SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “In vivo”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

1,793 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

PubMed2026

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in substance use disorders is safe and tolerable: A Systematic review of 141 clinical trials including 4299 participants.

BACKGROUND: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation intervention investigated as a treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) and its co-occurring disorders. As the number of rTMS SUD clinical trials increase, the safety and tolerability profile should be assessed. In this systematic review, we investigate adverse events (AEs) of rTMS in individuals with SUD and factors that may influence their occurrence. METHODS: We performed a systematic PubMed search to identify all controlled trials of rTMS in SUD published up to January 2025. Eligible studies were assessed, and safety information was extracted for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 141 clinical trials with 4299 participants were included in their active arms. rTMS trials recruited participants who were engaged in active substance use, were in the pre-treatment phase, in early recovery, or in sustained recovery. Twenty-two studies explicitly reported no AEs. Sixty-nine studies reported only mild AEs, while only six studies reported moderate AEs. Thirty-five studies did not report safety-outcomes/AEs. As expected, participants reported mild and temporary AEs such as headaches, pain or discomfort under the coil, or dizziness. Only nine studies reported serious AEs (7 studies in active TMS and 2 in sham TMS). Importantly, no seizures attributable to active rTMS were reported in these SUD samples. CONCLUSION: Overall, rTMS in SUD samples is safe and well-tolerated regardless of recovery stage and substance. Most reported side effects were mild, self-limiting, and tolerable. However, AE reporting was incomplete, as 35 of 141 trials reported no safety data, limiting conclusions to reported outcomes. This evidence supports the safety of rTMS as a potential stand-alone or adjunctive treatment for SUD.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Systematic identification pepper CaE2F transcription factor reveals the role of CaDPb in drought stress response.

The EARLY 2 FACTOR (E2F) transcription factor (TF) family plays a pivotal role in regulating plant development and adaptations to environmental stresses. However, the physiological function of E2Fs in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) are not well elucidated. In this work, we conduct a comprehensive genome-wide annotation of the E2F family within the Zunla-1 pepper genome and further explore the biological roles of CaDPb in response to drought stress. Through systematic bioinformatics analysis, we identify a total of nine CaE2F genes within the Zunla-1 genome, categorizing them into three distinct subgroups. Additionally, we discover multiple cis-regulatory elements in the CaE2F promoter regions associated with responses to plant hormones and drought stress. Public RNA-seq datasets reveal distinct expression profiles of CaE2F genes across various pepper tissues and their responses to environmental stimuli and plant hormones. Subsequently, the CaDPb gene is further functionally verified in drought response. Our findings indicate that TRV2:CaDPb silenced pepper plants are more sensitivity to drought. Furthermore, we show that CaDPb participates in the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the expression of drought-responsive genes, and the modulation of stomatal aperture. Taken together, our findings provide a comprehensive characterization of E2F genes in pepper and offer insights into the biological function of CaDPb in pepper drought stress response.

Capsicum↗

PubMed2026

Safety and Tolerability of Single and Multiple Daily Oral Doses of Dried Kratom Leaf Powder in a Randomized Trial in Healthy Volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Kratom use is rising, increasing the need for safety and tolerability studies of high-quality and well-characterized kratom products in humans. Kratom's risk-benefit ratio, recommended dose, treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), abuse potential, and withdrawal require evaluation. Thus, the safety and tolerability of 4 escalating single and 15 daily dried kratom leaf powder doses in human volunteers were evaluated over 47 days in the largest controlled kratom-administration study to date. METHODS: A randomized, between-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation study of MitraLeaf kratom powder after single doses (SD), during 15 daily doses (multiple doses; MD), and a 23-day follow-up was conducted in 116 volunteers (49 MitraLeaf and 67 placebo). Twelve participants each received a SD of either 6.65, 13.3, 26.6, or 53.2 mg (n = 13) mitragynine in 500, 1000, 2000, or 4000 mg of MitraLeaf, respectively, with a 10-day follow-up. The same participants received 15 daily doses at the same concentration of SD mitragynine received, with a 27-day follow-up period. Inclusion criteria were nonsmoking healthy males and females who never used kratom or had not used kratom for ≥12 months, 18-55 years old, and BMI ≥18.5 and ≤29.9 kg/m 2 . Participants were excluded if they had known CYP3A4, CYP2D6, or CYP1A2 genetic polymorphisms. RESULTS: No serious adverse events or deaths were reported. TEAEs after SD or MD generally increased as the dose increased. Dizziness, nausea, and feeling of relaxation were the most commonly reported TEAEs after SD, and headache, feeling hot, increased alanine aminotransferase level, and nausea were most common after MD. CONCLUSIONS: This SD and first MD controlled study shows that Mitragyna speciosa -derived MitraLeaf kratom powder was safe and well tolerated at the dose ranges tested, with no evidence of meaningful abuse potential or withdrawal.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus spp. isolated from sporotrichosis-affected cats in Brazil: Detection of MRSP and MRSA.

Recently, Brazil has experienced a zoonotic emergence of sporotrichosis. The associated cutaneous lesions are often extensive and slow to heal, thereby providing a gateway for opportunistic bacteria belonging to the normal skin microbiota. Among these, Staphylococcus spp. are of particular concern due to their high prevalence and notable levels of antimicrobial resistance. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize Staphylococcus spp. isolated from the cutaneous wounds of domestic cats undergoing treatment for sporotrichosis and exhibiting clinical signs of secondary bacterial infection. A total of 233 samples from 203 cats were analyzed. Staphylococcus spp. was isolated from 156 samples (67%), with S. aureus (42.3%) and S. felis (25.6%) being the most prevalent. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed high levels of resistance to penicillin (51.9%), erythromycin (28.8%), and clindamycin (19.2%). In contrast, most isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol (98%), ciprofloxacin (96.7%), and nitrofurantoin (93%). Multidrug-resistant strains were identified in 24% (38/156) of the isolates. Overall, 12 isolates (7.7%) were classified as methicillin-resistant staphylococci, including four methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) and one methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). To investigate the genetic profiles and epidemiological relationships of these isolates, all the MRSP and MRSA strains were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. Among the MRSP isolates, four sequence types (STs) were identified, including ST551, the founder of clonal complex (CC)551, which is commonly associated with infection in dogs. The MRSA isolate belonged to ST1176, a member of CC5, which is a globally prevalent lineage and is frequently associated with nosocomial infections in humans. This study demonstrates that Staphylococcus species, including methicillin-resistant isolates, are frequently present in the wounds of sporotrichosis-infected cats exhibiting clinical signs of secondary bacterial infection. The detection of MRSA and MRSP in a cat highlights an additional public health concern associated with feline sporotrichosis and further reinforces the growing concern regarding antimicrobial resistance in companion animals.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

A systematic review and meta-analysis of visuospatial attentional deficits in Parkinson's patients.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition primarily characterized by motor deficits, yet cognitive impairments are increasingly recognized. While deficits in executive functioning are well documented even in the absence of cognitive decline, evidence of attentional deficits in PD remains inconsistent, and the role of motor symptom lateralization is unclear. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we examined visual attention in right-handed, cognitively unimpaired idiopathic PD patients, focusing on the canonical attentional domains (sustained, selective, divided) and processes (alerting, endogenous and exogenous orienting, reorienting), as well as visuospatial bias. Four databases were searched for studies comparing PD patients with healthy controls. Meta-analytic estimates were derived using Hedges' g within random-effects models, and studies that could not be quantitatively integrated were summarized narratively. In addition, studies directly comparing patients with left- and right-predominant motor symptoms (LPD vs. RPD) were reviewed qualitatively. Across 51 studies, PD patients exhibited deficits in sustained, selective, and divided attention. Among attentional processes, only exogenous orienting was impaired, whereas alerting, endogenous orienting, and reorienting were preserved. Findings from the few studies examining visuospatial bias indicated small, context-dependent shifts in spatial attention rather than a consistent directional bias. These findings indicate that PD patients show visual-attentional impairments, particularly under high-demand conditions, while basic alertness and voluntary orienting appear preserved. Exogenous orienting deficits and subtle rightward spatial tendencies in LPD suggest disruption of right-hemisphere attentional networks. These results have implications for early cognitive assessment, rehabilitation strategies, and understanding the neural bases of attentional dysfunction in PD.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy and safety of human albumin combined with furosemide in acute decompensated heart failure with hepatic dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Congestion is the most common clinical presentation on admission of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Finding effective ways to alleviate congestion has become a pivotal management step. This study sought to investigate the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) albumin use in conjunction with furosemide in patients hospitalized for ADHF with hepatic dysfunction in terms of subjective regression of congestion symptoms and worsening renal function. METHODS: This prospective, open-label, randomized-pragmatic trial recruited 241 patients with hepatic dysfunction hospitalized for ADHF. Patients (78 years, 54% female) were assigned to receive IV albumin with furosemide or IV furosemide alone. The coprimary study endpoints were patients' global assessment of symptoms score, quantified as the area under the curve (AUC) of the score on a visual analog scale, and the change in creatinine levels over 72 hours from admission. RESULTS: The experimental treatment group demonstrated a greater improvement in patients' global assessment of symptoms scores (AUCbaseline-72 h 3,767 vs 3,457 points; P < .001) and a milder increase in creatinine levels (0.07 vs 0.18 mg/dL; P = .045) than the IV furosemide group. The length of stay was 1 day shorter (4 vs 5 days; P < .001) and the incidence of worsening renal function was lower (25% vs 38%; P = .037) in the experimental treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: In this hypothesis generating study, among patients with ADHF and hepatic dysfunction, concomitant use of IV albumin and furosemide for the first 72 hours resulted in a significant improvement in subjective perception symptoms of decongestion and a milder increase in creatinine levels than IV furosemide alone.

Aged↗

PubMed2026

BLIS study: a feasibility randomised controlled trial assessing compliance, acceptability and colonisation with different dosing regimens of the probiotic supplement Streptococcus salivarius K12 (Bactoblis) in adults in England.

OBJECTIVES: Streptococcus salivarius K12 (SsK12) is a bacterium used as a probiotic with some evidence for preventing acute sore throat/tonsillitis, but the optimal dosing strategy is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate two dosing regimens of SsK12 to establish (a) the prevalence and duration of colonisation with SsK12 and (b) the acceptability and feasibility of these regimens. DESIGN: A randomised, non-blinded feasibility trial. SETTING: Primary care in the south of England. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with ≥2 episodes of sore throat within the 3 years before recruitment. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomised to take SsK12 lozenges once weekly or daily over 14 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the prevalence and duration of colonisation with SsK12. This was determined by real-time PCR conducted on self-taken whole-mouth swabs provided by participants at baseline and on days 2, 7, 14, 21 and 35. Secondary outcomes were the compliance and acceptability of the two SsK12 dosing regimens, based on questionnaire data. RESULTS: 53 participants were recruited (26 randomised to weekly and 27 to daily dosing) between 26 April and 5 December 2023. All swabs were returned by 65.4% (17/26) and 70.4% (19/27) of the weekly and daily groups respectively. Swabs at all timepoints from participants with PCR positives observed at baseline (two and four from the weekly and daily group, respectively) were excluded. Therefore, swabs from 23 participants in the weekly and 22 in the daily group did not have evidence of baseline colonisation and were included in the microbiology analysis. SsK12 colonisation was found in 59.1% (13/22, 95% CI 38.6% to 79.6%) of samples in both groups on day 2; in 13.6% (3/22, 95% CI 0.0% to 28.0%) and 85.7% (18/21, 95% CI 70.8% to 100.0%) of the weekly and daily groups, respectively, on day 7; in 19.1% (4/21, 95% CI 2.3% to 35.8%) and 59.1% (13/22, 95% CI 38.6% to 79.6%), respectively, on day 14; and in only one participant (weekly group) on days 21 and 35. The dosing regimen was reported as easy to follow by 85.0% (17/20, 95% CI 69.4% to 100.0%) of the weekly and 96.2% (25/26, 95% CI 88.8% to 100.0%) of the daily dosing groups. CONCLUSIONS: SsK12 colonisation was more prevalent with daily dosing; however, colonisation was not maintained when dosing stopped. Both dosing regimens were acceptable to participants. These findings support the use of daily dosing in a future trial to evaluate the efficacy of SsK12 in preventing recurrence of sore throat/tonsillitis. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04297878.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Inulin, Containing Frutco-Oligosaccharides, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale Scores in College Students.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) inulin on anxiety symptoms in college students. Forty million adults in the United States suffer from anxiety. Previous studies have viewed gut microbiota and its potential link to anxiety in both humans and mice. However, no previous studies focused on the effect of FOS inulin on college students. Fourteen subjects received 4.9 g per day of FOS inulin as the treatment (TX) or no supplement as the control (CON) for 28 days. Both the TX and CON groups were given the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7) on days 1 and 28. Both groups were also given a 3-day food log at the beginning of the experiment and otherwise maintained their regular diet. Results showed a statistically significant decrease in median GAD-7 scores in both groups (P = .017, r = .637 and P = .042, r = .587 for the TX and CON groups, respectively). However, when comparing the GAD-7 scores between groups, no statistically significant results were found. FOS inulin supplementation did not alleviate anxiety symptoms in college students participating in this study.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2026

Impact of estimated total blood volume on NT-proBNP response to angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibition in acute heart failure: Insights from the PREMIER study.

BACKGROUND: Sacubitril/valsartan (Sac/Val) reduces N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in acute heart failure (AHF), particularly in patients with reduced ejection fraction. However, whether estimated total blood volume (TBV), calculated using anthropometric equations, is associated with heterogeneity in biomarker response remains uncertain. METHODS: This post hoc exploratory sub-analysis of the PREMIER randomized trial evaluated whether baseline estimated TBV was associated with heterogeneity in NT-proBNP reduction after Sac/Val compared with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker (ACEI/ARB) therapy. Estimated TBV was calculated using validated anthropometric equations and dichotomized at the median (4.05 L). Patients were further stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF <40% vs ≥40%). The primary endpoint was the proportional change in NT-proBNP from baseline to Week 8. RESULTS: Among 376 patients, 372 with baseline estimated TBV data were analyzed. In the high TBV group, Sac/Val was associated with greater NT-proBNP reduction than ACEI/ARB (-56% vs -32%; ratio of change, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.53-0.84; P = .001), whereas no significant difference was observed in the low TBV group (P for heterogeneity = 0.063). In patients with LVEF <40%, Sac/Val was associated with greater NT-proBNP reduction in both TBV groups. In patients with LVEF ≥40%, Sac/Val was associated with greater NT-proBNP reduction in the high TBV group, whereas the point estimate in the low TBV group numerically favored ACEI/ARB. CONCLUSIONS: In this exploratory post hoc analysis, higher estimated TBV was associated with greater NT-proBNP reduction after Sac/Val, particularly among patients with LVEF ≥40%. These findings are hypothesis-generating and require external validation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05164653; Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, jRCTs021210046.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Gut microbial diversity at baseline conditions the clinical, microbiome, and metabolic response to paraprobiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LRCC5282 in overweight adults.

The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a target for obesity management; however, whether baseline gut microbial diversity conditions responsiveness to microbiota-targeted interventions remains unclear. We aimed to investigate whether baseline gut microbial diversity is associated with responsiveness to a paraprobiotic derived from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LRCC5282 (LP5282-P) in overweight adults. In a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial of 120 overweight adults, LP5282-P produced no significant between-group differences in any clinical outcome across the overall per-protocol population. However, in the low-diversity subgroup, LP5282-P was associated with significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, and circulating leptin levels. These clinical changes were accompanied by compositional shifts in the gut microbiota, including higher relative abundances of Christensenellaceae, Faecalibacterium, and Alistipes. Fecal metabolite profiles showed elevated acetate and butyrate concentrations and altered bile acid composition. Within the low-diversity subgroup, changes in the relative abundances of Akkermansia and Eubacterium were inversely correlated with changes in body weight, body fat mass, and leptin levels. In contrast, the high-diversity subgroup exhibited no consistent response across the outcome domains examined. Overall, baseline gut microbial diversity was associated with differential responsiveness to LP5282-P, supporting its potential use as a stratification variable in future microbiota-targeted intervention trials. Further studies integrating direct measures of microbial activity and host response are warranted to elucidate the biological pathways underlying this diversity-dependent responsiveness. Trial registration: Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), KCT0008119.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Timing of OMERACT core domain measurement in gout clinical trials: a systematic review of randomised trials.

AIMS: The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) initiative has endorsed core domain sets for gout trials. The aims of this study were to evaluate the time points and frequencies at which the gout core domains are measured in existing gout urate-lowering therapy and gout flare trials, and whether all collected measurements were reported. METHODS: Urate-lowering therapy (n = 29) and gout flare randomised clinical trials (n = 14) from 2005 were identified from a prior systematic review of core domain reporting. Data were extracted for the time points and frequencies at which each core domain was measured, as well as whether all collected measurements were reported. RESULTS: In urate-lowering therapy trials, the core domains were measured at seven different frequencies. Serum urate and gout flares were most commonly measured monthly, and tophus burden was most commonly measured three monthly. Reporting of all collected measurements varied, from 24/29 (83%) trials for serum urate to 0/2 (0%) trials for activity limitation. In gout flare trials, core domains were measured at nine different frequencies. Pain, joint tenderness and joint swelling were most commonly measured monthly. Reporting of all collected measurements varied, from 13/14 (93%) trials for pain to 3/8 (37.5%) trials for joint tenderness. CONCLUSION: In both urate-lowering therapy and gout flare trials, there is substantial variability in when the core domains are measured, and reporting of collected measurements is inconsistent. This work provides the foundation for a consensus process to establish standardised time points and frequencies for measuring the OMERACT-endorsed gout core domains.

Gout↗

PubMed2026

Disentangling oscillatory and aperiodic neural activity in autism: A spectral parameterization analysis of neurofeedback intervention.

BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by atypical neural oscillations and heterogeneous alterations in excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance, the directionality of which varies across individuals, neural circuits, and developmental stages. While Alpha-band neurofeedback (NFB) is a promising intervention, its underlying neurophysiological mechanisms remain unclear, partly due to the conflation of periodic and aperiodic signals in traditional EEG analysis. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial recruited 40 children with ASD, assigned to either an experimental group (Alpha-training NFB) or a no-feedback group. Resting-state EEG and behavioral assessments (SRS, ABC) were collected pre- and post-intervention. We employed spectral parameterization to decompose neural activity into aperiodic (1/f slope, offset) and periodic (periodic alpha power, center frequency) components. RESULTS: NFB training yielded significant behavioral improvements in social cognition and relating skills. Physiologically, the experimental group exhibited a significant steepening of the aperiodic slope (increased exponent), reflecting a reduction in neural noise and potential optimization of inhibitory modulation. Furthermore, we observed enhanced periodic alpha power and an acceleration of the alpha center frequency (ACF), indicative of improved neural efficiency and maturation. These physiological shifts in frontal and occipital regions were significantly correlated with improvements in behavioral scores. CONCLUSION: Alpha-training NFB was associated with improvements in caregiver-rated behavioral scores and modulated spectral features of resting-state EEG in children with ASD. These findings validate the utility of spectral parameterization markers in evaluating neuromodulatory interventions.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Pathways of onward HIV disclosure in relationships among young people living with vertically acquired HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy: A qualitative analysis from the BREATHER Plus trial, South Africa.

For young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) navigating their status since birth, managing onward disclosure of a potentially stigmatising condition in relationships is challenging, and may or may not lead to social support, with implications for wellbeing. In a clinical trial setting in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, we investigate how young people living with vertically acquired HIV navigate onward disclosure. Data were from the qualitative component of the BREATHER Plus randomised controlled trial evaluating the efficacy, safety and acceptability of short-cycle dolutegravir/tenofovir-based triple antiretroviral therapy (ART) in young people aged 12-19 years. We analyse data on 35 participants receiving ART engaged in clinical trials at the research site: 29 in longitudinal in-depth interviews (IDIs) and 12 across three focus group discussions (FGDs), including 6 in IDIs and FGDs. The Disclosure Processes Model was applied in the thematic analysis. Pre-disclosure was characterised by social assessments of potential confidants. During disclosure, reciprocal vulnerability and partial information-sharing were employed. Post-disclosure processes entailed linear and non-linear feedback trajectories, impacting future disclosures. The findings show that the study cohort of young people receiving ART navigated many bidirectional disclosure pathways to maintain social connections in relationships, and counselling guidelines need to be responsive to this.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The journey of fluxapyroxad, mandipropamid and mefentrifluconazole residues in two morphologically distinct chilli peppers: A comprehensive risk assessment from field to processing.

Understanding the residue fate of novel pesticides in crops is crucial for ensuring their safe application and safeguarding public health. This study examined the dissipation, processing factors (PFs), and risk assessment of fluxapyroxad, mandipropamid, and mefentrifluconazole in two morphologically distinct varieties of chilli peppers from field to processing. The half-lives of the three pesticides ranged from 5.42 to 10.05 days, following first-order kinetics. The initial residues were higher in Chaotian chilli peppers (CCP) than in long green chilli peppers (GCP). However, dissipation occurred more rapidly in CCP. Washing notably reduced the residues (PF: 0.60-0.89), whereas sun drying and oven drying concentrated them (PF: 1.92-3.74), with oven drying leading to greater concentrations. Both chronic and acute dietary risk assessments suggested acceptable risk levels for the general population. This study offers reliable guidance for the rational application of these three pesticides in chilli pepper cultivation.

Capsicum↗

PubMed2026

Genome-wide identification of the HSP70 superfamily in tropical sea cucumber Stichopus monotuberculatus and their expression analysis under low-salinity stress.

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a group of evolutionarily conserved molecular chaperones that serve as indispensable core regulators in preserving cellular homeostasis and orchestrating organismal stress responses. The tropical sea cucumber Stichopus monotuberculatus, a high-value aquaculture species, is sensitive to fluctuations in environmental salinity-a challenge that has emerged as a critical bottleneck limiting its large-scale commercial cultivation. However, no systematic investigation has been conducted to characterize the HSP70 superfamily in S. monotuberculatus and elucidate its functional roles in salinity adaptation. In the present study, we performed a comprehensive genome-wide scan and identified 19 HSP70 superfamily genes in the S. monotuberculatus genome, with the HSP70IV subfamily showing remarkable gene expansion, containing 8 distinct copies. Phylogenetic analysis, conserved motif identification, and gene structure characterization demonstrated high evolutionary conservation within each HSP subfamily. These genes were unevenly distributed across the chromosomes of S. monotuberculatus, and prediction of cis-acting elements revealed that their upstream regulatory regions were enriched with numerous functional elements associated with stress response and immune regulation. Salinity stress experiments revealed that under severe low-salinity conditions (18‰), the expression levels of SmHSPA14L and multiple HSP70IV subfamily members were significantly elevated, while SmHYOU1D was significantly downregulated; in contrast, only subtle changes were detected in the expression of most HSP70 genes under moderate low-salinity stress (24‰). These findings strongly suggest that HSP70 genes, particularly the expanded HSP70IV subfamily, may act as key modulators in the low-salinity stress response. This work provides valuable insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying salinity adaptation in tropical sea cucumbers.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals ncRNA-mediated regulatory networks associated with muscle crispiness in grass carp.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be involved in muscle development and to function as key regulators. However, the molecular mechanism underlying muscle crispiness in grass carp (GC) remains poorly understood, and whether these ncRNAs are involved in its regulation is still unknown. In the current investigation, differentially expressed (DE) RNAs (including lncRNAs, circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs) were identified; concomitantly, target genes prediction was conducted, and functional and signaling pathway enrichment analyses were performed. Pathways related to muscle crispiness were identified, and the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) (lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA) regulatory network was further constructed. The results showed that a total of 126 DE-lncRNAs, 17 DE-circRNAs, 329 DE-miRNAs, and 442 DE-mRNAs were identified in muscle tissues of both the GC and crisp grass carp (CGC). GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that target genes of DE-ncRNAs were significantly enriched in signaling pathways, including structural constituents of muscle, apoptosis, oxidative phosphorylation, and regulation of actin cytoskeleton, suggesting that these pathways may be involved in muscle texture remodeling. Subsequently, DE-RNAs enriched in related pathways were identified, and a core ceRNA regulation network comprising 3 lncRNAs, 4 circRNAs, 3 miRNAs, and 17 mRNAs was constructed. Additionally, 10 DE-RNAs from randomly selected groups were validated by qRT-PCR. Our findings not only provide scientific evidence elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle crispiness in GC but also establish a foundation for studying changes in muscle textural qualities across other fish species.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

"Abrazos, no Balazos": Intensity of Risk for Exposure to Violence and Armed Conflict Trajectories for Adolescents and Young Adults in México 2018-2024.

PURPOSE: "Abrazos, no balazos" (Hugs, not gunshots) is the approach to violence used by the Federal Mexican government from 2018 to 2024. This study identifies distinct conceptually useful latent class growth trajectories in the annual intensity of risk for exposure to events and fatalities from violence against civilians and battles for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in México from 2018 to 2024. METHODS: Data are from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project. Latent class growth analyses were conducted with four longitudinal dependent variables assessed in seven sequential years (2018-2024). RESULTS: In most of the Mexican states, AYAs experienced low intensity-flat trajectories (p >.096) in the annual intensity of risk for exposure to events and fatalities from violence against civilians and battles. AYAs who lived in states with extremely, markedly, or moderately elevated 2018 intensities of risk for exposure to violence experienced decreasing trajectories (p =.000). One latent class with a mildly elevated-increasing trajectory (p =.000) in the annual intensity of risk for exposure to violence was identified for each of the four longitudinal dependent variables. DISCUSSION: During the time that the Federal Mexican government used the "Abrazos, no balazos" approach, AYAs in the majority of the states in México had intensity of risk for exposure to violence and armed conflict trajectories that were consistent with the goals of primary and secondary violence prevention. Violence prevention efforts should be augmented in states with unfavorable trajectories.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage care in a middle-income public healthcare system: A real-world neurocritical care cohort.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although aneurysm treatment capacity has expanded worldwide, outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remain strongly influenced by neurocritical care (NCC) delivery, referral pathways, and access to specialized treatment. Contemporary data describing real-world aSAH care in resource-limited healthcare systems remain scarce. We aimed to characterize treatment patterns, NCC delivery, complications, and outcomes in a large Brazilian public referral center. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included consecutive adults with confirmed aSAH admitted between June 2018 and March 2022 to a high-volume Brazilian tertiary referral center. Only patients admitted within five days of symptom onset were included. Demographic, clinical, radiological, treatment, complication, and outcome data were extracted from institutional records. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and 3-month functional outcome assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were included. Disease severity was high, with 45% presenting WFNS grades 4-5, 73% modified Fisher grade 4 hemorrhage, and 64% hydrocephalus. Endovascular treatment was performed in 73% of cases, and median time from admission to aneurysm treatment was 1 day. Despite early treatment capability, only 28% of patients were admitted to an ICU within 48 h, while 38% never received ICU care. Delayed cerebral ischemia occurred in 43%, radiologic vasospasm in 58%, ventriculitis in 22%, and infectious complications in 57%. External ventricular drainage was required in 42%, and vasoactive drugs were used in 85%. In-hospital mortality was 42%, and 66% had unfavorable 3-month outcomes (mRS 4-6). CONCLUSIONS: This real-world cohort highlights the substantial neurocritical care burden of aSAH in a middle-income public healthcare system. Despite timely access to definitive aneurysm treatment, patients experienced frequent neurological and systemic complications, emphasizing that contemporary aSAH care extends well beyond aneurysm occlusion.

Humans↗