Researchers have turned artificial intelligence into a powerful new lens for understanding why cancer survival rates differ so dramatically around the world. By analyzing cancer data and health system information from 185 countries, the AI model highlights which factors, such as access to radiotherapy, universal health coverage, and economic strength, are most closely linked to better survival in each nation.
Cancer Causes Control. 2026 Jan 17;37(2):18. doi: 10.1007/s10552-025-02087-z.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. Despite its global significance, evidence on cervical cancer risk factors in Kuwait remains limited. This case-control study aimed to identify factors associated with cervical cancer among women in Kuwait.
METHODS: A total of 50 cervical cancer cases were recruited from the Kuwait Cancer Control Center, and 155 controls were selected from public-sector employees in a 1:3 ratio. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated through multivariable logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS: Compared with controls, cases were more likely to have first marriage at a younger age (< 25 vs. ≥ 25 years) (ORadj = 5.52; 95% CI: 1.34-22.82, p = 0.018), to be unaware of HPV vaccine availability (ORadj = 7.63; 95% CI: 1.60-36.39, p = 0.011) or tended to be in menopause (ORadj = 5.17; 95% CI: 1.64-16.33, p = 0.005). These associations were adjusted for the smoking status (ever vs. never).
CONCLUSION: Younger age at first marriage, being in menopause, and unawareness of HPV vaccine availability were independently associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. These findings should be regarded as preliminary and hypothesis-generating, offering a foundation for further research on this important women’s health issue in Kuwait and comparable settings. Larger studies are warranted to confirm these results and to identify additional determinants of cervical cancer risk.
PMID:41546849 | DOI:10.1007/s10552-025-02087-z
Cancer Causes Control. 2026 Jan 17;37(2):29. doi: 10.1007/s10552-025-02116-x.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Sleep timing and regularity are associated with various health and performance outcomes, but limited research has investigated the relationship of these sleep dimensions with cancer incidence. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations of sleep midpoint and social jetlag with cancer risk among US adults.
METHODS: The Cancer Prevention Study-3 is a large prospective study of US adults aged 30-65 years. At the first triennial follow-up (2015), participants were asked to report the average time they spent sleeping during a 24-h weekday and weekend, respectively. Sleep midpoint was calculated as the wake time minus half of sleep duration on a weekday and weekend to create a 5:2 weekday:weekend weighted average which was categorized as < 2:30AM, 2:30- < 3:30AM (referent), and ≥ 3:30AM. Social jetlag measures were calculated to estimate the difference in sleep midpoint on the weekend and weekday and categorized as < 1 h (referent), 1- < 2 h, and ≥ 2 h. Cancer incidence was determined via linkage to state registries; follow-up time ended at the time of cancer diagnosis or death or end of follow-up (12/31/2020). We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals adjusted for socio-demographics, socioeconomic status, comorbidities, and lifestyle behaviors.
RESULTS: A total of 5,537 incident cancer cases were reported among 145,386 CPS-3 participants. We found no statistically significant associations of sleep midpoint or measures of social jetlag with overall cancer or breast cancer-specific risk.
CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest no significant associations of sleep midpoint and social jetlag with cancer risk.
PMID:41546844 | DOI:10.1007/s10552-025-02116-x
Cancer Causes Control. 2026 Jan 17;37(2):31. doi: 10.1007/s10552-025-02119-8.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Psychiatric comorbidities are common in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and may influence treatment adherence and survival outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of psychiatric disorders on overall survival and treatment adherence in HL patients.
METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including 139 HL patients treated at the General Hospital of Mexico “Dr Eduardo Liceaga.” Clinical, demographic, and psychiatric data were collected. Overall survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for Ann Arbor stage, treatment adherence, and psychiatric disorders. Treatment adherence was assessed, and its association with survival was explored using time-varying hazard ratios.
FINDINGS: Among 139 patients, those with psychiatric disorders exhibited significantly worse overall survival (HR 6.80, 95% CI 1.32-34.95, p = 0.022). Adherence to treatment was independently associated with improved survival (HR 0.05, 95% CI 0.02-0.16, p < 0.001). Time-varying analysis showed the highest hazard ratio for psychiatric disorders during the early follow-up period.
CONCLUSION: Psychiatric disorders are independently associated with poorer overall survival in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma, partly mediated by reduced treatment adherence. Early recognition and integrated psychosocial interventions may improve treatment continuity and survival outcomes.
PMID:41546839 | DOI:10.1007/s10552-025-02119-8
Indian J Gastroenterol. 2026 Jan 17. doi: 10.1007/s12664-025-01904-2. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recurrent acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis are disorders associated with significant morbidity. Despite increased awareness of quality-of-life impairment in these conditions, data comparing quality of life between chronic pancreatitis (CP) and recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) remains limited, particularly in Indian populations. This study aimed at assessing and comparing the quality of life in patients with CP and RAP compared to healthy controls.
METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional bicentric study enrolled patients from two tertiary care centers in India between 2019 and 2024. Quality of life was evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Demographic characteristics, risk factors, complications and treatments were recorded for all participants. Statistical analysis included a comparison of quality-of-life domains across groups and a reliability assessment of the questionnaire.
RESULTS: The study comprised 216 participants: 54 CP patients (mean age 26.8 ± 9.4 years, 59.3% male), 54 RAP patients (28.4 ± 10.4 years, 79.6% male) and 108 age-matched healthy controls. Idiopathic etiology predominated in both groups (CP: 94.4%, RAP: 68.5%). CP patients demonstrated significantly lower body mass index (BMI) (20.2 ± 2.4 vs. 24.1 ± 4.5 kg/m2, p < 0.001) and higher diabetes prevalence (27.8% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.01) compared to RAP patients. Global health status was impaired in CP patients (47.1) compared to RAP patients (64.7) and controls (74.8) (p = 0.001). Emotional functioning showed the most pronounced difference (CP: 56.6, RAP: 75.4, controls: 82.9; p < 0.001). Symptom scales revealed higher burden in CP patients for fatigue, pain and nausea/vomiting. Reliability analysis confirmed strong internal consistency for both patient groups (Cronbach’s alpha: RAP = 0.745, 95% CI: 0.644-0.825; CP = 0.847, 95% CI: 0.785-0.895).
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate significant quality of life impairment in CP patients, particularly affecting emotional and physical functioning domains. The relatively preserved quality of life in recurrent acute pancreatitis patients suggests a critical window of opportunity for intervention before progression to chronic disease.
PMID:41546820 | DOI:10.1007/s12664-025-01904-2
Indian J Gastroenterol. 2026 Jan 17. doi: 10.1007/s12664-025-01910-4. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Biliary atresia (BA) is a serious condition and the leading cause for liver transplantation in children. The exact cause for BA is currently unknown, with one suggested mechanism being a viral infection. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common viral infection in BA patients and was previously known to be associated with worse outcomes, including liver fibrosis. Our study aimed at investigating the association between CMV infection and liver fibrosis in BA patients who underwent the Kasai procedure at our institution.
METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of medical records from BA patients who underwent the Kasai procedure between January 2019 and July 2024 at our hospital.
RESULTS: Our study involved 15 male and 23 female BA patients. The proportion of CMV-infected patients (n = 11) was lower than that of the non-CMV-infected BA patients (n = 27). The association between CMV infection status and liver cirrhosis (p = 1.0) was statistically insignificant. However, the age at the Kasai procedure showed a statistically significant association with cirrhosis (p = 0.027; odds ratio [OR] = 7.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27-40.7). Moreover, a multi-variate analysis revealed a strong association between the age at the Kasai procedure and liver cirrhosis (p = 0.029; OR = 7.37; 95% CI = 1.22-44.42).
CONCLUSION: Our study’s findings suggest that CMV infection might not significantly affect the degree of liver fibrosis in BA patients following the Kasai procedure. Furthermore, the age at which the Kasai procedure is performed might influence the development of liver cirrhosis in these patients. These insights could reshape our understanding of BA and guide future research and clinical practice.
PMID:41546818 | DOI:10.1007/s12664-025-01910-4
J Autism Dev Disord. 2026 Jan 17. doi: 10.1007/s10803-026-07216-4. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study investigates the relationship between maternal external shame and family functioning in families raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The objective is to explore the association between parental feelings of shame, perceived inferiority, and the overall functioning of families raising children with ASD.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 517 families across Greece. Parents completed validated questionnaires, including the External Shame Scale and subscales measuring family functioning (e.g., communication, problem-solving, personal goals). Statistical analyses included Pearson/Spearman correlations, as well as multivariate linear regressions, to identify predictive relationships.
RESULTS: The findings revealed a significant negative association between maternal external shame and key aspects of family functioning, including problem solving, communication, and personal goals. Higher levels of external shame were linked to more dysfunctional family patterns, underscoring the emotional and relational burden experienced by mothers of children with ASD.
CONCLUSION: Parental external shame significantly impacts family functioning in ASD contexts. Drawing on family systems theory, these findings underscore the importance of holistic, family-centered interventions that promote parental mental health and resilience, supported by policies ensuring access to tailored mental health services.
PMID:41546809 | DOI:10.1007/s10803-026-07216-4
J Psycholinguist Res. 2026 Jan 17;55(1):13. doi: 10.1007/s10936-025-10187-9.
ABSTRACT
The burgeoning interest in the flipped language learning approach (FLLA), characterized by its learner-centered pedagogy and utilization of instructional technology, necessitates a systematic review to synthesize its psychological and learning effects. This review meticulously analyzed 55 peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2023, employing a comprehensive search strategy across major databases including Education Source, ERIC, Web of Science, Scopus, and Computers and Applied Sciences Complete. Through bidirectional citation searching and Boolean logic, this study ensured the inclusion of relevant studies, adhering to stringent eligibility criteria to maintain the review’s integrity. The articles were subjected to an inductive paradigmatic analysis to identify empirical evidence of FLLA’s affordances and challenges, focusing on psychological effects, learning effects, instructional tools, and educational activities. The review reveals that FLLA promotes a broad spectrum of positive psychological effects, such as enhanced motivation, reduced anxiety, and improved attitudes towards technology, alongside significant learning outcomes including increased learner autonomy, engagement, and skill development. However, challenges such as increased workload and inconsistency in instructional design were also identified. In addition, all 55 studies underwent a structured methodological quality assessment adapted from the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and four custom domains (sampling adequacy, instrumentation validity, statistical transparency, and ecological validity), revealing generally moderate-to-high methodological quality but with notable variability in sampling and reporting practices. The systematic review concludes that FLLA holds substantial promise for enriching language learning pedagogy, though further research is needed to address its challenges and fully leverage its benefits. The systematic review concludes that FLLA holds substantial promise for enriching language learning pedagogy, though further research is needed to address its challenges and fully leverage its benefits.
PMID:41546805 | DOI:10.1007/s10936-025-10187-9
Tissue Eng Regen Med. 2026 Jan 17. doi: 10.1007/s13770-025-00780-3. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Wnt signalling pathway, one of the key classical stem cell pathways, plays an important role in helping the liver regenerate after injury. Stem cells can influence changes in adult cell behaviour by either activating or inhibiting this pathway. When liver damage is severe, the organ’s ability to regenerate may be compromised, sometimes leading to structural changes. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells have shown promise in improving the liver microenvironment more effectively through the classical Wnt pathway.
METHODS: Studies were conducted on both reviews and original experiments. This paper used a repeated-measures design, and statistical analysis was performed using a two-factor, two-level repeated-measures model to analyze the experimental results. The measurements taken before and after the intervention were compared, and interactions were examined. C57/6 BAL mice were randomly divided into two to three groups, with in vivo Choline-methionine deficiency C57 black mouse animal disease models, and hepG2 replace complex intake primary liver cell problem to mimic in vitro cell models simulated. One sample from each group was randomly selected for model validation, and stem cell injection experiments were conducted after validation. The experiments were carried out in a wholly randomized manner to explore the phenotype and intrinsic mechanisms of liver cirrhosis and steatosis.
RESULTS: In cirrhosis, inflammatory fibrosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mitochondrial damage are key virulent factors in the primary stage. After treating mice for a month and a half, the AST content in the peripheral blood plasma of animals and the expression of ALT increased. The interventional treatment of umbilical cord mesenchymal cell infusion (three times a month at doses of 105, 4 × 105, or 106) has further contributed to understanding the underlying mechanisms. The Wnt pathway plays a significant role in organ and tissue reversing function (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were used to treat cirrhosis, ranging from end-stage to early stages, in methionine-deficient rats by modulating the Wnt pathway. It can inhibit the progression of steatosis-related inflammation and fibrosis, further depresses cirrhosis in mice and humans, and underscores the significance of umbilical stem cells in public health.
PMID:41546791 | DOI:10.1007/s13770-025-00780-3
Cancer Causes Control. 2026 Jan 17;37(2):28. doi: 10.1007/s10552-025-02117-w.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Paid sick leave policies vary significantly across the United States and are known to influence access to and utilization of health services. However, little is known about how access to paid sick leave affects cancer-related outcomes such as screening, diagnosis, treatment adherence, and survivorship care.
OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to systematically map the literature on the association between paid sick leave and cancer-related outcomes among working adults in the United States and to identify gaps to inform future research and policy.
METHODS: The following databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus. Eligible studies included quantitative research conducted in the U.S. that evaluated paid sick leave in relation to any cancer-related outcome. Study findings were synthesized narratively and thematically, and critical appraisal of included studies was conducted.
RESULTS: A total of 11 studies were included in the review. The majority of studies focused on cancer screening adherence (N = 9/11) and found a positive association between access to paid sick leave (either via self-report or at a state/municipal level) and cancer screening rates for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers (N = 7/9). Treatment and survivorship outcomes were infrequently analyzed.
CONCLUSION: Policymakers should consider implementing paid sick leave mandates to ensure timely initiation of cancer screening among working adults, a critical priority given rising rates of some early-onset cancers, including colorectal cancer.
PMID:41546781 | DOI:10.1007/s10552-025-02117-w