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Herpes Zoster Reactivation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Infect Chemother. 2025 Dec;57(4):596-601. doi: 10.3947/ic.2025.0056.

ABSTRACT

The association between varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation and coronary artery disease (CAD) remains uncertain. We enrolled 107 patients (mean age 66.5±10.8 years; 72% male) who underwent coronary angiography due to suspected CAD and assessed subclinical VZV reactivation via salivary VZV PCR. Patients were divided into three groups: acute coronary syndrome, chronic coronary syndrome, and insignificant CAD. VZV DNA was detected in three patients (3%) -one in the acute group and two in the chronic group (P=0.469). Although not statistically significant, these findings warrant further investigation into the potential link between VZV reactivation and CAD.

PMID:41486444 | DOI:10.3947/ic.2025.0056

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Comparative analysis of 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: implications for preoperative scoring and treatment planning

Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2026 Jan 5. doi: 10.1007/s00259-025-07721-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical impact of 18F-FDG PET/CT versus 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), this study aims to investigate preoperative scoring criteria and establish a basis for the formulation of treatment plans tailored to this patient population.

METHODS: A total of forty-one treatment-naive patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer were recruited for this study between July 2022 and February 2024. Each participant underwent both 18F-FDG and 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT imaging. The study compared the diagnostic accuracy, PET/CT parameters, tumor staging, and the guidance provided for clinical treatment decisions by these two imaging modalities. Additionally, the tumor burden as assessed by both imaging techniques was evaluated to predict the likelihood of achieving R0 resection in subsequent surgical procedures.

RESULTS: In the context of peritoneal metastasis, various PET/CT parameters were analyzed, including Gross Tumor Volume (GTV), SUVmax, Total Lesion Glycolysis (TLG(FDG)), and Total Lesion-FAPI (TL-FAPI). The comparative analysis of the two imaging modalities revealed statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT showed a higher PCI score and better sensitivity than 18F-FDG PET/CT (P = 0.03). Notably, the diagnostic accuracy of 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT for detecting pelvic, para-aortic, and extra-abdominal lymph nodes was superior to that of 18F-FDG PET/CT, demonstrating enhanced sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy. Following the application of 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT, tumor stages were upgraded in 22% (9 out of 41) of patients, while 39% (16 out of 41) exhibited alterations in their PET/CT scores relative to 18F-FDG PET/CT. Furthermore, the implementation of 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT influenced treatment decisions in 17.1% (7 out of 41) of cases. For patients undergoing primary debulking surgery (PDS), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that the GTV derived from both 18F-FDG PET/CT (AUC = 0.784, P = 0.018) and 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT (AUC = 0.809, P = 0.010), along with TL-FAPI (AUC = 0.809, P = 0.010), demonstrated predictive value for incomplete resection during EOC debulking surgery.

CONCLUSION: In comparison to 18F-FDG, 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT presents significant advantages in the detection of peritoneal and lymph node metastases, thereby providing a more accurate reference for the clinical staging of patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Importantly, 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT has the potential to modify treatment decisions in nearly 20% of patients, facilitating the selection of more appropriate therapeutic strategies.

PMID:41486388 | DOI:10.1007/s00259-025-07721-1

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Effects of prophylactic constant-rate infusion of norepinephrine or phenylephrine on neonatal outcomes during caesarean section

Eur J Med Res. 2026 Jan 4. doi: 10.1186/s40001-025-03761-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prophylaxis of norepinephrine (NE) at a constant rate has been demonstrated to be as efficacious as prophylaxis of phenylephrine (PE) at equivalent doses for the prevention of maternal hypotension during cesarean section. Nevertheless, the impact of prophylactic infusion of NE or PE at a constant rate on pregnant women on fetal outcomes remains to be elucidated.

METHODS: 90 women scheduled for caesarean section under spinal or combined spinal-epidural anesthesia were randomly assigned to either the NE or PE group. The “study drug” (NE or PE) was administered intravenously at a rate of 15 mL/h from the time of injection of subarachnoid solution until the time of delivery of the fetus. Fetal umbilical artery (UA) blood was collected for blood gas analysis. The primary outcome of the study was base excess, and the incidence of fetal acidosis (Defined as base excess < 6 mmol/l) and blood glucose levels were also assessed.

RESULTS: The UA base excess mean (standard deviation) was not different from the NE group, – 1.6 (2.6) versus – 2.4 (2.9) in the PE group (P = 0.223). The incidence of fetal acidosis was 4.7% (NE) versus 14.3% (PE), with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.308). However, fetal blood glucose levels were significantly lower in the NE group, 3.16 (0.43) versus 3.43 (0.60) in the PE group (P = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic infusion of equivalent doses of NE at a constant rate resulted in fetal base excess values and an incidence of acidosis comparable to that of PE. However, a lower fetal UA blood glucose value was observed in the NE group, a finding that warrants further investigation.

PMID:41486377 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-025-03761-3

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Hydrus microstent versus triple iStent inject W combined with phacoemulsification for glaucoma management: three-year outcomes

Eye (Lond). 2026 Jan 5. doi: 10.1038/s41433-025-04196-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The Hydrus Microstent (HM) and iStent inject W are two widely used trans-trabecular bypass devices and can be combined with phacoemulsification for glaucoma patients undergoing cataract surgery.

AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of the HM with triple iStent inject W devices (TiSW) devices combined with phacoemulsification in a real-world setting over 3 years of follow-up.

METHODS: A prospective, consecutive, quasi-experimental, longitudinal study was conducted on open-angle glaucoma patients at a subspecialty cataract and glaucoma private practice in Brisbane, Australia. Outcomes included yearly changes from preoperative values in mean IOP and mean number of glaucoma medications; proportional shifts across IOP and number of glaucoma medication categories at preoperative and yearly time points, and hazard ratio for time to failure based on the American Academy of Ophthalmology combined minimally invasive glaucoma surgery criteria. Multi-level mixed effects regression modelling with inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to estimate the treatment effect while accounting for repeated measurements, clustering, confounding, and imbalances in baseline covariates.

RESULTS: Of the 105 cases, 56 (53.3%) phacoemulsification cases were combined with the HM and 49 (46.7%) were combined with the TiSW. At 3 years, the mean IOP reduction in the HM was 2.6 mmHg (from 15.1 to 12.5 mmHg), while the TiSW showed a reduction of 2.0 mmHg (from 15.2 to 13.2 mmHg). No significant between-group differences in estimated changes in mean IOP from preoperative values were found at years 1, 2, and 3 (all Holm adjusted p = 1.00). Significant reductions in the estimated mean number of medications were observed in both groups at 3 years. The changes in mean number of medications from preoperative values at yearly timepoints were not statistically significant between groups (all Holm adjusted p = 1.00). The 3-year reduction was 1.3 medications in the HM (from a total of 2.3 to 1.0) and 1.4 medications in the TiSW (from a total of 2.2 to 0.8), resulting in a difference of 0.1 (95% CI: -0.6, 0.8). The proportions of eyes that were medication-free at 3 years were 54.3% in the HM group and 61.2% in the TiSW group. The intraoperative safety of the HM and TiSW was good, with no significant complications.

CONCLUSION: This study has shown that both HM and TiSW provide effective IOP reduction and medication reduction in glaucoma patients undergoing combined cataract surgery at up to 3 years follow-up. Both devices were well-tolerated. Surgeon preference may guide device selection, with specific considerations for patients such as extremes of ocular size or anticoagulation therapy.

PMID:41486375 | DOI:10.1038/s41433-025-04196-0

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Relationship between infection or inflammation of prostate and risk of prostate cancer: a cross-sectional population-based study

Eur J Med Res. 2026 Jan 5. doi: 10.1186/s40001-025-03717-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The association between infection or inflammation of prostate and the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) remains a contentious issue. This article aims to assess the relationship between infection or inflammation of prostate and the risk of PCa.

METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study utilizing the 2001-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. The dataset encompasses 7,981 male participants from the United States with an age exceeding 40 years. Weighted statistical population descriptors, univariate analysis, and multivariate regression analysis were employed for the analysis. Subgroup analyses were conducted to further validate the stability of this association across different groups.

RESULTS: The results revealed that individuals with infection or inflammation of the the prostate had a hazard ratio of 4.0 for developing PCa compared to those without such history, indicating a 300% increased risk of PCa (OR = 4.0; 95% CI: 1.1, 10.6; P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, individuals with infection or inflammation of prostate still exhibited a significant hazard ratio of 2.8 for developing PCa compared to those without such conditions, representing a 180% increased risk (OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.3, 6.1; P = 0.011); subgroup analysis demonstrated that within the age range of > = 40 and < 60 years, individuals with infection or inflammation of prostate had a hazard ratio of 2.8 for developing PCa, signifying a 180% heightened risk of PCa (OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.4, 5.1; P = 0.004); within the age range of > = 60 years, individuals with infection or inflammation of prostate had a hazard ratio of 5.0 for developing PCa, indicating a 400% increased risk of PCa (OR = 5.0; 95% CI: 1.3, 19.0; P = 0.020).

CONCLUSION: This study indicates that among American males aged over 40, those with infection or inflammation of the the prostate exhibit an increased risk of developing PCa, particularly in the older age group (age > = 60), and this association remains significant even after adjusting for pertinent confounding factors.

PMID:41486368 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-025-03717-7

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Surgeon preferences and practice patterns in rectopexy: Results of an international survey

Colorectal Dis. 2026 Jan;28(1):e70355. doi: 10.1111/codi.70355.

ABSTRACT

AIM: Rectopexy is the preferred abdominal intervention for rectal prolapse. Despite similar procedural steps – rectal mobilisation, prolapse reduction, and fixation – techniques vary widely, and onsensus on the optimal approach is lacking. This study aimed to assess global surgeon preferences and practices in rectopexy.

METHODS: An international 28-item online survey was distributed between November 2023 and March 2024 through professional networks and social media. Questions addressed surgeon demographics, perioperative strategies, and technical approaches to rectopexy. Responses were analysed descriptively and stratified by region and specialty.

RESULTS: A total of 226 surgeons from 36 countries across four continents completed the survey. Most respondents (79.6%) administered preoperative intravenous antibiotics, and 80.5% used some form of mechanical bowel preparation. Minimally invasive approaches predominated (81%), with laparoscopy being most common. Posterior dissection was preferred by 61.5%, while 38.5% favoured ventral (anterior) dissection. Two-thirds (68.1%) routinely used mesh, predominantly synthetic. Only 15% performed rectopexy as a day-case procedure. Regional and specialty-related variations were evident in approach, mesh type, and perioperative protocols.

CONCLUSION: This international survey reveals marked variability in rectopexy practice worldwide. Despite common principles, surgeon preference and regional factors strongly influence decision-making. The findings emphasise the need for updated international guidelines to harmonise technique selection and perioperative management in rectal prolapse surgery.

PMID:41486360 | DOI:10.1111/codi.70355

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Survival Trends of Liver Cancer in 1975-2019 and Projection for 2020-2024: A 50-Year Analysis Using SEER Database

J Dig Dis. 2026 Jan 4. doi: 10.1111/1751-2980.70021. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Primary liver cancer (PLC) is a leading cause of global cancer-related mortality, with rising incidence and survival disparities. We aimed to analyze its long-term survival trends that likely help establish future prevention and treatment strategies for PLC.

METHODS: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program (1975-2019), we assessed long-term survival rates of PLC patients stratified by age groups, sex, race, and SEER tumor stage using period analysis. Model-based period analysis was employed to predict the 5-year relative survival rates (RSRs) during 2020-2024. Survival statistics included observed survival rates (OSRs), RSR, conditional RSR (CRSR), and age-standardized RSR (ARSR).

RESULTS: From 2015 to 2019, female patients with PLC had a higher 5-year ARSR of 27.26% compared to male patients (24.81%). The 5-year CRSR improved to 72.17% in women and 70.05% in men. The 5-year RSR declined with age and from localized tumor stage (41.45%) to distant cancer (5.52%) in men. In addition, black male patients had the lowest 5-year ARSR (19.61% vs. 23.86% in white males and 31.22% in men of other races). Long-term trends during 1975-2019 showed rising survival rates, yet disparities persisted. Projections for 2020-2024 estimated an overall 5-year RSR of approximately 30%, with persistent gaps for patients aged ≥ 75 years and black males.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite improved PLC survival over the 45 years, persistent disparities in age, sex, race, and tumor stage underscore the need for early detection and equitable care. The converging prognosis among long-term survivors highlights the value of survivorship programs.

PMID:41486356 | DOI:10.1111/1751-2980.70021

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Epidemiology and Clinical Manifestations of Individuals Presenting to St Vincent’s Emergency Department From Victorian Correctional Facilities: An Observational Study

Emerg Med Australas. 2026 Feb;38(1):e70207. doi: 10.1111/1742-6723.70207.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The incarcerated population in Australia has grown substantially, with individuals in prison experiencing complex health needs and barriers to accessing timely healthcare. Despite these challenges, there is limited data on the reasons incarcerated individuals present to EDs. This study aims to describe the characteristics, clinical presentations and outcomes of correctional patients presenting to a tertiary ED.

METHODS: This retrospective study included individuals flagged as incarcerated in the hospital’s electronic medical records who presented to St Vincent’s Emergency Department (Victoria, Australia) between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2023 and a case series of ICU-admitted incarcerated individuals.

RESULTS: A total of 10,682 ED presentations were recorded from 5890 unique incarcerated individuals. Their median age was 35 years (interquartile range = 17). Most were male (85.1%), most were non-Indigenous (79.2%), with 9.2% identifying as First Nations people. The proportion of correctional patients who identified as First Nations people increased from 5.1% in 2014 to 13.6% in 2023, indicating an average annual increase of approximately 17%. Female First Nations people were disproportionally represented in this study compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts (20.0% vs. 14.9%, p = 0.002). Forty-four presentations from correctional centres were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Most presentations to the ED were discharged to correctional facilities (72.9%).

CONCLUSION: Incarcerated individuals present to EDs with acute health needs. First Nations people are disproportionately represented and require culturally safe, gender-responsive care. These findings highlight the need to improve equitable access to high-quality emergency care and patient-centred prison health services.

PMID:41486348 | DOI:10.1111/1742-6723.70207

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Confidence intervals for high-dimensional accelerated failure time models under measurement errors

Lifetime Data Anal. 2026 Jan 5;32(1):7. doi: 10.1007/s10985-025-09685-8.

ABSTRACT

In high-dimensional survival analysis, sparse learning is critically important, as evidenced by applications in molecular biology, economics, and climate science. Despite rapid advances on sparse modeling of survival data, achieving valid statistical inference under measurement errors remains largely unexplored. In this article, we introduce a new method called the double debiased Lasso (DDL) for constructing confidence intervals in high-dimensional error-in-variables accelerated failure time (AFT) models. It not only corrects the bias of an initial weighted least squares Lasso estimate by inverting the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) conditions, but also alleviates the impact of measurement errors when estimating both the initial estimator and the inverse covariance matrix by using the nearest positive semi-definite projection technique. Furthermore, we establish comprehensive theoretical properties, including the asymptotic normality of the proposed DDL estimator, as well as estimation consistency for the initial estimator. The effectiveness of our method is demonstrated through numerical studies and real-data analysis.

PMID:41486338 | DOI:10.1007/s10985-025-09685-8

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Robotic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis after proctectomy: a feasible and promising approach? Short-term outcomes and long-term functional results from a two-center retrospective study

J Robot Surg. 2026 Jan 5;20(1):152. doi: 10.1007/s11701-025-03123-5.

ABSTRACT

Minimally invasive ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the standard restorative procedure for ulcerative colitis (UC) requiring surgery. The clinical impact of the robotic approach remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare perioperative and long-term functional outcomes following robotic versus laparoscopic IPAA in two high-volume tertiary centers. This bicenter retrospective study included consecutive patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy (RPC-IPAA) or restorative proctectomy (RP-IPAA) with IPAA for UC between 2012 and 2024. Patients were classified into robotic or laparoscopic groups. Perioperative outcomes included operative time, intraoperative complications, conversion to open, postoperative morbidity, and length of hospital stay. Functional results using the IPSS-20 score were evaluated at one year. One hundred and one patients were included, 58 (57.4%) in the laparoscopic group and 43 (42.6%) in the robotic group. Preoperative characteristics were comparable. Operative time was longer in robotic RP-IPAA (342 ± 70 vs. 300 ± 97 min, p = 0.013). Intraoperative complication (5%) and conversion (10.9%) rates did not differ between groups. Overall postoperative morbidity was 45.5%, with 13.9% severe complications, and similar between approaches. Absence of diverting ileostomy was the only factor associated with postoperative morbidity (p = 0.025). Length of hospital stay was shorter after robotic surgery (9.6 ± 4.0 vs. 12.8 ± 6.8 days, p = 0.005). At 1 year, pouchitis and cuffitis occurred in 23.2% and 4.7%, respectively, with comparable incidence between groups. IPSS-20 functional scores did not differ. Robotic IPAA is safe and feasible, providing perioperative and functional outcomes equivalent to laparoscopy while significantly reducing hospital stay. These findings support its use in expert centers.

PMID:41486330 | DOI:10.1007/s11701-025-03123-5