Tag: pubmed

Biometrics. 2026 Jan 6;82(1):ujaf175. doi: 10.1093/biomtc/ujaf175.

ABSTRACT

An important goal of environmental health research is to assess risks posed by mixtures of environmental exposures. Studies in different fields often group exposures based on their shared biological features. However, such grouping information has not been widely utilized in population-based environmental mixtures analyses due to the lack of appropriate statistical tools. Inspired by data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we propose a semiparametric multiple-index interaction model (MIIM) to explore the impact of three groups of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on leukocyte telomere length (LTL). MIIM effectively addresses the challenge of high dimensionality by summarizing exposures into group-level indices, while allowing for nonlinear effects and interactions among exposures through these group indices. This formulation provides interpretable insights into both overall group effects and between-group interactions on the outcome, and allows for identification of key contributors within each group. MIIM can be applied to different types of health outcomes, including continuous, binary, and survival outcomes. We conducted Monte Carlo simulation studies to evaluate the performance of MIIM under various scenarios with high-dimensional and correlated exposure mixtures and illustrated its application to the NHANES data. By bridging biological insights with population-based epidemiological data, MIIM serves as a translational tool to explore the effects of environmental mixtures on health outcomes.

PMID:41623005 | DOI:10.1093/biomtc/ujaf175

Curr Med Imaging. 2026 Jan 30. doi: 10.2174/0115734056412910251125054025. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the image quality of virtual unenhanced and blending images from dual-energy CT for detecting colorectal cancer (CRC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 72 patients with pathologically diagnosed CRC underwent abdominal dual-energy CT, following which virtual unenhanced, linear blending, and non-linear blending images were generated by post-processing reconstruction. Both subjective and objective evaluations were conducted on these images, with signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) calculations conducted for organs, such as the liver, pancreas, and spleen.

RESULTS: Virtual unenhanced images of CRC, extraserosal fat of the tumor, liver, pancreas, spleen, kidney, and subcutaneous fat showed a lower signal intensity than both linear and non-linear blending images (P < 0.05), while the CNR of virtual unenhanced images was higher than linear and nonlinear blending images (P < 0.05). Except for CRC lesions, the SNR of other organs in virtual unenhanced images was higher than in linear and non-linear blending images (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in subjective image scores and the number of conventional lesions between virtual unenhanced image, linear, and non-linear blending (P ≥ 0.05). The Kappa coefficients for evaluating extraserosal invasion were 0.722, 0.584, and 0.584 for virtual unenhanced, linear blending, and non-linear blending images, respectively, with corresponding accuracies of 86.1%, 79.2%, and 79.2%.

CONCLUSION: Virtual unenhanced images of patients with CRC can provide high-quality images for diagnostic evaluation, potentially replacing linear blending and non-linear blending images in plain scans.

PMID:41623000 | DOI:10.2174/0115734056412910251125054025

Emerg Med Australas. 2026 Feb;38(1):e70220. doi: 10.1111/1742-6723.70220.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Assess the effects of Age, Period and Cohort (APC) in the trends in emergency department (ED) visits in 2003-2023 in Australia.

METHODS: For this retrospective observational study, we obtained data on all ED visits in Australia in 2003-2023 from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and applied an APC model to separate Age, Period and Cohort effects.

RESULTS: The total number of ED visits increased from 4,306,183 in 2003 to 7,194,861 in 2013 (67% increase). A 25% increase was observed in 2013-2023 (n = 9,014,526 visits in 2023). Rates of ED visits have increased in Australia in 2003-2023 from 218 per 1000 residents to 338 per 1000. Rates of ED visits were higher in patients aged > 85 years and have increased in 2003-2023 from 525 per 1000 to 835 per 1000 (59% increase). The increase in the number of ED visits per capita was slightly lower in those aged 65-74 (from 226 per 1000 in 2003 to 338 per 1000 in 2023, 50% increase) and those aged 75-84 years (350 per 1000 to 526 per 1000, 50% increase) compared to residents aged > 85 years.

CONCLUSIONS: Our APC modelling shows a deceleration in the increase in the rate of ED visits in the last decade, despite at the same age younger generations having higher rates of ED visits than older generations. The consistent increase in ED visits per capita in those aged < 75 years has major implications for healthcare planning and policies needed to reduce ED demand.

PMID:41622986 | DOI:10.1111/1742-6723.70220

Nanoscale. 2026 Feb 2. doi: 10.1039/d5nr04642d. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This paper reports on the template-assisted synthesis of Pt-based catalysts featuring a porous structure. The influence of various gadolinium precursors on the synthesis of Pt-Gd oxide catalysts is systematically investigated, with the objective of optimizing their crystalline structure and correlating it with their performance in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Transmission electron microscopy analyses reveal complex morphological features, while synchrotron radiation experiments, combined with an innovative and robust approach based on the Debye Scattering Equation (DSE), enable a more accurate correlation between the electrochemical performance and the actual morphology of the catalysts. Although this work does not claim the development of a breakthrough catalyst, the observed ORR activity is comparable to that of commercial benchmarks (e.g., TKK). More importantly, it underscores the value of DSE-based XRD analysis as a statistically rigorous and complementary technique for nanoparticle morphology characterization, offering significant advantages over conventional TEM in this context.

PMID:41622981 | DOI:10.1039/d5nr04642d

Am J Hum Biol. 2026 Feb;38(2):e70204. doi: 10.1002/ajhb.70204.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to summarize the evidence regarding possible differences in areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) across racial and ethnic groups of children and adolescents.

METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using five electronic databases, supplemented by complementary searches of reference lists. Studies should have used dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to assess bone mass in children and adolescents (aged ≤ 19 years) with no special clinical conditions.

RESULTS: Of the 1791 articles initially identified, 26 were included. Whites had lower aBMD/BMC than Blacks in 60.2% (47/78) of the analyzed results. In racial/ethnic groups that did not include Blacks, aBMD/BMC values were lower when compared to Blacks or ethnic groups that included Blacks in 80.0% (8/10) of possible results. Most findings indicated a paucity of evidence regarding differences in aBMD/BMC between Whites and Asians, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and Mexican-Americans (percentage of results ≤ 50.0%).

CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that White children and adolescents have lower bone mass values compared to their Black peers. Racial and ethnic groups that do not include Black individuals also exhibit lower bone mass values compared to Black children and adolescents. Additionally, there appears to be no difference in bone mass between White children and adolescents and their Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and Mexican-American counterparts.

PMID:41622979 | DOI:10.1002/ajhb.70204

Pak J Biol Sci. 2026 Jan;29(1):33-47. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2026.33.47.

ABSTRACT

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; &lt;i&gt;Chrysanthemum&lt;/i&gt; is one of the most important ornamental plants worldwide, yet conventional propagation methods remain inefficient; therefore, microponics (a system integrating micropropagation with hydroponics) offers strong potential for producing high-quality planting materials at scale. This study evaluates the efficiency of microponic and micropropagation systems for &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; propagation of the red cultivar of &lt;i&gt;Chrysanthemum&lt;/i&gt;×&lt;i&gt;morifolium&lt;/i&gt;, focusing on optimizing medium composition, plant growth regulator levels, medium volume and culture density and comparing plantlet performance during nursery acclimatization. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; &lt;i&gt;In vitro&lt;/i&gt; shoots, measuring 1-1.5 cm in length and consisting of two nodes, were used as explants. Experiments were arranged in a completely randomized design with five replicates. Data were statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with IRRISTAT 5.0, SPSS 20.0 and Microsoft Excel to identify the optimal culture conditions for each system and to compare growth parameters of plantlets during nursery conditions with treatment means compared by DMRT at the 5% significance level. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The optimal conditions for the microponic system were obtained using liquid 1/2MS medium supplemented with 0.1 ppm naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), with a medium volume of 20 mL and a culture density of nine shoots per vessel. Under these conditions, plantlets exhibited the highest shoot height (2.03 cm), fresh mass (0.17 g), 100% root initiation, 3.89 roots per explant (0.64 cm in length) and 4.26 leaves after two weeks of culture. In contrast, the optimal micropropagation medium was solid MS supplemented with 0.3 ppm NAA, 0.5 g/L activated charcoal (AC), 30 g/L sucrose, with the same culture density that used in the microponic system. Plantlets in this system reached a shoot height of 3.14 cm, a fresh mass of 0.20 g, 100% root initiation, 4.87 roots (3.44 cm in length) and five leaves. After 90 days in the nursery, micropropagated plantlets exhibited greater height, a higher number of leaves and earlier flowering, whereas microponic-derived plantlets developed larger leaves, thicker shoots and wider canopy diameters. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; The micropropagation system provided optimal conditions for &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; shoot growth and promoted earlier flowering, while the microponic system improved acclimatization and post-transplant performance of red cultivar of &lt;i&gt;Chrysanthemum&lt;/i&gt;×&lt;i&gt;morifolium&lt;/i&gt; plantlets.

PMID:41622958 | DOI:10.3923/pjbs.2026.33.47

Pak J Biol Sci. 2026 Jan;29(1):24-32. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2026.24.32.

ABSTRACT

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; The extensive use of antibiotics has created selective pressure leading to antimicrobial resistance, with biofilm formation serving as a major defense mechanism. Nearly 80% of infections involve biofilm-producing microorganisms that conventional antibiotics fail to eradicate. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of ethanol extract from songga wood (&lt;i&gt;Strychnos lucida&lt;/i&gt;) against &lt;i&gt;Bacillus&lt;/i&gt; sp., &lt;i&gt;Salmonella typhi&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Candida albicans&lt;/i&gt;. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of &lt;i&gt;S. lucida&lt;/i&gt; ethanol extract were assessed using the microdilution assay at graded concentrations (0.0625-1%). Biofilm inhibition was examined during both intermediate and maturation phases. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significance (p<0.05). &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; At the highest tested concentration (1%), the extract demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity, inhibiting 83.89% of &lt;i&gt;Bacillus&lt;/i&gt; sp., 80.03% of &lt;i&gt;S. typhi&lt;/i&gt; and 82.43% of &lt;i&gt;C. albicans&lt;/i&gt;. Pronounced antibiofilm activity was also observed, with inhibition rates of 75.36, 75.58 and 71.82% during the intermediate phase and 61.16, 61.76 and 61.14% during the maturation phase, respectively (p<0.05). &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; &lt;i&gt;Strychnos lucida&lt;/i&gt; ethanol extract exhibited significant antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects, indicating its potential as a natural candidate for developing alternative therapeutic agents. Further studies on its active compounds and mechanisms are warranted to support clinical applications.

PMID:41622957 | DOI:10.3923/pjbs.2026.24.32

Pak J Biol Sci. 2026 Jan;29(1):10-23. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2026.10.23.

ABSTRACT

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), particularly tongue malignancies, remains a major global health concern due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options. &lt;i&gt;Salvadora persica&lt;/i&gt; (Miswak), traditionally used by ancient Arabs for oral hygiene, contains numerous bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic value. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of Miswak extract using different solvents, quantify its total phenolic and flavonoid content and assess its anticancer activity against an oral cancer cell line through &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;in silico &lt;/i&gt;approaches. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; Miswak extracts were prepared using water, acetone and ethanol to compare antioxidant capacity and phytochemical content. The extract exhibiting the highest activity was selected for further analysis. The ethanolic extract was subsequently tested on the human tongue carcinoma cell line (HNO97) using the Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay to determine cytotoxicity. The ELISA was conducted to quantify TNF-α and VEGF-A levels, while real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-7. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the binding affinity of Miswak-derived compounds toward DAPK1, a key protein involved in regulating apoptosis. Statistical analyses were applied to assess the significance of the findings. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The ethanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and was selected for anticancer evaluation. SRB assay results showed potent cytotoxicity against HNO97 cells with an IC&lt;sub&gt;50&lt;/sub&gt; of 260.03 μg/mL. The ELISA confirmed significant downregulation of TNF-α and VEGF-A, indicating pronounced anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects. Real-time PCR demonstrated upregulation of caspase-3 and caspase-7, suggesting activation of apoptotic pathways. Molecular docking supported these observations by revealing strong binding affinities of the extract’s bioactive compounds to DAPK1. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; The ethanolic extract of &lt;i&gt;Salvadora persica&lt;/i&gt; demonstrates promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic properties, indicating its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate for oral squamous cell carcinoma. These findings provide a strong foundation for further &lt;i&gt;in vivo&lt;/i&gt; and preclinical studies to validate its efficacy and safety.

PMID:41622956 | DOI:10.3923/pjbs.2026.10.23

Pak J Biol Sci. 2026 Jan;29(1):1-9. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2026.1.9.

ABSTRACT

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Subclinical atherosclerosis in obesity is often not detected early. The FAM19A5 is a novel adipokin that is atheroprotective, known to play a role in inhibiting the proliferation and migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMC), but its expression in adipose tissue and its association with vascular lesions remain unclear. The Plasma Atherogenic Index (PAI) is also a predictive indicator of cardiovascular risk, but its association with coronary histopathological changes has not been widely evaluated experimentally. The study assesses the relationship between FAM19A5 levels and expression, as well as PAI values, with the histopathological picture of coronary arteries in the obesity model Rattus induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; Fourteen male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into a control group (standard feed) and an obesity group (a high-fat and high-fructose diet for 12 weeks). An examination of FAM19A5 levels (ELISA), expression of mRNA FAM19A5 in adipose tissue (qRT-PCR), plasma lipid levels, PAI calculations and histopathological examination of coronary arteries. All analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25 and a p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Circulating FAM19A5 levels were slightly higher in the obese group than in the control group, but not statistically significant. The expression of mRNA FAM19A5 is not detected in adipose tissue. The PAI value was higher in the obesity group. There was a significant difference in FAM19A5 levels in circulation between groups of coronary artery histopathological scores (p<0.05). The diet model successfully induces multistratified atherosclerotic lesions without additional proinflammatory substances. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; The integration of FAM19A5 levels, PAI values and the histopathological picture of coronary arteries provides a preliminary understanding of the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in obesity. The findings of undetected FAM19A5 mRNA expression support the hypothesis that FAM19A5 is not the primary adipokine and that its role in atherosclerosis is likely systemic or compensatory in nature.

PMID:41622955 | DOI:10.3923/pjbs.2026.1.9

Zhongguo Fei Ai Za Zhi. 2025 Nov 20;28(11):818-830. doi: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2025.106.32.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Lung adenocarcinoma is prone to brain metastasis, and the prognosis of patients is extremely poor. The inhibitor of apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 (iASPP) protein, encoded by the protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 13-like (PPP1R13L) gene, is a key inhibitor of the p53 pathway and promotes carcinogenesis in various tumors, but its role in brain metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma is unknown. This study aims to analyze the tumor microenvironment characteristics of patients with brain metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma and explore the expression of PPP1R13L in brain metastasis tissues and its clinical significance by single-cell sequencing and clinical sample analysis.

METHODS: Brain tissues from 4 patients with lung adenocarcinoma brain metastasis and 2 patients with oligodendroglioma (ODG) were collected from the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2014 to December 2024 for single-cell sequencing. The tumor microenvironment was analyzed by combining single-cell sequencing data from 4 lung adenocarcinoma samples and 4 normal lung tissue samples from public databases. Additionally, clinical data and paraffin sections of 50 patients with lung adenocarcinoma brain metastasis in this hospital were collected, and immunohistochemistry was used to assess iASPP expression and its association with clinicopathologic features and patient outcome.

RESULTS: Compared with the ODG and lung adenocarcinoma groups, the specific epithelial cells in the lung adenocarcinoma brain metastasis group were mainly enriched in oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis, hypoxia, and p53 pathways. PPP1R13L, as an upregulated differential gene, was highly expressed in the specific epithelial cell subpopulation of the brain metastasis group; the interaction between PPP1R13L-positive cells and fibroblasts was significant, activating cell-matrix adhesion related pathways, with the key ligand-receptor pair being collagen type I alpha 1 chain-cluster of differentiation 44 (COL1A1-CD44). Statistical evaluation revealed that smoking (HR=2.543, 95%CI: 1.159-5.583, P=0.020) and high expression of iASPP (HR=3.351, 95%CI: 1.310-8.575, P=0.012) were independent predictors of poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma patients with brain metastases.

CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the interaction between epithelial cells and fibroblasts in the microenvironment of lung adenocarcinoma brain metastasis and implicate PPP1R13L as a potential prognostic indicator and actionable target, offering rationale for precision therapy against lung adenocarcinoma brain metastases.

PMID:41622929 | DOI:10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2025.106.32