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PubMed2026

Proteomics-based analysis of the defense mechanisms of disease-resistant grass carp against Aeromonas veronii.

Sustainable aquaculture of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella, GC) is consistently threatened by bacterial diseases, particularly those caused by Aeromonas veronii. A disease-resistant grass carp (DR-GC) has been developed by backcrossing female gynogenetic GC with normal male GC, exhibiting improved resistance. However, the systemic molecular mechanisms of DR-GC defending against Aeromonas veronii infection remain largely unexplored. Here, a label-free quantitative proteomics approach was employed to systematically compare proteomic profiles across five tissues (intestine, liver, muscle, skin, and kidney) in DR-GC and GC under healthy and infected conditions. The intestine was identified as the central defense tissue, exhibiting the highest number of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs). In DR-GC, A0A3N0YEK7 (small ribosomal subunit protein eS28), A0A3N0YGT8 (ATP synthase-coupling factor 6) and A0A3N0YNS7 (apolipoprotein A-I) were significantly upregulated in intestine, while D5KZW6 (GCHV-induced protein), A0A3N0Z0A1 and Q8JH84 (hemoglobin subunit alpha) were significantly dysregulated across multiple tissues, which playing the critical roles in defense mechanisms at the protein level. Furthermore, cytochrome P450-associated pathways, cytosolic DNA-sensing and RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathways were identified as crucial coordinators mediating immune and metabolic responses. This study provides the first comprehensive proteomic view of multi-tissue defense mechanisms in DR-GC, and identifies key DAPs and pathways for subsequent functional validation.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Tigecycline-resistant Staphylococcus in waiting pens of a pig slaughterhouse: genomic insights into a food safety alert.

BACKGROUND: The waiting pens of slaughterhouses represent a critical control point in the 'farm-to-fork' continuum, yet their role in the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance remains understudied. This study investigated tigecycline-resistant Staphylococcus (TRS) in these high-risk zones to assess their prevalence, resistance mechanisms, and transmission dynamics. METHODS: 400 samples were collected from the waiting pens of a pig slaughterhouse in Guangzhou, China. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole-genome sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and molecular cloning were employed to characterize resistance mechanisms and transmission patterns. RESULTS: 78 TRS strains were isolated and classified into three species, including S. borealis, S. ureilyticus, and S. pasteuri. These isolates exhibited multidrug-resistant phenotypes and carried new mutations in rpsJ and tet(M), which were functionally confirmed to reduce tigecycline susceptibility. Phylogenetic evidence demonstrated clonal transmission between pig farms and the slaughterhouse. The tet(M) gene was located within Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec elements mediated by IS257, while tet(L) was carried by plasmids formed through IS256/IS257-mediated recombination. CONCLUSIONS: Waiting pens serve as crucial reservoirs for the amplification and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. Our findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced biosecurity measures, improved waste management, and routine molecular surveillance in these high-risk zones to mitigate the spread of resistance along the food production chain.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Can host genetics transform the sustainable control of tropical theileriosis? Insights from the Tick-Theileria interface.

Tropical theileriosis, caused by the tick-transmitted apicomplexan parasite Theileria annulata, remains a major constraint on cattle production across North Africa, the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East and South Asia. Current control depends on acaricides, the theilericidal drug buparvaquone and live attenuated schizont vaccines, but acaricide resistance, buparvaquone-resistance mutations and the logistical demands of vaccination are eroding the sustainability of these tools. Host genetics offers a complementary and durable alternative. Indigenous Bos indicus breeds are consistently more resistant to ticks and tolerate T. annulata infection better than exotic Bos taurus cattle, and this advantage has a measurable heritable component. Unlike previous reviews, which treat tick resistance, T. annulata immunobiology and livestock genomic selection as separate subjects, we integrate all three and assess host genetics specifically against the failure modes of current control. We review the tick, parasite and host interface, the evidence for natural resistance, and the genetic and immunological mechanisms involved, including signal-regulatory protein, bovine major histocompatibility complex class II and inflammatory pathway genes. We then assess whether genomic selection, multi-omics, machine learning and gene editing can translate these mechanisms into resistant cattle, and we weigh the biological, economic and infrastructural barriers to implementation. The evidence indicates that host genetics will not replace existing control but could reduce reliance on acaricides and chemotherapy. That contribution remains prospective rather than demonstrated: no resistance marker for T. annulata has yet been validated, prediction accuracies are moderate and transfer poorly between breeds, and no endemic production system has implemented selection for resistance.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

A cooperative regulatory module between TAGL2 and JMJC1 activates specific defense genes against root-knot nematodes in tomato.

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) threaten global food security. Although epigenetic modifications are crucial for plant immunity, how histone modifiers contribute to root-knot nematodes (RKNs, Meloidogyne incognita) resistance remains unclear. Here, using genetic, molecular and biochemical approaches, we investigated the epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms underlying RKN resistance mediated by the histone demethylase (HDM) JMJC1 and the MADS-box transcription factor TAGL2 in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). We identified JMJC1 as an RKN-induced positive defense regulator targeting H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 histone marks. JMJC1 physically interacts with TAGL2, which also positively regulates RKN resistance. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that TAGL2 regulates multiple layers of the plant defense network, transcriptionally activating representative genes from distinct pathways (including PUB10, bHLH98, CCaMK, and SAUR3), which we validated as positive regulators of RKN resistance via virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). At the chromatin level, TAGL2 and JMJC1 co-regulate these loci, associating with localized H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 reduction. Furthermore, TAGL2 directly activates JMJC1 transcription, establishing a positive feedback loop that amplifies immune signaling. Our findings reveal a cooperative model wherein a HDM and a transcription factor coordinate at specific loci to fine-tune multiple defense layers at both epigenetic and transcriptional levels, providing insights for breeding durable nematode-resistant plants.

Solanum lycopersicum↗

PubMed2026

Effects of exercise on muscle strength and characteristics in rheumatic diseases and sarcopenia: Protocol for the Care for Muscle (C4M) Study.

OBJECTIVE: Muscle weakness is prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA) and sarcopenia (SARC). Endurance exercises may improve mitochondrial function and oxidative capacity, while strength exercises are thought to stimulate myofibrillar protein synthesis. This study aims to compare the effects of strength and endurance exercise and explore the association between muscle characteristics and exercise outcomes in patients with RA, OA and SARC. We hypothesize that responses to endurance and strength exercises in patients with muscle weakness are influenced by intramuscular pathology including muscle morphology, mitochondrial function, and systemic inflammation, based on their disease pathology, potentially requiring personalized training schedules. METHODS: This two-arm, parallel-group exploratory trial will enroll 69 patients (23 RA, 23 OA, 23 SARC), randomized to endurance (n = 35) or muscle strength exercises (n = 34), using minimization to balance disease type and gender. The 8-week intervention includes two supervised sessions per week using a controlled cable pulley device (Reforter™) and fitness equipment, plus one weekly home-based session. The primary outcome is isokinetic muscle strength (peak torque), measured with the Biodex system®. Secondary outcomes include muscle morphology, mitochondrial function, systemic inflammation and muscle endurance (by Biodex and 6 Minute Walk test). Muscle morphology will be assessed via 3D ultrasound imaging of the vastus lateralis. Mitochondrial function will be analyzed using high-resolution respirometry on muscle biopsies. Systemic inflammation will be measured using multiplex assays or ELISA on serum samples. DISCUSSION: This study will explore differential responses to muscle endurance and muscle strength exercises in patients with RA, OA, and SARC, offering novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of muscle weakness. The findings may help identify potential mechanisms underlying variability in exercise response and provide effect size estimates to guide future confirmatory studies and more targeted exercise interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06480643 (date of registration28-06-24).

Humans↗

PubMed2025

UV-based homogeneous disinfection process for removal of antibiotic resistance genes: Efficiency, mechanisms and influencing factors.

The proliferation and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic environments pose a serious threat to global public health. Ultraviolet-driven homogeneous advanced oxidation processes (UV-AOPs) represent a prospective suite of technologies for the efficient removal of ARGs. This review critically assesses recent advances in the application of UV-AOPs, specifically UV/hydrogen peroxide (UV/H2O2), UV/peracetic acid (UV/PAA), UV/persulfate (UV/PS), and UV/chlorine (UV/Cl), for the elimination of extracellular ARGs and intracellular ARGs. The underlying mechanisms involve direct ultraviolet-induced DNA damage, including pyrimidine dimer formation and strand breakage, as well as oxidation mediated by radicals such as hydroxyl radicals, sulfate radicals, carbon-centered radicals, and reactive chlorine species. The relative contribution of radical and non-radical pathways is strongly influenced by water chemistry and process conditions. We further expound on the critical operational and environmental factors governing ARG removal kinetics, including UV wavelength and fluence, oxidant type and dosage, ARG sequence characteristics, pH, ubiquitous anions, and dissolved organic matter, which collectively affect radical generation, quenching, and reaction microenvironments. Notably, for i-ARGs, UV-AOPs facilitate degradation not only through direct radical attack but also by disrupting cellular integrity and permeabilizing membranes, thereby enhancing the exposure of genetic materials to oxidative and photolytic damage. This review synthesizes current understanding to provide a mechanistic basis for the design and optimization of UV-AOP systems, highlighting their potential as effective barriers against the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in water reuse and purification scenarios.

Disinfection↗

PubMed2026

Challenges and future directions in AI-driven biomaterials for microbiome-associated oral infectious diseases: A systematic review.

Oral biofilm-induced antimicrobial resistance is the core pathogenic mechanism of microbiome-associated oral infectious diseases (dental caries, periodontitis, peri-implantitis, and endodontic infection). Traditional therapies and biomaterials are limited by poor biofilm penetration, drug resistance induction, single functionality, and inadequate adaptation to dynamic oral microenvironmental changes (e.g., pH fluctuations, salivary rinsing, masticatory stimulation). Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the field by integrating materials science, microbiology, and stomatology data. Via machine learning, deep learning, and multi-physics simulation, AI optimizes biomaterial physicochemical properties, decodes microenvironmental signals, constructs precise sensing-response loops, and supports the full chain of material design, performance prediction, and action simulation, advancing treatment from empirical intervention to precision regulation. This systematic review retrieved literature from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science (January 2016-January 2026) using keywords across three dimensions: AI, biomaterials, and oral microbiome. Following inclusion/exclusion criteria, 99 articles were included. It elaborates on five core mechanisms of AI-driven oral biomaterials (precise oral microbiome analysis, targeted material design/optimization, performance prediction/simulation, targeted delivery/intervention, effect evaluation/dynamic regulation), analyzes their applications in microbiome-targeted biomaterial research and development (R&D) and clinical practice for the four major oral infectious diseases, addresses technical bottlenecks (insufficient targeting specificity and precision of biomaterials, poor stability and durability in complex oral microenvironments, inadequate biofilm disruption capacity, and clinical translation obstacles), and proposes future directions (multimodal design to enhance targeting specificity, structural and component optimization to improve stability/durability, development of multi-mechanism synergistic biofilm disruption strategies, strengthening translational research for clinical application, and deep integration of AI in the full chain of biomaterial R&D). This work provides comprehensive theoretical and practical support for the R&D, optimization, and clinical translation of AI-driven microbiome-targeted oral biomaterials.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Impact of neoprene wetsuits on lung volumes and work of breathing: implications for military diver safety and performance.

INTRODUCTION: Neoprene wetsuits may impose mechanical constraints on the chest wall, potentially altering respiratory function. This study investigated the impact of neoprene wetsuits on lung volumes, airway mechanics, and work of breathing (WOB) in healthy male divers. METHODS: A randomised crossover trial was conducted with 31 male divers at the Royal Netherlands Navy Diving Medical Centre. Participants underwent pulmonary function testing, including spirometry, body plethysmography, the forced oscillation technique (FOT), and diffusion capacity measurements, both with and without a hoodless standardised 5 mm neoprene full body wetsuit with a neoprene neck seal. Primary outcomes included changes in forced vital capacity (FVC), functional residual capacity (FRC), airway resistance (Raw), reactance (Xrs), and WOB. RESULTS: Wearing a neoprene wetsuit led to statistically significant reductions in FVC (2.8%, P < 0.05), forced expiration in one second (2.9%, P < 0.05), FRC (4.0%, P < 0.05), and expiratory reserve volume (10.9%, P < 0.05), alongside increases in inspiratory capacity and tidal volume. Raw increased significantly (P < 0.05), while the FOT revealed altered airway mechanics, evidenced by increased Xrs at multiple frequencies (P < 0.05). Diffusion capacity remained unchanged, suggesting preserved alveolar-capillary function. CONCLUSIONS: Neoprene wetsuits induce mechanically restrictive effects on the chest wall, reducing static and dynamic lung volumes and increasing WOB. While these changes may not be clinically relevant at rest, their impact needs to be determined during strenuous or prolonged dives, particularly when combined with other equipment that limits thorax excursions. Future research should explore the effects of the military 5 mm wetsuit under immersed conditions to better understand their operational impact on diver performance and safety.

Male↗

PubMed2026

3D epigenomic remodelling mediated by Foxa1 drives gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer.

Gemcitabine remains a cornerstone treatment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), yet the emergence of resistance constitutes a major clinical challenge with poorly understood epigenomic mechanisms. Here, we identified the pioneer transcription factor Foxa1 as a master regulator of gemcitabine resistance through multi-omics analysis. Mechanistically, Foxa1 drives widespread super-enhancer (SE) reprogramming and 3D genome remodelling in resistant cells, which coordinately activates the expression of key resistance genes, notably Rrm1 and Cdadc1. This is accompanied by increased chromatin accessibility, elevated H3K27ac enrichment at SEs, and enhanced Foxa1 binding at regulatory elements. Moreover, post-translational stabilization of Foxa1 via USP7-mediated deubiquitination sustains this epigenomic program. Genetic ablation of Foxa1 or specific SE regions near Rrm1 resensitizes resistant cells to gemcitabine. Building upon this mechanism, we demonstrate that bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) inhibitors, which disrupt SE function, potently reverse resistance. Notably, the clinical-stage BET inhibitor AZD5153, in combination with gemcitabine, achieves robust tumor suppression and overcomes resistance in cell-derived xenograft (CDX) models by dismantling the Foxa1-mediated resistant transcriptome and reinvigorating drug sensitivity. Our findings establish Foxa1-orchestrated enhancer reprogramming as a fundamental mechanism of gemcitabine resistance and unveil a promising epigenetic therapy to restore treatment efficacy in PDAC.

Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 3-alpha↗

PubMed2026

Targeting ncRNA control networks with engineered exosomes to overcome therapy resistance in thyroid cancer.

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most prevalent endocrine malignancy, accounting for over 90% of thyroid cancers. While differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs) typically have favorable outcomes, a significant subset progresses to radioactive iodine-refractory (RAIR) disease, characterized by impaired iodine uptake and a 10-year survival rate below 10%. Genetic alterations and dysregulated signaling pathways underlie this transition. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), play critical regulatory roles in tumor biology and may be transported via exosomes, facilitating intercellular communication and contributing to RAIR-PTC. This systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, evaluated the role of exosomal ncRNAs in RAIR-PTC. A comprehensive search of PubMed, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar identified studies published within the past 15 years in English. Following stringent quality appraisal, studies with a non-bias score above 40% were included. Of 961 identified publications, 96 high-quality studies met inclusion criteria. Evidence indicates that therapy resistance in RAIR-PTC is driven by convergent ncRNA regulatory networks that suppress sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) expression and activate oncogenic pathways, most notably MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Multiple ncRNAs converge on key regulatory nodes, forming redundant circuits that sustain dedifferentiation, metabolic adaptation, and impaired iodide transport. Several consistently dysregulated ncRNAs directly or indirectly regulate NIS expression and trafficking, highlighting actionable targets. Exosomes emerge as biologically compatible, programmable delivery vehicles capable of transporting therapeutic ncRNA payloads independent of endogenous packaging mechanisms. These findings support a precision therapeutic paradigm in which engineered exosomes reprogram ncRNA networks to restore iodine-handling pathways and overcome therapy resistance in RAIR-PTC.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Synergistic transcriptional modules in Trichoderma asperellum enhance glutathione detoxification to counteract fungal pathogen toxins.

Trichoderma fungi are potent biocontrol agents. However, their defence mechanisms against pathogen-derived toxins remain poorly understood. We identified two synergistic transcription factor modules in T. asperellum that orchestrate the detoxification of cytotoxic secondary metabolites from the poplar blight pathogen Alternaria alternata. Overexpression of the central regulator TasMYB46 reduced disease lesion area by approximately 22% and was associated with decreased pathogen-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Mechanistically, TasMYB46 directly activates the glutathione S-transferases TasGST61.1 and TasGST56.1 through distinct promoter binding sites (G-box/as-1/MBS), forming dedicated detoxification modules. Crucially, we identified urolithin C as the most abundant phytotoxin in A. alternata metabolites, which is efficiently detoxified through the TasMYB46-TasGST61.1 module. The transcription enhancer TasbHLH53.8 amplifies this system by binding to TasMYB46, boosting TasGST expression and enhancing glutathione-dependent detoxification capacity. This coordinated response elevates glutathione pools and antioxidant enzyme activities (GST/GPx), conferring increased oxidative stress resistance. This study reveals a novel defence mechanism in Trichoderma in which MYB-bHLH-GST modules enable biocontrol agents to neutralise pathogen-derived toxins. Given that Alternaria toxins threaten crops globally (tomatoes, potatoes, citrus), the discovered regulatory synergy represents a strategic advance in developing next-generation biocontrol solutions against toxin-producing plant pathogens.

Alternaria↗

PubMed2026

Contribution of the Arg-33-His replacement in the histidine kinase CpxA to carbapenem and cefiderocol resistance in Serratia marcescens.

OBJECTIVE: The Serratia marcescens ROT_R clinical isolate, which was resistant to almost all β-lactams, including cefiderocol (4 mg/L), was recovered from a neonate 2 months after the isolation of the S. marcescens ROT_S strain that was susceptible to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs). In this study, we attempted to decipher the mechanism of resistance displayed by the ROT_R isolate. METHODS: The genomes of ROT_S and ROT_R were sequenced using the Illumina and the Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Long and short reads were assembled together, giving rise to a circularized hybrid genome. RESULTS: Genomic comparison between ROT_S and ROT_R disclosed only one mutation (G98A) in the cpxA gene of ROT_R, which led to the Arg-33-His substitution in the histidine kinase of the two-component system CpxA/CpxR. The cpxA alleles of ROT_S and ROT_R were amplified and cloned, thus giving rise to the pCpxA_WT and pCpxA_R33H recombinant plasmids, respectively, which were subsequently introduced into the S. marcescens HatR recipient strain, which lacks functional CpxA. The S. marcescens HatR (pCpxA_R33H) recombinant clone, which produced the altered CpxA_R33H variant, differed from the S. marcescens HatR (pCpxA_WT) recombinant clone, which produced the wild-type CpxA, by enhanced MICs of carbapenems and ESCs, including cefiderocol (1 mg/L). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that CpxA alteration, such as Arg-33-His substitution, can contribute to cefiderocol resistance. Although it increases slightly the MIC of cefiderocol without resulting per se in clinical resistance, it can contribute, in combination with other additional mechanisms, to achieve a high level of resistance to this siderophore cephalosporin.

Cefiderocol↗

PubMed2026

A multi-model genome-wide association study identifies genetic variants underlying resistance to Largemouth Bass Ranavirus (LMBV) in Micropterus salmoides.

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) is an economically important freshwater aquaculture species, yet recurrent outbreaks of Largemouth Bass Ranavirus (LMBV) continue to impair production and cause substantial losses. The genetic basis of host variation in LMBV resistance remains insufficiently characterized. Here, we applied a multi-model genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify loci associated with resistance following a controlled challenge with the LMBV-23PY strain. Whole-genome resequencing was performed for 146 phenotyped fish, including 72 susceptible and 74 resistant individuals. After stringent quality control, 877,262 high-quality variants were retained and tested using six GWAS models. Across binary survival status and survival time phenotypes, 32 shared suggestive variants were consistently detected across models, representing suggestive loci for LMBV-23PY resistance. Genes within ±50 kb of these loci were annotated, and functional enrichment highlighted immune- and redox-related biological processes. Three prioritized candidates-GSTT3L (glutathione S-transferase theta-3-like), CGRP2 (calcitonin gene-related peptide 2), and NPPC (natriuretic peptide C)-were associated with pathways involved in oxidative stress responses and immune regulation. Collectively, these results provide insight into the genetic architecture of LMBV-23PY resistance in largemouth bass and identify suggestive variants and associated candidate genes for downstream validation, functional interrogation, and the development of marker-assisted and genome-enabled breeding strategies.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Domestication-associated reduction of methyl salicylate in tomato root and its significance for resistance to root-knot nematode.

Methyl salicylate (MeSA) plays diverse roles in the aerial parts of plants. By contrast, its biosynthesis and function in roots remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated root MeSA biosynthesis and function in tomato. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed using root MeSA levels as the phenotype in a diversity panel of 167 accessions to identify associated loci. Candidate genes were biochemically characterized, and the role of MeSA in defense against root-knot nematode (RKN, Meloidogyne incognita) was evaluated using transgenic plants. MeSA was identified as a major root volatile in tomato and showed a domestication-associated reduction. GWAS revealed multiple loci associated with natural variation in root MeSA, including a major locus on Chromosome 9 encoding the salicylic acid methyltransferase (SlSAMT). SlSAMT-overexpressing plants showed reduced resistance to RKNs, whereas SlSAMT-knockdown plants exhibited enhanced resistance. Our results suggest complex roles of MeSA and the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway in belowground plant defense. The SA signaling pathway likely plays critical roles in protecting roots against diverse natural enemies, including RKNs. Nevertheless, RKNs appear to have co-opted MeSA as a host-location signal, and the domestication-associated reduction of root MeSA in tomato has likely contributed to enhanced resistance against RKNs.

Solanum lycopersicum↗

PubMed2026

Power as equal ability, knowledge and resistance: Systematic review of experiences of adults with noncommunicable diseases.

PURPOSE: To analyse subjective experiences of power of adults with noncommunicable diseases in relationships with healthcare practitioners as well as underlying facilitators and barriers of these experiences. METHODS: Systematic review (4 databases) of experiences using reflexive thematic analysis underpinned by critical realist approach. The analysis was conducted with an abductive reasoning using previous theories on social power as well as retroduction. RESULTS: Based on 24 studies, we formed three themes, which depict experiences of power as 1) the position, equal ability and freedom to make one's own choices and (re)negotiate within shared dialogue, 2) the ability to use knowledge to claim one's rights, 3) resistance. Facilitators were connected to acknowledgement as an equally valuable individual, positive healthcare practitioner attitudes and actions towards patient activity and views, safety in the relationship as well as to sufficient, clear and varied information. Main barriers were experiences of dehumanisation, negative healthcare practitioner attitudes and actions, perceived or assumed practitioner domination in interactions, lack of or incomprehensible knowledge and testimonial smothering. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that adults with noncommunicable diseases may experience power primarily as a positive power: being acknowledged as having legitimate position to make decisions and being in possession of varied knowledge through which they can gain agency to protect and claim their rights, by resisting, if necessary. Healthcare practitioners are in key position to support these experiences through positive transforming actions, while knowledge asymmetries, persistent inequality and paternalistic structures continue to hinder it.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Genomic insights into an optrA-carrying plasmid associated with linezolid resistance in clinical Enterococcus faecalis isolates, Argentina.

The spread of the transferable optrA gene poses an increasing threat to the clinical efficacy of oxazolidinones. Here, we characterized a novel optrA-carrying plasmid, pEfa-optrA-Arg, from a linezolid-resistant Enterococcus faecalis clinical isolate from Argentina. The 68,653-bp conjugative plasmid harbored optrA together with multiple antimicrobial resistance genes and showed high similarity to a plasmid previously identified in a bovine isolate from Switzerland. pEfa-optrA-Arg, or a closely related variant, was also detected in E. faecalis isolates from several Argentinian hospitals, highlighting the role of horizontal gene transfer in the spread of antimicrobial resistance across human and animal reservoirs within the One Health continuum.

Enterococcus faecalis↗

PubMed2026

Comparative evaluation of molecular technologies for the identification of prevalent non-tuberculous mycobacteria in pulmonary infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of non-tuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary disease (NTM PD) is a burden to public health. Successful management of NTM PD critically depends on accurate species identification and reliable drug susceptibility testing to guide appropriate antibiotic therapy. Emerging molecular technologies offer rapid diagnostic solutions compared to conventional methods, but their performance varies. This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of current molecular techniques for NTM identification and to present a global antibiotic resistance profile. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science for studies published between 2005 and 2024. Studies applying molecular methods for NTM identification and resistance detection in humans were included. Data on study characteristics, diagnostic methods, sample types, sample sizes, identification sensitivity, and drug susceptibility results were extracted. Meta-analysis was performed using R with the meta4diag package. The quality of included studies was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. RESULTS: The analysis included 49 studies on NTM identification and 33 studies on antibiotic resistance. For species identification, all evaluated molecular technologies (MALDI-TOF MS, PCR-based methods, Sequencing, DNA chip, and DNA strip) demonstrated high pooled sensitivities (>0.92). Subgroup analysis revealed that sample type significantly affected performance for MALDI-TOF MS. Preliminary analysis of antibiotic resistance rates revealed varying patterns. For slowly growing mycobacteria, a significantly high Ethambutol resistance rate was observed in M. avium (69.20%). Among rapidly growing mycobacteria, resistance to Imipenem was notable (54.22%), and Clarithromycin resistance varied significantly within the Mycobacterium abscessus complex. CONCLUSION: Emerging molecular technologies have revolutionized the methodology for NTM identification with excellent performance. However, their performance can be influenced by sample type, particularly for MALDI-TOF MS. The alarming and heterogeneous antibiotic resistance patterns also highlight the critical need for rapid and accurate species identification and drug susceptibility testing to inform effective therapeutic strategies. Key messagesMolecular technologies demonstrate high accuracy for NTM identification.Antibiotic resistance is a serious concern with variations among NTM species and subspecies.Rapid and accurate species identification and drug susceptibility testing are crucial for guiding effective clinical management of NTM PD.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Herd-level heterogeneity of antimicrobial resistance in commensal Escherichia coli: A nationwide high-throughput survey of Australian pig herds.

Antimicrobial resistance in commensal Escherichia coli provides a useful indicator for overall antimicrobial resistance burden. We applied this approach to assess antimicrobial resistance within and between commercial pig herds across Australia. A high-throughput robotic workflow was used to isolate 2730 E. coli colonies from rectal contents collected in 2022 from healthy slaughter pigs (n = 300) representing 30 herds (∼70% of national production). Up to 94 isolates per herd underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the Robotic Antimicrobial Susceptibility Platform. Isolate- and herd-level antimicrobial resistance indices were calculated, weighting antimicrobials by their human health importance. Resistance to first-line agents was widespread: ampicillin 77% and tetracycline 79%. By contrast, resistance to critically important antimicrobials was rare (ciprofloxacin 0.11%; extended-spectrum cephalosporins 0.04%), and no clinical resistance to carbapenems or colistin was detected. Overall, 56.9% of isolates were multi-class resistant. Herd-level antimicrobial resistance within indices ranged from 1.51 to 5.76, revealing substantial between-herd heterogeneity. Three herds carried critically important antimicrobials-resistant isolates that would likely have been missed using conventional, lower-density sampling approaches. Whole-genome sequencing identified fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates belonging to ST10 and ST69 (both qnrS1), and ST744 (Quinolone Resistance Determining Region mutations plus blaCTX-M-27). By testing approximately tenfold more isolates than conventional surveys, we uncovered considerable antimicrobial resistance with heterogeneity within and between animals and herds, including farm-specific variability. This expanded sampling also enabled detection of critically important antimicrobial resistance at very low prevalence. In conclusion, high-throughput, high-density testing offers a practical early-warning system and herd-level benchmark to inform surveillance and targeted interventions.

Animals↗