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Diversity and population connectivity of members of the family Eunicidae inhabiting deep-water corals in the North Atlantic.

Eunicid polychaetes are often found in association with Cold Water Corals (CWCs), even establishing symbiotic relationships, such as those described between Desmophyllum pertusum and Eunice norvegica. While genetic connectivity of CWCs across the North Atlantic has been widely studied, little is known about their associated fauna in this regard. Here, we present a study combining a focused analysis of the genetic and genomic connectivity of E. norvegica with a regional assessment of the distribution and evolutionary relationships of three CWC-associated eunicid species from the Cantabrian Sea and the North of the United Kingdom (190-1,230 m depth). An integrative approach using genetic (16S, COI and 18S), morphological and ecological data allowed the identification of the eunicids studied, with new records of Eunice cf. nicidioformis and Leodice cf. antarctica in the Cantabrian Sea, as well as previously undocumented associations with CWC species. In addition, RADseq data contributed to the delimitation of the closely related species E. norvegica and Eunice philocorallia. Moreover, the genetic connectivity of E. norvegica was studied trough a RADseq (1,067 neutral SNPs) approach. Our results indicate a single panmictic population across approximately 2,000 km, suggesting that oceanographic currents facilitate passive dispersal of E. norvegica lecithotrophic larvae, aided by coral host stepping-stones. The connectivity patterns observed for E. norvegica mirror those of D. pertusum, on which the worm is ecologically dependent. Our study highlights the importance of using integrated genetic, morphological and ecological data to characterise and delineate understudied CWC-associated species and improve our understanding of their dispersal capabilities and genetic connectivity to inform future conservation recommendations.

Animals

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the late positive potential and internalizing psychopathology.

The present study leveraged the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) framework to conduct a systematic meta-analysis to determine the association between the late positive potential (LPP) index of emotional reactivity and internalizing psychopathology. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Articles were identified through PubMed, APA PsycInfo, and Web of Science online platforms in May 2025. Included articles examined associations between the LPP to positive and/or negative stimuli and internalizing psychopathology. Risk of bias and publication bias were assessed. Results were examined for individual disorders, distress and fear subfactors, and the internalizing spectrum using two approaches: standard analyses that examined aggregate effects and hierarchical analyses that examined direct and indirect relationships. We conducted moderator analyses for sample, task design, LPP quantification, and psychopathology measurement. We included 63 studies across 5,360 participants (Mage = 19.65, SD = 11.1; 58.7% female). In standard meta-analyses, depression was associated with a smaller LPP to positive stimuli (r = -.06, 95% confidence interval [CI; -.12, -.003]). Specific phobia was associated with a larger LPP to negative stimuli (r = .21, 95% CI [.02, .37]). Distress was associated with a smaller LPP to both positive (r = -.12) and negative (r = -.11) stimuli when measured via clinical interview, and fear was associated with a larger LPP to negative stimuli (r = .10, 95% CI [.03, .16]). Hierarchical analyses indicated that the depression results were specific to the disorder, whereas the fear disorder-level results were due to the higher order fear subfactor. The LPP demonstrates discriminant relationships with distress and fear disorders and subfactors. Results were largely robust against methodological factors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Humans

Lipid metabolism in hepatopancreas and ovaries of the mud crab Scylla paramamosain during vitellogenesis.

Ovarian lipids are essential nutrients that fundamentally determine oocyte and offspring quality, and ultimately affect the reproductive performance of decapod crustaceans. Lipids accumulated in the ovaries during vitellogenesis are mainly derived from the hepatopancreas. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying lipid metabolism in the hepatopancreas and ovaries during vitellogenesis remain largely unclear. In this study, comparative transcriptomic and lipidomic analyses were conducted on the hepatopancreas and ovaries of the mud crab Scylla paramamosain. From early to late vitellogenic stages, 454 lipid species were significantly increased and 17 decreased in abundance in the hepatopancreas, and 609 increased and 23 decreased in abundance in the ovaries. Meanwhile, there were 1481 upregulated and 963 downregulated transcripts in the hepatopancreas, and 3402 upregulated and 1478 downregulated transcripts in the ovaries. Subsequently, KEGG pathway co-enrichment analysis showed that the de novo biosynthesis of glycerophospholipids and glycerolipids was enhanced in the hepatopancreas, with upregulated ALDH, GPAT, plsC, PLPP, FASN, and HSD17B8 transcripts and elevated abundances of PC, PE, PS, PA, PG, DG, and TG species from the early to late vitellogenic stages in mud crabs. In contrast, glycerophospholipid catabolism and conversion were activated in the ovaries, with upregulated PLA2G, LYPLA1, NTE, GPCPD1, PLD_1, PGS1, and CRLS transcripts and elevated abundances of LPC, LPE, LPS species. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of lipid metabolism during vitellogenesis in decapod crustaceans.

Animals

Comprehensive identification and evolutionary analysis of the Wnt gene family in bivalves: Insights into the larval development of the noble scallop Chlamys nobilis.

The Wnt gene family regulates fundamental developmental processes in metazoans, but its evolutionary composition and developmental deployment in bivalves remain largely unresolved. Here, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of Wnt genes in 19 bivalve species and examined developmental expression profiles in the noble scallop Chlamys nobilis, with Crassostrea gigas and Chlamys farreri used for cross-species comparison. A total of 235 Wnt genes were identified and assigned to 12 subfamilies. No reliable Wnt3 ortholog was detected in any analyzed bivalve, supporting the view that Wnt3 loss occurred early during lophotrochozoan evolution rather than representing a lineage-specific absence. Most Wnt proteins retained the conserved WNT domain, indicating strong structural conservation, whereas lineage-specific copy-number variation and gene loss were observed among species. C. farreri and C. gigas each retained 12 Wnt genes and lacked Wnt3, whereas C. nobilis lacked Wnt3, Wnt7, and Wnt16. Developmental transcriptome analysis and RT-qPCR revealed clear stage-specific expression patterns. In C. gigas, Wnt2/10/A were highly expressed during earlydevelopment and peaked around the D-shaped larval stage, while Wnt8 and Wnt11 showed distinct stage-specific peaks. By contrast, Wnt1/5/6/9 were more active during later larval development or juvenile formation. These results provide a comparative framework for bivalve Wnt evolution and identify candidate Wnt genes potentially involved in larval development and aquaculture-relevant developmental transitions.

Animals

Variability and ozone formation potential of ambient non-methane hydrocarbons in a tropical semi-arid atmosphere of northwest India.

We present first-time measurements of twenty-six ambient non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs; C2-C8), including isoprene (C5H8), at a semi-arid site in northwest India (Ajmer; 26.45°N, 74.64°E), during January 2022-December 2023. Ambient samples were analyzed using a thermal desorption gas chromatography system equipped with dual flame ionization detectors. Daily total NMHC levels ranged from 6 ppbV to >100 ppbV. Most NMHCs, except isoprene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m-xylene and o-xylene, exhibited the highest levels in winter and the lowest in the monsoon. In contrast, others were highest in the pre-monsoon and toluene was highest during monsoon. These variations reflect the combined influence of emissions, chemistry and meteorology. Toluene and o-xylene were the dominant NMHCs (25 %-67 %). Correlation analyses indicated major contributions from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and vehicular emissions, with additional influence from urban and oil and natural gas activities. Compared with other Indian sites, NMHCs levels at Ajmer were 2-5 times lower than Ahmedabad and Udaipur and 10 times lower than Delhi. The total ozone formation potential was highest in the monsoon (about 175 ppbV) and lowest in the post-monsoon (about 55 ppbV), with dominance of o-xylene (24 %-33 %) and toluene (8 %-37 %). Propylene-equivalent concentrations were highest in the pre-monsoon (30.23 ppb C) and lowest in the post-monsoon (7.28 ppb C). Similarly, OH reactivity was highest in the pre-monsoon (19.58 s⁻¹) and lowest in the post-monsoon (4.71 s⁻¹), dominated by benzene and toluene. These findings emphasize the importance of NMHC chemistry in a climatically sensitive region and highlight the need for their continuous monitoring.

India

Development and validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of twenty-five steroids in equine serum.

Steroids are potential biomarkers for monitoring equine pregnancy. However, immunoassays currently used for their quantification suffer from cross-reactivity and limited specificity, thus requiring more accurate methods. This study reports the development and validation of a robust liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous quantification of 25 steroids covering the main biosynthetic pathways of progestogens, corticosteroids, androgens, and estrogens. Steroids were extracted by protein precipitation followed by evaporation, derivatization, and reconstitution before LC-MS/MS analysis. A surrogate matrix was used for calibration and validation to avoid endogenous interference. Validation was performed according to and partly adapted from Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines (CLSI), including linearity, trueness, precision, limits of detection and quantification, measurement uncertainty, recovery, matrix effects, carryover, selectivity, and stability. Calibration curves were fitted using the best-performing weighted linear or quadratic regression model, yielding excellent linearity (R2&#xa0;>&#xa0;0.990), trueness between -9.0% and 2.3%, and intra- and inter-day precision <6.3%. Lower limits of quantification ranged from 2.07 to 2250&#xa0;pg/mL depending on physiological analytes concentration. Extraction recovery averaged 24.3-114.9%, matrix effects were acceptable, and accuracy ranged from 94.4% to 98.9%. No carryover or interferences were detected. Measurement uncertainty remained <15%. This study presents the first LC-MS/MS method partially validated per CLSI criteria for the quantification of 24 steroids in equine serum. The method offers a sensitive and specific alternative to immunoassays and provides a robust tool for equine steroid profiling with potential applications in pregnancy monitoring, placentitis diagnosis, and fetal sex determination.

Animals

Anti-inflammatory agents after hip and shoulder arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative inflammation after arthroplasty contributes to pain, delayed mobilization and prolonged hospitalization. Recent randomized trials have evaluated pharmacological anti-inflammatory strategies within contemporary enhanced recovery pathways, but evidence after hip and shoulder arthroplasty remains scattered across different drug classes and perioperative regimens. OBJECTIVES: To synthesize recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence on perioperative anti-inflammatory agents after hip and shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched for English-language RCTs published from January 2020 to March 2026. The 2020-2026 window was selected to update evidence generated under modern arthroplasty, anesthesia, multimodal analgesia and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways. Eligible trials included adults undergoing hip or shoulder arthroplasty and compared corticosteroids, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-based/local anti-inflammatory regimens, or related anti-inflammatory interventions with placebo, saline, no treatment, or the same regimen without the target component. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) were pooled using random-effects models. RESULTS: Nine RCTs involving 800 patients were included. Anti-inflammatory interventions significantly reduced postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) [WMD=-32.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-41.16, -23.21), P<0.001], interleukin-6 (IL-6) [WMD=-31.25, 95% CI (-41.79, -20.77), P<0.001], rest pain [WMD=-0.41, 95% CI (-0.58, -0.23), P<0.001], activity pain [WMD=-0.56, 95% CI (-0.83, -0.29), P<0.001] and hospital stay [WMD=-0.54, 95% CI (-0.92, -0.15), P=0.006]. CONCLUSION: Recent RCT evidence suggests that perioperative anti-inflammatory interventions can attenuate early inflammatory responses and improve short-term pain and recovery after hip and shoulder arthroplasty. Because data were limited and clinically heterogeneous, the findings should not be interpreted as evidence favoring a specific drug class, dose, route, or timing.

Humans

Enhancing Hemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis syndrome prevention: a single-tube multiplex real-time PCR assay for the comprehensive detection of four significant &#x3b1;0-thalassemia deletions (--SEA, --THAI, --CR, and --SA) found in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Hemoglobin (Hb) Bart's hydrops fetalis is a major public health concern in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand. Current screening strategies target the two most common &#x3b1;0 -thalassemia deletions (--SEA and --THAI). METHOD: In this study, we developed a single-tube multiplex real-time PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of four clinically relevant &#x3b1;0-thalassemia deletions (--SEA, --THAI, --CR, and --SA). The assay was validated using 538 clinical samples with diverse thalassemia genotypes and compared against conventional gap-PCR as the reference method. Analytical performance, including sensitivity, specificity, and limit of detection (LOD), was evaluated. In addition, clinical utility was assessed in 22 prenatal diagnosis cases at risk of Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis. RESULTS: The study cohort demonstrated substantial genetic heterogeneity, comprising 43 distinct genotypes. The developed assay achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity for all targeted deletions, with complete concordance with gap-PCR results. No cross-reactivity was observed with &#x3b1;+-thalassemia. The assay demonstrated a high analytical sensitivity with a LOD of 9.76&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;10-3&#x2009;ng per reaction. Whereas in prenatal diagnosis, all 22 fetal genotypes were accurately identified, including five cases of homozygous --SEA and one rare compound heterozygous --SEA/--CR fetus. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective multiplex real-time PCR assay capable of detecting both common and rare &#x3b1;0-thalassemia deletions in a single reaction. The assay demonstrates strong potential for implementation in routine clinical laboratories and large-scale population screening, contributing to improved prevention and control of severe thalassemia syndromes in high-prevalence regions.

Humans

Glucocorticoids and placental 11&#x3b2;HSD2 - A systematic review of human studies and animal models.

CONTEXT: Elevated prenatal glucocorticoid (GC) exposure is linked to adverse offspring outcomes. The placental enzyme 11&#x3b2;-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase-type-2 (11&#x3b2;HSD2) protects the fetus by converting maternal derived cortisol to inactive cortisone. Although in vitro studies suggest GC mediated upregulation of 11&#x3b2;HSD2, in vivo evidence remains inconclusive. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and PsycInfo were searched in October 2024 for human and mammalian animal studies on endogenous or exogenous GCs during pregnancy and associations with placental 11&#x3b2;HSD2 (mRNA, protein, activity, gene methylation). Narrative synthesis was conducted due to heterogeneity precluding meta-analysis. RESULTS: Eighteen studies (eight human, ten animal populations) met inclusion criteria. Exogenous GC exposure was associated with modifications in placental 11&#x3b2;HSD2 expression in animal models, with effects varying by substance, timing, and species. Dexamethasone trended towards increased expression in rodents, whereas betamethasone increased expression in non-human primates but not rodents. Human studies on endogenous GCs showed inconsistent associations with 11&#x3b2;HSD2 changes. In asthmatic pregnancies, moderate inhaled GC-use maintained enzyme activity compared to untreated patients. No convincing sex-specific trend emerged. CONCLUSIONS: GC exposure alters placental 11&#x3b2;HSD2 in a substance- and species-specific way; translational relevance remains limited based on current literature. Future studies should employ technological advances and include GC-sensitive biomarkers to clarify mechanisms of maternal-fetal stress transmission.

Female

Comparative analysis of genomic variations among different Cdo1 paralogs for salinity-adaptation in oysters.

Under rapid climate change and anthropogenic activities, oysters, a global aquaculture species, are subjected to exacerbated culturing environments, especially for those living in in-shore estuarine species, such as Suminoe oysters Crassostrea ariakensis. This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms of salinity adaptation of C. ariakensis. We performed an expression genome-wide association study (eGWAS) to compare genetic regulation among 5 paralogous copies of a key salinity-related gene, cysteine dioxygenase 1 (Cdo1). A total of 40 significant eSNPs with 82 adjacent eGenes were identified in 2 copies (Cdo1_26639 and Cdo1_1666). We identified only trans-eSNPs for Cdo1_26639 and more cis-eSNPs for Cdo1_1666, and different eGenes for these 2 Cdo1 copies, which indicated that the expressional regulation of these paralogs may undergo distinct pathways. We identified 3 eGenes that exhibited identical expression patterns with Cdo1_26639 and Cdo1_1666, including 6-Pgdh, Trapp and tandem copy of Cdo1_27337. The expression correlation between Cdo1 copies and eGenes was enhanced under salinity stresses, suggesting the crucial role of eGenes in regulating Cdo1's expression in response to salinity changes. Our results provide comprehensive identification and comparison of eSNPs across different paralogous copies of one gene, along with insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying salinity tolerance, and genetic markers for breeding salinity-resistant oysters.

Animals

Prevalence of Theileria luwenshuni in goats (Capra hircus) on Tarama Island, Okinawa, Japan.

Caprine theileriosis is an economically important tick-borne disease caused by various Theileria species, particularly Theileria lestoquardi, Theileria luwenshuni, and Theileria uilenbergi, in goats (Capra hircus). Goat farming plays an economically and culturally important role on Tarama Island, Okinawa, Japan. Because goats on the island are mainly managed under an extensive grazing system, tick infestation is common. However, Theileria infections have not previously been investigated in goats on Tarama Island. To address this, archived DNA samples prepared from blood collected from 44 goats on Tarama Island were screened using a universal PCR assay targeting 18S rRNA sequences of Theileria and Babesia species. Two DNA samples were positive, and sequencing analysis of the amplicons identified T. luwenshuni. To further investigate the epidemiology of T. luwenshuni on Tarama Island, blood samples were subsequently collected from 96 goats across 19 farms. From each blood sample, a thin blood smear was prepared and genomic DNA was extracted. Microscopic examination of Diff-Quik-stained smears detected intraerythrocytic Theileria-like organisms in 35 (36.5%) goats. In addition, screening of DNA samples using a newly developed T. luwenshuni-specific PCR assay detected 77 (80.2%) positive goats, and the subsequent sequencing analysis confirmed the PCR results. Given that T. luwenshuni can cause severe disease in small ruminants, our findings highlight the importance of managing T. luwenshuni infection in goats on Tarama Island.

Animals

Genome-wide characterization of the TGF-&#x3b2; superfamily identifies bmp15, gdf9, and gsdf as sex-biased candidate regulators of gonadal differentiation in the synchronous hermaphrodite Plectropomus leopardus.

The transforming growth factor-&#x3b2; (TGF-&#x3b2;) superfamily plays conserved roles in vertebrate reproduction and gonadal sex differentiation. However, its genomic repertoire and sex-biased expression patterns remain unclear in the leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus), a species with synchronous hermaphroditism. Here, we performed a genome-wide identification of the TGF-&#x3b2; superfamily, identifying 42 genes from the chromosome-level genome. Phylogenetic and synteny analyses indicated that segmental duplication under purifying selection contributed to family expansion. Expression profiling across multiple tissues and four gonadal developmental stages (undifferentiated, 120 dph; early differentiated, 15&#xa0;months; mature testis, 3&#xa0;years; mature ovary, 3&#xa0;years) identified eight gonad-enriched genes, among which bmp15 and gdf9 exhibited pronounced female-biased expression, with transcripts localized exclusively to the oocyte cytoplasm, particularly in stage II-III oocytes. In contrast, gsdf showed male-biased expression and was localized in spermatogenic cells of the testis. These reciprocal expression patterns indicate that bmp15/gdf9 and gsdf are candidate factors associated with gonadal sex differentiation. Our study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the TGF-&#x3b2; superfamily in P. leopardus and highlights bmp15, gdf9, and gsdf as candidate sex-differentiation factors in this hermaphroditic species.

Animals

Genome-guided stage- and tissue-resolved transcriptome analysis of Serrodes campana identifies sex-biased antennal expression and candidate chemosensory-related genes.

Serrodes campana is an erebid moth of ecological and forestry relevance; its larvae are mainly associated with the soapberry tree, Sapindus mukorossi, whereas adults exhibit fruit-piercing behavior. However, stage- and tissue-resolved transcriptomic resources for this species remain limited. Here, using a chromosome-level reference genome, we performed a genome-guided transcriptome analysis of S. campana based on 12 RNA-seq libraries representing major developmental stages and key adult tissues. Global transcriptomic analyses revealed pronounced transcriptional differentiation across developmental stages and tissue types. Tissue-enriched gene sets and functional enrichment analyses identified distinct molecular signatures associated with developmental, sensory, and pheromone-associated tissues. Comparative analysis of female and male antennae further revealed sex-biased expression of several candidate chemosensory-related genes. Among 153 curated chemosensory-related candidate genes, most odorant receptor genes showed strong antennal enrichment, whereas other major chemosensory gene families displayed broader but still tissue-preferential expression patterns. In addition, an exploratory comparison of female terminal abdominal gland tissue and male terminal abdominal coremata revealed divergent expression profiles and highlighted candidate genes potentially associated with pheromone-related physiology, reproduction, and tissue-specific signaling. Together, this study provides the first genome-guided stage- and tissue-resolved transcriptomic resource for S. campana and offers a useful foundation for future studies of chemosensory detection, sex-biased gene expression, and pheromone-associated biology in this species.

Animals

Metatranscriptomic analysis of viral sequences associated with Culex nigripalpus at an Alabama aquaculture site.

Mosquitoes associated with aquaculture habitats can harbor diverse viruses, yet the viromes of many locally abundant species remain poorly characterized. At an aquaculture-associated site in Auburn, Alabama, we surveyed mosquito populations and found Culex nigripalpus to be the dominant species collected. To characterize viruses associated with this mosquito, we performed RNA-seq on pooled female Cx. nigripalpus and compared complementary bioinformatic workflows for viral detection and genome recovery. One workflow removed host-associated reads by mapping to the closest available mosquito reference genome prior to assembly, whereas a second workflow used fully de novo assembly and viral database annotation. Additional protein-level filtering, cross-workflow comparison, and comparison of Trinity and rnaSPAdes assemblies were used to prioritize well-supported viral candidates. Across the original analyses, 16 submitted accessions corresponding to 12 collapsed virus/name groups were recovered, including Merida virus, Hubei mosquito virus 5, Zhejiang mosquito virus, Hubei virga-like virus 3, Rinkaby virus, Elemess virus, Qingnian mosquito virus, Serbia narna-like virus 2, XiangYun narna-levi-like virus 8, Ecclesville picorna-like virus, and baculovirus-like fragments. Several candidates were supported across multiple workflows, while others were recovered only under specific analytical conditions, indicating that candidate recovery was influenced by assembly and filtering choices. Selected viral contigs were independently supported by RT-PCR amplification. Overall, these results provide a first characterization of viral sequences associated with Cx. nigripalpus from an Alabama aquaculture-associated site and show that comparison across assembly and filtering strategies helped prioritize the most consistently supported viral candidates.

Animals

Comparative analyses of olfactory receptor repertoires in Schizothorax fish based on the chromosome-level genomes: Implications for regulatory roles of dietary differentiation and ploidy variation.

The olfactory receptor (OR) genes constitute the molecular basis of fish olfaction, mediating survival behaviors and environmental adaptation while coevolving with habitat-driven evolution. Schizothorax, a cyprinid genus endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, exhibits remarkable dietary divergence and ploidy variation in response to plateau environmental changes, which presumably facilitates the adaptive evolution of OR genes. However, the evolutionary patterns of OR genes associated with trophic divergence and ploidy variation in this genus remain unclear. In this study, three species were selected: the herbivorous diploid S. macropogon, the carnivorous diploid S. lantsangensis, and the herbivorous tetraploid S. curvilabiatus. S. macropogon possessed 142 OR genes (92.25% functional), primarily located on chromosomes 14 and 24, with the fewest sequence clusters. Such compact gene repertoire and highly overlapping chromosomal clusters indicated specialization for a herbivorous olfactory niche. S. lantsangensis contained 127 OR genes (93.70% functional), concentrated on chromosomes 4 and 5, with fewer sequence clusters and a scattered distribution, reflecting evolution of OR genes under carnivorous feeding habits. The herbivorous tetraploid S. curvilabiatus exhibited striking features: 316 OR genes (94.30% functional), the most subfamilies, unique &#x3b5; and &#x3ba; OR subfamilies, and species-specific motifs. These characteristics revealed that ploidy, rather than herbivory, dominated OR gene evolution. In conclusion, dietary differentiation and ploidy variation together drove olfactory adaptive evolution in Schizothorax, providing new insights into vertebrate OR gene ecological adaptation.

Animals

Metabolic and endocrine modulation of the gut-adipose tissue axis via pro-, pre-, and postbiotics in overweight dogs: A systematic review.

Canine obesity is a complex metabolic disorder driven by luminal dysbiosis, impaired gut barrier function, and metaflammation. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, this systematic review evaluated the efficacy of pro-, pre-, and postbiotics in modulating the gut-adipose tissue axis in overweight dogs (BCS &#x2265; 6/9) or diet-induced obesity models. Searches across PubMed and Dimensions (April 2026) identified seven eligible experimental trials. Results suggest that postbiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 reduced postprandial glucose AUC by 6 % strictly during energy restriction. Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila postbiotics limited diet-induced weight gain, though glucoregulatory impacts were highly strain-specific (AKK2 reduced fasting glucose and insulin resistance indexes, whereas EB-AMDK19 exerted no significant effect). Specific probiotics (including Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium breve) attenuated fasting hyperinsulinemia and preserved circulating adiponectin, but lipid profile improvements (triglycerides and total cholesterol) were inconsistent across trials. In dogs, increased luminal short-chain fatty acids are not consistently mirrored by endocrine responses, so the coupling between microbial metabolites and incretin signaling remains incomplete. A critical lack of standardized reporting for species-validated insulin sensitivity metrics was identified. In conclusion, microbiome-targeted therapies, particularly inanimate postbiotics, may represent useful adjunctive strategies to mitigate metabolic dysregulation in obesogenic environments. However, clinical efficacy remains strictly strain-specific and dependent on host energy balance. Given the scarcity of high-certainty evidence, future trials must integrate dynamic physiological assessments with species-validated surrogate indexes alongside standardized dietary controls.

Animals

Genome-wide identification, structural characterization, and evolutionary analysis of growth-related gene families in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus).

The somatotropic axis encompassing growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), myostatin (MSTN), and prolactin (PRL) signalling cascades is the master regulator of somatic growth, metabolism, and development in vertebrates. African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), a commercially pivotal aquaculture species, now possesses a chromosome-level reference genome (CGAR_prim_01v2); however, a systematic, genome-wide characterization spanning all five interconnected growth-related gene families has not previously been undertaken in this species. Here, we identified and characterized 15 growth-related genes spanning gh1, ghra, ghrb, Igf1, Igf2a, Igf2b, igf1ra, Igf1rb, Igf2r, Mstna, Mstnb, prl, prlra, prlrb, and smtlb distributed across 13 chromosomes. Complete one-to-one orthology with zebrafish confirmed strong dosage-balance conservation across >120 million years of teleost divergence. Physicochemical analysis resolved a clear biochemical dichotomy between compact, basic secreted ligands (19.88-45.81&#xa0;kDa; pI up to 10.02) and large, acidic, heavily glycosylated membrane receptors (56.82-270.80&#xa0;kDa; pI 4.85-5.97). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed 3R whole-genome duplication origins for all paralog pairs, while synteny analysis revealed a disruption of the ancestral gh1-prl chromosomal block in C. gariepinus, a finding that warrants further comparative and functional investigation. This genomic atlas provides the sequence and structural information including exon-intron boundaries, domain architecture, and chromosomal coordinates needed as a prerequisite for future marker-assisted selection and CRISPR-based myostatin-editing efforts in African catfish aquaculture, though translation into applied breeding outcomes will require subsequent functional and expression studies.

Animals

Enhancement of secondary organic aerosol formation from isoprene photooxidation by ammonia.

Ammonia (NH3) can participate in atmospheric secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation by reacting with organic acids and carbonyl compounds in particle phase, but its influence on the gas phase chemistry remains unclear. This study performed a series of smog chamber experiments to investigate the influence of NH3 on the formation of SOA from isoprene photooxidation by OH radicals. Both gas and particle phase products were measured with a series of state-of- art instruments including a nitrate ion chemical ionization mass spectrometer (nitrate-CIMS) and high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-TOF-AMS). Our results showed that in the presence of NH3 SOA in the chamber significantly increased, along with an enhanced oxidation of isoprene. CIMS analysis further showed that NH3 in the chamber homogeneously reacts not only with gas-phase organic acids but also with gaseous low volatility oxygenated organic molecules (OOMs) to generate extremely low volatility and ultralow volatility NH3-OOMs clusters. Quantum chemical calculation showed that NH3 can spontaneously interact with OOMs to form NH3-OOMs clusters by forming hydrogen bonds with RCOOH, R-OOH, and R-OH. These clusters can promote new particles formation and particle growth through nucleation and condensation, directly enhancing the isoprene SOA production with a contribution of 78% to the enhanced SOA. Moreover, the formation of NH3-OOMs clusters also results in more isoprene consumed by OH radicals, indirectly increasing the SOA production with a contribution of 22 % to the enhanced SOA. Our work for the first time clarified a synergetic effect of NH3 on isoprene SOA formation, which should be accounted for by models.

Aerosols