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Fourteen-Day Amoxicillin- or Tetracycline-Containing Bismuth Quadruple Therapy versus 14-Day Metronidazole-Based Triple Therapy as the Treatment for Clarithromycin-Resistant Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Combination therapy comprising a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), amoxicillin, and metronidazole (PAM) is used to treat clarithromycin-resistant Helicobacter pylori in the Republic of Korea, but eradication rates are decreasing due to an increasing incidence of clarithromycin resistance. We compared PAM, bismuth compounds plus PAM (PAM-B), and the combination of PPI, bismuth compounds, metronidazole, and tetracycline (PBMT) to determine whether PAM-B can achieve an eradication rate higher than that of PAM and comparable to that of PBMT. METHODS: This prospective multicenter study enrolled patients with clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori infections in the Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do of the Republic of Korea between December 2022 and February 2024. RESULTS: In the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, the eradication rate was significantly lower in the PAM group (68.2%) than in the PAM-B group (84.8%, p=0.024), whereas the difference from the PBMT group (81.8%) was not significant (p=0.070). The rate remained lowest in the PAM group (75.4%) in the per-protocol (PP) analysis (PAM-B, 96.5%, p=0.001; PBMT, 94.6%, p=0.004). Eradication rates were comparable between the PAM-B and PBMT groups in both the ITT (p=0.640) and PP analyses (p=0.633). Nausea and vomiting were significantly less frequent in the PAM-B group than in the PBMT group (6.8% vs 25.0%; p=0.007). Severe adverse events were rare, and all symptoms resolved after treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: PAM-B yielded eradication rates higher than those of PAM and comparable to those of PBMT, with no significant increase in the incidence of adverse events, suggesting the potential of PAM-B as a first-line treatment for clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori infection. Further large-scale studies are needed to validate these results. Registered retrospectively with the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS; KCT0012265).

Humans

Artificial intelligence-assisted detection and optical differentiation of colorectal lesions in Lynch syndrome surveillance (CADLY2): a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled superiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI)-based computer-aided detection (CADe) systems improve adenoma detection in average-risk colorectal cancer screening. Meanwhile, evidence in Lynch syndrome surveillance is sparse and inconsistent. We assessed the effect of CADe on adenoma detection during Lynch syndrome surveillance. Computer-aided optical diagnosis (CADx) performance for optical differentiation of colorectal lesions was evaluated as a secondary aim. METHODS: CADLY2 was an international, multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled superiority trial at nine specialised hereditary cancer surveillance centres in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain. Adults aged 18 years or older with genetically confirmed Lynch syndrome scheduled for surveillance colonoscopy were randomly assigned (1:1) to high-definition white-light (HD-WL) colonoscopy alone or to HD-WL colonoscopy with computer-aided assistance from CAD EYE (Fujifilm, Tokyo, Japan). CAD EYE was used for CADe during withdrawal and for CADx after lesion detection. Randomisation was done centrally through a secure web-based system using Pocock's minimisation algorithm with a stochastic component and was stratified by centre, sex, previous colorectal cancer, underlying pathogenic variant, and interval since previous colonoscopy. Allocation concealment was ensured through the centralised web-based system. Patients were masked to group allocation until the start of withdrawal in procedures with mild sedation, or until completion of the procedure in procedures with propofol-based sedation. Endoscopists were not masked. The primary outcome was adenoma detection rate, defined as the proportion of patients with at least one histopathologically confirmed adenoma, analysed in the full analysis set (defined as all randomly allocated patients with available data for the primary outcome). The diagnostic performance of the CADx system was evaluated as a secondary outcome. The safety analysis set comprised all randomly allocated patients who underwent a study colonoscopy. This study is registered with the German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00030695, and is completed. FINDINGS: Between May 9, 2023, and Oct 30, 2025, 757 patients were randomly allocated to HD-WL colonoscopy (377 patients) or to AI-assisted colonoscopy (380 patients); 733 patients were included in the full analysis set (369 HD-WL and 364 AI-assisted). The median age was 49 years (IQR 38-59) in the HD-WL group and 50 years (38-59) in the AI-assisted group; 213 (58%) were female and 156 (42%) male in the HD-WL group, and 207 (57%) were female and 157 (43%) male in the AI-assisted group. The adenoma detection rate was 30·9% (114 of 369 patients) with HD-WL versus 33·8% (123 of 364 patients) with CADe assistance (odds ratio 1·14 [95% CI 0·83-1·57], p=0·41). For CADx differentiation of neoplastic versus non-neoplastic lesions in the paired lesion-level analysis, with histopathology as the reference standard and sessile serrated lesions and traditional serrated adenomas classified as non-neoplastic, CADx sensitivity was 85·9% (95% CI 82·0-89·1) and specificity was 91·4% (89·4-93·0). Three adverse events occurred in the AI-assisted group: two mild post-polypectomy bleedings and one serious pulmonary embolism or deep venous thrombosis unrelated to the procedure. No adverse events occurred in the HD-WL group. INTERPRETATION: CADe-assisted colonoscopy did not show the absolute improvement in adenoma detection rate that was assumed in the prespecified sample-size calculation. CADx did not clearly improve lesion differentiation beyond expert optical diagnosis in expert Lynch syndrome surveillance settings. FUNDING: Third-party research funding of the National Center for Hereditary Tumor Syndromes, University Hospital Bonn.

Humans

Intravenous Nicorandil in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary PCI: The CLEAN Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Nicorandil, an adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium-channel opener with nitrate-like properties, may reduce reperfusion injury and microvascular obstruction in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but large-scale randomized evidence on long-term clinical outcomes is inconclusive. OBJECTIVES: The CLEAN trial aimed to assess whether adjunctive intravenous nicorandil improves 12-month clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted at 49 hospitals in China, patients aged 18 to 80 years with STEMI within 12 hours of symptom onset were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive intravenous nicorandil (6 mg bolus before reperfusion followed by 6 mg/h infusion for 48 h) or matching placebo. Oral nicorandil was prohibited during follow-up. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, or unplanned hospitalization for heart failure within 12 months. RESULTS: Between January 2021 and December 2023, 1,503 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to nicorandil (n = 748) or placebo (n = 755). The primary composite outcome occurred in 98 patients (13.1%) in the nicorandil group (113 events over 717.2 person-years) and 99 (13.1%) in the placebo group (136 events over 710.3 person-years), with no significant difference between groups (rate ratio: 0.869; 95% CI: 0.650-1.162; P = 0.3429). Among secondary outcomes, nominal reductions were observed in cardiovascular death (1.9% vs 3.6%; HR: 0.515; 95% CI: 0.269-0.983) and target-vessel revascularization (1.1% vs 3.0%; HR: 0.322; 95% CI: 0.143-0.727), whereas rates of nonfatal myocardial infarction and unplanned hospitalization for heart failure were similar between groups. Adverse events did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention, adjunctive intravenous nicorandil did not significantly reduce the 12-month primary composite outcome. These findings do not support routine use of intravenous nicorandil in unselected patients with STEMI. (Clinical Efficacy and sAfety of Intravenous Nicorandil; NCT04665648).

Humans

Chinese herbal medicine Xiangsu Hewei Granules in treating non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease with liver stomach stagnation heat syndrome: A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Xiangsu Hewei Granules are an herbal preparation that has shown potential for controlling symptoms of nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD) in preliminary studies. However, high-quality randomized controlled evidence for its use in NERD remains lacking. AIM: To verify the efficacy and safety of Xiangsu Hewei Granules in treating NERD with liver stomach stagnation heat syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre phase III trial included 480 patients (aged 18-65 years) with confirmed NERD (GerdQ&#x2265;8; negative H. pylori) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) liver stomach stagnation heat syndrome. Patients were randomized 3:1 to receive either Xiangsu Hewei Granules or placebo, thrice daily for 8 weeks. The primary outcomes were the effective rate of the response based on visual analog scale (VAS) scores for heartburn and acid regurgitation at week 8. The secondary outcomes included reductions in the TCM syndrome score, etc. RESULTS: 479 participants (mean age 48.5 years, SD10.2; 54.3% female) entered the full analysis set and safety set (360 tests group; 119 control group, 1 participant in the control group withdrawing before medication). At week 8, compared with the control group, the test group demonstrated significantly better effective rate of VAS score response for heartburn(76.39% vs 21.01%, 95% CI 55.38 (45.98, 62.94) %, p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.01),acid regurgitation (79.72% vs 23.53%, 95% CI56.39 (46.90, 64.12) %, p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.01), and TCM syndrome score (69.23% vs 30.13%, p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.01) at week 8. CONCLUSION: In this selected population of NERD patients with liver-stomach stagnation heat syndrome (e.g., negative H. pylori, no pH-impedance phenotype, and low anxiety/depression scores), Xiangsu Hewei Granules demonstrated efficacy and safety in improving heartburn, acid regurgitation, and TCM syndrome scores. However, generalizability to the broader NERD population and its comparative effectiveness against standard proton pump inhibitor therapy require further investigation.

Humans

Impact of oxytocin discontinuation on fetal heart rate and uterine contractility: A pre-specified ancillary analysis embedded within a randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Oxytocin is widely used to augment uterine contractions during labor. However, its use has been associated with fetal heart rate (FHR) abnormalities and neonatal morbidity, which may be reduced by discontinuing oxytocin during labor. We aimed to assess the impact of oxytocin discontinuation at the onset of the active phase of labor on FHR patterns and uterine contractility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study is a pre-specified ancillary analysis of the STOPOXY trial, a multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled superiority trial conducted in 21 French maternity units between January 2020 and January 2022, which aimed to assess the impact of oxytocin discontinuation during active labor on neonatal morbidity. Participants who received oxytocin before 4&#x2009;cm dilation were randomly assigned (1:1) to either oxytocin discontinuation or oxytocin continuation. For the present analysis, we included women from the per-protocol discontinuation group of the parent trial. Inclusion was restricted to the six centers with electronic cardiotocography storage where valid cardiotocography recordings were available for at least 1&#x2009;h before and 1&#x2009;h after oxytocin discontinuation. Using a paired before-and-after design, FHR parameters (classified according to FIGO criteria) and uterine activity were compared during the 60&#x2009;min preceding versus the 60&#x2009;min following oxytocin discontinuation by independent obstetricians blinded to neonatal outcomes. Changes in FHR pattern were categorized as no change, improvement, or deterioration. RESULTS: 284 women fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Following oxytocin discontinuation, mean FHR increased (135 vs. 137.5&#x2009;bpm; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.002) and FHR variability significantly changed (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.010), with a lower rate of reduced variability (3.9% vs. 2.5%) and a higher rate of normal variability (48.2% vs. 53.3%). The proportion of tracings with decelerations significantly decreased (64.1% vs. 48.6%; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). Uterine activity decreased, with fewer uterine contractions (4.0 vs. 3.5 contractions per 10&#x2009;min; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Among women receiving oxytocin during early labor, discontinuation at the onset of the active phase was associated with improved FHR patterns and reduced uterine activity, suggesting a lower fetal stress and tachysystole. Further studies are needed to assess whether these changes affect labor management or maternal experience.

Humans

Intravenous lidocaine reduces the propofol EC50 for loss of consciousness and intraoperative anesthetic consumption in gynecological laparoscopy: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous lidocaine reduces propofol requirements and procedure-related adverse events. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to test whether intravenous lidocaine would reduce the effect-site concentration of propofol required to achieve loss of consciousness and decrease propofol consumption during total intravenous anesthesia in gynecological laparoscopy. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Sixty patients were randomly allocated to receive either intravenous lidocaine (1.5 mg&#xb7;kg-&#xb9; bolus) followed by continuous infusion or an equal volume of saline. Propofol was administered via target-controlled infusion starting at an effect-site concentration of 3.5 &#x3bc;g/mL. The concentration was then adjusted in steps of 0.5 &#x3bc;g/mLaccording to Dixon's up-and-down sequential method: decreased if loss of consciousness was achieved, or increased if not. Loss of consciousness was defined as loss of response to verbal commands. The median effective concentration (EC50) of propofol for inducing loss of consciousness was calculated using the Dixon's up-and-down method. General anesthesia was maintained with propofol and remifentanil, guided by state entropy (target 40-60) and surgical pleth index (target 20-50). Drug consumption was normalized to anesthesia duration and body weight. RESULTS: The estimated EC50 of propofol for inducing loss of consciousness was significantly lower in the lidocaine group than in the saline group (3.32 &#x3bc;g/mL, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 3.04-3.59 vs. 3.89 &#x3bc;g/mL, 95% CI: 3.50-4.28). Under the study protocol, the lidocaine group also required less propofol (8.62 mg&#xb7;kg-1&#xb7;h-1, 95% CI: 8.10-9.15 vs. 9.89 mg&#xb7;kg-1&#xb7;h-1, 95% CI: 9.05-10.73) and less remifentanil (0.23 &#x3bc;g&#xb7;kg-1&#xb7;min-1, 95% CI: 0.21-0.24 vs. 0.27 &#x3bc;g&#xb7;kg-1&#xb7;min-1, 95% CI: 0.24-0.30) compared with the saline group. CONCLUSION: Intravenous lidocaine reduced the propofol EC50 for Loss of Consciousness (LOC) and decreased intraoperative propofol and remifentanil consumptions in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopy. These findings suggest a propofol- and opioid-sparing effect of intravenous lidocaine in this setting, although confirmation in larger multicenter trials is needed.

Humans

Clinical effectiveness of transversus abdominis plane block versus local anaesthesia wound infiltration for postoperative pain relief after laparoscopic appendicectomy in children: A multicentre, double-blind, randomised, controlled phase III trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain relief after laparoscopic appendicectomy in children provided by transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and local anaesthesia wound infiltration (LAWI) of trocar insertion sites has never been compared. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether TAP block could decrease postoperative opioid requirements after laparoscopic appendicectomy in children compared with LAWI. DESIGN: Multicentre, double-blind, phase III randomised trial. SETTING: Two tertiary paediatric surgery centres. PATIENTS: Children aged 3 to 15&#x200a;years admitted for laparoscopic appendicectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the total dose of nalbuphine delivered within 24&#x200a;h after surgery. Secondary outcomes were the Face Legs Activity Cry Consolability (FLACC) scale values at 1, 2, 6, 12 and 24&#x200a;h, the time from levobupivacaine injection to the first dose of nalbuphine, and the time from the end of surgery to the first mobilisation. Patients received either ultrasound-guided TAP block (TAP group) or LAWI of trocar insertion sites (infiltration group) with 0.6&#x200a;ml&#x200a;kg -1 of levobupivacaine 2.5&#x200a;mg&#x200a;ml -1 , combined with standardised systemic multimodal analgesia including paracetamol, ketoprofen, phloroglucinol and nalbuphine. RESULTS: Forty-six and 50 patients were analysed in the TAP and infiltration groups, respectively [age: 10 [7 to 12] versus 10 [8 to 12] years; females: 16 (35%) versus 25 (50%); duration of surgery: 71 [64 to 90] versus 69 [56 to 89] min]. The primary outcome (total nalbuphine dose) was 0.2 [0.0 to 0.2] and 0.2 [0.0 to 0.2] mg&#x200a;kg -1 in the TAP and infiltration groups, respectively ( P &#x200a;=&#x200a;0.95). FLACC scale values did not significantly differ between the two groups ( P &#x200a;=&#x200a;0.78). Time to the first dose of nalbuphine or to first mobilisation was not significantly different between groups ( P value for log-rank test&#x200a;=&#x200a;0.095 and 0.18, respectively). CONCLUSION: TAP block does not appear to provide a greater opioid-sparing effect than LAWI of trocar insertion sites after laparoscopic appendicectomy in children, when combined with systemic multimodal analgesia including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04969133.

Humans

Temporal proteomic analysis reveals a three-phase adaptation strategy in Phytophthora cinnamomi during salinity stress.

Phytophthora cinnamomi, a highly invasive hemibiotrophic oomycete, threatens global agriculture, forestry, and native ecosystems. Although drought and temperature effects on P. cinnamomi-host interactions are well studied, current knowledge of abiotic stress responses in P. cinnamomi remains largely centered on infection and phytopathology, with limited molecular insight into the pathogen's direct response to salinity independent of its host. To address this gap, we combined growth assays, time-resolved proteomics, and network analysis to define how P. cinnamomi responds and adapts to salinity exposure. Growth assays showed that NaCl-modified agar enhanced mycelial expansion in a concentration-dependent manner, with 100&#xa0;mM NaCl significantly increasing growth at 48, 72, and 96&#xa0;h compared with controls, while 50&#xa0;mM NaCl remained comparable to control conditions. Temporal proteomic analysis of 100&#xa0;mM NaCl treatment at 0, 1, 6, 12, and 24&#xa0;h post treatment revealed dynamic shifts in protein abundance. Early induction of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species)-detoxifying enzymes, including glutathione S-transferases and peroxidases, was consistent with ROS-specific staining assays. Network analysis identified modules enriched for redox regulation, ATP generation, ion transport, and translational control, highlighting multi-layered adaptation to elevated NaCl levels. Notably, clusters of conserved hypothetical proteins were strongly upregulated, indicating unexplored stress tolerance components in Phytophthora species. Here, we propose that P. cinnamomi rapidly activates a three-phase strategy involving metabolism readjustments, redox defenses, and cellular structure alterations under salinity conditions. With increasing soil salinization due to climate change, our study provides first mechanistic insights into P. cinnamomi's adaptive plasticity and ecological resilience to abiotic stress. SIGNIFICANCE: This study represents the first temporal proteomic analysis of salinity stress adaptation in Phytophthora cinnamomi, revealing a sophisticated three-phase adaptation strategy. This research fundamentally advances our understanding of how this globally destructive plant pathogen, P. cinnamomi, maintains environmental resilience. Our findings reveal proteome remodelling as a mechanistic framework for understanding stress tolerance in oomycetes, a group of microorganisms responsible for some of the world's most destructive agricultural and forest diseases. Our results show proteins involved in emergency damage control through metabolic recalibration to sustained adaptation. These findings have relevance for predicting pathogen behavior under climate change scenarios, where increasing soil salinity threatens agricultural productivity while simultaneously enhancing pathogen survival and virulence. Understanding how P. cinnamomi responds to prolonged salinity exposure may inform targeted biocontrol strategies and improve predictive models of disease pressure in salt-affected agricultural regions. The temporal analysis framework we present offers a broadly applicable approach for understanding microbial stress adaptation, with implications extending beyond plant pathology to environmental microbiology and biotechnology applications where stress tolerance is paramount.

Phytophthora

Chemoradiotherapy versus short-course radiotherapy for response-adapted organ preservation in early-stage and intermediate-stage rectal cancer (STAR-TREC): 12-month results of an international, multicentre, open-label, parallel-group, randomised, phase 2/3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Total mesorectal excision (TME) is the standard treatment for most early-stage and intermediate-stage rectal cancer but can cause substantial perioperative morbidity, functional impairment, and reduced quality of life. We assessed whether long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCCRT) or short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) could increase organ preservation and reduce surgery, toxicity, and quality-of-life harms without compromising oncological outcomes. METHODS: STAR-TREC is an international, multicentre, open-label, parallel-group, randomised, phase 2/3 trial in five European countries. Eligible patients were aged 16 years or older in the UK or aged 18 years or older elsewhere, had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-1, and rectal adenocarcinoma (&#x2264;40 mm staged as mrT1-T3bN0). In phase 2, participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to LCCRT-based organ preservation (LCCRT-OP; 50 Gy in 25 fractions plus oral capecitabine 825 mg/m2 twice daily), SCRT-based organ preservation (SCRT-OP; 25 Gy in five fractions), or primary TME. Phase 2 assessed feasibility, with recruitment at months 12 and 24 as the primary endpoint and feasibility thresholds of four or more and six or more randomisations per month, respectively. Phase 3 adopted a partially randomised patient-preference design, allowing participants to choose either organ preservation or TME. Participants that chose organ preservation were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive LCCRT-OP or SCRT-OP using centralised, computer-generated assignment, with stratification by country and MRI T category (&#x2264;T3a vs T3b) using minimisation. The phase 3 primary endpoint was organ-preservation 30 months after treatment initiation, defined as absence of TME, stoma, or local recurrence, which was assessed in the modified intention-to-treat population, which included participants in phase 2 and phase 3. After a planned interim analysis of unmasked phase 2 data, the trial steering committee and independent data monitoring committee recommended reporting a 12-month, modified intention-to-treat analysis of implementation outcomes for participants recruited before Aug 8, 2023. This study is registered with ISRCTN (14240288) and is closed. FINDINGS: Between June 14, 2017, and April 8, 2024, 503 participants were enrolled at 37 sites. Phase 2 enrolled 120 participants, with recruitment rates of three and six participants per month at months 12 and 24, respectively. Overall, 12-month TME-free survival was 60% (47 of 78 participants). After phase 3 recruitment ended, interim analysis of unmasked phase 2 data showed an early TME-free survival benefit with LCCRT versus SCRT (12-month median TME-free survival not reached [95% CI not reached-not reached] vs 7&#xb7;6 months [95% CI 6&#xb7;4-not reached]; hazard ratio [HR] 3&#xb7;7 [95% CI 1&#xb7;7-8&#xb7;0]; posterior probability of superiority >99&#xb7;5%). The trial steering committee and independent data monitoring committee therefore recommended expanded analysis of 426 participants recruited before Aug 8, 2023: 120 from phase 2 and 306 from phase 3. 17 participants withdrew before treatment, leaving 409 in the modified intention-to-treat population: 163 allocated to LCCRT, 168 to SCRT, and 78 to primary TME. 116 (28%) participants were female and 293 (72%) were male. Among participants who opted for organ preservation, 12-month TME-free survival was 78&#xb7;5% (95% CI 72&#xb7;4-85&#xb7;1) with LCCRT and 60&#xb7;6% (53&#xb7;6-68&#xb7;4) with SCRT (HR 1&#xb7;90 [95% CI 1&#xb7;29-2&#xb7;81]). The most common grade 3-4 serious adverse events were gastrointestinal disorders (four [2%] with LCCRT vs six [4%] with SCRT vs six [8%] with TME) and procedural complications (three [2%] with LCCRT vs five [3%] with SCRT vs five [6%] with TME). One participant allocated to primary TME died after an anastomotic leak. INTERPRETATION: These early results support a response-adapted organ-preservation approach, with LCCRT appearing more effective than SCRT at 12 months. Organ-preservation might also reduce treatment-related toxicity compared with primary TME. Longer follow-up is needed for the prespecified 30-month endpoint and definitive functional and oncological outcomes. FUNDING: Cancer Research UK, Stand Up to Cancer, Dutch Cancer Society, Danish Cancer Society, Kom Op Tegen Kanker, Cancerfonden, ALF Region Stockholm, RCC Region Stockholm.

Humans

Liver transcriptome analysis revealed multiple immune processes and lipid metabolism pathways involved in the defense response of the turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) against Aeromonas salmonicida.

Aeromonas salmonicida is a significant pathogen causing notable economic losses in Scophthalmus maximus aquaculture. This study utilized Illumina sequencing technology to examine the transcriptional response characteristics of S. maximus liver at 24&#xa0;h following A. salmonicida infection. A total of 2363 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified when compared to the negative control group. The immunity-related Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, as well as metabolism-related PPAR signaling pathway and insulin signaling pathway, were notably enriched. Significant differences exist in the expression of key genes within the PPAR pathway, particularly cd36, acsl4a, ppar&#x3b1;a, and plin2, all of which mediate the interaction between lipid metabolism and the immune response. These results offer valuable insights into the immunometabolic regulatory mechanism of S. maximus response to A. salmonicida infection.

Animals

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&#x2011;hydrogen peroxide (TMB-H&#x2082;O&#x2082;) system, enabling visual detection of S. aureus. The biosensor demonstrates a detection limit of 82&#xa0;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

Transcriptomic insights into the molecular mechanism of antifouling agent-induced settlement inhibition in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas.

Marine biofouling remains a persistent challenge to maritime industries and marine ecosystems worldwide. In this study, we systematically evaluated the acute toxicity, settlement inhibitory efficacy, and underlying molecular mechanisms of an N-oleyl-1,3-propanediamine-based antifouling agent using pediveliger larvae of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. The 96&#xa0;h-LC50 of the agent was determined to be 0.81&#xa0;mg/L, and exposure to 1.68&#xa0;mg/L achieved complete larval settlement inhibition without inducing significant acute toxicity. Transcriptomic analysis identified 791 differentially expressed genes, dominated by downregulated genes associated with ribosomal function, translation, cell adhesion, and cytoskeletal organization. The agent exerts its inhibitory effect primarily through the global suppression of protein synthesis, disruption of cell-substrate adhesion and cytoskeletal integrity, and induction of proteotoxic stress responses. These findings reveal a multi-pathway molecular mechanism underlying antifouling agent-induced settlement inhibition in oyster larvae and provide key molecular biomarkers to support the development of eco-friendly antifouling technologies.

Animals

Machine learning-ready genomic biomarkers: ATF3 polymorphisms predict postoperative analgesic demand through AI-compatible phenotyping.

PURPOSE: To determine whether ATF3 polymorphisms can serve as genetic biomarkers for machine learning-based precision analgesia by establishing a genotype-phenotype association suitable for predictive modeling of postoperative opioid requirements. METHODS: In a prospective cohort of 167 adults undergoing abdominal surgery, ATF3 SNPs rs3122721 and rs3125293 were genotyped. A structured dataset architecture was developed to represent genetic profiles as input features for supervised learning models, enabling translational analysis of genotype&#x2011;dependent opioid consumption over 72&#xa0;h. RESULTS: Patients with homozygous genotypes of the ATF3 SNPs had significantly higher opioid requirements than non&#x2011;carriers, despite reporting similar subjective pain scores. This consistent genotype&#x2011;dependent pattern provided a clinically relevant phenotype suitable for integration into predictive algorithms. CONCLUSION: ATF3 genotyping offers a promising biomarker for computationally informed precision analgesia. By linking genomic variability to clinically meaningful outcomes within a structured clinical and genomic framework, this approach supports the future development of risk-stratified clinical decision-support systems to optimize postoperative pain management.Trial registration ChiCTR1900021991, registered 30 April 2019. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s13755-026-00480-9.

ATF3

Proteomic analysis of cisplatin-induced spermatogenesis defects in mice.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin is a crucial chemotherapeutic agent used for treating various cancers; however, its excessive use can cause irreversible damage to the reproductive system, and the protein expression profile of cisplatin-induced testicular injury remains unclear. METHODS: Male C57BL/6 mice were treated with cisplatin at various doses, and testes were collected for histological, immunofluorescence, and proteomic analyses. Germ cell loss and apoptosis were assessed using H&E staining, TUNEL assays, and immunofluorescence for LIN28A, SYCP3, MVH, and CDK1. Label-free quantitative proteomics identified differentially expressed proteins, which were analyzed for functional enrichment and protein-protein interactions. RESULTS: We observed that cisplatin treatment led to smaller testes, reduced sperm count, and a significant decrease in the number of spermatocytes and spermatids in mice. Label-free quantitative proteomic analysis revealed that cisplatin significantly reduced the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), a key spermatogenesis regulator, in the testes. Reduction in CDK1 expression is correlated with spermatogenic arrest, particularly in spermatocytes. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the critical role of CDK1 in cisplatin-induced spermatogenic dysfunction and provide new insights into fertility preservation strategies for patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Animals

Mitochondrial translocation of DNMT3L suppresses oxidative phosphorylation and restrains megakaryopoiesis.

DNMT3L, a catalytically inactive member of the DNA methyltransferase family, is identified here as a negative regulator of megakaryopoiesis. In K562 cells undergoing PMA-induced megakaryocytic differentiation, DNMT3L protein levels declined progressively, and shRNA-mediated depletion enhanced differentiation, whereas overexpression attenuated it. Consistent with these findings, Dnmt3l-knockout mice exhibited elevated peripheral blood platelet counts and expanded bone marrow megakaryocytes. Mechanistically, megakaryocytic differentiation triggered rapid mitochondrial translocation of DNMT3L within 6&#xa0;h; mitochondrial DNMT3L suppressed oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity and ATP production and downregulated mitochondrial-encoded genes spanning Complex I, III, IV, and ATP synthase, without altering mitochondrial DNA copy number. This metabolic suppression was mediated through compartment-specific remodeling of DNMT3L-containing protein complexes: upon differentiation, DNMT3L selectively dissociated from DNMT1 and DNMT3B in mitochondria, relieving the repressive constraint on OXPHOS, whereas in the nucleus DNMT3L remained associated with DNMT3A, which concomitantly accumulated during differentiation. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism by which a catalytically inactive epigenetic co-regulator spatially redistributes to coordinate mitochondrial metabolic output with nuclear epigenetic control, thereby facilitating terminal megakaryocytic maturation.

Animals

Divergent evolutionary strategies in spider venoms: A comparative proteomic profiling of four sympatric species from Yunnan.

Spider venoms comprise complex cocktails of bioactive molecules evolved for predation and defense, representing a valuable resource for biological research and pharmaceutical discovery. In this study, we performed a systematic analysis of venom gland extracts from four common spider species indigenous to Yunnan, China: Agelena limbata, Hippasa lycosina, Lycosa grahami, and Sinopoda pengi. Using an integrated transcriptomic and proteomic targeted profiling approach, we successfully annotated 141 distinct toxins. Comparative analysis revealed significant interspecific heterogeneity, suggesting distinct evolutionary trajectories and "weapon system economics." Both A. limbata and L. grahami exhibited a "peptide-dominant" profile anchored by neurotoxic peptides and isomerases, optimized for rapid chemical paralysis. In contrast, S. pengi displayed a distinct "protein-dominant" signature enriched with high-molecular-weight enzymes and CAP superfamily proteins, likely functioning to facilitate tissue degradation and toxin diffusion. Occupying an intermediate position, H. lycosina demonstrated a hybrid composition. These findings suggest that although these species share the same geographical range, their venom systems have undergone divergent evolutionary adaptations driven by specific ecological niches and hunting strategies. This study represents the first systematic proteomic characterization of these venom components, providing a valuable reservoir of molecular candidates while highlighting the bioinformatic nuances of analyzing whole-gland homogenates.

Animals

A full review of online education resources available on antifungal stewardship.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Antifungal resistance represents an increasing global threat, driven by the rising burden of fungal disease. Antifungal stewardship (AFS) is a critical component of broader antimicrobial resistance (AMR) efforts, but education in this area remains less established than antibacterial stewardship initiatives. The scope and characteristics of the current landscape of online AFS resources have not yet been systematically described. To identify and evaluate online educational resources focused on fungal disease management and AFS, and assess their accessibility, format, educational design and implementation focus. METHODS: A structured search of internet search engines, distribution platforms and organizational websites was conducted to identify English-language web-based resources related to fungal disease management and stewardship. Resources were evaluated using predefined criteria including access model, format, length, educational design, interactivity and AFS content. An overall educational value score (1-10) was assigned. RESULTS: Twenty-three educational resources were identified. Most were delivered as online unfacilitated courses (11, 48%) and were short (<4&#x2005;h) (12, 52%). Most focused on guidelines and syndromic management (18, 78%) and targeted doctors and/or nurses/midwives (22, 96%). Limited interactivity was reported in nine (39%) courses. Five courses (22%) had either a substantial or comprehensive focus on AFS. CONCLUSIONS: Online AFS educational resources are available and support awareness and knowledge development. However, they remain relatively few in number. Greater emphasis on implementation-focused learning, behaviour change components and broader global representation may enhance their impact.

Journal Article

Bacterially produced dsRNA targeting SePGRP-LB reduces population fitness of Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and increases its susceptibility to SeMNPV.

The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (H&#xfc;bner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an important agricultural pest, and S. exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV) is a host-specific biological control agent. However, baculovirus efficacy can be limited by host antiviral responses. S. exigua peptidoglycan recognition protein LB (SePGRP-LB) has been identified as an antiviral immune factor, suggesting that its suppression may increase larval susceptibility to SeMNPV. In this study, bacterially produced double-stranded RNA targeting SePGRP-LB (bac-dsPGRP-LB) was orally delivered to larvae to induce RNA interference. Feeding bac-dsPGRP-LB reduced SePGRP-LB transcript levels by 24.0% to 65.7% over 7&#x2009;d. SePGRP-LB knockdown prolonged fifth-instar larval development, reduced female pupal weight, shortened male adult longevity and the oviposition period, and decreased fecundity by approximately 51%. Life table analysis further showed significant reductions in the intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (&#x3bb;), and net reproductive rate (R0) following bac-dsPGRP-LB treatment. During SeMNPV infection, co-feeding with bac-dsPGRP-LB significantly suppressed SePGRP-LB expression, increased the SeMNPV genomic load, and reduced larval survival compared with the SeMNPV&#x2009;+&#x2009;bac-dsGFP treatment. These findings identify SePGRP-LB as a promising RNAi target for simultaneously reducing S. exigua fitness and enhancing its susceptibility to SeMNPV under laboratory conditions.

SePGRP-LB