predictors of lifestyle behaviours among stroke survivors in New South Wales, Australia. This longitudinal study utilised data from the baseline survey (2005–2009) and a sub-study survey (2017) of the 45 and Up Study. Physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking status, and supplement use were included as dependent variables. Generalised estimating equation models were employed to assess the longitudinal association between the dependent variable and demographic and health status measures. The average age of the participants (n = 576) was 67 (SD = 9) years at baseline and 76 (SD = 9) years at the sub-study survey time, with 54.9% being male. The longitudinal analysis revealed that the likelihood of moderate/high physical activity significantly declined over time and was lower among participants with diabetes, but was higher among those with university education. The likelihood of smoking was significantly higher in females, moderate/high-risk alcohol consumers, and those with depression, but was lower among supplement users. The likelihood of moderate/high-risk alcohol consumption significantly declined with time, and was lower among females, but higher among smokers. The likelihood of supplement use significantly declined over time, but was higher among females and/or those with asthma. Our findings help illustrate that many stroke survivors may benefit from further support in adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle as part of their stroke management and long-term rehabilitation, which is crucial to optimising their quality of life and successful secondary stroke prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transformed roots of Salvia austriaca were cultivated for 45 days in various systems, including Erlenmeyer flasks, a temporary immersion system (TIS) bioreactor, and a mist-trickling bioreactor, under controlled light conditions. The mist-trickling bioreactor yielded the highest biomass, with fresh and dry weights of 155.4 g/L and 10.2 g/L, respectively. Quantitative UHPLC analysis of hydromethanolic extracts revealed the biosynthesis of significant phenolic acids: caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and salvianolic acid A. Among these, rosmarinic acid was the most abundant, with its concentration varying based on the cultivation system. The highest total phenolic acid content, 165 mg/L, was obtained in the mist-trickling bioreactor, demonstrating its superiority in both biomass production and phenolic acid biosynthesis. This study highlights the potential of mist-trickling bioreactors for optimizing growth and metabolite production in S. austriaca transformed root cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Calcium oxalate urolithiasis, commonly referred to as kidney stones, is a prevalent condition marked by the development of solid crystals within the urinary system. Currently, there is no established treatment to cure calcium oxalate urolithiasis. The underlying processes of calcium oxalate urolithiasis remain unclear, and the aim of this study was to clarify the correlation and prediction of IL-10Ra and DKK-4 plasma levels in patients with calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Methods: In this study, we explored the role of body mass index, eating habits score, levels of IL-10Ra and DKK-4, C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, blood urea nitrogen, and blood uric acid in HCC. In total, 85 patients with COU, attending our hospitals between January 2022 and June 2023, were enrolled in this study as experimental group (n = 85), and 85 healthy individuals, who underwent physical examinations during the same period, were collected as control group (n = 85). The obtained blood samples were collected for further testing. Numerous assays, including ELISA assay, western blot, and qRT-PCR, were employed to investigate the role of IL-10Ra and DKK-4 in calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Results: The results indicate that the upregulation of IL-10Ra and DKK-4 may accelerate the progression of calcium oxalate urolithiasis. The logistic regression analysis indicates that the levels of IL-10Ra and DKK-4 positively correlated with calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Conclusions: In summary, the expression levels of IL-10Ra and DKK-4 positively correlated with the progression of calcium oxalate urolithiasis, suggesting that IL-10Ra and DKK-4 could serve as potential predictive factors and risk factors for calcium oxalate urolithiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium, contaminating various food crops and posing severe risks to food safety and human health. This review discusses mycotoxins' origins, significance, and impact, particularly in relation to cancer risk. Major mycotoxins like aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone, and patulin are examined, along with their sources and affected foods. The carcinogenic mechanisms of these toxins, including their biochemical and molecular interactions, are explored, as well as epidemiological evidence linking mycotoxin exposure to cancer in high-risk populations. The review also highlights critical methodologies for mycotoxin detection, including HPLC, GC-MS, MS, and ELISA, and the sample preparation techniques critical for accurate analysis. Strategies for controlling mycotoxin contamination, both pre- and post-harvest, are discussed, along with regulations from organizations like the FAO and WHO. Current challenges in detection sensitivity, cost, and control effectiveness are noted. Future research is needed to develop innovative analytical techniques, improve control strategies, and address the influence of climate change on mycotoxin production. Finally, global collaboration and emerging technologies are essential for advancing mycotoxin control and enhancing food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by various types of fungi that are known to contaminate various food products; their presence in the food chain poses significant risks to human and animal health and leads to enormous economic losses in the food and feed industry worldwide. Ensuring food safety and quality by detoxifying mycotoxin is therefore of paramount importance. Several procedures to control fungal toxins have been extensively investigated, such as preventive measures, physical and chemical methods, and biological strategies. In recent years, microbial degradation of mycotoxins has attracted much attention due to its reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Notably, bacterial species from the Bacillus genus have emerged as promising candidates for mycotoxin decontamination owing to their diverse metabolic capabilities and resilience in harsh environmental conditions. This review manuscript aims to provide a summary of recent studies on the biodegradation of fungal toxins by Bacillus bacteria, thereby illustrating their potential applications in the development of mycotoxin-degrading products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]