Tag: pubmed

J Orthop Surg Res. 2026 Feb 3. doi: 10.1186/s13018-026-06690-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of skin staplers for wound closure following extended L-shaped incisions in the treatment of calcaneal fractures.

METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was performed on 82 calcaneal fracture cases (Sanders types III-IV) that underwent extended L-shaped incisions at the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from June 2022 to March 2025. Out of these, 60 cases met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A non-blinded, open, randomized controlled trial was conducted, assigning patients to either the stapler group (n = 28) or the Allgower-Donati group (n = 32). The key parameters assessed included wound closure time, the area of postoperative inflammatory reaction, changes in skin temperature at the incision corners, and wound healing grades. These parameters were then compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: At the 2-week postoperative follow-up, when sutures were removed, no significant differences were found in terms of inflammatory reaction area, skin temperature changes, or wound healing grades between the two groups. However, the stapler group demonstrated a notably shorter wound closure time (10.89 ± 2.87 min) compared to the Allgower-Donati group (20.44 ± 2.01 min).

CONCLUSION: The use of skin staplers for wound closure resulted in healing outcomes that showed no statistically significant differences from those achieved with the Allgower-Donati suturing technique in extended L-shaped incisions for calcaneal fractures. Importantly, the skin stapler method significantly reduces wound closure time (P < 0.05), which can lead to shorter overall surgical durations and a decreased risk of wound infections.

PMID:41634804 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-026-06690-x

Breast Cancer Res. 2026 Feb 3. doi: 10.1186/s13058-026-02222-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Reproductive factors are key breast cancer risk factors, yet contemporary generational patterns remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate trends in reproductive factors among US women born between 1910 and 2000.

METHODS: We conducted a serial, cross-sectional analysis of reproductive factors using data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 1999 and 2020. Female participants were grouped by birth cohorts (1910-1930, then by 10-year to 2000). Self-reported data were used to derive age at menarche, prevalence of age at menarche < 12 years, age at natural menopausal, prevalence of first live birth after age 30, and lifetime number of live births.

RESULTS: Data on 28,481 US women were analyzed. From birth cohort 1910-1930 to 1990-2000, the mean age at menarche declined from 13.0 (95%CI 12.9 to 13.1) to 12.4 (95%CI 12.3 to 12.5) years (difference = – 0.6, 95%CI – 0.7 to – 0.5, p for trend < 0.001). This decline was observed in both US (12.9 [95%CI 12.9 to 13.0] to 12.4 [95%CI 12.3 to 12.5]) and non-US born (13.3 [95%CI 13.1 to 13.6] to 12.3 [95%CI 12.1 to 12.5]) women. From birth cohort 1910-1930 to 1990-2000, the prevalence of age at menarche < 12 years increased from 14.2% (95%CI 12.4 to 16.1) to 26.5% (95%CI 24.3 to 28.9%). The prevalence of first live birth after age 30 increased from 4.7% (95%CI 3.1 to 6.9%) to 10.6% (95%CI 7.3 to 15.0%) from birth cohort 1910-1930 to 1980-1990. Among women who attained menopause (up to birth cohort 1950-1960), no significant changes were observed for age at natural menopausal. However, the average lifetime number of live births declined from 3.5 to 2.4 with a significant decline in the proportion of grand multiparous women.

CONCLUSIONS: Over the past century, women in the US are attaining menarche earlier, more likely to have their first birth after age 30 and having fewer births. Parsing the extent to which changes in reproductive factors are contributing to the rising incidence of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, especially in premenopausal women, is necessary to devise long-lasting and sustainable preventive strategies.

PMID:41634775 | DOI:10.1186/s13058-026-02222-x

BioData Min. 2026 Feb 4. doi: 10.1186/s13040-025-00508-y. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41634772 | DOI:10.1186/s13040-025-00508-y

Patient Saf Surg. 2026 Feb 3;20(1):7. doi: 10.1186/s13037-025-00467-7.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41634770 | DOI:10.1186/s13037-025-00467-7

Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2026 Feb 3. doi: 10.1186/s12933-025-03071-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Current clinical risk tools in type 1 diabetes do not include left ventricular dysfunction or inflammation, potentially limiting early risk detection. We aimed to evaluate the associations and predictive value of combining echocardiography with inflammatory biomarkers for mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

METHODS: In a prospective cohort of individuals with type 1 diabetes without known cardiovascular disease, we evaluated whether subclinical left ventricular dysfunction, defined by an elevated ratio of early mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/e’) or impaired global longitudinal strain (GLS), combined with elevated levels of an inflammatory biomarker (interleukin-6 [IL-6], soluble urokinase-plasminogen-activator-receptor [suPAR], or high-sensitivity C-reactive-protein [hsCRP]), was associated with all-cause mortality and MACE. Cox models were adjusted for all 10 variables included in the Steno T1 Risk Engine variables: age, sex, systolic blood pressure, duration of diabetes, HbA1c, low-density lipoprotein, estimated glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria status, smoking, and physical activity. C-statistics and net reclassification improvement were assessed.

RESULTS: Among 876 participants (51% male, median age 50 years), 114 deaths occurred over 14.5 years of follow-up. Elevated E/e’ combined with IL-6 or suPAR, but not hsCRP, was independently associated with mortality. Compared with individuals with E/e’ <8 and non-elevated IL-6, the hazard ratio (HR) for E/e’ 8-13 with elevated IL-6 was 2.5 (95% CI 1.4 to 4.6, P < 0.01), and for E/e’ ≥13 with elevated IL-6 was 3.4 (1.5-7.6; P < 0.01). Corresponding HRs for suPAR were 2.4 (1.2 to 4.7, P < 0.01) and 3.9 (1.8 to 8.5, P < 0.01). Adding E/e’ and an inflammatory biomarker increased the C-statistic from 0.839 (Steno T1 Risk Engine alone) to 0.887 (E/e’ and IL6) and 0.868 (E/e’ and suPAR). Findings were similar for GLS and with MACE as the outcome.

CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiography combined with inflammatory biomarkers synergistically identifies individuals with type 1 diabetes, without known cardiovascular disease, who are at high risk of mortality and MACE.

PMID:41634769 | DOI:10.1186/s12933-025-03071-2

Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2026 Feb 3. doi: 10.1186/s13223-026-01013-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic use in infants is hypothesized to alter the gut microbiota, influencing immune system dysregulation and increasing allergy risk. We aim to assess the prevalence of allergic diseases in children treated with different classes of antibiotics in early life.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from April 2024 to January 2025 in three main hospitals in the West Bank in Palestine. Records of pediatric admissions of children who received antibiotic treatment within their first six months of life were reviewed, followed by parents’ interview regarding the development of allergies.

RESULTS: A total of 423 medical records were included. The average age of children was 7.33 ± 1.38 years (mean ± SD), and 62.41% of them were males. The total prevalence of allergic diseases was 29.55%. Common manifestations of allergies were skin reactions (70.4%), wheezing (16.8%), and respiratory symptoms (10.4%). Among the most common reported triggers were food (10.17%) and dust (7.33%). The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were Beta-lactams; cefotaxime (78.49%), and ampicillin (63.59%). No statistically significant association was found between the number of antibiotics used and the development of allergies (p = 0.45). Similarly, different classes of antibiotics did not show an impact on developing allergies except for Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (p = 0.05). A significant decrease in allergy was observed with increasing age (p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION: Allergic conditions affect about one third of children treated with antibiotics in early life. While allergic conditions tended to decrease with age, no association was observed between antibiotic number/class and later allergy, except for a hypothesis-generating signal toward lower odds with TMP-SMX.

PMID:41634755 | DOI:10.1186/s13223-026-01013-5

BMC Womens Health. 2026 Feb 3. doi: 10.1186/s12905-026-04310-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Incarcerated women face significantly elevated cervical cancer risks compared to the general population due to higher human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence, limited healthcare access, and socio-demographic vulnerabilities. Despite elevated risk, female inmates are substantially less likely to receive cervical screening. No studies examining cervical screening among incarcerated populations in Nordic countries have been identified.

OBJECTIVE: To examine risk factors for cervical abnormalities, screening experiences, HPV vaccination status, barriers to screening participation, and symptoms among incarcerated women in Norway before and after a cervical screening campaign.

METHODS: A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted in all three Norwegian prisons with women’s wards using a researcher-developed questionnaire. Data were collected at baseline (January/February 2025, n = 77) and post-campaign (May/June 2025, n = 97). The campaign included informational materials, prison visits, and educational sessions. The questionnaire assessed demographics, risk factors, screening history, vaccination status, participation barriers, and symptoms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

RESULTS: Most respondents were aged 25-44 years, serving sentences under six months. High prevalence of risk factors was observed: tobacco/snus use (61.0%/53.9% at baseline) and multiple sexual partners (38.2% reported ≥ 5 partners). While 68.8% had prior cervical screening, only 19.6% received screening during incarceration. HPV vaccination rates were low (16.9%). Primary barriers included insufficient information (22.7% baseline, 33.8% post-campaign), fear of pain, previous trauma, and healthcare mistrust. Approximately one-third reported symptoms potentially indicating cervical abnormalities, most commonly persistent lower back pain (52% baseline, 65.6% post-campaign) and pelvic pain (36% baseline, 40.6% post-campaign). No statistically significant differences were observed between baseline and post-campaign responses.

CONCLUSIONS: Incarcerated Norwegian women exhibit multiple cervical cancer risk factors yet face substantial screening barriers during imprisonment. The campaign demonstrated limited impact on screening uptake, suggesting comprehensive sustained interventions are needed. Future strategies should address structural barriers, ensure adequate follow-up care, and explore self-sampling approaches to reduce health disparities in this vulnerable population.

PMID:41634726 | DOI:10.1186/s12905-026-04310-8

Virol J. 2026 Feb 3. doi: 10.1186/s12985-026-03088-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: West Nile virus (WNV) is primarily transmitted by the bite of Culex mosquitoes, but other mechanisms, such as blood transfusion, have also been described. Since its identification in the Americas in 1999, WNV has circulated consistently in the United States of America (USA); however, although WNV has been detected in humans in South America, no major outbreaks have occurred in more than 20 years. One of the hypotheses to explain this difference is the underdiagnosis of the infection. In Mexico, nine isolated cases have been officially reported since 2003 despite its proximity to the USA. In this study, we aim to demonstrate the circulation of WNV in blood donors from a northern border city of Mexico.

METHODS: Between August and September of 2023, 86 serum samples from volunteer blood donors were collected to determine anti-WNV Immunoglobulin (Ig) G using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. In a subgroup of 44 samples, anti-WNV IgM was determined. To corroborate the IgM results, nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) were performed to determine RNA of WNV, Dengue and Zika. The participants were questioned about the history of travel to the USA; all of them were residents of the city of Nogales, Sonora, located on the border with the state of Arizona. For the comparison of seronegative and seropositive donor groups, the Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for qualitative and quantitative variables, respectively. Additionally, a spatial analysis of seropositive cases was conducted.

RESULTS: One sample was reactive to anti-WNV IgM and IgG; however, all NAAT results were negative. In addition, 19 samples were reactive for IgG, and no statistically significant differences were found between the groups. Seropositive cases showed a geographic pattern of clustering on the outskirts of the city, in areas with low population density.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results strongly suggest recent WNV circulation among residents from the northern border of Mexico. The lack of differences regarding the history and frequency of travel to the USA suggests that contact with the virus occurs in Mexico and that the low reported circulation in the region represents an underdiagnosis of the disease.

PMID:41634716 | DOI:10.1186/s12985-026-03088-3

Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2026 Feb 3. doi: 10.1186/s12933-025-03043-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) serves as a crucial indicator for assessing atherosclerotic risk. It reflects the degree of dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The cardiometabolic index (CMI) provides a comprehensive evaluation of obesity-related metabolic risk, acting as a key biomarker for predicting multiple cardiometabolic diseases. The relationship between AIP and CMI in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and mortality or CVD risk remains unclear.

METHODS: This study included 5792 adult (≥ 18 years) NAFLD patients from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999-2018). Weighted logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were employed to investigate the association between AIP, CMI and all-cause mortality, CVD mortality and CVD risk. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves assessed non-linear associations. Subgroup analyses and mediation analyses examined the effect modifiers and mediators. The incremental predictive value of AIP and CMI was evaluated. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to validate the robustness.

RESULTS: During follow-up, 721 all-cause deaths (including 241 CVD deaths) and 726 total CVD events were recorded. After adjusting for confounding factors, patients in the highest quartiles of AIP and CMI had a significantly higher risk of specific CVD events. The strongest association was observed for CHF (AIP: OR = 3.157, 95% CI 1.684, 5.922, p < 0.001; CMI: OR = 3.604, 95% CI 1.843, 7.047, p < 0.001), followed by heart attack and CHD. CMI consistently demonstrated a stronger effect than AIP. RCS analysis indicates a non-linear relationship between CMI and CHD, angina pectoris. Subgroup analysis revealed that both AIP and CMI demonstrated high predictive value for all-cause mortality in the 40-60 age cohort. Mediation analysis revealed that Mets, NLR, hypertension and HOMA-IR partially mediated the aforementioned associations. The inclusion of AIP and CMI partially improved the predictive capability of the basic model. Sensitivity analyses validated the robustness of these findings.

CONCLUSIONS: In patients with NAFLD, CMI is a stronger predictor of non-fatal CVD than AIP. While both indices show limited value for predicting mortality, CMI holds promise as a practical supplementary tool for clinical risk assessment.

PMID:41634708 | DOI:10.1186/s12933-025-03043-6

BMC Complement Med Ther. 2026 Feb 3. doi: 10.1186/s12906-026-05265-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hypertension (HTN), a chronic inflammatory condition, is a major cardiovascular risk factor. Dysregulation of inflammatory cytokines and brain-gut peptides contributes to its progression. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a Tai Chi rehabilitation program on blood pressure, inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10)], and brain-gut peptides [neurotensin (NT), gastrin (GAS)] in patients with HTN, hypothesizing that Tai Chi would improve these parameters compared with Fitness exercise or no intervention.

METHODS: A randomized controlled trial enrolled 105 patients with HTN and coronary heart disease. Participants were randomized into the Tai Chi group (n = 35), Fitness group (n = 35), or Blank group (n = 35). The intervention lasted 24 weeks (3 sessions per week, 60 min per session, 40-60% heart rate reserve). Blood pressure and serum levels of IL-6, IL-10, NT, and GAS were measured before and after the intervention using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 27, applying paired t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlation.

RESULTS: Ninety participants completed the study (Tai Chi group: 31, Fitness group: 28, Blank group: 31). The Tai Chi group showed significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and IL-6 (p < 0.001), along with increases in IL-10, NT, and GAS (p < 0.001) compared to baseline. Compared with the Fitness group, the Tai Chi group achieved greater increases in NT and GAS (p < 0.05). Compared with the Blank group, the Tai Chi group demonstrated superior reductions in SBP and IL-6 (p < 0.05). Reductions in IL-6 were negatively correlated with increases in NT and GAS (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Tai Chi rehabilitation lowered systolic blood pressure, reduced inflammation, and improved brain-gut peptides, supporting its role as a complementary therapy for hypertension. The modest sample size, 14.3% dropout rate, and recruitment from two hospitals may limit generalizability, and larger multi-center studies with longer follow-up are needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered with the International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry (Registration No. ITMCTR2024000813; registration date: 2024/12/13).

PMID:41634677 | DOI:10.1186/s12906-026-05265-x