Life-Basel最新文献

{"title":"The Five-Year Outcomes of Breast Cancer Surgical Management at the Colentina Surgical Clinic, Bucharest, Romania: A Descriptive Retrospective Analysis Between 2019 and 2023.","authors":"Cristian Botezatu, Daniel-Ovidiu Costea, Martina Nichilò, Angela Madalina Lazar, Dan Andraș, Mircea-Ion Radu, Bogdan Mastalier","doi":"10.3390/life15010092","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010092","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Breast cancer still represents the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, accounting for 12.5% of all new annual cancer cases worldwide. In Romania in 2020, breast cancer was the most common, with a share of new cases of 26.9%, far behind the rates of colon cancer (11.8%) and cervix cancer (7.5%). The aim of this study is to reveal five years of experience in treating breast cancer at the Surgical Clinic of the Colentina Hospital in Bucharest, Romania. <b>Methods:</b> Retrospective analysis, including 68 patients admitted to our clinic between January 2019 and December 2023 undergoing modified radical mastectomy, sectorectomy, or subcutaneous mastectomy. <b>Results</b>: Madden-modified radical mastectomy with total excision of the axillary lymph nodes accounted for 77.94% of surgeries, with a complication rate of 13.2%, represented by lymphedema of the ipsilateral arm and prepectoral seroma. <b>Conclusions:</b> Continuous innovation regarding early diagnosis and treatment methods in our surgical clinic will, hopefully, contribute to improving the outcomes of our patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11767138/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advances in the Study of Heartwood Formation in Trees.","authors":"Shuqi Yang, Fangcuo Qin, Shengkun Wang, Xiang Li, Yunqing Zhou, Sen Meng","doi":"10.3390/life15010093","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010093","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Heartwood, serving as the central constituent of the xylem, plays a crucial role in the growth, development, and resilience of trees. The process of heartwood formation constitutes a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various factors. A thorough examination of the mechanisms underpinning heartwood formation not only enhances our understanding of the growth and developmental paradigms regulating trees but also provides essential theoretical support and practical insights for the timber industry, forestry management, and ecological conservation. This paper offers an overview of the foundational processes involved in heartwood formation in plants. Furthermore, it presents a comprehensive review of the latest research advancements in this domain, covering five key aspects: metabolism, hormonal regulation, transcriptional regulation, cell biology, and environmental influences. This review serves as a valuable basis for future research endeavors in related academic fields.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11766836/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transforming Cardiovascular Risk Prediction: A Review of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Innovations.","authors":"Dimitrios-Ioannis Kasartzian, Thomas Tsiampalis","doi":"10.3390/life15010094","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010094","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of global mortality and morbidity. Traditional risk prediction models, while foundational, often fail to capture the multifaceted nature of risk factors or leverage the expanding pool of healthcare data. Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) approaches represent a paradigm shift in risk prediction, offering dynamic, scalable solutions that integrate diverse data types. This review examines advancements in AI/ML for CVD risk prediction, analyzing their strengths, limitations, and the challenges associated with their clinical integration. Recommendations for standardization, validation, and future research directions are provided to unlock the potential of these technologies in transforming precision cardiovascular medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11766472/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Endarachne binghamiae</i> Extract Ameliorates Inflammatory Responses in Macrophages Through Regulation of MAPK, NF-kB and PI3K/AKT Pathways, and Prevents Acute Lung Injury in Mice.","authors":"Sang-Hoon Lee, Sang-Seop Lee, Ga-Young Lee, Seung-Yun Han, Dong-Sub Kim, Bong-Ho Lee, Yung-Choon Yoo","doi":"10.3390/life15010088","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010088","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of the hot water extract of Endarachne binghamiae (EB-WE), a type of marine brown algae, was investigated in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and an acute lung injury (ALI) mouse model induced by intranasal LPS administration. Treatment with EB-WE significantly inhibited NO and pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-a and IL-6) production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In mRNA analysis, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, COX-2, and iNOS mRNAs, was down-regulated by EB-WE treatment. The phosphorylation of MAPK, IkB, and PI3K/AKT molecules responsible for signal pathways during inflammation in LPS-stimulated macrophages was also significantly inhibited by EB-WE. In an in vivo model for ALI, oral administration of EB-WE significantly reduced the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-1b, and IL-6) and chemokines (MCP-1, CXC-16, CXCL1, and TARC) in serum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice. Similarly to the results in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, treatment with EB-WE significantly inhibited intracellular signal pathways mediated by MAPK, IkB, and PI3K/AKT in lung tissues of mice with ALI, and also decreased the expression of mRNAs of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-a, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of EB-WE on ALI was apparently confirmed in histological examination through lung tissue staining. Taken together, it is clear that EB-WE has potential activity to effectively ameliorate the inflammatory responses in macrophages through down-regulation of MAPK, NF-kB, and PI3K/AKT activation, and suppress acute lung injury induced by LPS. These findings strongly suggest that EB-WE is a promising natural product beneficial for developing preventive treatments and cures of inflammation-related diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11766595/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043476","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative Cranial Joint Variation in Three Different Lizards: Impact of Feeding Habit.","authors":"Elif Yıldırım Caynak, Kamil Candan, Yusuf Kumlutaş, Ahmet Gökay Korkmaz, Sezen Birlik, Dudu Mertgenç Yoldaş, Serkan Gül, Çetin Ilgaz","doi":"10.3390/life15010090","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010090","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The skull structure in vertebrates is closely related to feeding mode. This study examines the relationship between the cranial joint morphology variation among different lizard species [<i>Eumesces schneideri</i> (Daudin, 1802), <i>Anguis colchica</i> (Nordmann, 1840), and <i>Eremias suphani</i> (Başoğlu & Hellmich 1968)] and their feeding habit. This study investigates the cranial anatomical correlates of distinct cranial kinesis models. Different cranial joints permitting intracranial mobility have been observed among these species using histological section and whole-mount techniques. The cranial joints are similar among species that generally exhibit cranial kinesis. The stomach contents of the species were analyzed, and <i>E. schneideri</i> has the highest prey diversity among the examined species, followed by <i>E. suphani</i> and <i>A. colchica</i> in that order. The study indicated that the prey preferences differ among three lizard species. While no plant material was detected in the stomach contents of <i>E. suphani</i> and <i>E. schneideri</i>, it was detected in <i>A. colchica</i>. The diet of the three lizards consisted of various species of small arthropods such as Arachnida, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Formicidae, and Gastropoda. Additionally, no significant differences were detected in SVL, head, and jaw size measurements between adult males and females of each species.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11766914/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>In Vitro</i> and <i>In Vivo</i> Interventions Reveal the Health Benefits of Levan-Type Exopolysaccharide Produced by a Fish Gut Isolate <i>Lactobacillus reuteri</i> FW2.","authors":"Waqar Ahmad, Anam Nasir, Satya Prakash, Azam Hayat, Mujaddad Ur Rehman, Shazia Khaliq, Kalsoom Akhtar, Munir Ahmad Anwar, Nayla Munawar","doi":"10.3390/life15010089","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010089","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Microorganisms synthesize diverse types of exopolysaccharides (EPSs). EPSs with varying structural and physical properties can demonstrate unique health benefits, which allow for their tailored applications as functional foods such as prebiotics. Levan, a fructose-based EPS, is gaining considerable attention as an effective prebiotic to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Consequently, this enhances digestive health, boosts the immune system, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Unfortunately, limited studies are available on levan-type EPSs to demonstrate their role as prebiotics. Therefore, in this study, we conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments, concerning intestinal cell integrity and metabolic syndrome, to assess the therapeutic potential of levan derived from <i>Lactobacillus reuteri</i> FW2. The in vitro experimental results revealed that levan improved the survival of impaired HT-29 epithelial cells of the intestine and also exerted antioxidant effects. In the in vivo experiments, mice fed with levan-supplemented feed exhibited low body weight gain, blood glucose, and serum cholesterol levels compared to the control group. These findings highlight the biotherapeutic potential of <i>L. reuteri</i> FW2-derived levan for improving metabolic syndrome and its associated aspects. It also signifies the need for a further detailed investigation based on clinical trials to include levan in dietary supplements for improved health and well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11767011/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Human Defence Factors in Different Gestational Week Placenta: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Andris Kamergrauzis, Mara Pilmane, Anna Junga","doi":"10.3390/life15010086","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010086","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Numerous studies have shown the presence of multiple defence factors in placental tissue, although their role is partially understood; therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB); human beta-defensin 2, 3, and 4 (HBD-2,3,4); cathelicidine (LL-37); heat shock protein 60 (HSP60); and interleukin 10 (IL-10) in dissimilar gestational week placental tissue and display correlations between immunoreactive cells.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 15 human placental tissue samples were acquired from mothers with different gestational weeks: 28, 31, and 40. Routine staining and immunohistochemistry for the samples were executed. The evaluation of data was performed with semi-quantitative methods, and, for statistical analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used. Spearman's rank correlation was used for calculating correlations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>NF-κB, HBD- 2,3,4, HSP60, and IL-10 expression were discovered in every examined placental tissue cell type. LL-37 expression was found only in Hofbauer cells. A rise in expression with higher gestational weeks was noted in LL-37-positive Hofbauer cells (<i>p</i> = 0.03), HBD-3-positive cytotrophoblasts (<i>p</i> = 0.007), endothelial cells (<i>p</i> = 0.024), extraembryonic mesodermal cells (<i>p</i> = 0.004), and HBD-4-positive endothelial cells (<i>p</i> = 0.001). Numerous statistically significant moderate and strong positive correlations between defence factors were discovered.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The persistence of Hofbauer cell accumulations underlines the growing significance of placental macrophages in placental protection. The expression of positive defence factors and a rise in expression in tissue protection factors (HBD-3, LL-37, HBD-4) in higher gestational weeks may indicate these factors as the most significant protectors of the placenta in ontogenetic aspects. The high number of statistically significant positive and negative correlations between positive cells show a strong network to sustain distressed placental growth and therefore pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11767239/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Influence of Lifestyle Modifications on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Older Adults: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Mohammed Almutairi, Ashwaq A Almutairi, Abdulaziz M Alodhialah","doi":"10.3390/life15010087","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010087","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults. Lifestyle modifications, including diet, physical activity, and smoking cessation, are key to reducing cardiovascular risk. This study examines the combined effects of these behaviors on cardiovascular outcomes and their mediating mechanisms. <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional study was conducted among older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data on dietary quality, physical activity, and smoking status were collected using validated questionnaires. Cardiovascular outcomes, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and body mass index (BMI), were measured. A composite cardiovascular risk score was computed. Path analysis was employed to assess direct and indirect effects of lifestyle factors on cardiovascular outcomes. <b>Results:</b> Participants adhering to a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking had significantly lower composite cardiovascular risk scores. Non-smoking status showed the strongest direct effect (β = -0.20, <i>p</i> = 0.006), while dietary quality and physical activity exhibited significant indirect effects mediated by LDL, SBP, and BMI. Combined adherence to multiple healthy behaviors resulted in the greatest reductions in cardiovascular risk. The path analysis highlighted dietary quality and physical activity as critical mediators of cardiovascular health improvements. <b>Conclusions:</b> Lifestyle modifications significantly reduce cardiovascular risk in older adults, with cumulative benefits observed for combined adherence to healthy behaviors. These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive lifestyle interventions targeting diet, physical activity, and smoking cessation to promote cardiovascular health in aging populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11767055/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043553","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pre- and Post-Procedural Considerations and Thread Types for Thread Lifting.","authors":"Gi-Woong Hong, Jovian Wan, Song-Eun Yoon, Sky Wong, Kyu-Ho Yi","doi":"10.3390/life15010085","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010085","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Facial thread lifting has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional face-lifting procedures, with particular emphasis on U-shaped and I-shaped barbed threads. This review analyzes the anatomical considerations, procedural techniques, and clinical outcomes of different thread types for facial rejuvenation. The study examines the mechanical principles and lifting mechanisms of U-shaped \"suspension type\" threads versus I-shaped threads, highlighting their distinct characteristics and applications. The results indicate that U-shaped threads provide strong lifting effects, with success rates reported at 85-90% in achieving visible tissue elevation when anchored in the temporal area. However, these threads carry higher risks of complications, including bleeding (15-20%), dimpling (12-18%), and tissue damage at exit points (5-10%). In contrast, I-shaped threads demonstrate advantages in minimizing tissue trauma and patient discomfort, with complication rates below 5%, though they may provide less dramatic lifting effects. The study concludes that optimal outcomes are achieved through careful patient selection and customized combination approaches rather than reliance on a single thread type. Future directions point toward the development of hybrid techniques that combine the strengths of both thread types to maximize efficacy while minimizing complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11766856/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043628","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Focus on Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance.","authors":"Laikang Yu","doi":"10.3390/life15010084","DOIUrl":"10.3390/life15010084","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Exercise physiology is a crucial scientific discipline that explores the complex manner in which physical activity influences the physiological responses and adaptations of the human body [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11766834/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}