PubMed Trending Research Digest — September 20, 2026

Automated digest · 99 articles · 15 research areas · September 20, 2026

Overview

This week’s digest is dominated by two converging trends: (1) precision immune modulation and (2) better measurement—at the molecular, cellular, and clinical-decision levels. Across cancers and immune-mediated diseases, multiple studies map how specific immune cell states (e.g., Tregs, γδ T cells, myeloid plasticity, TAMs) and immune checkpoints shape response or resistance, while mechanistic work links these phenotypes to defined signaling and metabolic pathways (IL-11/MBD3–APOH fatty-acid oxidation in HCC; SLC1A5 glutamine metabolism as a checkpoint-response barrier; B7-H3-driven MAPK–senescence remodeling). In parallel, imaging and computational advances—ranging from cryo-ET workflows and structural biology to AI models for pneumonitis risk and cytopathology—aim to make diagnosis and response prediction more accurate and earlier.

A second major theme is microbiome–metabolism–immunity coupling, especially in liver and inflammatory contexts. Studies highlight how microbial metabolites derived from tryptophan can restrain Th2 differentiation via AHR-dependent mechanisms, how probiotic interventions (e.g., Lactobacillus strains) can improve MASLD/MASLD-with-diabetes phenotypes, and how host nutrient availability (hepatic glutamine) tunes pathogenic CD4+ T cell programs. Complementing this, several clinical/real-world papers emphasize optimizing treatment based on measurable biomarkers or trajectories—such as vedolizumab trough levels for IBD remission, brodalumab benefit trajectories in psoriasis, and postoperative biologic selection in Crohn’s—reinforcing a shift from one-size-fits-all to measurement-guided care.

Finally, the digest includes a strong “systems-to-clinic” thread: from genetic and epigenetic regulators (e.g., H2A.Z training of naïve CD8+ T cells; NFI dosage in human cerebral organoids) to population-level risk and prevention (TB preventive treatment duration, alcohol as a modifiable HCC risk in chronic hepatitis B, and diagnostic-delay synthesis in progressive fibrosing ILD). Together, these studies suggest that the next wave of clinical impact will come from integrating mechanistic biology with scalable diagnostics and individualized risk stratification.

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Cancer immunology & tumor microenvironment (Tregs, myeloid, checkpoints, TAMs)

MAL2-Driven Lipid Droplets as Trojan Horses: Subverting Immune Surveillance to Promote Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis.

This study investigated how MAL2 regulates immune-metabolic crosstalk in colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), transcriptomics, and mass cytometry (CyTOF) in human metastatic lesions. MAL2 was upregulated and enriched in malignant epithelial cells, where it activated non-canonical NF-κB (ncNF-κB) signaling to drive FASN transcription and promote lipid droplet formation that helps tumor cells evade immune surveillance. These findings identify the MAL2–ncNF-κB–FASN axis as a mechanistic target to disrupt lipid-droplet-mediated immune evasion in CRLM.

Dai S, Liu Z, Sun J et al. · Cancer letters · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Autophagy inhibition sensitizes radiotherapy responses in high-grade mutant IDH1 glioma.

This study tested whether autophagy inhibition enhances radiotherapy responses in high-grade glioma driven by mutant IDH1 (mIDH1) and characterized underlying metabolic and transcriptional changes. It reported that mIDH1 gliomas show downregulated mitochondrial metabolism and upregulated autophagy-related gene programs, with autophagy acting as an energy source when glycolysis is reduced, and that inhibiting autophagy sensitizes tumors to radiotherapy. These findings suggest a therapeutic strategy combining autophagy blockade with radiotherapy for ATRX-loss/TP53/ATRX-associated mIDH1 gliomas.

Núñez FJ, Banerjee K, Mujeeb AA et al. · Nature communications · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Coordinated cellular programmes distinguish responses to neoadjuvant PD-L1 blockade and potentiate combinatorial immunotherapy in ESCC.

This study investigated mechanisms of response and resistance to neoadjuvant PD-L1 blockade in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) using single-cell transcriptomics of 210,978 cells and spatial transcriptomics of 20 tissue sections. The authors identified coordinated CXCL13+ CD8+ T-cell–centered cellular programs that distinguish responders from non-responders and support combinatorial immunotherapy strategies. These findings provide candidate immune biomarkers and mechanistic targets to improve patient selection and rational design of PD-L1–based combination regimens in ESCC.

Li S, Guo J, Ma J et al. · Gut · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

γδ T cells modulate anti-tumor immunity in small cell lung cancer.

This study used single-cell approaches to characterize γδ T cell infiltration in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) biospecimens and tested how these cells relate to responses to anti–PD-(L)1 therapy. Despite PD-1 expression, infiltrating γδ T cells retained a cytotoxic transcriptional profile and higher γδ T cell infiltration predicted improved response to anti–PD-L1 in clinical trials. The findings suggest γδ T cells may represent an MHC-I-independent anti-tumor immune mechanism and a potential biomarker or therapeutic target to enhance immunotherapy in SCLC.

Ng J, You Y, Zhang TZ et al. · Cancer cell · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Rejuvenating endogenous antitumor immunity via a chimeric receptor-engineered oncolytic virus targeting tumor-associated macrophages.

This study developed a modular oncolytic herpesvirus engineered with a PD-L1-specific chimeric receptor integrated into the viral envelope (CAR-oHSV) to target tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and restore antitumor immunity. In virus-resistant tumor models, CAR-oHSV preferentially targeted PD-L1+ TAMs and induced STING-dependent reprogramming toward a CXCL9+ phenotype, enhancing antitumor immune responses. The approach suggests a strategy to overcome TAM-mediated immunosuppression by combining oncolytic targeting with checkpoint-guided immune remodeling.

Lin C, Li S, Lou R et al. · Science advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Targeting glial PD-1/PD-L1 restores microglial homeostasis and reduces neuronal hyperactivity in an Alzheimer’s disease model.

This study tested whether blocking glial immune checkpoint signaling can restore neuroimmune balance in Alzheimer’s disease by locally injecting anti-PD-L1 into the cortices of 8–10-month-old 5xFAD mice and using in vivo two-photon imaging to assess functional outcomes. Brain-intrinsic PD-L1 blockade reshaped local glial PD-1/PD-L1 signaling, restored microglial homeostasis, and reduced neuronal hyperactivity. These results support targeting glial PD-1/PD-L1 as a potential disease-modifying intervention for Alzheimer’s-related neuro-glial dysfunction.

Park T, Chang L, Chung SW et al. · Science advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

In vivo CRISPR screens identify the glutamine transporter SLC1A5 as a metabolic barrier to antitumor immunity.

The study used in vivo metabolic CRISPR screening in tumor models under distinct immune pressures to identify tumor-intrinsic regulators of antitumor immunity, focusing on the glutamine transporter SLC1A5. SLC1A5-driven glutamine metabolism promoted an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by modulating CD8 T cell infiltration and effector function and reshaping responses to immune checkpoint blockade, with glucose deprivation upregulating SLC1A5 isoforms to increase glutamine uptake and glutathione synthesis. These findings position SLC1A5 as a metabolic barrier that could be therapeutically targeted to enhance CD8 T cell–mediated efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors.

Jia W, Yu G, Han S et al. · Science immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Immune Cell Engager Therapy for Brain Cancer.

This review discusses immune cell engager (ICE) therapies as emerging antibody-based immunotherapies for brain cancer, focusing on engineered molecules that bind tumor-associated antigens and recruit immune effector cells. It highlights biotechnical platforms designed to optimize antigen engagement and immune activation to complement standard surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The article frames ICE strategies as a promising direction to improve outcomes in glioma and other brain tumors where conventional treatments are insufficient.

Sluijter DA, van Garderen R, van Haveren I et al. · Neuro-oncology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Dual Functions of B7-H3-MAPK Signaling Orchestrate Tumor Immunosuppression via Regulating the Plasticity of Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells and Fibroblasts.

This study investigated how the immune checkpoint molecule B7-H3 (CD276) regulates tumor microenvironment cell plasticity in cancer, focusing on monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). The authors found a non-canonical B7-H3–triggered MAPK signaling program in monocytic MDSCs that induces cellular senescence, leading senescent M-MDSCs to secrete chemokines that recruit immunosuppressive granulocytic MDSCs and thereby promote tumor progression and therapy resistance. These findings support B7-H3 as a dual-function driver of immunosuppression and fibroblast/MDSC remodeling, informing more effective B7-H3-targeted immunotherapy strategies that account for MAPK–senescence–mediated myeloid plasticity.

Shi W, Xu P, Gu Q et al. · Cancer discovery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Randomized phase II trial of zolbetuximab as second-line treatment in patients with claudin 18.2-positive advanced gastric/GEJ cancer with previous zolbetuximab exposure: ZELDA.

This randomized phase II trial (ZELDA) evaluated zolbetuximab, an anti-claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) monoclonal antibody, as second-line therapy in patients with CLDN18.2-positive advanced gastric/GEJ cancer who had prior exposure to zolbetuximab. The key finding was the trial’s assessment of whether continuing CLDN18.2-targeted therapy beyond progression is feasible and provides clinical benefit and safety in this specific previously exposed population. This is significant because it addresses an unmet clinical question about resistance biology and the value of maintaining the same targeted antibody after first-line failure in CLDN18.2-positive disease.

Inagaki C, Oki E, Ando K et al. · ESMO gastrointestinal oncology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

T-cell redirecting therapies in lung cancer - a comprehensive analysis of clinical trials.

This comprehensive analysis reviewed clinical trials of T-cell redirecting therapies in lung cancer, focusing on strategies designed to engage and deliver cytotoxic T-cell activity against tumor cells independent of preexisting immunity. The key finding was that multiple modalities under clinical development—such as bispecific T-cell engagers and other T-cell redirecting approaches—are being pursued to overcome immune-cold tumor resistance and improve durability beyond immune checkpoint inhibitor limitations. This is significant for guiding future trial selection and combination strategies in lung cancer, including extensive-stage small cell lung cancer where durable responses remain challenging.

Zhao J, Bangolo A, Zhang L et al. · Frontiers in immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Traditional Chinese medicine remodels the immune microenvironment of colorectal cancer: mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives.

This review article examined how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may remodel the colorectal cancer (CRC) tumor immune microenvironment in the context of CRC immune dysregulation. It reports that TCM-focused mechanisms target multiple immune microenvironment components—effector and immunosuppressive cells, inflammatory mediators, immune checkpoint pathways, stromal/extracellular matrix remodeling, and gut microbiota/metabolites—to restore immune recognition and reduce immune exclusion. These multi-pronged effects suggest TCM could complement immunotherapy by rebalancing immune suppression and improving immune infiltration in CRC.

Shi Z, Mei J, Zhang Q et al. · Frontiers in immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Bio-hybrid Nanostructures Orchestrate Photodynamic Remodeling of the Fusobacterium nucleatum-Associated Colorectal Tumor Niche.

This preclinical study investigated a bio-hybrid nanostructure designed to photodynamically remodel the colorectal tumor niche associated with Fusobacterium nucleatum. The system combines hemoglobin-augmented aggregation-induced emission (Hb-AIE) photosensitizing modules with cRGD-functionalized ginger-derived vesicles to synchronize CRC cell eradication with targeting of tumor-associated F. nucleatum. The scientific significance is that it aims to overcome bacterial rebound and enhance immune activation by coupling oxygen availability and localized photosensitizer confinement within the tumor microenvironment.

Tao M, Wei B, Yang Y et al. · Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

IL-11 drives Treg cell differentiation by activating the MBD3/APOH-mediated fatty acid oxidation axis to promote hepatocellular carcinoma.

This mechanistic study examined how interleukin-11 (IL-11) promotes regulatory T (Treg) cell differentiation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via activation of an MBD3/APOH-mediated fatty acid oxidation axis. The key finding was that IL-11 drives Treg differentiation through the MBD3/APOH pathway, reshaping the tumor microenvironment toward immunosuppression, supported by in vitro assays and orthotopic mouse experiments. These results identify IL-11 and the MBD3/APOH fatty-acid-oxidation axis as potential therapeutic targets to counter Treg-mediated immune evasion in HCC.

Gao Y, Yao X, Huang X et al. · Chinese medical journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Spatiotemporal single-cell profiling reveals T cell clonal dynamics and phenotypic plasticity in human graft-versus-host disease.

This study profiled 31 graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) patients by integrating longitudinal T cell receptor (TCR) profiling with single-cell RNA-seq/TCR-seq and spatial transcriptomics to map T cell clonal dynamics and phenotypic plasticity. The key finding was that cyclophosphamide selectively depletes alloreactive T cell clones, but incomplete early expansion can lead to insufficient depletion and severe GVHD. These results identify timing- and clone-dependent mechanisms of cyclophosphamide response, informing strategies to better prevent tissue injury after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Shi L, Uzuni A, Wang XK et al. · Nature immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Metabolic disease & endocrine regulation (MASLD/obesity/exercise/diabetes)

SGLT2 versus DPP-4 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of outcomes.

This meta-analysis compared sodium-glucose linked transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) versus dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) in people with type 2 diabetes across randomized controlled trials, focusing on glycemic control, weight change, and genital infection risk. The analysis synthesized outcomes from extracted trial data using RevMan and Stata with risk of bias assessed by Cochrane ROB 2.0. Clinically, the results aim to support individualized medication selection by clarifying trade-offs between SGLT2i and DPP-4i on metabolic and infection-related endpoints.

Fang X, Li R, Liu S et al. · Frontiers in endocrinology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Tectorigenin alleviates HFpEF by targeting the EGFR-EGR2-Acot1 axis to improve myocardial lipid metabolism.

This study tested whether tectorigenin (Tec) improves heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in a mouse “two-hit” model (high-fat diet plus L-NAME) and investigated the EGFR–EGR2–Acot1 molecular axis. Tec alleviated HFpEF phenotypes and improved myocardial lipid metabolism by modulating EGFR/EGR2 signaling and downstream Acot1-related lipid handling. These findings support Tec as a potential targeted therapeutic candidate for HFpEF through an EGFR–EGR2–Acot1 pathway mechanism.

Wang LG, Lin K, You MZ et al. · Acta pharmacologica Sinica · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

m6A mRNA methylation regulates pancreatic α-cell plasticity.

This study investigated how N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA methylation regulates pancreatic α-cell plasticity, using α-cell metabolic stimulation and α-cell–specific Mettl14 deletion in mice. It found that glucagon secretagogue metabolic cues (e.g., L-arginine) increase METTL3/METTL14 and m6A levels, while loss of m6A impairs amino acid–stimulated glucagon secretion, disrupts α-cell identity programs, and triggers metabolic rewiring. The work is significant because it identifies m6A/METTL14 as a key molecular regulator of α-cell function and plasticity, with implications for endocrine pancreas biology and diabetes-related dysregulation.

De Jesus DF, Brown NK, Fogarty G et al. · Nature metabolism · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Global GPR75 deficiency protects against diet-induced obesity through central and peripheral mechanisms.

This study investigated how global GPR75 deficiency affects whole-body energy homeostasis by generating Gpr75 global knockout (GKO) mice and performing metabolic phenotyping under chow and high-fat diet (HFD) conditions. The key finding was that GPR75 loss protected against diet-induced obesity through reduced energy expenditure and impaired fat utilization, with notable sex-specific effects (male mice showing the major metabolic divergence). These results provide mechanistic insight into GPR75 as a potential therapeutic target for obesity and metabolic disease.

Cao X, Chhay V, Thi TT et al. · Molecular metabolism · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Body Roundness Index, MASLD risk and long-term follow-up outcomes among the general population.

This population-based study evaluated associations between body roundness index (BRI) and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) as well as long-term mortality outcomes. Using cohorts from China (CKB), the US (NHANES), and Europe (UKB), the authors found that higher BRI was associated with greater MASLD risk and worse long-term outcomes independent of BMI limitations in reflecting visceral adiposity. The findings suggest BRI could improve risk stratification for MASLD and mortality in general populations.

Zhang H, Lian LY, Lv A et al. · JHEP reports : innovation in hepatology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Alcohol consumption increases risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients.

This study evaluated the association between alcohol consumption and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in 1,010 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) enrolled at two Chinese medical centers using Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses. Alcohol consumption was associated with an increased risk of HCC in CHB patients, indicating a synergistic contribution to carcinogenesis. These findings support alcohol reduction as a clinically actionable risk-modifying strategy to lower HCC incidence in people with CHB.

Chen Y, Rui F, Zhang S et al. · Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Multiomics profiling identifies molecular and cellular signatures of regular exercise in human peripheral blood.

This study integrated plasma metabolomics and lipidomics with single-cell transcriptomics and chromatin accessibility profiling to identify molecular and cellular signatures of regular exercise in humans. Regular exercise was associated with increased fatty acid oxidation and antioxidant metabolites, and immune cells—especially classical monocytes and B cells—showed concordant increases in chromatin accessibility and transcription of antigen-presentation-related genes. The findings connect exercise to coordinated metabolic and immune regulatory programs, offering candidate biomarkers and pathways for exercise-mediated protection.

Song X, Lv J, Ge S et al. · Science advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Cardiovascular and Mortality Outcomes in Lean Versus Non-lean Steatotic Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis compared cardiovascular outcomes and mortality between lean versus non-lean steatotic liver disease phenotypes using longitudinal cohort studies stratified by lean status. The key finding was that the prognosis of lean steatotic liver disease relative to non-lean disease remains an evidence question, with the authors synthesizing available cohort data to estimate differences in cardiovascular events and death. This is significant because clarifying risk stratification by body-mass phenotype can guide screening intensity and management decisions for patients with steatotic liver disease.

Jawarneh H, Goh ZY, Alnoimat MF et al. · Cureus · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Reintroducing FABP5 in adulthood activates cell cycle in cardiomyocytes.

This study investigated whether reintroducing the neonatal-specific fatty acid binding protein FABP5 in adult cardiomyocytes can reactivate cell-cycle programs, using mouse models with CD36 knockout/knock-in and transcriptomic profiling. It found that a CD36/FABP5/PPARδ signaling axis is uniquely expressed in spontaneously proliferating neonatal-like cardiomyocytes, identified via bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, and spatial transcriptomics. The results support a mechanistic route to stimulate adult cardiomyocyte proliferation for regenerative cardiac therapies.

Salama ABM, Ou Q, Dwenger M et al. · Cardiovascular research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Microbiome–immune regulation (tryptophan metabolites, probiotics, gut–liver/bone axes)

Olfactory Tuft Cells Are Critical to Basal Inflammation, Innate Immune Response to Viral Infection, and Modulation of Quiescent Stem Cell Activation, Proliferation and Differentiation.

This study examined the role of olfactory tuft cells in basal inflammation, innate immune responses to viral infection, and regulation of quiescent stem cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation, using genetic disruption of Gng13 and Trpm5 in olfactory mucosa. Genetic disruption of Gng13 and Trpm5 impaired tuft-cell-associated gustatory signaling and altered inflammatory and antiviral immune functions while modulating stem cell behavior. The work supports olfactory tuft cells as a critical immune-sensory cell type that coordinates tissue protection and regeneration.

Zhang SS, Wang H, Yang YS et al. · Cell proliferation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus on hepatic and microbial dysregulation in MASLD and diabetes.

This study tested whether Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation can mitigate hepatic and microbial dysregulation in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) with diabetes using multiple diet/animal models (Western diet, fructose-palmitate-cholesterol diet, high-fat diet, and leptin-deficient ob/ob mice) and a clinical cohort to validate disease-associated microbial patterns. L. acidophilus supplementation attenuated hepatic steatosis and inflammatory injury across complementary models and improved associated microbial dysregulation. These findings suggest L. acidophilus as a candidate probiotic strategy to modify gut–liver metabolic inflammation in MASLD–diabetes.

Park HJ, Park IG, Park JH et al. · Gut microbes · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites shape Th2 lymphocyte responses via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and metabolic reprogramming.

This study investigated how gut microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites regulate T helper 2 (Th2) differentiation in gnotobiotic animals and human Th2-polarized lymphocytes, focusing on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and metabolic reprogramming. Indoxyl-3-sulfate (I3S) and indole-3-acrylic acid (IA) suppressed IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 secretion from human Th2 cells in an AHR-dependent manner. The work mechanistically links specific microbial tryptophan metabolites to Th2 immune control, suggesting potential microbiome-targeted approaches for allergic disease.

Yao L, Avella TG, Kulkarni AJ et al. · Mucosal immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Glutamine metabolism as a rheostat of CD4+ T cell pathogenic function in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

This study examined how hepatic glutamine (Gln) metabolism influences CD4+ T cell pathogenic function in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) using human data and complementary mouse models. Hepatic Gln depletion was associated with increased hepatic CD4+ T cell inflammation and hepatocellular damage in humans, and restoring hepatic Gln via supplementation selectively restrained inflammatory CD4+ T cell programs and alleviated liver injury in mice. These findings position glutamine metabolism as a therapeutic “rheostat” to modulate pathogenic T cell responses and slow MASLD progression.

Sawada K, Oates JR, Kimura M et al. · Cell metabolism · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Skin commensals shape the clock-ferroptosis axis to preserve barrier function in psoriasis.

The study investigated how skin commensals influence the clock–ferroptosis axis in psoriasis by examining microbiota changes in psoriatic lesions and testing Lactobacillus plantarum in topical interventions. L. plantarum reduced psoriatic lesions by producing indole-3-lactic acid, which restored keratinocyte circadian rhythmicity, suppressed ferroptosis, and promoted epidermal barrier repair. These mechanistic data suggest microbiome-derived metabolites as potential therapeutic strategies to preserve barrier function in psoriasis.

Lin Z, Li C, Jin C et al. · Cell reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Selenium Deficiency is a Significant Risk Factor for Sarcopenia: Evidence and Selenoprotein-Mediated Mechanisms.

This review systematically evaluates causal and mechanistic links between selenium status and sarcopenia, focusing on epidemiologic associations and selenoprotein-mediated pathways. It reports consistent, dose-response relationships between lower selenium biomarkers (including serum/plasma selenium, whole blood selenium, SELENOP, and dietary intake) and worse muscle outcomes such as reduced grip strength and muscle mass and higher sarcopenia prevalence. The synthesis supports selenium and specific selenoprotein pathways as plausible targets for preventing or mitigating sarcopenia.

Ni Q, Wang H, Zhang J et al. · Biological trace element research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

IgE-Binding Bacterial Components Not Yet Documented in the Allergen Databases and Their Allergenic Mechanisms: An EAACI Position Paper.

This EAACI position paper reviewed published evidence and WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature database entries to identify bacterial components with IgE-binding potential and assess their allergenic mechanisms and clinical relevance. The key finding was that, as of searches through October 2025, only one bacterial protein (Bac s 1) is currently listed in the official WHO/IUIS allergen nomenclature, while multiple additional candidate bacterial allergens are described in the literature but are not yet formally documented in allergen databases. This synthesis is significant because it prioritizes candidate bacterial IgE-binding allergens for future nomenclature inclusion and helps standardize mechanistic and clinical evaluation of bacterial contributions to allergic disease.

Jappe U, Risha MA, Agache I et al. · Allergy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Targeting the gut-bone axis in osteoporosis: probiotic interventions and other microbiota-based therapeutic strategies.

This review studied the gut-bone axis in osteoporosis, focusing on probiotic interventions and other microbiota-based therapeutic strategies. It concludes that probiotics can modulate host metabolic and immune networks that influence bone homeostasis, thereby potentially affecting osteoporosis risk and progression. The significance is that microbiota-targeted therapies may offer adjunctive, mechanism-based approaches to prevent or treat osteoporosis.

Zhao K, Zhang Z, Tang Z et al. · Gut microbes · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Dietary and nutritional strategies for reducing disease risk associated with antibiotic-induced dysbiosis.

This review examined how antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis increases risk for chronic disease and evaluated nutritional strategies to reduce that risk. It argues that post-antibiotic recovery should restore microbial functions and metabolic network balance, and it surveys dietary adjustments, prebiotics, probiotics, and bioactive nutrients that may support beneficial microbiome recovery. The significance is that it provides a framework for designing interventions to mitigate long-term health effects after antibiotic exposure.

Guo H, Zhang C, Wang R et al. · Gut microbes · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s/UC) biomarkers & treatment optimization

Entering the era of disease modification in Crohn’s disease.

This narrative review assessed evidence for disease modification in Crohn’s disease by examining studies of early intervention with medical and surgical strategies intended to alter the long-term disease course rather than only control symptoms. It distinguishes short-term inflammatory control from durable changes in outcomes and summarizes the “window of opportunity” concept for early treatment. The review is clinically significant because it frames how current and emerging therapies may be used to prevent structural damage and disability in Crohn’s disease.

Gros B, Derikx LAAP, Truyens M et al. · Expert review of clinical pharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Vedolizumab trough concentrations and clinical and endoscopic outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether therapeutic drug monitoring of vedolizumab (VDZ) trough concentrations is associated with clinical and endoscopic remission in inflammatory bowel disease. Synthesizing studies through April 2026 under PRISMA 2020, the key finding was that higher VDZ trough levels correlate with increased likelihood of clinical remission (CR) and endoscopic remission (ER) in both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Clinically, the results support using VDZ trough concentrations to optimize treatment and potentially guide dose adjustments to achieve mucosal healing.

Soliman MA, Saraga A, Gade A et al. · Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

COMPARATIVE REAL-WORLD EFFECTIVENESS OF BIOLOGIC THERAPIES FOR PREVENTING POSTOPERATIVE ENDOSCOPIC RECURRENCE OF CROHN’S DISEASE.

This population-based retrospective cohort study evaluated real-world effectiveness of biologic therapies in adults with Crohn’s disease undergoing ileocolonic resection in Calgary, Canada (2016–2020), focusing on prevention of postoperative endoscopic recurrence within 18 months. The key finding was that advanced biologic strategies showed differential effectiveness for reducing endoscopic recurrence (modified Rutgeerts score) and high-risk recurrence (≥i2b) after surgery. Clinically, these comparative effectiveness data can inform postoperative biologic selection for patients at risk of early endoscopic relapse.

Ahmed NS, Boparai R, Fida M et al. · The American journal of gastroenterology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Clinical trials, guidelines & comparative effectiveness (including surgery/anesthesia/antibiotics)

Association between COVID-19 and exacerbation of allergic skin diseases: A retrospective questionnaire-based cross-sectional study in Western China.

This retrospective questionnaire-based cross-sectional study evaluated whether COVID-19 infection is associated with exacerbations of chronic allergic skin diseases, specifically atopic dermatitis (AD) and chronic urticaria (CU), in patients attending a tertiary dermatology outpatient center in Western China. Participants reported changes in disease status within 14 days of COVID-19 symptom onset or diagnosis, alongside infection status, clinical features, and medication use. The study’s significance lies in clarifying the real-world relationship between COVID-19 and short-term worsening of allergic skin disease activity.

Liu YL, Zhang ZY, Chen XM · Medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

High-load resistance training and FSHD: harmful mixture or a silver bullet combination?

This article reviewed the potential benefits and risks of high-load resistance training (RT) as a therapeutic approach in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a condition marked by muscle wasting, fatty infiltration, inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. It weighs emerging evidence that high-load RT may attenuate multiple pathological features against the historical caution surrounding its use in FSHD. The discussion is significant for guiding future clinical trial design and evidence-based exercise recommendations in FSHD.

Meinhold M, Hornberger TA · Journal of neurology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Ferroptosis in kidney disease.

This Nature Reviews: Nephrology article synthesized evidence that ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated cell death driven by lethal lipid peroxidation, contributes to kidney disease pathogenesis and progression. It highlights ferroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells and intrarenal immune cells and how ferroptosis crosstalk with other regulated cell death pathways amplifies renal injury across conditions including acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, renal cell carcinoma, and autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease. The review is significant because it positions ferroptosis as a mechanistic therapeutic target for diverse kidney disorders.

Wang T, Sun S, Linkermann A et al. · Nature reviews. Nephrology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Cardiac involvement in neurofibromatosis type 1: real-world baseline and follow-up findings from a tertiary single-center cohort.

This single-center cohort study assessed cardiac involvement in pediatric neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) by evaluating prevalence and spectrum of cardiac abnormalities and their associations with clinical/demographic factors using ECG, echocardiography, blood pressure measurement, and additional tests (Holter ECG and cardiac MRI) when indicated. Among 114 NF1 cases, cardiac abnormalities were detected at baseline in 30.7% and follow-up imaging was performed in a subset, enabling characterization of real-world baseline and longitudinal findings. The results are clinically important for informing cardiac surveillance strategies in children with NF1.

Öz Yıldız S, İmanlı M, Aykan HH et al. · European journal of pediatrics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

A randomized, double-blind, active-controlled phase 3 multicenter trial of rHSA for cirrhotic ascites.

This phase 3 randomized, double-blind, active-controlled multicenter trial compared recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA) expressed in Pichia pastoris versus plasma-derived human serum albumin (pHSA) in patients with cirrhotic ascites (NCT06553456). rHSA was statistically equivalent for the primary endpoint of serum albumin (ALB) change after the final intravenous infusion and showed non-inferiority for ascites improvement rate. Clinically, this supports rHSA as an effective alternative to plasma-derived albumin for managing cirrhotic ascites.

Jia J, An Y, Ou X et al. · Signal transduction and targeted therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Proton pump inhibitor use and long-term outcomes in systemic sclerosis: a real-life analysis from the EUSTAR database.

This real-life EUSTAR database analysis evaluated whether proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is associated with all-cause mortality and interstitial lung disease (ILD) progression in systemic sclerosis (SSc), modeling PPI exposure as a time-varying variable. Using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to address confounding by indication and time-varying Cox models for mortality, the study assessed ILD progression via functional endpoints including FVC and DLCO declines. The clinical significance lies in clarifying whether PPI use in SSc patients meaningfully affects survival and ILD trajectory, informing risk-benefit decisions in routine care.

Bonomi F, Bandini G, Campochiaro C et al. · Rheumatology (Oxford, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

High rates of transition to immune active disease in a cohort of strictly defined immune tolerant patients with chronic hepatitis B: results from the RADICAL consortium.

This international multicentre RADICAL consortium study examined the natural history of strictly defined immune tolerant (IT) chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and their risk of transitioning to immune active (IA) disease, fibrosis progression, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). IT patients had high rates of transition to IA disease over follow-up, despite the traditionally “benign” characterization of the IT phase. Clinically, the results support re-evaluating monitoring and antiviral treatment strategies for IT CHB to prevent progression to IA disease and downstream complications.

van Velsen LM, Choi WM, Kilany M et al. · Gut · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

CT-based deep foundation model for predicting immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced pneumonitis risk in lung cancer.

This study developed and validated a deep learning foundation model (CIPHER) to predict immune checkpoint inhibitor–induced pneumonitis (ICI-P) risk from baseline CT scans in lung cancer patients. The key finding was that the model can stratify pneumonitis hazard using contrastive learning combined with a transformer-based masked autoencoder trained on baseline imaging features. If validated prospectively, this could enable earlier identification of high-risk patients before ICI initiation and improve monitoring and mitigation of severe immune-related adverse events.

Muneer A, Showkatian E, Kitsel Y et al. · Journal for immunotherapy of cancer · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Survival benefit of deceased donor kidney transplantation versus continued dialysis: international target trial emulation.

This target trial emulation study compared survival after deceased donor kidney transplantation versus continued dialysis in adults (≥20 years) with end-stage kidney disease who were waitlisted for a first deceased donor kidney-only transplant. Using European Renal Association Registry data from five regions (2000–2019), the authors found a survival benefit of deceased donor transplantation over remaining on dialysis, with effects varying by patient and donor characteristics. The findings strengthen evidence for individualized decision-making about transplantation timing and donor selection in routine clinical practice.

Hellemans R, Chesnaye NC, Kramer A et al. · BMJ (Clinical research ed.) · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Endoscopic Artificial Intelligence for Invasion-Depth Prediction in Superficial Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Diagnostic Test Accuracy Meta-Analysis.

This diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis assessed whether artificial intelligence applied to endoscopic images or videos can predict invasion depth in superficial upper gastrointestinal cancers to support endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) candidate selection. Across eligible studies with histopathological reference standards, the pooled performance estimates supported the clinical utility of AI for pre-resection invasion-depth prediction. The synthesis helps quantify expected sensitivity/specificity and guides how AI tools might be integrated into endoscopic workflows for early gastric and esophageal cancer.

Lee H, Min YW, Kim S et al. · Gastrointestinal endoscopy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Brazilian Psychiatric Association Guidelines for the Treatment of Eating Disorders.

This guideline paper studied evidence-based treatment recommendations for eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder) developed by the Brazilian Psychiatric Association. Using systematic reviews and an Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine–aligned evidence grading with expert consensus, it summarizes multidisciplinary care recommendations based on the latest available evidence. Clinically, it provides an authoritative framework to standardize and improve ED management in Brazil and supports evidence-informed decision-making across care settings.

Appolinario JC, Nunes MAA, Mourilhe C et al. · Revista brasileira de psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Single- vs Multiple-Dose Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Using a target trial emulation approach, this comparative effectiveness study analyzed Danish registry and microbiology data from primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteoarthritis (2010–2020) to compare single preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis versus multiple-dose perioperative prophylaxis for preventing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The key finding (as reported in the abstract) addresses whether single-dose prophylaxis is noninferior to multiple-dose regimens for PJI prevention in a more contemporary, less heterogeneous evidence base. If confirmed, the results could inform perioperative antibiotic stewardship by reducing unnecessary dosing without compromising infection prevention.

Abedi AA, Anneberg M, Pedersen AB et al. · JAMA network open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Effectiveness of oral anticoagulants in precapillary pulmonary hypertension associated with systemic sclerosis: a EUSTAR cohort study.

In a retrospective EUSTAR cohort study of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension confirmed by right heart catheterization, the authors assessed whether oral anticoagulant (OAC) use affects mortality and pulmonary hypertension worsening. The study specifically aims to clarify conflicting prior evidence by accounting for SSc-specific risk factors when evaluating OAC associations with survival and PH progression. The findings are intended to guide individualized anticoagulation decisions in SSc-associated precapillary PH.

Farina N, Bellando Randone S, Jenssen-Bjørkekjær H et al. · Rheumatology (Oxford, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Factors influencing veterinary student interest in equine practice in the United States: A focus group study.

This qualitative focus-group study examined factors influencing U.S. veterinary students’ interest in and commitment to equine practice using Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory as a framework. The key finding was that students’ equine-practice interest is shaped by resource-related themes (e.g., perceived support, career sustainability, and competing demands), which in turn affect their likelihood of pursuing and remaining in equine medicine. These results are clinically relevant for designing targeted interventions to improve recruitment and retention in equine veterinary practice.

Hothem M, Lestitian C, Burnette A et al. · Equine veterinary journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

The evolving role of nuclear medicine in differentiating pseudoprogression from tumor progression in gliomas.

This review evaluated recent evidence on the evolving role of nuclear medicine—particularly molecular PET imaging—in glioma response assessment to distinguish pseudoprogression from true tumor progression. The key finding was that amino-acid PET approaches (e.g., static amino-acid PET such as [18F]-labeled tracers, as discussed in the review) are increasingly complementary to MRI for differentiating treatment-related changes from progressive disease. This is significant because more accurate early classification can reduce misdiagnosis, avoid inappropriate escalation of therapy, and improve management of glioma patients after chemoradiation.

Damiani S, Evangelista L · Current opinion in oncology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Effects of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine on the Night Before Surgery on Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients Undergoing Total Knee/Hip Arthroplasty. A Parallel-Arm, Randomized Controlled, Non-Inferiority Trial.

This parallel-arm randomized non-inferiority trial studied whether preoperative intranasal dexmedetomidine given the night before surgery is non-inferior to intravenous dexmedetomidine administered on the operative day before induction for preventing postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing elective total knee/hip arthroplasty. The key finding (as the trial’s objective) was the comparative effectiveness and safety of the intranasal route versus IV administration for delirium prevention in this surgical population. If non-inferiority is demonstrated, the results would be clinically significant by supporting a simpler, potentially more practical premedication strategy to reduce postoperative delirium risk in older arthroplasty patients.

Chen Y, Wang K, Zhang Y et al. · Drug design, development and therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Dangers of Injectable Peptides and Other Unregulated “Biohacking” Drugs.

This article reviewed the risks associated with injectable peptides and other unregulated “biohacking” drugs, contrasting them with evidence-based, FDA-approved peptide therapies. The key finding was that many illicit or investigational peptides (including BPC-157, TB-500, melanotan-II, and veterinary anabolic steroid trenbolone, as well as investigational triple-agonists like retatrutide) lack established human safety profiles and may carry serious risks due to unregulated sourcing and use. This is significant for public health and clinical practice because it highlights the need for clinician awareness, patient counseling, and harm-reduction regarding non-prescription peptide use.

Moiz A, O’Keefe EL, O’Keefe JH · Missouri medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Ventricular Fibrillation Mapping in a Large-Animal Model Using Dual Mechanical Circulatory Support: Electroanatomic Substrate Preservation Without Ischemic Changes.

This work studied ventricular fibrillation (VF) electrophysiological substrate mapping in a large-animal swine model using dual mechanical circulatory support to avoid ischemia. Using venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation plus percutaneous left ventricular unloading (Impella CP) and high-density electroanatomic mapping (CARTO 7), the authors achieved electroanatomic substrate preservation without ischemic changes. This provides a more reproducible, nonischemic platform for defining VF mechanisms and improving arrhythmia-targeted interventions.

Quelal Analuisa K, Tri JA, Haq IU et al. · Circulation. Arrhythmia and electrophysiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Long-Term Multisystem Comorbidity Patterns in Acute Pancreatitis: Insights From Observational and Genetic Analysis.

This observational and genetic analysis studied long-term multisystem comorbidity trajectories after acute pancreatitis (AP) in humans using UK Biobank data. A phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) with Cox proportional hazards models across 1429 outcomes identified temporal patterns of increased risk for multiple later comorbidities in AP patients compared with matched controls. Clinically, mapping these trajectories can improve long-term surveillance and risk stratification for patients after AP.

Che T, Fu T, Zhu Y et al. · United European gastroenterology journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Phase III Trials Test First-Line Options in Advanced NSCLC.

This report summarized results from multiple phase III trials testing first-line therapies in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It states that PAPILLON and REZILIENT3 established amivantamab and zipalertinib combination therapies for EGFR exon 20 insertion–positive advanced NSCLC with improved progression-free survival (but no overall survival benefit due to high crossover), and that HARMONi-2 showed ivonescimab improved overall survival versus pembrolizumab in PD-L1–positive NSCLC. Together, these trials support new first-line standard-of-care options in defined molecular and biomarker subsets of advanced NSCLC.

Cancer discovery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Association of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination with fatigue and functional recovery in patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC).

This retrospective observational cohort study evaluated whether additional mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination between baseline and follow-up (3–6 months) affects fatigue and functional recovery in adults with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using propensity score matching, it assessed fatigue via the Fatigue Assessment Scale and exercise capacity via 6-minute walk distance, comparing vaccinated versus unvaccinated participants. The clinical significance is that it provides evidence on whether vaccination alters objective functional recovery in PASC patients who fear symptom worsening.

Pries P, Fuge J, Scharbau M et al. · Expert review of vaccines · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Long-term Outcomes After Endoscopic Resection for pMM/SM1 Esophageal Cancer: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study.

This multicenter prospective cohort study evaluated long-term outcomes after endoscopic resection (ER) for pMM/SM1 esophageal cancer (muscularis mucosae or shallow submucosal invasion) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). It reports high 5-year overall survival, with 92.3% for SCC and 94.2% for EAC, and assessed metastatic recurrence, local recurrence, and second primary esophageal cancer. The significance is that prospective long-term data can refine post-ER surveillance and management decisions for early-stage, low-depth invasion esophageal cancers.

Ishihara R, Takahashi H, Abe S et al. · The American journal of gastroenterology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Patient-Level Cumulative Clinical Benefit of Brodalumab Over 52 Weeks: A Multicentre Real-World Study-IL PSO (Italian Landscape Psoriasis).

This multicentre retrospective real-world study used the Italian Landscape Psoriasis database to evaluate patient-level cumulative clinical benefit of brodalumab over 52 weeks in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The key finding was that individual PASI improvement trajectories showed cumulative, persistent benefit across assessment points at Weeks 16, 32, and 52 rather than only cross-sectional response rates. Clinically, trajectory-based evidence strengthens understanding of brodalumab’s speed and durability of effect in routine practice.

Potestio L, Corrao S, Mastorino L et al. · Dermatology and therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Structural biology & molecular mechanisms of DNA damage/repair & replication complexes

Mechanisms and disease relevance of DNA break repair pathway choice.

This Nature Reviews: Molecular Cell Biology review examined the mechanisms that determine DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway choice between homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). It emphasizes how regulated DNA end resection, DSB repair factors/regulators, and chromatin modifications influence pathway selection and thereby affect genome repair and acquired drug resistance in cancer cells. The review is significant for identifying mechanistic levers that could be exploited to improve cancer therapies targeting DNA repair.

Swift ML, Rogers CM, Kaur H et al. · Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Cryo-EM structure of a 95-base-pair double-stranded DNA minicircle at 5.3 Å resolution.

This structural biology study determined the cryo-EM structure of a designed 95-base-pair double-stranded DNA minicircle (dsMC95) at 5.3 Å resolution. The minicircle formed a closed ring with fully resolved strands, distinguishable major/minor grooves, and maintained B-DNA character, including a nine-fold periodicity in helical twist (~10.56 bp per turn). These data provide a high-resolution reference for how dsDNA minicircles preserve canonical geometry, supporting their use in biotechnology and therapeutic DNA constructs.

Liu Y, Lee KY, He Y et al. · Nucleic acids research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Mechanistic insights into phosphorylation-driven activation and therapeutic inhibition of human ATR-ATRIP.

This structural biology study used high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy to determine how the human ATR–ATRIP complex is activated and inhibited, including ATPγS-bound precatalytic states, a Chk1-bound catalytic state, a TopBP1-bound activated catalytic state, and inhibitor-bound states. The key finding was that ATPγS binding alone can prime the ATR catalytic center for catalysis and position Chk1 with minimal conformational rearrangement, while multiple ATR inhibitors (gartisertib, berzosertib, ceralasertib, elimusertib) occupy distinct inhibitory states. Scientifically, these mechanistic structures provide a molecular framework for rational optimization of ATR-targeted cancer therapies.

Wang L, Wang M, Zhao L et al. · Nature structural & molecular biology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

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Genetics & genomics for disease risk (GWAS/epigenetics/CRISPR screens)

A universal visual foundation model for computational cytopathology.

This study developed and evaluated CROWN, a universal visual foundation model for computational cytopathology, trained on over 10 million cytology image patches using a DINOv2-based self-supervised learning framework. Across 202 task-setting combinations (classification, segmentation, detection, retrieval, and slide-level prediction) CROWN achieved strong performance on both private institutional cohorts and public datasets without manual labels during pretraining. The work is significant because it enables scalable, annotation-efficient AI for diverse cytology workflows, potentially improving cancer screening and diagnostic throughput.

Zheng X, Zheng K, Wang J et al. · Nature cancer · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Early-life tobacco smoke exposure and incident rheumatoid arthritis: mediated by allostatic load and joint effects with polygenic risk.

This UK Biobank study assessed whether early-life tobacco smoke exposure increases incident rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk and whether the effect is mediated by allostatic load (AL) and modified by polygenic risk. Using Cox models with questionnaire, biomarker, genetic, and linked health-record data, it evaluated intrauterine tobacco smoke exposure (IUTSE) and age at tobacco use initiation (ATUI) as exposures and tested mediation by AL plus gene–environment joint effects. The findings are significant because they could identify modifiable early-life risk pathways for RA and quantify how genetic susceptibility interacts with tobacco-related stress biology.

Huang W, Wan XY, Wang YX et al. · Rheumatology (Oxford, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Genetic variants and the risk of renal impairment in decompensated cirrhosis: a multi-ancestry genome-wide association study.

This multi-ancestry genome-wide association study (GWAS) assessed genetic loci associated with renal impairment, using serum creatinine as the phenotype in 3,220 patients with decompensated cirrhosis across five cohorts (CANONIC, PREDICT, ACLARA, Bologna, and Brussels). The study identified genetic variants associated with susceptibility to renal impairment in this high-risk population. Clinically, these loci may improve risk stratification and help uncover biological pathways driving renal complications in decompensated cirrhosis.

Sanchez LO, Clària J, Galvanin C et al. · The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Chloroplasts balance energy production and stress resilience via a cold-induced signaling pathway.

This study identified a cold-stress signaling pathway in chloroplasts by characterizing the RAF-like bi-kinase module RAF3/6 and its regulation by the chaperone HSP70-1. Under cold stress, RAF3/6 translocated into chloroplasts and phosphorylated PSII components D1 and LHCB1, promoting their redistribution and degradation to suppress photosynthetic activity. The work reveals a mechanistic link between chloroplast signaling and stress resilience, informing strategies to improve plant cold tolerance.

Duan S, Zeng Y, Lin S et al. · Cell · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Epigenetic training licenses naïve CD8+ T cell metabolic fitness and function.

This study examined how the histone variant H2A.Z regulates an epigenetic “training” program in naïve CD8+ T cells, using H2A.Z deficiency models and multiomics profiling to map chromatin changes. H2A.Z was selectively deposited at oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) gene promoters in quiescent naïve CD8+ T cells, and its absence disrupted naïve homeostasis and impaired effector responses. By showing that tonic IL-7 signaling and transcription factor GABPα instruct this training, the work provides a mechanistic framework for how naïve T cells acquire future metabolic readiness for rapid activation.

Lv M, Ding J, Long H et al. · Science advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

A high-density CRISPR activation platform for mapping cancer dependencies and resistance pathways ex vivo and in vivo.

This study introduced Partita, a high-density mouse whole-genome CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) sgRNA platform designed for scalable gene activation screens ex vivo and in vivo. Partita uses 10 sgRNAs per transcriptional start site across five gene class-specific sublibraries to maximize transcriptional induction, enabling large-scale mapping of cancer dependencies and resistance pathways. The platform provides a more comprehensive and efficient tool for identifying actionable gene drivers and resistance mechanisms in murine cancer models.

Diepstraten ST, Deng Y, Potts MA et al. · Science advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

In vitro induction of human germinal center B cells.

The authors developed an in vitro differentiation protocol that converts human naive B cells into BCL6+ induced germinal center B-like (iGCB) cells by modeling T cell–derived signaling. Single-cell transcriptional and proteomic comparisons showed that iGCB cells recapitulate key human germinal center signatures, including surface markers, DNA repair programs, and glycosylation patterns, consistent with ongoing activation. This provides a practical platform to experimentally manipulate human germinal center B cell biology and study somatic hypermutation/affinity maturation mechanisms.

Priest DG, Demir MF, Ise W et al. · Science immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Host-mediated insecticide sequestration in target-site-resistant pests impacts parasitoid fitness and evolution.

This ecological study examined how host-mediated sequestration of insecticides affects parasitoid fitness and evolution using target-site-resistant Myzus persicae and genetically modified Drosophila melanogaster. Resistant hosts surviving neonicotinoid- and spinosyn-based insecticide exposure retained unmetabolized residues that were transferred to developing parasitoids, reducing parasitoid emergence and shortening adult lifespan. The results show that insecticide resistance can indirectly impose fitness costs on natural enemies via “toxic prey,” with implications for how resistance evolves in pest–parasitoid networks.

Liu Z, Feng T, Guo L et al. · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

PhenoDEL: A Novel Screening Strategy Based on Intracellular Protein Degradation Activity.

This study developed PhenoDEL, a phenotypic DNA-encoded library (DEL) screening strategy that integrates one-bead-one-compound DEL (OBOC-DEL) with the Beacon optofluidic system for single-cell, time-resolved intracellular readouts. It demonstrates that coculturing individual OBOC-DEL beads with engineered reporter cells in nanoliter chambers enables direct linkage between compound identity and intracellular degradation activity. Scientifically, this is significant because it provides a scalable platform to discover targeted protein degradation (PROTAC/molecular glue) candidates with single-cell resolution.

Onda Y, Ochi Y, Araki T et al. · ACS chemical biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Neurodegeneration biomarkers & imaging (retina/glymphatic/cilia/organoids)

Two parallel neural ectoderm progenitors contribute to the developing brain.

This study used lineage tracing in mouse embryos and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells to determine whether distinct brain regions arise from one or multiple neural ectoderm progenitors. It found two parallel, simultaneously emerging progenitor populations during gastrulation—anterior neural ectoderm (forebrain/midbrain) and posterior neural ectoderm (hindbrain)—that are lineage-committed to their respective fates. The results clarify early developmental mechanisms of brain regional diversification and provide a framework for region-specific brain organoid and stem-cell differentiation strategies.

Jokhai RT, Dundes CE, Ahsan HS et al. · Nature neuroscience · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe control food-craving-like behavior during pregnancy in mice.

This study examined how dorsal raphe serotonin (5-HTDRN) neurons regulate pregnancy-associated food-craving-like behavior in mice, focusing on SK3 (small-conductance calcium-activated potassium type 3) ion-channel activity. During pregnancy, 5-HTDRN firing decreased due to increased SK3 activity, and SK3 knockout specifically in 5-HTDRN neurons abolished the pregnancy-associated firing suppression and reduced food-craving-like behavior, while SK3 overexpression mimicked the effect. These findings identify a specific 5-HTDRN–SK3 circuit mechanism that could inform interventions for altered appetite during pregnancy.

Zhao Q, Feng B, Dong V et al. · Nature neuroscience · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Cryo-electron tomography of functionally validated synapses in human induced neurons.

This study developed an integrated cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) platform using human induced neurons (iNs) cultured directly on electron microscopy grids with functional electrophysiological validation. Human iNs formed functional synapses on EM grids and maintained synaptic transmission and short-term plasticity suitable for cryo-ET imaging, while EM grids influenced extracellular electrical conditions. The approach enables structurally resolved, functionally validated synapse imaging in human neurons, advancing human neurobiology and synaptic mechanism studies.

Houcek AJ, Sun R, Rothfuss SJ et al. · Structure (London, England : 1993) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Oligodendrocytes in central nervous system health and disease.

This article is a review summarizing how oligodendrocytes support central nervous system (CNS) health through myelination, metabolic support to axons, adaptive myelination, and myelin repair, and how they become dysfunctional in aging and disease. It highlights emerging evidence that oligodendrocytes can actively contribute to CNS pathology and may serve as therapeutic targets. Scientifically, it consolidates current mechanistic insights to guide future interventions aimed at restoring oligodendrocyte function in neurological disorders.

Ryan LJ, Miron VE · Cell · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Temporal regulation of progenitor lineage progression and output by NFIs underlying human neocortical malformation.

This study examined how nuclear factor I (NFI) proteins regulate radial glial progenitor (RGP) lineage progression and lifespan in human cerebral organoids with patient-mimicking NFI mutations and in mouse models with selective NFI removal. NFI misexpression caused expression-level-dependent bidirectional defects in RGP temporal development in organoids, while mouse NFI loss protracted RGP progression/lifespan, increased progeny output, and drove cortical overgrowth with abnormal folding. These findings identify NFIs as key temporal regulators of human neocortical development and suggest that correcting NFI dosage or downstream temporal programs could be a therapeutic strategy for NFI-linked malformations.

Zhang Q, Yuan G, Albizzati E et al. · Neuron · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

A miR-10a-5p-γCaMKII axis links periphery-to-brain signaling to cognitive vulnerability during female midlife.

This study investigated molecular mechanisms underlying female midlife cognitive vulnerability by profiling senescence-associated changes in human brain and spleen tissues and in female mice, focusing on epigenetic regulation of the X-linked RNA-binding protein RBMX and the miR-10a-5p axis. RBMX epigenetically increased splenic miR-10a-5p in female mice during midlife, and complementary in vivo approaches supported a peripheral-to-brain contribution of miR-10a-5p to vulnerability. The work links an RBMX–miR-10a-5p signaling pathway to sex-biased midlife decline, highlighting a potential targetable peripheral biomolecular route for preventing cognitive deterioration.

Qu J, Yang J, Li W et al. · Neuron · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

GBA1 in Parkinson’s disease: past, present and future.

This narrative review summarizes evidence linking GBA1 variants to Parkinson’s disease (PD) risk and discusses mechanistic hypotheses connecting glucocerebrosidase (GCase) dysfunction to neurodegeneration. It highlights both loss-of-function and gain-of-function models and emphasizes that reduced GCase activity may contribute to α-synuclein accumulation. The review frames GBA1 as a major genetic risk factor and supports ongoing translational efforts targeting GCase/lysosomal pathways in PD.

Gan-Or Z · Brain : a journal of neurology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

AI-assisted Cryo-ET workflow for 3D visualization of chromatin during cellular differentiation.

This study developed an AI-assisted cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) workflow with segmentation and 3D density analysis to quantify chromatin compaction during cellular differentiation. The key finding was that, by directly imaging extracted and vitrified chromatin from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) through motor neuron differentiation, the workflow captured progressive increases in chromatin compaction across lineage stages while avoiding artifacts from heavy-metal staining and resin embedding. This is scientifically significant because it provides a high-resolution, artifact-minimizing structural method to measure native chromatin architecture changes during differentiation.

Watt J, Roth C, Huber I et al. · Biochemistry and biophysics reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

CiliaIO: Machine learning reveals spatial patterns of cilia beating dynamics in the zebrafish spinal cord.

This study developed and applied CiliaIO, a machine learning tool, to quantify spatial patterns of motile cilia beating dynamics in the zebrafish spinal cord. Using the platform, the authors detected subtle but statistically significant regional differences in ciliary waveforms that would be difficult to capture with conventional analyses. Scientifically, this enables more sensitive phenotyping of cilia dynamics and can support mechanistic studies of ciliopathies.

Atayeter E, Ho J, Blottin TG et al. · Development (Cambridge, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Pulmonary disease (bronchiectasis/ILD/PJI?—no, PJI is ortho; here: PF-ILD, bronchiectasis)

Impact of time to diagnosis in patients with progressive fibrotic ILD: a systematic review.

This systematic review synthesized evidence on time to diagnosis in progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (PF-ILDs), including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and examined drivers of diagnostic delay and impacts on clinical and economic outcomes. It searched multiple databases (Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and grey literature) for observational studies published from 2002–2026 and summarized reported diagnostic timelines and consequences. The significance is that it provides an evidence-based understanding of where delays occur and how earlier identification might improve outcomes and reduce healthcare burden in PF-ILD.

Deng Z, Karrasch S, Alter P et al. · BMJ open respiratory research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Medical issues and pulmonary outcomes in cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis.

This review examined pulmonary outcomes and management issues in patients with bronchiectasis due to cystic fibrosis versus non–cystic fibrosis causes. It reports that highly effective CFTR modulator therapy (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor) in cystic fibrosis and emerging anti-inflammatory therapies in bronchiectasis have shifted treatment paradigms and the way long-term outcomes and monitoring are evaluated. These updates are clinically significant because they support more tailored outcome measures and follow-up strategies across genetically distinct bronchiectasis populations.

Doumat G, Iyer M, Jain R · Current opinion in pulmonary medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Eosinophils in bronchiectasis.

This review studied eosinophilic inflammation in bronchiectasis and related type 2 immune activation conditions (including asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and cystic fibrosis). It finds that eosinophilic bronchiectasis can be identified using blood or sputum eosinophilia, but optimal biomarkers and threshold values remain uncertain. The significance is that better stratification of eosinophilic versus neutrophilic disease could guide targeted anti–type 2 therapies and improve clinical outcomes.

Trieu M, Akuthota P, Barry J · Current opinion in pulmonary medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Hematologic malignancies & targeted immunotherapies (CAR-T/ADCs/TKIs/venetoclax)

Gene regulatory elements determine efficacy of BCMA-targeted CAR-T cell products.

This article studied how gene regulatory elements governing CAR expression affect the efficacy of BCMA-targeted CAR-T cell products in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, comparing ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) and idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel). The key finding was that differences in CAR gene regulatory architecture—cilta-cel using an EF1α promoter with a woodchuck hepatitis post-transcriptional regulatory element (EF1α+WPRE) versus ide-cel using an MND enhancer—determine functional performance of the CAR-T cells. Scientifically, it links specific promoter/post-transcriptional regulatory elements to therapeutic potency, informing the design of next-generation CAR-T constructs.

Blumenberg V, June KB, Birocchi F et al. · Journal for immunotherapy of cancer · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

CD28-ICOS costimulation enhances the therapeutic efficacy of L1CAM-targeted CAR-T cells against ovarian and gastric cancers.

This research evaluated whether CD28-ICOS costimulation improves L1CAM-targeted CAR-T cell efficacy against ovarian and gastric cancers using patient-derived preclinical models. The key finding was that CD28-ICOS–enhanced L1CAM CAR-T cells showed improved therapeutic efficacy compared with alternative costimulatory configurations while maintaining an acceptable safety profile in the tested models. The results support engineering L1CAM CAR-T cells with CD28-ICOS costimulation to increase effectiveness in solid tumors with aberrant L1CAM expression.

Che X, Yun UJ, Lee J et al. · Journal for immunotherapy of cancer · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

mRNA-encoding CD19-targeting T cell engager for refractory immune thrombocytopenia.

This first-in-human study evaluated ABO2203, a lipid nanoparticle-formulated mRNA encoding a CD19-targeting T cell engager (TCE), in three patients with refractory secondary immune thrombocytopenia. ABO2203 produced rapid and complete peripheral B cell depletion with sustained depletion in bone marrow and durable platelet recovery with improved serology and reduced disease activity. The results support mRNA-encoded TCEs as a potentially safer and effective alternative to protein TCEs or CAR-T approaches for B cell–driven immune thrombocytopenia.

Wang M, Liu T, Dai Q et al. · Cell · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Loncastuximab tesirine in heavily pretreated patients with large B-cell lymphoma: a German Lymphoma Alliance analysis.

This real-world analysis studied loncastuximab tesirine (lonca), a CD19-directed antibody-drug conjugate, in 93 heavily pretreated patients with large B-cell lymphoma across 31 German centers. The overall response rate was 27% with a 10% complete response rate, and median progression-free survival and overall survival were 2.2 and 4.4 months, respectively. These clinical outcomes help define the effectiveness and safety expectations of lonca in routine practice, including in patients previously exposed to CAR T-cells and/or bispecific antibodies.

Shumilov E, Kolloch L, Faustmann P et al. · Blood advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Intensive Chemotherapy and Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor in Patients with De Novo BCR::ABL1+ Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

In a retrospective analysis of 212 adults with de novo BCR::ABL1+ acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (≥20% marrow blasts) without prior chronic myeloid leukemia or prior BCR-ABL1 TKI exposure, the study compared intensive chemotherapy alone versus intensive chemotherapy plus a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (IC+TKI). Adding a TKI to intensive chemotherapy increased complete remission/CRi rates (68% with IC vs 89% with IC+TKI) and was associated with improved outcomes over a median follow-up of 66.7 months. Clinically, the findings support incorporating TKI therapy with intensive chemotherapy for this molecularly defined AML subgroup.

Bertoli S, Landberg N, Bérard E et al. · Blood · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Outcomes of adult patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome and myeloid neoplasms.

This retrospective study evaluated outcomes of adult patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) who developed myeloid neoplasms (MNs). Among 190 LFS patients with at least one neoplasm, 14 (7%) had an MN, with MN diagnosis at a median age of 43 years, and the paper summarizes treatment approaches and clinical outcomes for this subgroup. The findings help clarify how MNs behave and are managed in LFS, informing surveillance and therapeutic decision-making in this inherited cancer predisposition syndrome.

Senapati J, Abdel-Salam HM, Jdanov VD et al. · Cancer · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Breakthrough Hemolysis in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: Mechanistic Insights and Management Strategies.

This review analyzed the mechanisms and management of breakthrough hemolysis in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a disease driven by somatic PIGA mutations that cause loss of GPI-anchored complement regulators CD55 and CD59. It reports that while terminal complement inhibitors reduce intravascular hemolysis and transfusion needs, they do not fully prevent C3-mediated extravascular hemolysis, and proximal complement inhibition may address this residual hemolysis. The clinical significance is improved selection and optimization of complement inhibitor strategies to control hemolysis beyond what terminal blockade achieves.

Raman G, Vivek M, Hasan R et al. · Transfusion · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Venetoclax Plus Hypomethylating Agent for 7- Versus 14- Versus 21- Versus 28-Day Cycles in Newly-Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia: ELN and Mayo Genetic Risk-Stratified Analysis in 540 Patients.

This multicenter retrospective analysis studied newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (ND-AML) patients treated with venetoclax plus hypomethylating agents (Ven-HMA) using different Cycle 1 venetoclax durations (7, 14, 21, or 28 days) and stratified outcomes by ELN 2024 and Mayo genetic risk groups. It reports similar allogeneic stem cell transplant rates across ven durations (15%, 18%, 18%, and 20% for 7-, 14-, 21-, and 28-day schedules) and evaluates transplant-censored survival differences across genetic risk strata. The clinical significance is that it informs optimal venetoclax duration selection by genetic risk group, potentially improving survival and treatment planning in ND-AML.

Kumar S, Warraich M, Fatima M et al. · American journal of hematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Infectious disease prevention & epidemiology (TB preventive therapy)

Duration of effectiveness of tuberculosis preventive treatment across various tuberculosis burden settings: a systematic review and individual-participant meta-analysis.

This systematic review and individual-participant meta-analysis evaluated how long tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) protects against time to tuberculosis among close contacts with evidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection across high-, medium-, and low-burden settings. The analysis quantified the duration of TPT effectiveness and assessed whether protection varied by tuberculosis burden context. These results inform how long preventive strategies should remain protective and guide programmatic decisions for TPT implementation worldwide.

Linde LR, Campbell JI, Horsburgh CR et al. · The Lancet. Respiratory medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Virology & host factors for viral infection (HBV/phage/NAD pathways)

Hepatitis B virus proteome analysis identifies apolipoprotein C1 facilitating particle production and virus entry.

This study used proteomic analysis of highly purified hepatitis B virus (HBV) virions and filamentous subviral particles (fSVPs) to identify host proteins that facilitate particle production and entry, then mechanistically characterized apolipoprotein C1 (ApoC1) in an HBV infection model. ApoC1 was identified as a top associated host factor and was functionally linked to HBV particle production and viral entry. The findings nominate ApoC1 as a host dependency factor for HBV, supporting development of host-targeted antiviral strategies aimed at achieving functional cure.

Yang S, Nebioglu F, Pham MT et al. · Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

The molecular basis of ADP-ribose pyrophosphorylation by a phage PRPS-like enzyme in NAD+ reconstitution.

This biochemical/structural study investigated how a phage PRPS-like enzyme (phage Adps) catalyzes ADP-ribose pyrophosphorylation during NAD+ reconstitution in the NARP1 pathway. The authors solved structures of Adps in multiple states (apo, ADPR/ATP-bound, and ADPR-PP/AMP-bound) and combined them with LC-MS activity assays, kinetics, and mutagenesis to define the catalytic mechanism for converting ADPR and ATP into ADPR-PP. Mechanistically, the work explains a noncanonical PRPS-like reaction step that is central to phage counter-defense strategies against bacterial NAD+ depletion.

Liu M, Ma J, Zhang Q et al. · Nucleic acids research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Shuttling, swapping, and mixing: the rapid modular evolution of antiviral repertoires in temperate phages and their satellites.

This evolutionary genomics study examined how antiviral defense repertoires evolve in temperate bacteriophages and their satellites, focusing on P2-like phages and P4-like satellites. By identifying defense hotspots across thousands of elements, it showed that defense loci are rapidly swapped—without pseudogenization—indicating defenses are replaced before becoming non-adaptive, and it uncovered novel antiviral functions in P4 loci lacking known defense genes. The findings reveal a fast modular evolutionary process that shapes bacterial-phage arms races and expands the known repertoire of antiviral systems.

de Sousa JM, Depardieu F, Touchon M et al. · Nucleic acids research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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IBS case definitions & diagnostic discordance

Comparison of demographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics among patients with irritable bowel syndrome meeting the Rome clinical, Rome V, and Rome IV criteria.

This study compared demographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics among consecutive Chinese adults with suspected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who met Rome clinical criteria only, Rome V only, or Rome IV criteria. The key finding was diagnostic discordance across Rome definitions, with meaningful differences in patient profiles depending on which criteria were met. These results support more careful selection and interpretation of IBS case definitions in clinical practice and research when using Rome clinical versus Rome V/Rome IV frameworks.

Wu J, Thongchuenjit S, Luo X et al. · The American journal of gastroenterology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Retinal microvascular changes are related to indicators of glymphatic dysfunction and small vessel disease in frontotemporal dementia.

This study investigated 34 patients with clinically diagnosed frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and 34 cognitively unimpaired controls to relate retinal microvascular fractal dimension (FD) to MRI-derived glymphatic diffusion markers and cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) indicators. The key finding was that retinal vascular FD correlated with glymphatic dysfunction indicators and measures of small vessel disease in FTD. These findings suggest retinal imaging could serve as a noninvasive biomarker reflecting brain microvascular and glymphatic pathology in FTD.

Kwapong WR, Chen Y, Chen X et al. · Alzheimer’s & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer’s Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiorespiratory fitness & cognitive trajectories

Divergent associations of estimated cardiorespiratory fitness with cognitive trajectories in Chinese and U.S. middle-aged and older adults: A descriptive cross-national comparison from CHARLS and HRS.

This cross-national descriptive study analyzed 3458 participants from the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and 6905 from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to test whether estimated cardiorespiratory fitness (eCRF, MET-based from sex-specific non-exercise algorithms) relates differently to cognitive trajectories. The key finding was divergent associations between eCRF and cognitive trajectory membership across Chinese versus U.S. cohorts, indicating population-specific relationships. Scientifically, this highlights that cardiorespiratory fitness–cognition links may not generalize across cultures and measurement contexts, affecting how eCRF is used for risk stratification.

Ma J, Chen N, Xu L et al. · Alzheimer’s & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer’s Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Antimicrobial biomaterials & wound healing (diabetic wounds)

Simultaneous broad-spectrum antibacterial and regenerative therapy for diabetic wounds using sonosensitive peptide composite hydrogel.

This preclinical study engineered a sonosensitive antimicrobial peptide composite hydrogel (FFRK8@ZnO2@fHAMA) for diabetic wound treatment, integrating the host-defense peptide FFRK8, ZnO2 microenvironment-responsive microspheres, and fish-collagen-modified hyaluronic acid methacrylate. The key finding was that the hydrogel enabled simultaneous broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and regenerative support by modulating the infection/oxidative/inflammatory microenvironment to improve wound healing outcomes. Scientifically and clinically, this platform offers a multifunctional, ultrasound-activated strategy to overcome persistent infection and impaired tissue repair in diabetic wounds.

Lin Y, Xing B, Zhang X et al. · Journal of nanobiotechnology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Generated automatically on September 20, 2026 from PubMed’s trending articles. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.