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PubMed2026

Impact of a thermal care bundle on peri-operative hypothermia, surgical site infection, and readmissions in osteosynthesis patients: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining normothermia throughout the peri-operative period prevents the occurrence of complications related to hypothermia. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a thermal care bundle with a short prewarming period on inadvertent peri-operative hypothermia (IPH), surgical site infection (SSI), and unplanned readmission among osteosynthesis patients, and to identify associated variables. DESIGN: Open-label, randomised controlled trial. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred and forty-eight patients who underwent osteosynthesis surgery. INTERVENTION: The intervention group received the thermal care bundle, which consisted in prewarming patients 10 min before anaesthesia delivery and maintaining body temperature with a forced air device during surgery and the immediate postoperative period; in addition, the operating room environmental temperature was kept at 21 °C, and fluids were warmed to 38 °C. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: For the primary objective, hypothermia was defined as core body temperature below 36 °C and measured using the 3M Spot On zero heat flux sensor. Core temperature was recorded upon admission to the pre-operative holding area and subsequently every 30 min until postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge. Secondary objectives were SSI and readmissions: a follow-up at 30 to 60 and 90 days was performed by the principal investigator. RESULTS: All 148 patients completed the study, and there were no significant differences between the groups at baseline. At the start of surgery, the incidence of hypothermia was significantly lower in the bundle group (1.3 vs. 9.9% among controls; odds ratio = 7.59, P  = 0.021). A significantly lower incidence of hypothermia was also observed at admission to the PACU (14.3% in the bundle group vs. 29.6% among controls; odds ratio = 2.07; P  = 0.024). Application of the bundle increased patients' core body temperature by 0.13 °C (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.003 to 0.254; P  = 0.045). Patients in the bundle group had a slightly lower observed incidence of wound infections requiring readmission (odds ratio = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.04 to 2.92), although this difference was not statistically significant ( P  = 0.332). CONCLUSIONS: The bundle reduces peri-operative hypothermia by up to 59%, but does not affect on SSI; factors like presurgery hospital stay, operating room and PACU occupancy were identified as risk factors for SSI. REGISTRATION: 21 July 2022: NCT05469958 (Clinical Trials.gov), first recruitment 15 August 2022.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Integrative modeling of the genome structure and dynamics in fission yeast.

Genome organization in the nucleus is highly structured and dynamic. Recent advances in genomic technology have enabled the measurement of genome-wide architecture and locus-specific motion, yielding contact maps and live-cell trajectories. However, these outcomes are derived from different modalities and are not directly comparable, with their quantitative integration being a key challenge. Here we establish a genome-wide live-cell imaging platform in fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, tracking 131 chromosomal loci, along with the spindle pole body (SPB) and nucleolus, to construct a quantitative map of locus dynamics. By integrating these dynamics with contact data through polymer modeling of Hi-C data, we build a physics-based "digital twin" of the S. pombe genome consistent with the spatiotemporal dynamics of interphase chromatin. We validate it against genome-wide mobility patterns and known architectural features, including centromere and telomere clustering. The model also identifies distinct dynamical regimes: centromere- and telomere-proximal loci relax within [Formula: see text]150 s, whereas the remaining loci relax within [Formula: see text]70 s. We measure semiperiodic dynamics of SPB motion, including a characteristic peak near 225 s and [Formula: see text] fluctuations. We use the model with SPB-directed forcing to show how these low-frequency components propagate through the genome to drive genome-wide chromatin displacements. Together, this predictive physics-based modeling framework integrates genome structure and dynamics to reveal how nuclear mechanical driving forces shape chromosome motion, linking mechanically driven chromatin responses to genome maintenance and regulation.

Schizosaccharomyces↗

PubMed2026

From premature adrenarche to adult metabolic risk and hyperandrogenism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Idiopathic premature adrenarche (IPA) has been associated with a higher risk of metabolic and reproductive dysfunction, but long-term/adult outcomes remain incompletely known. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between IPA and metabolic syndrome, as well as polycystic ovarian syndrome, in premenarcheal adolescent and adult women. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies reporting outcomes in females with IPA after menarche. Databases were searched through February 2025. Primary outcomes included body mass index (BMI), insulin resistance markers, and clinical and biochemical markers of hyperandrogenism. Data were pooled using random-effects models. The GRADE approach was applied to assess the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies comprising 635 females with IPA and 307 age-matched controls were included. Compared to controls, IPA individuals showed significantly higher BMI (mean difference: 1.4; CI: 1.0-1.9), fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, indicating persistent insulin resistance. Markers of hyperandrogenism, including Ferriman-Gallwey score, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and Free androgenic index, were also elevated. Secondary analyses revealed higher triglycerides, lower high-density lipoprotein, increased leptin, and greater carotid intima-media thickness, supporting an early pattern of cardiometabolic risk. GRADE assessment rated most outcomes as low certainty. CONCLUSION: Women with a history of IPA are at increased risk of long-term insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism, with early signs of adverse cardiometabolic profiles. These findings support the need for long-term monitoring in this population.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Phase 3 Trial of Oral Infigratinib in Children with Achondroplasia.

BACKGROUND: Achondroplasia is a genetic skeletal condition caused by FGFR3 pathogenic variants. Infigratinib, an oral FGFR1-3 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, down-regulates key pathways in the pathogenesis of achondroplasia. METHODS: In this phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned children with achondroplasia (3 to 17 years of age) in a 2:1 ratio to receive infigratinib (at a dose of 0.25 mg per kilogram of body weight) or placebo once daily for 52 weeks. The primary end point was the change from baseline in the annualized height velocity in the infigratinib group as compared with the placebo group at week 52. Key secondary end points were the change from baseline in the height z score and in the upper-to-lower body segment ratio at week 52. The primary analysis evaluated the treatment effect at week 52 in the full analysis population, with missing data handled with a prespecified imputation approach. RESULTS: In all, 114 patients underwent randomization: 75 patients to receive infigratinib (with 1 withdrawal before treatment) and 39 patients to receive placebo. The difference between infigratinib and placebo in the least-squares mean change from baseline to week 52 was 1.74 cm per year (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31 to 2.17; P<0.001) for the annualized height velocity, 0.32 (96% CI, 0.23 to 0.41; P<0.001) for the height z score, and -0.02 (96% CI, -0.06 to 0.01) for the upper-to-lower body segment ratio. Adverse events occurred in 71 of 74 patients (96%) in the infigratinib group and in 37 of 39 patients (95%) in the placebo group; serious adverse events occurred in 4 of 74 patients (5%) and 1 of 39 patients (3%), respectively. No serious adverse events or adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation were considered by the investigator to be related to infigratinib or placebo. CONCLUSIONS: In children with achondroplasia, treatment with once-daily oral infigratinib for 52 weeks resulted in a significantly greater increase from baseline in the annualized height velocity than placebo. (Funded by BridgeBio Pharma; PROPEL 3 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT06164951; EudraCT number, 2023-506130-67.).

Adolescent↗

PubMed2026

Structural and tissue-specific organisation of endocrine Fgf19 and Fgf21 signalling in rainbow trout.

Endocrine fibroblast growth factors (FGF19 subfamily) play a key role in regulating metabolic homeostasis in vertebrates. However, their functional diversification in salmonids remains poorly understood. In this study, we conducted an integrative characterisation of Fgf19 and Fgf21 signalling in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) by combining phylogenetic, structural and expression analyses. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the conservation of single fgf19 and fgf21 genes, despite the extensive expansion of receptors post-Ss4R (salmonid-specific fourth-round whole genome duplication). Structural modelling and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated the stable interactions of both ligands to multiple Fgfr isoforms, with receptor-specific energetic profiles and conserved core interaction residues. Tissue expression profiling revealed clear differences from mammalian models, such as predominant hepatic fgf19 expression and the absence of hepatic fgf21 under basal conditions. In addition, there were complex and tissue-dependent distributions of fgfr and klotho transcripts. These findings support a receptor-driven diversification model of endocrine Fgf signalling in salmonids, suggesting enhanced endocrine plasticity associated with the retention of receptors following post-genomic duplication. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the structural and regulatory organisation of endocrine Fgf signalling, as well as its potential role in metabolic regulation in rainbow trout.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Pharmacogenomics of antipsychotic-induced weight gain: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG) is a major clinical concern, affecting approximately 30% of patients. Clinical predictors explain only part of AIWG risk. Genetic and molecular variations are hypothesized to contribute to susceptibility. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent results to identify replicated and novel findings. STUDY DESIGN: Applying PRISMA guidelines, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO (May 2018-May 2026) for studies on genetic and molecular associations with AIWG, extending our prior review. Reviews, editorials, and conference abstracts were excluded. We extracted study characteristics (design, diagnosis, antipsychotic exposure, sample size, ancestry, genetic variants, and AIWG outcomes) (e.g., ≥7% weight gain, BMI change). RESULTS: Fifty-three studies met inclusion criteria. In candidate gene studies, the most consistently replicated genes associated with AIWG were observed for DRD2, HTR2C, and MC4R. Multiple novel associations were identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) (e.g., MAP2K1, ZDBF2, PEPD), polygenic risk scores (PRS) (e.g., body mass index PRS), gene expression (e.g., CYP3A4, EP300), and epigenetic analyses (e.g., cg12034943 at CRTC1). CONCLUSIONS: Polymorphisms in candidate genes related to neurotransmission and appetite regulation continue to be investigated for associations with AIWG, while novel findings have emerged from GWAS, gene expression, and epigenetic studies. Evidence remains inconsistent due to limited replication, methodological variability, sparse ancestry data, and geographical underrepresentation. No single genetic variant is ready for clinical use, and multi-omic and multi-ancestry models are needed to improve prediction and clinical utility.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of Family-Based Intervention for Childhood Obesity on Parental and Offspring Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Childhood obesity is a global public health issue with strong familial and intergenerational transmission. However, existing syntheses often overlook the active role of parents and fail to assess outcomes beyond the child. This systematic review and meta-analysis specifically investigate the effects of family-based interventions, which position parents as active co-agents of change, on health outcomes for both children with obesity and their parents. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Six databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) targeting children with obesity and at least one family member. Primary outcomes were children's BMI z-score and parental BMI; secondary outcomes included other adiposity measures and dietary behaviors. Outcomes for both children and parents were synthesized. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on intervention characteristics. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2, and evidence certainty was evaluated using GRADE. RESULTS: Twenty RCTs with 1740 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The interventions demonstrated a significant reduction in children's BMI z-score. Additional benefits were observed for long-term BMI z-score and percentage of total body fat. The most effective interventions commonly integrate health education, behavioral strategies, and motivational support. Subgroup analyses indicated that interventions positioning parents as active co-participants, rather than mere supporters, yielded larger effects. However, no significant effects were found on parental BMI. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that family-based interventions can confer significant benefits for children with obesity. Their success hinges on strategically framing parents as active co-agents and integrating motivational strategies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

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↗

PubMed2026

The Efficacy of Pharmacotherapy Intervention on Anthropometric Outcomes in Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumors: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Many survivors of childhood brain tumors face long-term adverse health outcomes like obesity. Uncertainties surround the effect of interventions to manage obesity-related outcomes in survivors of childhood brain tumors. The goal of this updated systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide the best estimate of the treatment efficacy of pharmacotherapy intervention on anthropometric outcomes in this pediatric population. METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ProQuest for articles published from January 1, 2015, to January 31, 2025. A meta-analysis was performed using the generic inverse-variance method in RevMan 5.4. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q test and the I2 statistic. We used the GRADE approach to determine the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: A total of six studies met the inclusion criteria: four newly identified studies published after January 1, 2015 (125 participants), and two from the previously published review (23 participants). The pooled estimate showed no significant change in body mass index z-score after intervention (mean difference = -0.02; 95% CI: -0.06 to 0.02, I2 = 0%; 4 studies, 94 participants; low certainty of evidence). Similar pooled effects were observed across other outcomes; however, individual studies reported significant changes in some outcomes within the treatment groups after the intervention. CONCLUSION: Pharmacological agents showed no significant change in anthropometric outcomes for survivors of childhood brain tumors. Further trials are needed to assess the efficacy of pharmacological agents and to identify subgroups most likely to benefit.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

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

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) 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-β 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 months; mature testis, 3 years; mature ovary, 3 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-β superfamily in P. leopardus and highlights bmp15, gdf9, and gsdf as candidate sex-differentiation factors in this hermaphroditic species.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Non-linear predictive modeling and comprehensive meta-analysis of rectal temperature in Santa Inês sheep: a systematic review of thermal challenges and biometerological trends.

A systematic and bibliometric review, combined with a meta-analysis, was used to adjust an equation for estimating the physiological responses of Santa Inês sheep subjected to different thermal challenges. The systematic review compiled data on physiological responses and the thermal environment, which were then used in the meta-analysis to adjust regression models. The bibliometric analysis mapped the relationships among studies, highlighting their usefulness in interpreting research findings and biases. Addressing prior methodological critiques, the core of this study involves replacing the linear approach with a non-linear segmented regression model to accurately define the Thermal Neutral Zone (TNZ). The Segmented Regression Model was crucial, establishing the upper limit of the Thermal Neutral Zone (TNZ) at an air temperature (tair) of 34.64 °C, where trectal begins to increase abruptly. The model, while identifying a biologically significant breakpoint, exhibited a moderate Multiple R-squared of 0.3529, highlighting the high heterogeneity and methodological variability in the current Santa Inês literature. This non-linear approach offers a biologically superior tool for identifying the onset of thermal distress.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Risk factors for loss of skeletal muscle mass in patients with chronic kidney disease on a low-protein diet.

OBJECTIVES: A low-protein diet (LPD) is recommended for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to prevent a further decline in renal function. However, its impact on muscle mass in these patients remains unclear. This study investigated the risk factors for loss of muscle mass in patients with CKD on an LPD. METHODS: Eighty-four patients with predialysis CKD (59 men, mean age 61.9 ± 11.5 y) who participated in a multicenter randomized controlled trial initiated in 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. We collected data on baseline blood and urine tests, body composition, and dietary records at the start and end of the observation period. We evaluated muscle mass using the skeletal muscle index (SMI) and analyzed risk factors for a decrease in SMI during the 24-wk observation period, using logistic regression analysis. Variables with an association (P < 0.1) in univariate analysis, as well as age, sex, use of low-protein rice, and changes in protein intake, were subjected to multivariate analysis. RESULTS: SMI decreased in 50 patients (59.5%) during the observation period. Multivariate analysis identified significant associations of the SMI with serum albumin at baseline (odds ratio 0.11, 95% confidence interval 0.02-0.52, P = 0.004) and changes in energy intake while on the LPD (odds ratio 3.39, 95% confidence interval 1.00-11.43, P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for reduced SMI in patients with CKD on an LPD were malnutrition when initiating the LPD and reduced energy intake during its implementation. Clinicians should optimize nutritional status before initiation of an LPD and ensure adequate energy intake throughout treatment.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effect of Local Anesthetic Solution at Different Temperatures for Epidural Labor Analgesia on Intrapartum Fever: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Whether heating local anesthetic solutions to core body temperature (37°C) for epidural labor analgesia reduces intrapartum fever incidence remains undefined in the current literature. METHODS: This double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) enrolled 220 nulliparous parturients (18-35 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] physical status II, term singleton pregnancy). Participants were randomized to receive epidural labor analgesia with 0.075% ropivacaine + 0.5 µg/mL sufentanil at 37°C (warmed group) or 22°C (room-temperature group). Epidurals were placed at L3-L4 with a test dose of 3 mL of 1.5% lidocaine at room temperature, followed by programmed bolus epidural analgesia (initial 10 mL, 10 mL/h) and patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) 5 mL (30-minute lockout). Tympanic temperature was measured every 30 minutes from epidural initiation to delivery, defining intrapartum fever as ≥38°C. The primary outcome was fever incidence, on which the power analysis was based, and also maximum temperature and shivering. Secondary outcomes comprised analgesia onset, block level, labor durations, neonatal Apgar scores, umbilical cord blood pH and BE, and maternal adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 220 parturients were included (warmed group, n = 110; room-temperature group, n = 110). The warmed group had a lower intrapartum fever incidence (15.5% [17/110] vs 30.9% [34/110], relative risk [RR] 0.5 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.298-0.840]; P = .007); however, the reduction of 49.8% did not reach the preset clinically meaningful difference of 60% reduction proposed in the power analysis. The maximum body temperature was also lower in the warmed group: median (interquartile range [IQR]) 37.4 (IQR, 37.2-37.7) °C vs 37.6 (IQR, 37.3-38.0) °C, median difference -0.2 (95% CI, -0.3 to -0.1) °C ( P = .006). Shivering incidence was not different between groups (10.9% [12/110] vs 14.5% [16/110]; P = .418). No statistically significant differences were observed between groups in any of the secondary outcomes assessed, including block characteristics, local anesthetic consumption, labor duration, neonatal outcomes, and maternal adverse events. CONCLUSION: Although we found a 50% reduction in the incidence of temperature rise using warmed (37°C) local anesthetics for epidural labor analgesia, this did not reach our preset threshold of 60% reduction.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Predictors of Efficacy Maintenance After Vunakizumab Discontinuation in Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Efficacy cannot be maintained in some psoriasis patients after biological discontinuation. This study aimed to explore predictors of efficacy maintenance after vunakizumab discontinuation in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. METHODS: This post hoc analysis used data from a phase III trial (NCT04839016); 291 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who achieved 100% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score at Week 52 were enrolled. Efficacy maintenance was defined as patients who maintained PASI 90 or PASI 100 after 20 weeks of vunakizumab discontinuation. RESULTS: There were 44.7% and 72.5% of patients with PASI 100 and PASI 90 maintenance, respectively. In the multivariate logistic regression model, body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio [OR] = 0.922, p = 0.024) and treatment interruption (OR = 0.550, p = 0.020) were independently associated with a lower possibility of PASI 100 maintenance; however, the association of family history of psoriasis and the first time of PASI 100 achievement with PASI 100 maintenance did not achieve statistical significance. Duration of psoriasis (OR = 0.972, p = 0.049) and treatment interruption (OR = 0.257, p < 0.001) were independently associated with a lower possibility of PASI 90 maintenance. Two nomograms for predicting PASI 90 and PASI 100 maintenance were constructed based on the multivariate models, which disclosed good calibration performance. CONCLUSIONS: PASI 90 and PASI 100 maintenance rates are 72.5% and 44.7% after 20 weeks of vunakizumab discontinuation in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. BMI, treatment interruption, and duration of psoriasis predict a lower possibility of efficacy maintenance after vunakizumab discontinuation.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The gonadal matrisome and its correlation with sex change in the ricefield eel Monopterus albus.

The matrisome is a comprehensive list of genes in the genome of an organism, which encodes proteins constituting or interacting with the extracellular matrix (ECM). The gonadal ECM is important for folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis. This study characterized the composition of the matrisome and the expression of matrisome genes in the gonad of ricefield eel, a protogynous sex-changing teleost, during sex change. A total of 838 matrisome genes were identified in the genome of ricefield eel through an in-silico orthology-based approach, of which 482, 443, 429, and 570 matrisome genes were shown to be expressed in the gonads of female (F), early intersexual (EI), mid-intersexual (MI), and late intersexual (LI) fish, respectively. Differentially expressed matrisome genes (DEMGs) were observed across all the sexual stages as well as in each category of ECM components. Analysis of DEMGs in the comparison between EI and F revealed dramatic upregulation of adam8a, mmp9, and s100a11 while downregulation of col4a5, col15a1b, clec3ba, f13a1, and ccl44, which were further confirmed by qPCR analysis. Together, these findings revealed significant changes in the expression of many matrisome genes, particularly three regulator genes, adam8a, mmp9 and f13a1, as female ricefield eels initiate sex change, suggesting that gonadal tissues undergo dramatic remodeling involving the regression of ovarian tissues and the development of testicular tissues to facilitate this process. These data provide valuable resources for further unraveling the roles of matrisome genes in gonadal development of ricefield eel and other vertebrates.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

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 ε and κ 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↗

PubMed2026

Identification and functional characterization of a novel antiviral chicken interferon-υ.

Interferons are critical mediators of antiviral immunity in vertebrates. While type IV interferon (IFN-υ) has been identified in fish and amphibians, its existence and function in chickens remained unknown. Through systematic genomic screening, we identified and cloned a novel chicken interferon gene, designated ChIFN-υ. Phylogenetic analysis placed ChIFN-υ within a distinct clade alongside zebrafish and clawed frog IFN-υ, confirming its identity as a type IV interferon, with minimal homology to classical type I, II, or III IFNs. Expression profiling revealed constitutive ChIFN-υ expression in mucosal and immune tissues of healthy chickens, exhibiting a distinct developmental shift: highest in trachea and small intestine in 1-day-old chicks, shifting to spleen and lung in 4-week-old chickens. ChIFN-υ expression was strongly upregulated following H9N2 AIV infection. Functionally, recombinant ChIFN-υ protein activated the interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) and Mx promoter in a dose-dependent manner and significantly inhibited the replication of both vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and H9N2 AIV in DF-1 cells. In vivo, early treatment with exogenous ChIFN-υ significantly reduced pulmonary and tracheal viral loads and decreased oropharyngeal and cloacal virus shedding in H9N2-infected chickens. In conclusion, this study identifies and functionally characterizes the type IV interferon in chickens, elucidating the evolutionary status, regulated expression, and antiviral efficacy of ChIFN-υ. These findings highlight its potential as a candidate for developing interferon-based therapies against avian viral diseases.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Multimodal Therapy With Metformin, Inositol and Dietary Restriction Improves Insulin Resistance and Endocrine Outcomes in Women With Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a common endocrine-metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism and ovulatory dysfunction. Metformin, inositol supplementation and lifestyle modification are widely used treatments, but direct comparative evidence remains limited. Multimodal therapy combining metformin, inositol and dietary restriction produces greater metabolic and reproductive improvement than single-modality interventions. METHODS: We conducted a 12-week randomized controlled trial in 192 women aged 18-35 years diagnosed with PMOS according to Rotterdam criteria. Participants were allocated to metformin (1500-2000 mg/day), inositol (myo-inositol 2 g plus d-chiro-inositol 50 mg twice daily), calorie-restricted diet (1200-1500 kcal/day), or combination therapy. Primary outcomes included changes in body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance assessed by HOMA-IR. Secondary outcomes included testosterone, LH/FSH ratio and menstrual regularity. Analysis was performed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with post-intervention values as dependent variables and corresponding baseline values as covariates. Categorical outcomes were compared using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: All interventions improved metabolic and endocrine parameters. Combination therapy resulted in the greatest reduction in HOMA-IR (- 2.64, 95% CI - 2.82 to -2.46, p < 0.001) and BMI (- 2.8 kg/m2, 95% CI - 3.05 to -2.55, p < 0.001). Menstrual cyclicity improved across all groups, with the highest proportion of participants reporting cycle regularisation in the combination therapy group (85.4%), compared with dietary restriction (72.9%), inositol (64.6%), and metformin (39.6%) (p < 0.001). Given the short follow-up duration, these findings reflect early improvements rather than sustained normalisation. CONCLUSION: Multimodal therapy was associated with superior metabolic and reproductive outcomes compared with single-modality interventions in women with PMOS. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials. gov (NCT07380841).

Humans↗