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PubMed2026

Genomic and Molecular Interaction Analysis of NodD1 in a Novel Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense sp. B64 Isolate for Nodulation and Symbiosis of Legume Plants.

Rhizobial bacteria are known for their ability to fix nitrogen for leguminous plants and their essential function for sustainable agriculture. This study characterizes the taxonomic status and functional potential of the Bradyrhizobium B64 isolate using integrated genomic and molecular approaches. The whole genome of the B64 isolate was sequenced via Illumina paired-end technology. Species delimitation was performed using average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA Hybridization (dDDH). The NodD1 protein structure was modeled using AlphaFold3 and validated by Ramachandran plot analysis. Molecular docking was then conducted to evaluate interactions between NodD1 and four signaling flavonoids: Apigenin, Daidzein, Genistein, and Naringenin. Genomic analysis revealed a maximum ANI of 94.4% and dDDH values between 51.4 and 62.4%. Since these values fall below the standard prokaryotic thresholds (ANI < 95%; dDDH < 70%), the B64 isolate is identified as a novel species. Physiological assays confirmed nitrogen fixation (1.97 ppm), IAA production (3.67 ppm), and phosphate solubilization (26.10 ppm). Structural validation showed 100% of NodD1 residues in allowed regions, ensuring high model reliability. Docking simulations demonstrated strong binding affinities across all flavonoids, with binding free energies ranging from - 8.8 to - 9.0 kcal/mol. Daidzein exhibited the highest thermodynamic stability (- 9.0 kcal/mol), whereas apigenin showed the most extensive residue interaction network. The B64 isolate is a novel Bradyrhizobium species with a high symbiotic capacity. The stable NodD1-flavonoid interactions provide a molecular basis for efficient nodulation, positioning B64 as a promising candidate for developing lipo-chitooligosaccharide (LCO)-based biofertilizers.

Bradyrhizobium↗

PubMed2026

Interactive gaming during inhalational induction of anesthesia reduces pediatric patient anxiety and improves induction compliance: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative anxiety affects up to 75% of pediatric surgical patients and is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. Traditional anxiolytic strategies with premedication carry drawbacks including delayed recovery and paradoxical reactions, driving interest in non-pharmacologic alternatives. Audiovisual distraction represents one approach, encompassing passive methods (e.g. watching a video) and active modalities (e.g. interactive gaming). The Bedside Entertainment and Relaxation Theater (BERT) is a projection-based environment that enables audiovisual distraction during induction. Whether BERT-based interactive gaming reduces anxiety and improves induction compliance compared to standard perioperative care remains unknown. METHODS: This single-center RCT enrolled 74 pediatric patients aged 4 to 14 undergoing inhalational induction, randomized to standard care (SOC) or interactive gaming via BERT added to SOC during induction (BERT). The primary outcome was change in patient anxiety from baseline to induction, measured using the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS). Secondary outcomes included caregiver anxiety, induction compliance, OR efficiency, opioid administration, and OR staff perceptions. RESULTS: Patients in the BERT group experienced significantly smaller increases in anxiety from baseline to induction than SOC (median mYPAS increase [IQR]: 0 [0 to 0] vs 10 [0 to 38], p < 0.001). Induction compliance improved, with lower Induction Compliance Checklist (ICC) scores indicating fewer induction-related disruptive behaviors than SOC (median: 0 vs 1, shift -1 [95% CI: -2 to 0]; p = 0.004). Caregiver anxiety increased less in the BERT group than SOC (mean STAI increase: 0.18 vs 1.89, difference - 1.7, [95% CI: -3.2 to -0.26]; p = 0.022). OR staff reported high acceptability, with 97% supporting continued use. No differences were observed in OR efficiency or opioid administration between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Interactive gaming via BERT attenuated increases in patient anxiety, improved induction compliance, and reduced the rise in caregiver anxiety without prolonging OR time. These findings support BERT as an effective, workflow-compatible anxiolytic strategy for pediatric inhalational induction.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Viral surveillance beyond detection: JMTV and the need for ensemble approaches in emerging virus discovery.

The recent report by T. Murillo, L. E. Enrique Chaves-González, S. Temmam, S. Bermúdez, et al. (Microbiol Spectr 14:e04078-25, 2026, https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.04078-25) expands the known geographic and ecological range of Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) by detecting the virus in Amblyomma mixtum ticks collected from horses in Costa Rica. This is an important finding because A. mixtum can feed on wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, creating a possible interface for virus movement across various hosts. The study also places the Costa Rican virus in a wider phylogenetic context, linking it to JMTV diversity reported from other regions. However, the detection of viral RNA in ticks should not be interpreted as proof of local disease, human infection, or active transmission, especially in the absence of supporting results. Instead, it reflects an important signal for careful viral surveillance. Here, I discuss how JMTV illustrates the need for ensemble approaches that combine field sampling, phylogeny, segment-level genome analysis, serology, experimental validation, and data-driven virus discovery tools.

emerging viruses↗

PubMed2026

Characterizing Caregiver-Child Interactions Through a Transactional Lens: A Baseline Analysis of a Caregiver-Implemented Intervention.

PURPOSE: This study was motivated by the transactional model of development and examined the reciprocal influences that children and caregivers have on caregiver-child interactions (CCXs) prior to a caregiver-implemented intervention. We tested whether child communication characteristics were associated with caregiver strategy use and whether these strategies, in turn, influenced children's communication to understand how caregivers and children mutually shaped the language learning environment. METHOD: Caregiver-child dyads (N = 105) were participants in a randomized controlled trial. CCXs were collected when children were approximately 30 months of age, transcribed, and coded for four caregiver language facilitation strategies and child communication variables. RESULTS: Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression and postselection inference indicated that child communication characteristics in CCXs were associated with both the frequency and type of strategies caregivers used. Children's overall communication acts were significantly associated with caregiver use of vocabulary strategies, whereas children's vocabulary diversity was significantly associated with caregiver use of sentence strategies. Mixed-effects logistic regression demonstrated that all four caregiver strategies significantly increased the likelihood of spontaneous lexical overlap in subsequent child turns. CONCLUSIONS: Prior to the intervention, caregivers and children reciprocally shaped the language environment. This supports a transactional perspective and warrants further consideration of reciprocal influences when assessing the impact of caregiver-implemented interventions. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.32995796.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Intestinal content accelerates muscle protein degradation in red shrimp (Solenocera crassicornis) during refrigeration: Insights from metagenomics and metabolomics.

This study systematically explored the effects of intestinal components on muscle quality deterioration and protein degradation of red shrimp during refrigerated storage. The results demonstrated that refrigeration induced continuous quality degradation and muscle protein breakdown in red shrimp, whereas eliminating intestinal tissues effectively retarded muscle spoilage and protein degradation, and optimized muscle texture. The intestinal microorganisms could secrete extracellular proteases to promote muscle protein degradation were primarily Vibrio, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Photobacterium, and Shewanella. These microorganisms promote protein degradation by secreting zinc proteases, serine proteases, and aspartyl proteases. This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms of intestinal microbial metabolism influences the muscle protein degradation of red shrimp during refrigeration. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for precise regulation of intestinal-targeted microorganisms, thereby maintaining optimal quality of shrimps during refrigeration.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

O'nyong-nyong virus adaptive mutations in non-structural protein 1 and 3 enhance RNA replication and overcome FHL1 requirement.

Arthritogenic alphaviruses, like o'nyong-nyong virus (ONNV), cause debilitating musculoskeletal diseases and are geographically expanding. To predict their emergence, we seek to better understand evolutionary mechanisms that enable changes in virus tropism. Here, we identify adaptive mutations in the ONNV non-structural proteins (nsPs) that arose during cellular serial passaging and enabled ONNV to infect non-permissive Lunet cells. Using shotgun proteomics, we show that this human hepatoma cell line lacks the four-and-a-half-LIM domain protein 1 (FHL1), an essential host factor in ONNV RNA replication. Individual single nucleotide mutations in the nsP1 ring-aperture membrane-binding and oligomerization domain, the nsP3 macrodomain, and the nsP3 opal stop codon overcome FHL1 deficiency in Lunet cells by enhanced RNA replication. These findings demonstrate how subtle genomic changes in nsPs can profoundly influence alphavirus replication and tropism.

LIM Domain Proteins↗

PubMed2026

The impact of routine traffic encounters that include procedural justice on police perceptions.

OBJECTIVES: Despite procedural justice in police-citizen interactions being widely studied, there is limited research regarding police perceptions of these interactions. This study addresses this by exploring police perceptions of two different types of random breath test (RBT) - standard and procedurally just - in an experimental trial. Officers were asked to report on whether they believe that their RBT interaction with drivers and riders changed behaviour, developed more positive perceptions of police and resulted in slower travel. Additionally, they were asked if they thought that the RBT interaction took too long. METHODS: This study was a six month randomised control trial with two operational conditions: a control condition with a standard (n = 18 days) and an experimental condition with a procedurally just (n = 17 days) RBT. Police officers completed post-operation surveys (n = 80). RESULTS: Police officers incorporating the principles of procedural justice into RBT had limited impact on officer perceptions. However, those officers who were more open to innovation believed that the interaction would result in more positive perceptions of police. Police officers who believed that their RBTs with motorcycle riders would make a difference perceived that the riders would both change their behaviour and travel more slowly after the interaction. There were no differences in perceived interaction length by police officers across both conditions. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that police officer openness to innovation has an important role to play in police officers having more positive perceptions regarding the outcomes of RBT interactions. As such police organisations should undertake activities, such as training, to improve innovation. The lack of perceived differences in RBT length between standard and procedurally just interactions suggests that these enhanced interactions can be implemented without concerns that police officers believe that they 'take too long'.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

MicroRNAs in Oral Bio-Fluids as Predictive Biomarkers of Orthodontic Tooth Movement: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review was designed to assess scientific evidence of the association of microRNA expression during orthodontic tooth movement through various time points. A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA checklist. A search strategy was developed in electronic databases including Med Line, Scopus, EBSCO Host and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global until June 2025. Eligibility criteria included studies that investigated microRNA expression in saliva/GCF during orthodontic treatment. The risk of bias of the included studies was analysed using the QUADAS-2 and RoB-2 tools. The search retrieved 2800 records, of which nine studies were selected. Minor variations in GCF collection were noted, while stimulated saliva was collected in one study. RT-PCR and the Fluro meter accounted for the majority of miRNA estimation. Thirteen miRNAs were identified as target biomarkers for OTM regulation. Despite the high risk of bias, the evidence from the current systematic review indicates that microRNAs can be considered as potential biomarkers of orthodontic tooth movement in oral biofluids. Trial Registration: Prospero ID-CRD420251153064.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Control of foreign DNA: emerging roles of xenogeneic silencers.

Bacteria continuously acquire foreign DNA through horizontal gene transfer, yet its successful integration depends on regulatory mechanisms that balance genome protection with evolutionary innovation. Xenogeneic silencers are central to this process: they preferentially bind AT-rich DNA, a common feature of many horizontally acquired genetic elements, and repress its transcription. Recent studies, however, reveal a much broader regulatory repertoire. Beyond transcriptional repression, these proteins contribute to chromosome organization by forming higher-order nucleoprotein complexes and phase-separated condensates that shape bacterial nucleoid architecture. Furthermore, they play roles in regulating bacteriophage infection cycles, including mechanisms by which phages hijack host silencing activities for their own benefit. Their extensive regulatory reach, spanning virulence genes, biofilm formation, specialized metabolite production, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), underscores their central role in connecting environmental signals, including fluctuations in the second messenger c-di-GMP, with gene expression, and genome organization. The diversification of xenogeneic silencers across bacterial chromosomes, plasmids, phages, and other MGEs highlights their evolutionary significance. Together, these recent findings position xenogeneic silencers as dynamic regulatory modules that shape the fate of foreign DNA across the horizontal gene transfer network.

Gene Transfer, Horizontal↗

PubMed2026

Lipid-mediated activation of BLT2 promotes membrane repair to prevent cell death.

Various pathogenic microorganisms produce toxins that create pores in cell membranes, causing cell damage and disrupting the host epithelial barrier. Recently, we reported that mice lacking the G protein-coupled receptor leukotriene B4 receptor 2 (BLT2), which is expressed in vascular endothelial and alveolar epithelial cells, are highly susceptible to pneumolysin (PLY), a pneumococci-generated toxin. Although we clarified the protective roles of BLT2 in vascular endothelial cells, those in alveolar epithelial cells have not been elucidated. Here, we report that lipid mediator 12-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid (12-HHT), which is produced by membrane-damaged epithelial cells, prevents cell death by promoting membrane repair through BLT2. BLT2 promoted the release of PLY-bound plasma membranes as extracellular vesicles in a sphingomyelinase-dependent manner. Additionally, BLT2 activated Rac1 and subsequent actin polymerization, leading to resistance to cell death. Furthermore, inhibition of 12-HHT production by aspirin and treatment with a BLT2 antagonist abolished the protective effect of BLT2. These findings provide a new therapeutic strategy for bacterial infection.

Receptors, Leukotriene B4↗

PubMed2026

Effect of Food on Balcinrenone/Dapagliflozin Pharmacokinetics and the Pharmacokinetics of Balcinrenone When Dosed with a P-gp Inhibitor.

Balcinrenone (AZD9977) is a novel selective non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist with a distinct mode of action being developed as a fixed-dose combination with the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor dapagliflozin for the treatment of heart failure with impaired kidney function, and chronic kidney disease. In this Phase 1 randomized open-label three-way crossover study we investigated the effect of food on balcinrenone/dapagliflozin pharmacokinetics, and the pharmacokinetics of balcinrenone when dosed with a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor. Fourteen healthy participants were administered an oral capsule of balcinrenone/dapagliflozin 40 mg/10 mg in three dosing periods: fasted (reference), fed (high-fat, high-calorie meal) and with a P-gp inhibitor (quinidine 300 mg × 2). Balcinrenone exposure was comparable in the fed and fasted states (geometric mean ratios [GMRs] [90% CI]: maximum plasma concentration [Cmax] 1.05 [0.88, 1.25]; area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity [AUCinf] 1.12 [1.06, 1.19]). In the fed state, dapagliflozin AUCinf was comparable to the fasted state (GMR [90% CI] 1.05 [1.01, 1.09]), whereas Cmax was decreased (GMR [90% CI] 0.59 [0.51, 0.69]), in line with previous dapagliflozin food interaction studies. Co-administration with quinidine increased balcinrenone exposure: GMRs (90% CI) 1.48 (1.24, 1.76) and 1.24 (1.17, 1.31) for Cmax and AUCinf, respectively, but AUC fold increase was <2, the level used for classification of sensitive P-gp substrates. All interventions were well tolerated. In conclusion, this study supports dosing of balcinrenone/dapagliflozin without regard to food. Balcinrenone is not considered a sensitive P-gp substrate. No P-gp based dosing precautions are warranted based on this study.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Microglial modulation in general anesthesia: molecular.

General anesthetics profoundly alter brain function and consciousness, yet the mechanisms underlying these effects remain incompletely understood. Although traditional studies have primarily focused on neuronal targets, accumulating evidence suggests that microglia dynamically respond to anesthetic exposure and may participate in anesthesia-associated neurophysiological changes. Beyond their established immune functions, microglia are increasingly implicated in synaptic remodeling, metabolic regulation, neuronal activity surveillance, and neuron-glia communication. Recent studies indicate that different classes of anesthetic agents modulate microglial activity through diverse and context-dependent mechanisms involving inflammatory signaling, purinergic pathways, calcium dynamics, mitochondrial metabolism, and neural circuit interactions. These responses are associated with postoperative neurocognitive disorders, altered synaptic plasticity, and anesthesia-related changes in brain states. In this review, we summarize current evidence regarding the effects of volatile anesthetics, intravenous anesthetics, and analgesics on microglial function and discuss the molecular, functional, and circuit-level mechanisms underlying anesthesia-associated neuron-microglia interactions. We further highlight the dynamic and heterogeneous nature of microglial responses during anesthesia and discuss current limitations in the field, including the lack of temporally resolved and cell-specific approaches. Understanding these processes may provide insights into anesthesia-associated neurocognitive dysfunction and support the development of neuroimmune-targeted strategies in anesthesiology.

General anesthesia↗

PubMed2026

Structural and tissue-specific organisation of endocrine Fgf19 and Fgf21 signalling in rainbow trout.

Endocrine fibroblast growth factors (FGF19 subfamily) play a key role in regulating metabolic homeostasis in vertebrates. However, their functional diversification in salmonids remains poorly understood. In this study, we conducted an integrative characterisation of Fgf19 and Fgf21 signalling in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) by combining phylogenetic, structural and expression analyses. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the conservation of single fgf19 and fgf21 genes, despite the extensive expansion of receptors post-Ss4R (salmonid-specific fourth-round whole genome duplication). Structural modelling and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated the stable interactions of both ligands to multiple Fgfr isoforms, with receptor-specific energetic profiles and conserved core interaction residues. Tissue expression profiling revealed clear differences from mammalian models, such as predominant hepatic fgf19 expression and the absence of hepatic fgf21 under basal conditions. In addition, there were complex and tissue-dependent distributions of fgfr and klotho transcripts. These findings support a receptor-driven diversification model of endocrine Fgf signalling in salmonids, suggesting enhanced endocrine plasticity associated with the retention of receptors following post-genomic duplication. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the structural and regulatory organisation of endocrine Fgf signalling, as well as its potential role in metabolic regulation in rainbow trout.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Detoxifying biotransformation of chloramphenicol by Exiguobacterium sp. CAP4 and its bioaugmentation of chloramphenicol biodegradation in simulated wastewater.

The extensive use of chloramphenicol (CAP) in livestock leads the accumulation of CAP in livestock manures, threatening environmental and human health. Therefore, eliminating or reducing CAP concentration in manures before its re-utilization and application through microbial remediation is necessary. Exiguobacterium sp. CAP4, isolated from the plastisphere in duck manures, was capable of degrading CAP with the biodegradation efficiency of 97.8 % at initial CAP concentration of 5 mg/L within 4 days. A total of twenty-four biotransformation products were determined, including two novel transformation products, TP166 and TP203, enriched the integrity of CAP biodegradation pathways. Furthermore, the biotransformation process was proposed as a detoxifying process through biotransformation products toxicity evaluation. Notably, Exiguobacterium sp. CAP4 successfully colonized in the cow manures after inoculation, and bioaugmented the biodegradation of CAP in virgin cow manures. This study significantly extended our understanding of the CAP biotransformation fate, and provided a promising bacterial strain for bioremediation of CAP containing wastewater in situ.

Chloramphenicol↗

PubMed2026

Metal-organic frameworks nanozyme-integrated portable microneedle patch for visual bacterial monitoring in meat.

Foodborne microbial contamination is a major global health concern, with conventional methods often being time-consuming and complex. Herein, we developed a novel portable biosensor by integrating microneedle patch technology and a metal-organic framework (Fe/Cu-NBDC MOF) nanozyme, enabling rapid, on-site, visual detection of bacteria in meat. The sensing system works by encapsulating aptamer-functionalized MOF nanozymes within a hydrogel patch, where their catalytic sites are initially blocked by the aptamer. In the presence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) as the target, the specific aptamer's binding to bacteria exposes numerous catalytic sites, further activating the chromogenic reaction of the tetramethylbenzidine‑hydrogen peroxide (TMB-H₂O₂) system, enabling visual detection of S. aureus. The biosensor demonstrates a detection limit of 82 CFU/mL with excellent specificity to successfully apply to commercial mutton. By integrating sampling, enrichment, and visual detection into a single compact device, this platform offers a practical, efficient solution for rapid on-site screening of foodborne pathogens.

Biosensing Techniques↗

PubMed2026

Clinical pharmacokinetics of afatinib: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Afatinib is commonly used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This systematic review summarizes clinical pharmacokinetics (PK) evidence focusing on the effect of disease state and drug interactions on afatinib exposure. METHODS: Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, and the Cochrane library were searched for human studies reporting the clinical PK of afatinib. The search yielded 24 articles that met the predefined inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Afatinib exposure increased slightly more than dose proportionally, with higher doses producing greater AUC0-24 and Cmax values. The apparent oral clearance reported after administration of the oral solution was lower than that observed following tablet administration. The Cmax of afatinib increases by 38.5% after coadministration with ritonavir and exposure decreases 34.3% with rifampicin. The Cmax decreases 31.45% when given with pemetrexed. Both the AUC0-24 and Cmax increase in NSCLC and tumor state. The AUC0-24 of afatinib is 2.61 folds higher following multiple oral doses among patients with solid tumors. Afatinib exposure is 22.1 % higher in renal impaired patients than in healthy controls. In grade 2 diarrhea, the AUC0-24 of afatinib is 83.93% higher as than in grade 0-1 diarrhea in solid tumor patients. CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides an updated synthesis of clinical PK evidence on afatinib. Afatinib exposure is influenced by dose, repeated administration, renal impairment, diarrhea associated toxicity, and P-glycoprotein mediated drug interactions. These findings may support individualized dosing, toxicity-guided dose adjustment, and future development of PK models for afatinib.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Boosting kynurenic acid in kombucha via substrate selection: metagenomic and biochemical insights.

Kombucha is gaining global popularity for its health benefits. This study explored the use of chestnut honey, a rich source of kynurenic acid (KYNA), to produce kombucha enriched with this metabolite. Five variants were prepared using different green/black tea blends and carbon sources: white sugar or acacia honey (controls) versus chestnut honey. Samples were analyzed for tryptophan metabolites, physicochemical properties, and microbial diversity. Komagataeibacter and Enterobacter were predominant bacterial genera in SCOBY. Candida and Aspergillus were predominated in the single sample analyzed for fungi. During fermentation, tryptophan decreased, while kynurenine increased. KYNA levels remained largely stable during fermentation and were mainly influenced by the fermentation substrate. No melatonin pathway derivatives were detected. On day 7, chestnut honey yielded kombucha with 381.680-739.915 μmol/L KYNA and elevated myricetin. Overall, chestnut honey-based kombucha represents a system in which substrate composition appears to be the main factor influencing KYNA levels in the final beverage.

Kynurenic Acid↗

PubMed2026

Proteome-level evidence that tebuconazole, both alone and in interaction with thiacloprid, affects epigenetic events in bumblebee heads.

Tebuconazole, a widely used ergosterol biosynthesis-inhibiting fungicide, can affect nontargets, especially when combined with insecticides. We employed label-free quantitative proteomics to investigate the effects of long-term exposure to sublethal concentrations (100 μg/L) of tebuconazole, either by itself or alongside the neonicotinoid thiacloprid (100 μg/L), on the heads of Bombus terrestris workers. A Bayesian factor power analysis revealed that the experiment produced conclusive proteomic results. Tebuconazole treatment revealed eleven differentially abundant proteins, which increased elevenfold with thiacloprid. The proteins that changed in the same direction in both treatments suggest the occurrence of epigenetic events because they are involved in histone trimethylation (H3K4me3), pre-mRNA processing, and folate (vitamin B9) metabolism. Following co-exposure, the abundance of histone H2A.V and its associated proteins was affected. Two important detoxification-related proteins, CYP6BE1 and CYP6AQ1 (honey bee homologs), were identified, as well as proteins that suggest hormonal and neurotoxic effects. Overall, this study suggests that tebuconazole affects key epigenetic processes in bumblebee heads at the proteome level, though this was not confirmed at the biological level or through orthogonal methods. The tested chemicals were previously found to affect trimethylations, but not H3K4me3. We suggest analyzing the different trimethylations, their interplay, and associated hallmarks, such as folate levels. SIGNIFICANCE: The effects of pesticides and their combinations on organisms can be unexpected until they are examined using modern, complex methods. High-throughput proteomics can provide data on important biochemical processes affected by pesticides, offering a different perspective to that at the expression level. Despite their low acute toxicity, a group of fungicides that inhibit (ergo)sterol biosynthesis (EBI or SBI) are considered dangerous to pollinators, including bumblebees. This is due to the increasing toxicity of insecticides through the inhibition of cytochrome P450 detoxification enzymes. We found that tebuconazole had a similar effect on epigenetic events when used alone or in combination with the insecticide thiacloprid. Key proteins suggest that H3K4 histone trimethylation (H3K4me3) was impacted. To our knowledge, this expands the existing evidence suggesting that tebuconazole/triazole fungicides affect histone trimethylation H3K27me3. Since literature shows that thiacloprid affects H3K9me3, it is possible that thiacloprid and tebuconazole interact in these epigenetic events that affect each other. Overall, our results suggest that tebuconazole affects proteins involved in histone trimethylation, pre-mRNA processing, and folate metabolism. These are all hallmarks of epigenetic processes and were further extended by the co-exposure of tebuconazole and thiacloprid to more differently abundant proteins. Additionally, the results provide data on cytochrome P450s of the CYP6 family, which act as detoxifying proteins, as well as proteins that indicate hormonal and neurotoxic effects in bumblebee heads. Finally, the results of the Bayesian power analysis confirmed the meaningfulness of the proteomic data analyzed in this study. If the new findings obtained at the proteome level are verified by different methods, the full extent of the side effects of tebuconazole can be revealed.

Animals↗