Tag: pubmed

J Appl Microbiol. 2026 Jan 29:lxag032. doi: 10.1093/jambio/lxag032. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: This work aims (i) to evaluate in vitro the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of an extract collected from a hazelnut by-product (skins) against spoilage bacteria and foodborne pathogens and (ii) to assess its effects on the microbiological quality and sensory/technological characteristics of beef burgers.

METHODS AND RESULTS: The antibacterial properties of hazelnut skin extract (HSE) at concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 20 mg mL-1 were evaluated using a modified protocol based on the method described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. In parallel, the biofilm-eradicating potential was assessed according to the Innovotech guidelines, which describe a standardized method for biofilm disruption studies. In vivo experiments were also conducted on beef burgers containing 2% and 4% HSE, along with untreated controls. Each sample underwent microbiological and physicochemical analyses at 0, 3 and 6 days of refrigerated storage.During in vitro assays, HSE exhibited greater antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, with growth inhibition occurring at lower concentrations. Conversely, in vivo tests revealed no statistically significant differences in microbiological parameters between control and HSE-treated burgers. Furthermore, adding different concentrations of HSE to the treated samples did not significantly affect the pH, although it altered the acidification dynamics, which occurred earlier on day 3 in burgers containing 4% HSE. Finally, both concentrations of HSE resulted in significant differences in weight loss and colour.

CONCLUSIONS: In light of these findings, further studies are required to enhance HSE bioavailability in food matrices and to minimize its impact on their sensory/technological properties.

PMID:41609420 | DOI:10.1093/jambio/lxag032

Gigascience. 2026 Jan 29:giag011. doi: 10.1093/gigascience/giag011. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cancer cells are heterogeneous, each harboring distinct molecular aberrations and being dependent on different genes for their survival and proliferation. While targeted therapies based on driver DNA mutations have shown success, many tumors lack druggable mutations, limiting treatment options. We hypothesize that new precision oncology targets may be identified through “expression-driven dependency,” where cancer cells with high expression of specific genes are more vulnerable to the knockout of those same genes.

RESULTS: We developed BEACON, a Bayesian approach to identify expression-driven dependency targets by analyzing global transcriptomic and proteomic profiles alongside genetic dependency data from cancer cell lines across 17 tissue lineages. BEACON successfully identified known druggable genes, including BCL2, ERBB2, EGFR, ESR1, and MYC, while revealing novel targets confirmed by both mRNA and protein-expression driven dependency. The identified genes showed a 3.8-fold enrichment for approved drug targets and a 7 to 10-fold enrichment for druggable oncology targets. Experimental validation demonstrated that depletion of GRHL2, TP63, and PAX5 effectively reduced tumor cell growth and survival in their dependent cells.

CONCLUSIONS: Our approach provides a systematic method to identify precision oncology targets based on expression-driven dependency patterns. By integrating multi-omics data with genetic dependency screens, we’ve created a comprehensive catalog of potential therapeutic targets that may expand treatment options for cancer patients lacking druggable mutations. This resource offers new opportunities for precision oncology target discovery beyond mutation-based approaches.

PMID:41609417 | DOI:10.1093/gigascience/giag011

Pain Med. 2026 Jan 29:pnag017. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnag017. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intra-articular injection of the lateral atlantoaxial joint is used for occipital pain; however, limited literature exists on technique demonstration, adverse event reporting, and real-world clinical outcomes. This study was designed to characterize procedural technique, describe clinical outcomes, and report subsequent cervical fusion rates following lateral atlantoaxial joint injections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on all lateral atlantoaxial joint injections performed at our institution from January 1, 2002, through August 1, 2024. Descriptive statistics characterized the cohort, procedural features, pain score changes, and cervical fusion rates during follow-up.

RESULTS: 140 lateral atlantoaxial joint injections were performed on 104 patients (mean age 72.6 ± 12.4 years, 68.3% female), primarily by fluoroscopy (77.1%). Mean pre-injection pain was 5.99 ± 1.96, with immediate post-injection pain at 1.84 ± 2.33 and 1-month clinic visit pain at 4.28 ± 2.68. Significant reductions in pain from pre-injection were observed immediately post-injection (p < 0.0001) and at 1-month (p < 0.0001). Most injections were successful on first attempt (97.1%), with no serious adverse events identified throughout follow-up documentation. Overall, 26.9% of patients underwent cervical fusion involving the C1-C2 level during available follow-up.

CONCLUSION: This study comprises the largest cohort of patients with image-guided lateral atlantoaxial joint injections and provides descriptive data on technique, clinical outcomes, adverse events, and observed subsequent cervical fusion rates. Short-term reductions in pain were common 1-month from injections with no serious adverse events identified throughout follow-up and only one-quarter of patients undergoing eventual cervical fusion. This study adds valuable data to an uncommonly performed procedure.

PMID:41609398 | DOI:10.1093/pm/pnag017

Int J Surg. 2026 Jan 29. doi: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000004356. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Laparoscopic surgery offers clear benefits but remains scarce in Sudan and sub-Saharan Africa due to limited infrastructure, training, and policy support. A structured narrative approach (SANRA-guided; SWiM reporting) was used. We pre-specified eligibility criteria, searched seven databases and repositories (PubMed, Scopus, AJOL, African Index Medicus, HINARI, Google Scholar, organizational repositories) for 2018-30 June 2025, dual-screened records, and appraised included sources with JBI/AXIS/CASP/AACODS. Owing to heterogeneity, we used thematic Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis to examine the barriers, innovations, and policy pathways for expanding minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in the region. Key obstacles include equipment shortages, maintenance gaps, financing deficits, and gender inequities in training. While laparoscopy reduces relative surgical site infection (SSI) risk, absolute SSI rates remain driven by system deficits in sterility, antibiotics, and staffing. Emerging solutions – such as gasless laparoscopy, tele-mentoring, and simulation – are feasible but require financial planning and ethical safeguards for diaspora-led initiatives. Integrating MIS within National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plans (NSOAPs), ensuring 2%-5% annual maintenance funding, and expanding simulation-based training can enable equitable, sustainable scale-up. The review emphasizes practical implementation lessons rather than pooled statistical effects to inform regional policy and training reforms.

PMID:41609391 | DOI:10.1097/JS9.0000000000004356

Clin Exp Dent Res. 2026 Feb;12(1):e70302. doi: 10.1002/cre2.70302.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: There is no current evidence in the literature that clearly guides clinicians in selecting the most effective polishing protocol in lingual orthodontics. This study aimed to compare the reduction of adhesive remnants after polishing customized lingual composite brackets using tungsten carbide, fine diamond, and Arkansas burs.

METHODS: A total of 504 extracted teeth were included and randomly assigned to three groups according to bur type (n = 168). Brackets were bonded and debonded following a standardized protocol, and digital scans were obtained before and after polishing. Each bur was tested at both low speed (contra-angle) and high speed (turbine).

RESULTS: Tungsten carbide burs produced the greatest reduction in cement thickness under both rotary conditions. At low speed, the mean Pre-Post thickness differences were 0.64 mm (TUN), 0.31 mm (ARK), and 0.37 mm (DIA). At high speed, differences were 0.45 mm (TUN), 0.39 mm (ARK), and 0.41 mm (DIA). Statistically significant differences were found between the tungsten carbide group and both the Arkansas and diamond groups (p < 0.005), with no differences between the latter two.

CONCLUSION: Tungsten carbide burs removed significantly more adhesive than Arkansas and diamond burs, regardless of rotary speed. These findings support clinical decision-making by helping optimize polishing protocols in lingual orthodontics.

PMID:41609388 | DOI:10.1002/cre2.70302

Inquiry. 2026 Jan-Dec;63:469580251413526. doi: 10.1177/00469580251413526. Epub 2026 Jan 29.

ABSTRACT

Sleep quality is a critical component of student well-being and academic performance. This study aimed to examine the association between demographic characteristics, health and mental behaviors, smartphone usage, and sleep quality among undergraduate students at Jazan University in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted between April and June 2023. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The questionnaire included demographic data, health behaviors (exercise, diet, stimulant intake, smoking, qat use), anxiety levels, and smartphone usage patterns. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and multivariable linear regression. A total of 1564 students participated. Demographic variables were not significantly associated with sleep quality. However, poor sleep quality was significantly associated with several factors. Students who exercised less (mean PSQI = 8.19 vs 7.67; P = .003) or followed an unhealthy diet (8.10 vs 7.33; P = .001) reported worse sleep. High intake of stimulants, such as coffee (>3 times/day: β = 1.08, P = .021), tea, and soft drinks, was also linked to poorer sleep. Anxiety showed a clear dose-response effect, with mild, moderate, and severe anxiety associated with PSQI increases of 0.89, 2.27, and 3.43 points, respectively (all P < .001). Evening (β = .52, P = .016) and bedtime (β = .42, P = .029) smartphone use further predicted worse sleep quality, independent of total usage time. Sleep quality among undergraduate students is primarily influenced by modifiable lifestyle and psychological factors. Interventions promoting healthier routines, reducing stimulant intake, managing anxiety, and improving digital habits are essential to support student well-being.

PMID:41608860 | DOI:10.1177/00469580251413526

Biometrics. 2026 Jan 6;82(1):ujag001. doi: 10.1093/biomtc/ujag001.

ABSTRACT

Invasive mold infections (IMIs) are rare but life-threatening. Regulatory approval for new antifungal drugs requires a well-powered, randomized noninferiority trial, which is nearly infeasible due to the rarity of IMIs. Additionally, heterogeneity among mold types complicates study design and treatment effect interpretation when a study includes patients infected by different types of pathogens. Despite the success of single-arm oncology basket trials in evaluating treatment effect in multiple disease types, statistical methods for randomized basket trials in nononcologic settings remain underdeveloped. We propose a robust borrowing strategy to enhance the efficiency of randomized basket trials for IMIs by (i) borrowing treatment effects across mold types while accounting for heterogeneity and (ii) augmenting control arms using external data. The proposed approach increases the efficiency and precision of the treatment effect estimates for various molds. It also increases the ethical appeal by reducing the number of patients required for the control arm. Using simulation and real-life examples, we demonstrated the proposed approach can significantly increase statistical power and precision while maintaining the family-wise type I error rate at an acceptable level. Our approach offers a substantial improvement over the current practice of pooling different molds together for inference and is applicable to rare disease trials facing similar accrual and ethical challenges.

PMID:41608839 | DOI:10.1093/biomtc/ujag001

Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2026 Jan 29. doi: 10.17235/reed.2026.11729/2025. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anal cancer mortality has increased across high-income countries, yet subnational patterns remain poorly characterized. This study provides the first comprehensive, sex-stratified, spatiotemporal analysis of anal cancer (ICD-10 C21) mortality in Spain from 1999 to 2023.

METHODS: We conducted an ecological, descriptive, province-level analysis of mortality using data from the National Institute of Statistics. Sex-stratified Bayesian hierarchical models were applied to estimate smoothed relative risks (RRs) by province and year, incorporating spatial, temporal, and interaction effects. Model selection was guided by the Deviance Information Criterion and Widely Applicable Information Criterion. Posterior probabilities (PP) were used to identify high-risk provinces (PP > 0.95).

RESULTS: Among 160 candidate models, optimal structures differed by sex: males showed intrinsic Conditional Autoregressive (iCAR) spatial prior with RW1 temporal prior and Type IV interaction; females showed iCAR with RW2 temporal prior and Type III interaction. Mortality rose in both sexes: male RR increased steadily to 1.39 in 2023; female RR followed a nonlinear trajectory with delayed surge to 1.30. Variance decomposition indicated male mortality was mainly temporal (80.2%), female mortality largely spatial (58.1%). Male hotspots clustered in southern/insular provinces (e.g., Las Palmas RR=1.22, Cádiz 1.18, Valencia 1.18); female hotspots were more dispersed (e.g., Las Palmas 1.34, Málaga 1.33, Barcelona 1.26).

CONCLUSIONS: Anal cancer mortality in Spain is rising, revealing persistent sex-specific and geographic inequalities beyond national temporal trends. Precision prevention-via gender-neutral HPV vaccination, targeted screening, and prioritization of hotspot provinces-is urgently needed.

PMID:41608833 | DOI:10.17235/reed.2026.11729/2025

Clin Transl Sci. 2025 Sep;18(9):e70339. doi: 10.1111/cts.70339.

ABSTRACT

While the accelerated approval (AA) program in the United States expedites the availability of drugs based on preliminary evidence to fulfill unmet medical needs, it has also raised significant concerns, including a lack of robust evidence of efficacy and subsequent withdrawals. Although drug lag and drug loss are growing regulatory concerns in Japan, considering the stricter withdrawal criteria in Japan, careful evaluation of clinical evidence of accelerated approval and approval timing differences is necessary. Here, we aimed to investigate differences in approval timing between the U.S. and Japan, as well as the clinical evidence of accelerated approval drugs that have not yet been approved in Japan. Using the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) databases, we examined the Japanese and U.S. regulatory status of cancer drugs granted accelerated approval in the U.S. between 2012 and 2022 and the characteristics of evidence for drugs not yet approved in Japan. Of 132 drug-indication pairs that received accelerated approval between 2012 and 2022, 72 (54.5%) were approved in Japan by June 2024. Of the remaining 60 (45.5%) drugs not yet approved in Japan, the majority had methodological limitations, including a lack of comparators (93.2%) and scarcity of phase III trials (8.5%), as permitted by the accelerated approval program. Our findings suggest the need for an approach that addresses drug lag while ensuring both careful regulatory review and generation of robust evidence for efficacy and safety.

PMID:41608832 | DOI:10.1111/cts.70339

Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2026 Dec;17(1):2611511. doi: 10.1080/20008066.2025.2611511. Epub 2026 Jan 29.

ABSTRACT

Background and Objective: Previous studies have shown that experience of racial discrimination is associated with increased mental health problems, especially stress. Using a cluster analytical procedure, the current study aimed to examine stress characteristics related to racial discrimination in individuals from diverse racial identities.Method: In total, 4220 participants completed the questionnaires assessing stress, resilience, everyday racial discrimination, and experience of major racial discrimination. K-means cluster analysis was performed to cluster participants’ features regarding stress, resilience, everyday racial discrimination, and major racial discrimination. To determine the optimal number of clusters, the gap statistic was employed. Extracted clusters were then compared across racial groups using chi-square tests.Results: Cluster analysis revealed a three-cluster solution, including ‘low stress’, ‘stress cluster with high racial discrimination’, and ‘stress cluster with low racial discrimination’ clusters. Concerning the race-differences, Black (32.57%) and Indigenous (33.63%) participants had higher membership in the stress cluster with high racial discrimination compared to other racialized groups. Regarding the stress cluster with low racial discrimination, a higher membership was observed among Arab participants (30.82%) and those with other racial identities (30.40%) compared to other racialized groups.Conclusions: The findings demonstrate a type of stress characterized by high levels of racial discrimination and accompanying psychosocial burdens. Implications for intervention, prevention, and future research are discussed in the paper.

PMID:41608817 | DOI:10.1080/20008066.2025.2611511