Tag: pubmed

Bull Math Biol. 2026 Jun 15;88(7):118. doi: 10.1007/s11538-026-01682-8.

ABSTRACT

Across ecosystems, autotroph growth and susceptibility to disease are strongly constrained by the availability of essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Understanding how nutrient availability influences disease transmission is important for predicting disease persistence, outbreak risk, and long-term ecosystem dynamics under changing environmental conditions. At the same time, infectious diseases in autotrophs can reshape ecosystem processes by altering elemental recycling and the nutrient supply available to hosts. Here, we formulate a five-dimensional deterministic system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations within a disease-mediated nutrient dynamic framework. We incorporate novel nutrient-driven transmission and nonlinear resource uptake kinetics to capture the bidirectional relationships linking elemental cycles with infectious disease in a natural forest ecosystem. Using a combination of qualitative mathematical analysis, including proofs of solutions boundedness and derivations of basic reproductive number, and numerical bifurcation analyses, we evaluate the system’s long-term behavior. Our results show that nutrient-disease feedbacks strongly regulate the distribution of host densities and nutrients between autotrophs and the abiotic environment. Incorporating nutrient-driven transmission reveals bifurcation structures distinct from frameworks with constant transmission, highlighting high sensitivity to nutrient availability and stronger nonlinear feedbacks. Bifurcation analyses indicate that nutrient enrichment lowers the transmission threshold for disease persistence and accelerates the onset of oscillatory dynamics with greater amplitude under high nutrient levels. Similarly, higher transmission rates reduce the nutrient threshold for disease persistence and shift oscillatory dynamics to emerge at lower nutrient levels. We further show that even small differences in infected host uptake rates strongly influence dynamics: lower uptake dampens oscillations and weakens feedbacks, whereas higher uptake amplifies bottom-up nutrient effects on disease and reinforces top-down effects on nutrient cycling, producing pronounced limit cycles in hosts, nutrients, and prevalence. Overall, nutrient-driven transmission alters thresholds and oscillatory regimes in ecosystem disease models, leading to dynamics that are not captured under constant transmission assumptions. This work advances applied ecosystem and ecological disease sciences by improving our understanding of disease transmission processes in plant communities.

PMID:42295654 | DOI:10.1007/s11538-026-01682-8

Clin Transl Oncol. 2026 Jun 15. doi: 10.1007/s12094-026-04455-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer (BC) characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 expression, and is one of the most challenging cancers to treat. Non-coding RNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers for various diseases, including cancer. Identifying these biomarkers may facilitate early diagnosis and improve treatment strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the non-coding RNAs NEAT1 and miR-506-3p expression levels in TNBC patients.

METHODS: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues and paired adjacent non-tumor tissues were obtained from 35 TNBC patients. Total RNA was extracted, and the expression levels of NEAT1 and miR-506-3p were quantified by qPCR using GAPDH and U6 as internal controls, respectively. Relative expression was analyzed by the 2^-ΔΔCt method. Statistical analyses included comparison of gene expression fold changes, assessment of associations with clinicopathological features, Spearman correlation analysis, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS: NEAT1 was significantly upregulated (≈eightfold, P < 0.0001) and miR-506-3p was markedly downregulated (≈fivefold, P < 0.0001) in tumor tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor samples. Elevated NEAT1 expression was significantly associated with the younger age group, necrosis, calcification status, larger tumor size, and vascular invasion, whereas no significant associations were observed with BMI, tumor grade, or lymph-node involvement (P > 0.05). MiR-506-3p expression showed no significant clinicopathological differences in subgroup analysis. A significant inverse correlation was observed between NEAT1 and miR-506-3p levels (rs = -0.33, P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed promising discriminatory performance for NEAT1 in the present cohort (AUC = 0.9563, 95% CI 0.9165-0.9961; estimated sensitivity = 1.00, specificity = 0.77) and moderate discriminatory performance for miR-506-3p (AUC = 0.7971, 95% CI 0.6946-0.8997). A logistic regression model combining both markers showed improved discrimination in this dataset (AUC = 0.9739).

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that NEAT1 and miR-506-3p exhibit opposite expression patterns in TNBC tissues and may serve as complementary tissue-based candidate diagnostic biomarkers. Their combined use showed improved discriminatory performance in this cohort; however, larger independent validation studies are required before a clinical diagnostic application can be proposed.

PMID:42295648 | DOI:10.1007/s12094-026-04455-w

Interdiscip Sci. 2026 Jun 15. doi: 10.1007/s12539-026-00857-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence and medical image analysis, MRI-based automated diagnosis has provided an effective approach for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) assessment. To improve the performance of MRI-based AD classification, this study proposes an AD diagnosis model termed High-level CBAM-ResNet34. First, T1-weighted structural MRI data are preprocessed using a unified pipeline and further converted into two-dimensional slices for model training. Then, a ResNet34-based classification framework is constructed, in which the convolutional block attention module (CBAM) is introduced into the high-level feature stage to enhance discriminative feature representation. In addition, to better adapt to inter-dataset differences, the negative-class weight parameter is selected according to the empirical performance on each dataset during training. Experimental results on the ADNI dataset show that the proposed model achieved an AUC of 0.8757 and an accuracy of 0.8160, outperforming several representative comparison models in overall performance. Ablation and comparison experiments further verified the effectiveness of the proposed design, and external validation on the open access series of imaging studies 1 (OASIS 1) dataset demonstrated its generalization ability. These results indicate that the proposed model is effective for MRI-based AD diagnosis and provides a useful reference for computer-aided neuroimaging analysis.

PMID:42295635 | DOI:10.1007/s12539-026-00857-0

Pharmacoeconomics. 2026 Jun 15. doi: 10.1007/s40273-026-01631-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Health economic modelling integrates evidence from multiple sources and relies on transparency to support reimbursement decisions. Hyperlipidaemia is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and is routinely evaluated within health technology assessment frameworks. This systematic review examines health economic models of hyperlipidaemia, evaluates the methodological approaches used in the model development and identifies opportunities to improve model quality and transparency.

METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE and Embase between 1987 and 2025 to identify hyperlipidaemia health economic models. Screening, data extraction and quality assessment were performed manually, and artificial intelligence (AI) software was used for additional checking, this was followed by conflict resolution. Findings are presented through narrative synthesis. This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD420251043922). The review assessed key aspects of model structure including model type, type of hyperlipidaemia, population, hyperlipidaemia-related events, model outcomes, time horizon, software used and discounting approach. We assessed methodological quality through the Philips checklist, with a focus on model structure, data usage, the way in which studies addressed uncertainty through sensitivity analysis and model validation.

RESULTS: A total of 154 unique model-based economic evaluations were identified, comprising 132 Markov models, 9 microsimulation models and 1 discrete event simulation. Most economic evaluations explored general hypercholesterolaemia in 138 studies, followed by familial hypercholesterolaemia in 23 studies, while lipoprotein(a) was investigated in two studies. Primary prevention was examined in 89 models, secondary prevention in 50 models and a combination of both in 15 evaluations. Overall methodological quality was assessed as high for models’ structure and data usage; however, it was moderate for model consistency.

CONCLUSIONS: Hyperlipidaemia models generally had transparent assumptions and a justified structure. However, current models often lack systematic data-selection practices to identify the most appropriate evidence for evaluation. Extensive uncertainty analysis and model validation were frequently absent in the assessed models. To support decision-making, model results should be displayed in an open-source format with publicly available code. Furthermore, patient values are rarely incorporated in current modelling practices, representing missed opportunities for patient-centred care.

PMID:42295615 | DOI:10.1007/s40273-026-01631-2

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Jun 15;198(7):723. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15369-z.

ABSTRACT

Urban food systems are at risk from microplastic contamination due to inadequate awareness among vendors and direct food contamination. In this integrated study, microplastics were detected in cauliflower from three high-traffic markets in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, along with a comprehensive survey of 111 food vendors to assess knowledge, risk perception, and behavioural intentions. In all market samples, microplastics were detected (9-16 particles per cauliflower), while they were absent from supermarket comparisons. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis identified multiple polymer types including polystyrene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate, with additional polymer signatures detected requiring further confirmation. The survey among vendors revealed alarmingly low awareness (6.3%), concentrated exclusively in Villapuram market (χ² = 11.81, p = 0.003), with limited health risk perception (30.6%) and low willingness to adopt alternative packaging (18.0%). Factor analysis identified three behavioural dimensions: Environmental Consciousness, Health Concern, and Business Adaptability. It is alarming to note that vendors are not aware of contamination despite measurable contamination, which highlights the need for targeted interventions.

PMID:42295589 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15369-z

Trop Anim Health Prod. 2026 Jun 15;58(5):339. doi: 10.1007/s11250-026-05092-9.

ABSTRACT

Livestock production in South Africa remains an important contributor to ensuring food security and provides many social and economic attributes to the country. Locally adapted and indigenous breeds are able to survive in extreme weather conditions and produce and reproduce for long periods of time. Cattle (non-descript) in these areas constitute a valuable genetic resource. The study was conducted to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of cattle populations in three regions of Gauteng. Hair samples were collected from Western Gauteng (n = 266), Lesedi (n = 132) and Tshwane (n = 69) regions. Direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted using eleven International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG) recommended bovine microsatellite markers. Fragment analysis was performed. Five local cattle breeds (n = 473) were included as reference populations (Afrikaner, Nguni, Brahman, Bonsmara and Drakensberger breeds). The Angus breed was included as an outgroup. Statistical analysis was performed using MS Toolkit, STRUCTURE and GenAlEx programs. High level of genetic diversity was found across the populations, with an average expected heterozygosity of 75%. Levels of inbreeding varied from – 0.031 to 0.042 with a mean of 0.015, illustrating low levels of inbreeding within the populations. The results from this study indicated that more genetic differentiation found within populations rather than between populations. These findings may serve as a baseline for the management of genetic resources and contribute in developing future breeding programmes in these municipalities.

PMID:42295579 | DOI:10.1007/s11250-026-05092-9

Pain Res Manag. 2026;2026(1):e6521682. doi: 10.1155/prm/6521682.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid in the treatment of hip osteoarthritis.

METHODS: Data were collected from the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. The outcomes selected included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, the Harris Hip Score (HHS), the Western Ontario, and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and its relevant subscores. A standardized mean difference (SMD) was used as the combined effect size, and a random-effects model was applied for analysis. The magnitude of the effect size was interpreted according to Jacob Cohen’s criteria.

RESULTS: A total of seven studies involving 465 patients were included. The meta-analysis results indicated that in terms of pain relief, the PRP group showed a statistically significant advantage in VAS scores at 6 months (SMD = -0.38 and p = 0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed that LP-PRP yielded significant improvement (SMD = -0.32 and p = 0.02), whereas LR-PRP did not (SMD = -0.46 and p = 0.18). Similarly, multiple injections (SMD = -0.43 and p = 0.02) demonstrated superiority compared to a single injection (SMD = -0.12 and p = 0.63).Regarding WOMAC-pain scores, the PRP group exhibited statistical differences at 6 months (SMD = -0.45 and p = 0.0006) and 12 months (SMD = -0.36 and p = 0.03). In terms of functional impairment, no significant differences were found in the HHS (SMD = 0.13 and p = 0.64) or WOMAC subscores (WOMAC-stiffness: SMD = 0.01 and p = 0.97 and WOMAC-function: SMD = -0.24 and p = 0.06) at any follow-up time point. However, the WOMAC total score indicated that the overall health status of patients in the PRP group was superior to that in the HA group after treatment (SMD = -0.42 and p = 0.009).

DISCUSSION: The findings of this study indicate that compared with HA, PRP demonstrates a statistically significant advantage in alleviating pain (VAS and WOMAC-pain) and improving overall symptoms (WOMAC total score) in patients with hip osteoarthritis (HOA) although the effect size was found to be moderate. However, regarding the improvement of joint function (HHS and WOMAC-function), no significant differences were observed between the two groups. In summary, while PRP presents a statistical benefit over HA in the treatment of HOA, the effect size is limited; therefore, further high-quality studies are warranted to definitively confirm its clinical superiority.

PMID:42287090 | DOI:10.1155/prm/6521682

World J Surg. 2026 Jun 13. doi: 10.1002/wjs.70462. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) undergoing axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) face substantial risk of arm morbidity and lymphedema. Axillary reverse mapping (ARM) may preserve upper-limb lymphatic drainage; however, evidence in post-NACT LABC particularly from resource-constrained settings is limited. This phase I study evaluated the feasibility of a low-cost dual-dye ARM and its impact on arm-related quality of life using LYMPH-Q.

METHODS: In this prospective study, 32 patients with LABC undergoing axillary surgery after NACT were included: 16 underwent standard ALND and 16 underwent ALND with ARM. ARM was performed using fluorescein sodium injected into the ipsilateral first web space and methylene blue injected subareolarly. ARM structures were preserved when oncologically safe. LYMPH-Q Upper Extremity scores were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Arm circumference and lymphedema incidence were recorded.

RESULTS: Baseline clinico-pathologic characteristics were comparable between groups. ARM did not significantly increase operative time (p = 0.166) or compromise nodal yield (p = 0.239). Fluorescent lymphatic channels were identified and preserved in 15/16 ARM cases. At 12 months, LYMPH-Q Symptoms scores were significantly higher in the ARM group (p = 0.039), with greater improvement from baseline p = 0.017). Lymphedema incidence was lower with ARM, though not statistically significant (p = 0.600). Increases in mid-upper arm and forearm circumference were significantly lower.

CONCLUSION: Low-cost dual-dye ARM is feasible following NACT in LABC and may improve patient-reported arm symptoms while maintaining comparable operative and pathological outcomes.

PMID:42287082 | DOI:10.1002/wjs.70462

Health Serv Res. 2026 Jun;61(3):e70141. doi: 10.1111/1475-6773.70141.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of Medicaid estate recovery in North Carolina.

STUDY SETTING AND DESIGN: We descriptively analyzed the number of estates, amount recovered, and hardship waiver applications using North Carolina public records data.

DATA SOURCES AND ANALYTIC SAMPLE: The data contained information on the number of estates and amount recovered through Medicaid estate recovery between 2017 and 2021 (n = 2975). Additionally, we analyzed hardship waiver application data for residents who applied and had their application processed between 2018 and 2021 (n = 301).

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We found approximately $83 billion was recovered from beneficiaries between 2017 and 2021, or 0.6% of the total cost of North Carolina’s annual Medicaid program and just 0.9% of the fee-for-service annual long-term services and supports Medicaid budget. We found that Black homeowners were more likely to have lower value estates recovered, and overall, more money was recovered from white estates.

CONCLUSION: While states hope Medicaid estate recovery may balance Medicaid spending through increased revenue, our findings demonstrate that these efforts may be insufficient. Policymakers should opt for strategies outside of the Medicaid program that can more precisely target high-net-worth individuals instead of policies like estate recovery that disproportionately impact low-income families.

PMID:42287075 | DOI:10.1111/1475-6773.70141

Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2026 Jun 18;58(3):650-657.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the etiology of chronic sialadenitis, and to analyze their clinical and imaging characteristics.

METHODS: This retrospective analysis reviewed the clinical and imaging data of patients with chronic sialadenitis who underwent sialendoscopy at the Peking University Hospital of Stomatology between January 2021 and August 2023.

INCLUSION CRITERIA: (1) with a history of recurrent swelling of major salivary glands; (2) complete medical records with detailed information about potential causes; (3) sialography images were available; and (4) patients had undergone interventional endoscopy.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA: (1) salivary stones; (2) juvenile recurrent parotitis; (3) IgG4-related sialadenitis; (4) Sjögren syndrome; and (5) neoplastic diseases. Based on the latest research results and clinical data, chronic sialadenitis was classified into radioactive iodine-induced sialadenitis (RAIS), allergy-related sialodochitis (ARS), adult chronic recurrent parotitis (ACRP), sialadenosis with sialodochitis, and idiopathic sialadenitis. Idiopathic sialadenitis was defined as a type of chronic sialadenitis with duct stenosis of unknown etiology (allergic causes, autoimmune disorders, radioactive iodine exposure, history of “parotitis” in childhood, etc.). The proportions of five types of sialadenitis were calculated, and their relationships with age, gender, type of affected glands, number of affected glands, duration of symptoms, and imaging characteristics were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 544 consecutive patients diagnosed with chronic sialadenitis were enrolled in this study. They consisted of 192 males and 352 females, and their ages ranged from 14 to 83 years [mean age: (47.44±13.52) years]. Idiopathic sialadenitis accounted for the largest proportion (71.7%, 390 cases), followed by ARS (12.5%, 68 cases), RAIS (6.4%, 35 cases), ACRP (4.8%, 26 cases), and sialadenosis with sialodochitis (4.6%, 25 cases). Among the 2 176 available glands of the 544 patients, 1 120 (51.5%) glands were affected, including 880 (78.6%) parotid glands and 240 (21.4%) submandibular glands. These five types of sialadenitis exhibited significant differences in gender, age, type and number of affected glands, and duration of symptoms (P < 0.05). Among them, RAIS patients showed the lowest male to female ratio (male ∶ female=1 ∶ 4.83), ARCP patients were the youngest [(32.50±8.60) years], and RAIS and ARS patients had relatively higher number of affected glands. Sialography showed ductal atresia in 23.2% of affected glands with ARIS, “snowflake” pattern in 46.5% of affected glands with ARS, “punctate and globular” ectasia of terminal ducts in 80.4% of affected glands with ARCP, and clustered branch ducts in 71.4% of affected glands with sialadenosis with sialodochitis. Moreover, stenosis and/or dilatation of the main and branch ducts represented the most typical sialography appearance of idiopathic sialadenitis.

CONCLUSION: Idiopathic sialadenitis, RAIS, ARS, ACRP, and sialadenosis with sialodochitis are the five common types of chronic sialadenitis. Among these, idiopathic sialadenitis is the most common type of chronic sialadenitis. Clarification of the etiology, clinical manifestations and imaging characteristics of chronic sialadenitis is important for clinicians to develop personalized treatment plans and improve treatment outcomes.

PMID:42287062