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PubMed2026

Prognostic effect of serum glial fibrillary acidic protein and neurofilament light chain for predicting progression independent of relapse activity in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) is increasingly appreciated as one of the important factors contributing to disability accumulation in MS. sGFAP and sNfL could represent markers reflecting two separate biological processes related to relapse-independent progression in MS. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of the literature on blood GFAP and/or NfL measured in relation to PIRA or other similar relapse-independent progression endpoints in people with MS. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to 1 June 2026. The eligible studies were original human studies measuring blood GFAP and/or NfL concentrations in serum, plasma, or any other type of blood-derived material and assessing PIRA, PIRMA, CDP/CDW without relapses, relapse-free EDSS progression, non-inflammatory progression, or comparable relapse-independent disability worsening outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the QUIPS instrument for bias detection in the body of evidence on prognostic factors. Due to heterogeneity of outcomes, biomarker measurements and effect estimates, results were synthesized qualitatively rather than quantitatively. RESULTS: After removing duplicates, 1206 records were screened, followed by full-text review of 120 reports. A total of 18 reports were included. Overall, sGFAP was associated more frequently with PIRA or PIRA-like disability progression, particularly in cohorts with suppressed or limited overt inflammatory activity. Evidence for sNfL was more variable and context-dependent: several studies reported associations with PIRA-like or relapse-independent disability worsening when acute inflammatory activity was absent, suppressed, or analytically separated, whereas other studies reported negative or inconclusive findings. Negative or inconclusive results were reported by several articles, particularly when broad outcomes were evaluated or the study population was small. CONCLUSION: Blood GFAP and NfL give complementary but non-interchangeable information concerning PIRA in MS patients. The existing evidence base does not allow us to perform meta-analysis because of heterogeneity in terms of outcomes, standardization of biomarkers, and treatment context. Further prospective investigations with uniform criteria will be necessary for their use as biomarkers of PIRA in clinical settings.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effect of adding umbilical cord blood derived stem cells to haploidentical stem cell transplant (haplo-cord) on post-transplant survival and graft-versus-host disease in patients with hematological malignancies: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Haploidentical stem cell transplantation (haplo-SCT) carries a substantial risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), whereas umbilical cord blood (UCB) transplantation offers lower GvHD risk but slower engraftment. The haplo-cord approach combines both graft sources, aiming to mitigate GvHD while ensuring timely engraftment. This meta-analysis compares haplo-cord transplantation with haplo-SCT alone for the treatment of hematological malignancies. METHODS: Four electronic databases and two clinical trial registries were systematically searched. Effect sizes from eligible studies were pooled using odds ratios (ORs) for dichotomous outcomes and hazard ratios (HRs) for time-to-event outcomes. RESULTS: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Haplo-cord was associated with a statistically significant reduction in chronic GvHD (OR = 0.62, 95%-CI: 0.42-0.93), while no significant difference was observed for grade II-IV acute GvHD (OR = 0.75, 95%-CI: 0.52-1.09). Survival outcomes favored haplo-cord, with lower HRs for overall survival (HR = 0.68, 95%-CI: 0.53-0.86) and event-free survival (HR = 0.61, 95%-CI: 0.52-0.72), while non-relapse mortality was not significant. Relapse at 3 years was significantly lower with haplo-cord (OR = 0.54, 95%-CI: 0.35-0.82). Haplo-cord also demonstrated higher day-30 engraftment, along with lower relapse-related and GvHD-related mortality, while CMV and EBV viremia showed no difference between groups. CD34 selection in the haplo graft significantly influenced effect sizes and heterogeneity in both subgroup analyses and meta-regression for acute GvHD. CONCLUSION: Haplo-cord transplantation improves GvHD outcomes, survival, and relapse risk compared with haplo-SCT alone. However, whether protocol optimization, possibly via CD34 selection, confers additional benefit remains uncertain and requires confirmation in future studies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

UNCX/SIN3A-Mediated H4K8 decrotonylation suppresses FOXO3 to drive TNBC progression and docetaxel resistance.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a clinically challenging subtype characterized by aggressive behavior and limited treatment options. Though docetaxel remains a cornerstone chemotherapy for TNBC, the frequent emergence of resistance highlights the urgent need to identify novel therapeutic targets. In this study, we report that uncoordinated homeobox (UNCX) is upregulated in docetaxel-resistant breast cancer cells, genomically amplified in breast cancer, and associated with poor survival in breast carcinoma patients. Functional studies revealed that UNCX promotes breast cancer cell proliferation, migration and reduces the docetaxel sensitivity. Mechanistically, UNCX functions as a transcriptional repressor by recruiting the SIN3A complex. Genome-wide profiling indicated that the UNCX/SIN3A complex directly binds to the promoters of tumor-suppressor genes including FOXO3, and represses their transcription by removing histone H4K8 crotonylation (H4K8cr). Additionally, the UNCX/SIN3A complex enhances FOXO3 phosphorylation and inhibits its nuclear translocation, further inhibiting its activity. Notably, SIN3A knockdown, FOXO3 overexpression, or crotonylation restoration effectively reverses UNCX-induced malignant phenotypes. These findings collectively establish the UNCX/SIN3A-H4K8cr-FOXO3 axis as a pivotal epigenetic regulator of TNBC progression and chemoresistance, revealing new avenues for targeted therapeutic development against this aggressive breast cancer subtype.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Sex-stratified mortality trends in preterm birth complications in Sierra Leone: progress, persistence, and equity implications.

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth complications remain a leading cause of neonatal mortality in Sierra Leone, despite recent health system gains. Evidence on long-term sex-specific disparities in mortality due to preterm birth complications is limited, constraining equitable neonatal care planning. OBJECTIVE: To examine two‑decade trends in sex‑stratified mortality from preterm birth complications using standardized equity indicators. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal analysis of sex-disaggregated mortality estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Estimates (GHE), accessed through the WHO Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT), Built-in Database Edition (Version 6.0). Mortality rates per 100,000 population were extracted for 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021. Inequality was assessed using absolute difference (D), relative ratio (R), population attributable risk (PAR), and population attributable fraction (PAF). RESULTS: Mortality declined substantially between 2001 and 2021 for both males (85.1-49.3 per 100,000) and females (71.2-39.9 per 100,000). Male mortality remained consistently higher across all years, with relative ratios indicating approximately 20-25% excess mortality among male neonates. Absolute inequalities narrowed modestly over time, whereas relative inequalities remained largely unchanged. PAR and PAF remained close to zero throughout the study period. Wider uncertainty intervals in earlier years reflected limited empirical data availability. CONCLUSION: Although preterm mortality declined over two decades, a persistent male disadvantage remained in Sierra Leone. These findings highlight the importance of integrating sex-disaggregated equity monitoring into neonatal policies and programmes. Future research should evaluate strategies to reduce the persistent excess mortality among male neonates while sustaining overall improvements in neonatal survival and progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 3.2.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Transverse Tibial Transport for Limb Salvage in Ischemic Lower Extremity Disease: Technique, Mechanisms, and Clinical Outcomes-A Systematic Review.

Transverse tibial transport (TTT) is a surgical technique derived from Ilizarov's distraction osteogenesis principles that stimulates angiogenesis and microcirculatory regeneration in the ischemic lower limb without directly manipulating macrovascular anatomy. By creating a proximal tibial cortical bone window and distracting it transversely using an external fixator, TTT triggers converging cascades of growth factor release, endothelial progenitor cell mobilization, and immunomodulation that translate into improved distal limb perfusion and wound healing. Combined TTT plus endovascular therapy improves amputation-free survival versus endovascular therapy alone. Prospective randomized trials and standardized international protocols are needed to consolidate TTT's role in multidisciplinary limb salvage pathways.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

A 7-mm Covered TIPS Reduces Hepatic Encephalopathy Without Increasing Rebleeding in Cirrhotic Patients With Small Liver: A Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: International guidelines recommend initiating transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement with an 8-mm stent. However, there is an evident lack of randomized controlled trials evaluating TIPS diameters < 8 mm in cirrhotic patients with a relatively small liver. The aim of this study was to determine whether 7 mm-covered TIPS, compared with 8-mm stents, could achieve comparable shunt function with a lower incidence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). METHODS: In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, patients with cirrhosis and relatively small liver were randomized 1:1 to receive TIPS with a 7-mm (n = 92) or 8-mm (n = 92) covered stent to prevent variceal rebleeding. The primary endpoint was the incidence of overt HE after randomization. All-cause rebleeding, orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT)-free survival and a composite of these outcomes, were designated as secondary endpoints. RESULTS: Among the 184 enrolled patients, the predominant etiologies of liver cirrhosis were hepatitis B virus infection (56.0%) and alcohol-related liver disease (20.7%). Over a median follow-up of 26.5 months, overt HE occurred in 19 patients (20.7%) in the 7-mm group and 33 patients (35.9%) in the 8-mm group. The 2-year cumulative incidence of overt HE was significantly lower in the 7-mm group than in the 8-mm group (21.4% vs. 37.2%, p = 0.02). Stent diameter, post-TIPS portosystemic pressure gradient, pre-covert HE and MELD-Na score were identified as independent risk factors for overt HE. The rates of shunt dysfunction were statistically similar between groups (8.7% vs. 8.7%, p = 1.0), as were 2-year rebleeding rates (10.9% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.81) and OLT-free survival rates (91.3% vs. 88.0%, p = 0.82). CONCLUSIONS: A 7-mm covered TIPS demonstrated comparable shunt function to an 8-mm covered stents, with a significantly lower risk of overt HE. These findings support consideration of 7-mm TIPS stents for preventing variceal rebleeding in cirrhotic patients with a small liver who are undergoing TIPS. TRAIL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02541825.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

In situ product monitoring in heterogeneous reaction of gaseous trimethylamine on Fe2O3/Fe(NO3)3: Effect of environmental factor and particle property.

Gas-particle reactions represent an important atmospheric heterogeneous transformation process for organic amines (OAs). Environmental factors and particle properties may impact the gas-particle reaction products. Although the products from gas-particle reactions can be monitored by various in situ techniques, related data remain scarce. Here, the interfacial and gaseous products from the reaction of trimethylamine on Fe2O3/Fe(NO3)3 particles under light irradiation with mixed NO2, O2, SO2 and H2O were monitored using in-situ diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Dark reaction of gaseous trimethylamine on Fe2O3/Fe(NO3)3 generated two interfacial products types: N-containing ones (CH3NCH2, CH3NO2, (CH3)2NCHO, and CH3N(OH)CHO) and N-free ones (alcohols, aldehydes and acids), both accumulating with reaction progression. Light irradiation and O2 oxidation enhanced formation of these products, while NO2 promoted the production of CH3NO2 and (CH3)2NCHO. H2O and SO2 occupied the active sites of particles to inhibit the formation of all products. Compared to Fe(NO3)3, Fe2O3 showed absolute dominance in contribution to the formation of products. Considering the smaller particle size of Fe2O3 and excess Fe(NO3)3, the physical mixing of them reduced the generation of interfacial products. Furthermore, gaseous products of CH3OH, HCHO, CH3CHO, HCOOH and CH3COOH detection clarified the N-free interfacial products. The presence of Fe(NO3)3 inhibited the formation of HCOOH and favored the formation of CH3CHO in the gas phase. By combining product information with thermodynamic calculations, the heterogeneous reaction pathways of trimethylamine were tentatively proposed. These findings provide a guiding significance for the migration of OAs in real atmospheric environment.

Methylamines↗

PubMed2026

Therapeutic-drug-monitoring-based ATG Targeted Dosing Strategy in Unmanipulated Haploidentical Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: a randomized, multicenter, phase 3 clinical trial.

Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) has been a standard prophylaxis for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). However, the pharmacokinetics of ATG in vivo vary significantly, and weight-based fixed dosing may not optimize efficacy while minimizing toxicity. We investigated the clinical results of a therapeutic-drug-monitoring (TDM)-based, dose-optimized ATG strategy versus weight-based fixed dosing in haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (NCT05166967). Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive a targeted dose of ATG or a fixed dose of 10 mg/kg. The primary endpoint was the 365-day graft-versus-host disease-free and relapse-free survival (GRFS). From January 1, 2022, to January 16, 2024, 204 patients were enrolled, with 102 patients in each group. The 365-day GRFS was higher in the targeted dose group (66.7%) than in the fixed dose group (50.0%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.666; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4456 to 0.9954; P = 0.048). The cumulative incidence of moderate to severe chronic GVHD at day 365 was significantly lower in the targeted dose group (9.8%; 95% CI, 5.0 to 16.5) compared with the fixed dose group (22.5%; 95% CI, 15.0 to 31.1; P = 0.026). Fewer grade 3-5 infections were reported in the targeted dose group (44.1%) than in the fixed dose group (70.6%; P < 0.001). More patients in the targeted dose group achieved optimal ATG exposure (P = 0.007) and superior CD4+ T-cell reconstitution (P = 0.002). These findings support the clinical utility of a TDM-based individualized ATG dosing strategy that balances efficacy and toxicity for GVHD prophylaxis in allogeneic stem cell transplantation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05166967.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Formation of environmental persistent free radicals in soil of ammunition demolition site: Roles of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and heavy metals.

Environmental Persistent Free Radicals (EPFRs) are a particular type of contaminant present in soil. This study investigated the formation process, environmental behavior, and main influencing variables of EPFRs in soils contaminated with heavy metals and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) from an ammunition demolition site. The results showed that the concentration of total organic carbon (TOC) in the soil was negatively correlated with EPFRs (r = -0.29). In contrast, the content of TNT and copper was significantly positively correlated with EPFRs (r = 0.90 and 0.78, respectively), indicating that TNT acts as a precursor macromolecule in the formation of EPFRs in this type of contaminated soil. Transition metal Cu may be an essential carrier in EPFR production. In order to explore the possible formation mechanism of EPFRs, a simulation experiment was carried out under different temperature and light conditions. The results showed that the photolysis process of TNT was impacted by external energy sources such as heat and light. TNT was firstly adsorbed onto the surface of a transition metal (Cu), and then EPFRs were formed through further electron transfer. This is the first study to detect significant levels of EPFRs in the soil at ammunition demolition sites.

Trinitrotoluene↗

PubMed2026

Diagnostic value of plasma cell-free DNA metagenomic next-generation sequencing in patients with suspected infections and exploration of clinical scenarios-a retrospective study from a single center.

BACKGROUND: Plasma cell-free DNA metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is a non-invasive comprehensive method for the etiological diagnosis of various infectious diseases. However, research on the early diagnosis and real-world clinical impact of plasma mNGS in patients with suspected infection are still limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study retrospectively included 140 patients with suspected infections who underwent early plasma mNGS and conventional culture testing. Referring to the clinical diagnosis of infectious diseases, the diagnostic performance of plasma mNGS and culture tests was compared, and the application scenarios and clinical effects of plasma mNGS were evaluated. RESULTS: The positive rate of plasma mNGS was significantly higher than that of culture methods (55.71% vs 25.10%, p < 0.001) and blood cultures (55.71% vs 12.86%, p < 0.001). Regarding clinical diagnosis, the sensitivity of plasma mNGS was significantly higher than that of culture (58.27% vs 37.80%, p = 0.002). The combination of mNGS and culture achieved a higher detection sensitivity (69.29%), especially in patients with multi-site co-infections (73.68%) and blood infections (73.17%). Plasma mNGS demonstrated higher sensitivity in patients with procalcitonin (PCT) index > 5 ng/ml or human neutrophil lipocalin (HNL) index > 200 ng/ml. In terms of treatment, a total of 69 patients (54.33%) benefited from plasma mNGS. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the significant improvement in pathogen detection performance by combining conventional culture with plasma mNGS detection, especially in patients with multi-site co-infections and blood infections. Early use of plasma mNGS as an adjunct to culture can better guide clinicians to initiate appropriate anti-infective therapy.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Deciphering S-nitrosylation-regulated metabolic networks in postmortem beef based on label-free modificomics: Identification of ferroptosis as a novel quality-related pathway.

This study elucidated the molecular mechanisms of S-nitrosylation on postmortem beef metabolism and quality based on the label-free modificomics. Varying degrees of S-nitrosylation were exogenously induced in beef semimembranosus (SM) muscle. Results indicated that a high S-nitrosylation level significantly increased beef pH and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) while reducing centrifugal loss (P < 0.05). A total of 828 S-nitrosylated proteins and 1458 modification sites were identified, of which 114 sites on 81 proteins (DSNPs) exhibited differential modification abundance, representing an increase of 125% compared with previous proteomics studies. DSNPs were mainly involved in glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, calcium signaling, cell structure, and ferroptosis. Notably, this study provides the first evidence in postmortem muscle that S-nitrosylation regulates key ferroptosis-related proteins, including ACSL, CP, and TF, offering new insights into the link between S-nitrosylation and the ferroptosis pathway in meat. Correlation analysis demonstrated that TF was significantly negatively correlated with pH and WBSF, but positively correlated with centrifugal loss (P < 0.05). Collectively, protein S-nitrosylation critically modulates postmortem beef quality through the coordinated regulation of multiple metabolic processes. More importantly, the identification of ferroptosis as a S-nitrosylation-sensitive pathway provides a new perspective for regulating meat quality through protein post-translational modifications.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Comparison of opioid-free versus opioid-based total intravenous anaesthesia in elderly patients undergoing short-duration surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Older adults who undergo short-duration surgery are vulnerable to opioid-related complications. It is uncertain whether an opioid-free total intravenous anaesthesia (OFA) can reduce these events. We aimed to determine whether OFA reduces the incidence of major postoperative adverse events compared with standard opioid-based total intravenous anaesthesia (OBA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This single-center randomized clinical trial was conducted in China. From May to August 2025, 400 patients aged ≥60 years undergoing elective, short-duration surgery (anticipated duration of less than 90 min) were randomized 1:1 to receive either OFA (n = 200) or OBA (n = 200). The primary outcome was a composite of postoperative hypoxemia, delirium, or nausea and vomiting (PONV) within 48 h. RESULTS: A total of 400 randomized patients (mean [SD] age, 69.5 [7.0] years; 125 [31.3%] women). The primary composite outcome occurred in 50 patients (25.0%) in the OFA group and 87 patients (43.5%) in the OBA group (adjusted odds ratio, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.62; p < .001). Among the OFA group had a lower incidence of hypoxemia (15.0% vs 32.0%) and PONV (8.0% vs 16.0%). Intraoperative hemodynamic stability was greater in the OFA group. However, the OFA group had a higher incidence of intraoperative bradycardia (10.0% vs 3.0%; p = .005) and longer extubation times (mean, 9.5 vs 7.2 min; p < .001). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that OFA is a viable alternative to opioid-based anesthesia for improving postoperative outcomes by reducing the incidence of hypoxemia and PONV in this population, while warranting careful management of its associated side effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2500102550.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of free-weight resistance training based on hexagonal barbell deadlift in older women: A 24-week randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This randomized controlled trial examined effects of a 24-week hexagonal barbell deadlift (HBDL)-based free-weight resistance training program on body composition, trunk muscle function, and functional performance in older women. METHODS: Thirty-two women (67.6 ± 6.3 years) were randomly assigned to an HBDL group (DG, n = 16) or control group (CG, n = 16). DG trained twice weekly for 24 weeks under supervision. Primary outcomes were body composition and isokinetic trunk peak torque and average power at 60°/s and 120°/s. Secondary outcomes were isokinetic knee function, mobility, and maximal isotonic strength. Between-group differences after the intervention were examined by analysis of covariance (α = 0.05). RESULTS: After intervention, DG showed greater trunk lean mass (+0.4 kg vs. -0.2 kg, p = 0.006) than CG, and reductions in body fat percentage (-1.4% vs. +0.3%, p = 0.003), total fat mass (-1.1 kg vs. +0.3 kg, p = 0.013), and regional fat mass (trunk, gluteal, thigh; all p < 0.05). Trunk extensor peak torque at 60°/s (+26.0% vs. -6.3%, p < 0.001) and average power at 60°/s (+38.1% vs. -7.6%, p < 0.001) and 120°/s (+33.2% vs. +0.1%, p = 0.002) improved significantly. DG also showed better eyes-closed static balance and 6-min walk performance (both p < 0.05). Whole-body lean mass and lower-limb isokinetic strength did not differ between groups. Attendance was 89.6% with no adverse events. CONCLUSION: HBDL-based free-weight resistance training is a safe, feasible, and effective strategy to improve body composition, trunk extensor function, and mobility in older women.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Early Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy With Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide Followed by Docetaxel Versus an Anthracycline-Free Regimen With Docetaxel, Cyclophosphamide-Results From a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remains an important side effect despite new antiemetic drugs. This study tried to understand the occurrence of CINV in patients receiving two different chemotherapy regimens. As part of the randomized controlled clinical trial SUCCESS C (NCT00847444), 1582 of the 3463 patients completed CINV diaries. Patients were randomized to receive either chemotherapy with FEC (5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel) or TC (docetaxel, cyclophosphamide). CINV was evaluated hourly using a specially designed questionnaire. Endpoints of the study were complete response (no emesis) and total control (no nausea and no emesis) and were assessed with Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analyses over three chemotherapy cycles. Eight hundred fourteen patients received FEC and 768 received TC; patients and tumor characteristics were similar in both groups. Patients receiving FEC had significantly more nausea and vomiting, with the main difference in the first 12 h. In the first cycle, the 0-12-h nausea/emesis-free rates were 70%/41% for FEC and 91/76% for TC. By 24 h after chemotherapy, the rates were 65%/33% (FEC) and 85%/60% (TC). The differences were similar in cycles 2 and 3. The detailed analysis of CINV in the study is unique and paves the way for modern CINV analysis of new therapeutics such as antibody-drug conjugates.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Mechanisms of high-humidity hot air impingement blanching (HHAIB) on microbial counts, functional properties, phenolic profile transformation, and volatile compounds in celery stalks (Apium graveolens L.).

In this study, celery stalks were pretreated with different durations (0-150 s) of high-humidity hot air impingement blanching (HHAIB), followed by far-infrared radiation assisted pulsed vacuum freeze-drying (FIR-PVFD) at 60, 65, and 70 °C. The effects of HHAIB on the physicochemical properties, composition and transformation of phenolic compounds, volatile components, and antioxidant capacity of FIR-PVFD-dried celery stalks were systematically investigated. The results showed that HHAIB not only effectively reduced the counts of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB) and total yeast and mold (TYM), but also decreased the relative activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and lipoxygenase (LOX) by more than 91% after 90 s of treatment. HHAIB altered the cellular structure of celery stalks, shortened the drying time by 29.33-41.43%, and improved their hydration properties. HHAIB pretreatment promoted the conversion of bound phenolics to free phenolics in celery stalks, with significant increases in the contents of p-coumaric acid, apigenin, graveobioside A, and other components. The total free phenolic content increased by 56.99%, thus HHAIB enhanced the antioxidant activity. An electronic nose and sensory evaluation revealed that HHAIB-pretreated celery stalks better retained the characteristic herbal and pungent notes. GC-MS results indicated that HHAIB treatment optimized the aroma profile by regulating the contents and composition of terpenes, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and aromatic compounds.

Apium↗

PubMed2026

Optimization of a niosomal formulation for Quercetin delivery: Comparative effects on growth performance, antioxidant and immune responses, and disease resistance against Streptococcus iniae in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Quercetin (QUR) is a flavonoid with antibacterial and antioxidant properties that has been studied for its effects on fish health and the immune system. Due to the low bioavailability of QUR, the present study was primarily aimed at developing a niosomal formulation of QUR to enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic properties. The performance of niosomal QUR was then compared with that of its free form by evaluating their effects on the growth and immune system of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. For this purpose, an optimal QUR-containing niosome was formulated by testing different proportions of cholesterol, surfactant, and stabilizer, and the niosomes were then added to the fish diet. A QUR-free diet and a diet containing QUR-free niosomes (QFN) were considered control groups. Niosomes prepared at low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values showed higher QUR entrapment efficiency (QUR-EE%) (P < 0.01). An increase in the molar ratio of cholesterol to surfactant significantly reduced QUR-EE% (P < 0.05). A surfactant/cholesterol/stabilizer ratio of 1:1:0.1 increased QUR-EE% (P < 0.05). The particle size of the niosomes was also affected by HLB and the surfactant/cholesterol/stabilizer ratio. Low HLB values resulted in smaller particle sizes (P < 0.01). Furthermore, a surfactant/cholesterol/stabilizer ratio of 1:1:0.1 resulted in the smallest niosomal particle size (P < 0.05). The presence of diacetyl phosphate as the stabilizer in the formulation improved the niosomal zeta potential to -40.55 mV. The optimal niosomal formulation (HLB = 6.6; surfactant/cholesterol/stabilizer ratio of 1:1:0.1) remained stable at 2 °C over 10 days of storage, as the niosomal QUR content and size did not show significant changes during this period (P > 0.01). After preparation of the diets containing the optimal niosomal QUR, fish were fed the experimental diets for two months. QUR, in both niosomal and free forms, resulted in better growth performance than the QUR-free diets (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in growth performance between the free and niosomal forms of QUR; however, 500 mg/kg QUR showed significantly better growth performance than 250 mg/kg QUR (P < 0.01). Although both the niosomal and free forms of QUR enhanced immune and antioxidant components in the fish, the effects of the niosomal form were more significant (P < 0.01). In addition, QUR in both free and niosomal forms reduced fish mortality after challenge with Streptococcus iniae. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the niosomal form of QUR has strong potential for improving the immune system of fish and increasing resistance to S. iniae infection.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Probiotic supplementation improves body composition, lipid profiles, and fatty acid metabolism in combat sports athletes during the weight reduction phase.

PURPOSE: Pre-competition weight control for combat sports athletes may alter body composition and fatty acid metabolism. Probiotics have shown potential to regulate overall metabolism; however, their specific effects on fatty acid metabolism during weight control in athletes remain unclear. METHODS: Thirty-two combat sports athletes participating in the 4-week weight reduction period were assigned to either the probiotic group (Group E) or the placebo group (Group C). Body composition, lipid profiles, and fatty acid metabolism were measured before and after the 4-week weight reduction phase. RESULTS: All the athletes experienced a decrease in body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and muscle mass following the 4-week weight loss intervention. Notably, a more significant reduction in body fat percentage (p < 0.05) was observed, along with lower levels of triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), specifically in Group E. Weight loss intervention resulted in increased levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), specifically acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid. Notably, Group E exhibited higher mean values for SCFAs compared to Group C (p < 0.05). Additionally, the serum levels of γ-linolenic acid and 8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid were significantly reduced in Group E (p < 0.05). In contrast, the majority of free fatty acids (FFAs) showed significant increases, with greater magnitudes of change observed in Group C (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Probiotic supplementation can improve body composition, enhance SCFAs levels, and decrease circulating FFAs in combat sports athletes, suggesting that probiotics may have a beneficial impact on pre-competition weight management. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: chiCTR2400079908 (Reg Date:2024-01-16).

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Tissue-derived extracellular matrix hydrogels instruct epigenetic adaptation in metastatic colonization.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a central role in regulating tumor progression and metastatic colonization by providing biochemical and mechanical signals that shape cancer cell fate. However, most organoid culture systems rely on basement membrane extracts that fail to reproduce the tissue-specific extracellular environments encountered during metastasis. Here, we develop tissue-derived decellularized matrix hydrogels to reconstruct organ-specific microenvironments and investigate epigenetic adaptation to ECM cues during metastatic colonization. Patient-derived colorectal cancer organoids cultured in colon-derived matrices exhibited enhanced maintenance of stem-like phenotypes and colon-specific chromatin accessibility landscapes compared with cultures grown in basement membrane extracts, demonstrating improved physiological relevance for primary tumor modeling. When exposed to matrices derived from secondary organs, the organoids showed distinct growth phenotypes accompanied by rapid, tissue-dependent chromatin accessibility remodeling, indicating that ECM composition alone can reshape regulatory programs governing metastatic adaptation. Notably, liver-derived matrices selectively activated hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4A)-associated transcriptional networks and created a context-specific dependence on c-MET signaling for survival. Functional perturbation of HNF4A or c-MET signaling confirmed that both are required for organoid formation specifically within the liver matrix environment. Together, these findings establish tissue-derived matrix hydrogels as instructive bioactive materials that actively regulate cancer cell epigenetic states and reveal microenvironment-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities during early metastatic colonization.

Journal Article↗