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Occupationally relevant vibrations and the brain: frequency-dependent proteomics signatures in a rat model.

INTRODUCTION: Occupational exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV), particularly in agricultural environments, has been associated with adverse cognitive and physiological effects. This study examined the neurophysiological impact of WBV in a rat model at 4 Hz and 30 Hz, frequencies representative of off-road and on-road vehicle operation. METHODOLOGY: Forty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to control (0 Hz), low-frequency (4 Hz), or high-frequency (30 Hz) vibration conditions. After three days of exposure, brain tissues were collected and analyzed using mass spectrometry-based proteomics to identify differentially expressed proteins. RESULTS: Proteomic profiling revealed distinct, frequency-dependent alterations in brain protein expression. Compared with controls, 32 cognition-related proteins were differentially regulated at 4 Hz and 29 at 30 Hz, with 13 differing between the two vibration conditions. Principal component analysis showed clear separation among groups, indicating unique proteomic signatures for each exposure frequency. Functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction analyses demonstrated involvement of synaptic plasticity, cytoskeletal organization, calcium regulation, and neurotransmitter release. Exposure to 4 Hz was associated with the upregulation of proteins involved in calcium homeostasis and synaptic integrity, suggesting potential disruption of cognitive processes. In contrast, 30 Hz increased the expression of proteins related to axonal guidance and neuroprotection, indicating a less clearly adverse response that may reflect adaptive or potentially beneficial effects. DISCUSSION: These findings provide new insight into biological mechanisms underlying WBV-induced cognitive changes and underscore the importance of vibration frequency in shaping neurophysiological outcomes. They also establish a foundation for future studies integrating proteomics with behavioural assessments in animals and humans.

Animals

Novel environmental contaminant 6PPD-quinone promotes malignant phenotypes in colorectal cancer cells and identifies candidate response-associated genes.

6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ), an oxidative transformation product of the widely used tire antioxidant 6PPD, is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant with bioaccumulation potential and widespread human exposure. Recent epidemiological evidence indicates a positive association between urinary 6PPDQ levels and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk; however, its biological effects on CRC-related phenotypes and associated molecular responses remain unclear. We integrated bioinformatics analysis, prognostic modeling, molecular docking and dynamics simulations, and in vitro experiments to investigate cellular and molecular responses to 6PPDQ in CRC models. Predicted 6PPDQ targets were intersected with CRC prognosis-related genes from The Cancer Genome Atlas, followed by functional enrichment and LASSO regression to construct a prognostic risk model, with 1-, 3-, and 5-year AUC values of 0.727, 0.754, and 0.778, respectively. Molecular docking and 100-ns molecular dynamics simulations suggested interactions between 6PPDQ and candidate proteins, including CPT2, SHC2, SRMS, and STK35. Functional assays showed that 6PPDQ exposure altered proliferation, wound-closure capacity, and invasion in Caco-2 and HCT116 cells across the nanomolar concentration range, with non-monotonic and cell-line-dependent responses. In contrast, NCM460 cells showed no increase in EdU incorporation at 10 or 100 nM, whereas reduced proliferation at higher concentrations was accompanied by increased LDH release. 6PPDQ also altered the expression of several prognosis-associated candidate genes. These findings identify cellular phenotypes and candidate molecular responses associated with 6PPDQ exposure under the tested in vitro conditions, but do not establish their causal roles or in vivo relevance. Further mechanistic and in vivo studies are required.

Humans

Auditory brainstem response in the identification of cochlear synaptopathy in aged rodents: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic performance of auditory brainstem response (ABR) for identifying age-related cochlear synaptopathies in rodents. METHOD: Following PRISMA guidelines, searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, SciELO, LILACS, and gray literature. Studies evaluating CS in naturally aged rodents using short-latency auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) were included. Study selection, data extraction, risk-of-bias (JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies), and certainty of the evidence (GRADE® system) assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model, with standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. ABR wave I amplitudes were analyzed for click (80 and 90 dB SPL) and tone-burst stimuli stratified by frequency. RESULTS: Among 3,008 identified records, 12 studies were included in the review and five in the meta-analysis. All included studies used ABR measures to investigate CS, with wave I amplitude being the most frequently evaluated biomarker. Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in ABR wave I amplitude in aged rodents compared with young controls for both click- and tone-burst-evoked responses. Tone-burst ABR showed no significant differences among the evaluated frequencies. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of studies and the methodological heterogeneity, which may have reduced statistical power and comparability. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence supports ABR wave I amplitude as a sensitive electrophysiological marker of age-related CS in rodents. Nevertheless, further studies with standardized protocols are needed to strengthen its diagnostic utility and improve comparability across studies.

Animals

Multi-Omics Genome-Wide to Explore the Formation and Development Targets for Intracranial Aneurysms.

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) represent a significant and potentially life-threatening category of disease, and there is currently a lack of effective treatment options aimed at preventing the progression of the disease. Accordingly, this study is dedicated to exploring and identifying effective drug targets that can help in the prevention of both the formation and rupture of IAs, along with a detailed examination of the underlying potential mechanisms involved in these processes. The data related to IAs for this research was obtained from the ISGC Biobank and UK Biobank. Then, we investigated the possible biological functions and unintended consequences of targeting the specific genes that were highlighted in IAs by using mediation analysis, virtual knockout experiments, and PW-MR studies. A total of 5 unique potential drug targets for IAs (FKTN, MAP3K1, PSMA4, SLC22A4, ADAM17), 4 unique potential drug targets for SAH (PSMA4, ADAM17, GPR160, SLC22A4), and 2 unique potential drug targets for UIA (SLC22A4, PRCP) were identified across brain or blood samples. Among the various candidates identified, SLC22A4 has emerged as a promising potential drug target, showing significant expression levels in both blood and brain tissues. Additionally, phenome-wide MR of SLC22A4 across 32 selected phenotypes did not identify statistically significant adverse associations after FDR correction. Virtual knockout (KO) experiments on SLC22A4 revealed that SLC22A4 KO disrupted 81 genes, all of which are involved in IAs-related pathways. Besides, we recognized BRD-K85337334 as potential candidates for targeting SLC22A4. This research indicates that an increase in SLC22A4 gene expression within the blood or brain is directly linked to a heightened risk of IAs rupture, which will aid in prioritizing the development of drugs for IAs.

Humans

Transcriptomic insights into the coordinated regulation of signaling, apoptosis, immunity, and metabolism during Sinonovacula constricta larval metamorphosis.

Metamorphosis is a critical ontogenetic transition for marine bivalves, marking the shift from planktonic to benthic lifestyles, where successful transformation dictates survival. The razor clam Sinonovacula constricta is economically important; however, low larval metamorphosis rates remain a major bottleneck in seedling production. To elucidate the mechanisms governing this process, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis of S. constricta larvae at pre- and post-metamorphosis stages using Illumina sequencing. A total of 3701 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 3254 up-regulated and 447 down-regulated genes. Functional annotation of the respective top 20 significantly up-regulated and down-regulated DEGs indicated their potential pivotal roles in signal transduction (e.g., up-regulated: CAV1, CHRNA2; down-regulated: APP, NOTCH1), cellular proliferation and differentiation (e.g., up-regulated: TUBA, EGF1; down-regulated: KIF23, TTC25), transcriptional and epigenetic regulation (e.g., up-regulated: NFIL3; down-regulated: OVO, HMX1), substance transport (e.g., up-regulated: LRP2, LRP1B; down-regulated: SLC51A, Slc33a1), substance metabolism (e.g., up-regulated: CPK3, CYP26A1; down-regulated: RDMT1, ADAC), immunomodulation (e.g., up-regulated: CPN2, CRISP2), and protein homeostasis (e.g., up-regulated: HSP27, NAS-27). Functional enrichment analysis further revealed that DEGs were significantly enriched in pathways related to signal transduction and developmental regulation (e.g., Ras, TNF), cell death and homeostasis (e.g., apoptosis), immune responses (e.g., Toll-like receptor), energy metabolism (e.g., lipid), cardiovascular related (e.g., Fluid shear stress), cell junction and architecture (e.g., Tight junction), and infectious disease (e.g., measles). These results suggest a synergistic interplay between signaling, apoptosis, immunity, and metabolism during S. constricta metamorphosis. This study advances our understanding of marine bivalve metamorphosis and offers candidate genes for further mechanistic studies.

Animals

Adjuvant apatinib therapy following concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with high-risk nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A multicenter, prospective phase 2 study.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) combined with apatinib in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC). METHODS: This multicenter, prospective, phase II study enrolled patients with newly histologically confirmed LA-NPC, who were randomly assigned to receive CCRT followed by adjuvant apatinib (investigational arm) or CCRT alone (control arm). The investigational arm received 250 mg/day of oral apatinib administered every 28 days for up to six cycles after CCRT. The primary endpoint was 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and secondary endpoints of overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) of 3-year, and safety. RESULTS: From July 2018 to September 2020, 44 and 44 patients were randomized into the CCRT-alone and CCRT and apatinib groups, respectively. The median follow-up duration 56 (range: 40.0-58.6) months. The survival outcomes were the 3-year PFS, OS, and DMFS rates in the adjuvant apatinib following CCRT group were significantly higher than those observed in the CCRT-alone group((PFS, 78.6%vs. 54.5%, p = 0.027; OS, 88.1% vs. 75.0%, p = 0.029; DMFS, 85.4%vs. 59.1%, p = 0.009). The 3-year LRFS was similar between the groups. The grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events(TRAEs) were higher in the former group than in the latter. The most common grade 3-4 non-hematology-related adverse events were hypertension (14.3%), hand-foot syndrome (9.5%), increased transaminase levels (7.1%), and headache (7.1%). CONCLUSION: Apatinib significantly improved the treatment effects of CCRT for high-risk LA-NPC patients. Therefore, CCRT and adjuvant apatinib may represent a promising option for this patient population.

Adjuvant therapy

CoLchicine for Treatment of OsteoArthritis of the Knee (CLOAK): Clinical and biochemical outcomes from a three-month double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) causes pain and progressive disability, but pharmacologic treatments are limited. Colchicine inhibits inflammation that might modulate KOA, but efficacy trials have yielded mixed results. We tested whether colchicine, without concurrent NSAIDs, improved KOA pain, function, synovial effusion size, and OA-associated inflammatory serum biomarkers. METHODS: Participants with symptomatic KOA and radiographic Kellgren-Lawrence grades 2/3 were randomized to receive three months of daily colchicine or placebo in a double-blind manner, with no concurrent NSAID use. The primary outcome was between-group change in visual analog score (VAS) for index knee pain. Secondary outcomes included changes in Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS), size (depth in millimeters) of sonographically-identified effusions, acetaminophen use, and changes in OA-related serum biomarkers. RESULTS: From baseline to end of study of 120 enrolled participants, no significant differences were observed in improvement of VAS pain, KOOS scores or effusion size. Subsets of participants with more severe VAS pain, worse radiographic disease, or higher hsCRP or serum urate levels at baseline also showed no significant clinical benefit from colchicine compared to placebo. In contrast to the clinical outcomes, colchicine treatment was associated with significant or trending improvement in multiple OA-related serum biomarkers including hsCRP and &#x3b2;-NGF (p < 0.05) and PGE2, IL-1ra, IL-8, and VEGF (p < 0.16). CONCLUSION: This double-blind placebo-controlled trial of colchicine for KOA failed to demonstrate improvement in pain, function, or synovial effusion size in comparison to placebo at three months. Early improvement in OA-associated inflammatory biomarkers suggests a possible longer-term clinical benefit. Clinical Trials Registration No NCT03913442.

Humans

Smart crutch tipsTM real-time feedback improves adherence to partial weight-bearing protocols following lower extremity fracture surgery: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of Smart Crutch Tips&#x2122; in promoting adherence to prescribed early partial weight-bearing (PWB) protocols and to assess patient experience with real-time weight-bearing feedback during home rehabilitation. METHODS: Twenty patients with lower extremity fractures prescribed partial weight-bearing (PWB) were randomized into two groups utilizing real-time feedback crutch tips (RFC). The Intervention group (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;10) used Smart Crutch Tips&#x2122; (ComeBack Mobility Inc., Kiev, Ukraine), which provided real-time feedback on weight-bearing compliance. The Control group (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;10) also used crutches equipped with Smart Crutch Tips&#x2122;, but notifications were disabled, allowing passive data collection without patient feedback. Weight-bearing compliance was defined as the percentage of steps within &#xb1;&#x2009;10% of the prescribed target. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction and device usability assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS) throughout the home rehabilitation period. RESULTS: The Intervention group demonstrated significantly greater PWB compliance compared with the Control group (73.6% vs. 21.1%, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01). The Intervention group reported a mean SUS score of 84.25, indicating excellent usability. No device-related complications or adverse events were observed. Patient satisfaction, assessed through video interviews, was high, with participants in the Intervention group expressing a strong willingness to recommend the device to others with similar injuries and rating it 10 out of 10. CONCLUSION: Smart Crutch Tips&#x2122; significantly improved adherence to prescribed partial weight-bearing protocols following lower extremity fracture surgery. The RFC device demonstrated high usability, excellent patient satisfaction, and no device-related complications during home rehabilitation throughout the study period.

Humans

Studies on functional differentiation of xpr1a and xpr1b genes in zebrafish.

Xenotropic and polytropic retrovirus receptor 1 (XPR1) is known to be involved in various biological processes, including phosphate homeostasis, cellular signaling, brain and vascular mineralization, whereas its specific contribution to bone development remains incompletely characterized. Due to genome duplication in teleosts, zebrafish Danio rerio possess two paralogous genes of XPR1 namely xpr1a and xpr1b, whose functional divergence remains unclear. The amino acid sequence similarity between zebrafish xpr1a and xpr1b was 83.26%. In situ hybridization demonstrated overlapping localization in the head and spinal cord at 24-48 hpf, while diverged by 72 hpf, with xpr1a becoming restricted to the head while xpr1b persisted in both regions. CRISPR/Cas9 was used to generate xpr1a and xpr1b mutants. The xpr1a mutants are comparatively healthy, viable but with mild growth reduction, whereas the xpr1b mutants display high mortality, reduced body length and severe vertebral deformities. Interestingly, all the double mutants died at the embryonic stage. Moreover, to further investigate the molecular and regulatory mechanisms, we conducted comparative transcriptome analysis on bone and brain tissues from xpr1b+/+ and xpr1b-/- zebrafish. In bone tissue, 6749 DEGs were identified, comprising 3846 upregulated and 2903 downregulated genes. These DEGs were mainly enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, cysteine and methionine metabolism, and ECM-receptor interaction. RT-qPCR validated results showed that seven osteogenesis-related genes (col1a1a, sp7, runx2b, col1a2, col1a1b, alp1 and entpd5), and two phosphate homeostasis related genes (slc20a2 and pdgfba), which are essential for skeletal mineralization and phosphate homeostasis, exhibited significantly downregulated expression in bone tissue of xpr1b mutant zebrafish. These results highlight the pivotal role of xpr1b in regulating skeletal mineralization and phosphate metabolism, thereby elucidating the functional specialization of XPR1 paralogs while providing a theoretical basis for understanding bone developmental mechanism in teleost vertebrates.

Animals

Mealtime satisfaction in public nursing homes: Associations with sensory, foodservice, and dining-room environment factors.

Satisfaction with meals is commonly used to assess how meals are experienced in nursing homes (NH), although limited evidence compares breakfast, lunch, and dinner within a unified analytical framework. This study examined the sensory and contextual factors associated with satisfaction across meals in public NH. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using structured interviews with 290 residents aged &#x2265;60 years (median 85 years; Q1-Q3: 81-88; 63.1% women) from 19 facilities in Galicia, Spain. Overall satisfaction and 12 factors related to sensory attributes of the food, foodservice characteristics, and dining-room environment were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive analyses used medians and quartiles, and group comparisons were performed using nonparametric tests. Three multivariable linear regression models, one per meal, were estimated including all factors simultaneously. In adjusted models, the largest standardized coefficients were observed for taste (lunch: &#x3b2;&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.366; P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), food temperature at serving (dinner: &#x3b2;&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.319; P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), and menu variety (breakfast: &#x3b2;&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.301; P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001). Taste, food temperature at serving, menu variety, and meal schedule showed statistically significant coefficients in all models. Overall satisfaction was lower at dinner (29.0%&#xa0;&#x2265;&#xa0;4) than at breakfast (34.8%) and lunch (34.5%) (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.003). Selected dining-room environment factors showed significant coefficients in meal-specific models. Mealtime satisfaction was mainly associated with sensory and contextual factors related to how meals are perceived. Lower satisfaction at dinner suggests this mealtime as a relevant context for understanding variations in meal perception in NH residents.

Humans

Immunogenicity and safety of prophylactic HPV vaccines in people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major global public health concern, causing genital warts and cancers of the cervix, anus, oropharynx, vulva, and penis. People living with HIV (PLWH) face a disproportionately elevated burden of HPV infection and HPV-related malignancies due to chronic immunosuppression. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis searching six databases from January 2006 to June 2026 without language restrictions. Twenty-five studies were included in the systematic review; 12 independent studies (N&#x2009;=&#x2009;1,493 for HPV16) were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. Using a DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model with logit transformation, pooled seroconversion rates were: HPV16 97.8% (95% CI: 94.9-99.1%; I2&#x2009;=&#x2009;89.6%; 15 datasets), HPV18 94.2% (95% CI: 86.1-97.7%; I2&#x2009;=&#x2009;95.8%; 13 datasets), HPV6 97.0% (95% CI: 93.7-98.6%; I2&#x2009;=&#x2009;66.1%; 10 studies), and HPV11 97.1% (95% CI: 90.5-99.1%; I2&#x2009;=&#x2009;95.5%; 10 studies). CD4 count was the most consistently reported modifier of immunogenic response: HPV16 seroconversion was 98.5% in PLWH with CD4&#x2009;>&#x2009;350 cells/&#x3bc;L vs. 71.1% in those with CD4&#x2009;&#x2264;&#x2009;200 cells/&#x3bc;L (ACTG A5240). All three vaccine generations demonstrated high immunogenicity. Two doses of the nonavalent vaccine were non-inferior to three doses in virologically suppressed women (Papillon RCT). No vaccine-related serious adverse events were reported. GRADE certainty of evidence was moderate for HPV16, HPV6, and HPV11, and low for HPV18. Prophylactic HPV vaccination achieves high seroconversion rates across all vaccine generations in PLWH. CD4 count significantly modifies vaccine response, underscoring the importance of vaccination before severe immunosuppression develops. These findings support current international recommendations advocating HPV vaccination for all PLWH.

Humans

Physiological and molecular responses of coelomocytes to low- to mid-frequency acoustic exposure in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius.

Underwater noise is a widespread environmental pollutant in marine ecosystems, yet the effects of low- to mid-frequency acoustic exposure on immune physiology and molecular responses in echinoderms remain unclear. In this study, the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius was exposed to continuous pure-tone acoustic stimulation at 80, 125, 250, 500, 750, and 1000&#xa0;Hz for 3&#xa0;h. Results showed that acoustic exposure significantly affected redox homeostasis, energy metabolism, and immune function in S. intermedius coelomocytes: the antioxidant system and glutathione redox balance were altered, as indicated by increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, elevated reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and a higher GSH/GSSG ratio; glycolysis-related enzyme activities were enhanced, with increased pyruvate kinase (PK) activity under 125-500&#xa0;Hz exposure and elevated hexokinase (HK) activity at 250&#xa0;Hz; and immune function was impaired, as shown by increased coelomocyte mortality, reduced phagocytic activity, and inhibited acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities, whereas respiratory burst activity showed no significant change. Among all treatments, 250&#xa0;Hz induced the most pronounced physiological responses. Transcriptomic analysis of coelomocytes from the 250&#xa0;Hz group identified 663 differentially expressed genes, including 537 upregulated and 126 downregulated genes, mainly enriched in pathways related to apoptosis, phagosome, lysosome, glutathione metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism. These findings indicate that low- to mid-frequency acoustic exposure can act as a physiological and molecular stressor to S. intermedius coelomocytes by affecting redox homeostasis, enhancing energy metabolism, and suppressing immune effector processes, with 250&#xa0;Hz showing the strongest effect under the present exposure conditions. This study provides experimental evidence for evaluating the potential biological effects of low- to mid-frequency acoustic exposure on benthic echinoderms.

Animals

Safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors as a bridge to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in classical Hodgkin lymphoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the treatment landscape for relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL); however, a substantial subset of patients ultimately requires allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) to achieve long-lasting disease control. The use of ICIs as a bridge to allo-HCT has therefore gained increasing clinical interest, though concerns persist regarding post-transplant complications and incompletely-defined safety profiles. Accordingly, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate outcomes of ICIs administered prior to allo-HCT in cHL. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across online databases through January 2026. Eligible studies included observational designs reporting survival and transplant-related outcomes in cHL patients treated with ICIs followed by allo-HCT. Pooled proportions for overall survival, progression-free survival, non-relapse mortality, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) incidence were calculated using a random-effects model. Seven studies comprising 739 patients were included. Post-transplant survival outcomes were favorable, with high pooled estimates across timepoints. Transplant-related mortality remained low, with NRM rates consistently within an acceptable range through long-term follow-up. Acute GVHD was observed at a meaningful frequency, including a smaller subset of severe cases, while chronic GVHD occurred in approximately one-quarter of patients at follow-up. Overall, these findings suggest that ICI therapy prior to allo-HCT in cHL is associated with encouraging survival and disease control and does not appear to confer excessive non-relapse mortality, supporting its use as a feasible and effective bridging strategy, while underscoring the need for future prospective studies to clarify optimal timing, risk mitigation strategies, and patient selection.

Humans

Pre-transport dietary chitosan improves the physiological robustness of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) by modulating antioxidant and inflammatory responses.

The acute stress caused by long-distance transport can lead to oxidative damage, immune dysfunction, and health deterioration in fish. This study evaluated dietary chitosan as a pre-transport nutritional strategy for juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Five experimental diets contained chitosan at 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, or 10.0&#x202f;g/kg, designated as p0, p25, p50, p75, and p100, respectively, for 56&#x202f;d. The effects of dietary chitosan were evaluated using growth performance, feed utilization, digestive function, antioxidant capacity, nonspecific immunity, and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Then, fish from the p0 and p50 groups underwent a 12-h transport stress test, with samples collected before, during, and 7&#x202f;d after transport. Dietary chitosan improved most of these parameters. Among the treatment groups, p50 and p75 showed the best overall performance. The dose-response analysis further indicated that the appropriate dietary inclusion range was 5.0-7.5&#x202f;g/kg. Under transport stress, fish in the p50 group exhibited more stable antioxidant enzyme responses and lower lipid peroxidation, as indicated by reduced MDA levels. Consistent with these enzyme responses, antioxidant-related genes remained relatively stable. At the same time, expression patterns related to the Nrf2-Keap1 and NF-&#x3ba;B signaling pathways suggested that 5.0&#x202f;g/kg chitosan alleviated transport-induced oxidative damage and inflammation. Dietary chitosan also attenuated pro-inflammatory gene induction and altered the temporal expression patterns of anti-inflammatory genes. Overall, 5.0-7.5&#x202f;g/kg dietary chitosan is suitable for juvenile largemouth bass, and 5.0&#x202f;g/kg may serve as an effective pre-transport dietary inclusion level.

Animals

Acceptability of alcohol-based hand rub during neonatal care in rural Ugandan households: a qualitative study nested within the BabyGel trial.

BACKGROUND: Poor access to water, sanitation and hygiene exacerbates the spread of infections among newborns. The BabyGel cluster randomised trial assessed the effectiveness of a community-level alcohol-based hand rub with a training component in reducing infection or death rates among newborns in Uganda. OBJECTIVE: Nested in the BabyGel trial, this study investigated the acceptability of the BabyGel intervention among mothers and household members in Eastern Uganda, using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. METHODS: In 2022, we conducted individual semistructured interviews with mothers, and group interviews with mothers and other household members, all recruited from intervention-arm clusters. Thematic analysis combined inductive and deductive coding, structured by the framework's seven constructs: affective attitude, burden, ethicality, intervention coherence, opportunity costs, perceived effectiveness and self-efficacy. RESULTS: Twenty mothers and 14&#xa0;household members participated in 10 individual and 10 small group interviews. Participants found the intervention generally acceptable, appreciating its convenience and perceived protection against infection. Many described hand hygiene changes that persisted beyond the intervention period. However, concerns related to its harmful effects, spiritual beliefs and social tensions with visitors occasionally influenced its use. CONCLUSION: Alcohol-based hand rub combined with a training component was generally well accepted, driven by perceived health and practical benefits, although concerns related to safety, belief systems and social dynamics remained. Because data collection coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, a period of heightened hygiene awareness, the acceptability observed could differ in nonpandemic periods. Culturally adapted education, community engagement and reinforcement of correct use may enhance acceptability and sustainability in similar settings.

Humans

Development, feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of NutriSOS&#xae;: A behavioral mobile app to promote sustainable diets.

The primary objective of this study was to describe the development of the NutriSOS&#xae; app and to evaluate its feasibility and acceptability for its use in the NutriSOS&#xae; Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to promote sustainable diets. A secondary objective was to explore preliminary changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors and environmental impact following app use. The NutriSOS&#xae; app integrates personalized dietary advice, educational content, self-monitoring, and social interaction features. A single-arm, pre-post pilot study was conducted in 37 young Mexican adults over four weeks. Feasibility, acceptability, quality, and usability were assessed using online surveys, alongside exploratory changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors, environmental indicators, and their association with perceived behavioral determinants. Feasibility and acceptability were high overall, with favorable responses reaching up to 100% in key components such as the nutritional guide and learning modules, and above 90% for messaging, registration, and design. Greater variability was observed in some sections, particularly the 24-h recall (41-86%). Reductions in red and processed meat and ultra-processed food consumption were observed (from 3 to 1 times/week, p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.01), with &#x223c;60% decreases in their related environmental footprints (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.01) and favorable self-reported behavioral determinants (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.0001). Physical activity type and intensity changed (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). These findings support NutriSOS&#xae; as a feasible and acceptable tool, while highlighting areas for refinement, particularly those related to the time and effort required for data entry, prior to its implementation in the NutriSOS&#xae; RCT, in which its effectiveness will be formally evaluated.

Humans

Photobiomodulation as an Adjunct to Resistance Training in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been proposed as an adjunct to resistance training to enhance strength adaptations; however, findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remain inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate whether adjunctive PBM improves maximal strength gains when combined with periodized resistance training in older adults. METHODS: RCTs were identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PEDro, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and CNKI from inception to January 2026. Eligible studies examined PBM delivered via low-level laser therapy or light-emitting diodes in combination with resistance training or other strength-oriented loading tasks. Prespecified meta-analyses were restricted to trials combining PBM with periodized resistance training that reported one-repetition maximum (1RM) outcomes; other studies were included in a narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Eleven RCTs (n = 456) were included. Five trials (PBM plus resistance training: n = 74; control: n = 72) met the criteria for meta-analysis. PBM combined with resistance training did not significantly improve maximal muscle strength compared with sham PBM (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.59; p = 0.14; I2 = 4%). Subgroup analyses showed a nonsignificant trend favoring PBM for unilateral 1RM, with no effect for bilateral outcomes and no significant subgroup differences. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the unilateral effect was dependent on individual studies. In nonresistance training contexts, some studies reported potential benefits for fatigue-, recovery-, or function-related outcomes, particularly in frail or critically ill older adults, although findings were inconsistent. CONCLUSION: Current evidence does not demonstrate a clear additional benefit of PBM on maximal strength when combined with resistance training in older adults, although a small effect cannot be excluded. PBM may have selective value in improving recovery-related outcomes and supporting training tolerance in vulnerable populations. Larger, well-designed RCTs are needed to clarify its role.

Humans

Effects of acute inflammatory challenge on anhedonia and social reward processing: A randomized controlled trial of endotoxin.

Anhedonia is a core feature of depression that reflects reward system dysfunction. Acute inflammatory challenge has been shown to induce transient anhedonia and reward processing deficits, but its effects on distinct components of social reward processes remain poorly understood. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated anhedonia and social reward responsivity following acute inflammatory challenge. Low-dose endotoxin (0.8&#x202f;ng/kg body weight; n&#x202f;=&#x202f;18) or placebo (same volume of 0.9% saline; n&#x202f;=&#x202f;22) was administered to female adults (ages 25-44). Anhedonia (Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Questionnaire) and blood samples for cytokine assessment were collected pre-infusion and 2 and 4&#x202f;h post-infusion. Social reward motivation (wanting to engage in a social task) was assessed at a baseline eligibility visit and 2&#x202f;h post-infusion. Sensitivity to positive social cues (attentional bias toward and recognition of happy faces) was assessed pre-infusion and 2&#x202f;h post-infusion. Results showed that endotoxin increased anhedonic symptoms (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;.005) and decreased social motivation by 2&#x202f;h post-infusion (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;.001); within the endotoxin condition, changes in both outcomes were associated with increases in TNF-&#x3b1; (p's&#x202f;<&#x202f;.04). A significant condition-by-time interaction for happy-face recognition (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;.011) was driven by increased accuracy in the placebo (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;.04) but not endotoxin (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;.43) condition. Endotoxin administration did not affect attentional bias toward happy faces. Findings suggest that acute inflammatory challenge induces anhedonia and reduces social motivation, with more limited effects on sensitivity to positive social cues, highlighting specific reward-related pathways through which immune activation may contribute to inflammation-associated depression. Future work could examine whether immune-related changes in social motivation contribute to motivational deficits in depression.

Humans