Tag: pubmed

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 May 24;198(6):646. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15489-6.

ABSTRACT

This study examines the air quality trends associated with COVID-19 lockdowns and the subsequent recovery on air quality in Tehran, employing an established XGBoost framework for de-weathering with daily data from 22 monitoring stations from 2019 to 2025. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on six principal pollutants (PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, NO₂, O₃, SO₂, and CO) across four distinct temporal phases: Pre-pandemic, Pandemic, Post-COVID, and After Termination. While the model effectively reduced meteorological bias, exhibiting strong efficacy for particulate matter (R = 0.78-0.88; IOA = 0.68-0.88; FAC2 > 0.95), we explicitly acknowledge less consistent outcomes for reactive gases such as O₃ (R < 0.75; NMGE > 0.30). The imposition of lockdown measures coincided with significant reductions in pollutants associated with vehicular traffic: NO₂ exhibited a decline of – 30 to – 36%, PM₂.₅ decreased by – 18 to – 22%, and CO diminished by – 20%. In contrast, O₃ experienced an increase of + 20-30%, indicative of diminished NO titration. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) corroborated these trends, with PC1 (NO₂, PM₂.₅, CO) accounting for approximately 60% of the variance throughout the pandemic. In subsequent phases, partial recoveries were noted: PM₂.₅ escalated by + 15-20%, NO₂ stabilized at around -10%, SO₂ consistently decreased (-30% by 2025), whereas O₃ surged by + 20% by 2025, clustering with PM₁₀ in PC2, thereby highlighting the impacts of dust and secondary formation processes. Lockdowns yielded transient enhancements in air quality, with restricted long-term advantages. Sustainable progress necessitates the adoption of comprehensive policies targeting traffic, industrial emissions, VOCs, and dust management.

PMID:42177702 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15489-6

Metabolomics. 2026 May 24;22(3):81. doi: 10.1007/s11306-026-02466-w.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: TMEM18 has been indicated by genome-wide association studies as a key gene linked to obesity, yet its exact function and connections with major metabolic networks are unknown.

OBJECTIVES: The current study is aimed to determine whether the TMEM18 rs7561317 polymorphism linked with anthropometric indicators of obesity is accompanied with alterations in serum metabolites.

METHODS: This was a case-control study in which a total of 542 participants (Pakistani nationals) were involved including overweight or obese cases and those having normal body mass index (BMI). All participants provided blood samples which were utilized to extract serum and genomic DNA. The genomic DNA of all participants was genotyped for the TMEM18 rs7561317 variant while their serum samples were subjected to untargeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry based metabolomics.

RESULTS: A total of 42 putatively annotated metabolites were selected for further statistical analyses. Analyses revealed that the TMEM18 gene variant (rs7561317) exhibited statistically significant association with five metabolites namely urea, eicosane, geraniol, pentadecanoic acid and porphine as well as with BMI, percent body fat, waist circumference and weight. The G allele of this variant appears to increase the risk of developing overweight or obesity and may be associated with metabolite alterations.

CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the role of metabolite alterations in the manifestation of obese phenotype among individuals carrying the GG genotype of the TMEM18 rs7561317 variant.

PMID:42177698 | DOI:10.1007/s11306-026-02466-w

J Orthop Traumatol. 2026 May 24. doi: 10.1186/s10195-026-00923-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of critical-sized long bone defects is a complex orthopedic challenge. Free fibular grafts, vascularized (FVFG) and nonvascularized (NVFG), are established reconstructive options, but comparative clinical outcomes remain uncertain.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical and radiological outcomes of FVFG and NVFG in patients with post-traumatic critical bone defects more than 10 cm.

METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 50 patients assigned equally to FVFG or NVFG groups. The primary outcome was time to union, while secondary outcomes included graft hypertrophy, functional scores (DASH and LEFS), complication rates, and donor site morbidity.

RESULTS: The mean time to union was 5.78 months in the FVFG group and 6.17 months in the NVFG group, showing no statistically significant difference (p = 0.447). Rates of graft hypertrophy, functional recovery, and complications were comparable between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Both FVFG and NVFG provide effective reconstruction for critical bone defects, with nearly similar healing times and functional outcomes. NVFG may represent a less complex alternative in selected cases.

PMID:42177697 | DOI:10.1186/s10195-026-00923-9

World J Urol. 2026 May 24;44(1):380. doi: 10.1007/s00345-026-06500-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The optimal management of medium-sized (1-3 cm) renal stones remains a clinical dilemma, with retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) serving as competing minimally invasive options. To overcome the selection bias inherent in previous meta-analyses that included observational data, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of both techniques by exclusively analyzing randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS: A systematic literature search of five databases was conducted up to February 2026. Only RCTs comparing RIRS and mPCNL were included. The primary outcomes were the single session stone-free rate (SFR) and overall complication rate. Secondary outcomes included stone clearance-related outcomes, operative performance outcomes, and recovery-related outcomes. Data were pooled using a random-effects model, and trial sequential analysis (TSA) was applied.

RESULTS: Thirty RCTs encompassing 4173 patients were included. mPCNL demonstrated a significantly higher single-session SFR compared to RIRS (R.R: 0.92, 95% C.I: 0.88-0.96, p < 0.001). RIRS showed a trend toward a lower overall complication rate although the difference did not reach statistical significance (RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.63-1.01; p = 0.057), reduced blood transfusion requirements, smaller hemoglobin drops, and shorter hospitalization times. However, RIRS required significantly more postoperative auxiliary procedures. Operative times and high-grade Clavien-Dindo III-V complication rates were comparable between both techniques. TSA confirmed that the cumulative evidence for single-session SFR was sufficient and conclusive, whereas TSA findings for overall complication rate should be interpreted cautiously.

CONCLUSIONS: mPCNL achieves significantly higher SFR than RIRS in the management of 1-3 cm renal calculi. However, RIRS was associated with lower bleeding-related morbidity and shorter hospitalization, although no statistically significant difference was observed in the overall complication rate. Therefore, the choice between RIRS and mPCNL should be individualized, balancing maximal SFR against procedural invasiveness according to patient characteristics and stone complexity.

PMID:42177692 | DOI:10.1007/s00345-026-06500-3

Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2026 May 23:S0889-5406(26)00190-3. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2026.03.012. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate periodontal tissue changes after prophylactic gingival grafting in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion undergoing presurgical orthodontic treatment involving mandibular incisor proclination.

METHODS: A total of 28 patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion scheduled for orthognathic surgery were included. Thirteen received subepithelial connective tissue grafts before orthodontic treatment (graft group), whereas 15 did not (nongraft group). Lateral cephalograms and cone-beam computed tomography images were taken before and after treatment to perform cephalometric and periodontal measurements. The primary outcomes were supracrestal gingival area (GA) and gingival thickness (GT) 1-5. Secondary outcomes included alveolar bone thickness (BT) 1-5, vertical bone height, and clinical crown length. Statistical analyses included intragroup changes, intergroup comparisons, and regression analyses.

RESULTS: In the graft group, GA and GT significantly increased. In contrast, BT2 and BT3 decreased, and vertical bone height increased, indicating vertical bone loss. No gingival recession was observed in either group. In exploratory analyses, increases in GA, GT1, and GT2 were negatively associated with a change in the incisor mandibular plane angle, whereas increases in GT3-5 were negatively associated with age.

CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic gingival grafting before presurgical orthodontic treatment increased GT and GA in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion, even in the presence of alveolar bone loss.

PMID:42177665 | DOI:10.1016/j.ajodo.2026.03.012

Med J Aust. 2026 May;224(5):e70202. doi: 10.5694/mja2.70202.

ABSTRACT

Australia’s rate of living donor kidney transplantation has stagnated. In 2024, there were 253 living donor kidney transplants, down from 354 in 2008, with the living donor rate falling to 9.5 donors per million population-well below peer nations. Despite growth in deceased donation, waiting list times continue to lengthen and can now reach 6-7 years for some groups, reflecting the rising numbers of Australians living with kidney failure. Access is unequal: First Nations people receive few living donor transplants; women are more likely to donate than men but are less likely to receive a living donor transplant; and people from lower socio-economic groups are disadvantaged. Barriers include information gaps, limited multilingual resources, time-intensive workups and financial disincentives. A coordinated reset, supported by national leadership, contemporary guidance, better data and streamlined, culturally safe pathways can restore growth.

PMID:42177664 | DOI:10.5694/mja2.70202

Med J Aust. 2026 May;224(5):e70206. doi: 10.5694/mja2.70206.

ABSTRACT

National linkage of the Australia and New Zealand Living Kidney Donor Registry and the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry provides the first Australian estimates of kidney failure treated with kidney replacement therapy (KRT) after living kidney donation (2004-2024). Out of 5291 donors (56,962 person-years; median follow-up, 10.96 years), three donors underwent KRT (0.53 per 10,000 person-years). No events occurred within 10 years of donation. Australian clinicians can now counsel and guide potential donors using local data: risk of kidney failure requiring KRT is very low, but late events warrant lifelong follow-up.

PMID:42177660 | DOI:10.5694/mja2.70206

Physiother Res Int. 2026 Jul;31(3):e70233. doi: 10.1002/pri.70233.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) contributes to impaired postural control and increases the risk of falls due to sensory and motor deficits. The Feldenkrais Method (FM), a sensorimotor approach that enhances body awareness and coordination, may offer therapeutic benefits in addressing these challenges.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Feldenkrais Method in improving dynamic balance, postural control, fear of falling, and quality of life in adults with DPN.

METHODS: Twenty-six participants aged 45-60 years with DPN were randomized into a study group receiving FM-based training or a control group receiving conventional balance training. Both interventions were administered twice weekly for 24 weeks. Primary outcomes included Timed Up and Go (TUG), limits of stability (LoS), Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), and Diabetes-39 Questionnaire for quality of life (QoL). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni tests.

RESULTS: Significant post-intervention improvements were observed in the FM group across all outcomes: TUG (p = 0.0001), LoS (p = 0.0001), FES (p = 0.0001), and QoL (p = 0.0001). Furthermore, the FM group demonstrated statistically significant superiority over the control group in all primary and secondary measures (p < 0.05). The control group showed no statistically significant changes.

CONCLUSION: The Feldenkrais Method appears effective in enhancing balance, postural control, and quality of life in individuals with DPN. These results support its integration into neurorehabilitation programs.

PMID:42177654 | DOI:10.1002/pri.70233

J Biopharm Stat. 2026 May 24:1-14. doi: 10.1080/10543406.2026.2670525. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pharmaceutical polymorphism and crystallinity changes may have significant impact on drug’s quality, efficacy, and safety. The risk mitigation strategies include pharmaceutical development, monitoring and control strategy establishment during manufacturing, and stability monitoring program during storage. All of those are resources intensive. During data mining and analysis of risk mitigation strategies of new drug applications (NDAs) and abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) which may involve polymorphism and crystallinity change, one of the challenges is data heterogeneity encountered in submissions. This data heterogeneity may result in data not readily available for automated analysis which is called missing data. Modern statistical methodologies are available to handle this missing data and associated data analyses; however, very limited deployment of these methods to pharmaceutical chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) regulatory domain being reported. In big data era, consideration of statistical methodologies in this field will become continuously more important as the amount of available data in regulatory submissions increases. In this study, through data mining of approved NDAs and ANDAs by the FDA during the years 2017-2022 which had polymorphism and/or crystallinity keywords, we established a dataset which contained 148 approved NDAs and ANDAs and involved crystallinity monitoring and control strategy development of high-risk drug product manufacturing processes. Then, we applied several advanced machine learning techniques for exploratory pattern recognition and risk classification in the pharmaceutical manufacturing CMC domain. Furthermore, we conducted Monte Carlo simulations to demonstrate the feasibility of risk classification with generated synthetic outcomes using supervised machine learning techniques to the dataset established.

PMID:42177643 | DOI:10.1080/10543406.2026.2670525

J Biopharm Stat. 2026 May 24:1-7. doi: 10.1080/10543406.2026.2670518. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Parallelism is the prerequisite assumption that the test product behaves like a dilution or concentration of the reference product. It is the basis for defining the relative potency of a test product to the reference standard. Once parallelism between the test and reference curves is established, the relative potency will be constant at any effective response levels. This paper presents a review of most proposals for parallelism testing via significance, equivalence, and similarity testing approaches. The pros and cons of each proposal with equivalence margin determination are discussed. Recent approaches for testing parallelism are introduced in the paper.

PMID:42177641 | DOI:10.1080/10543406.2026.2670518