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16 pages, 768 KB  
Article
Genetic Diversity and Candidate Selection Signatures in Hungarian and Romanian Carpathian Water Buffalo Inferred from Cross-Species SNP-Array Genotyping
by Szilvia Kusza, Putri Kusuma Astuti, Daniela Elena Ilie, Szilárd Pinnyey, Bettina Hegedűs, Husein Ohran, Zoltán Bagi and Dinu Gavojdian
Animals 2026, 16(14), 2120; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16142120 - 8 Jul 2026
Viewed by 76
Abstract
The Carpathian water buffalo represents a locally adapted but under-characterized genetic group found in Central and Eastern Europe. Genome-wide information on its genetic diversity, population structure and potential adaptive variation remains limited, particularly for Hungarian and Romanian populations. In this study, we genotyped [...] Read more.
The Carpathian water buffalo represents a locally adapted but under-characterized genetic group found in Central and Eastern Europe. Genome-wide information on its genetic diversity, population structure and potential adaptive variation remains limited, particularly for Hungarian and Romanian populations. In this study, we genotyped 263 water buffalo individuals from Hungary and Romania using the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler Bovine 100K SNP array to evaluate genetic diversity, the population structure, runs of homozygosity (ROH) and candidate genomic regions showing signatures of selection. After quality control, 214 Hungarian and 33 Romanian individuals and 6605 SNPs were retained for downstream analyses. Both populations showed moderate genetic diversity, with the Romanian population displaying higher minor allele frequency, observed heterozygosity and nucleotide diversity than the Hungarian population. In contrast, the Hungarian buffalo showed a higher burden of runs of homozygosity, including a larger proportion of long ROH segments, suggesting stronger recent autozygosity or a more restricted breeding structure. Principal component analysis and neighbor-joining phylogeny separated the two populations, whereas ADMIXTURE indicated shared ancestry and a within-population substructure rather than complete population-specific differentiation. The integration of standardized FST, absolute allele-frequency differences and ROH islands identified six candidate regions under a positive signature of selection in each population. These regions harbored genes previously associated with immune response, reproduction, growth, milk production and thermotolerance in bovids. Functional enrichment was limited, with significant Gene Ontology terms detected only in the Hungarian candidate regions. Our results provide a regional genomic baseline for the future conservation and breeding management of Carpathian water buffalo. Given the use of a cross-species SNP array and unequal sample sizes, the candidate selection signals should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating and warrant validation using higher-density buffalo-specific genomic data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Livestock and Poultry Genetics and Breeding Management)
40 pages, 19956 KB  
Review
Thermophysical Consolidation and Dimensional Fidelity in Precious Metal Additive Manufacturing: A Review for the Jewelry Sector
by Niloofar Naeimabadi, Luca Cattani, Marco Bernagozzi and Fabio Bozzoli
Thermo 2026, 6(3), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/thermo6030053 - 1 Jul 2026
Viewed by 292
Abstract
Additive Manufacturing (AM) for jewelry applications is increasingly adopting Binder Jetting (BJ) to overcome the fusion-related limitations associated with precious metals, including unstable melt pools, excessive reflectivity, and high thermal conductivity. In this context, the present review establishes a thermophysical and manufacturability-oriented framework [...] Read more.
Additive Manufacturing (AM) for jewelry applications is increasingly adopting Binder Jetting (BJ) to overcome the fusion-related limitations associated with precious metals, including unstable melt pools, excessive reflectivity, and high thermal conductivity. In this context, the present review establishes a thermophysical and manufacturability-oriented framework that redefines thermal management beyond localized melt-pool stabilization toward the furnace-scale control of densification kinetics, shrinkage evolution, atmosphere-assisted sintering, and viscoplastic deformation. Particular emphasis is placed on gold-, silver-, and platinum-based jewelry alloys, with a specific focus on the thermal, mechanical, and chemical phenomena governing Binder Jetting sintering. During consolidation, low-density green bodies (~40–65% relative density) must transform into highly dense components through extensive volumetric shrinkage and gravity-driven deformation, creating major challenges in dimensional fidelity and surface quality. The review further examines predictive viscoplastic constitutive models (SOVS/ROH), reversed-deformation compensation strategies, and atmosphere-engineering approaches for oxide reduction, pore-pressure regulation, and residual-porosity control. By linking thermophysical consolidation, dimensional fidelity, polishability, and jewelry-grade manufacturability within a hierarchical framework, this review provides a structured basis for the development of high-precision and low-waste precious-metal additive manufacturing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Science and Metallurgy)
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24 pages, 3859 KB  
Article
Whole-Genome Re-Sequencing Reveals Genetic Diversity and Population History of Arunachali Mithun (Bos frontalis)
by Kuluve Chotso, Hanumant S. Rathore, Harshit Kumar, Jayanta Kumar Chamuah, Sapunii S. Hanah and Girish Patil Shivanagowda
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(13), 5824; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27135824 - 27 Jun 2026
Viewed by 301
Abstract
The Arunachali mithun (Bos frontalis) is a semi-domesticated bovine of profound cultural and economic significance to the indigenous Arunachali tribal communities of Northeastern India, yet it remains among the least genomically characterised large ruminants, leaving its conservation status without an empirical [...] Read more.
The Arunachali mithun (Bos frontalis) is a semi-domesticated bovine of profound cultural and economic significance to the indigenous Arunachali tribal communities of Northeastern India, yet it remains among the least genomically characterised large ruminants, leaving its conservation status without an empirical genetic foundation. We performed whole-genome re-sequencing (~10× coverage) of 11 individuals and analysed 4,943,593 high-quality biallelic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) after stringent quality control. Genome-wide mean observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.2854), expected heterozygosity (He = 0.3347), and nucleotide diversity (π = 7.16 × 10−4) revealed moderate genetic diversity, substantially lower than that of related commercial bovine species. A consistent heterozygosity deficit (Ho − He = −0.0493) and the convergence of four independent inbreeding coefficients around 0.143–0.147 indicated moderate inbreeding of predominantly reflecting an ancient origin, corroborated by runs of homozygosity (ROH) analysis in which 93.2% of 24,937 detected segments fell in the short length class (100–250 kb). Linkage disequilibrium decayed from r2 ≈ 0.57 at <100 kb to a plateau of r2 ≈ 0.33 beyond 4–5 Mb, consistent with a small effective population size (Ne) declining from approximately 101,850 (~2228 generations ago) to approximately 160 (~5 generations ago), with ab Ne of approximately 3865 at ~100 generations ago and 423 at ~10 generations ago. These findings establish a whole-genome-based genetic diversity baseline for the Arunachali mithun and provide actionable genomic evidence for conservation and managed breeding interventions. Full article
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12 pages, 2435 KB  
Article
Genetic Diagnosis of Non-Syndromic Hearing Loss in South Indian Consanguineous Families Using Whole-Exome Sequencing
by Jayakumar Swetha, Yogesh Vetriselvan, Manoranjani Murugan, Irisappan Ganesh, Sambandam Ravikumar, Kumar Rangarajalu, M. Manju and Ballambattu Vishnu Bhat
Medicina 2026, 62(6), 1040; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62061040 - 28 May 2026
Viewed by 742
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hereditary hearing loss is the most common auditory disability among various disabilities. Consanguineous populations have been found to have autosomal recessive disorders twice as often as in the general population. This study aimed to highlight the phenotypic and genetic [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Hereditary hearing loss is the most common auditory disability among various disabilities. Consanguineous populations have been found to have autosomal recessive disorders twice as often as in the general population. This study aimed to highlight the phenotypic and genetic complexity of non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) in South Indian consanguineous families. Materials and Methods: Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on individuals with NSHL who were negative for common deafness-causing genes (GJB2, GJB6, SLC26A4, and MTRNR1). The candidate variants identified were correlated with ROH regions identified using the Automap tool. Sanger sequencing was performed for validation, followed by segregation analysis for the available family members. The effects of the candidate variants were analyzed using an in silico structural approach and the ACMG guidelines. Results: WES identified variants, including a stop-gain, an indel, and a missense mutation, in the genes SIX1, MYO7A, MYO3A, and MYO15A. Three variants were classified as likely pathogenic, one variant as a variant of uncertain significance (VUS), and one variant as likely benign. Homozygous variants in MYO15A and MYO7A were identified within ROH regions, indicating autosomal recessive inheritance. Additionally, two heterozygous variants in the SIX1 and MYO3A genes were identified. This study indicates a high degree of genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity of hearing loss among affected individuals. Conclusions: This integrated approach, which combines homozygosity mapping with WES, could be effective for diagnosing NSHL in affected individuals. Further genetic screening and characterization of NSHL in consanguineous families is also warranted. Genetic testing in high-risk populations could be a valuable method for diagnosing genetic hearing loss in children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment of Hearing Loss)
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21 pages, 11226 KB  
Article
Population Structure Analysis and Candidate Gene Screening for Twinning Trait in Simmental Cattle
by Kailun Ma, Xiaoyun Liang, Lei Xu, Xue Li, Hongkun Zhao, Jiajie Huang, Jingjing Wen, Menghua Zhang, Dan Wang, Xixia Huang and Qiuming Chen
Animals 2026, 16(10), 1567; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16101567 - 21 May 2026
Viewed by 409
Abstract
Chinese Simmental cattle are a high-quality breed developed through long-term crossbreeding and selection after their introduction into China and have become the main dual-purpose cattle population in the Xinjiang region. To deeply dissect the population structure, characteristics of the population structure, and the [...] Read more.
Chinese Simmental cattle are a high-quality breed developed through long-term crossbreeding and selection after their introduction into China and have become the main dual-purpose cattle population in the Xinjiang region. To deeply dissect the population structure, characteristics of the population structure, and the genetic basis of the twinning trait, this study focused on Xinjiang Chinese Simmental cattle as the main research subject. It integrated genomic data from global public databases to systematically conduct population structure analysis, genetic relationship analysis, and genome-wide selection signature analysis. Population genetic analysis revealed that the IBS matrix and G matrix indicated that some individuals from different geographical origins exhibited distant genetic relationships; the Xinjiang population showed the fastest LD decay, suggesting abundant genetic diversity; the inbreeding coefficient based on Runs of Homozygosity (ROH) across populations ranged from 0.036 to 0.063; principal component analysis and phylogenetic tree showed that some individuals from different geographical origins had certain genetic interconnections; admixture analysis indicated that K = 5 was the optimal model, with each population exhibiting clear genetic differentiation and admixture characteristics. Furthermore, by combining Fst and θπ analysis (comparing the Xinjiang population with other geographical populations), a total of 89 candidate genes associated with the twinning trait in Xinjiang Chinese Simmental cattle were screened, including CYP19A1, HORMAD1, GRB14, CADM2, CXCR4, and others that have been reported to be closely related to oogenesis and reproductive function. In summary, this study explores genome-wide genetic differences among Simmental cattle populations from different regions, deepens our understanding of their population structures, and offers new candidate genes and molecular markers for high-fecundity breeding in Simmental cattle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
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15 pages, 3680 KB  
Article
Genomic Survey of Selection Footprints in Three Buffalo Breeds from Eastern Europe
by Medhat S. Saleh, Abdelfatah R. Zaghloul, Mayra Gómez Carpio, Claudia Pierini, Pasquale De Palo and Vincenzo Landi
Animals 2026, 16(10), 1529; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16101529 - 16 May 2026
Viewed by 1138
Abstract
The buffalo is an important agricultural species due to its many productive characteristics, which encourage its use worldwide. Uncovering the processes of selective sweeps is critical for a comprehensive understanding of genomic mechanisms that influence phenotypic differentiation in buffalo. This study aims to [...] Read more.
The buffalo is an important agricultural species due to its many productive characteristics, which encourage its use worldwide. Uncovering the processes of selective sweeps is critical for a comprehensive understanding of genomic mechanisms that influence phenotypic differentiation in buffalo. This study aims to refine signatures of selection in Bulgarian (BUL), Hungarian (HUN), and Romanian (ROM) buffalo breeds using runs of homozygosity (ROHs), the integrated haplotype score (iHS), the standardized log-ratio of the integrated site-specific extended haplotype homozygosity (EHH) between pairs of breeds test (Rsb), and cross-population EHH (XP-EHH) approaches. The SNP dataset of 160 genotypes from BUL, HUN, and ROM buffalo breeds was genotyped using the Axiom® Buffalo Genotyping Array 90K from Affymetrix. By combining the ROH, iHS, Rsb, and XP-EHH methods, we identified many important genomic regions and candidate genes associated with milk production (SLC24A2, TMEM132C, and ALCAM), reproduction (CSMD1, NTS, PLIN2, GPC5, and FSHR), growth (MYOM2, CLN8, and RRAGA), immune response (METTL25, MLLT3, NAALADL2, and GAB2), and adaptation (ADAMTSL1) in BUL, HUN, and ROM buffalo breeds. Our findings highlighted selection signals and genes related to important economic traits in the BUL, HUN, and ROM buffalo breeds, providing promising candidate genes for further research and inclusion in conservation and selection plans for these breeds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding for Enhancing Production Traits in Ruminants)
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17 pages, 13151 KB  
Article
Identification of Reproductive Trait-Associated Loci and Candidate Genes in Commercial Pigs via 50K SNP Genotyping and Genome-Wide Association Study
by Wenwu Chen, Fang Yang, Yantong Chen, Sui Liufu, Kaiming Wang, Zhi Li and Haiming Ma
Biology 2026, 15(10), 766; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15100766 - 11 May 2026
Viewed by 544
Abstract
To unravel the genetic basis of economically critical reproductive traits in swine, we genotyped 839 sows from three commercial breeds (Duroc, Landrace, Yorkshire) using the Porcine Breeding Chip_plus 50K SNP array, and analyzed three key traits: total number born (TNB), number born alive [...] Read more.
To unravel the genetic basis of economically critical reproductive traits in swine, we genotyped 839 sows from three commercial breeds (Duroc, Landrace, Yorkshire) using the Porcine Breeding Chip_plus 50K SNP array, and analyzed three key traits: total number born (TNB), number born alive (NBA), and number of healthy piglets (NHP). We integrated principal component analysis (PCA) for population structure, runs of homozygosity (ROH) detection, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and GO/KEGG enrichment analysis. Phenotypically, Yorkshire sows exhibited superior and persistent reproductive capacity across parities 1–7 (peak TNB: 14.17 ± 2.82 at parity 4 based on N ≥ 3 data), Duroc sows had limited data with only parity 1 available (TNB: 9.44 ± 2.13), and Landrace sows showed moderate to high performance across parities 1–4 and 7, with peak TNB at parity 4 (17.08 ± 4.61). ROH analysis further revealed that short ROH fragments (1–5 Mb) were the most abundant category across breeds, while the majority of detected ROH were under 10 Mb in length. GWAS identified significant SNPs concentrated on chromosomes 1 and 2, and annotated candidate genes including AMH (ovarian reserve), IZUMO4 (embryo implantation), ACSBG2 (steroid synthesis), RFX2 (follicular maturation), and DOT1L (embryonic development). GO/KEGG enrichment highlighted pathways such as “histone methyltransferase activity” and “fatty acid biosynthesis”, which are critical for reproductive processes. This study clarifies breed-specific reproductive patterns and identifies key genetic loci/genes for porcine reproductive traits, providing molecular markers and a theoretical basis for improving swine reproductive performance via molecular breeding. Full article
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15 pages, 6229 KB  
Article
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Two Mexican Creole Cattle Populations
by Néstor Gerardo Michel-Regalado, Clemente Lemus-Flores, Miguel Ángel Ayala-Valdovinos, Fernando Grageola-Núñez, Víctor Hugo Severino-Lendechy, Theodor Duifhuis-Rivera, Guillermo Martínez-Velázquez, Gilberto Lemus-Ávalos and Jorge Barzilai Lara-Castillo
Animals 2026, 16(10), 1450; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16101450 - 9 May 2026
Viewed by 454
Abstract
The descendants of the first cattle that arrived in America in 1493 are known as Creole cattle. The objective of this study was to characterize the diversity and genetic structure of two Creole cattle populations in Mexico. A total of 75 cattle were [...] Read more.
The descendants of the first cattle that arrived in America in 1493 are known as Creole cattle. The objective of this study was to characterize the diversity and genetic structure of two Creole cattle populations in Mexico. A total of 75 cattle were included: 36 Coreño (CC) and 39 Raramuri (CR). Genotyping was performed using an SNP microarray. Quality control, estimation of genetic diversity, and analysis of homozygosity by runs of homozygosity (ROH) and linkage disequilibrium (LD) analyses were performed in PLINK v1.9. The effective population size (Ne) was calculated using GONE2 and CurrentNe2. The structure was analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) and ADMIXTURE. The expected heterozygosity was high in both populations (CC 0.379 and CR 0.398). The short segments of classes > 0.5–4 represented 84.41% in the CC cattle and 92.83% in the CR cattle. The contemporary Ne was 32 in the CC cattle and 473 in the CR cattle. The Creole cattle were closely grouped with European cattle populations. The ADMIXTURE revealed 70.60% of a Creole ancestral component in the CR cattle, whereas the CC cattle shared 38.67% of this component with the CR cattle and exhibited 46.44% of a differentiated Creole component. In conclusion, the two Mexican Creole cattle populations had high genetic diversity and low homozygosity; a greater extension of LD was observed for the CC cattle, and consequently, the Ne was lower. The CC cattle exhibited shared ancestry with the CR cattle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
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24 pages, 32705 KB  
Article
Sodium Hydrosulfide (NaHS) Triggers Jasmonate and Reactive Oxygen Species to Boost Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Growth, Flowering, and Grain Yield
by Yongxing Duo, Zhigang Wu, Junfeng Dai, Yong Yang and Lisha Zhang
Plants 2026, 15(10), 1438; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101438 - 8 May 2026
Viewed by 322
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) functions as a pivotal gaseous signaling molecule in plants, yet its role in promoting crop yield remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) application, a donor of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), significantly accelerates growth, promotes [...] Read more.
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) functions as a pivotal gaseous signaling molecule in plants, yet its role in promoting crop yield remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) application, a donor of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), significantly accelerates growth, promotes flowering, and enhances grain yield in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Optimal NaHS treatment increased plant height, root length, and biomass accumulation, concomitant with elevated sucrose, starch, chlorophyll contents, and nitrate reductase activity. Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that NaHS reprograms key biological pathways, including photosynthesis, carbon metabolism, lipid metabolism, the hormone signal transduction pathway, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. NaHS also remodels fatty acid metabolism, significantly increasing unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (C18:2n6c), and α-linolenic acid (C18:3n3)—the latter serving as the direct precursor for JA biosynthesis—thereby fueling jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis. NaHS treatment also induced ROS accumulation while simultaneously activating antioxidant enzymes, maintaining redox homeostasis, and promoting cell proliferation in root meristems. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that NaHS enlarges peroxisomes and increases chloroplast oil body number, linking organellar dynamics to enhanced JA synthesis and ROS signaling. Collectively, our findings establish NaHS as a novel chemical regulator that coordinates JA and ROS signaling to boost rice growth, flowering, and grain yield, offering a promising strategy to improve crop productivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change)
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19 pages, 16663 KB  
Article
Sheng Mai San Regulating the Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Damage to Alleviate Liver Injury in Heat Stress Rats
by Qian Ma, Jiaqi Dong, Xiaosong Zhang, Rong Yang and Yanming Wei
Animals 2026, 16(9), 1391; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16091391 - 2 May 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 961
Abstract
Sheng Mai San (SMS), a traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating qi and yin deficiency, is widely used in the management of conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and heatstroke. However, its role in mitigating heat stress (HS)-induced liver injury remains underexplored. In this [...] Read more.
Sheng Mai San (SMS), a traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating qi and yin deficiency, is widely used in the management of conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and heatstroke. However, its role in mitigating heat stress (HS)-induced liver injury remains underexplored. In this study, a rat model of HS was established under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, and SMS was administered as an intervention. The pharmacodynamic effects of SMS were comprehensively evaluated through histopathological examination, detection of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and heat shock protein 90(HSP90) expression, and analysis of liver function biomarkers (AST, ALT). Meanwhile, oxidative stress indicators were measured using biochemical assay kits (GSH, SOD, CAT, MDA, T-AOC), and transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure, thereby assessing the protective effects of SMS on hepatic oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage induced by HS. In vitro, BRL-3A cells were cultured, subjected to HS, and treated with SMS. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, and changes in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were evaluated using fluorescent probes. The results showed that SMS effectively restored HS-induced histopathological damage in rat liver tissues, reduced serum AST and ALT levels, and downregulated the mRNA expression of HSP70 and HSP90 in liver tissues. Meanwhile, SMS strengthened the hepatic antioxidant system by increasing the levels of GSH, SOD, T-AOC, and CAT, while decreasing MDA content. In vitro experiments confirmed that SMS increased the viability of BRL-3A cells, reduced ROS production, improved MPTP opening/closing regulation, and stabilized MMP. This study provides a clinical reference for its application in treating HS-related conditions in humans and animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Physiology)
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23 pages, 7792 KB  
Article
Hydrogen Sulfide-Mediated Physiological, Biochemical, and Ultrastructural Modifications Enhance Drought Tolerance in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
by Abdul Rehaman, Syed Nazar ul Islam, Arif Tasleem Jan, Sajid Khan, Mohd Asgher and Nafees A. Khan
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(4), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17040029 - 13 Apr 2026
Viewed by 528
Abstract
The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.cv. BR-104) is the most widely cultivated legume crop and serves as a major dietary protein source worldwide. However, climate change-induced drought poses a severe threat to its productivity by disrupting key physiological and biochemical processes. Therefore, [...] Read more.
The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.cv. BR-104) is the most widely cultivated legume crop and serves as a major dietary protein source worldwide. However, climate change-induced drought poses a severe threat to its productivity by disrupting key physiological and biochemical processes. Therefore, identifying effective strategies to enhance drought resilience in the common bean is of considerable importance. The present study investigates the regulatory role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in improving drought tolerance. Polyethylene glycol (15% PEG) induced drought stress markedly reduced phenotypic changes (leaf area (LA), plant dry weight (PDW), root length (RL), and shoot length (SL) by 18.6, 20.5, 30.3 and 17.5% respectively), photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm by 28.4%), and photosynthetic pigment concentrations (chlorophyll and carotenoids by 25.6 and 36%, respectively), while significantly elevating oxidative stress markers (H2O2 and TBARS by 137.1% and 169.8%, respectively), leading to impaired stomatal movement and damaged chloroplast structure. Exogenous H2S application as sodium hydrogen sulfide (200 µM NaHS; H2S donor) effectively alleviated drought-induced oxidative damage by boosting endogenous H2S and GSH levels, upregulating activity of antioxidative enzymes, SOD, APX, and GR, thereby promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, and minimizing lipid peroxidation. Moreover, H2S maintained photosynthetic efficiency via improved stomatal openings and chloroplast structure, thus sustaining chlorophyll levels and stabilizing photosystem-II functionality. Enhanced proline accumulation following NaHS application led to improved osmotic adjustment, thereby contributing to overall stress tolerance. The use of a H2S scavenger at 100 µM HT (Hypotaurine) suppressed the mitigating effects of H2S, confirming the role of H2S in enhancing drought tolerance in the common bean. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential effect of H2S as a regulatory signaling molecule to enhance drought resilience in the common bean under drought stress conditions. Further research should explore integrating H2S-based treatments with breeding programs and agronomic practices to develop sustainable strategies to improve drought resilience in legumes and other staple crops under changing climatic conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Stresses)
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16 pages, 1732 KB  
Article
Population Genetic Differentiation and Runs of Homozygosity Analysis of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Southwest China
by Siqi Li, Xiaoyu Li, Yuan Feng, Xiaolei Ding, Jianren Ye and Yuchen Pei
Genes 2026, 17(4), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17040443 - 12 Apr 2026
Viewed by 556
Abstract
Background: Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), is a devastating forest disease. It has been reported in five provincial-level regions in Southwest China (Chongqing, Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet), threatening local pine forest ecosystems. [...] Read more.
Background: Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), is a devastating forest disease. It has been reported in five provincial-level regions in Southwest China (Chongqing, Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet), threatening local pine forest ecosystems. Methods: To unravel the population genetic variation and population differentiation of PWN isolates in this region, we purified eighty-one isolates for whole-genome resequencing and bioinformatics analysis, identifying candidate genes associated with runs of homozygosity (ROH). Results: Population structure analysis clustered the 81 isolates into three distinct genetic groups (Groups 1, 2, and 3). Notably, Group 1 exhibited fewer and shorter ROH segments compared to Groups 2 and 3, indicating higher genetic diversity and a different inbreeding history. Functional annotation of genes overlapping ROH regions revealed that Group 1 contained a subset of the genes identified in Groups 2 and 3, primarily enriched in specific molecular function categories. Conclusions: The PWN populations in Southwest China exhibit genetic differentiation, forming three distinct groups. Group 1 shows a reduced ROH burden and lower inbreeding levels, whereas Groups 2 and 3 display more extensive ROH patterns that may reflect historical demographic processes or potential adaptive selection. The differential distribution of ROH-associated genes across groups suggests possible variation in historical demographic processes and could suggest possible directional selection. These findings contribute to understanding the population history and genomic characteristics of PWN in Southwest China, providing insights that could support disease management strategies. Full article
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22 pages, 699 KB  
Systematic Review
Effects of Biologic Therapies and Narrowband UVB Phototherapy on Vascular Inflammation and Systemic Inflammatory Biomarkers in Psoriasis: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis of Prospective Studies
by Ana-Olivia Toma, Daniela Crainic, Diana-Maria Mateescu, Roxana Manuela Fericean, Nicolae Ciprian Pilut, Nina Ivanovic and Daniela Vasilica Serban
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(7), 2589; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15072589 - 28 Mar 2026
Viewed by 859
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Psoriatic disease is a systemic inflammatory condition associated with increased cardiometabolic risk, but the impact of contemporary systemic therapies and narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy on vascular and systemic inflammatory markers remains incompletely characterized. We aimed to systematically synthesize prospective evidence [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Psoriatic disease is a systemic inflammatory condition associated with increased cardiometabolic risk, but the impact of contemporary systemic therapies and narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy on vascular and systemic inflammatory markers remains incompletely characterized. We aimed to systematically synthesize prospective evidence on treatment-associated changes in vascular inflammation and systemic inflammatory biomarkers in adults with moderate-to-severe psoriatic disease. Specifically, we evaluated changes assessed by 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging and circulating biomarkers following biologic therapies or NB-UVB phototherapy. Methods: We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and CENTRAL from inception to 31 January 2026 for prospective interventional and observational studies in adults with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis treated with biologic agents targeting TNF-α, IL-12/23, IL-17, or IL-23, or with NB-UVB phototherapy. Eligible studies were required to report serial assessments of vascular inflammation by 18F-FDG PET/CT (typically aortic target-to-background ratio) and/or systemic inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, TNF-α, GlycA, or hematologic indices such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio) over at least 8 weeks of follow-up. We imposed no language restrictions and included only full-text, peer-reviewed prospective studies. Risk of bias was evaluated using RoB 2 for randomized trials and ROBINS-I for nonrandomized studies. Random-effects meta-analyses were prespecified for outcomes reported by at least two clinically comparable studies; however, because of substantial heterogeneity in reporting and methodology, effect estimates were summarized using a structured narrative synthesis. Results: Thirteen prospective studies (n ≈ 900 adults, published 2015–2025) met inclusion criteria, including four studies with serial 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging and one additional PET/CT study providing baseline observational data on vascular inflammation, as well as eight biomarker-focused prospective cohorts. Across randomized mechanistic trials and observational studies, biologic therapies reduced aortic target-to-background ratio by approximately 6–12% over 12–24 weeks (e.g., mean change from 2.42 to 2.18 with TNF-α inhibition and from 2.51 to 2.20 with IL-17 blockade), and no study reported worsening of PET-derived vascular indices under effective systemic treatment. Biologic and other systemic therapies produced concordant reductions in hs-CRP (typically by 30–50%), IL-6, TNF-α, GlycA, and blood-count-derived indices including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, with biomarker improvements frequently paralleling reductions in cutaneous disease activity and cardiometabolic risk markers. Two NB-UVB cohorts demonstrated significant hs-CRP reductions of roughly 20–30% and modulation of vitamin D-related inflammatory proteins, suggesting systemic anti-inflammatory effects, although these changes appeared less pronounced than with biologic therapy and were not accompanied by vascular imaging. Conclusions: Contemporary systemic psoriasis therapies, particularly biologic agents targeting the IL-23/Th17 axis and TNF-α, are associated with consistent reductions in aortic vascular inflammation and broad improvements in systemic inflammatory biomarkers, whereas NB-UVB phototherapy confers more modest but measurable systemic anti-inflammatory effects, although the current evidence does not allow differentiation between individual biologic classes in terms of magnitude of effect. Although reductions in vascular and systemic inflammatory markers were observed across therapies targeting TNF-α, IL-12/23, IL-17, and IL-23, the small number of mechanistic imaging studies and absence of head-to-head comparisons do not allow robust differentiation between biologic classes or support a uniform class effect. The convergence of imaging and biomarker data reinforces psoriasis as a clinically relevant model of inflammation-driven atherosclerosis and supports the concept that effective control of psoriatic inflammation may contribute to cardiovascular risk modification, highlighting the need for integrated cardiovascular risk assessment in routine care. However, the imaging evidence base remains limited to four small mechanistic PET/CT studies with relatively short follow-up, which constrains the strength and generalizability of conclusions regarding vascular inflammation. Larger, adequately powered, event-driven prospective trials with standardized imaging and biomarker endpoints are needed to determine whether these vascular and systemic anti-inflammatory effects translate into reduced cardiovascular events in psoriatic disease; because of methodological and reporting heterogeneity across the 13 included studies, these conclusions are based on a structured narrative synthesis rather than a formal quantitative meta-analysis. PROSPERO registration number: CRD420261296646. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Management of Patients with Heart Failure: 3rd Edition)
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14 pages, 239 KB  
Review
Evolution of Methods for the Quantitative Assessment of Inbreeding in Livestock
by Lyubov Getmantseva, Siroj Bakoev, Maria Kolosova, Alexandr Usatov, Kharon Amerkhanov and Olga Lukonina
Biology 2026, 15(7), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15070530 - 26 Mar 2026
Viewed by 769
Abstract
Inbreeding is a quantitative measure of autozygosity that underlies the assessment of genetic risks and the management of genetic progress in livestock populations. The development of methods for its estimation reflects a transition from probabilistic pedigree-based models to the direct analysis of genome [...] Read more.
Inbreeding is a quantitative measure of autozygosity that underlies the assessment of genetic risks and the management of genetic progress in livestock populations. The development of methods for its estimation reflects a transition from probabilistic pedigree-based models to the direct analysis of genome structure. This review systematizes the evolution of approaches to inbreeding assessment—from the classical inbreeding coefficient F based on identity by descent (IBD) to marker-based, segment-based runs of homozygosity (ROH) and probabilistic homozygous-by-descent (HBD) models. It is shown that the coefficients F_ped, F_GRM, F_ROH, and F_HBD capture related but distinct aspects of autozygosity and are therefore not fully interchangeable. Particular attention is paid to the transition from integral indicators to spatially and temporally stratified analyses of autozygosity, enabling the differentiation between ancient and recent inbreeding. Methodological assumptions, limitations, and the sensitivity of various approaches to marker density, detection parameters, and population demographic structure are discussed. A comparative analysis of methods for calculating F_ROH and segment-based autozygosity is presented. The necessity of a comprehensive assessment of inbreeding and the standardization of analytical protocols for its application in modern breeding programs is substantiated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Zoology)
29 pages, 5971 KB  
Article
Comprehensive Analysis of 122 Guinea Fowl Genomes Across Three Continents Delineates Their Domestication and Evolutionary Patterns with Special Reference to India
by Simmi Tomar, Sheikh Firdous Ahmad, Munish Gangwar, Manoharan Azhaguraja, Alisha Kush, Abha Trivedi, Ravi Kumar Gandham and Ashok Kumar Tiwari
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(7), 2994; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27072994 - 25 Mar 2026
Viewed by 905
Abstract
The guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), a thermo-tolerant and disease-resilient poultry species, holds great potential for sustainable poultry production in climate-vulnerable regions. The genomic aspects of this species remain largely understudied. The present study aims to delineate the patterns of domestication and [...] Read more.
The guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), a thermo-tolerant and disease-resilient poultry species, holds great potential for sustainable poultry production in climate-vulnerable regions. The genomic aspects of this species remain largely understudied. The present study aims to delineate the patterns of domestication and understand the evolutionary dynamics of guinea fowl populations (wild and domestic) across three continents, utilizing whole-genome sequencing data from 122 genomes. The population structure analyses (ADMIXTURE, PCA, phylogeny, FST, LD, and MAF) revealed that Indian guinea fowl (CARI) shared close ancestry with Iranian (IRAD) and Chinese (CHID) domesticated populations while remaining distinct from wild lineages. The runs of homozygosity (ROH) identified 49,088 segments, with short fragments (ROHs) preponderant in Indian and domestic populations, reflecting historical inbreeding and effects of domestication cum selection. Copy number variation (CNV) analysis revealed 105,178 CNVs concatenated into 40,067 CNV regions (CNVRs) across 11 populations, establishing the first CNV atlas for guinea fowl at the global level. Gene annotation of overlapping ROH and CNVRs revealed 1080 common candidates across Asian guinea fowl populations, i.e., the Indian guinea fowl (CARI), IRAD, and CHID, including FOS, EPAS1, CD74, and CSF1R. These genes have earlier been associated with immune regulation, stress response, and thermal adaptation. Selection signature scans, integrating intra-population (iHS) and inter-population (XP-EHH) approaches, uncovered genes under positive selection linked to immune response (like BCL11B, IL18, and GPC3), thermo-tolerance (like TRPV4 and BAG3), lipid metabolism (like AACS and ELOVL4), and pigmentation (BCO2). These signatures highlight the molecular basis of resilience in guinea fowl and their potential to withstand climate-induced stresses. This study presents the first global CNV atlas for guinea fowl and provides the first comprehensive genomic characterization of the Indian domestic population, integrating ROH, CNV, and selection signature analyses. It offers a comprehensive assessment of guinea fowl genomes (wild and domesticated) across three continents, offering insights into domestication, evolutionary dynamics, and the genetic basis of their adaptation and resilience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics and Genomics)
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