Search Results (220)

Single-cell omics technologies have transformed the study of cellular heterogeneity, enabling high-resolution analysis of tissue development and complex traits. In sheep and goats, these approaches have been applied to skin, hair follicles, reproductive organs, metabolic tissues, and adipose tissue, revealing cell type-specific regulatory programs underlying traits such as wool quality, fertility, growth, and fat deposition. However, most studies rely on single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and are limited by incomplete genome annotation, insufficient coverage of production traits, and weak integration with population genetics, restricting their application in molecular breeding. This review summarizes advances in single-cell omics in sheep and goats, focusing on tissue development and trait formation. We further discuss emerging strategies that integrate single-cell multi-omics, spatial transcriptomics, and population genetics to resolve regulatory mechanisms in a cell type-specific and spatially informed context. Finally, we discuss CRISPR/Cas9-based validation to link genotype and phenotype, accelerating gene discovery and precision breeding in small ruminants. Full article

This study evaluated whether the complexity and temporal dynamics of environmental enrichment during the nursery phase are associated with piglets’ threat-related responses and affective state using a multimodal approach. We combined an Attentional Bias Test (ABT) with bioacoustic measures, Qualitative Behavior Assessment (QBA), and biomarkers (hair cortisol and serum BDNF). In a commercial nursery setting, 675 piglets were allocated to three treatments: UNI (single continuous item: chains), ALT (chains plus an additional object rotated weekly), and SIM (continuous simultaneous provision of multiple objects). A subsample of 32 piglets underwent the ABT (UNI, n = 10; ALT, n = 11; SIM, n = 11). Most ABT measures related to threat-directed attention and space use showed no detectable treatment differences under the present protocol, and feeding latency was affected by stimulus exposure but not by treatment. In contrast, treatments differed in coping-related responses: UNI showed a higher frequency of excretions, ALT showed a longer standing-inactive duration, and SIM showed more escape attempts. Vocalizations were restricted to harsh grunts, with ALT showing longer harsh-grunt duration and higher total vocal output. QBA and biomarkers further differentiated treatments: SIM showed calmer/less tense expressive profiles, whereas UNI showed higher post-exposure hair cortisol and lower serum BDNF than the more complex conditions. Overall, enrichment-related differences were more consistently detected in coping-related behavior, QBA, and biomarkers than in ABT attentional measures, suggesting that enrichment implementation (stable vs. rotational) shapes partially dissociable behavioral and physiological adaptation profiles, and that both more complex strategies showed a more favorable biological profile than UNI. Full article

Background: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is increasingly recognized as a disorder involving not only hair-cell damage but also selective degeneration of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Recent single-cell, molecular, and functional studies have refined the classical type I/type II classification of SGNs by identifying distinct Ia, Ib, and Ic subtypes within type I neurons. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on how SGN vulnerability is shaped by the interaction between subtype identity, life stage, and injury context. Methods: We conducted a critical narrative review of recent studies on SGN heterogeneity and subtype-specific vulnerability across development, maturity, and aging, with particular attention to molecular profiling, functional studies, and emerging therapeutic strategies. Results: SGN degeneration in SNHL is not uniform. During development, the available evidence mainly supports the vulnerability of subtype specification, synaptogenesis, and activity-dependent maturation, rather than direct selective degeneration of mature Ia/Ib/Ic identities. In the mature cochlea, subtype-specific differences in synaptic architecture, ion-channel composition, and metabolic demand appear to shape responses to noise, ototoxic drugs, and ischemic stress, with Ic-related populations often showing greater vulnerability. During aging, cumulative mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and declining neurotrophic support may progressively unmask differences in subtype resilience and contribute to age-related auditory decline. Conclusions: A lifespan-oriented and subtype-informed framework may improve the current understanding of selective SGN degeneration and support the development of more precise neuroprotective and reparative strategies for SNHL. Full article

Background: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis with multiple clinical variants involving the skin, mucous membranes, nails, and hair follicles. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study of patients diagnosed with LP at a tertiary referral center from January 2011 to December 2024. Inclusion required concordance between clinical presentation and histopathologic findings. Demographic characteristics, LP subtypes, anatomical involvement, comorbidities, therapeutic approaches, and treatment outcomes were extracted from electronic health records. In addition, an exploratory sensitivity analysis restricted to patients with a single LP subtype was performed to allow for independent subgroup comparisons, and a modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) based on available comorbidity domains was calculated. Pairwise multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, and outcome-specific modified CCI were performed for selected comorbidities. Results: A total of 754 patients were included (mean age 53.1 years), with cutaneous LP (cLP), oral LP (oLP), genital LP (gLP), and lichen planopilaris (LPP) being the most frequent subtypes; a total of 620 had a single major LP subtype and were included in the mutually exclusive analysis. In these groups, modified CCI, age-adjusted modified CCI, and overall comorbidity count differed significantly across subtypes (Kruskal–Wallis p < 0.001). After adjustment in pairwise models, cLP-only showed higher odds of malignancy compared with oLP-only, gLP-only, and LPP-only and higher odds of diabetes mellitus compared with all other pure subtypes. Most other comorbidity comparisons were non-significant or imprecise because of low event numbers. Topical glucocorticoids were the most frequently used treatment, and treatment responses varied by subtype, being more effective in cLP and gLP compared to LPP. Topical calcineurin inhibitors demonstrated the highest response rates in gLP. Acitretin was most effective in cLP, whereas isotretinoin showed favorable responses in oLP. Conclusions: This large, histopathologically confirmed cohort highlights distinct differences in comorbidity patterns, anatomical involvement, and therapeutic response across LP subtypes. Treatment outcomes vary substantially by subtype, underscoring the need for individualized management strategies. Prospective studies are warranted to further elucidate subtype-specific disease associations and optimize treatment approaches. Full article

Addressing increased demand for sheep meat globally is dependent on reproductive efficiency (lambs weaned per 100 breeding ewes). Efficiency is determined by ewe fertility (pregnancy rate) and fecundity (litter size), as well as lamb survival. This paper provides estimates of these components from the world literature and examines their relationships with breed class (wool, dual-purpose, meat, milk, prolific) and within breed class, country and global region. Reproductive efficiency was estimated at 97.7 ± 2.68, while values for fertility, fecundity and lamb survival were 83.9 ± 0.95, 144.6 ± 3.48 and 80.8 ± 0.93%, respectively. Efficiency increased for each component, with the response being greatest for fecundity (R² = 0.4896, p < 0.001). Within breed classes, medium- and strong-wool Merinos were more (p < 0.05) efficient than fine-wools, while narrow-tailed meat breeds were more fecund (p < 0.05) than fat-tail, wool-shedders and hair types. Efficiencies in the single- versus multiple-gene prolific groups were 124.6 ± 32.52% and 152.9 ± 10.1%, respectively. In conclusion, these findings provide an overview for the reproductive efficiency of the world’s sheep population (though based on <5% of breeds), quantify how the parameters controlling efficiency interact, and estimate contributions made by breed, country and world region toward reproductive output. Full article

The purpose of this study was to compare the rotational stability of cannulated compression headless screws (CCHSs) with cortical positional and lag screws in a simulated cadaveric feline sacroiliac luxation (SIL) model. Thirty-six cadavers of domestic short-haired cats were assigned to three groups. A unilateral SIL model was stabilized using either a single 2.5 mm CCHS, a 2.4 mm cortical positional screw (PS) or lag screw (LS), each engaging 60% of the sacral width. The pelves were mounted in a mechanical testing machine and loaded through the acetabulum to simulate ground reaction forces. Constant displacement was applied at 0.5 mm/s until maximal failure occurred. Yield load, ultimate load, stiffness, and failure modes were compared among the three groups. At the yield load, a statistical trend was observed among the groups, and pairwise comparison showed a significant difference between CCHS and PS. However, no significant differences were identified among the groups for yield load, ultimate load, or stiffness. All specimens failed due to screw loosening, and failure modes differed between CCHSs and cortical screws. Overall, CCHSs and cortical screws placed in a positional or lag fashion showed comparable rotational stability under the single load-to-failure conditions used in this feline SIL model. These findings question the biomechanical advantage of compression screws regarding rotational strength in unilateral feline SIL. Full article

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by diverse patterns of non-scarring hair loss. Due to its susceptibility to immune dysregulation and psychological stress, there is growing speculation regarding the potential role of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the COVID-19 pandemic in its development, recurrence, or exacerbation. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate patients affected by AA from a single dermatological center, specifically focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospitalization rates. Methods: Data comprising demographic characteristics, disease subtype, number, and duration of hospitalizations were digitized and statistically analyzed. The five-year period prior to the pandemic (2015–2019) was compared with the subsequent four years (2020–2023) to assess any changes. Results: The study involved 428 individuals (256 children and 172 adults), with a slight predominance of women (68.2%). The median ages in adults and children were 39.13 years and 8.66 years, respectively. Following the pandemic, there was a 13.81% decrease in the mean age among adult males. Hospitalizations surged by 207.62% after the pandemic, increasing from 223 to 686 admissions. Additionally, the diagnosis of alopecia areata totalis increased significantly by 55.6%. The residential distribution of pediatric patients also shifted notably, with 72.16% residing in urban areas and 27.84% in rural areas between 2020 and 2023. Conclusions: The significant increase in hospitalization rates and the diversity of disease subtypes observed in this study may suggest a potential correlation between COVID-19 and the development or altered course of alopecia areata. A deeper understanding of this association could enhance treatment outcomes in dermatology, ultimately improving patient care. Full article

Heavy metals including mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) remain significant global toxins due to their environmental persistence, widespread anthropogenic release, and serious biological effects. This review consolidates current understanding of their natural and industrial sources, environmental cycling, human exposure routes, and population-level vulnerabilities. It covers their toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics, emphasizing species-specific absorption, distribution, and injury mechanisms, including oxidative stress, thiol binding, mitochondrial dysfunction, endocrine disruption, and cancer risk. Clinical signs range from subtle neurocognitive impairment and kidney damage to severe acute poisoning. The review evaluates evidence-based approaches to risk assessment and biomonitoring, such as blood, urine, hair, and speciation tests, noting issues, including unvalidated provoked testing. Treatment focuses on removing exposure, providing nutritional support, and offering supportive care, with chelation therapy reserved for specific cases. It explains the chemistry, pharmacology, and roles of chelating agents—ALA, DMSA, DMPS, Cys, GSH, and physiologic thiols, comparing their effectiveness, limitations, and costs for various metals. Emerging therapies, precision toxicology, and public health strategies are discussed within a prevention-focused context. Unlike prior reviews focused primarily on toxic mechanisms or isolated clinical management, this review integrates mechanistic toxicology, biomarker interpretation and speciation, evidence-based clinical care, and ethical, cost-conscious decision-making within a single translational framework. This narrative review synthesizes foundational and contemporary literature published through 2025, with particular emphasis on studies published since 2000 that inform toxicokinetics, biomarker interpretation, diagnostics, clinical management, and prevention. Full article

Background: The cochlea is a specialized sensory organ essential for hearing. To elucidate its cellular and molecular architecture and prioritize candidate genes associated with hearing loss (HL), we constructed a cross-species single-cell transcriptomic atlas of human fetal and postnatal mouse cochleae. Methods: We integrated single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing datasets from human fetal cochleae and postnatal mouse cochleae to build a comprehensive cross-species single-cell transcriptomic atlas. Cell-type annotation, transcriptional regulator analysis, intercellular communication, and disease phenotypes were performed to dissect the cochlear cellular landscape, regulatory programs, and potential HL gene candidates. Results: A total of 19 major cochlear cell types were identified in both species, with conserved cellular composition and transcriptional programs. Comparative analysis revealed strong transcriptional conservation between matched human and mouse cell types, particularly in supporting, schwann cells and hair cells. Cell–cell communication analysis revealed conserved signaling pathways, including the BDNF-NTRK2 axis, potentially involved in cochlear development and auditory function. Regulatory network inference uncovered conserved and previously undercharacterized transcription factors, such as SKOR1, RFX2, and PAX2, predicted to be associated with hair cell identity and function. We further defined a conserved gene module of 3138 hair cell-enriched genes, from which 24 candidate HL-associated genes (e.g., ATP8B1, BDNF, and SOD1) were prioritized through integration with human disease databases and mouse auditory phenotype annotations. Conclusions: This study provides a high-resolution cross-species cochlear atlas, revealing conserved molecular programs and candidate HL-associated genes, offering valuable insights into auditory biology and potential avenues for further investigation. Full article

The regeneration and repair of scarless skin tissue remain a significant challenge for full-thickness wounds. Traditional wound management approaches, particularly passive healing through scabbing and conventional mechanical debridement, are frequently associated with significant pain, high infection risks, and abnormal scar formation, often failing to support the regeneration of skin appendages like hair follicles. In recent years, collagen-based scaffolds have been widely adopted in tissue-engineered skin substitutes owing to their favorable biocompatibility. However, their simplistic, single-component architecture inherently lacks the dynamic, cell-instructive microenvironment found in native skin, which not only compromises the long-term survival and functional integration of seeded cells but also directly leads to insufficient reconstruction of the dermo-epidermal junction, thereby impairing skin barrier function and ultimately limiting overall regenerative efficacy. In this study, we propose a biomimetic multilayer composite scaffold system in which decellularized amniotic membrane matrix (AM) is combined with fibroblast-laden collagen gel (FCG) and seeded with epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs). This bionic skin (denoted as AM-FCG-EpiSCs) is designed to achieve hierarchical regeneration of full-thickness skin defects. Compared with injured skin treated with Moropicin ointment, the injured skin treated with AM-FCG-EpiSCs healed more quickly and regenerated appendages like hair follicles without scarring. The results show that the biomimetic structure of AM-FCG-EpiSCs can mediate dynamic cell–cell interactions and regulate the microenvironment. This breakthrough overcomes the dual challenges of scar suppression and functional restoration in full-thickness skin regeneration, offering an innovative solution for translational medicine. Full article

Background/Objectives: The increasing global trend in nail beautification may lead to analyses of nails with semi-permanent polish for the identification of degraded human remains. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cosmetic nail treatment on forensic STR DNA profiling and phenotyping of eye, hair, and skin colour characteristics using a massively parallel sequencing (MPS) assay. Methods: Forty-two nail samples obtained from 21 volunteers, classified in “new”, occasional and regular semi-permanent polish users, were submitted to DNA analysis. Results: The use of semi-permanent nail polish, particularly when applied repeatedly, resulted in a significant reduction in DNA recovery, but it did not affect STR typing for personal identification. Mixed STR profiles were observed in 28.6% of the samples, indicating that the nail washing procedure employed before DNA extraction did not completely remove the foreign DNA; however, this could be useful depending on the forensic context. FDP analysis was successfully applied on nails with semi-permanent polish that showed a good quantity of DNA and single-source profiles. Conclusions: The results highlight the evidentiary value of fingernails even if treated with semi-permanent nail polish that should still be regarded as a source of DNA for personal identification and further investigation in the forensic context. Full article

Background and Objectives: Burnout is highly prevalent among emergency and acute care healthcare workers (HCWs), yet biological correlates remain debated because candidate biomarkers are strongly shaped by circadian timing, shift work, sleep loss, and overlapping affective symptoms. We mapped post-2018 evidence of biological biomarkers assessed alongside validated burnout measures in emergency department (ED), emergency medical services (EMS), and related acute care settings. Specifically, we asked whether reproducible biological correlates of burnout can be identified in emergency and acute-care healthcare workers when biomarker endpoint class and sampling context are systematically considered. Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic scoping review with evidence mapping (PRISMA-ScR). PubMed/MEDLINE and the MDPI platform were searched for English-language studies published from 2018 onward (through January 2026). Eligible quantitative studies enrolled ED/EMS or acute care HCWs, assessed burnout using validated instruments, and reported at least one biological biomarker. Evidence was charted by biomarker domain and endpoint class (basal measures, stress reactivity paradigms, and chronic indices such as hair-based markers). Results: Overall, 19 studies were included in mapping/synthesis. Biomarker selection clustered around the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (cortisol; n = 10/19), with fewer studies focused on autonomic function (heart rate variability; n = 2/19) and immune–inflammatory markers (n = 2/19), and single-study coverage for oxidative stress (n = 1/19), cardiometabolic candidates (n = 1/19), cellular aging (n = 1/19), neuroglial/multi-system candidates (n = 1/19), and feasibility-oriented multi-marker designs (n = 1/19). Reported associations with burnout were heterogeneous in direction and magnitude, but were more interpretable when endpoint class, timing anchors, and shift/sleep-related covariates were explicitly reported. Rates of confounder adjustment were low across studies (e.g., only 3/19 reported multivariable adjustment, and none systematically measured sleep or circadian factors), substantially limiting interpretability. Conclusions: The 2018+ literature does not support a single reproducible biomarker for burnout in emergency and acute care workforces. Evidence instead suggests multi-system dysregulation that is highly sensitive to endpoint class, sampling timing, and contextual confounding. Future studies should prioritize timing-anchored repeated-measures protocols across shift and recovery windows, jointly model sleep/circadian factors and depressive symptoms, and evaluate multi-marker panels and intervention responsiveness. Full article

Human hair waste represents a dense nitrogen reservoir (~15% N); however, its agricultural valorization is hindered by two concurrent barriers: the extreme recalcitrance of alpha-keratin and the high salinity derived from cosmetic treatments. While chemical hydrolysis generates secondary pollutants, biological composting often fails due to osmotic inhibition of non-adapted inoculants. Here, we report a biological strategy to circumvent this osmotic bottleneck using unwashed human hair collected from professional salons. We compared the degradation efficiency of a syntrophic Effective Microorganisms (EM) consortium with traditional single-strain inoculants (Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus spp.) in a 16-week co-composting system. Data revealed that the EM consortium displayed superior resilience, sustaining thermophilic sanitation (>45 °C) compliant with US EPA PFRP standards and achieving a Nitrogen Mineralization Rate of 883 mg N kg⁻¹ week⁻¹ (nearly triple the control), resulting in a final N content of 1.41% (14,133 mg kg⁻¹). Crucially, the EM treatment reduced electrical conductivity from a phytotoxic 7.23 mS cm⁻¹ to a tolerable level of 3.82 mS cm⁻¹, a mitigation effect likely mediated by humification-driven ion chelation. This performance suggests a “syntrophic succession” mechanism where initial acidification facilitates subsequent proteolytic attack. The final product presented a high sulfur-to-nitrogen ratio indicative of extensive disulfide bond cleavage. Preliminary economic estimates (~$60 USD ton⁻¹) confirm the process’s viability for decentralized scalability, though future molecular validation is recommended. We conclude that bio-augmentation with metabolically diverse consortia is essential to process chemically treated hair waste, converting a hazardous salon residue into a high-value proteinaceous biofertilizer. Full article

The long hair phenotype of the dog is ascribed to variants in the fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) gene. Currently, there are five variant alleles known, Lh1 through Lh5, with any combination of these alleles resulting in a long-haired phenotype in dogs. Recently, genotyping of several long-haired dogs for the known Lh1–Lh5 variants yielded unexpected results as these dogs contained no or only one variant in the FGF5 gene known to result in the long-hair phenotype. Analysis of the coding region for the FGF5 gene identified four novel variants associated with the long-haired phenotype. One dog of mixed ancestry had an insertion of G very similar to and near to the long-hair variant Lh4, NC_006614.4: g.37352832insCC. A group of 24 Tibetan Mastiffs showed the Lh1 variant NC_006614.4:g.37372096C>A in 11 dogs only, and no other known Lh variant. Within the coding frame of the FGF5 gene, three unknown variants were discovered that were predicted to have a phenotypic effect. These new variants were inherited in a Mendelian fashion and, in combination with one of the known FGF5 alleles, likely predict the long-hair phenotype. Lastly, eight of the 24 Tibetan Mastiff dogs carried three FGF5 variants. Full article

Rare earth elements (REEs) and technology-related trace elements are increasingly used in modern products and processes, but biomonitoring data in healthy children and adolescents remain scarce; scalp hair provides a practical, integrative matrix for assessing multi-element patterns over time. Scalp hair collected in April–May 2001 from children (6–9 years; n = 120) and adolescents (13–16 years; n = 97) living in Alcalá de Henares (Spain) was retrieved from archival storage and analysed in 2025 using a single QA/QC-controlled ICP–MS workflow. Seven REEs (Ce, La, Pr, Nd, Gd, Er, and Y) and nine technology-related trace elements (Bi, Sb, Th, U, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ir, and Rb) were quantified after rigorous decontamination; left-censored data were treated using Kaplan–Meier, regression on order statistics, and maximum-likelihood approaches, and population reference values were derived as percentile-based upper limits (P95, 95% CI). In children, REEs were frequently detected and showed strong within-suite covariation, with medians in the low ng g⁻¹ range (e.g., Ce ≈ 0.011 µg g⁻¹; La ≈ 0.007 µg g⁻¹), whereas in adolescents, most REEs were near reporting limits. Sb and U were ubiquitous in both age groups, while platinum-group elements were largely undetected. Shale-normalised REE patterns were subparallel across normalisers, La/Ce anomalies were centred below unity, and weak soil–hair correlations suggested multiple microenvironmental exposure pathways. These data provide a robust pre-diffusion baseline for REE metals in European youth, offering a benchmark for future urban exposome assessments. Full article