Tag: pubmed

Cureus. 2026 Feb 13;18(2):e103547. doi: 10.7759/cureus.103547. eCollection 2026 Feb.

ABSTRACT

Background and objective First-line tissue sampling for prostate cancer can be performed using either transrectal ultrasound biopsy (TRUS) or local anaesthetic transperineal biopsy (LATP). The aim of this study is to compare these two techniques, examining outcomes of procedure tolerability, complications and cancer detection rate. Methods A retrospective, single-centre cohort study of patients undergoing prostate biopsy was performed. A telephone questionnaire was completed 72 hours post-biopsy, focusing on pain scores and complications. Cancer detection rates were also recorded. Results This study included 110 patients (55 LATP, 55 TRUS). Clinical data examining age, digital rectal examination findings, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSA density, prostate volume and prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS) score were gathered. Tolerability in both LATP and TRUS was similar. The median pain score on ultrasound probe use and biopsy gun deployment was marginally higher in the TRUS group. Difficulty passing urine occurred in 9% of LATP and 16% of TRUS (p=0.3916). Haematuria was seen in 58% of LATP and 73% of TRUS (p=0.1600). No patient required hospital admission. Cancer detection rates for LATP versus TRUS were 58.2% and 47.3%, respectively, (p = 0.3397) with higher LATP detection also seen in isolated PI-RADS 4/5 cases (p=0.2270). No statistically significant difference was found in detection rates or complications. Conclusion LATP is safe when compared to TRUS in all aspects of procedure tolerability, complications, and cancer detection rate.

PMID:41841093 | PMC:PMC12989238 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.103547

Cureus. 2026 Feb 13;18(2):e103548. doi: 10.7759/cureus.103548. eCollection 2026 Feb.

ABSTRACT

Background Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is increasingly used to treat heavily calcified lower-limb arterial disease. We audited outcomes from a UK vascular center to assess the safety and effectiveness of this modality. Methods This was a single-center prospective audit of consecutive patients undergoing IVL at a UK vascular center between March 2023 and September 2025. Demographic data, lesion characteristics (including peripheral artery calcification scoring system {PACSS} grade), procedural details, and outcomes were recorded. Primary outcomes assessed safety, measured by 30-day survival, 30-day amputation-free survival (AFS), and procedure-related complications (perforation, dissection, and distal embolization), and effectiveness, defined as target vessel recanalization. Secondary outcomes included 30-day hospital readmission and one-year AFS. Statistical analyses included Fisher’s exact test and t-tests, as appropriate, with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Follow-up duration ranged from two to 24 months. Results Forty-five patients were included, of whom 37 (82.2%) were men, with a median age of 76.0 years. Twenty-four patients (53.3%) were elective admissions. Most procedures involved the superficial femoral artery (SFA), above-knee popliteal, and tibial segments, with Rutherford classes predominantly 4-5. Technical success was achieved in 91% (n = 41) of cases, and immediate procedural complications were infrequent. The 30-day readmission rate was 24.2% (n = 11). Severe calcification (PACSS grades 4-5) was not associated with major amputation (p = 0.67) or peri-procedural complications (p = 1.00). Thirty-day AFS was 75.6% (n = 37; 95% CI: 69.4%-91.7%), and 30-day overall survival was 88.9% (n = 40). Thirty-day mortality was significantly higher following emergency admission compared to elective admission (p = 0.03). At one year, major amputation occurred in 21.4% (n = 9) and all-cause mortality in 9.5%. Thirty-day readmission strongly predicted subsequent major amputation (66.7% versus 15.6%; p = 0.006). Conclusions In a predominantly critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) cohort with heavy arterial calcification, adjunctive IVL achieved high technical success with low peri-procedural complication rates. Early limb and survival outcomes were largely driven by baseline disease severity and the urgency of presentation, with emergency admission and early readmission serving as adverse prognostic markers. IVL appears to be a safe and effective vessel preparation strategy in complex calcified disease, supporting the need for larger prospective studies to refine patient selection and long-term outcomes.

PMID:41841085 | PMC:PMC12989239 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.103548

Cureus. 2026 Feb 13;18(2):e103534. doi: 10.7759/cureus.103534. eCollection 2026 Feb.

ABSTRACT

Background and aim Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances, with coffee serving as a primary source among university students globally. Many medical students use coffee to counter fatigue, stay alert, and maintain focus during extended study sessions and examinations. Caffeine works mainly by blocking adenosine receptors, which promotes wakefulness and temporarily improves attention and responsiveness. However, excessive consumption can lead to anxiety, disrupted sleep, and reduced cognitive function, potentially affecting academic performance. Despite the popularity of coffee, its overall impact on academic outcomes among medical students remains uncertain. This study aimed to explore the relationship between coffee consumption and academic performance among second-year medical students following their prelims examination. Methods This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among second-year medical students to assess the association between coffee consumption and academic performance. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on coffee intake patterns, demographic variables, lifestyle factors, and self-reported academic indicators. Academic performance data were obtained from institutional records of preliminary examinations. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate descriptive and inferential methods to evaluate associations between coffee consumption and academic outcomes. Results A total of 249 students were included in the analysis. Of these, 172 students (69.1%) reported regular coffee consumption, while 77 students (30.9%) were nonconsumers. The mean theory prelim examination score was higher among coffee consumers compared to nonconsumers. Students consuming one to two cups of coffee per day (96 students, 38.6%) demonstrated higher mean examination scores than both nonconsumers and those consuming three or more cups per day (76 students, 30.5%). Examination scores also differed significantly across categories of sleep duration and reported caffeine-related adverse effects. Conclusions Coffee consumption was associated with academic performance among second-year medical students. Moderate intake was linked to improved academic outcomes, while excessive consumption, particularly when accompanied by sleep disturbances, was associated with poorer performance. These findings highlight the importance of moderation, adequate sleep, and healthy study habits in optimizing academic performance.

PMID:41841082 | PMC:PMC12989166 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.103534

Cureus. 2026 Feb 13;18(2):e103521. doi: 10.7759/cureus.103521. eCollection 2026 Feb.

ABSTRACT

Background Orthopaedics currently has the largest waiting list of any surgical speciality in the UK, and the number of patients awaiting elective surgery is continuing to climb. This retrospective study aims to quantify the impact of coding errors on elective surgery waiting times at a large UK district general hospital. Method Data from 381 patients who underwent operations on elective orthopaedic operating lists between January 1, 2025, and March 31, 2025, were included in the study. Most orthopaedic patients with acute issues are operated on a dedicated acute list. However, surges in acute referrals may result in re-purposing of elective operating lists to treat acute patients. These cases are at risk of being incorrectly coded as elective operations. The electronic booking code of the operation was compared with the case notes of each patient to determine if the coding as elective or acute was accurate. Results Of the 381 patients coded as elective, 44 were acute cases falsely coded as elective. The mean waiting time for these false elective cases was 10.86 days, in comparison to 247.24 days for the true elective cases. Overall, incorrect coding of trauma cases as elective cases artificially reduced the mean waiting time by 27.14 days, or 11.01%. A Mann-Whitney U test showed this to be statistically significant (p = 0.012). Conclusion Inaccurate electronic coding substantially and artificially reduces orthopaedic surgery waiting time. This is likely driven by human error and software errors that can prevent correct coding. These issues might be addressed through a review of the approved Electronic Patient Record (EPR) software systems, staff training, and a further push towards cold-site operating to better separate acute and elective orthopaedic care. Finally, a multi-centre study would demonstrate how far-reaching these coding errors are.

PMID:41841079 | PMC:PMC12989084 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.103521

Encephale. 2026 Mar 15:S0013-7006(26)00029-1. doi: 10.1016/j.encep.2025.12.008. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In France, the judicial control of involuntary hospitalization by the “custody and liberty judge” (Juge des libertés et de la detention, JLD) is systematic. However, the way it is perceived by incarcerated individuals’ involuntary hospitalization in specially adapted hospital units (Unités hospitalières spécialement aménagées, UHSA) remains unknown. This study aimed to: (i) explore how incarcerated patients hospitalized in UHSA under involuntary psychiatric care experience and understand the JLD hearing; and (ii) compare these aspects based on the hearing format (videoconference vs. in-person).

METHODS: We conducted a questionnaire-based survey at the Lille-Seclin UHSA during two periods: from January 14th, 2021 to May 2nd, 2021 (videoconference hearings) and from October 7th, 2021 to March 31st, 2022 (in-person hearings) among involuntarily hospitalized adult male patients.

RESULTS: A total of 56 out of 68 eligible patients agreed to complete the questionnaire (response rate: 82%). Our results showed that people imprisoned and involuntary hospitalised were fairly satisfied with their hearing before the JLD and that they felt they understood the issues involved. Around 60% of respondents felt that they had been listened to by the JLD and that their rights had been respected during the hearing. However, 40% perceived that the hearing concerned their criminal status (whereas both systems are independent). No statistically significant differences were found between the “Videoconference” and “In-person” groups.

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that incarcerated patients hospitalized under involuntary psychiatric care in UHSA are generally satisfied with the JLD hearing, regardless of whether it takes place via videoconference or in person. However, the hearing appears to blur the distinction between psychiatric care and the judicial process, an issue that healthcare professionals should address with particular attention.

PMID:41839712 | DOI:10.1016/j.encep.2025.12.008

J Genet Eng Biotechnol. 2026 Mar;24(1):100668. doi: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2026.100668. Epub 2026 Mar 10.

ABSTRACT

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most occurred cancer types with yearly 377,713 cases and 177,000 deaths. Traditional risk factors of OSCC include smoking, alcohol consumption, excessive sun exposure, family history of cancer, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Last few years, the prevalence of OSCC is growing big in numbers particularly among younger people for their lifestyle. From the Gene Expression Omnibus, 2 gene-expression profiles (GSE23558 and GSE146483) were identified based on some conditions. The GEO2R tool was used to analyze those datasets to extract all the genes. Statistical cut-off criteria were applied to find out DEGs from both datasets, and after that common DEGs were identified by comparing both datasets. Common DEGs were used to perform bioinformatics analysis such as gene ontology and pathway analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction, and generating Transcription factor – miRNA network. 265 common DEGs were identified from the datasets including 69 up-regulated and 196 down-regulated DEGs. Using the STRING database and a strong combine score > 0.70, a PPI network is generated including 92 nodes and 226 interactions. Using 3 different hub DEGs seeking algorithm, we identified 9 top hub DEGs. The hub genes are Kinesin Family Member 23 (KIF23), Aurora Kinase A (AURKA), Centromere Protein F (CENPF), Cell Division Cycle 20 (CDC20), Discs Large Associated Protein 5 (DLGAP5), Centrosomal Protein 55 (CEP55), Anillin Actin Binding Protein (ANLN), Non-SMC Condensin I Complex Subunit G (NCAPG), and Kinesin Family Member 14 (KIF14). 3 significant clusters also identified from the PPI network. Previous study shows KIF23 takes part in raising Cell Proliferation in Hepatocellular carcinoma cells and AURKA shows notable overexpression in cancer tissues, which indicates that KIF23 and AURKA showed promising character to become possible biomarkers for OSCC. Further analysis needed to justify the statement.

PMID:41839689 | DOI:10.1016/j.jgeb.2026.100668

J Genet Eng Biotechnol. 2026 Mar;24(1):100667. doi: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2026.100667. Epub 2026 Mar 9.

ABSTRACT

Type-2 diabetes (T2D) is a risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC) and the incidence rate of CRC in T2D patients is significantly higher than in control patients. It may be associated with the overlapping dysregulated genetic factors. The management of CRC becomes complicated with T2D compare to without T2D due to the conflict of therapeutic priorities for both diseases.​ However, studies on overlapping dysregulated genetic factors and their therapeutic priorities during their co-incidence/existence, are very limited. This study aimed to identify those overlapping dysregulated genetic factors with their functions, pathways and regulators through which T2D may stimulate the development and progression of CRC, for exploring effective shared drug therapies (polypharmacological agents) against both diseases, since a disease specific drug may conflict with other diseases during their co-existence. In order to explore repurposable common drugs for both T2D and CRC, we identified both diseases causing top-ranked 8 sKGs (CD44, COL18A1, CLDN5, PLS3, PTK2, THBS1, CAV1, and EFEMP1) as the drug targets through transcriptomics analysis. The relationship of sKGs with T2D and CRC were also verified through the literature review, expression analysis with independent datasets, functional enrichment analysis with KEGG-pathways and GO-terms, regulatory network analysis with microRNAs and transcription factors (TFs), DNA methylation and immune infiltration analysis based on independent databases. Finally, sKGs-guided top-ordered four candidate drugs (irinotecan, leucovorincalcium, regorafenib and Fenretinide) were recommended as the shared treatments for both CRC and T2D during their co-existence. The recommended drug therapy might be effective to reduce drug burden from the patients. Therefore, the findings demand experimental and clinical validations for taking a proper treatment plan against CRC with T2D as comorbidity.

PMID:41839687 | DOI:10.1016/j.jgeb.2026.100667

J Genet Eng Biotechnol. 2026 Mar;24(1):100659. doi: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2026.100659. Epub 2026 Jan 23.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is among the most lethal malignancies worldwide and represents the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in both males and females globally. According to the Saudi Health Council (2020), colorectal cancer ranks first among Saudi males and third among Saudi females. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of Adansonia digitata nanoparticles against colorectal cancer induced by SW620 human colorectal cancer cells in mice.

RESULTS: The findings indicate that Adansonia digitata nanoparticles may represent a potential adjunctive therapeutic strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS: Adansonia digitata nanoparticles (ADNPs), particularly the encapsulated formulation (ADNPs2), demonstrated promising therapeutic potential in colorectal cancer. Treatment with ADNPs improved colonic histoarchitecture and modulated key inflammatory and apoptotic signaling pathways. Although several molecular markers did not exhibit statistically significant changes, consistent pro-apoptotic trends, downregulation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and reduced tumor invasion were observed, indicating notable anticancer activity. These findings suggest that ADNPs2 may represent a potential adjunctive strategy for the management of colorectal cancer.

PMID:41839681 | DOI:10.1016/j.jgeb.2026.100659

J Genet Eng Biotechnol. 2026 Mar;24(1):100658. doi: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2026.100658. Epub 2026 Jan 15.

ABSTRACT

Accurate and reliable brain tumor classification from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a critical component of computer-aided diagnosis systems, directly impacting clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. This study presents ResSGA-Net, a hybrid deep learning framework that integrates a ResNet50 backbone with dual attention mechanisms (global and gated) and a Swin Transformer to capture both fine-grained local features and long-range contextual dependencies effectively. A fusion strategy is employed to unify convolutional, attention-refined, and transformer-enhanced representations into a robust feature space for multi-class classification. The proposed model is evaluated on two publicly available benchmark datasets, including a four-class and a three-class brain tumor classification task, using stratified cross-validation. Extensive quantitative analysis demonstrates that ResSGA-Net achieves state-of-the-art performance, with accuracies exceeding 98% on Dataset I and strong generalization on Dataset II (accuracy of 93.18% and macro-averaged AUC of 0.989). Comprehensive statistical significance testing confirms that the observed improvements are highly significant and not attributable to random chance. Ablation studies further validate the individual contributions of attention mechanisms and data augmentation strategies, demonstrating that performance gains arise from tumor-specific feature learning rather than artificial data diversity. Qualitative analyses, including confusion matrices, training dynamics, ROC curves, and confidence-based visualizations, confirm stable convergence, robust generalization, and reliable decision confidence across tumor classes. These results indicate that ResSGA-Net provides an accurate, stable, and clinically meaningful solution for automated brain tumor classification, with strong potential for integration into real-world diagnostic imaging workflows.

PMID:41839680 | DOI:10.1016/j.jgeb.2026.100658

J Genet Eng Biotechnol. 2026 Mar;24(1):100653. doi: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2025.100653. Epub 2026 Jan 14.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignancy, and a prime cause of lethality related to cancer worldwide. Genetic research, particularly on lncRNA, shows prospects for BC management. PVT1 can activate many tumorigenic pathways. This contributes to angiogenesis and pathological progression. This study examined the association between the PVT1 rs13255292 variants and serum E-cadherin levels with BC risk, hormone receptor status, and tumor grade.

METHODOLOGY: Genotyping was performed on 120 blood samples (20 controls, 100 BCE patients, 100 stratified by histological grade: G1 = 3, G2 = 74, G3 = 23) using TaqMan assays. Also, Patients were classified as luminal A (n = 79) or non-luminal A (luminal B, HER2-enriched, TNBC) (n = 21). Serum E-cadherin was evaluated by an ELISA kit.

RESULTS: Findings revealed a statistically significant association between the PVT1 rs13255292 non-risk CC genotype and luminal A subtype patients, suggesting a potential protective effect. E-cadherin levels were significantly declined in BC patients compared to controls. Based on the histological grades, a notable reduction was detected in advanced G3 compared to G2. While serum E-cadherin showed promise as a non-invasive diagnostic biomarker. Also, the genotype-specific analysis indicated a trend toward higher E-cadherin expression in CC carriers’ group, though without statistical significance.

CONCLUSION: The current finding underscores that the CC genotype is associated with less aggressive luminal A tumors. It also reveals an inverse link between tumor grade and E-cadherin serum levels. These findings suggest that combining genetic screening of PVT1 variants with E-cadherin surveillance could enhance prognostic stratification in BC management. Further validation in larger cohorts is required to confirm clinical utility.

PMID:41839675 | DOI:10.1016/j.jgeb.2025.100653