Tag: pubmed

Diabetologia. 2026 Apr 1. doi: 10.1007/s00125-026-06715-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Blood pressure variability (BPV) is a risk factor for kidney disease progression in hypertension and type 2 diabetes; however, the role of BPV in kidney disease in type 1 diabetes is unknown. The aim of this study was therefore to determine whether BPV has an impact on kidney disease progression in an ethnically diverse cohort of people with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS: We studied 3079 people (median age 36 [range 18-85] years; 50% female; 78.5% White, 10.9% African Caribbean, 4.5% Asian, 6.1% Other) with type 1 diabetes and baseline eGFR >45 ml/min per 1.73m² attending two university hospital clinics between 2004 and 2018. BPV was assessed using visit-adjusted standard deviation (adj-SD), CV and average real variability (ARV) for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The primary endpoint was eGFR decline of ≥50% from baseline with final eGFR <30 ml/min per 1.73m², with death as a competing risk.

RESULTS: Over a 14 year period, 272 people (8.8%) reached the primary endpoint. All BPV metrics for SBP and DBP were significantly associated with the primary endpoint. ARVs of SBP and DBP and African Caribbean ethnicity emerged as risk factors in multivariable analyses, independent of traditional risk factors, including baseline blood pressure, eGFR, HbA_1c, albuminuria and mean blood pressure in the exposure window. The strongest association was observed for the ARV of SBP (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.27, 1.87, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: In people with type 1 diabetes, SBP and DBP variability are associated with kidney disease progression. Further studies are needed to investigate if BPV is a modifiable risk factor for kidney disease progression.

PMID:41922880 | DOI:10.1007/s00125-026-06715-4

Eur Phys J E Soft Matter. 2026 Apr 1;49(4):28. doi: 10.1140/epje/s10189-026-00568-w.

ABSTRACT

This paper extends a field-theoretical dynamical networking formalism for mesoscopic polymer dynamics to explicitly include dedicated cross-linker particles. Cross-linkers are represented within a Martin-Siggia-Rose generating functional and reversibly coupled to polymers through Gaussian networking fields, enabling an approximation scheme that reduces their degrees of freedom while remaining compatible with polymer dynamics. The framework is applied to a two-species polymer system in which intra- and inter-species cross-linking are assigned different statistical advantages. Effective networking potentials are derived and used to calculate correlation functions and dynamic structure factors. To validate these results, molecular dynamics simulations of semi-flexible polymers with reversible intra- and inter-species cross-linking are performed. Simulations show that cross-linking decreases polymer persistence lengths and local alignment, and the resulting trajectories yield dynamic structure factors consistent with theoretical predictions. Qualitative comparison reveals that in both approaches, cross-linking broadens the diffusive peaks and enhances the high-frequency tails of the structure factors. Together, theory and simulation provide complementary insights into the dynamics of cross-linked polymers, establishing a tractable framework that captures essential features observed in experiments and offering a basis for exploring more complex synthetic and biological networks.

PMID:41922872 | DOI:10.1140/epje/s10189-026-00568-w

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Apr 1;198(4):399. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15238-9.

ABSTRACT

Cement manufacturing releases potentially toxic metals into the surrounding environment, raising notable ecological and public health concerns. In this study, soils collected around a major cement facility in Obajana, Nigeria were analyzed for Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Pb, and Sr using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). Soil pH and particle-size distribution were also assessed to evaluate factors influencing metal mobility. Among the analyzed metals, Fe exhibited the highest abundance, followed by Sr, Pb, Cr, Co, and Cd. Measured concentrations were generally within the international guideline limit, although spatial variations reflected the hot zone of the metal concentration distribution in the study area. Relative enrichment assessed using enrichment factor (EF) indicated minor to considerable enrichment (EF = 1-20), suggesting contribution from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Contamination factor (CF) values ranged from moderate to very high contamination (CF < 1: 3 ≤ CF ≥ 6), while pollution load index (PLTI) values (2.34-5.00) indicated overall decline in soil quality. The Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) results further revealed strongly polluted cobalt levels (4.25-4.66), with the remaining metals falling within the low-to-moderate contamination range. The health risk assessment showed higher exposure risks for children than for adults. Hazard index (HI) values for adults and children remained below one, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic risk in the study area. Total carcinogenic risk values for both age groups fall within the acceptable threshold of 1.0E – 04 to 1.0E – 06. The Statistical evaluation pointed to both natural and anthropogenic emissions via cement-related activities as the source of these metals.

PMID:41922869 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15238-9

Drug Saf. 2026 Apr 1. doi: 10.1007/s40264-026-01664-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Medication use in pregnancy is common, but decisions balancing the needs of maternal and fetal health can be complex. Ongoing monitoring of medication use in pregnancy is essential to ensure their continued safe and appropriate use in this population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to estimate the prevalence of prescribed medication use in pregnancy.

METHODS: This review was carried out in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42024533866). PubMed, Medline, Cinahl (EBSCO), APA PsychINFO (EBSCO), Embase (Ovid), Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for relevant articles published from January 2010 to May 2025. Inclusion criteria specified that studies provided a value for prescribed medication use in the general population of pregnant women during part or all of the gestational period. Articles were independently dual screened, and relevant data were extracted and validated from included studies. Quality and bias of the studies were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for prevalence studies. A narrative synthesis was conducted for all studies. A random-effects meta-analysis with logit transformation was used to pool prevalence estimates (95% confidence interval, CI) where sufficient studies defined medication use in a similar way. Cochran’s Q, I², and τ² were used to measure heterogeneity.

RESULTS: A total of 13,416 unique articles were identified and screened. Seventy studies were included. The pooled prevalence for prescribed medication alone during pregnancy was 56% (CI 44-67%, p < 0.01, I² = 100%, τ² = 1.30), based on 23 studies and a population of 7.3 million. The pooled prevalence for prescribed medications alone for the first, second, and third trimesters was 31% (CI 22-40%, p < 0.01, I² = 100%, τ² = 0.65) from 14 studies, 30% (CI 21-42%, p < 0.01, I² = 100%, τ² = 0.56) from 9 studies, and 34% (CI 22-49%, p < 0.01, I² = 100%, τ² = 0.77) from 8 studies, respectively. The pooled prevalence for prescribed medications including prescribed vitamins and minerals was 83% (CI 75-89%, p < 0.01, I² = 100%, τ² = 1.66) based on 26 studies and a population of 4.9 million. For this more inclusive group, the pooled prevalence for the first, second, and third trimesters was 52% (CI 44-61%, p < 0.01, I² = 100%, τ² = 0.46) from 14 studies, 56% (CI 42-70%, p < 0.01, I² = 100%, τ² = 0.88), and 59% (CI 42-74%, p < 0.01, I² = 100%, τ² = 1.25) both from 10 studies, respectively. Methods used to estimate prevalence varied greatly owing to differences in the definition of prescribed medications, the measured exposure period, and the pregnancy outcomes included.

CONCLUSIONS: From this review, it was evident that a large proportion of women use prescribed medications during pregnancy, but estimates vary greatly. A more standardized approach to studying medication use in pregnancy is needed to allow for consistent and standardised estimates that are comparable across populations.

PMID:41922857 | DOI:10.1007/s40264-026-01664-8

Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2026 Apr 1. doi: 10.1007/s40368-026-01203-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Physicians and dentists have a central role in preventing and managing oral health problems in children. This survey aimed to evaluate their knowledge and attitudes towards paediatric oral health.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted via an anonymous questionnaire distributed to healthcare professionals in the province of Milan, Italy, assessing knowledge of paediatric dentistry and exploring attitudes towards clinical advice for improving or maintaining children’s oral health. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all items; the total number of correct answers served as a measure of participants’ preparedness. Comparisons were conducted using Pearson’s Chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test and ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s post hoc test.

RESULTS: Overall, 843 healthcare professionals participated (424 physicians and 419 dentists). Comparison between physicians and dentists revealed differences in knowledge and attitudes, with dentists achieving higher scores (p < 0.01), although variability in responses was evident in both groups. Dentists demonstrated superior knowledge concerning the number of primary teeth (99.52% vs. 81.13%, p < 0.01) and the effectiveness of sealants (96.9% vs. 82.08%, p < 0.01), whilst physicians recognised that toothpaste with 500 ppm F was not suitable for all children (59.91% vs. 57.28%, p = 0.48) and understood that initial caries lesions can be reversed (86.79% vs. 66.83%, p < 0.01). ANOVA revealed variability across health professionals with different specialties (F-statistic: 9.59 for physicians, 12.40 for dentists; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Dentists showed greater preparedness than physicians; however, variability remained, partly attributable to inconsistent guidelines, underscoring the need for targeted educational and harmonised recommendations.

PMID:41922849 | DOI:10.1007/s40368-026-01203-0

Abdom Radiol (NY). 2026 Apr 1. doi: 10.1007/s00261-026-05484-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether measurement of prostate lesion size on sagittal or coronal imaging planes influences PI-RADS v2.1 categorization and histopathologic correlation compared with axial measurement.

METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, 261 prostate lesions categorized as PI-RADS 4 or 5 underwent subsequent targeted MRI/TRUS fusion biopsy or prostatectomy. Lesion size was measured as maximal axial diameter (MAD) and maximal coronal or sagittal diameter (MCSD). Lesions were subsequently categorized according to PI-RADS v2.1 using these measurements. The agreement between MAD and MCSD was assessed using a Bland-Altman analysis. Measurement reliability and interobserver agreement were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Kappa statistics were used to assess agreement in PI-RADS categorization for clinically significant prostate cancer.

RESULT: Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated minimal bias and strong agreement between MAD and MCSD measurements for the whole prostate (mean difference 0.28 mm; 95% limits of agreement – 2.62 to 3.19 mm), with similar results in both the peripheral and transition zones. Intraclass correlation analysis showed excellent reliability between measurements (ICC = 0.93). Agreement in PI-RADS categorization between MAD and MCSD was almost perfect (κ = 0.931). Reclassification from PI-RADS 4 to 5 occurred in 1.74% of lesions when using MCSD, and all reclassified lesions demonstrated clinically significant prostate cancer on histopathology.

CONCLUSION: MAD and MCSD measurements of prostate lesion size demonstrate excellent agreement and highly concordant PI-RADS categorization. Although reclassification is uncommon, evaluation of the sagittal or coronal planes may provide additional value for selected lesions with craniocaudal elongation, where the maximal tumor extent may not be fully represented on axial images.

PMID:41922779 | DOI:10.1007/s00261-026-05484-3

Nature. 2026 Apr 1. doi: 10.1038/s41586-026-10357-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Recent observations of superconductivity in twisted bilayer WSe₂ (refs. ^1,2) have extended the family of moiré superconductors beyond twisted graphene^3-15. In WSe₂, two different twist angles were studied, 3.65° (ref. ¹) and 5.0° (ref. ²), and two seemingly distinct superconducting phase diagrams were reported, raising the question of whether the superconducting phases in the two devices share a similar origin. Here we address the question by experimentally mapping the evolution of the phase diagram across devices with twist angles spanning the range defined by the initial reports and comparing the results to twist angle-dependent theory. We find that the superconducting state evolves smoothly with twist angle and at all twist angles is proximal to a Fermi surface reconstruction with, presumably, antiferromagnetic ordering, but is neither necessarily tied to the Van Hove singularity nor to the half-band insulator. Our results connect the previously distinct phase diagrams at 3.65° and 5°, and offer new insight into the origin of the superconductivity in this system and its evolution as the correlation strength increases. More broadly, the smooth phase diagram evolution, repeatability between different devices and dynamic gate tunability within each device establish twisted transition metal dichalcogenides as a unique platform for the study of correlated phases as the ratio of interaction strength to bandwidth is varied.

PMID:41922768 | DOI:10.1038/s41586-026-10357-2

Commun Biol. 2026 Apr 1. doi: 10.1038/s42003-026-09923-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Mining multi-cellular spatial patterns associated with biological events from high-resolution spatial omics data remains a fundamental challenge. While current computational methods have advanced from pairwise associations to identifying higher-order spatial domains, they often lack the granularity to resolve subtle local architectural shifts or the statistical framework to quantify condition-specificity. Here, we present FDPMining (Frequent and Distinctive spatial Patterns Mining), a computational framework that reformulates the biological problem of pattern discovery into a scalable data mining task through a Neighborhood-to-Sequence (N2S) encoding strategy. This transformation uniquely converts spatial grid neighborhoods for each cell into lossless and reversible numerical sequences, enabling efficient and scalable discovery of FDPs (Frequent and Distinctive spatial Patterns) via data mining algorithms. Our approach systematically explores the vast combinatorial space of cellular arrangements to identify FDPs associated with specific biological conditions. To enable spatial traceability, we further develop FDPs-Mapping, a spatial reconstruction component that maps identified patterns back to their original tissue context. This advancement allows researchers to examine and interpret patterns directly in situ. In extensive benchmarking, FDPMining demonstrates superior sensitivity in capturing subtle and condition-specific differences, outperforming state-of-the-art pairwise and higher-order pattern discovery methods. We applied our framework across diverse biological systems and spatial omics technologies, successfully identifying biologically meaningful spatial multicellular patterns in axolotl brain regeneration, brain aging, liver zonation, Alzheimer’s disease, and colorectal cancer. Notably, FDPMining enables landmark-anchored pattern discovery around specific anatomical or pathological features such as blood vessels or amyloid plaques, among which applications to Alzheimer’s disease revealed previously inaccessible insights into the multicellular organization of these microenvironments. FDPMining offers a paradigm for quantitatively dissecting spatial heterogeneity in complex tissues, enabling more systematic mining, visualization, and interpretation of cellular organization across diverse biological conditions.

PMID:41922721 | DOI:10.1038/s42003-026-09923-1

Nature. 2026 Apr;652(8108):151-156. doi: 10.1038/s41586-026-10251-x. Epub 2026 Apr 1.

ABSTRACT

Science aspires to be cumulative. Reproducibility efforts strengthen science by testing the reliability of published findings, promoting self-correction, and informing policy-making¹. Computational reproductions, whereby independent researchers reproduce the results of published studies, are an essential diagnostic tool^2-10. Such efforts should have greater visibility^11-16. However, little social science reproduction and robustness has been conducted at scale^10,13,17-23. Here we reproduced original analyses and conducted robustness checks of 110 articles that were published in leading economics and political science journals with mandatory data and code sharing policies^17,18. We found that more than 85% of published claims were computationally reproducible. In robustness checks, our reanalyses showed that 72% of statistically significant estimates remain significant and in the same direction, and the median reproduced effect size is nearly the same as the originally published effect size (that is, 99% of the published effect size). Additionally, 6 independent research teams examined 12 pre-specified hypotheses about determinants of robustness. Research teams with more experience found lower levels of robustness, and robustness did not correlate with author characteristics or data availability.

PMID:41922705 | DOI:10.1038/s41586-026-10251-x

Nature. 2026 Apr;652(8108):135-142. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09844-9. Epub 2026 Apr 1.

ABSTRACT

The same dataset can be analysed in different justifiable ways to answer the same research question, potentially challenging the robustness of empirical science^1-3. In this crowd initiative, we investigated the degree to which research findings in the social and behavioural sciences are contingent on analysts’ choices. We examined a stratified random sample of 100 studies published between 2009 and 2018, in which, for one claim per study, at least five reanalysts independently reanalysed the original data. The statistical appropriateness of the reanalyses was assessed in peer evaluations, and the robustness indicators were inspected along a range of research characteristics and study designs. We found that 34% of the independent reanalyses yielded the same result (within a tolerance region of ±0.05 Cohen’s d) as the original report; with a four times broader tolerance region, this indicator increased to 57%. Of the reanalyses conducted, 74% reached the same conclusion as the original investigation, 24% yielded no effects or inconclusive results and 2% reported the opposite effect. This exploratory study indicates that the common single-path analyses in social and behavioural research should not be simply assumed to be robust to alternative analyses⁴. Therefore, we recommend the development and use of practices to explore and communicate this neglected source of uncertainty.

PMID:41922703 | DOI:10.1038/s41586-025-09844-9