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PubMed2026

Comparison of posterior cellular bonegraft options for single-level lumbar spinal fusion: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Iliac bone autograft (IBG) is osteoinductive/osteogenic/osteoconductive but requires an additional harvesting procedure with known morbidities. Bone morphogenic protein (BMP) is osteoinductive and effective in obtaining fusion but is used off label for posterior fusion, has multiple side effects, and is expensive. Stem cell bone products, both auto- and allograft are attractive osteoinductive alternatives that avoid morbidity related to the graft donor site and may have a better safety profile than BMP. Morcelized allograft bone is osteoconductive but not osteoinductive or osteogenic. PURPOSE: Evaluate and compare the effectiveness of 6 types of viable or osteoinductive bone graft material in obtaining a solid posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for single level anterior/posterior lumbar spinal fusion. The bone grafts were IBG, BMP, autogenous stem cells (MSC) from concentrated bone marrow aspirate (BMA), allograft MSC from bone marrow, adipose tissue, or amniotic fluid, combined with inert cancellous allograft (Allo). STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Prospective, single-blinded randomized study of 6 cohorts and inert historical control. PATIENT SAMPLE: Elective anterior-posterior lumbar spinal fusion of 175 patients. OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessments included pre and postoperative back and leg pain (VAS) scores, pain drawing, disability (ODI) scores, pain medication usage, and 1-year postoperative thin-cut CT scans (read by blinded radiologists). METHODS: Patients who were surgical candidates for a 1-level anterior/posterior lumbar fusion were randomized to 1 of 6 types of posterior bone graft alternatives: IBG, BMP, BMA, allograft MSC derived from bone marrow combined with morcelized Allo (cAlloBone), adipose derived MSC combined with morcelized Allo (cAlloFat), or amnion derived MSC combined with morcelized Allo (cAlloAm). Historical Allo patients served as a negative control group. Each group (n 27) had prospective outcomes and were followed for a minimum of 2 years. Fusion rate and outcomes were compared and referenced to Allo group. RESULTS: All but 5 patients had a solid ASF. The posterior fusion rates were 98% for IBG, 94% for BMP, 85% for BMA, 67% for cAlloBone, 64% for cAlloFat, 62% for cAlloAm, and 50% for Allo. Outcomes were significantly improved for all measures for all groups and there was no difference between groups except cAlloFat had slightly greater improvement in back pain in the 7-12 month follow-up period. BMP was the most expensive graft material; cellular allografts had a high-cost relative to fusion rate. CONCLUSIONS: For single level ASF/PSF, the PSF fusion rate was significantly greater for IBG and BMP followed by BMA. Various allograft MSC bone graft options resulted in lower fusion rates but may be greater than Allo. Outcomes were uniformly improved regardless of the type of graft used or the fusion status of the posterior fusion as long as the interbody fusion was solid. If bone graft cost savings is a consideration for PSF, then IBG has the greatest radiographic value, and Allo the greatest clinical value as long as the anterior interbody fusion is solid.

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

A conserved distal-tail helical extension defines a tailspike attachment architecture in Gram-negative siphophages.

Rapid growth of bacteriophage genome collections has outpaced functional annotation of tail-tip proteins, limiting comparative analysis of host-recognition structures. Starting from a shared distal-tail gene organization in the Salmonella phages 9NA and Jersey, I developed a morphogenetic bioinformatic framework integrating gene synteny, sequence comparison, profile hidden Markov model (HMM) screening, structural evidence, structure-aware searching, and AlphaFold modeling. Comparison with the experimentally characterized lambda and Sf11 tail assemblies identified a predominantly alpha-helical C-terminal extension of the distal-tail (DT) protein associated with tailspike attachment, termed the distal-tail helical extension (DT-helix). Screening 541,986 proteins from 5167 complete NCBI RefSeq tailed-phage genomes, followed by evidence-based evaluation of sequence, genomic context, and structural architecture, identified 165 curated DT-helical-extension-associated phages. Their DT proteins segregated into six sequence groups. In the four principal multi-member groups, cognate tailspikes showed group-specific conservation in proximal N-terminal regions but substantially greater downstream diversity, consistent with sequence constraint at the DT-tailspike attachment boundary. A complementary ProstT5/Foldseek search supported the established groups but revealed no convincing additional highly divergent family. Together with the experimentally characterized Sf11 attachment interface, these findings define a recurrent morphogenetic architecture linking conserved distal-tail scaffolds to more variable receptor-binding proteins across siphophages infecting Gram-negative bacteria. Although universal exchangeability is not established, the identified scaffold-receptor-binding boundaries provide a framework for molecular characterization and rational phage engineering. Accession-level information for the 165 curated phages is available through PhageTailDB.

Viral Tail Proteins↗

PubMed2026

The HOXA gene cluster: a critical regulator in bone-related disorders.

BACKGROUND: Skeletal homeostasis relies on the dynamic balance between bone formation and bone resorption. The disruption of this balance acts as the central pathological mechanism of multiple metabolic bone diseases including osteoporosis, and is closely correlated with the progression of various other bone-related disorders. As pivotal transcription factors regulating embryonic development and cell fate, the homeobox A (HOXA) gene family plays an essential role in skeletal physiological and pathological processes. METHODS: This review systematically summarizes recent research advances of the HOXA gene family in bone-related diseases, concludes the evolutionarily conserved regulatory patterns of HOXA members, and clarifies the molecular mechanisms by which HOXA genes mediate bone metabolic disorders and the occurrence as well as development of bone diseases. RESULTS: Accumulating evidence demonstrates that HOXA family members present complex functions and strong heterogeneity in bone-related diseases. They participate in the pathogenesis of bone diseases via three evolutionarily conserved regulatory manners: determining regional patterning, modulating signaling pathways, and integrating epigenetic and non-coding RNA (ncRNA) regulatory networks. CONCLUSION: Further exploring the underlying mechanisms of the HOXA family in bone-related diseases provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of bone disorders. Meanwhile, it also supplies solid theoretical basis and potential therapeutic targets for the development of novel HOXA-targeted therapeutic strategies against bone diseases.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Seventeen-year follow-up of hypophosphatasia diagnosed in middle-aged siblings harboring a novel intronic and a rare missense ALPL gene mutation.

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is the rare inborn-error-of-metabolism that features impaired mineralization of the skeleton and teeth due to a deactivating mutation or mutations of the gene ALPL which encodes the tissue-nonspecific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP). We report 17-year follow-up of twin sisters and a brother referred in middle-age for painful proximal femoral "stress fractures" and then diagnosed with HPP. They reported generalized muscle and bone pain, metatarsal fractures, arthropathy and, since childhood, tooth loss. Their concordant findings were explained by compound heterozygosity in ALPL for a rare maternal missense mutation (c.1403C > T, p.Ala468Val) in exon 12, together with a novel presumably paternal change (c.863-14G > A) predicting a cryptic mRNA splice site in intron 8. Fractures continued during follow-up until one sister received a three-and-one-half-year course of hydroxyapatite-targeted TNSALP supplementation therapy (asfotase alfa) during which substantial improvement occurred in her clinical, biochemical, and functional parameters as well as quality of life. Following subsequent unplanned treatment cessation she suffered significant clinical deterioration, including new fractures and loss of mobility. Her bone histopathology documented osteomalacia. Treatment resumption restored its benefits. Among ten asymptomatic family members evaluated in this four-generation kindred, eight were carriers heterozygous for either ALPL mutation. Those harboring the maternal missense defect manifested mild hypophosphatasemia, suggesting a dominant-negative mutation effect. This experience underscores the importance of in-depth phenotyping and then clinical follow-up to characterize ALPL variant combinations, and for maintaining effective asfotase alfa treatment.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

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↗

PubMed2026

Influence of nicotine on protein expression around hydrophilic osseointegrated implants: A proteomic study in male rats.

OBJECTIVE: To ensure the success of dental implant treatment, various factors must be considered, including osseointegration and systemic conditions. There is evidence in the literature that smokers may exhibit alterations in tissue healing, which can compromise the success of implant rehabilitation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of nicotine on the protein profile of bone tissue around hydrophilic implants during the osseointegration process in rats. DESIGN: Bone tissue samples from the control and nicotine groups (n = 3 per group) were subjected to protein extraction, mass spectrometry, and bioinformatic analyses. Protein identification was performed using Proteome Discoverer 2.1 software and the SEQUEST algorithm, and the protein data were compared with those of a protein database of Rattus norvegicus obtained from UniProt. RESULTS: A total of 740 proteins were detected in both the control group and the nicotine-exposed group. Among them, the proteins biglycan, periostin and histone H4 were highlighted because of their higher abundance in the healthy implant group, while they were reduced in the nicotine-exposed group. CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine has the potential to alter the protein profile of bone tissue around hydrophilic implants during osseointegration, which may impair tissue remodeling and healing.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Multi‑omics approaches to decipher the molecular mechanisms of exercise‑mediated bone protection: From mechanistic insights to personalized exercise prescription (Review).

The global burden of bone metabolic disorders necessitates a shift from generic exercise recommendations toward personalized prescription strategies. Exercise confers skeletal protection through mechanotransduction, yet the underlying molecular networks remain incompletely understood. Multi‑omics technologies, including transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and single‑cell spatial approaches, have revolutionized the capacity to decode exercise‑mediated bone adaptation at the systems level. The present review synthesizes current single‑omics landscapes and integrative multi‑omics analyses that elucidate the core regulatory networks, mechanobiological coupling mechanisms and multiorgan crosstalk that are implicated in the bone response to mechanical loading. Translational applications across clinical scenarios such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and disuse bone loss are evaluated, and the technical, analytical and translational challenges limiting clinical implementation are addressed. Finally, the present review provides a framework for translating multi‑omics molecular signatures into personalized exercise prescriptions for optimized skeletal health.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Indications, Techniques and Complications Associated With Pterygoid Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pterygoid implants represent a graftless option for rehabilitation of patients with posterior maxillary atrophy, engaging the dense cortical bone of the pterygomaxillary complex. Despite clinical growth, a comprehensive synthesis of indications, surgical techniques, and complications is lacking. This review evaluated the prevalence of complications, implant survival rates, and marginal bone loss (MBL) associated with pterygoid implant placement. METHODS: The reporting of this review follows PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Six electronic databases (PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, WoS, CENTRAL, and Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source) were searched from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2025. Included criteria comprised randomized and non-randomized clinical studies reporting outcomes of pterygoid implants (≥ 13 mm) in adult patients with posterior maxillary atrophy (minimum 10 implants). Risk of bias was assessed using JBI critical appraisal checklists. Proportions were pooled using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation under a random-effects model. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. RESULTS: Seventeen studies reporting 846 patients and 1915 pterygoid implants were included. The pooled survival rate was 97.9% (95% CI: 97.1%-98.6%; I2 = 0%; 14 studies) and the overall failure rate was 2.1% (95% CI: 1.4%-3.0%). Early failure rate was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.0%-3.0%; I2 = 59.5%). Late failure and MBL were summarized narratively. Certainty of evidence was low to very low. CONCLUSIONS: Pterygoid implants demonstrate excellent survival (97.9%) and low failure rates (2.1%), primarily early, supporting their reliability as a graftless solution for posterior maxillary atrophy. Complications appear infrequent though heterogeneously reported. Low evidence certainty necessitates prospective studies with standardized outcome reporting.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

K-wire versus screw fixation in Scarf-Akin osteotomy for hallux valgus: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Retention of metal implants after Scarf-Akin osteotomy (SAO) may cause irritation and psychological discomfort, often necessitating a hardware removal procedure. This study aimed to introduce K-wire fixation, allowing for outpatient removal, and to compare it with screw fixation. METHODS: This retrospective study included 64 patients with hallux valgus, comprising 32 in the K-wire fixation group and 32 in the screw fixation group. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), and patient satisfaction. Radiographic parameters included hallux valgus angle(HVA), intermetatarsal angle(IMA), and distal metatarsal articular angle(DMAA). RESULTS: Both groups showed significant clinical and radiographic improvement (P < 0.01). No significant between-group differences were observed in the other clinical or radiographic outcomes (P > 0.05). Treatment costs were significantly lower in the K-wire group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: K-wire fixation provides clinical and radiographic outcomes comparable to screw fixation, while avoiding the need for an additional procedure to remove the implant. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Comprehensive analysis of mRNA-microRNA-lncRNA expression profiles in post-traumatic elbow heterotopic ossification using RNA sequencing and experimental validation.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to profile the molecular signatures of post-traumatic elbow heterotopic ossification (HO) to identify key regulators and potential therapeutic targets. METHODS: Total RNA from post-traumatic elbow HO tissues (n=4) and normal bone tissues (n=6) was subjected to high-throughput sequencing to identify differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs), microRNAs (DEMs), and lncRNAs (DELs). Bioinformatics analyses included Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, protein-protein interaction network construction, and transcription factor (TF)-microRNA-mRNA network analysis. The expression trends of four most upregulated and four most downregulated DEGs were validated by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: We identified 2,138 DEGs, 40 DEMs, and 905 DELs. DEGs were significantly enriched in biological process "bone mineralization," cellular component "plasma membrane," molecular function "integrin binding," and pathways including PI3K-Akt, NF-κB, JAK-STAT, and TNF signaling pathways. Hub genes with high connectivity included MMP9, IL6, MMP3, CTSK, and BGLAP. Integrated network analysis highlighted the transcription factor JUN and key microRNAs (hsa-miR-124-3p, hsa-miR-548c-3p, and hsa-miR-135b). The qRT-PCR results confirmed the expression trends of selected DEGs. CONCLUSIONS: This study, for the first time, profiled the differentially expressed mRNAs, microRNAs, and lncRNAs in post-traumatic elbow HO using high-throughput RNA sequencing. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of HO following elbow trauma. The identified hub genes (MMP9, IL6, MMP3, CTSK, and BGLAP), key TF (JUN), and key microRNAs (hsa-miR-124-3p, hsa-miR-548c-3p, and hsa-miR-135b) may serve as potential therapeutic targets for preventing and treating post-traumatic elbow HO.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Implementing a novel digital health platform for self-management of postmenopausal osteoporosis: A qualitative study of user experiences, perspectives and implementation outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis self-management requires scalable support, and digital health platforms may meet this need. This study aimed to characterise the experiences and perspectives of postmenopausal women who participated in a 12-month randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a digital voice assistant (DVA) delivered osteoporosis self-management intervention, and to assess key implementation outcomes. METHODS: This was a qualitative analysis of interviews with postmenopausal women from the intervention arm (DVA group) of the RCT. The DVA program broadcast education videos, medication reminders, home-based exercise, nutrition advice and monthly quizzes through a DVA device. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed and managed in NVivo through reflexive thematic analysis, guided by the Practical Planning for Implementation and Scale-Up and Proctor's implementation outcome taxonomy frameworks. Evidence weighting summarised participant coverage and code density. RESULTS: Twenty-two of 25 (88%) DVA group participants completed semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis identified seven themes mapped to Proctor's implementation outcomes. Evidence weighting indicated strong support for the intervention's appropriateness and acceptability, moderate support for its adoption, fidelity, feasibility and sustainability, and limited support for costs. Participants valued clear audiovisual guidance, conversation-based interactions with natural language, and flexible home-based access to self-management. CONCLUSION: Digital health platforms for osteoporosis self-management appear feasible, acceptable and sustainable among postmenopausal women. Findings indicate that these platforms are approaching readiness for evaluation in implementation-focused settings, contingent on streamlined content, reliable delivery modalities, accessible user support, clear privacy regulations and pragmatic pricing models.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effect of photobiomodulation on pain relief and functional improvement in fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Fractures, the most common type of trauma, can cause considerable distress to patients. Pain can not only affect the comfort of fracture patients but also delay their participation in rehabilitation training. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been associated with pain reduction and the promotion of tissue healing. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PBM in reducing pain and promoting rehabilitation in patients with fractures. METHODS: This study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024591373). We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science for RCTs that investigated PBM in fractures as of August 2025. The primary outcome was the pain score. The secondary outcomes included functional and healing. RESULT: Finally, 12 and 9 studies were ultimately included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. The pooled analysis showed that the one-week pain score was lower in the PBM group than in the placebo group (MD -0.74, 95% CI -1.00, -0.47, p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%). Subgroup analysis showed that the difference between the two groups was statistically significant regardless of fracture site or acupoint irradiation. Changes in pain scores were statistically significant in both groups at different wavelength combinations. The improvement in grip strength at 4 weeks was significantly greater in PBM than in placebo (MD 5.03, 95% CI 4.29, 5.78; p < 0.0001; I2 = 0%). There were no significant differences in pain and functional scores at 4-26 weeks. Bone healing did not show differences between the two groups. No side effects reported. CONCLUSION: PBM appears to relieve short-term pain in fractures and improve grip strength in patients with upper limb fractures, but does not show significant long-term benefits. Evidence for mandibular functional recovery and bone healing remains inconsistent. Future studies should determine therapeutic parameters and their impact on bone healing and long-term functional outcomes across fracture types.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Early radiographic loss of intermetatarsal angle correction after single first TMT arthrodesis (Modified Lapidus) versus three-corner TMT arthrodesis.

INTRODUCTION: The Lapidus procedure treats hallux valgus with first-ray hypermobility. It can be performed as a single first tarsometatarsal (TMT) arthrodesis or a three-corner TMT construct with additional intermetatarsal fusion. Early loss of correction remains a concern. This study compared early radiographic stability between techniques. METHODS: Fifty patients (15 three-corner TMT arthrodesis, 35 single first TMT arthrodesis) treated between 2014 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), Méary's angle, and tibial sesamoid position were measured on weight-bearing radiographs at 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Both techniques achieved significant correction. The three-corner TMT arthrodesis group showed greater initial IMA correction at 6 weeks (p = 0.020) and maintained a lower IMA at 6 months (p = 0.001). Early IMA loss was greater after single first TMT arthrodesis (1.5°±1.7° vs 0.6°±0.8°, p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Three-corner TMT arthrodesis was associated with greater early intermetatarsal stability than single first TMT arthrodesis.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy and safety of microwave ablation for the treatment of pulmonary osteosarcoma oligometastases.

PURPOSE: Evaluate efficacy and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) for pulmonary osteosarcoma oligometastases. METHODS: Twenty-two patients (median age, 16 years [range, 9-41 years]; 15 male) with pulmonary osteosarcoma oligometastases who underwent MWA from January 2018 to December 2023 were included, with 27 MWA sessions for 36 lung metastases. Technical success and complications were evaluated in all 22 patients, while efficacy and survival were evaluated in 19 patients with 24 MWA sessions in treatment of 32 tumors. Technical success was assessed for each tumor. Local tumor control, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier method. Complications were classified using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all 36 tumors (100.0%). Local tumor progression occurred in five of 32 tumors (15.6%). The estimated local tumor control rates at 12, 24 and 36 months were 96.9%, 86.1% and 81.5%, respectively. No significant difference in local control was found between tumors ≤ 10 mm and > 10 mm (p = .470). Twelve of 19 patients (63.2%) developed new lung metastases outside the ablation area, including one with concurrent newly developed bone metastases and one with recurrence of primary osteosarcoma. The median PFS was 21.5 months. The estimated OS rates at 12, 24 and 60 months were 100.0%, 94.4% and 94.4%, respectively. Major complications occurred in five of 27 sessions (18.5%). CONCLUSIONS: MWA preliminarily demonstrates a high technical success rate, notable local tumor control, promising overall survival and acceptable safety for pulmonary osteosarcoma oligometastases.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2026

Mitochondrial translocation of DNMT3L suppresses oxidative phosphorylation and restrains megakaryopoiesis.

DNMT3L, a catalytically inactive member of the DNA methyltransferase family, is identified here as a negative regulator of megakaryopoiesis. In K562 cells undergoing PMA-induced megakaryocytic differentiation, DNMT3L protein levels declined progressively, and shRNA-mediated depletion enhanced differentiation, whereas overexpression attenuated it. Consistent with these findings, Dnmt3l-knockout mice exhibited elevated peripheral blood platelet counts and expanded bone marrow megakaryocytes. Mechanistically, megakaryocytic differentiation triggered rapid mitochondrial translocation of DNMT3L within 6 h; mitochondrial DNMT3L suppressed oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity and ATP production and downregulated mitochondrial-encoded genes spanning Complex I, III, IV, and ATP synthase, without altering mitochondrial DNA copy number. This metabolic suppression was mediated through compartment-specific remodeling of DNMT3L-containing protein complexes: upon differentiation, DNMT3L selectively dissociated from DNMT1 and DNMT3B in mitochondria, relieving the repressive constraint on OXPHOS, whereas in the nucleus DNMT3L remained associated with DNMT3A, which concomitantly accumulated during differentiation. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism by which a catalytically inactive epigenetic co-regulator spatially redistributes to coordinate mitochondrial metabolic output with nuclear epigenetic control, thereby facilitating terminal megakaryocytic maturation.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Flap Versus Tunneling for Horizontal Ridge Augmentation With FDBA and i-PRF: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

AIM: This study evaluated the efficacy of conventional flap and tunneling techniques for horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation using freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) particles combined with injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients were randomly allocated to one of three groups (n = 15 each): conventional flap (CF), tunneling with membrane (TM), or tunneling without membrane (TnM). Preoperative ridge width was measured via cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). All augmentation procedures incorporated FDBA and i-PRF; an absorbable collagen membrane was applied in the CF and TM groups. Follow-up assessments, including CBCT imaging and histomorphometric analysis, were conducted 6 months postoperatively. For normally distributed data, ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test and paired samples t-test were applied. Non-normally distributed data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: Statistical analysis was performed on 43 patients. All groups demonstrated an increase in ridge width after 6 months. At the 2 mm level, the mean width gain was 1.28 mm (95% CI: 0.17 to 2.40) in the TM group, 2.85 mm (95% CI: 1.80 to 3.89) in the TnM group, and 1.95 mm (95% CI: 1.07 to 2.83) in the CF group. However, statistical analysis revealed no significant intergroup variation (p > 0.05). Histomorphometric assessments similarly demonstrated comparable outcomes across all groups, with no statistically significant differences observed (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the tunneling technique, regardless of membrane use, appears to be a clinically viable alternative to the conventional flap method for horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation. However, further studies with longer follow-up periods are required to substantiate these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: irct.behdasht.gov.ir identifier: IRCT 20101204005305N21.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Morphological changes and transcriptomic insights into skeletal development of embryos and larvae of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius.

To explore morphological features and molecular dynamics underlying skeletogenesis in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius, we conducted combined morphological observation and comparative transcriptome analyses across representative embryonic and larval developmental stages. Morphological results showed that triradiate spicules first emerged at the gastrula stage. The 8-arm pluteus stage was identified as a key phase for skeletal remodeling, during which new three-radiate crystals transformed into complex stereoscopic ossicles including tube feet, spines and test plates. Transcriptomic data indicated that most differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were downregulated from the blastula to gastrula. The altered expression of basal metabolic genes and extracellular matrix genes including Colp2α and calm may be correlated with the linear mineralization of early spicules, which potentially reflects an energy adjustment pattern in developing larvae. During the transition from 6-arm to 8-arm pluteus, expression changes of calmodulin-like, Colp2α and SISin18G001660 suggest potential associations with regional calcium deposition and modifications of skeletal matrix properties. This work systematically characterizes morphological traits and transcriptional dynamics of skeletogenesis in S. intermedius. Its early spiculogenesis follows the conserved developmental pattern of echinoderms, while massive formation of stereoscopic ossicles occurs at the 8-arm pluteus stage. Stage-specific transcriptional changes across key larval skeletogenic stages are uncovered, offering transcriptomic resources for functional verification of skeletal regulatory genes.

Animals↗