Tag: pubmed

Int J Womens Health. 2026 Mar 10;18:577906. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S577906. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether short-term postoperative estrogen-related therapy is associated with recurrence of intrauterine adhesions (IUA), endometrial polyps (EPs), and pregnancy outcomes in women with concomitant IUA and EPs.

METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study included women (18-45 years) diagnosed with both IUA and EPs who underwent concurrent hysteroscopic transcervical resection of adhesions (TCRA) and polypectomy from January 2019 to June 2024. Patients were grouped by postoperative regimen: (1) estradiol-dydrogesterone sequential therapy (Femoston; estradiol 2 mg/dydrogesterone 10 mg; 2-3 months), (2) combined oral contraceptive (Yaz; ethinylestradiol 0.02 mg/drospirenone 3 mg; 3 months), or (3) no hormonal therapy. Recurrence was confirmed by transvaginal ultrasound and/or hysteroscopy.

RESULTS: A total of 166 women were included (sequential therapy, n=47; COC, n=32; no hormone, n=87). Baseline polyp multiplicity differed among groups (P=0.003), with a higher proportion of multiple EPs in the COC group. Postoperative IUD/balloon placement also differed among groups (P=0.012). Overall recurrence rates were 6.6% for IUA and 4.8% for EPs. No statistically significant differences were observed among groups in postoperative menstrual changes, recurrence rates, time to recurrence, or pregnancy outcomes (all P>0.05). Follow-up duration did not differ significantly among groups.

CONCLUSION: In this retrospective cohort, no statistically significant differences were observed among short-term sequential estrogen-progestin therapy, COC use, and no hormonal therapy with respect to IUA recurrence, EP recurrence, or pregnancy outcomes. Short-term estradiol-dydrogesterone therapy was not associated with increased EP recurrence in women with IUA and a single EP. These findings are observational and should be confirmed in prospective studies.

PMID:41835848 | PMC:PMC12988797 | DOI:10.2147/IJWH.S577906

Int J Womens Health. 2026 Jan 8;18:546854. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S546854. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Previous studies reveal that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection accelerates the progression of Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related diseases, but the results remain controversial. We conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to evaluate the causal association between HPV infection and COVID-19 using genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data from European ancestry populations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Genetic summary data of HPV infection and COVID-19 were derived from the public GWAS meta-analysis and the COVID-19 host genetics initiative GWAS, respectively. The causal link between HPV infection and COVID-19 was evaluated by MR analysis with inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods. Additional MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) and MR-Egger regression methods were used to identify the potential pleiotropy of the instrumental variables (IVs). Bonferroni correction was used to account for the issue of multiple comparisons, leading to a statistically significant P-value of less than 0.004 (0.05/2*3*2).

RESULTS: There were no significantly causal links of HPV-16 or HPV-18 infection with COVID-19 infection, hospitalized COVID-19, or severe COVID-19 (all P>0.05). Furthermore, no significant causal effect of all three types of COVID-19 on HPV-16 and HPV-18 was observed in the reverse MR analyses (all P>0.05). MR-Egger regression and MR-PRESSO global test did not find the presence of horizontal pleiotropy between IVs of HPV infection and COVID-19.

CONCLUSION: This study shows that COVID-19 infection does not affect the risk of HPV-16/18 infection, nor does HPV-16/18 infection increase COVID-19 infection risk. It highlights the need to maintain routine health management and no change to HPV prevention strategies.

PMID:41835845 | PMC:PMC12983166 | DOI:10.2147/IJWH.S546854

Ther Adv Hematol. 2026 Mar 11;17:20406207261419953. doi: 10.1177/20406207261419953. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene are present in approximately 30% of patients with newly diagnosed (ND) acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and are associated with worse therapy outcomes compared to the general AML population. Gilteritinib, a selective oral FLT3 inhibitor, is a promising treatment option for this patient population.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and efficacy of gilteritinib in combination with induction and consolidation chemotherapy in Asian patients with ND, FLT3-mutated (FLT3 ^mut+) AML.

DESIGN: This study was a phase I/II open-label, single-arm study. Herein, we present the final results from phase II.

METHODS: A total of 84 patients were enrolled in 33 centers across Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. All patients enrolled in phase II received induction and consolidation therapy with gilteritinib 120 mg/day plus chemotherapy (induction: ⩽2 cycles, idarubicin/cytarabine once-daily; consolidation: ⩽4 cycles, cytarabine twice-daily) followed by maintenance with gilteritinib 120 mg/day monotherapy (⩽26 cycles). The primary efficacy endpoint was the complete remission (CR) rate after induction therapy.

RESULTS: The primary endpoint of CR rate after induction was 50.0% (90% CI: 40.4-59.6). Gilteritinib in combination with chemotherapy achieved high composite CR (CRc; 86.6%, 95% CI: 77.3-93.1) rates after induction. The overall survival (OS) rate at 3 years was 71.6%, and the median OS was 48.2 months; however, due to the immaturity of the data, the median OS should be interpreted with caution. In addition, 51.2% of patients underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation during the study period. The safety profile of gilteritinib was as expected, and no new safety signals were identified.

CONCLUSION: Induction and consolidation with gilteritinib plus chemotherapy, and maintenance with gilteritinib monotherapy were well tolerated in ND patients in Asia with FLT3 ^mut+ AML and had favorable efficacy compared with historical data.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02310321.

PMID:41835842 | PMC:PMC12982847 | DOI:10.1177/20406207261419953

Biophys Rep. 2026 Feb 28;12(1):52-63. doi: 10.52601/bpr.2025.250010.

ABSTRACT

We describe the statistical characteristics of optical speckle patterns formed by illuminating biological tissues, commonly called biospeckles. The predominant techniques used to gather information from the movement of speckle patterns are detailed. Using vegetable tissues, we monitored the senescence process and created vascularization maps of leaf tissues. The Fujii method, which has been modified, has emerged as the most effective approach for highlighting the biological activity across leaf tissues. This technique relies on the presence of fluid flow to create highly detailed maps of tissue microcirculation. The method of temporal contrast evaluation produced a significant spectral activity map, which allowed for the detection of both instant and invisible bruised tissue. The evaluation revealed that biological specimens can exhibit a unique time history of speckle pattern (THSP) patterns, which may serve as a biological signature for the sample. Additionally, an activity index was calculated to define the assay’s activity under different biological conditions, and the results were tested and verified across multiple samples.

PMID:41835815 | PMC:PMC12979931 | DOI:10.52601/bpr.2025.250010

Eur Heart J Open. 2026 Feb 18;6(2):oeag020. doi: 10.1093/ehjopen/oeag020. eCollection 2026 Mar.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: We compared the effects of ‘ablate and pace’ to pharmacological therapy on mortality and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), with or without heart failure (HF).

METHODS AND RESULTS: Articles were identified by searching PubMed, Central, and Embase until 30 June 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed observational and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ‘ablate and pace’ with pharmacological therapy and investigating outcomes of mortality and LVEF in patients with AF. An exclusion criterion was lack of a parallel study design. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and the mean difference (MD) in LVEF. Endpoints were assessed through meta-analyses computing relative risks (RRs) and MDs. The clinical diagnosis of HF was used to distinguish between patients with and without HF. Initially, 3837 studies were identified, of which 24 (n = 4292 patients) fulfilled the inclusion criteria, including 17 (n = 3261 patients) that focused on HF. Follow-up time varied from 3 to 96 months. Only in HF patients, ‘ablate and pace’ reduced mortality significantly with a risk reduction of 36% [RR, 0.64; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.49-0.85; P < 0.01; n = 10] as compared with pharmacological therapy. Except for two studies, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) was the chosen pace mode. The mortality reduction was independent of study design: RCTs (RR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.18-0.94; P = 0.04; n = 2) and observational studies (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.55-0.90; P = 0.01; n = 8). ‘Ablate and pace’ and pharmacological therapy were similar for the LVEF outcome (MD, 1.1; 95% CI, -1.6-3.8; P = 0.39; n = 16), which was independent of both HF and study designs (results not shown).

CONCLUSION: ‘Ablate and CRT’ reduced mortality in HF patients as compared with pharmacological therapy, which was supported by statistical associations in observational studies. A single RCT corroborated the finding.

PMID:41835811 | PMC:PMC12988461 | DOI:10.1093/ehjopen/oeag020

Front Cell Dev Biol. 2026 Feb 26;13:1695908. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2025.1695908. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect of platelet-rich-fibrin (PRF) on the healing of seawater-impregnated wounds in rabbits and to explore the mechanism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four New Zealand White rabbits were used. Two full-thickness skin wound models were created on each rabbit’s back and immersed in seawater. According to a random number table, one wound on each rabbit was assigned to the PRF group (treated with PRF gel) and the contralateral wound served as the control (untreated). Wound healing rate, histomorphology, bacteriology, and neovascularization (via CD34 immunohistochemistry) were assessed on days 1, 4, 7, and 14 post-operation. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with paired samples t-test and Bonferroni correction.

RESULTS: Wounds in the control group exhibited significant erythema, edema, and inflammatory exudate, with a healing rate of only 53.5% ± 3.2% by day 14. In contrast, PRF-treated wounds showed minimal signs of infection, reduced inflammation, and were almost completely healed (92.9% ± 0.9%) by day 14. The wound healing rate was significantly higher in the PRF group at all time points (P < 0.01). Bacteriological analysis identified BacAutologous PRF significantly promotes the healing of seawater-immersed wounds in rabbits. The mechanism is likely multifactorial, involving the promotion of angiogenesis, reduction of inflammation, and potential inhibition of bacterial growth. PRF represents a promising therapeutic option for the management of seawater immersion wounds. d formation of new capillaries and fibroblasts. Immunohistochemistry confirmed a significantly higher density of CD34⁺ neovessels in the PRF group at days 4, 7, and 14 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Autologous PRF significantly promotes the healing of seawater-immersed wounds in rabbits. The mechanism is likely multifactorial, involving the promotion of angiogenesis, reduction of inflammation, and potential inhibition of bacterial growth. PRF represents a promising therapeutic option for the management of seawater immersion wounds.

PMID:41835809 | PMC:PMC12979441 | DOI:10.3389/fcell.2025.1695908

Ann Transl Med. 2026 Feb 28;14(1):1. doi: 10.21037/atm-25-141. Epub 2026 Feb 25.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tobacco plays a complex role in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Its impact on inpatient outcomes of IBD needs additional study. We aimed to assess the impact of smoking on clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with IBD.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) spanning from 2016 to 2019. Patients with UC and CD were identified utilizing ICD-10 codes. Patients were stratified according to the smoking status in two groups. A propensity score matching was utilized to balance comorbidities between study groups. Study outcomes included rates of steroid use, surgeries, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, perianal abscess, and overall mortality. All outcomes were assessed during the index hospitalization. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 17 software. Results were reported as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS: A total of 413,208 patients were included in our study, 180,558 patients had UC, and 232,650 patients had CD. After propensity score matching, we had a total of 151,106 patients: 39,616 patients had UC, with a total of 19,808 in each group. The CD patients were 111,490, with a total of 55,745 patients in each group. For UC patients, smokers had lower odds of steroid use (aOR =0.69, 95% CI: 0.61-0.79, P=0.001), and all-cause mortality (aOR =0.54, 95% CI: 0.32-0.96, P=0.03). For CD patients, smokers had higher odds of steroid use (aOR =1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.25, P=0.009), perianal abscess (aOR =1.12, 95% CI: 1.10-1.36, P=0.02), and all-cause mortality (aOR =1.51, 95% CI: 1.27-1.84, P=0.04). All other outcomes were not significant between the study cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco use in hospitalized patients with UC was associated with lower steroid use, while in patients with CD, it correlated with higher steroid use and increased odds of perianal abscesses. These findings highlight the complex impact of tobacco use on IBD outcomes.

PMID:41835800 | PMC:PMC12981989 | DOI:10.21037/atm-25-141

Ann Transl Med. 2026 Feb 28;14(1):5. doi: 10.21037/atm-25-122. Epub 2026 Feb 25.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia (PE), a multisystem and complex disorder diagnosed when maternal hypertension manifests after 20 weeks of gestation with proteinuria, is one of the direct causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, in addition to bleeding and infection. Despite its critical impact, effective preventive dietary interventions are scarce. Oxidative stress and microvascular damage are central to PE pathophysiology. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), particularly early harvested EVOO (EVOOEH), is rich in antioxidant compounds and may mitigate these issues.

METHODS: This randomized, single-masked (investigator and data analysis) interventional pilot study protocol will enroll 156 high-risk pregnant women (8 to 16 weeks of gestation) at Barzilai University Medical Center. Participants will be allocated to two parallel arms: the EVOOEH arm (n=78), receiving 42 mL/day (three tablespoons) of EVOOEH in addition to general Ministry of Health (MOH) dietary recommendations for 4 weeks; and the Control arm (n=78), receiving MOH dietary recommendations only. Low-dose aspirin prophylaxis will be co-administered, if indicated. Adherence will be monitored via phone calls and assessment of maternal whole blood and plasma hydroxytyrosol (HT) at recruitment and approximately four weeks post-intervention initiation. Primary outcomes are incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), PE, Cesarean section, preterm birth, and small for gestational age (SGA) newborns. Secondary outcomes include post-intervention maternal 1-hour glucose challenge test (GCT) and serum ratio of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 to placental growth factor (sFlt-1/PlGF), as well as maternal blood pressure, gestational age at delivery, and newborn percentile. Blood samples will be analyzed for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and HT. Statistical analysis will include use of JMP Pro software, with compared by chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests for categorical variables and Student’s t-tests or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for continuous variables when appropriate. Multivariate analyses will be performed for significant variables.

DISCUSSION: This pilot study will provide crucial insights into the potential of EVOOEH as a dietary intervention for reducing PE risk in high-risk pregnancies, addressing a significant gap in current preventive strategies. This protocol study findings can inform larger-scale trials and contribute to evidence-based nutritional recommendations for PE prevention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06759545).

PMID:41835790 | PMC:PMC12981995 | DOI:10.21037/atm-25-122

J Mach Learn Res. 2025;26:167.

ABSTRACT

Dynamic treatment regimes or policies are a sequence of decision functions over multiple stages that are tailored to individual features. One important class of treatment policies in practice, namely multi-stage stationary treatment policies, prescribes treatment assignment probabilities using the same decision function across stages, where the decision is based on the same set of features consisting of time-evolving variables (e.g., routinely collected disease biomarkers). Although there has been extensive literature on constructing valid inference for the value function associated with dynamic treatment policies, little work has focused on the policies themselves, especially in the presence of high-dimensional features. We aim to fill the gap in this work. Specifically, we first obtain the multi-stage stationary treatment policy by minimizing the negative augmented inverse probability weighted estimator of the value function to increase asymptotic efficiency. An L ₁ penalty is applied on the policy parameters to select important features. We then construct one-step improvements of the policy parameter estimators for valid inference. Theoretically, we show that the improved estimators are asymptotically normal, even if nuisance parameters are estimated at a slow convergence rate and the dimension of the features increases with the sample size. Our numerical studies demonstrate that the proposed method estimates a sparse policy with a near-optimal value function and conducts valid inference for the policy parameters.

PMID:41835788 | PMC:PMC12987690

Cureus. 2026 Feb 11;18(2):e103403. doi: 10.7759/cureus.103403. eCollection 2026 Feb.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This pilot study investigated the dosimetric impact of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated seminal vesicle (SV) autocontouring (AC) compared with manual contouring (MC) in high-risk prostate cancer volumetric-modulated arc therapy planning.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed treatment plans for 15 patients with high-risk prostate cancer who received 76 Gy in 38 fractions in intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Three plans were created for each patient: MC, AC with slice-adjustment to a clinical standard (2 cm from the prostate base), and unadjusted AC. Subsequently, three groups were made for each contouring method: the adjusted AC group, the unadjusted AC group, and the MC group, each including 15 plans. Primary endpoints were dose coverage of the planning target volume (PTV) and clinical target volume (CTV), evaluated by Dmax, Dmin, Dmean, D95, D98, D99, and V95%. Statistical analysis was performed using Dunnett’s test, and multiple comparisons were made by selecting the MC as the control group.

RESULTS: CTV Dmean showed a tendency to be lower in the unadjusted AC group compared with the MC group, but did not reach statistical significance (difference: -58.7 cGy, 95% confidence interval (CI): -123.0 to 5.5 cGy, p = 0.077, Hedges’ g = 0.78). PTV Dmean also showed a decreasing tendency in the unadjusted AC group, but similarly did not reach statistical significance (difference: -92.8 cGy, 95% CI: -193.6 to 8.0 cGy, p = 0.075, g = 0.67). In the adjusted AC group, there was a slight tendency for a decrease in CTV Dmean, but this did not reach statistical significance (difference: -41.3 cGy, p = 0.254, g = 0.63). Effect size assessment revealed a moderate effect in both the unadjusted and the adjusted AC groups. No statistically significant differences were observed among the three groups in any dose volume histogram parameters.

CONCLUSION: This preliminary study (n = 15) suggests no statistically significant dosimetric differences between AI autocontoured and manually contoured SVs, with dose differences <1% of the prescription. However, given the small sample size, validation in larger cohorts is needed before clinical implementation.

PMID:41835785 | PMC:PMC12983348 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.103403