Tag: pubmed

J Ind Ecol. 2025;29(1):233-245. doi: 10.1111/jiec.13602. Epub 2024 Dec 29.

ABSTRACT

Statistical tests are used to examine the role of prices for petroleum, coal, and farm products in the Great Depression. A new empirical mapping of relationships between monthly energy and farm product prices and key macroeconomic variables shows how biophysical factors intersected with the price system in the 1930s US economy. Deflation was a critical feature of the Depression, with the US aggregate wholesale price index falling by 37 percentage points between October 1929 and February 1933. Petroleum product prices and farm product prices can explain 89% of changes to the aggregate wholesale price index over the 1930s. Granger causality tests show that petroleum product prices led changes to money supply in the 1930s, by 8 months, while farm product and all-commodities prices Granger caused changes to industrial production. Changes in prices from October 1929 to February 1933 varied substantially between commodities, with prices of coal, metals, and building materials-the essential ingredients for capital formation-all increasing in real terms. Real bituminous coal prices are found to Granger cause changes to money supply, personal income, and industrial production over the 1930s. Overall, the results add further support to the hypothesis that the Great Depression was caused by an energy transition, following discovery of large quantities of petroleum in the US Southwest.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version of this article (doi:10.1111/jiec.13602) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

PMID:42017193 | PMC:PMC13092543 | DOI:10.1111/jiec.13602

Int J Womens Health. 2026 Apr 16;18:538491. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S538491. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This 1-year cohort study aimed to track long COVID prevalence, identify associated risk factors, and assess its association with hospitalization.

METHODS: The GINA-COVID cohort study included 2698 COVID-19 patients from Spain, who reported persistent symptoms spontaneously mentioned in an open questionnaire one year after infection. We recorded symptom onset, duration, and recovery rates at 12 months. Hospitalization data were collected from the Catalan Health System. We performed descriptive statistics and logistic regression models stratified by sex to identify factors associated with long COVID, using multiple imputation for missing values and model selection via stepwise regression based on the Akaike Information Criterion.

RESULTS: Significant sex differences appeared, with females showing a two-fold higher risk of developing long COVID compared to males (OR=1.95; 95% CI, 1.68-2.29). Females reported higher prevalence and a greater number of persistent symptoms, with fatigue being the most common in both sexes (36% in females, 26% in males at 3 months). The recovery rate at 12 months was lower in females (23% vs. 34%, p<0.001). Hypertension emerged as the most significant protective factor for long COVID in females (OR=0.64; 95% CI, 0.48-0.84), whereas COVID-19 severity was the most influential risk factor in males (OR=2.34; 95% CI, 1.79-3.08). Despite these differences, the trajectory of persistent symptoms over time was similar between the sexes. Importantly, long COVID did not increase hospital admissions.

CONCLUSION: Findings underscore the importance of sex-specific approaches in managing long COVID and suggest further investigation into hypertension’s protective role in females and disease severity’s impact in males.

PMID:42017188 | PMC:PMC13094581 | DOI:10.2147/IJWH.S538491

Clin Ophthalmol. 2026 Apr 16;20:589703. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S589703. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate functional and anatomical outcomes of faricimab in treatment-naïve patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) presenting with subretinal hemorrhage (SRH).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A multicenter retrospective chart review was completed in retina practices in Canada and the United States from June 2022 to September 2025. Treatment-naïve nAMD patients with SRH receiving faricimab were evaluated. Standardized imaging protocols and treat-and-extend guidelines were employed. Primary outcome was visual acuity (VA) change; secondary outcomes included central subfield thickness (CST), pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height, and qualitative assessment of subretinal hyperreflective material (SHRM) and subretinal fibrosis. Outcomes were analyzed following three consecutive loading doses using Friedman statistics for repeated measures. Paired analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed rank test. Detailed characterization of SRH included measurements of hemorrhage size in disc diameters (DD), location in terms of subfoveal versus extrafoveal, and duration from symptom onset to treatment initiation. Univariate regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of SRH resolution (effect ratio and 95% CI) and visual acuity improvement (odds ratio and 95% CI).

RESULTS: This study included 63 treatment-naïve patients with nAMD and SRH (mean age was 81.6 ± 8.2 years; 58.2% females; n = 28 from Canada and n = 35 from United States; mean total follow-up duration was 17.5 ± 6.0 months). Significant VA improvement was observed (Friedman statistic: 26.3, p < 0.00001), with 42.6% of patients gaining ≥3 lines of vision after loading doses. CST decreased substantially from 391.8 µm to 249.4 µm (p < 0.00001, z = -5.48) and mean PED height reduced from 309.6 µm to 110.7 µm (p < 0.00001, z = -3.51). SHRM and subretinal fibrosis were noted in 81.6% and 25.4% of cases, respectively, at baseline. Of this, 70% had resolution of SHRM and 50% had improvement in fibrosis, at last follow up visit. Univariate analysis of predictors of faricimab injection account to achieve SRH resolution in n = 33 patients identified three significant predictors: SHRM-presence at baseline (effect ratio = 0.531, 95% CI 0.399-0.707, p < 0.0001), combined intraretinal fluid (IRF) and subretinal fluid (SRF) (effect ratio = 1.43, 95% CI 1.09-1.87, p = 0.011), and non-Caucasian ethnicity (effect ratio = 1.45, 95% CI 1.03-2.04, p = 0.031). Analysis of predictors of VA improvement >3 lines did not reveal any clinically meaningful associations.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates faricimab’s efficacy in nAMD with SRH, a challenging phenotype traditionally associated with poor visual prognosis. The dual-pathway inhibition of VEGF-A and Ang-2 achieved rapid hemorrhage clearance and meaningful vision gains, offering clinical hope for this high-risk population.

PMID:42017182 | PMC:PMC13094561 | DOI:10.2147/OPTH.S589703

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol X. 2026 Apr 10;30:100459. doi: 10.1016/j.eurox.2026.100459. eCollection 2026 Jun.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) is the pathogenic mechanism responsible for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and excess of visceral adipose tissue (VAT).

OBJECTIVES: We examined VAT and IR using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) in patients with PCOS and controls.

STUDY DESIGN: In this cross-sectional, observational study, we included 74 patients newly diagnosed with PCOS and a similar number of age- and weight-matched healthy women as controls. Haematological, biochemical, and hormonal parameters were estimated from a fasting blood sample taken during the follicular phase, and VAT was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The results were analyzed using relevant statistical methods, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS: The study participants (n = 148) had a mean age of 23.6 ± 3.7 years, body weight of 59.9 ± 11.6 kg, and a body mass index (BMI) of 25.2 ± 3.2 kg/m². Among the PCOS patients, 25 had a normal BMI and 49 were obese. The VAT (grams) was comparable between patients (484.3 ± 218.2) and controls (439.9 ± 212.8) (p = 0.1591). The percentage of fat in the trunk/legs was higher in PCOS patients (0.9 ± 0.1) than controls (0.87 ± 0.08) (p = 0.0329). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation of 17-hydroxy progesterone (17OHP) with many adiposity parameters in both groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The VAT was similar in PCOS and controls, and HOMA showed significant correlation with VAT. 17 OHP correlated with many metabolic and hormonal parameters in both groups. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm our findings.

PMID:42017171 | PMC:PMC13092751 | DOI:10.1016/j.eurox.2026.100459

Cardiol Res Pract. 2026 Apr 20;2026:6984101. doi: 10.1155/crp/6984101. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Fasting blood glucose and myocardial infarction share some common pathophysiological risk factors, but the exact relationship between them remains unclear. This study aims to provide evidence for the association between fasting blood glucose and myocardial infarction by analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2018 and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

METHODS: A two-sample MR study was conducted to explore the causal relationship between fasting blood glucose and myocardial infarction using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method and other supplementary MR methods were mainly used to verify the causal association, and sensitivity analysis was performed to confirm the robustness of the results. In addition, weighted multivariable adjusted logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between fasting blood glucose and the myocardial infarction-related multivariable association model constructed with HDL as the core indicator based on NHANES data from 2015 to 2018.

RESULTS: A total of 4807 participants were included in the observational study based on NHANES data. Weighted multivariable adjusted logistic regression analysis showed a positive correlation between fasting blood glucose and the myocardial infarction model, with an odds ratio (OR) of -0.027 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of [-0.042, -0.011]. MR analysis also indicated a causal relationship between myocardial infarction and fasting blood glucose (IVW: OR = 1.0026, 95% CI = 1.0006-1.0046, p = 0.0098). Sensitivity analysis further confirmed the robustness and reliability of these study results (all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: There is a causal relationship between fasting blood glucose and myocardial infarction.

PMID:42017137 | PMC:PMC13093073 | DOI:10.1155/crp/6984101

Cureus. 2026 Mar 21;18(3):e105598. doi: 10.7759/cureus.105598. eCollection 2026 Mar.

ABSTRACT

Aim and objectives To compare the tissue displacement produced by the Hindels impression method, the selective pressure method, and the functional reline method in the anterior, middle, and posterior regions of bilateral distal extension ridges. Additionally, the study aims to identify the impression technique that provides optimal tissue recording for distal extension removable partial denture support. Materials and methods A patient with bilaterally missing mandibular posterior teeth was selected for the study. Five definitive casts were fabricated using each of the three impression techniques. Tissue displacement in the anterior, middle, and posterior regions was measured using a digital vernier caliper. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis to evaluate intra-group and inter-group differences among the three techniques. Results Within each technique, tissue displacement values increased from the anterior to the posterior regions; however, these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Inter-group comparison demonstrated that both the Hindels and selective pressure methods produced significantly greater tissue displacement than the functional reline method across all regions (P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed between the Hindels and selective pressure methods (P > 0.05). The overall mean tissue displacement was highest with the selective pressure method, followed closely by the Hindels method, and lowest with the functional reline method, indicating better functional tissue recording for distal extension removable partial denture support. Conclusion The Hindels and selective impression techniques demonstrated greater tissue displacement compared with the functional reline method, with the selective pressure technique showing the most favorable overall performance for distal extension removable partial dentures. These findings suggest that controlled functional recording of the edentulous ridge may promote favorable tissue recording, defined as capturing the supporting mucosa in a physiologically acceptable and controlled functional state. Such recording facilitates more balanced load distribution between the supporting mucosa and abutment teeth, thereby potentially enhancing denture stability.

PMID:42017112 | PMC:PMC13094667 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.105598

J Appl Biomater Funct Mater. 2026 Jan-Dec;24:22808000261442268. doi: 10.1177/22808000261442268. Epub 2026 Apr 21.

ABSTRACT

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are increasingly explored as alternatives to conventional antibiotics in wound care due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. This study evaluates the antibacterial performance of α-lipoic acid-functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-LA) using an integrated experimental-computational approach combining molecular dynamics simulations and experimental validation. AgNPs-LA were synthesized via a controlled hydrothermal method employing biogenic reduction of silver ions to minimize cytotoxicity. Structural and compositional analyses confirmed successful surface functionalization with α-lipoic acid and D-glucose. Morphological characterization revealed predominantly spherical nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 37 to 90 nm. Antimicrobial agar disk diffusion assays demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Specifically, AgNPs-LA at 40 μg/mL produced inhibition zones statistically comparable to gentamicin against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa (p > 0.05). Molecular dynamics simulations performed under isothermal-isochoric (constant number of particles, volume, and temperature; NVT) canonical ensemble indicated that the disulfide moiety of lipoic acid serves as the primary anchoring group to the silver surface, conferring stability through the formation of a structured hydrophobic surface layer. This interfacial configuration enhances nanoparticle stability and may improve pharmacokinetic clearance, thereby reducing the risk of systemic toxicity. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of AgNPs-LA as a safe and effective antimicrobial platform for wound management applications.

PMID:42014941 | DOI:10.1177/22808000261442268

Cancer Med. 2026 Apr;15(4):e71844. doi: 10.1002/cam4.71844.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Secondary primary solid malignancies (SPSMs) significantly impact long-term outcomes in lymphoma patients. However, subtype-specific differences remain unclear, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL).

METHODS: This study collected 1,377 DLBCL and 489 FL patients, identifying 50 DLBCL and 31 FL cases with SPSMs. Clinical characteristics, SPSM types, and survival were compared in these 81 patients. Demographic, clinical, treatment-related variables (including radiotherapy for primary lymphoma, recorded as yes/no), and survival outcomes were collected. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models. The cumulative incidence of SPSMs was evaluated with competing risk analysis (death as a competing event), and group comparisons were performed with Gray’s test. Prognostic factors identified in univariable analysis (p < 0.05) were included in a multivariable Cox model. A nomogram was developed, with discriminative ability assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: SPSMs were observed more frequently in FL (6.34%) than DLBCL (3.63%). Thyroid cancer predominated (22.2%, 18/81). DLBCL patients developed SPSMs earlier than FL patients (median 28.47 vs. 41.77 months, p = 0.031), though cumulative incidence accounting for competing risks did not differ significantly (Gray’s test p = 0.34). DLBCL patients with SPSMs had inferior OS compared to FL patients (p = 0.04). Non-GCB DLBCL showed greater SPSM diversity and survival disadvantage. Multivariable analysis identified FL (vs. DLBCL) subtype (HR = 0.328, p = 0.018), bone marrow infiltration (HR = 2.815, p = 0.014), initial radiotherapy before SPSM diagnosis (HR = 3.475, p = 0.005), and shorter time to SPSM development (HR = 0.973 per month, p = 0.021) as independent prognostic factors for worse OS. The nomogram model showed acceptable discrimination, with an AUC of 0.761 in the time-dependent ROC analysis.

CONCLUSION: This study provides novel insights into SPSM characteristics and prognostic differences in DLBCL and FL patients within a Chinese cohort. SPSMs in FL patients were observed more frequently, while DLBCL patients, particularly those with non-GCB subtypes, experience earlier SPSM onset and poorer survival. The validated nomogram, incorporating lymphoma-related factors, enables personalized risk stratification. However, the single-center design, small sample size (n = 81), and lack of SPSM-specific data limit generalizability, necessitating multi-center studies with comprehensive SPSM characterization for validation.

PMID:42014937 | DOI:10.1002/cam4.71844

Commun Biol. 2026 Apr 21. doi: 10.1038/s42003-026-10082-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

With the rising prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the development of new drugs targeting this condition is particularly urgent. Sabinineoside B, a new compound of phenanthrene alkaloid glycoside isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Sabia parviflora. Through establishing a high-fat diet mouse model and integrating metabolomics, proteomics, and phosphoproteomics analyses, this study elucidated the efficacy and mechanism of Sabinineoside B in treating MASLD, while preliminarily evaluating its pharmacokinetics and safety. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS), cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), pull-down, dual-luciferase reporter gene assays and siRNA techniques were employed to validate the binding interaction between Sabinineoside B and key targets. We found that the Sabinineoside B protein significantly reduces lipid deposition and liver damage in mice on a high-fat diet. Integrated multi-omics analysis and Western blot experiments revealed that Sabinineoside B regulates lipid metabolism and exerts lipid-lowering effects by modulating the PPAR α signaling pathway. Knocking down PPAR α attenuates the regulatory effect of Sabinineoside B on the lipid-lowering pathway, indicating that the molecular mechanism of Sabinineoside B’s lipid-lowering activity may be achieved by targeting PPAR α.

PMID:42014914 | DOI:10.1038/s42003-026-10082-6

Sci Rep. 2026 Apr 21. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-49918-w. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:42014908 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-49918-w