Search Results (597)

Early post-hatch feeding strategies supplementing nutrients, particularly functional amino acids, have been proposed to enhance gastrointestinal tract (GIT) maturation and health in broilers in the post-antibiotic era. However, reported effects on performance and gut morphology remain inconsistent. Hence, this meta-analysis synthesized and clarified the efficacy pattern of supplemental FAA (Arg, Gln, Gly) evidence on growth performance, gut morphology, and lymphoid organ development. From a search spanning 2015 to September 2025, data were extracted from 23 eligible studies among 582 reports identified and pooled from five online databases. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated using Hedges’ g estimator with 95% confidence intervals, and heterogeneity was explored using subgroup and meta-regression procedures. Internal validity and reliability of included studies and publication bias were also assessed. The random-effects meta-analyses revealed that the FAA increased BWG (SMD = 1.01; p = 0.0006) and reduced feed conversion ratio (SMD = −0.45; p < 0.0001). Likewise, they enhanced intestinal architecture in both the jejunum and ileum. This was characterized by increased villus height (p < 0.05), reduced crypt depth (p < 0.05), and an elevated villus-to-crypt ratio (p < 0.0001), with the ileum exhibiting the greatest morphological response. In contrast, supplementation had no significant effect on spleen weight (SMD = 0.24; p = 0.2483) or bursa weight (SMD = 0.31; p = 0.1575). These effects, however, can be influenced by dosage used, dietary crude protein level, and broiler strain. In addition to enhancing the small intestine morphology early on, longer supplementation increased feed efficiency. Specifically, L-arginine and glycine efficaciously stimulated BWG, while L-glutamine and L-arginine enhanced morphology. Overall, early dietary supplementation with arginine, glutamine, or glycine is an effective post-antibiotic nutritional strategy to alleviate early post-hatch physiological stress and support broiler growth and intestinal development. However, to optimize nutrient utilization and sustain growth performance comparable to that achieved with standard CP diets, these FAAs in practical broiler nutrition should be strategically integrated into low-CP formulations. Full article

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex degenerative joint disease for which early diagnosis and clear molecular characterization remain limited. DNA methylation has been increasingly recognized as an important regulatory factor in OA pathogenesis. In this study, we proposed an integrative computational framework combining statistical analysis, machine learning, deep learning, and functional genomics to identify and validate OA-associated genes and methylation biomarkers for diagnostic and biological interpretation. Candidate CpG sites were obtained using two complementary strategies: differential methylation analysis and selection of loci located near transcription start sites of previously reported OA-related genes. Key features were further refined using support vector machine recursive feature elimination and random forest algorithms. Based on the selected loci, we developed a feature-fusion diagnostic model that combines Transformer and convolutional neural networks with adaptive weighting to capture both global dependency structures and local methylation patterns. A panel of 220 methylation sites demonstrated stable and reproducible diagnostic performance in an independent cohort. Functional annotation and pathway analysis highlighted several established OA-associated genes, including TGFBR2, SMAD3, PPARG, and MAPK3, and suggested INHBB as a potential novel effector gene, with additional support for AMH and INHBE involvement. Overall, this study presents a robust methylation-based framework for identifying key OA-associated genes and provides new insights into the epigenetic mechanisms underlying OA. Full article

Utilizing food-derived bioactive polysaccharides in advanced biomedical applications offers significant potential. To effectively harness the inherent bioactivity of Poria cocos, a renowned edible and medicinal fungus, we developed a multifunctional double-network composite hydrogel (CPS) via a feasible one-pot strategy. This was achieved by incorporating functional carboxymethyl pachymaran (CMP) into a matrix of food-grade sodium alginate (SA) and polyacrylamide (PAM). This formulation endows the hydrogel with excellent extensibility, rapid self-healing capabilities, and strong tissue adhesion, all while preserving the biological activity of the natural macromolecules. In a mouse full-thickness skin defect model, the CPS significantly accelerated wound recovery, achieving a healing rate of 51.17 ± 4.87% by day 7. Mechanistically, the food-derived CMP synergistically promoted skin tissue regeneration by downregulating the expression of the early pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and upregulating the angiogenic marker CD31, thereby actively modulating the local microenvironment. Ultimately, these findings demonstrate the viability of using edible fungal polysaccharides as primary bioactive components in advanced wound dressings, providing a novel approach for utilizing food macromolecules in biomedicine. Full article

Background: The optimal timing of cranioplasty (CP) after decompressive craniectomy (DC) remains debated. Early reconstruction may enhance neurological recovery through restoration of cerebral perfusion and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, yet concerns persist regarding postoperative complications. Objective: To evaluate the impact of early versus delayed cranioplasty on neurological outcomes and postoperative complications in adults following decompressive craniectomy. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD420251123808). PubMed, OVID, and Web of Science were searched for studies published between January 2017 and December 2025. Eligible studies compared early and delayed CP in adults and reported neurological outcomes and/or complications. Results: Twenty-one retrospective cohort studies including 8462 patients were analyzed. Neurological improvement was observed in both groups across multiple validated scales (GOSE, GOS, GCS, mRS, BI, FIM, NIHSS, MMSE). Early CP was consistently associated with superior recovery, including higher one-year Barthel Index improvement (74.1% vs. 54.8%), greater FIM gains (7.31% vs. 4.66%), and higher composite recovery rates (95.6% vs. 80.0%). No study demonstrated superior recovery with delayed CP. Infection, hydrocephalus, and seizure rates were comparable between groups. However, hematoma (21% vs. 10.4%) and hygroma (7.49% vs. 4.73%) were more frequent after early CP, although hematoma rates were influenced by a large database study. Bone flap resorption was less frequent with early CP (1.44% vs. 6.26%). Conclusions: Early cranioplasty is associated with improved neurological recovery but carries an increased risk of select complications, particularly hematoma and hygroma, representing a clinically relevant trade-off. Delayed CP does not demonstrate overall superior safety due to higher bone flap resorption. Timing should be individualized, and prospective multicenter studies with standardized definitions are needed. Full article

Ranked 30th globally in dryness, South Africa faces severe challenges in ensuring fodder security, which is worsened by climate change impacts on agriculture. However, there is still limited knowledge about optimising fodder radish cultivation under shifting climatic conditions. This study investigated the effects of planting dates (December to March), cultivars (Nooitgedacht, Line 2 and Endurance) and seasons (2020/21 and 2021/22) on growth, yield, and crude protein (CP) and mineral concentrations under rainfed conditions. Seasonal variation significantly (p < 0.05) influenced emergence, relative growth, and flowering across planting dates. Fresh tuber yield was highest when Nooitgedacht was planted in December (2052 and 2102 kg ha⁻¹). In contrast, January planting enhanced aboveground biomass and crude protein (CP) yield, with Endurance recording the highest biomass (1260 and 1157.95 kg ha⁻¹ DM) and tuber CP yield (19.2 and 18 kg ha⁻¹). December planting favoured tuber production, whereas January planting optimised biomass, CP yield, and persistence. Planting date and cultivar significantly affected leaf and tuber mineral concentrations. December–January plantings generally enhanced leaf P, K, and Zn concentrations. Endurance and Nooitgedacht accumulated higher micronutrients than Line 2, particularly under early planting. The late flowering of Endurance extended the grazing period, aligning with late-winter forage demand under rainfed conditions. Overall, this study offers practical guidance for improving the quantity and quality of fodder radish in diverse agricultural settings. Future work should evaluate these cultivars across more sites to confirm performance stability under variable rainfall patterns. Full article

Soil salinity remains a major constraint to rice productivity, particularly during early developmental stages when plants are highly sensitive to osmotic and ionic stress. In this study, we evaluated 201 genetically diverse rice genotypes from the 3K Rice Diversity Panel to investigate stage-specific mechanisms of salinity tolerance and develop machine learning-based predictive models for rapid phenotypic screening. Morphological and physiological traits were measured under control and saline conditions at germination and early seedling stages to derive Stress Tolerance Indices (STIs). The average membership function value (AMFV), calculated from multi-trait STI profiles, effectively captured variation in salinity responses and enabled classification of genotypes into five tolerance categories. Genome-wide association analysis using high-density SNP markers identified 36 significant marker–trait associations, including potentially novel SNPs on chromosomes 1 and 12. Several loci co-localized with candidate genes (LTR1, LGF1, OsCPS4, OsNCX7, and OsNHX4), while functional SNPs within genes (OsDRP2C, RLCK168, and OsMed37_2) and non-synonymous variants (qSVII11.1 and qSNaK3.1) further supported their candidacy in salinity tolerance. Mining favourable SNPs of causal genes identified superior multilocus combinations consistent with STI-based phenotypic patterns, with genotype 91-382 emerging as the strongest performer, exhibiting enhanced Na⁺ exclusion, K⁺ retention, and biomass resilience across developmental stages. To address multicollinearity among STI traits, we applied cross-validated LASSO (germination) and Elastic Net (early seedling) models, achieving high predictive accuracy and revealing a developmental shift from biomass-driven tolerance at germination to ion-regulatory processes at the seedling stage. Independent validation showed strong agreement between predicted and observed AMFVs. By integrating physiological indices, GWAS-derived SNP signals, and regularized machine learning approaches, this study provides a robust framework for identifying elite donors and accelerating breeding for salt-tolerant rice. Full article

Leaf yellowing seriously affects the sustainability of artificial forest ecosystems. However, it remains unclear whether such chlorosis is driven primarily by soil nutrient deficiency or by internal nutrient reallocation. In particular, the physiological processes underlying the green apices and yellow bases pattern within branches remain poorly understood. This study compared needle carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) stoichiometry between apical and basal positions in asymptomatic and symptomatic Pinus sylvestris L. trees within the Otindag Sandy Land, China. Our findings revealed that except for the 80–100 cm layer, soil element concentrations did not differ significantly between healthy and chlorotic trees. In the trees, apical needles maintained stable stoichiometry across all trees, whereas basal needles of symptomatic individuals exhibited significantly higher C:N and C:P ratios, indicating severe localized nutrient stress. Notably, symptomatic trees exhibited exceptionally high N and P resorption efficiencies (79.68% and 71.05%, respectively), which were significantly higher than those of healthy trees (41.73% and 48.09%). The high Stoichiometric Deviation Index (SDI) and weak needle–soil correlations further confirm that needle chlorosis is decoupled from direct soil supply limitations. Instead, this pattern is primarily governed by prioritized internal nutrient reallocation to safeguard apical growth dominance. These findings highlight branch-level nutrient redistribution as a useful adaptive strategy to consider when interpreting early decline symptoms and nutrient stress in sandy-land P. sylvestris plantations. Full article

Craniopharyngioma (CP) is a rare benign tumor of the sellar and suprasellar region that often compresses the optic pathways, causing significant visual impairment in both children and adults. The early detection and monitoring of optic nerve involvement are essential for preserving visual function. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) are noninvasive, high-resolution imaging modalities that provide quantitative assessment of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, ganglion cell complex (GCC), and retinal microvasculature. Thinning of the RNFL and GCC correlates with visual field defects and reduced visual acuity and may also serve as a predictor of postoperative visual recovery. OCTA reveals microvascular alterations that may precede structural damage and, together with other imaging parameters, can be used to estimate the likelihood of visual improvement after neurosurgery. This review summarizes current evidence on the use of OCT and OCTA in CP, highlighting their applications in assessment of optic pathway involvement, preoperative evaluation, postoperative monitoring, and risk stratification. Based on our clinical experience, we propose a table with recommended OCT parameters and follow-up intervals. Importantly, OCT should be interpreted alongside the visual acuity, visual field testing, and fundus examination for comprehensive assessment. Future directions include the standardization of imaging protocols and prospective multicenter studies, and integration of OCTA metrics into predictive models of visual outcomes. OCT and OCTA provide objective, reproducible biomarkers that support individualized patient care and may improve visual prognosis in CP. Full article

Cheliped regeneration in the E. sinensis is a tightly regulated physiological process, yet the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphism during regeneration remain unclear. In this study, we combined morphological observation with transcriptomic analysis to systematically investigate the regenerative stage characteristics and sex-related differences. The papilla stage 4 dpa was identified as a pivotal transitional stage, bridging initial wound healing and cellular dedifferentiation (2 dpa) with subsequent redifferentiation and morphogenesis (7 dpa). Morphological sex-based differences characterized by larger regenerating chelipeds in males became prominent by the late stage (28 dpa). Notably, the molecular foundation of sexual dimorphism was found to be established at 4 dpa, significantly preceding the emergence of phenotypic differences. This early divergence was driven by sex-dimorphic endocrine networks: males exhibited preferential expression of genes such as Fem-1c-like, Cyp2L1-like, CpAMP1A-like and Nedd4-like, while females showed enrichment in elevated aromatase activity. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified the Hox gene Antp as a core hub regulator, exhibiting high co-expression with key epidermal-related genes such as Cht6, Cht2-like and more. Its suppressed expression at 2 dpa aligned with the requirements for dedifferentiation, whereas its peak at 4 dpa indicated a crucial role in orchestrating appendage patterning and exoskeleton assembly. RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of Antp resulted in obscured differentiation between the propodus and carpus in both sexes and confirmed its regulatory control over downstream targets including Ubx, Bmp2-like, and CpAMP1A-like. This study suggests a putative hierarchical regulatory model in which systemic hormonal signals may integrate Antp and other sex-biased regulators to potentially facilitate structured limb regeneration. These findings offer tentative novel insights into the interplay between developmental plasticity and sex-based regulatory divergence in decapod crustaceans. Full article

Physical exercise represents a physiological stressor capable of activating the acute-phase response (APR) in horses. However, the relative contribution of exercise intensity versus duration to acute-phase protein (APP) dynamics remains incompletely defined. This study compared the effects of short, high-intensity gallop exercise (2400 m flat race; n = 12) and prolonged, low-intensity endurance exercise (40 km; n = 13) on serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), and ceruloplasmin (Cp) in Thoroughbred racehorses. Blood samples were collected before exercise and at defined post-exercise time points. Between-group comparisons were performed at shared time points (72 h and 96 h post-exercise) using mixed-effects modeling and effect size analysis. The significant Group × Time interaction for SAA indicates that exercise duration plays a key role in determining the magnitude and persistence of the late-phase systemic inflammatory response. Serum amyloid A emerged as the most sensitive biomarker of cumulative physiological stress following prolonged exercise. These findings support the use of SAA monitoring during recovery to assist training management in equine athletes. Because early post-exercise sampling was not performed in the gallop group, conclusions primarily reflect differences in late-phase (72–96 h) APP kinetics. Full article

Malignant transformation of benign salivary gland tumors represents a critical biological process that provides valuable insights into head and neck carcinogenesis, with potential implications for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Understanding the molecular, epigenetic, and microenvironmental mechanisms underlying this transition is essential for improving early diagnosis, risk stratification, and personalized management strategies. This study presents a comprehensive narrative review of the current literature focusing on benign salivary gland tumors with malignant potential, particularly pleomorphic adenoma and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma, emphasizing molecular alterations, angiogenesis, and tumor microenvironment dynamics. A structured literature search was conducted across major biomedical databases, including PubMed and Scopus, selecting studies that addressed genetic rearrangements, epigenetic modifications, histopathological features, and clinical connections of malignant transformation. The findings highlight recurrent genetic alterations such as PLAG1 and HMGA2 rearrangements, TP53 mutations, and ERBB2 overexpression, along with epigenetic dysregulation through CpG island hypermethylation. Enhanced angiogenesis, marked by increased expression of CD105 and vascular endothelial growth factor, as well as a “cold” immune microenvironment, emerged as key contributors to tumor progression. These mechanisms demonstrate significant overlap with pathways implicated in OSCC development. Benign salivary gland tumors represent a valuable model for studying malignant transformation in head and neck oncology. Interpreting shared molecular and microenvironmental pathways may facilitate the identification of novel biomarkers and support the development of personalized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for OSCC. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although the presence and diameter of the cribriform pattern (CP) are established prognostic factors in prostate cancer (PCa), the clinical impact of quantitative cribriform tumor burden (CTB) remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the association between CTB and clinicopathological outcomes in Grade Group 4 PCa with large cribriform morphology (LC-GG4). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with pure GG4 prostate cancer exhibiting ≥1 large cribriform gland (>0.25 mm) at radical prostatectomy. CTB was assessed as the percentage of cribriform architecture relative to the total tumor area. Following clinicopathological correlation, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined the optimal CTB threshold for predicting lymphovascular invasion (LVI). Distant Metastasis-free survival (dMFS) and biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCRFS) were evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier and log-rank tests. Results: In 43 patients with LC-GG4, extraprostatic extension was present in 100% of cases. The median CTB was 30.0% (IQR: 15.0–60.0%). A CTB threshold of ≥25% was optimally associated with LVI (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.801, p = 0.002). High-CTB (≥25%) was strongly correlated with LVI (p = 0.002) and intraductal carcinoma (p = 0.004) and was independently associated with LVI in multivariate analysis (OR: 1.054; p = 0.006). Furthermore, high-CTB patients demonstrated significantly shorter mean dMFS (84.9 vs. 113.1 months; p = 0.042), with no significant difference observed for BCRFS. Conclusions: In LC-GG4 prostate cancer, CTB is a critical determinant of clinical aggressiveness. A quantitative threshold of ≥25% was independently associated with LVI and early metastatic progression. Quantifying CTB, rather than relying on simple binary assessment, provides superior risk stratification. Full article

There is a growing need for accessible and engaging rehabilitation tools for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Cerebral palsy (CP), Down syndrome (DS), and Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Serious games offer a promising approach, yet few are tailor-made to meet the therapeutic demands of these populations. A tailor-made, non-immersive virtual reality (VR) serious games framework featuring a basketball task was developed, with therapist-controlled modules for customization and monitoring. Twenty-eight participants (CP: 14; DS: 7; ASD: 7) completed the game across eight sessions, grouped into three practice phases: an initial session, an early adaptation phase, and a consolidated practice phase. Performance metrics included accuracy, reaction time, and number of victories. All groups improved performance across phases, with accuracy increasing significantly in central (p = 0.005) and total positions (p = 0.007). The number of victories also increased from the initial to the early adaptation phase (p = 0.019) and from the initial to the consolidated practice phase (p = 0.008). Participants with ASD showed significantly higher accuracy than the DS group, while CP and DS participants showed a temporary increase in reaction time during the early adaptation phase, followed by a reduction in the consolidated phase, suggesting task adaptation. These findings support the feasibility and short-term effectiveness of a modular, tailor-made serious games platform for telerehabilitation. Full article

The study evaluated the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with marula oilcake (MOC) at equal inclusion (10% fresh weight) levels in whole-crop maize silage treated with or without lactic acid bacteria inoculants on fermentation characteristics, nutritive value, aerobic stability, and in vitro nutrient degradability. Maize was ensiled with SBM or MOC in a non-iso-nitrogenous 2 × 3 factorial design and either inoculated or uninoculated with Lalsil Fresh or Sil-All 4×4 for 90 days. Protein sources differed significantly (p < 0.05). The MOC showed high DM, EE, GE, and ADL, whereas SBM had high CP, ash, and IVOMD. Fibre fractions (aNDF and ADF) were similar (p > 0.05). The SBM control showed significantly high (p < 0.05) LA, NH₃-N, CP, IVOMD, propionic acid, and early gas production, indicating efficient fermentation. The SBM + Lalsil maintained low pH, and early OM, CP, and GE degradability. The SBM + Sil-All achieved the highest (p < 0.05) OM, NDF, and ADF degradability and acetic acid production than other treatments. The MOC control showed low (p < 0.05) pH, high fibre and GE, reduced butyric acid, and low 48 h gas production, indicating slower fermentation but improved stability. The MOC + Lalsil had high (p < 0.05) DM, low CO₂ and yeasts and moulds, and the highest (p < 0.05) CP degradability, propionic acid, and peak gas production at 12 h. The MOC + Sil-All showed high (p < 0.05) GE and WSC with peak GE degradation at 12 h, but low NDF degradability and reduced gas production. Overall, SBM improved degradability and fermentation efficiency, particularly with Sil-All, whereas MOC enhanced energy density and aerobic stability, with Lalsil optimising protein utilisation. Matching inoculant type to protein source is essential to optimise silage quality and rumen fermentation. Further research should assess different inoculant inclusion rates and include a maize-only control, and evaluate protein source inclusion under iso-nitrogenous conditions to allow more accurate comparisons. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most important causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, underscoring the need to better understand systemic inflammatory pathways across the colorectal neoplasia spectrum. In this exploratory case–control study, we characterized plasma levels of key inflammatory mediators in healthy individuals and patients with colorectal polyps or CRC. Healthy controls (n = 10), patients with colorectal polyps (CP, n = 16), early-onset CRC (EO-CRC, n = 11), and late-onset CRC (LO-CRC, n = 51) were prospectively enrolled. Plasma levels of sTNF-R, total TNF-α, PDGF-AA, IL-17A, and IL-1β were measured by ELISA. Group comparisons used Kruskal–Wallis tests with epsilon-squared effect sizes. PDGF-AA showed the strongest differences between controls and all neoplastic groups (ε² ≥ 0.15), and these comparisons remained significant after Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate correction. IL-17A levels were slightly higher in EO-CRC than in LO-CRC; however, this difference did not remain significant after adjustment for multiple testing. TNF-α and IL-1β showed no significant differences across groups. Overall, this study primarily provides descriptive and hypothesis-generating evidence of differential inflammatory patterns across colorectal neoplasia, with PDGF-AA emerging as the most robust signal in this exploratory dataset. These findings do not support immediate diagnostic application and require validation in larger, prospectively recruited cohorts. Full article