Sex-Dependent Gut Microbiota Features and Functional Signatures in Metabolic Disfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.

: This study investigates the gut microbiota's role in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), focusing on microbial and functional signatures and sex-based differences. : Using baseline data from 98 MASLD patients and 45 controls from the Fatty Liver in Obesity (FLiO) study, the gut microbiota was profiled with 16S gene sequencing, followed by statistical and machine learning analyses to identify disease-associated microbial signatures. : Notable alpha and beta diversity differences were observed between MASLD patients and the controls, varying by sex.

Urea as a key nitrogen source for the invasion of the southern coast of Portugal by the brown seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae (Dyctiotales, Phaeophyceae).

The invasive seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae, native to East Asia, is spreading rapidly along the western Mediterranean and southern Portugal, severely affecting coastal biodiversity, ecosystem structure, and economic sectors such as fisheries and tourism. This study examined the nutrient uptake kinetics of R. okamurae, including ammonium, nitrate, urea, amino acids, and phosphate, and their role in nitrogen and phosphorus budgets based on laboratory growth rates.

Restoring brain connectivity by phrenic nerve stimulation in sedated and mechanically ventilated patients.

Background: In critically ill patients, deep sedation and mechanical ventilation suppress the brain-diaphragm-lung axis and are associated with cognitive issues in survivors.

Methods: This exploratory crossover design study investigates whether phrenic nerve stimulation can enhance brain activity and connectivity in six deeply sedated, mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Results: Our findings indicate that adding phrenic stimulation on top of invasive mechanical ventilation in deeply sedated, critically ill, moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome patients increases cortical activity, connectivity, and synchronization in the frontal-temporal-parietal cortices.

Circulating microRNA panels in subjects with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease after following a 2-year dietary intervention.

Purpose: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) affects one-third of the global population. Despite its high prevalence, there is a lack of minimally non-invasive diagnostic methods to assess this condition. This study explores the potential of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as diagnostic biomarkers for MASLD after a 2-year nutritional intervention.