Saved Queries

by Anna Torgasheva, Lyubov Malinovskaya, Miroslav Nuriddinov, Kira S. Zadesenets, Maria Gridina, Artem Nurislamov, Svetlana Korableva, Inna Pristyazhnyuk, Anastasiya Proskuryakova, Katerina V. Tishakova, Nikolay B. Rubtsov, Veniamin S. Fishman and Pavel Borodin

Cells 2026, 15(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15010052 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025

Abstract

Chromosomal inversions and copy-number variants (CNVs) drive genomic and phenotypic diversification in birds by reshaping recombination, gene expression, and genome architecture. Here, we report a complex structural polymorphism on great tit (Parus major) chromosome 1A that occurs in the Siberian population with a 19% heterozygote frequency. Using cytogenetic and genomic approaches, we show that this rearrangement combines a ~55 Mb paracentric inversion in the long arm with a dramatic (>30 Mb) expansion of the short arm driven by extensive amplification of multiple genomic loci. These include a region homologous to the poorly characterized FAM118A gene, whose paralog FAM118B has been recently shown to play a pivotal role in innate immune activation. This region is missing from the current reference genome assembly while present in ~20 copies on wild-type 1A chromosome and nearly twentyfold amplified in the rearranged variant. It contains a nested 630 bp tandem repeat, encompassing the entire exon 3, which has burst to a total of ~50,000 copies in the rearranged chromosome. While functional analyses are required to uncover the biological effects of the genomic features linked to this rearrangement, our results offer a unique framework for studying how complex structural polymorphisms drive genome innovation and adaptive diversity. Full article

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34 pages, 2090 KB

Open AccessArticle

The National Food Consumption Survey IV SCAI: Nutrient Intakes and Related Dietary Sources in Italy

by Cinzia Le Donne, Marika Ferrari, Lorenza Mistura, Laura D’Addezio, Francisco Javier Comendador Azcarraga, Deborah Martone, Raffaela Piccinelli, Stefania Sette, Giovina Catasta and Aida Turrini

Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010088 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The Fourth Italian National Food Consumption Survey (IV SCAI 2017–2020) provides updated and comprehensive data on the dietary habits of the Italian population. The study aimed to assess nutrient intakes and their main food sources among individuals aged 3 months to 74 years and to evaluate the adequacy of intakes against the Italian dietary reference values (DRVs). Methods: A nationally representative sample of 1969 participants were surveyed using two non-consecutive food diaries (ages 3 months–9 years) and 24 h recalls (ages 10–74 years) in accordance with the European Food Safety Authority’s EU Menu guideline. The multiple source method was used to estimate the usual intakes accounted for intra-individual variability. Nutrient adequacy was assessed against age- and sex-specific DRVs, and the main food sources of macro- and micronutrients were identified. Results: Energy intake was below DRVs for adults, particularly women, while protein intake exceeded recommendations across all ages, mainly from animal sources (67% of total). Total fat (38%En) and saturated fat (12%En) exceeded the recommendations, whereas carbohydrates (45%En) and dietary fibre were suboptimal. Vitamin D and calcium intake were markedly below DRVs for all age groups; iron inadequacy was prevalent among females. The main energy sources were cereals (39%), milk and dairy (15%), oils and fats (13%), and meat (10%). Vegetables and fruits were leading contributors to vitamins A and C, while meat, fish, and dairy provided vitamin B12 and D. Conclusions: The Italian diet remains cereal-based but shows nutritional imbalances: notably, excessive protein and fat intake and widespread deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium, iron, and fibre. These findings underline the need for targeted nutrition policies to realign dietary patterns with the national recommendations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns and Population Health)

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24 pages, 561 KB

Open AccessReview

Modulating the Gut Microbiome in Type 2 Diabetes: Nutritional and Therapeutic Strategies

by Christos G. Nikolaidis, Despoina Gyriki, Elisavet Stavropoulou, Eleni Karlafti, Triantafyllos Didangelos, Christina Tsigalou and Anastasia Thanopoulou

Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010089 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disorder influenced not only by genetics, diet, and lifestyle but also by the gut microbiota. Dysbiosis (imbalances in microbial composition) can disrupt gut barrier integrity, alter microbial metabolites, and trigger low-grade inflammation, contributing to insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Nutritional interventions, such as probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and bioactive food components, represent potential therapeutic approaches for ameliorating gut eubiosis and advancing glycemic regulation. This narrative review incorporates evidence from selected studies identified by searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies published up to November 2025. The methodology included a structured literature search of in vitro, animal, and human studies, with a focus on intervention trials and mechanistic research. There are many positive signals from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), but heterogeneity and short follow-up limit definitive recommendations. Evidence from clinical and experimental studies indicates a beneficial effect on fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and inflammatory markers, though heterogeneity of the individual and the variability in study designs limit generalization. There is insufficient evidence to recommend microbiota modulation as standard therapy in any disease. Key knowledge gaps include standardized interventions, stratified analyses by medication use (e.g., metformin), clinically meaningful endpoints, and long-term safety data. This review summarizes current knowledge on gut microbiota-driven mechanisms in T2DM and evaluates emerging microbiota-targeted therapies as adjunctive strategies for metabolic improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Approaches to Managing Diabetes Through Diet)

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14 pages, 3105 KB

Open AccessArticle

Proteinaceous Toxins in the Mucus and Proboscis of the Ribbon Worm Cephalothrix cf. simula (Palaeonemertea: Nemertea)

by Vasiliy G. Kuznetsov, Daria I. Melnikova, Sergey V. Shabelnikov and Timur Yu. Magarlamov

Toxins 2026, 18(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins18010017 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025

Abstract

Cephalothrix cf. simula is a highly toxic ribbon worm of the class Palaeonemertea, known for its high concentrations of tetrodotoxin. Recent transcriptomic and proteomic studies across Nemertea have revealed that species from all classes possess a diverse array of protein and peptide toxins, which are associated with unicellular glands of the proboscis and the integument epithelium. Previous studies have identified a large number of putative toxins in the transcriptome of C. cf. simula; however, corresponding proteomic data have so far been lacking. This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of the mucus and proboscis proteome of C. cf. simula using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. We identified three putative toxins in the proboscis and three in the mucus. Additionally, four cysteine-rich peptides with putative toxic activity were identified in the mucus and one in the proboscis. The expression of the corresponding genes in both tissues was quantified using quantitative real-time PCR. The toxin compositions of the proboscis and mucus showed clear signs of functional specialization, with no overlapping toxins and tissue-specific patterns of gene expression. Feeding experiments combined with transmission electron microscopy confirmed the involvement of specialized proboscis structures, pseudocnidae, in delivering toxins into the prey. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Venoms)

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24 pages, 3135 KB

Open AccessArticle

Layer-by-Layer Integration of Electrospun Nanofibers in FDM 3D Printing for Hierarchical Composite Fabrication

by Jaymin Vrajlal Sanchaniya, Hilary Smogor, Valters Gobins, Vincent Noël, Inga Lasenko and Simas Rackauskas

Polymers 2026, 18(1), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18010078 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study presents a novel integrated manufacturing approach that combines fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing with in situ electrospinning to fabricate hierarchical composite structures composed of polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers. A mounting fixture was employed to enable layer-by-layer nanofiber deposition directly onto printed PLA layers in a continuous automated process, eliminating the need for prefabricated electrospun nanofiber mats. The influences of nozzle temperature (210–230 °C) and electrospinning time (5–15 min per layer) on mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties were systematically investigated. Optimal performance was achieved at an FDM nozzle temperature of 220 °C with 5 min of electrospinning time (sample E1), showing a 36.5% increase in tensile strength (71 MPa), a 33.3% increase in Young’s modulus (2.8 GPa), and a 62.0% increase in flexural strength (128 MPa) compared with the neat PLA. This enhancement resulted from the complete infiltration of molten PLA into the thin nanofiber mats, creating true fiber–matrix integration. Excessive nanofiber content (15 min ES) caused a 36.5% reduction in strength due to delamination and incomplete infiltration. Thermal analysis revealed a decrease in glass transition temperature (1.2 °C) and onset of thermal degradation (5.3–15.2 °C) with nanofiber integration. Fracture morphology confirmed that to achieve optimal properties, it was critical to balance the nanofiber reinforcement content with the depth of infiltration, as excessive content created poorly bonded interleaved layers. This integrated fabrication platform enables the production of lightweight hierarchical composites with multiscale, custom-made reinforcement for applications in biomedical scaffolds, protective equipment, and structural components. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Electrospinning Technology for Polymer Materials)

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12 pages, 462 KB

Open AccessArticle

Low HALP Score Predicts Prolonged Hospitalization in Solid Tumor Patients with Febrile Neutropenia

by Salih Karatlı and Doğan Yazılıtaş

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33010014 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background: Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a serious chemotherapy-related complication in patients with solid tumors. Identifying simple and accessible biomarkers that can predict prolonged hospitalization may support early risk stratification and clinical decision-making. Methods: This retrospective study included 169 adults hospitalized with FN between January 2023 and January 2025. Immunonutritional indices, including the Hemoglobin-Albumin-Lymphocyte-Platelet (HALP) score, the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), and the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR), as well as the Clinical Index of Stable Febrile Neutropenia (CISNE) score were calculated. HALP and PNI were categorized using ROC-derived cut-offs based on the Youden Index. Prolonged hospital stay was defined as a binary variable based on the cohort median (>9 days). Spearman correlation, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify predictors of prolonged hospitalization. Results: HALP showed a significant negative correlation with hospitalization duration (r = −0.469; p < 0.001), as did serum albumin (r = −0.184; p = 0.017) and PNI (r = −0.273; p < 0.001). CAR (p = 0.617) and neutrophil count (p = 0.955) demonstrated no correlation. In univariate logistic regression, low HALP (p < 0.001), low PNI (p = 0.001), intermediate CISNE (p = 0.002), high CISNE (p < 0.001), microbiological culture positivity (p < 0.001), and sex (p = 0.015) were significantly associated with prolonged hospitalization. Age, comorbidity status, metastatic stage, and CAR were not significant. In the multivariate model, low HALP (p < 0.001), intermediate CISNE (p = 0.007), high CISNE (p < 0.001), and culture positivity (p < 0.001) remained independent predictors. PNI (p = 0.400) and sex (p = 0.176) did not retain significance. Conclusions: A Low HALP score, higher CISNE risk categories, and microbiological culture positivity independently predicted prolonged hospitalization in FN. HALP, as a simple and inexpensive immunonutritional marker, may enhance early FN risk assessment when used alongside validated clinical tools such as CISNE or MASCC. Full article

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26 pages, 1111 KB

Open AccessArticle

Heat Waves and Photovoltaic Performance: Modelling, Sensitivity, and Economic Impacts in Portugal

by Rui Castro and Isabela Teixeira

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010289 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025

Abstract

The increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves across Southern Europe pose growing challenges to the performance and profitability of photovoltaic (PV) systems. This study quantifies the impact of elevated ambient temperatures on three large-scale PV power plants located in distinct Portuguese climatic zones: Amareleja, Alcoutim, and Tábua. Using 15 years of hourly meteorological data from PVGIS (2009–2023), five temperature models—NOCT, Faiman, PVSyst, NOCT (SAM), and Sandia—were implemented to estimate cell temperature and corresponding PV output under reference and elevated temperature conditions (+2 °C and +5 °C). A three-fold sensitivity analysis assessed (i) the influence of module parameters (temperature coefficient and NOCT), (ii) the effect of stochastic, non-uniform temperature perturbations mimicking realistic heat waves, and (iii) the impact of the selected PV performance model by comparing the simplified linear temperature-corrected approach with the one-diode and three-parameter (1D + 3P) model. Results show that a uniform +2 °C rise reduces annual energy yield by 0.74% and a +5 °C rise by 1.85%, while stochastic perturbations slightly amplify these losses to 0.80% and 2.01%. The 1D + 3P model predicts stronger nonlinear effects, with reductions of −2.42% and −6.06%. Although modest at plant scale, such impacts could translate into annual national revenue losses exceeding 10 million EUR, considering Portugal’s 6.32 GW installed PV capacity. The findings highlight the importance of accounting for realistic temperature dynamics and model uncertainty when assessing PV performance under a warming climate. Full article

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32 pages, 3422 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Unified Drift–Flux Framework for Predictive Analysis of Flow Patterns and Void Fractions in Vertical Gas Lift Systems

by Omid Heydari, Sohrab Zendehboudi and Stephen Butt

Fluids 2026, 11(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids11010006 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study utilizes the drift–flux model to develop a new flow pattern map designed to facilitate an accurate estimation of gas void fraction (

α_{g}

) in vertical upward flow. The map is parameterized by mixture velocity (

u_{m}

) and [...] Read more.

This study utilizes the drift–flux model to develop a new flow pattern map designed to facilitate an accurate estimation of gas void fraction (

α_{g}

) in vertical upward flow. The map is parameterized by mixture velocity (

u_{m}

) and gas volumetric quality (

β_{g}

), integrating transition criteria from the established literature. For applications characterized by significant pressure gradients, such as gas lift, these criteria were reformulated as functions of pressure, enabling direct estimation from operational data. A critical component of this methodology for the estimation of

α_{g}

is the estimation of the distribution parameter (

C_{0}

). An analysis of experimental data, spanning pipe diameters from 1.27 to 15 cm across the full void fraction ranges (

{0 < α}_{g} < 1

), revealed a critical

α_{g}

threshold beyond which

C_{0}

exhibits a distinct decreasing trend. To characterize this phenomenon, the parameter of the distribution-weighted void fraction (

α_{c} = α_{g} C_{0}

) is introduced. This parameter, representing the dynamically effective void fraction, identifies the critical threshold at its inflection point. The proposed model subsequently defines

C_{0}

using a two-part function of

α_{c}

. This generalized approach simplifies the complexity inherent in existing correlations and demonstrates superior predictive accuracy, reducing the average error in

α_{g}

estimations to 5.4% and outperforming established methods. Furthermore, the model’s parametric architecture is explicitly designed to support the optimization and fine-tuning of coefficients, enabling future use of machine learning for various fluids and complex industrial cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiphase Flow for Industry Applications, 2nd Edition)

24 pages, 1759 KB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Characterization, Expression Responses and Antipathogenic Bacterial Function of Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer Bloch, 1790)

by Prapansak Srisapoome, Chayanee Muangrerk, Anurak Uchuwittayakul and Ratree Wongpanya

Biomolecules 2026, 16(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16010046 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

In vertebrates, the interleukin-1β molecule (IL-1β) is among the most important proinflammatory cytokines and plays crucial roles in shaping injury progression, immunological challenges, and local and systemic responses to infection. In the current study, a cDNA encoding the IL-1β gene in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) (LcIL-1β) was identified at both the nucleotide and protein levels. Its immune responses were investigated in various tissues from diseased and normal fish. Recombinant rLcIL-1β was produced in Escherichia coli. Furthermore, its ability to control two fish pathogenic bacteria, Flavobacterium covae and Streptococcus iniae, was assessed in vitro. Transcriptional expression was quantified by qRT‒PCR, which revealed the highest levels in whole blood, followed by the liver, gills and midgut. Immune response analyses of the head kidney, whole blood, liver, gills, spleen and intestines of fish infected with F. covae and S. iniae at concentrations of 1 × 10³, 1 × 10⁴ and 1 × 10⁵ CFU/fish, respectively, revealed significant upregulation of LcIL-1β (p < 0.05) for 6–24 h (h) after induction. Interestingly, compared with the control treatment, the application of 1, 10 and 100 µg of rLcIL-1β greatly increased the phagocytic activity and phagocytic index of phagocytes (p < 0.05). Antibacterial function analyses of F. covae and S. iniae revealed minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 29.17 and 85.25 μg/mL, respectively. Finally, injection of S. iniae following rLcIL-1β revealed that 50 and 100 µg of the target protein demonstrated significant functional activity in safeguarding Asian seabass from these pathogenic bacteria (p < 0.05). This information revealed that LcIL-1β in Asian seabass significantly drives immune defense mechanisms against pathogenic bacteria, which is important for the development of effective disease prevention methods for Asian seabass aquaculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biomacromolecules: Proteins, Nucleic Acids and Carbohydrates)

26 pages, 9155 KB

Open AccessArticle

Silicon Nitride Bioceramics with TiC Additives: Excellent Mechanical Properties, Cytocompatibility, and Antibacterial Properties

by Zhebin Lou, Jiayu He, Yuandong Liu, Hanxu Zhu, Xiaofeng Zeng and Zulaikha Abid

J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17010020 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

Silicon nitride is a type of bioceramic with great application potential. However, the brittleness of silicon nitride can be addressed through toughening. In this study, various proportions of TiC were incorporated into the sintering additive system to explore the effects of different amounts of TiC on the mechanical properties, cell compatibility, and antibacterial properties of silicon nitride. Silicon nitride was prepared by gas pressure sintering, with TiC addition amounts of 3%, 5%, 8%, and 13% wt. Among the four types of silicon nitride, the mechanical properties of silicon nitride with 3% and 5% wt TiC addition were improved, with the flexural strength and fracture toughness of the former being 571 MPa and 8.35 MPa·m^1/2, respectively, and the flexural strength and fracture toughness of the latter being 532 MPa and 8.53 MPa·m^1/2, respectively. The surface of all four types of silicon nitride was enriched with Ti as the amount of TiC added increased, and the surface properties of the four silicon nitrides were the same. All four types of silicon nitride could continuously release Si ions in liquid. In vitro cell experiments showed that all four types of silicon nitride could enable normal cell proliferation and adhesion. Silicon nitride with different TiC addition amounts all exhibited good cell compatibility. Compared with the control material, each of the four types of silicon nitride demonstrated robust antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with comparable potency across all types. These findings indicate that the incorporation of titanium carbide (TiC) within the silicon nitride matrix, particularly within the 3–5% weight ratio range, not only enhances mechanical integrity and cellular compatibility, but also confers notable antibacterial attributes. Consequently, these results demonstrate the promising viability of TiC-modified silicon nitride as a prospective material for the fabrication of bone implants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Synthesis of Biomaterials via Advanced Technologies)

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27 pages, 1768 KB

Open AccessArticle

Origin and Hydrogeochemical Evolution of Jety-Oguz Mineral Waters (Issyk-Kul Basin, Tien Shan)

by Ekaterina I. Baranovskaya, Natalia А. Kharitonova, George А. Chelnokov, Farid S. Salikhov and Irina A. Tarasenko

Water 2026, 18(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18010075 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive study of the nitrogen-radon thermal mineral waters of the Jety-Oguz area, located in the southeastern part of the Issyk-Kul intermountain artesian basin (Northern Tien Shan). Based on new data from chemical and isotopic (δ¹⁸O, δD) analyses of natural waters (lake, river, and mineral) and the chemical composition of the water-bearing rocks, we identify the formation mechanisms of mineral waters with diverse composition, total dissolved solids (TDS), and temperature. Three main genetic types have been identified: (1) saline, high-TDS (up to 12.8 g/L) chloride sodium-calcium thermal waters (up to 32 °C). These waters are of meteoric origin and circulate within Middle Carboniferous carbonate rocks, acquiring their unique composition at depths of up to 3.0 km, where reservoir temperatures reach ~105 °C; (2) chloride-sulfate sodium-calcium waters (0.5 g/L, fresh, 22 °C), formed in alluvial deposits within the zone of active water exchange; and (3) low-TDS (1.8 g/L, brackish) waters of mixed composition, resulting from the mixing of a deep fluid with infiltrating meteoric waters. Isotopic data confirm a meteoric origin for all studied waters, including the high-TDS thermal types. The chemical composition diversity is attributed to several processes: mixing between the deep, high-TDS fluid and low-TDS infiltration waters, intense dissolution of evaporite rocks, and water–rock interaction. These findings are crucial for understanding the genesis of mineral waters in the Tien Shan intermountain basins and provide a scientific basis for their sustainable balneological exploitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isotope Hydrology: Tracing Water’s Journey and Water–Rock Interactions in a Changing World)

25 pages, 1781 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Open Spaces in Traditional Blocks on Human Thermal Comfort: Taking an Old Street in a Hot-Summer Cold-Winter Climate Region as an Example

by Yi-Pu Chen, Ran Hu, Komi Bernard Bedra and Qi-Meng Ning

Buildings 2026, 16(1), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16010136 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

The microclimate of traditional blocks, a key component of urban fabric, directly affects the overall urban thermal environment. Creating a suitable microclimate is crucial for improving urban living quality. Field measurements, ENVI-met simulations, and the PET index were used to analyze the spatiotemporal variations and core drivers of thermal comfort. Temporally, five open space types showed a unimodal “rise–stabilization–fall” PET curve, with peak heat stress occurring at 11:00–14:00. Courtyards heated fastest, but green spaces had the most stable thermal environment because trees provided shading and transpiration for gentle cooling. Spatially, thermal comfort varied significantly. For example, green spaces rich in trees performed best (PET 5–8 °C lower than pure grassland), while squares and courtyards faced severe midday heat stress (PET mostly moderate or above). Alley comfort depended on aspect ratio and orientation—north–south alleys with an aspect ratio >2 were 2–3 °C cooler than open spaces, but east–west or narrower alleys (aspect ratio <1.5) and low-enclosed courtyard control apply to southern Hunan’s hot-humid zone. However, the synergistic principles can be extended to similar southern regions, providing technical reference for traditional block livability and climate-resilient cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Urban Heat Island and Outdoor Thermal Comfort)

15 pages, 1011 KB

Open AccessArticle

Manganese Exposure Is Associated with Reduced Grip Strength: Evidence from Humans and Mice

by Peiyu Fang, Chuanqiao Tang, Shengtao Wei, Wenmin Lu, Shaohui Liu, Xiaoli Ma, Li’e Zhang, Guiqiang Liang, Jian Wang, Yang Peng and Yunfeng Zou

Toxics 2026, 14(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14010031 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

Although excessive manganese (Mn) exposure is known to cause neuromotor function in cases of poisoning, its effect on grip strength (a neuromotor marker) in older adults at environmental levels remains unclear. To investigate this issue, we conducted an integrated investigation combining epidemiology and animal experimentation to examine the association between urinary manganese and grip strength. A cross-sectional study of 375 elderly men (60–74 years) was conducted in Guangxi, China, from 2016 to 2017. Urinary Mn concentrations were determined by ICP-MS, and their associations with grip strength were evaluated using generalized linear models and restricted cubic splines. In parallel, 32 six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 0, 5, 10, or 15 mg/kg MnCl₂·4H₂O via intraperitoneal injection for 6 weeks. Forelimb grip strength of the mice was measured after the final exposure, and mRNA expression of inflammatory markers and cytokines (C reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in triceps) in triceps tissue was quantified. The median urinary Mn concentration in the study population was 0.22 μg/g creatinine. After adjusting for confounders, urinary Mn was inversely associated with hand grip strength (highest vs. lowest tertile: β = −3.57 kg; 95% CI: −5.68 to −1.47; p-trend = 0.007). Similarly, in male C57BL/6J mice, grip strengths declined significantly with increasing Mn exposure (p-trend < 0.0001), accompanied by upregulation of the mRNA levels of CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α in muscle tissue. Together, our findings suggest that environmental manganese exposure is inversely associated with grip strength in elderly men. While the manganese doses used in the animal study exceeded typical human environmental exposure, the experimental results further indicate that such grip strength reduction may be linked to muscle inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Radioactive Substances)

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15 pages, 693 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Dietary Protein Levels and Gender on Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality in Slow-Growing Ducks

by Yong Jiang, Yijia Lu, Zhong Zhuang, Lei Wu, Yongpeng Li, Hao Bai, Yulin Bi, Zhixiu Wang, Shihao Chen and Guobin Chang

Animals 2026, 16(1), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16010079 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different dietary protein levels on the carcass traits, meat quality characteristics, and nutrient composition of slow-growing ducks. At 22 days of age, the ducks were randomly divided into two groups and fed with low- or high-protein diets for 41 days, from 22 to 63 days of age. Each group consisted of six replicates, with each replicate containing 500 ducklings per pen (10 m × 10 m). The results showed that dietary protein had no significant effects on carcass traits, meat quality, amino acid profiles in breast muscle and thigh muscle, and fatty acid contents in breast muscle. However, it increased the contents of C14:0, C16:0, C16:1, C18:1, C20:4, SFA, MUFA, and ω-6 fatty acids (p < 0.05), and reduced the contents of C22:6, ω-3 fatty acids, and ω-3/ω-6 ratio in thigh muscle (p < 0.05). Female ducks fed with a low-protein diet had the contents of aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, tyrosine, and arginine in the breast muscle, along with a higher pH24 value (p < 0.05). Thigh muscle accumulated more isoleucine and histidine contents, and lower lysine and arginine in female ducks fed with a low-protein diet. Male ducks fed with a low-protein diet had higher contents of alanine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, and lysine in the breast muscle (p < 0.05). Furthermore, male ducks exhibited higher contents of C16:0, C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), ω-3, and ω-6 in breast muscle (p < 0.05). Male ducks fed with low-protein diets had higher C16:0 content in breast muscle, and female ducks fed with a low-protein diet had lower C16:1 and C17:0 contents (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study suggests that dietary protein modulation can differentially regulate amino acid and fatty acid deposition in slow-growing ducks through gender-specific metabolic pathways and exert distinct effects on fatty acid metabolism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Components in Animal Nutrition: Favoring Sustainability, Welfare and Safety)

20 pages, 2379 KB

Open AccessArticle

Positive-Strand RNA Viruses Induce LTR Retrotransposon Transcription and Extrachromosomal Circular DNA Generation in Plants

by Pavel Merkulov, Anna Bolotina, Anastasia Vlasova, Anna Ivakhnenko, Alena Prokofeva, Danil Perevozchikov, Elizaveta Kamarauli, Alexander Soloviev and Ilya Kirov

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010286 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

Mobile elements, particularly long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTEs), are abundant and dynamic components of plant genomes. Although viral infections are known to transcriptionally activate retrotransposons, it remains unclear whether such virus-induced activation leads to their mobilization. To address this question, we examined LTR-RTE activation in Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica napus, and Nicotiana benthamiana following infection with the RNA viruses Tobacco rattle virus (TRV), Potato virus X (PVX), and Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV). Nanopore cDNA sequencing revealed virus-specific transcriptional responses, with PVX uniquely triggering a strong transcriptional burst of diverse LTR-RTE families in N. benthamiana. To test the role of viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSRs) in this process, we analyzed extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) from plants infected with TRV expressing the VSR P19. This analysis identified eccDNA derived from Ty3/Gypsy Galadriel elements, demonstrating that viral infection can promote not only retrotransposon transcription but also eccDNA production, which may indicate the ability of LTR-RTEs to transpose. These findings clearly illustrate that plant–virus interactions can induce not only changes in gene transcription, but also the activation of multiple retrotransposons, highlighting a potential evolutionary interface linking antiviral defense and transposon regulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Genome Evolution and Environmental Adaptation)

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