Tag: pubmed

Int J Dev Neurosci. 2026 May;86(3):e70135. doi: 10.1002/jdn.70135.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate serum levels of the microglia-regulating cytokines IL-34 and CSF-1, as well as T-helper cytokines IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, TGF-β, IL-17 and IL-23, in individuals with autism and healthy controls, and to investigate the relationships between these parameters and the severity of autism symptoms.

METHODS: The study sample consisted of 42 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 40 healthy participants. The severity of autism in the patient group was assessed using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Serum levels of IL-34, CSF-1, IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, TGF-β, IL-17 and IL-23 were measured using the ELISA method.

RESULTS: Serum levels of IL-34, CSF-1, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-17 were significantly higher in the ASD group compared to the control group. IL-34, CSF-1, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-17 showed significant discriminative power in distinguishing ASD (p < 0.05). ROC analysis indicated that IL-10 had the highest area under the curve (AUC = 0.743; p < 0.001), and Delong test results demonstrated that its discriminative ability was statistically stronger than that of the other parameters. No significant correlations were observed between the examined cytokine levels and autism severity.

CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that IL-34 and CSF-1, along with T-helper-related cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-17), were elevated in the ASD group. These alterations may reflect underlying pathophysiological processes. However, due to the cross-sectional design and limited sample size, the findings should be interpreted with caution, and their clinical utility requires further investigation in larger, longitudinal studies.

PMID:42065128 | DOI:10.1002/jdn.70135

J Undergrad Neurosci Educ. 2025 Dec 31;24(1):38-46. doi: 10.59390/001c.154559. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Scaling relationships are central to interpreting patterns of morphological variation in brain composition. However, allometric scaling can be a difficult concept for students to understand, requiring the integration of evolutionary biology with mathematical relationships. The differential scaling of brain components over evolutionary time is particularly complex. The challenges associated with these concepts are further compounded by the lack of practical activities to allow students to explore these concepts in a neuroscience context. In this study, we present a novel practical session to teach these ideas to second year biology and zoology undergraduate students by combining traditional sheep and pig brain dissections with accessible staining techniques, and imaging using freely available software, that together enable allometric scaling relationships among brain components to be visualised and analysed in both an intraspecific and interspecific manner. Objectively, our data shows a statistically significant improvement (p=<0.0001) in performance on questions related to the scaling concepts following the practical session. Subjectively, 93% of students wanted the lecturer to continue teaching this practical (with 0% of students against it being reused in future), with 89% believing the practical had increased their interest in studying neuroscience. Most students believed the practical had improved their understanding of the concepts and enhanced their ability to critically analyse literature on the topic of allometric scaling and brain anatomy. Students’ perceptions of the practical were positive with the average rating of perceived learning 8.11 out of 10 (where 10 is an excellent learning experience and 1 is a terrible learning experience). Aside from minor technical suggestions, the main improvements suggested by students were that they wished they had more time for the practical.

PMID:42065109 | PMC:PMC13127676 | DOI:10.59390/001c.154559

Front Sports Act Living. 2026 Apr 15;8:1818383. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1818383. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Spectator attendance at the national athletics championships in Slovakia has been low for a long time, despite free admission. Not even the elevated performance of Slovak athletes in certain disciplines and the growing media interest in leading Slovak athletes has contributed to higher spectator attendance at these events. For this reason, the aim of this study was to map the current state of attendance, to identify satisfaction with selected factors that condition low spectator attendance and to develop recommendations for the Slovak Athletics Federation.

METHODS: The study employed cross-sectional ex post facto research, which was based on questionnaire data collected during the Slovak Athletics Championships. The Motivation Scale for Sport Consumption questionnaire, which is focused on surveying basic data about the respondents, their motivation for attending an athletics event, their satisfaction with the championships with regard to selected aspects of the event and their motivation to consume sport, was used. The research sample comprised 39 respondents from among athletes, coaches, family members and friends. The Chi-square goodness of fit test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS: The results indicated that all respondents had a direct personal or professional connection to athletics, and independent spectators were not represented in the set. Through the questionnaire, we determined that the accompanying programme of the championships had a statistically significant negative impact on the satisfaction of stakeholders (p = 0.003). In contrast, the positive satisfaction of stakeholders with the date and venue of the championships was statistically significant (p = 0.003). Direct participants expressed statistically higher satisfaction compared to indirect participants in the areas of event organisation (p = 0.004; r = 0.46) and transportation and parking (p = 0.039; r = 0.33).

DISCUSSION: Direct and indirect participants have a similar psychological profile, since they are motivated by the same areas, particularly the physical attractiveness of the athletes and the drama of the competition. The low attendance at Slovak Athletics Championships is a result of the event’s limited attractiveness to the wider public and its poor promotion. The audience is comprised exclusively of people with a direct relationship to athletics, which suggests the absence of effective strategies aimed at reaching potential spectators. What’s more, the results of the study indicate that the sporting experience itself is not enough to create a comprehensive spectator experience and highlight the need for appropriate promotional activities. On the basis of these results, recommendations were developed for the Slovak Athletics Federation.

PMID:42065085 | PMC:PMC13127306 | DOI:10.3389/fspor.2026.1818383

MethodsX. 2026 Apr 21;16:103926. doi: 10.1016/j.mex.2026.103926. eCollection 2026 Jun.

ABSTRACT

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are important for the biological control of insect pests. At the same time, EPNs are excellent research tools for understanding the molecular and functional bases of the insect defense against parasitic nematode infection. Implementing insect models and natural hosts forms an important strategy for characterizing EPN virulence factors and insect anti-nematode immune responses. The Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella is a world-wide insect pest of stored-products and processed food commodities. This insect species is also commonly infected by EPNs, and therefore, it can be used as a natural host to determine how insect pests interact with EPNs during infection. Obtaining this information is critical because it will allow agricultural practitioners to design improved EPN management tactics in the field. Here we describe a protocol for infecting P. interpunctella larvae with the EPNs Steinernema carpocapsae and S. hermaphroditum. The method is outlined below:•Third instar P. interpunctella larvae are infected with infective juveniles of either S. carpocapsae or S. hermaphroditum. Uninfected control larvae are exposed to sterile water only.•Insect survival is recorded at regular intervals.•Survival curves are constructed and results are statistically analyzed to compare the P. interpunctella larval mortality against the EPNs.

PMID:42065081 | PMC:PMC13125908 | DOI:10.1016/j.mex.2026.103926

Oncol Res. 2026 Apr 22;34(5):16. doi: 10.32604/or.2026.077195. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults, with a poor prognosis in advanced stages. Although histological tumor grading is an established prognostic parameter, it often fails to capture the biological heterogeneity of RCC. Therefore, identifying novel biomarkers could enhance early diagnosis and improve predictive accuracy. Here, we aimed to test whether immunophenotypes of specific glutathione peroxidase (GPX) family members may have prognostic value in RCC.

METHODS: We investigated the relationship between GPX1 and GPX3 immunophenotypes and clinicopathological parameters in 32 surgical specimens of clear cell RCC (ccRCC) with nucleolar grade 1-4 (WHO/ISUP grading). We evaluated the GPX1 and GPX3 immunophenotypes and assigned a histological immunoscore for each marker. For analysis, we used Spearman and point-biserial correlation methods.

RESULTS: Our findings indicated a significant positive correlation between GPX1 immunoscore and high nucleolar grade (r = 0.80, p < 0.0001). In contrast, we observed a significant negative correlation between GPX3 immunoscore and high nucleolar grade (r = -0.77, p < 0.0001). We did not find statistically significant correlations between GPX1 expression and age, sex, tumor localization, or tumor size (p > 0.05), nor with capsular infiltration and invasion of the renal pelvis (p > 0.05). However, we did find statistically significant positive correlations between GPX1 expression and invasion of the renal vein (p = 0.038), perirenal fat (p = 0.043), and peripyelic fat (p = 0.015).

CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that GPX1 and GPX3 immunophenotypes could have a prognostic role for ccRCC, particularly in relation to nucleolar grade. This study has limitations because of the small sample size; however, it underscores the necessity for further research in larger, prospective studies. These studies should more thoroughly examine the associations between GPX1 and GPX3 and clinicopathological parameters, and validate them as potential novel prognostic biomarkers.

PMID:42065065 | PMC:PMC13126390 | DOI:10.32604/or.2026.077195

Laryngoscope. 2026 Apr 30. doi: 10.1002/lary.70600. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Preoperative systemic corticosteroids are frequently used in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of preoperative systemic steroids on tissue eosinophil count (TEC) in CRSwNP.

DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library.

REVIEW METHODS: Systematic searches were conducted through March 2026 for studies assessing TEC following preoperative systemic steroids in adult CRSwNP patients. Eligible designs included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and pre-post studies. TEC was reported as cells per high-power field (TEC/HPF) or as a percentage of eosinophils among inflammatory cells (%TEC). Pooled mean differences (MD) were calculated using random-effects models.

RESULTS: Seventeen studies (930 participants) were included, of which 13 were eligible for quantitative synthesis. Systemic steroids significantly reduced TEC/HPF (MD -36.57; 95% CI: -43.94 to -29.20) and %TEC (MD -18.14; 95% CI: -24.88 to -11.39). Reductions were consistent across steroid dose, duration, and concomitant intranasal steroid use. However, low dose (4.2-18.6 mg/day) given in ≤ 7-day regimens showed a non-significant reduction (MD -17.78; 95% CI: -62.62 to 27.05). Adverse events were not statistically different between the steroid and control groups (5.60% vs. 1.12%, odds ratio = 5.22, p = 0.12). No adverse events were reported in studies using low-dose or tapering regimens.

CONCLUSION: Preoperative systemic corticosteroids significantly reduce TEC in CRSwNP, regardless of the quantifying method. This effect may interfere with histologic assessment when biopsy is taken intraoperatively. To avoid misinterpretation, clinicians may consider either withholding preoperative systemic corticosteroids, using a less suppressive regimen, or obtaining a biopsy prior to steroid initiation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

PMID:42062802 | DOI:10.1002/lary.70600

Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2026 Jul;70(6):e70245. doi: 10.1111/aas.70245.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Trauma is a major public health concern that often leads to long-term psychological distress and chronic pain. Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are sometimes prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, or acute stress-related symptoms, but long-term use is associated with dependence and adverse outcomes. The extent to which BZDs are initiated after trauma, and their implications for long-term health, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to assess the association between trauma exposure and initiation of high-potency BZDs, identify risk factors within the trauma cohort and examine the association between new BZD use and long-term mortality.

METHODS: We conducted a population-based cohort study using data from a regional trauma registry linked to Swedish national health registers. New initiation of BZD prescriptions was defined as filling at least one prescription within 6 months after trauma. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between trauma exposure and BZD initiation and to identify risk factors within the trauma cohort. Cox proportional hazards regression evaluated the association between new BZD use and 6-18-month mortality.

RESULTS: The study included 12,206 BZD-naive trauma patients and 66,801 matched controls. Trauma exposure was independently associated with new high-potency BZD use. Within the trauma cohort, risk factors included older age, psychiatric comorbidity, substance abuse, pre-traumatic opioid or sedative-hypnotic drug use, penetrating trauma, and higher injury severity. New BZD use was associated with markedly elevated 6-18-month mortality (adjusted HR 2.9, 95% CI 2.0-4.2, p < 0.001), a finding that reflects the complex clinical and psychosocial vulnerability of this group.

CONCLUSIONS: Trauma exposure independently predicted initiation of high-potency BZDs among previously BZD-naive patients. Psychiatric comorbidity, substance use, and greater injury severity were important risk factors. The association between new BZD use and increased long-term mortality underscores the need for cautious prescribing and structured follow-up after trauma.

EDITORIAL COMMENT: This study examines initiation of high-potency benzodiazepines among previously naive survivors of severe trauma using linked registry data. It shows that trauma exposure is strongly associated with new benzodiazepine use, particularly in older, comorbid, and vulnerable patients. Initiation is also associated with higher subsequent mortality, likely reflecting underlying clinical and psychosocial risk rather than a causal drug effect.

PMID:42062780 | DOI:10.1111/aas.70245

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2026 Apr 30. doi: 10.1002/cpt.70277. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Critical limits represent quantitative decision thresholds for drugs that require immediate clinician notification and potential life-saving intervention. United States hospitals lack a national standard for drug critical limits. We collected critical limits from 417 US hospitals across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.; of these, 411 maintained drug critical limit lists. We classified hospitals by US Census division and network-affiliated vs. independent status. We applied non-parametric statistical analyses, examined critical limits for 111 drugs, and observed significant inter-institutional variability. Listing frequencies were highest for digoxin 99.8% (410/411), theophylline 72.3% (297/411), lithium 94.9% (390/411), and acetaminophen 86.9% (357/411). Non-therapeutic measurands also appeared, led by ethanol 47.2% (194/411). Kruskal-Wallis analysis revealed highly significant differences (P < 0.01) across census divisions. Mann-Whitney U analysis comparing network vs. independent hospitals yielded significant differences (P < 0.05) in 16 analytes. Qualitative critical values were listed for volatile alcohols and methotrexate. All digoxin critical limits exceeded levels associated with increased hazard ratios. Only 33.9% of hospitals aligned with consensus guidelines for acetaminophen poisoning. Vancomycin and aminoglycoside critical limits showed wide ranges, overlapping peaks and troughs, and random values inconsistently aligned with peak and troughs. Immunosuppressant critical limits often exceeded thresholds associated with toxicity. Psychotropic drugs, including antiepileptics, tricyclic antidepressants, and lithium, demonstrated variability and misalignment relative to consensus guidelines. Drugs of abuse did not appear in critical notification lists. Results provide hospitals with references that will enhance hospital notification practices and patient safety. We encourage sharing of critical notification lists to foster future research efforts and enhance standards of care.

PMID:42062777 | DOI:10.1002/cpt.70277

Ther Innov Regul Sci. 2026 Apr 30. doi: 10.1007/s43441-026-00974-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducts Good Clinical Practice (GCP) assessments and provides recommendations through Clinical Inspection Summary (CIS) reports to inform marketing application reviews. Despite their integral role in regulatory oversight, the characteristics of GCP assessments and recommendations have not been comprehensively evaluated.

METHODS: This 10-year retrospective descriptive study analyzed CIS reports supporting marketing applications from 2015 to 2024. Data were extracted from FDA internal databases and analyzed. CIS reports were categorized into Tier 1-3, a framework developed by the authors for this study. In Tiers 1 and 2, data were recommended as acceptable to support the marketing application. In Tier 3, specific actions were recommended to address data quality issues.

RESULTS: The analysis included 1,200 CIS reports supporting regulatory review of predominantly New Drug Applications (69.9%) and Biologics License Applications (29.9%), with 68.0% supporting original submissions. The most frequent recommendation tier was Tier 1 (69.5%), followed by Tier 3 (22.5%), and Tier 2 (8.0%). Within Tier 3, most CIS reports contained a single type of recommended action (66.7%), and the most common recommended actions involved requesting additional information (32.8%), conducting additional statistical analyses (28.3%), and incorporating updated data (24.8%).

CONCLUSIONS: GCP oversight largely supported data acceptability for marketing applications, with specific actions recommended to address data quality issues, underscoring its critical role in ensuring reliable clinical data.

PMID:42062756 | DOI:10.1007/s43441-026-00974-4

Odontology. 2026 Apr 30. doi: 10.1007/s10266-026-01397-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to compare the clinical efficacy of Platelet Lysate (PL) versus Hyaluronic Acid (HA) after arthrocentesis in the management of patients with anterior disc displacement with reduction. This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients (17 males and 43 females) with anterior disc displacement with reduction confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patients were split into two equal groups at random based on the type of treatment that was used. Group 1: arthrocentesis plus PL, Group 2 arthrocentesis plus HA. The pain intensity, clicking sound, maximum inter-incisal opening (MIO) and range of lateral mandibular excursions were measured. All the measured parameters were statistically analyzed. After 6 months, both groups demonstrated a significant improvement in all the parameters that were measured. The PL Group showed a statistically better resolution of clicking compared to HA Group with an Absolute Risk Difference of 33.3% (P < 0.05). The MIO between-group difference was 4.867 mm (P < 0.001), so exceeding the Minimum Clinically Important Difference (MCID). On the other hand, although the PL Group demonstrated statistical superiority in pain scores and range of lateral mandibular excursions (P < 0.05), the clinical magnitude of the between-group difference was modest. PL appears to be a safe and effective adjunctive intra-articular therapy after arthrocentesis for the management of patients with anterior disc displacement with reduction. It provides a clinical advantage over HA in resolving joint clicking and improving MIO. For pain reduction and range of lateral mandibular excursions, the therapeutic benefits of PL and HA are clinically comparable. Trial registration: On 4/12/2024, it was registered in Clinical-Trials.gov PRS ( https://register.clinicaltrials.gov ) with identification number NCT06441279.

PMID:42062696 | DOI:10.1007/s10266-026-01397-1