Tag: pubmed

In Vivo. 2026 Jan-Feb;40(1):382-388. doi: 10.21873/invivo.14202.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to quantitatively analyze and compare aqueous humor concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) versus non-glaucomatous controls while evaluating potential significant correlations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted an observational cross-sectional study. At surgery initiation, anterior chamber paracentesis was performed under sterile conditions, and 50-100 μl of aqueous humor samples were collected. VEGF-C quantification employed a multiplex magnetic bead immunoassay platform.

RESULTS: The study involved the collection of aqueous humor samples from 76 participants: 39 samples were collected from the POAG group and 37 from the control group (age-related cataract). Quantitative analysis revealed mean VEGF-C concentrations of 26.41±26.016 pg/ml in POAG eyes compared to 16.70±8.60 pg/ml in controls (p=0.277), demonstrating no statistically significant difference. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed limited prognostic ability for POAG detection (AUC=0.60; p=0.278).

CONCLUSION: This study represents the first large-scale evaluation of aqueous humor VEGF-C levels in patients with POAG. Our results provide evidence against VEGF-C up-regulation in POAG.

PMID:41482375 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.14202

In Vivo. 2026 Jan-Feb;40(1):495-501. doi: 10.21873/invivo.14213.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Pharmacological treatment and lifestyle modifications are the main therapeutic approaches; however, some patients respond poorly or have limited tolerance. Intravenous laser irradiation of blood (ILIB) has recently been proposed as a potential adjunctive therapy, but its clinical efficacy remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ILIB therapy on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters in patients with chronic diseases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective single-group study included 60 patients with chronic diseases who received ILIB therapy at the Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital between July 2022 and February 2024. Laboratory parameters before and after treatment, including total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, fasting glucose, and HbA1c, were descriptively compared to demonstrate absolute and percentage changes. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: After treatment, only TG showed a significant reduction (167.8 mg/dl vs. 118.8 mg/dl, p=0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with TG >150 mg/dL, LDL>130 mg/dl, and total cholesterol >200 mg/dl all demonstrated significant decreases after ILIB therapy (p<0.05), while no significant changes were observed in patients with normal baseline values. Fasting glucose and HbA1c showed no significant changes in any subgroup.

CONCLUSION: ILIB demonstrated significant lipid-lowering effects in patients with dyslipidemia, particularly in those with elevated TG, LDL, and total cholesterol. No changes were observed in patients with normal lipid levels, suggesting a “normalizing” rather than broadly “lowering” effect. ILIB shows promise as an adjunctive therapy for hyperlipidemia, though larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings.

PMID:41482358 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.14213

Cancer Genomics Proteomics. 2026 Jan-Feb;23(1):135-143. doi: 10.21873/cgp.20566.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia (T-LGLL) is a rare, indolent lymphoproliferative disorder of cytotoxic T cells in the peripheral blood, bone marrow, and spleen. This analysis was conducted to characterize genomic alterations and highlight potential therapeutic targets, with the goal of refining the molecular landscape of T-LGLL by emphasizing population-specific biomarkers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study utilized the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Project Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange (GENIE) database to identify common gene mutations. Using the AACR GENIE database, a retrospective analysis of T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia (T-LGLL) samples was performed. The data was evaluated by extracting patient demographics and excluding synonymous mutations from consideration. Statistical significance was assessed using chi-squared tests and computational analyses in RStudio (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Boston, MA, USA). Somatic mutations and chromosomal copy number variations were evaluated, with statistical significance defined as p=0.001.

RESULTS: Frequently observed somatic mutations included STAT3 (41.7%), STAT2 (20.9%), KMT2D (11.3%), SETD1B (8.7%), TP53 (7.0%), TNFAIP3 (6.1%), DNMT3A (5.2%), FAS (4.3%), SMARCA4 (3.5%), EPHB1 (2.6%), KSR2 (2.6%), ALOX12B (2.6%), EGFR (2.6%), DDX3X (7.0%), and IKZF3 (1.7%). When stratified by demographic variables, males and White patients demonstrated a higher frequency of mutations.

CONCLUSION: This study provides a comprehensive genomic profile of T-LGLL, identifying recurrent somatic mutations and commonly affected pathways. Notably, frequent alterations were observed in the FAS–FASL signaling pathway, underscoring its potential as a target for therapeutic development.

PMID:41482347 | DOI:10.21873/cgp.20566

Phys Rev Lett. 2025 Dec 12;135(24):241002. doi: 10.1103/p4l5-hxlf.

ABSTRACT

The energy spectrum of cosmic rays above 2.5 EeV has been measured across the declination range -90°≤δ≤+44.8° using ∼310 000 events accrued at the Pierre Auger Observatory from an exposure of (104 900±3 100) km^{2} sr yr. No significant variations of energy spectra with declination are observed, after allowing or not for nonuniformities across the sky arising from the well-established dipolar anisotropies in the arrival directions of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays. The instep feature in the spectrum at ≃10 EeV reported previously is now established at a significance above 5σ. Within the statistics, the energy spectra are indistinguishable across declinations so disfavoring an origin for the instep from a few distinctive sources.

PMID:41482327 | DOI:10.1103/p4l5-hxlf

Phys Rev Lett. 2025 Dec 12;135(24):248302. doi: 10.1103/rd46-hr3q.

ABSTRACT

Flocks of animals represent a prominent archetype of collective behavior in the macroscopic classical world, where the constituents, such as birds, concertedly perform motions and actions as if being one single entity. Here, we address the so far open question of whether flocks can also form in the microscopic world at the quantum level. For that purpose, we introduce the concept of active quantum matter by formulating a class of models of active quantum particles on a one-dimensional lattice. We provide both analytical and large-scale numerical evidence that these systems can give rise to quantum flocks. A key finding is that these quantum flocks exhibit distinct quantum properties by developing strong quantum coherence over long distances. We propose that quantum flocks could be experimentally observed in Rydberg atom arrays.

PMID:41482319 | DOI:10.1103/rd46-hr3q

Phys Rev Lett. 2025 Dec 12;135(24):240401. doi: 10.1103/cb7c-5f66.

ABSTRACT

We derive an exact master equation that captures the dynamics of a quadratic quantum system linearly coupled to a Gaussian environment of the same statistics: the Gaussian master equation (GME). Unlike previous approaches, our formulation applies universally to both bosonic and fermionic setups, and remains valid even in the presence of initial system-environment correlations, allowing for the exact computation of the system’s reduced density matrix across all parameter regimes. Remarkably, the GME shares the same operatorial structure as the Redfield equation and depends on a single kernel: a dressed environment correlation function accounting for all virtual interactions between the system and the environment. This simple structure grants a clear physical interpretation and makes the GME easy to simulate numerically, as we show by applying it to an open system based on two fermions coupled via superconductive pairing.

PMID:41482302 | DOI:10.1103/cb7c-5f66

Nat Prod Res. 2026 Jan 2:1-10. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2025.2601253. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Verbascum thapsus L., commonly called Mullein, is widely used in Ayurveda for the treatment of numerous ailments. The major objective of the present study is to analyse the phytochemical composition of different plant organs of V. thapsus. UPLC/MS-QToF analysis of methanol extracts from different plant organs (inflorescence, leaf, stem, and root) of V. thapsus displayed 61 active biomarkers. Among those, 48 compounds were found in the inflorescence, 40 in the leaf, 32 in the stem, and 29 in the root of V. thapsus. The distribution of these compounds was further evaluated statistically using Venn and Heat map diagrams. Moreover, a novel reverse-phase HPLC method was developed and validated as per ICH Q2(R1) guidelines to quantify verbascoside and luteolin of V. thapsus. The method was found suitable, specific, linear (R² > 0.999), precise, accurate, and robust. The current study’s novel findings can help with the identification and quality control of verbascoside and luteolin in plant species used in Ayurvedic medicines.

PMID:41481338 | DOI:10.1080/14786419.2025.2601253

JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2026 Jan 2. doi: 10.1001/jamaoto.2025.4766. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Innovative clinical trials (CTs) are needed to address the rising incidence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite adequate trial initiation, HNSCC CTs experience high failure rates, and the factors driving these trends remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the characteristics associated with failure (termination or withdrawal) in CTs for the treatment of HNSCC.

DESIGN AND SETTING: HNSCC CTs were identified on ClinicalTrials.gov from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2024, and trial failures were defined as early termination or withdrawal. Trial characteristics were compared between failed CTs and completed CT controls. Data were analyzed from June to August 2025.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was trial failure. The association between failure and CT characteristics, including phase, enrollment, funding source, intervention type, and age-eligibility criteria, was analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable regression models.

RESULTS: A total of 692 matched trials were analyzed, including 346 trial failures and 346 completed control trials. The overall leading reasons for failure were strategic decisions (defined as nonscientific, sponsor-driven choices; 102 trials [29.5%]) and poor recruitment (90 trials [26.0%]). The reasons for failure varied by trial characteristics. Strategic decisions were the predominant reason for failure in phase 1 trials, industry-sponsored trials, and immunotherapy and targeted therapy trials. In contrast, poor recruitment was a more common reason in later-phase trials, non-industry-sponsored trials, and trials investigating chemotherapy, radiation, chemoradiation, combination treatments, and supportive care. Temporal analysis revealed a growing failure rate among CTs since 2000. Increased log-transformed actual enrollment safeguarded against trial failure, whereas industry funding was an independent risk factor.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this study, HNSCC CTs were terminated early or withdrawn for a variety of reasons, most commonly due to strategic decisions or poor recruitment. Careful attention to trial characteristics associated with early failure is needed to overcome new barriers to drug development and adapt trial design to common reasons for failure.

PMID:41481330 | DOI:10.1001/jamaoto.2025.4766

JAMA Health Forum. 2026 Jan 2;7(1):e255890. doi: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2025.5890.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicaid enrollment increased because states suspended routine eligibility determinations. After this continuous enrollment provision ended in April 2023, millions of US individuals lost Medicaid coverage.

OBJECTIVE: To measure how the unwinding of Medicaid enrollment was associated with changes in patients’ use of health services, such as prescription medications.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional study was carried out using interrupted time series analysis to compare changes in quarterly Medicaid enrollment and prescription medication use from 2018, quarter (Q) 1 through 2024, Q1. Data were analyzed from November 2024 to February 2025.

EXPOSURES: The onset of continuous enrollment provision (2020, Q2) and unwinding (2023, Q2).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The outcomes were quarterly state Medicaid enrollment and estimated number of reimbursed prescriptions. Log-transformed linear regression models were used to compare changes in state enrollment and prescriptions after continuous enrollment and unwinding, overall and stratified by states with different net enrollment changes and policies to protect patients during unwinding. Subsets of medications for certain chronic conditions and formulations primarily used by children were analyzed.

RESULTS: In the quarter before the COVID-19 pandemic (2019, Q4), Medicaid enrollment was 71.4 million, and there were about 183.2 million prescriptions reimbursed by Medicaid programs. This included 59.1 million (32.3%) prescriptions treating chronic diseases, 30.3 million (16.5%) for acute conditions, and 15.0 million (8.2%) for other specified conditions. In 2023, Q2, enrollment peaked at 93.9 million (31.4% increase from baseline), and the number of prescriptions peaked at 212.6 million (16.1% increase from baseline). Enrollment increased by 2.42% (95% CI, 2.15%-2.70%) per quarter during continuous enrollment and decreased by 4.92% (95% CI, -6.12% to -3.70%) per quarter during unwinding. Concurrently, the number of prescriptions increased by 1.85% (95% CI, 1.21%-2.50%) per quarter and then decreased by 3.94% (95% CI, -5.73% to -2.11%) per quarter. Trends were similar for chronic disease medications and pediatric-specific formulations. States with the highest disenrollment during unwinding had the largest decreases in chronic disease medication use; states that implemented more protective policies had smaller decreases in enrollment and insignificant decreases in chronic medication use.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This cross-sectional study found that changes in Medicaid medication use during the COVID-19 pandemic continuous enrollment period and after unwinding were smaller than corresponding changes in enrollment. Unwinding had measurable impacts on patient access to prescription medications, but states that implemented protective policies were able to mitigate these changes.

PMID:41481327 | DOI:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2025.5890

JAMA Health Forum. 2026 Jan 2;7(1):e255903. doi: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2025.5903.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Housing cost burden is at an all-time high in the US and may disproportionately affect health outcomes among low-income populations. Medicaid-insured individuals and those diagnosed with cardiovascular (CV) disease, such as heart failure (HF), may be especially at increased risk of adverse health outcomes associated with housing cost burden.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between area-level housing cost burden and the probability of CV-related hospitalization or emergency department (ED) visits among Medicaid beneficiaries aged 19 to 64 years with HF.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional study used individual-level health care utilization data obtained from the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System Analytic Files (2018-2019). All zip codes in the US with resident Medicaid beneficiaries aged 19 to 64 years who had a preexisting diagnosis of HF and were continuously enrolled in 2019 were included except for those in Alabama, Rhode Island, and Utah due to data quality issues. Data were analyzed from October 2024 to October 2025.

EXPOSURE: Area-level housing cost burden was defined as the zip code-level proportion of housing units occupied by individuals with an annual household income less than $35 000 who spent 30% or more of their income on housing costs.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The probability of a CV-related hospitalization and of a CV-related ED visit in 2019. Generalized estimating equation models were used to evaluate the association between housing cost burden and outcomes after adjusting for individual and area-level factors.

RESULTS: This study included 233 195 individuals (mean [SD] age, 51.5 [9.6] years, 107 447 female [46.1%]) who were living in 19 577 zip codes. The mean (SD) zip code housing cost burden was 67.4% (16.5%). In 2019, 42 886 beneficiaries (18.4%) had at least 1 CV-related hospitalization and 75 392 (32.3%) had an ED visit. After covariate adjustment, a 10-percentage point increase in housing cost burden was associated with higher odds of CV-related hospitalizations (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06) and ED visits (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04). There were also higher odds of HF-related hospitalizations (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The findings of this study suggest that area-level housing cost burden may be associated with outcomes among Medicaid beneficiaries with HF and highlights the need to investigate whether strategies that address housing affordability can play a role in improving health outcomes in this population.

PMID:41481326 | DOI:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2025.5903