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Alginate-based edible coating incorporating green tea extract for preserving postharvest quality and safety of white mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus).

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a sodium alginate based edible coating incorporated with green tea extract (GTE) (Camellia sinensis) on the postharvest quality attributes and antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes in white mushrooms during refrigerated storage. The phenolic profile of GTE was characterized, and its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against L. monocytogenes (1.6&#xa0;mg/mL) was determined. Sodium alginate coatings, with (ALG-GTE) or without GTE (ALG) at MIC (1.6&#xa0;mg/mL), were characterized (functional groups, solubility in water, moisture, thickness, water contact angle and color) for their chemical and physical properties. The effects of ALG-GTE coatings on quality parameters (firmness, weight loss, color, pH, sugars and organic acids), enzymatic activity [polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD) and pectin methylesterase (PME)], antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes (5 log CFU/g), and surface characteristics (3D optical profilometry) were assessed in white mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) during refrigerated storage (8&#xa0;days, 4&#xa0;&#xb1;&#xa0;1&#xa0;&#xb0;C, 90-95% RH). The ALG-GTE coatings preserved sugar composition, particularly rhamnose, reduced organic acids accumulation and delayed weight and firmness loss, reduced color changes, and decreased PME activity in coated white mushrooms. L. monocytogenes counts decreased by 1.4 log CFU/g after 1&#xa0;day, and no viable cells were detected after 2&#xa0;days (< 1.5 log CFU/g) in ALG-GTE coated white mushrooms. In addition, ALG-GTE coated white mushrooms exhibited smoother surfaces than uncoated samples. These findings highlight the potential of ALG-GTE coatings as a sustainable alternative capable of improving the microbiological safety and delaying the postharvest changes in fresh mushrooms.

Agaricus

Genomic epidemiology of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli across humans, poultry and wastewater sectors in Douala, Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: The global health threat of antimicrobial resistance involves the human, animal and environmental sectors. Data from Cameroon are scarce. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to define extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) rates and associated risk factors across the three sectors in Douala, Cameroon, and to define molecular characteristics of isolates. METHODS: From June 2022 to May 2023, we collected blood cultures from hospitalized patients, rectal swabs from healthy pregnant women, caeca from broiler chickens and environmental wastewater. Samples were screened for ESBL-Ec using CHROMAgar&#x2122; ESBL and cefotaxime-supplemented Tryptone Bile X-glucuronide agar. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion following EUCAST guidelines. Whole-genome sequencing was carried out using Illumina technology. RESULTS: Of 628 samples, 374 yielded ESBL-Ec. Prevalence was 54.6% (131/240) in pregnant women, 70.4% (169/240) in chickens and 93.1% (67/72) in wastewater. The proportion of ESBL-Ec among E. coli-positive-blood cultures was 9.2% (7/76). Multi-family household living was independently associated with ESBL-Ec carriage among pregnant women (adjusted odds ratio&#x200a;=&#x200a;1.7, 95% CI 1.0-3.1, P&#x200a;=&#x200a;0.03). High co-resistance (>70%) was observed for tetracycline, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Sequencing of 32 isolates revealed 45 distinct resistance genes, including blaCTX-M-15 (n&#x200a;=&#x200a;13, 40.6%), blaCTX-M-55 (n&#x200a;=&#x200a;11, 34.4%) and last-resort antibiotic resistance genes mcr-1 and bla OXA-181. High-risk sequence types included ST131 (pregnant women) and ST10 (chickens). Notably, ST48 was shared between pregnant women and chickens, and ST155 between pregnant women and wastewater. CONCLUSION: Cross-sectoral ESBL-Ec in Douala exhibits high genomic diversity and alarming resistance. The occurrence of last-resort genes requires immediate One Health surveillance and coordinated interventions.

Journal Article

Comparative genomic epidemiology of food- and patient-derived diarrheagenic Escherichia coli from sentinel surveillance in Southeast China.

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) remains an important foodborne pathogen, yet long-term comparative genomic surveillance data jointly characterizing food-derived and patient-derived isolates remain limited. This surveillance-based comparative study integrated antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing to characterize diarrheagenic Escherichia coli isolates recovered from food and patient sources in Lishui, Southeast China, during 2018-2025, with emphasis on occurrence, resistance profiles, genomic backgrounds, and plasmid replicon-associated features. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for 258 selected isolates, and whole-genome sequencing was conducted for a curated analytical subset of 204 isolates. The sequenced subset was used for diversity-oriented comparative genomic analysis rather than for unbiased prevalence estimation of the entire DEC collection. EAEC predominated in both sources, although food-associated occurrence was heterogeneous across categories, with the highest recovery rate observed in raw meat. Patient-derived isolates showed a broader overall resistance burden, whereas food-derived isolates retained substantial resistance to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and florfenicol. Phylogenetic analysis showed partial overlap in genomic backgrounds between food-derived and patient-derived isolates, while representative resistance determinants displayed both broadly distributed and lineage-enriched patterns. Replicon-based plasmid profiling identified 42 plasmid types, including 12 detected in both sources, with IncF-related replicons predominating among these shared profiles. Several food-derived isolates carried multiple plasmid replicon types that were also observed in patient-derived isolates. Overall, food-derived and patient-derived DEC showed partial overlap in genomic backgrounds, resistance determinants, and replicon-defined plasmid profiles within this surveillance setting, while retaining source-associated heterogeneity. These findings should be interpreted as surveillance-based comparative evidence rather than as evidence of direct source attribution or transmission.

Humans

Nasopharyngeal Carriage Rate, Risk Factors, and Co-Resistance Patterns of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasopharyngeal carriage is a major global health concern linked to severe infections and transmission. However, comprehensive evidence on the burden of MRSA carriage, antimicrobial resistance, and associated risk factors in Ethiopia remains limited. This study aimed to estimate pooled prevalence, resistance pattern, and determinants of nasopharyngeal MRSA carriage. PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and gray literature were searched for cross-sectional studies published between January 2015 and December 2025. Two groups of reviewers screened studies based on predefined criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Pooled prevalence and resistance proportions were estimated using a random-effects model, and pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted. A total of 1040 records were identified, and 20 studies (6869 participants) were included. The pooled carriage prevalence was 7.3% (95% CI, 5.0-10.8), with substantial heterogeneity (I2&#x2009;=&#x2009;95.5%). Resistance was highest to tetracycline (55.75%) and lowest to clindamycin (12.66%). Increased odds of carriage were associated with prior hospitalization (OR, 3.49) and antibiotic use (OR, 2.35). Inconsistent variable coding across included studies limited the inclusion of other potential risk factors. Evidence of publication bias was detected, suggesting that the pooled prevalence should be interpreted with appropriate caution. The findings indicate a considerable burden of MRSA and highlight the need for strengthened antimicrobial stewardship, improved surveillance, and targeted prevention efforts in higher-risk populations. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251047192).

Ethiopia

Effects of semaglutide and empagliflozin on markers of endothelial function in persons with type 2 diabetes: A post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

AIMS: The endothelium maintains vascular health by regulating blood flow and protecting against inflammatory damage. In type 2 diabetes (T2DM), however, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia place a significant burden on the endothelium, potentially leading to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). While semaglutide and empagliflozin have been shown to reduce CVD risk in T2DM, it remains unclear whether these benefits are mediated by improved endothelial function. This post-hoc analysis explores the effects of these agents on markers of endothelial function, i.e. the reactive hyperaemic index (RHI) and the endothelial-derived cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) E-Selectin, ICAM-1, P-Selectin, and VCAM-1. METHODS: This was a post-hoc analysis of a 32-week randomized trial evaluating the separate and combined effects of semaglutide and empagliflozin on cardio-renal organ damage. One hundred and twenty participants with type 2 diabetes, age&#xa0;&#x2265;&#xa0;50 were randomized to four groups (semaglutide, empagliflozin, the combination or placebo). An increase in RHI and/or a decrease in CAMs were considered beneficial. RESULTS: RHI increased compared to baseline (0.11, 95%CI [0.008;0.21], p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.03) but not compared to placebo in the semaglutide group (0.11, 95%CI [-0.04;0.24], p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.16). There was no effect on RHI in the empagliflozin group. Compared to placebo, E-Selectin decreased significantly in the semaglutide and combination groups (-9, 95%CI [-14.1;-5.1] p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.01 and&#xa0;-&#xa0;9, 95%CI [-14.3; -5.2] p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.01, respectively). VCAM-1 increased in the same groups, compared to placebo (12.3, 95%CI[2.8;20.8] p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.01 and 16.2, 95%CI [7.2;24.3], p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.01, respectively).P-Selectin and ICAM-1 was not significantly affected in any of the groups, compared to placebo (p&#xa0;&#x2265;&#xa0;0.11 and p&#xa0;&#x2265;&#xa0;0.09, respectively). CONCLUSION: Semaglutide improved endothelial function compared to baseline, but not significantly versus placebo, which likely is due to limited power. CAM responses were heterogeneous, suggesting distinct roles in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. ClinicalTrialsRegister.eu: EudraCT 2019-000781-38.

Aged

A proteomic analysis of the PHF-forming tau fragment (tau297-391) following uptake into differentiated human neuronal SHSY5Y cells.

Tau self-assembly and intracellular deposition are associated with a group of neurodegenerative diseases called tauopathies, which include Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Pick's disease. Here, we measured the proteome response in human neuronal cells (differentiated SH-SY5Y) following the addition of a spontaneously amyloidogenic region of tau known as dGAE (tau297-391), which forms AD-like paired helical filaments in vitro, and proteomic analysis showed increased endogenous tau expression. Further interactome analysis uncovered increased association between tau and proteins associated with nuclear chromatin, the nucleolus, and the spliceosome, as well as the thiol-peroxidase, PRDX6, alongside an increase in reactive oxygen species. The present work highlights a method to identify proteome pathways that may play an important role in the development of tau pathology and reveals an oxidative stress response to dGAE.

Humans

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

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

LIM Domain Proteins

Sex- and development-specific transcriptomic profiling of venom and silk genes in the wolf spider Pardosa astrigera provides insights into ecological adaptation and predatory strategies.

Spider venom and silk glands are two major secretory systems that contribute to prey capture, defense, and reproduction, but their sex- and development-specific molecular regulation in wandering wolf spiders remains poorly understood. Here, the transcriptome of Pardosa astrigera, an important agricultural natural enemy in China, revealed significant sex- and development-associated molecular differentiation among adult females, adult males, and spiderlings. A total of 100,025 unigenes were obtained, of which 23,852 were functionally annotated, providing a comprehensive transcriptomic resource for this species. Differential expression patterns showed marked variation among groups, with 531, 1792, and 832 DEGs detected in PAF vs PAS, PAM vs PAS, and PAF vs PAM, respectively. These genes were mainly associated with metabolic, oxidation-reduction, cuticle development, MAPK signaling, and lysosome pathways. Fifteen co-expression modules revealed distinct expression patterns. The turquoise, pink, yellow, and red modules were development-related, whereas the blue module was male-biased. Venom- and spidroin-related genes were distributed across multiple modules, suggesting coordinated regulation. Overall, 42 venom peptides, 21 venom proteins, and 11 spidroins were identified. Representative genes showed strongly biased expression, including spiderling-biased U3_Pp1a and U5_Pp1e, female-biased U4_Pp1a, and male-biased SMase D_108750 and PaTuSp_108466. These findings reveal sex- and development-biased expression patterns of venom- and silk-related candidate genes in P. astrigera and may provide molecular insights into ecological adaptation and predatory strategies in wandering wolf spiders.

Animals

Induced degradation of Ufd1 reveals regulation of cohesin by the VCP/p97Ufd1-Npl4 complex.

The AAA ATPase VCP/p97 has emerged as a critical regulator of ubiquitin and chromatin-associated processes but progress in understanding has been hampered by the complexity of p97 functions and the various p97 cofactors involved. Here, we combined ubiquitin profiling with acutely induced degradation of the Ufd1 subunit of the p97 ubiquitin adapter, Ufd1-Npl4, in human cells. We identified a set of chromatin regulators, HUS1, XRCC1, MORF4L1, and the cohesin subunit RAD21 as targets of p97Ufd1-Npl4 We find that RAD21 is ubiquitylated and targeted by p97Ufd1-Npl4 specifically in S phase to remove a subpopulation of cohesin from chromatin. Acute degradation of Ufd1 in S phase, after replication licensing is completed, impedes replication and leads to replication-associated DNA damage. Our findings suggest that a fraction of cohesin rings need to be removed by p97Ufd1-Npl4 from DNA to allow unhindered replication and reveal a critical function of p97 that ensures genome stability.

Cell Cycle Proteins

Biological characterization of Candida parapsilosis haploids induced by voriconazole.

OBJECTIVES: Candida parapsilosis is an important opportunistic fungal pathogen causing serious human infections in nosocomial settings. It has long been thought that C. parapsilosis has a diploid genome with a high homozygosity between chromosome homologs. METHODS: In this study, we report the discovery of C. parapsilosis haploids induced by voriconazole, a triazole with broad antifungal activity against fungal pathogens, in an experimental evolutionary assay. RESULTS: The haploid strains were able to undergo auto-diploidization under in vitro culture conditions or during systemic infection at a low frequency. Compared to the progenitor diploid strain, C. parapsilosis haploid and auto-diploid strains exhibited a reduced ability of invasive growth and biofilm formation. Global transcriptional expression analysis indicated that haploid and auto-diploid strains had a similar transcriptomic profile, which showed a remarkable difference from the progenitor diploid strain perhaps due to the loss of chromosome heterozygosity. Moreover, the haploid and diploid strains had distinct fungal burdens in different animal tissues, suggesting the haploid state could have a colonization advantage over the diploids in certain tissues such as the brain and spleen. CONCLUSIONS: The discovery of C. parapsilosis haploids not only sheds lights on the biology of this important fungal pathogen, but also provides a tool for genetic modifications for the field.

Voriconazole

Insights from changes in NDEV biomarkers of metabolism: effects of PPAR&#x3b3; and GLP1 receptor agonists on brain metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) is implicated in central nervous system disorders, including depression and Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: We analyzed biological samples from two cohorts of clinical trial participants: (1) participants with unremitted depression after six months of treatment as usual who received pioglitazone (PPAR&#x3b3; agonist, N = 12) or placebo and (2) middle-aged participants at genetic risk for AD who received liraglutide (glucagon-like peptide 1 [GLP1] receptor agonist, N = 15) or placebo. These cohorts, which previously showed treatment-related improvements in peripheral IR, were used to assess the effects of pioglitazone and liraglutide on CNS insulin signaling using neuron-derived extracellular vesicles (NDEVs) as biomarkers. We utilized biological samples to measure biomarkers of IR in NDEVs. Eleven Akt-mTOR pathway proteins were measured before and after 12 weeks of treatment in both groups. RESULTS: Participants who received pioglitazone experienced broader changes, with significant increases in GSK3&#x3b2; (Ser9), mTOR (Ser2448), and RPS6 (Ser235/Ser236; all P &#x2264; .02) compared with placebo, and 77% of participants showed mTOR (Ser2448) response. Participants who received liraglutide demonstrated significantly increased NDEV-associated phosphorylated Akt (Ser473) and mTOR (Ser2448; P = .04 and P = .025, respectively) compared with placebo, with 40% and 30% of participants in the liraglutide group showing biomarker response in both Akt (Ser473) and mTOR (Ser2448), respectively. These effects appeared relatively independent from changes in fasting plasma insulin and glucose concentration at 120-minutes during the oral glucose tolerance test. DISCUSSION: Our findings demonstrate CNS-specific biomarker responses to both PPAR&#x3b3; agonists and GLP1 receptor agonists.

Humans

Efficacy and Safety of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for the Management of Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for the management of antipsychotic-induced weight gain. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA methodology through July 2025 that evaluated the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 agonists for the management of antipsychotic-induced weight gain. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Efficacy endpoints were change in body weight (kg), change in body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2), and change in HbA1c (%). The safety endpoint was gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects. A P-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant, and heterogeneity was reported as I2. DATA SYNTHESIS: Six studies were included in this systematic review, of which 4 trials were included in the meta-analysis. The difference found between GLP-1 agonists and placebo was a change in weight of -5.85 kg (P = 0.0622, 95% CI = -9.72 to -1.97), a change in BMI of -2.11 kg/m2 (P = 0.7692, 95% CI = -5.51 to 1.29), and a change in HbA1c of -1.58 (P = 0.6659, 95% CI = -4.75 to 1.58). The overall risk ratio for a patient to experience a GI-related adverse effect when taking a GLP-1 agonist compared to placebo was 1.83 (95% CI = 1.42 to 2.37). RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE: While the efficacy endpoints did not reach significance, this meta-analysis shows that select GLP-1 receptor agonists may be used to promote weight loss in patients taking antipsychotics. Controlling antipsychotic-induced weight gain helps patients remain adherent to therapeutic doses of their antipsychotic medications. CONCLUSION: The use of certain GLP-1 agonists may be considered to help promote weight loss in patients experiencing antipsychotic-induced weight gain.

Humans

Efficacy and Safety of the C3 Inhibitor Pegcetacoplan in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the complement C3 inhibitor pegcetacoplan in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies reporting pegcetacoplan use in PNH. Outcomes included transfusion-requirement, hemoglobin normalization, mean hemoglobin levels, lactate dehydrogenase normalization, reticulocyte count normalization, and safety endpoints. Pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random-effects models, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. RESULTS: Five studies comprising 271 patients were included. Transfusion avoidance was observed in 80.6% of patients, with a pooled transfusion-requirement rate of 19.4%. LDH normalization occurred in 68.5% of patients (I2&#x2009;=&#x2009;0%). Hemoglobin normalization was observed in 42.9%, while reticulocyte count normalization reached 66%. Any-grade adverse events occurred in 83.5% of patients, most commonly pyrexia, headache, and dizziness. Serious adverse events occurred in 16.6%, decreasing to 12% after sensitivity analysis. Breakthrough hemolysis was reported in 14.8%, and infections in 17%. CONCLUSION: Pegcetacoplan demonstrates consistent efficacy signals across key hematologic endpoints and an acceptable safety profile, supporting its potential role as an important therapeutic option, particularly in patients with persistent extravascular hemolysis despite C5 inhibition.

Humans

Diabetic macular edema and GLP-1 receptor agonist use: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are widely used for type II diabetes and obesity because of their cardiometabolic benefits. However, concerns regarding potential ocular adverse effects, particularly diabetic macular edema (DME), have prompted the need to clarify their retinal safety. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statements (PROSPERO registration: CRD420251176164). MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), CENTRAL (Ovid), Web of Science, and PubMed were searched from inception to October 24, 2025. Randomized trials and observational cohort or case-control studies, including individuals with diabetes without baseline DME and exposed to GLP-1RAs were eligible. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using ROBINS-I. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Random-effects models were used to pool incidence proportions and hazard ratios (HRs). RESULTS: Thirteen retrospective cohort studies (2021-2025) using large real-world databases were included. Across 6 studies, the pooled proportion of incident DME among GLP-1RA users was 0.14 (95% CI: 0.07-0.23; I&#xb2;&#x202f;=&#x202f;99.8%). Compared with mixed antihyperglycemic therapies, GLP-1RA use was not associated with increased DME risk (pooled HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.52-1.26). GLP-1RAs were associated with a higher relative risk of DME compared with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.17-1.94) but not compared with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (HR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.69-1.19). Evidence certainty was very low. CONCLUSION: Current low-certainty observational evidence does not support an overall increased risk of DME with GLP-1RA use. Prospective studies are needed to clarify comparative retinal safety.

Humans

Insulin, Semaglutide and Dapagliflozin in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Design and Methods of Triple Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes (TTT1)-An International Phase 3 Clinical Trial.

AIMS: Attaining target glycaemia can be a challenge in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) due to insulin-induced weight gain. Adjunct therapy with modern glucose-lowering agents developed for type 2 diabetes (T2D) has great potential but may be insufficiently efficacious and carries risks of hypoglycaemia and ketosis. We designed the first Phase 3 clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of adding a Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) and a Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter (SGLT2) Inhibitor to insulin therapy in overweight and obese adults with T1D and glycaemia above target (HbA1c 7.5%-11.0% inclusive) (NCT03899402). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In Period 1, participants are randomized 2:1 (open label) for 26&#x2009;weeks to semaglutide and insulin (uptitrated to 1.0&#x2009;mg weekly) or standard insulin therapy. In Period 2, those randomized to semaglutide and insulin in Period 1 are further randomized (double-blind) for 26&#x2009;weeks to dapagliflozin (10&#x2009;mg daily) or placebo, in addition to semaglutide. The primary objective is to compare change in HbA1c on 'triple therapy' (dapagliflozin, semaglutide and insulin) with 'dual therapy' (placebo, semaglutide and insulin). Secondary objectives include comparisons of triple therapy with standard insulin therapy and dual therapy (semaglutide and insulin) with standard insulin therapy. Safety outcomes include hypoglycaemia and ketosis. A sample size recalculation during the trial based on analysis of masked data revised the original recruitment target from 114 to 82 participants. CONCLUSION: The TTT1 trial will provide clinically useful information on combination adjunct therapy in the treatment of T1D.

Humans

Swab Testing to Optimize Pneumonia Treatment With Empiric Vancomycin: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Fear of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as a cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) frequently leads to empiric vancomycin coverage. Data evaluating the use of MRSA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) nasal swab testing to guide vancomycin de-escalation is limited for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: Swab Testing to Optimize Pneumonia Treatment With Empiric Vancomycin (STOP-Vanc) is a pragmatic, prospective, single-center, non-blinded randomized trial in which adult ICU patients with suspicion of CAP were randomized 1:1 to receive usual care either with (intervention) or without (control) the addition of MRSA nares PCR testing following ICU admission. The primary outcome was vancomycin-free hours alive, defined as the expected number of hours alive and free of vancomycin use within the first 7 days of trial enrollment as estimated using a longitudinal proportional odds state transition model adjusted for baseline covariates. RESULTS: A total of 277 adult ICU patients were randomized. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus PCR nasal swab testing had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.9% in the intervention arm. The primary endpoint, vancomycin-free hours alive, was 105.7 in the control arm and 109.7 in the intervention arm (adjusted difference, 4 hours; 95% CI, -9.5-18.2; P = .458). CONCLUSIONS: Despite MRSA PCR nasal swab testing demonstrating a high NPV in this critically ill population, MRSA PCR nasal swab testing did not decrease the duration of vancomycin use or 30-day mortality among ICU patients with suspected CAP. Additional clinician education and antimicrobial stewardship interventions might be needed to reduce vancomycin use in this patient population. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06272994 (STOP-Vanc).

Humans

Azithromycin-resistant Salmonella enterica Typhi with AcrB R717L/Q mutations in the United States.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Azithromycin is a critical oral treatment for typhoid fever caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (Salmonella Typhi), since XDR has rendered other first-line treatment options ineffective. Azithromycin resistance conferred by amino acid changes in AcrB, an AcrAB-TolC efflux pump component, represents an emerging public health concern. Leveraging phenotypic and genotypic data from U.S. Salmonella Typhi surveillance systems, this study describes the prevalence, phenotype and genomic epidemiology of Salmonella Typhi with AcrB mutations in U.S. patients since the first detection in 2015. METHODS: AST and WGS data of >3000 Salmonella Typhi isolates were used to identify all cases with an AcrB mutation in the United States (2015-2025). We calculated annual prevalence and MIC ranges. Phylogenetic analysis was used to contextualize U.S. cases of Salmonella Typhi with an AcrB mutation within all globally reported cases. RESULTS: While the prevalence of AcrB mutations in the United States is low (1.5%), it has risen significantly in recent years, from 0.2% in 2016-2022 to 2.2% in 2023-2025. This increase is predominantly driven by clonal expansion of existing strains circulating in South Asia. AcrB mutations do not reliably confer resistance to azithromycin (MIC&#x200a;&#x2265;&#x200a;32&#x2005;mg/L), complicating clinical interpretation. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of AcrB mutations in Salmonella Typhi is increasing in the United States, and likely globally, given that U.S. data function as an informal proxy for regions without routine surveillance infrastructure. Clinical outcomes data are needed to inform Salmonella Typhi treatment guidelines and potentially amend clinical breakpoints for azithromycin.

Journal Article

eIF5A and polyamines restrict mRNA levels in response to ribosome stalls.

Obstacles to translation elongation stall ribosomes and allow deleterious proteins to accumulate, which threatens cellular health. Cells recognize and clear stalled ribosomes via several interrelated pathways, although the mechanisms by which cells distinguish stalled from normally elongating ribosomes and mount an appropriate response are incompletely understood. While recent work highlights how ribosome collisions help cells to recognize stalled ribosomes, how other factors contribute to detection remains unclear. Here, we report a requirement for the translational factor eIF5A in the mRNA decay response to ribosomal stalling, i.e., No-Go mRNA Decay (NGD). We identified the Caenorhabditis elegans polyamine transporter, catp-6, via a forward genetic screen as a factor required for NGD. During our mechanistic dissection of the catp-6 phenotype, we uncovered a role for cellular polyamines and the translation elongation factor eIF5A in NGD, and we show this requirement is conserved from C. elegans to Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our analyses support the idea that cells use eIF5A to identify ribosomal stalls and execute NGD and uncover a molecular function for a core protein synthesis factor in limiting expression from stall-inducing mRNAs. Our work offers insight into how cells identify and remove problematic mRNAs from the translational pool. Our work also raises the possibility that dysregulated mRNA decay is an unrecognized pathophysiology associated with polyaminopathies and eIF5A disorders, of relevance to varied neurodegenerative and aging phenotypes and efforts to pharmacologically inhibit eIF5A.

Animals