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PubMed2026

Transformation of antibiotics mediated by iron-bearing minerals: A review.

Iron-bearing minerals are ubiquitous in water, sediments and soil, where their surface chemical properties and redox activity can play an important role in degradation of trace antibiotics. This review systematically summarizes the roles of various iron-bearing minerals in chemical transformation and microbial degradation of antibiotics and reaction mechanisms involved, and refines the critical idea for iron-driven control of antibiotics with trace level in natural environment. Overall, antibiotics removal in the presence of iron-bearing minerals involves combination of adsorption, surface oxidative degradation, photo-induced degradation, Fenton-like reaction and microbial degradation. Adsorption of antibiotics by Fe(III)-minerals involves electrostatic interaction, complexation, H-bonding, π-π interaction and hydrophobic interaction. Adsorbed antibiotics form complexes with Fe(III)-minerals, undergoing electron transfer to generate radical intermediates, subsequently generating final products through hydroxylation, dealkylation, and deamination. Additionally, Fe(III)-minerals can be excited to produce electrons and holes under sunlight and to produce antibiotics-degrading hydroxyl radical through O2 reduction, H2O oxidation and ligand-to-metal charge transfer. Reduced iron minerals can activate oxygen to participate in Fenton-like degradation reactions. Finally, antibiotics are mainly removed by bio-driven Fenton reaction and direct enzyme biodegradation. The presence of iron-bearing minerals can promote antibiotics microbial degradation by providing nutrients for microorganisms or by changing microbial activity and microbial community structure. Existing problems and future research directions are identified. New insights for application of iron-bearing minerals in transformation of antibiotics are proposed. The work aims to suggest new methods and insights for pollution control and remediation of emerging contaminants including trace antibiotics in the natural environment.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2026

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Early Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy With Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide Followed by Docetaxel Versus an Anthracycline-Free Regimen With Docetaxel, Cyclophosphamide-Results From a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remains an important side effect despite new antiemetic drugs. This study tried to understand the occurrence of CINV in patients receiving two different chemotherapy regimens. As part of the randomized controlled clinical trial SUCCESS C (NCT00847444), 1582 of the 3463 patients completed CINV diaries. Patients were randomized to receive either chemotherapy with FEC (5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel) or TC (docetaxel, cyclophosphamide). CINV was evaluated hourly using a specially designed questionnaire. Endpoints of the study were complete response (no emesis) and total control (no nausea and no emesis) and were assessed with Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analyses over three chemotherapy cycles. Eight hundred fourteen patients received FEC and 768 received TC; patients and tumor characteristics were similar in both groups. Patients receiving FEC had significantly more nausea and vomiting, with the main difference in the first 12 h. In the first cycle, the 0-12-h nausea/emesis-free rates were 70%/41% for FEC and 91/76% for TC. By 24 h after chemotherapy, the rates were 65%/33% (FEC) and 85%/60% (TC). The differences were similar in cycles 2 and 3. The detailed analysis of CINV in the study is unique and paves the way for modern CINV analysis of new therapeutics such as antibody-drug conjugates.

Adult↗
PubMed2026

Precision Oncology in Hepatopancreatobiliary Cancer Surgery.

Advances in technology have allowed for the characterization of tumors at the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic levels. There are well-established targets for biliary tract cancers, with exciting new targets emerging in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and potential targets in hepatocellular carcinoma. Taken together, these data suggest an important role for molecular profiling for personalizing cancer therapy in advanced disease and need for design of novel neoadjuvant studies to leverage these novel therapeutics perioperatively in the surgical patient.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Neoplasms in prune belly syndrome: A novel case of early-onset metastatic bladder carcinoma and systematic review of reported tumors.

PURPOSE: Prune Belly Syndrome (PBS) is a rare congenital malformation complex characterized by cryptorchidism, urinary tract abnormalities and deficiency of the abdominal wall musculature. Although advances in neonatal and reconstructive care have substantially improved survival, the long-term risk of malignancy in this population remains poorly defined. We report a novel case of early-onset metastatic bladder carcinoma in a patient with PBS and perform a systematic review of all tumors described in association with the syndrome. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251072086). Databases searched through April 2025 included PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane, and SciELO. Reported tumor cases in PBS patients were identified and classified as either PBS-associated or not. We additionally describe a new case of invasive bladder carcinoma. RESULTS: Seventeen studies comprising 20 patients met inclusion criteria. Tumors directly related to the genitourinary tract accounted for half of the cases. Bladder carcinoma was the most frequent neoplasm (35%), followed by hepatoblastoma (25%). Bladder tumors occurred at markedly younger ages and often presented as advanced diseases. Our index case involved a 33-year-old man with PBS who developed metastatic muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma and died shortly after diagnosis. DISCUSSION: Improved survival in PBS has led to recognition of new late complications, including malignancy. Tumorigenesis may be influenced by chronic urinary stasis, infection, catheterization, cryptorchidism, and underlying genitourinary developmental abnormalities. These findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating given the limited number of reported cases. CONCLUSION: Although uncommon, malignancies in PBS may occur earlier and behave more aggressively than in the general population. Given the current level of evidence, careful long-term follow-up with clinical awareness is warranted, rather than routine invasive screening for all patients.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Effectiveness of artificial intelligence in nursing simulation education: A systematic review, meta-analysis and bibliometric visualization analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To synthesize the roles and core functions of AI in nursing simulation education for nursing students via systematic review, quantitatively evaluate its effects on students' knowledge and skill outcomes through meta-analysis, and map the research landscape and development trends of this field through bibliometric visualization analysis. DESIGN: Systematic review, meta-analysis and bibliometric visualization analysis. DATA SOURCES: Eight electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, ERIC, Academic Search Complete, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, VIP Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP) were employed to search studies from the time of construction to 16 December 2025. REVIEW METHODS: Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were screened. The revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (ROB 2) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklists were used for quality assessment. Meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.4, and bibliometric visualization analysis was conducted using VOSviewer 1.6.20 and Bibliometrix (based on R4.4.3). RESULTS: A total of 61 studies were included. AI primarily played two roles in nursing simulation education: peer-type new subject (n = 24) and direct mediator (n = 22). Meta-analysis showed that AI interventions significantly improved nursing students' knowledge (SMD = 1.49, 95% CI [0.55,2.43], p = 0.002) and skills (SMD = 0.66, 95% CI [0.02,1.31], p = 0.04). Bibliometric analysis identified that the United States of America and China were the two main contributing countries in this field, and the key motor themes included generative artificial intelligence, virtual patients, and geriatric care. CONCLUSIONS: AI exerts positive effects on nursing students' knowledge acquisition and skill enhancement in simulation education, with peer-type new subject and direct mediator as the dominant roles. Future research should focus on expanding AI applications in multi-specialty simulation scenarios, activating the data-driven value of machine learning, and strengthening international collaboration and standardization construction, so as to promote the sustainable development of AI-integrated nursing simulation education.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Long-term safety and efficacy of ponesimod, an oral S1P1 receptor modulator, in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS): Results from randomized phase 2b core and extension studies spanning up to 13 years.

BACKGROUND: Ponesimod demonstrated efficacy and safety in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in 24-week phase-2 core study, further confirmed by an interim combined analysis of the core and open-label long-term extension (LTE) studies (NCT01093326; up to 8 years). Current study evaluated safety and efficacy of ponesimod using combined core and LTE studies data for up to 13 years. METHODS: Of 393 participants completing the core study, 353 (90%) entered LTE, having 3 treatment periods (TP). In TP1 (∼1.85 years), participants continued core treatment (ponesimod: 10, 20, or 40 mg QD) whereas placebo-treated participants were re-randomized (1:1:1) to respective ponesimod doses. In TP2 (TP2 and TP3 combined duration: ∼10.4 years), participants on 40 mg were re-randomized (1:1) to 10/20 mg, while others continued same dose; in TP3 all participants received 20 mg. Study outcomes included safety and efficacy (ARR, time-to 24-week confirmed-disability-accumulation [24-week CDA], total T1-weighted Gadolinium-enhanced (T1 Gd+) lesions, new/enlarging T2 lesions and Combined Unique Active Lesions [CUALs]). RESULTS: For 20 mg dose, total 92.4% participants experienced ≥1 TEAEs (73.1% mild/moderate severity) and 19 (13%) participants discontinued study. Mean (95% CI) ARR=0.14 (0.10-0.20); Kaplan-Meier estimate (95% CI) of confirmed relapse and 24-week CDA=52.5% (42.3-63.5) and 31.3% (22.6-42.3). Mean [SD] T1 Gd+ lesions decreased from ponesimod baseline (2.62 [7.06]) to 12.4 years (0.26 [1.48]), mean (95% CI) CUALs per participant/year=3.97 (2.75-5.73). CONCLUSION: Ponesimod treatment for up to 13 years was not associated with new safety concerns. Participants continued to experience low levels of disease activity consistently across clinical and MRI outcomes.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Assessing the threat of Bacillus cereus: From toxin characterization to modern detection strategies.

Bacillus cereus is a spore-forming pathogen responsible for both diarrheal and emetic foodborne illnesses worldwide. Its significance in food safety has received growing attention. Recent advances, including the discovery of novel virulence factors and the development of emerging detection technologies, have provided new insights into its pathogenic mechanisms and surveillance strategies. This review critically examines the global burden of B. cereus infections, and molecular mechanisms of its major virulence factors, and the performance characteristics of current detection knowledge gaps such as the viable-but-non-culturable state and regulatory blind spots for emetic toxins, and discuss unresolved challenges in clinical management. By integrating epidemiological, microbiological, and technological perspectives with critical lens, this review aims to provide a valuable reference for future research and food safety practices.

Bacillus cereus↗
PubMed2026

The identification of growth-promoting lncRNAs in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OCSCC) is an aggressive tumor that develops within the mouth of patients. Tumor-suppressor gene loss and genomic arrangements fuel tumorigenesis and transcriptional reprogramming. Understanding how these alterations contribute to OCSCC growth and cell survival may identify new therapeutic vulnerabilities or biomarkers. We profiled the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the growth of three OCSCC cell lines using a CRISPRi-screen and identified 19 lncRNAs that contribute to OCSCC proliferation. By comparing these lncRNAs to other screens, we find that these lncRNAs are uniquely required in OCSCC and not other malignancies. We show that these lncRNAs are abundantly expressed in OCSCC cells and tumors. Independent testing of candidate lncRNAs confirms their role in supporting OCSCC growth. Our results show that a novel subset of lncRNAs are required for the growth of OCSCC cancer cells and that these lncRNAs are cell lineage specific.

CRISPRi↗
PubMed2026

The Brazilian contribution to ant toxinology: challenges and perspectives.

Ant toxinology in Brazil is a small but growing field that has revealed wide biochemical diversity and clear potential for bioprospecting therapeutic molecules. This review compiles the Brazilian contribution, focusing on advances in the characterization of venoms from medically and ecologically important species of Dinoponera, Solenopsis, Paraponera, Pachycondyla, Neoponera, and Ectatomma. Brazilian groups applied omics approaches, including transcriptomics and proteomics, to resolve the composition of these venoms and identified peptide-rich arsenals with antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antitumor, and neuroactive activity. Studies of venom phenotypic plasticity showed ecological factors such as diet and seasonality shape venom composition. Two challenges persist: assigning function to still unidentified components and obtaining venom in the quantities that broad analysis requires. The near-term prospects are the rational design of peptide analogues with improved activity and continued bioprospecting of new species, which together position Brazil as a central contributor to ant toxinology.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

AI-enabled viral genomics: from virus discovery to host prediction and emerging variant forecasting.

The rapid expansion of metagenomic sequencing has generated vast repositories of viral sequence data that far outpace our capacity to interpret them using conventional approaches. Highly divergent sequences, sparse functional annotation, and taxonomically uneven sampling present fundamental challenges for reference-dependent methods, which lose sensitivity precisely for novel and understudied viruses with high public health relevance. Artificial intelligence (AI) provides a new avenue to address these challenges by enabling predictive inference from viral genomes and proteins while reducing dependence on sequence similarity. In this Review, we discuss representative advances in AI for virus discovery, taxonomic classification and functional annotation, prediction of host range and zoonotic potential, and efforts toward forecasting emerging variants. These advances are transforming viral genomics from a largely descriptive discipline into one with increasing predictive capability. We also critically assess the major challenges that constrain current approaches, including the availability of high-quality and representative datasets, rigorous model evaluation, biological interpretability and responsible governance for increasingly capable AI models.

Artificial Intelligence↗
PubMed2026

Making waves: toward systems-level interpretation of hormonal and endogenous biomarkers in wastewater-based epidemiology.

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has proven invaluable for population health monitoring, most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet current WBE largely relies on exogenous markers such as drugs, pathogens, and their metabolites, limiting surveillance to what communities are exposed to. We argue for expanding WBE towards endogenous biomarkers, particularly hormones, which provide insights into physiological stress, metabolic function, and endocrine activity. Hormone-based WBE offers new opportunities to capture population-level biological responses to societal and environmental stressors, disasters, and chronic disease burdens at the community scale. This perspective outlines a systems-level framework for integrating hormonal signals in wastewater with clinical data, behavioral indicators, environmental factors, and digital markers to support more robust and context-aware public health surveillance. We highlight key technical considerations, interpretive challenges, and opportunities for translational pilot studies. By moving beyond exposure tracking toward more integrated interpretation of biological responses, hormone-informed WBE may contribute to more resilient, inclusive, and actionable public health infrastructure.

Humans↗
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

A review into the recent advances in the world of amoebiasis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Amoebiasis is a parasitic infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica , affecting 10% of the global population. It is a well recognized cause of morbidity and mortality in low-middle-income countries where it is endemic. However, with increased migration and global travel, amoebiasis is now more common in high-income countries, although diagnosis is often delayed or even missed due to lack of awareness of the latest epidemiology and optimal diagnostic testing. This review discusses the evolving prevalence, and the current international guidelines for the investigation and treatment of amoebiasis, focusing on recent advances. RECENT FINDINGS: The recent literature shows that the primary investigations for amoebiasis remain the same, though newer modalities such as artificial intelligence-powered microscopy and metagenomics have been developed recently, which aids the accuracy and speed of diagnosis. Treatment remains the same, though current research has found potential new drugs and drug targets which show promise. SUMMARY: This review reinforces the importance of early clinical suspicion, diagnosis and treatment for amoebiasis. What was once a disease only seen in endemic countries or travel-associated imported cases is now more common and must not be missed.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

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↗
PubMed2026

A MIL-88@Ru-based molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence sensor for highly selective and sensitive detection of enrofloxacin residues in animal-derived foods.

Using a metal-organic framework (MOF) - supported Ru(bpy)32+ (MIL-88@Ru) composite luminescent material, this study innovatively adopted electropolymerization to fabricate a molecularly imprinted polymer-based electrochemiluminescent (MIP-ECL) sensor for enrofloxacin (ENR) detection in animal-derived foods. Systematic investigation of the ECL luminescence and ENR's quenching mechanism confirmed that the sensor integrates ECL's high sensitivity and MIP's high specificity, enabling rapid and accurate recognition of ENR. Experimental results show a good linear response in the range of 1 nmol/L-20 μmol/L (R2 = 0.99), a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.28 nmol/L, as well as excellent selectivity and stability. Recoveries of ENR in all investigated matrices ranged from 97.7% to 106.4%, confirming the reliability of the established method. This ECL-MIP coupling strategy provides a new technical approach and application references for the efficient detection of trace pollutants in food safety and environmental monitoring fields.

Enrofloxacin↗
PubMed2026

The hidden threat from food-derived carbon dots: Formation, biodistribution, and potential health risks.

Food-derived carbon dots (CDs) are a new class of carbon-based nanoparticles generated during the thermal processing of food matrices. These nanomaterials have been extensively studied for their unique fluorescence, good biocompatibility, and tunable surface chemistry in food detection, intelligent packaging, and biomedical applications. However, their nanoscale size and high surface activity have raised safety concerns regarding biological interactions, in vivo biodistribution, and potential long-term health hazards. Although CDs have traditionally been regarded as low-toxicity materials due to their favorable biocompatibility, the potential hidden risks of CDs have not received sufficient attention. CDs exhibit dose-dependent toxicity, not only accumulating in various tissues and organs but also potentially inducing oxidative stress and interfering with cellular metabolic functions. Therefore, this review summarizes the advances in sources, synthetic strategies, and core properties of CDs, with a special focus on in vivo biological interactions, fates, and potential safety challenges. In addition, it is proposed that the standardized detection and risk assessment system should be established to further explore the long-term health effects of CDs under real dietary exposure, thereby ensuring their safety and sustainable application.

Carbon Quantum Dots↗
PubMed2026

Engineered MXene-based nanozyme platform: NIR-II photothermal and dual enzyme-mimetic potentiated chemodynamic synergy for precision tumor eradication.

The antioxidant defense barrier in the tumor microenvironment, particularly glutathione (GSH), considerably restricts the therapeutic efficacy of chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Moreover, CDT generally exhibits relatively mild therapeutic efficacy owing to its intrinsic reaction kinetics, making it difficult to achieve complete tumor eradication within a short time. To address these issues, we construct a functionalized nanotherapeutic platform, Nb2CTx@Ru-PEG2000-FA (NCRPF), for tumor photothermal ablation and enhanced CDT resulting from GSH depletion. NCRPF possesses three key advantages: 1. Efficient near-infrared II photothermal conversion (η = 42.08%), raising the tumor temperature above 45 °C within 90 s for rapid ablation; 2. Dual peroxidase-like and glutathione peroxidase-like activities, simultaneously depleting GSH and generating a burst of ·OH to eliminate residual tumors; 3. Targeted tumor accumulation with 2.9-fold higher efficiency than passive diffusion. Both in vitro and in vivo results confirm that this combined strategy achieves complete tumor eradication with favorable biosafety. Collectively, the NCRPF nanotherapeutic system provides a powerful new paradigm with high translational potential for the complete eradication of breast cancer.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Effects of apple phenolics on the human metabolome: modulation of key metabolic pathways.

Apples are widely recognized for their potential health benefits, partly attributed to their phenolic compounds. However, their impact on human metabolism remains incompletely understood. This study investigated metabolic effects of apple-derived phenolic compounds using untargeted metabolomics approach across multiple biofluids. In a crossover intervention study, 30 healthy men consumed a phenolic-rich apple juice or a placebo for two weeks. Blood, urine and saliva samples were collected before and after each intervention and analyzed by direct infusion ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry. Consumption of apple phenolic compounds resulted in significant alterations of the human metabolome, including increased levels of phenolic-derived degradation products and microbial-associated metabolites across all biofluids. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed pronounced effects on phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism, as well as linoleic and arachidonic acid metabolism, Overall, these findings demonstrate that apple phenolic compounds induce measurable, microbiota-associated and systemic metabolic changes, providing new insights into their metabolic fate and biological relevance.

Humans↗