Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2026 Jan 17. doi: 10.1186/s12933-026-03079-2. Online ahead of print.
NO ABSTRACT
PMID:41547820 | DOI:10.1186/s12933-026-03079-2
Perioper Med (Lond). 2026 Jan 17. doi: 10.1186/s13741-026-00643-y. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare thromboembolic (TE) complications between intravenous and epidural analgesia after unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) under neuraxial anesthesia.
METHODS: In this retrospective study, patients who received spinal anesthesia (SA) and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) were allocated to the SA-IV group, and those who received combined spinal-epidural (CSE) anesthesia and epidural PCA were allocated to the CSE-E group. Primary outcome was composite incidence of in-hospital TE events defined as myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral artery occlusion, pulmonary embolism, or deep vein thrombosis. Secondary outcomes were general complications and pain score. After propensity score matching, outcomes were compared using generalized estimating equation.
RESULTS: Among 1,244 cases from 2016 to 2022 at a tertiary hospital, 321 patients in SA-IV and 214 patients in CSE-E were analyzed after matching. The incidence of TE complications was comparable between SA-IV and CSE-E groups [0.9% (n = 3) vs. 2.8% (n = 6); odds ratio (OR) 1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89-10.57; p = 0.08]. There were no differences in general complications, delirium, falls, or bedsores. In the CSE-E group, transient motor weakness was more frequent (OR 2.70, 95% CI 9.27-451.78; p < 0.001), and the number of days to joint exercise initiation was higher. However, pain score after TKA was significantly lower in the CSE-E group [5(3-6) vs. 3(2-5); p < 0.001].
CONCLUSION: In this retrospective analysis, the incidence of TE complications after TKA under neuraxial anesthesia was not significantly different between intravenous and epidural analgesia. Epidural analgesia was associated with lower pain intensity, higher incidence of motor weakness, and late initiation of exercise.
PMID:41547811 | DOI:10.1186/s13741-026-00643-y
BMC Med Educ. 2026 Jan 17. doi: 10.1186/s12909-026-08621-0. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In recent years, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to the widespread integration of large language models and their chatbot applications into various fields, including dental education. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of ChatGPT-4 Omni (ChatGPT-4o) and Gemini Advanced in answering multiple-choice questions from the Turkish Dentistry Specialization Exams (DUS) across various disciplines.
METHODS: A total of 1,504 multiple-choice questions from 10 years of DUS exams were analyzed to compare the accuracy of ChatGPT-4o and Gemini Advanced. The questions were categorized into Fundamental Medical Sciences (n = 514) and Clinical Dental Sciences (n = 990). Each question was submitted to both chatbots, resulting in 3,008 responses. Accuracy was assessed using the official answer keys. Chi-square tests and Bonferroni post-hoc analyses were used to compare accuracy across disciplines and examine year-based variations.
RESULTS: ChatGPT-4o achieved an overall accuracy rate of 84%, while Gemini Advanced achieved 81.8% (p = 0.110). For the Fundamental Medical Sciences questions, no statistically significant differences were observed across sub-disciplines, with overall accuracies of 92.6% for ChatGPT-4o and 93.4% for Gemini Advanced. For the Clinical Dental Sciences questions, ChatGPT-4o outperformed Gemini Advanced in Prosthetic Dentistry (p = 0.013) and Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (p = 0.001), whereas Gemini Advanced showed higher accuracy in Pediatric Dentistry (p = 0.008). Across all Clinical Dental Sciences questions, ChatGPT-4o achieved an accuracy of 79.5%, compared to 75.8% for Gemini Advanced, and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.046).
CONCLUSIONS: AI-based chatbots demonstrate strong potential in answering multiple-choice dentistry questions. However, variations in performance across disciplines were observed, indicating differences in accuracy depending on the subject area. These findings highlight the potential educational implications of integrating AI into dental curricula, particularly as supplementary tools for exam preparation and knowledge reinforcement. Nevertheless, cautious integration is required to ensure that AI supports, rather than replaces, critical thinking and professional expertise.
PMID:41547810 | DOI:10.1186/s12909-026-08621-0
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