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PubMed2026

Association of Baloxavir Treatment Timing with Serial Interval and Household Transmission of Influenza through a Likelihood-Based Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Baloxavir treatment is associated with reduced influenza transmission within households, and the serial interval varies by treatment status. However, it remains unclear how baloxavir-induced changes in the serial interval relate to household transmission. We aimed to quantify the model-based association between baloxavir treatment timing and the serial interval and household transmission risk. METHODS: We conducted a household survey of influenza cases in Japan between October 2018 and February 2019. We defined the likelihood-based model integrating the serial interval distribution by treatment status and the secondary attack rate (SAR) using individual-level data from index cases. Using this model, we estimated the reduction in the serial interval associated with baloxavir treatment. RESULTS: Compared with untreated index cases, baloxavir-treated cases were estimated to have a serial interval density reduced by 21.42% following treatment. Treatment within 24 hours was associated with a 0.1685 reduction in the area under the curve, with smaller reductions as treatment was delayed. Earlier treatment was associated with a shorter, more concentrated distribution, whereas treatment 72 hours after onset resembled untreated cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight that baloxavir treatment is associated with a shorter serial interval and lower estimated secondary household transmission risk. We provide model-based estimates suggesting that earlier administration is associated with a greater reduction in serial interval density and estimated transmission risk, which may inform public health strategies for infection control.

Influenza↗
PubMed2026

The mighty microproteins: from versatile cellular regulators to precision medicine therapeutics.

Microproteins, are tiny proteins encoded by small open reading frame (sORF), translation of these non-canonical open reading frames (ncORFs) has been implicated in diverse biological processes and diseases. This review summarizes recent developments in the discovery, biogenesis, and functional characterization of microproteins, and their involvement in various disease, with special focus on their roles in cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, neurodegenerative and immune-related disorders. We emphasize the regulation of key cellular pathways by microproteins, including mitochondrial homeostasis, apoptosis, metabolic reprogramming, and immune signaling, all of which affect disease initiation and progression. Emerging evidence also supports their potential as disease biomarkers and therapeutic candidates for precision medicine. Finally, the review critically discusses the current challenges including discrepancies in microprotein annotation, the limitations of ribosome profiling and proteogenomic approaches, the gap between computationally predicted and experimentally validated microproteins, and the need for rigorous orthogonal validation by means of CRISPR-based genome editing, ribosome release assays, mutational analysis, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and functional studies. Finally, we review recent development of AI-assisted ORF prediction, single-cell translatomics, spatial proteomics, and integrated multi-omics as emerging technologies reshaping. Microprotein discovery and functional annotation. Finally, we discuss the translational potential of microproteins and highlight the remaining challenges to clinical application, including peptide stability, pharmacokinetics, tissue-specific delivery, immunogenicity, and the need for rigorous preclinical and clinical validation. Together, this review provides an updated and critical overview of the rapidly evolving microprotein field and highlights future research priorities for translating these molecules into clinically useful biomarkers and precision therapeutics.

Microproteins↗
PubMed2026

A mechanism-guided framework for prioritizing membrane-interaction anti-Vibrio peptides from peptidomics data.

A mechanism-guided framework for prioritizing membrane-interaction antimicrobial peptide candidates from proteomics-derived peptide mixtures is presented. The framework integrates conservative machine-learning-based antimicrobial peptide (AMP) screening with a literature-derived membrane-interaction plausibility (MAP) assessment and a data-driven membrane-interaction ranking function (AIPx), followed by structural visualization for interpretability. MAP encodes physicochemical characteristics commonly associated with peptide-membrane interaction and provides a graded plausibility assessment. Building upon this physicochemically interpretable framework, AIPx ranks peptides using feature weights calibrated from experimentally characterized anti-Vibrio peptides, where minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values are used as a coarse-grained ranking reference rather than a direct prediction target. In a peptidomics-based peptide fractionation study targeting Vibrio spp., AIPx exhibited a consistent relationship with experimentally observed antibacterial activity. Distributional analysis revealed that peptide fractions exhibiting high anti-Vibrio activity are characterized by enrichment of high-ranking peptides rather than by AMP abundance alone. By structuring AMP identification and prioritization as sequential stages, the MAP + AIPx framework enables interpretable and experimentally actionable candidate selection by reducing biologically implausible candidates. The framework facilitates species-oriented prioritization of AMP candidates, addressing a key challenge in antimicrobial peptide discovery where activity may depend on target-specific membrane characteristics. Moreover, the approach is extensible through species-specific calibration and supports interpretable, mechanism-informed prioritization in antimicrobial peptide discovery.

Proteomics↗
PubMed2026

Surface shaving proteomics reveals a parasite-encoded protein embedded in the spore filaments of Ameson portunus.

The surfaces of microsporidian spores are frequently adorned with filamentous appendages of unknown origin and function. Although some studies suggest that these structures may be host-acquired, the absence of identified parasite-encoded components has hindered our understanding of their biogenesis and role in infection. Here, we applied surface shaving proteomics to profile the surface-exposed proteins of Ameson portunus -a microsporidian pathogen causing severe myopathy in portunid crabs. Our analysis identified 120 candidate surface proteins. Nineteen of these were highly enriched by both direct shaving and SDS-assisted methods, representing a high-confidence surfome. Among these, a previously uncharacterized protein, designated 8-2.11, was confirmed via immunofluorescence assay and immunoelectron microscopy. It was expressed early in development stage and specifically localized to the spore wall and hair-like projections (HLPs) of microsporidia. Notably, polyclonal antibodies against recombinant 8-2.11 recognized a native protein in spores, specifically labeled the HLP structures, and showed no cross-reactivity with host cells. Our results provide the first evidence of a parasite-encoded protein that is integral to HLP formation, challenging the prevailing hypothesis that these surface filaments are solely host-derived. This study establishes surface shaving as a powerful tool for microsporidian research and highlights 8-2.11 as a promising candidate for future functional studies on spore surface biology and host-parasite interactions.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Age- and sex-adjusted genomic differences between Korean and Beat AML cohorts.

Genomic profiling plays a central role in risk stratification and therapeutic decision-making in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), yet the clinical implications of population-specific genomic architectures remain incompletely defined. We conducted a prospective, multicenter study of 603 adults with newly diagnosed AML in Korea, integrating targeted sequencing of 83 recurrently mutated genes with comprehensive clinical annotation across treatment intensities, including allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). For contextual comparison, genomic profiles were evaluated against the Beat AML cohort. The overall genomic landscape was broadly conserved, supporting shared core disease biology across populations. However, RUNX1::RUNX1T1, CEBPA, GATA2, KIT, and DDX41 mutations were more frequent in the Korean cohort, whereas FLT3 and NPM1 mutations were less common. These differences translated into a distinct distribution of European LeukemiaNet (ELN) 2022 risk categories, with implications for therapeutic stratification. Notably, most DDX41 alterations were germline (3.2%), highlighting the need for systematic germline evaluation with implications for genetic counseling and donor selection. Although unadjusted overall survival appeared longer in the Korean cohort, this difference was not significant after adjustment for key clinical variables. These findings indicate that population-specific genomic distributions reshape the clinical application of risk stratification and support population-aware precision medicine strategies in AML.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2026

Are There Any Effective Behavior Change Strategies for Communicating Genetic Risk in Obesity Prevention and Body Weight Reduction Interventions?

This systematic review examined how differences in intervention components may contribute to inconsistent findings in genetic risk communication studies, addressing obesity-related outcomes (e.g., weight reduction, nutrition behavior, exercise). The review was preregistered (PROSPERO #CRD42024524026) and followed PRISMA guidelines. Searches across eight databases identified 23 randomized controlled trials, covering 18 intervention trials. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 tool. A narrative synthesis was used to cluster studies by the content of intervention and control groups. Genetic risk communication alone (no behavioral counseling, addressing nutrition and exercise) or combined with phenotype-based risk was ineffective and sometimes counterproductive among low-risk individuals. When combined with personalized behavioral counseling, effectiveness improved, but only when compared to waitlist control groups or non-personalized behavioral counseling. Significant effects emerged in high-genetic risk subgroups within personalized behavioral counseling, using behavior change techniques such as problem-solving, feedback on behavior, self-monitoring, and environmental changes. The most promising results emerged from complex interventions integrating genetic risk communication into multiple sessions and combining numerous additional behavioral change techniques, such as social reward, cues/prompts, self-reward. Complex personalized interventions combining multiple behavior change techniques and prompting experiential genetic risk awareness show promise for improving weight, nutrition, and exercise-related outcomes.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Venomous Lepidoptera: defensive toxin systems, venom composition, and clinical significance.

Venomous Lepidoptera constitute an underrecognized yet medically significant group of toxin-producing arthropods that employ contact-mediated defensive envenomation through specialized integumentary structures such as setae, spines, and scoli. Unlike actively stinging arthropods, these insects deliver venom passively upon contact, eliciting a diverse spectrum of clinical manifestations collectively termed lepidopterism. Clinical outcomes range from localized pain and dermatitis to severe systemic effects, including hemorrhagic syndromes, complement activation, and chronic inflammatory disorders. Recent advances in proteomic and transcriptomic technologies have transformed our understanding of lepidopteran venoms, revealing unexpectedly complex toxin repertoires comprising serine proteases, phospholipases, pore-forming proteins, disulfide-rich peptides, neuroactive RF-amide peptides, and immune-modulating components. These findings have provided new insights into the molecular basis of toxicity, host-pathogen interactions, and the evolutionary diversification of venom systems within Lepidoptera. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the morphology of venom-delivery structures, venom composition, mechanisms of action, and associated clinical manifestations, while highlighting medically important taxa, particularly species of the genus Lonomia. The successful development of antivenom against Lonomia envenomation underscores the translational relevance of lepidopteran toxin research and its potential for therapeutic innovation. By integrating molecular, clinical, and evolutionary perspectives, this review repositions venomous Lepidoptera as a legitimate and important component of arthropod toxinology. Furthermore, it identifies critical methodological limitations and key knowledge gaps, providing a framework for future investigations aimed at advancing our understanding of toxin biology, immunopathology, and the development of novel biomedical applications.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Proteomic responses of the oil palm pest Metisa plana (Psychidae) to farnesyl acetate exposure.

Metisa plana Walker (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) is a major defoliator of oil palm in Malaysia, causing substantial economic losses. Farnesyl acetate (FA), a sesquiterpenoid compound, has been proposed as a potential insecticidal agent against M. plana, yet its molecular impact on larval physiology remains poorly understood. Here, we employed label-free quantitative proteomics, functional enrichment analysis, and targeted transcript assessment to characterize the temporal proteomic response of M. plana larvae at 7 and 14 days after treatment (DAT) with FA. Principal component analysis revealed robust separation between treated and control samples at both time points, indicating sustained treatment-driven proteomic restructuring. Early exposure (7 DAT) elicited a heterogeneous response involving stress-associated proteins, redox enzymes, and cytoskeletal regulators, whereas later exposure (14 DAT) produced a consolidated profile characterized by metabolic reprogramming, downregulation of ribosomal proteins, induction of heat shock proteins, and enrichment of RNA surveillance and mitochondrial pathways. Targeted transcript analysis qualitatively supported proteomic trends for HSP83 and aldehyde dehydrogenase X, although limited amplification precluded quantitative inference. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that FA exposure drives a shift from acute proteomic perturbation toward a maintenance-oriented physiological state, prioritizing proteostasis, energy management, and stress adaptation over growth and development. This integrated molecular perspective provides mechanistic insight into the chronic effects of FA, highlighting its potential to suppress larval performance and informing the development of biorational, physiology-based pest management strategies in non-model insects.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

A genome-wide coverage-based pipeline for the identification of host-derived candidate DNA biomarkers from cell-free blood.

We have created a new data-analysis pipeline for the discovery of host-specific candidate DNA biomarkers derived from sequencing data of cell-free blood. Unlike approaches that rely on specific molecular or genetic signatures, our method leverages the coverage distribution of cell-free DNA sequences mapped to a reference genome, applying statistical analyses to identify informative short genomic regions for biomarker discovery. The pipeline is applicable to diverse diseases and can be used to analyze cell-free DNA sequences from plasma or serum to identify candidate biomarkers that are characteristic of disease states in mammals. Core functionalities were developed in Java and integrated with open-source software tools for the preprocessing of raw sequencing data, complemented by Python scripts for the machine-learning analysis and statistical validation. The pipeline is designed for HPC use and users can access the pipeline through a Galaxy workflow, which offers a user-friendly web interface for input selection prior to execution and analysis progress monitoring. Performance tests, carried out using duplicate sets of COVID-19 samples and controls, showed linear scalability of execution time with an increasing dataset size, as well as a substantial reduction in execution time through parallelized computation, whereby each HPC node is used to process the data of one chromosome. Further statistical tests confirmed the quality of the pipeline's results by showing that the set of identified candidate biomarkers remained stable across varying dataset sizes.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed2026

Inducible flocculation in Komagataella phaffii enables enhanced biomass separation for biopharmaceutical production.

Biomass separation represents a critical bottleneck in Komagataella phaffii-based biopharmaceutical processes, as typically high cell densities of 40 - 50 % create significant operational, technical and economic challenges for harvest operations. Yeast cell aggregation (flocculation) provides a solution to accelerate cell sedimentation by increasing particle size, thus allowing to improve biomass-supernatant separation efficiency during both natural gravity settling and (continuous) centrifugation operations. This study demonstrates successful engineering of K. phaffii strains with an inducible flocculation phenotype using CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing to integrate the Saccharomyces cerevisiae FLO1 (ScFLO1) gene under control of various regulatory elements, including methanol-inducible and derepressible promoters. Flocculation strength could be enhanced by implementing transcriptional positive feedback circuits based on the methanol-inducible AOX1 promoter. To address methanol-free production requirements, we developed alternative systems to retrofit PAOX1-based ScFLO1 expression and exploited the derepressible PDF promoter, offering broader compatibility with biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. Flocculating cells cultivated in a bioreactor demonstrated significantly improved sedimentation behavior, with considerably lower supernatant turbidity after short low-speed centrifugation or gravity sedimentation compared to non-flocculating controls. Crucially, cell flocculation had no negative impact on product amount and quality when expressing a multivalent NANOBODY® VHH molecule with pharmaceutical relevance. Thus, this work establishes the first genetically engineered flocculation system in K. phaffii compatible with recombinant protein production, providing the basis for an innovative approach to streamline harvest operations in biopharmaceutical processes.

Flocculation↗
PubMed2026

Mechanisms linking the gut microbiota to colorectal cancer development and progression.

Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of global cancer mortality, with a concerning rise in early-onset cases driven by complex interactions between environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, and host genetics. Mounting evidence indicates that gut microbiota dysbiosis critically modulates this oncogenic process, acting as an active participant rather than a passive bystander. This review systematically synthesizes the dichotomous roles of the intestinal microbiome in colorectal tumorigenesis through the conceptual framework of the driver-passenger model. We discuss how early initiating driver bacteria, such as Polyketide synthase-positive Escherichia coli and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, compromise mucosal barriers, induce chronic mucosal inflammation, and inflict direct genomic instability. As the local tumor microenvironment undergoes profound metabolic remodeling, opportunistic passenger pathogens, notably Fusobacterium nucleatum, become enriched, further promoting cellular proliferation and facilitating tumor immune evasion. Conversely, protective commensals, exemplified by Clostridium butyricum and Streptococcus thermophilus, exert robust tumor-suppressive effects through multifaceted mechanisms. These beneficial microbes actively antagonize malignant progression by redirecting tumor metabolic fluxes toward oxidative stress, orchestrating deep epigenetic reprogramming, and degrading core oncoproteins to reverse chemoresistance. Transitioning from fundamental mechanisms to clinical application, we evaluate a comprehensive spectrum of microbiota-targeted interventions, encompassing non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers, fecal microbiota transplantation, engineered bacteria, phage therapy, and postbiotics. Finally, we critically address the formidable translational challenges associated with microbial heterogeneity, long-term safety, and regulatory standardization, aiming to provide a balanced perspective on integrating microbiome-based strategies into next-generation precision oncology for colorectal cancer.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Microbial diversity, functional activities, and safety risks in fermented tea: a comprehensive review.

Microbial fermented teas are gaining global popularity due to their unique sensory profiles and health benefits. The quality and safety of these products are governed by complex microbial ecosystems that orchestrate the biotransformation of tea leaf components. This review addresses a critical paradox in the field: the same microbial activities that generate desirable bioactive metabolites, such as theabrownins and organic acids, also create ecological niches for mycotoxigenic fungi, posing significant health risks from contaminants like ochratoxin A, citrinin, and aflatoxins. While extensive research has cataloged the microbial diversity in these systems, a comprehensive framework linking processing environments to microbial community assembly, functional outcomes, and quantifiable safety risks remains elusive. This review systematically bridges this gap by synthesizing current knowledge on the microbial consortia-dominated by Aspergillus, Penicillium, Bacillus, and Lactiplantibacillus species-that drive tea fermentation. We critically analyze their functional roles in enhancing flavor, bioactivity, and potential probiotic activity while simultaneously evaluating the mechanisms of mycotoxin production and accumulation. By integrating microbial ecology, biochemistry, and food safety, we propose a forward-looking perspective focused on transitioning the industry from traditional, spontaneous fermentation to modern, controlled biotechnological processes. This approach, centered on the use of defined starter cultures, predictive modeling, and active biocontrol strategies, provides a roadmap for ensuring the consistent quality and safety of fermented tea products, ultimately unlocking their full potential as high-quality functional foods.

Tea↗
PubMed2026

Mitophagy-mediated ferroptosis involved in 2,5-hexanedione-induced neurotoxicity in rats.

n-Hexane, a widespread environmental and industrial pollutant, poses serious health risks, particularly neurotoxicity. Chronic exposure primarily induces sensorimotor neuropathy via its metabolite 2,5-hexanedione (HD), yet the mechanisms underlying HD-induced neuronal injury remain unclear. Recent evidence implicates ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, in neurodegenerative processes. In this study, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to HD to establish a neuropathy model. Ferroptosis involvement was assessed using the iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO) and the ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1. The potential role of mitophagy in HD-induced ferroptosis was evaluated by monitoring mitophagy markers and by autophagy inhibition with chloroquine (CQ). In vitro, SH-SY5Y cells were transfected with PINK-1 siRNA to explore mitophagy-mediated regulation of ferroptosis. HD exposure led to iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial abnormalities, and decreased GPX4 in rat spinal neurons. DFO or ferrostatin-1 treatment ameliorated these changes and preserved mitochondrial integrity. Mechanistic analyses revealed HD-induced activation of mitophagy, as shown by upregulation of Beclin-1, LC3II, Drp-1, and PINK-1, with concomitant downregulation of P62 in spinal mitochondria. CQ suppressed mitophagy, reduced iron deposition and lipid peroxidation, and improved motor function. Similarly, PINK-1 knockdown in SH-SY5Y cells mitigated HD-induced mitophagy and ferroptosis. These findings demonstrate that HD induces neuronal ferroptosis via mitophagy activation. Inhibition of ferroptosis or mitophagy effectively attenuates HD-induced neurotoxicity, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies to reduce neural damage from environmental n-hexane exposure.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A PET imaging in parkinsonian α-synucleinopathies: a systematic review.

Synaptic dysfunction is increasingly recognized as an early and biologically relevant component of α-synucleinopathies. However, conventional imaging biomarkers mainly assess dopaminergic dysfunction, glucose metabolism, or structural damage rather than presynaptic density itself. Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) PET enables in vivo assessment of presynaptic terminal integrity and may provide complementary information in Parkinson's disease (PD), Parkinson's disease dementia/dementia with Lewy bodies (PDD/DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). This systematic review synthesized the available evidence on SV2A-targeted PET in parkinsonian α-synucleinopathies, focusing on regional imaging patterns, clinical associations, longitudinal findings, and methodological determinants of interpretation. Seventeen reports were included. In PD, the most recurrent finding was reduced SV2A binding in the substantia nigra, although additional involvement of brainstem, caudate, striatal, thalamic, raphe, or cortical regions was reported in selected cohorts. In PDD/DLB, abnormalities appeared broader and more cortical, with evidence of association between cortical SV2A binding and cognitive performance. In MSA, one study suggested a distinct infratentorial and cerebellar pattern with potential relevance for phenotypic stratification. SV2A PET is a promising research biomarker for biological characterization of synucleinopathies. However, the field remains limited by small cohorts, methodological heterogeneity, variable quantification strategies, limited longitudinal evidence, and potential cohort overlap. Multicentre validation and harmonized protocols are required before clinical translation.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

The Dual Role of Executive Functioning in the Association Between Family Socioeconomic Status and Children's Problem Behaviors.

Although prior research suggests that executive functioning may either mediate or moderate the association between family socioeconomic status (SES) and children's problem behaviors, examining these roles separately provides an incomplete account: mediation models may understate individual differences that are not attributable to the environment, whereas moderation models may understate the role of the environment in shaping personal characteristics. To integrate these perspectives, the present longitudinal study examined whether executive functioning simultaneously mediates and moderates the association between family SES and children's internalizing and externalizing problems. A total of 308 children in the early years of elementary school (MageT1 = 7.34 years; 138 girls) were assessed and followed up 39 months later. After controlling for children's gender, age, and grade, lower family SES at T1 significantly predicted higher levels of both internalizing and externalizing problems at T2. Executive functioning at T1 partially mediated these associations, indicating that differences in children's executive functioning partly accounted for socioeconomic disparities in problem behaviors. Executive functioning also moderated both associations: SES was negatively associated with problem behaviors among children with lower executive functioning but not among those with higher executive functioning. These findings highlight the dual role of executive functioning in the longitudinal association between SES and children's problem behaviors and suggest that executive functioning may be a promising target for efforts to reduce mental health disparities associated with socioeconomic disadvantage.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

An Update on Inborn Errors of V(D)J Recombination.

V(D)J recombination is the fundamental process by which developing T and B lymphocytes generate diverse antigen receptors, enabling adaptive immunity. This tightly regulated program operates exclusively in lymphoid precursors during G1 phase and depends on the lymphocyte-specific RAG1-RAG2 recombinase to introduce programmed DNA double-strand breaks at recombination signal sequences, followed by repair through the classical nonhomologous end joining (c-NHEJ) pathway. Disruption of any step in this molecular choreography compromises antigen receptor diversity and underlies a spectrum of inborn errors of immunity (IEIs), ranging from severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) to immune dysregulation with autoimmunity and granulomatous disease. In this review, we place disorders of V(D)J recombination within the broader framework of T-cell development, detailing the temporal waves of recombinase activity, chromatin accessibility, and DNA damage responses that guide thymocyte differentiation. We discuss pathogenic variants affecting the cleavage phase [RAG1, RAG2, and the recently identified RAG cochaperone NudC domain-containing 3 (NUDCD3)], end processing (ARTEMIS), ligation and repair (LIG4, XLF, XRCC4, PRKDC), and genome surveillance pathways (ATM, MRN complex, RNF168), highlighting genotype-phenotype correlations and mechanisms driving immune deficiency and dysregulation. We briefly review recent diagnostic advances, including newborn screening using T-cell receptor excision circles, repertoire sequencing, and functional assays, alongside current therapeutic strategies. Finally, we outline key unanswered questions and argue that continued integration of clinical observation with molecular discovery is essential to improve outcomes and deepen understanding of adaptive immune development.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Pesticide occurrence, transformation, and transport from wastewater treatment plants into stream networks with diverse land uses.

Neonicotinoid insecticides and strobilurin fungicides are detected in many environmental compartments and have been associated with negative environmental and human health implications. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are often hotspots for introducing such contaminants into the environment. Therefore, the occurrence of strobilurin fungicides, neonicotinoids, and their metabolites at two WWTPs with varying land uses and population sizes was investigated. Polar organic chemical integrative samplers were deployed in WWTP influent and effluent and placed upstream and downstream of the effluent mixing zone for 2 weeks in April and July 2022. Biosolids were also collected at each time point. Neonicotinoids were detected with the highest frequency (68%), followed by strobilurin fungicides (49%) and neonicotinoid metabolites (31%). Time-weighted average concentrations for influent/effluent ranged from 85.2 ± 87.8 to 409.4 ± 74.5 ng/L. Pesticide concentrations, specifically the metabolites, typically increased from influent to effluent, resulting in effluent having higher pesticide loads than influent. Pesticide concentrations varied between the upstream and downstream monitoring locations by analyte, with WWTP samples in the highly developed region having significantly higher concentrations of pesticides and less variation by monitoring period. Chronic ecotoxicity benchmarks for freshwater invertebrates for imidacloprid were surpassed in treated effluent at both WWTPs in July and in the downstream monitoring location in the heavily developed area. Findings support the need for further exploration of pesticide contributions from WWTPs to river systems, specifically related to metabolite contributions to downstream streams and their effects on aquatic environments.

Water Pollutants, Chemical↗
PubMed2026

CRISPR-Cas and Infectious Diseases: A Decade of Translational Advances in Molecular Biotechnology.

CRISPR-Cas systems have emerged as a versatile tool for diagnosing, treating, and preventing infectious diseases. This review highlights translational advancements in CRISPR-Cas-based applications, concentrating on the past decades in diagnostics, therapeutic genome editing, and vaccine development. The article highlights key platforms like DETECTR and SHERLOCK, which enable rapid, sensitive pathogen detection, and explores CRISPR-Cas9 systems in therapeutic strategies for directly targeting viral genomes and combating antimicrobial resistance. It also examines the role of CRISPR-Cas9 in engineering live-attenuated and personalized neoantigen vaccines. Principal findings demonstrate a clear progression from experimental proof-of-concept to preclinical applications primarily in CRISPR-based diagnostics and the engineering of live-attenuated vaccine candidates, whereas translation in CRISPR-based therapeutics and personalized neoantigen vaccines for infectious diseases remains at earlier, more exploratory stages. CRISPR-based diagnostics have progressed further toward clinical evaluation than therapeutics due to delivery and safety constraints, while personalized neoantigen vaccines are included mainly as an emerging, comparative concept for infectious diseases rather than a mature application. This review uniquely integrates CRISPR-based diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccine development within a single infectious disease framework, critically assesses their current maturity, and systematically highlights technical, regulatory, and ethical barriers alongside realistic future priorities. The review concludes that while CRISPR-Cas holds transformative potential for infectious disease management, significant challenges in delivery efficiency, off-target effects, and ethical regulation must be addressed to ensure safe and equitable clinical translation.

Humans↗