Tag: pubmed

Nat Neurosci. 2026 Feb 2. doi: 10.1038/s41593-025-02187-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

What are the foundations of visual categories in the human brain? Although infant looking behavior characterizes the development of overt categorization, it cannot measure neural representation or distinguish the underlying mechanism. For this, we need rich neuroimaging from young infants and the capacity to apply advanced computational models of vision. In this study, we conducted an awake functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study of more than 100 2-month-old infants, with follow-ups at 9 months, finding that categorical structure is present in high-level visual cortex from 2 months of age. This precedes its emergence in lateral visual cortex, suggesting non-hierarchical development of category representations. A deep neural network model aligned with infants’ representational geometry, indicating that the features comprising infants’ category template span a range of complexities and can be learned from the statistics of visual input. Our results reveal the existence of complex function in ventral visual cortex at 2 months of age and describe the early development of category perception.

PMID:41629539 | DOI:10.1038/s41593-025-02187-8

Odontology. 2026 Feb 2. doi: 10.1007/s10266-026-01332-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pit and fissure sealants (PFS) are effective in preventing occlusal caries. This randomized split-mouth clinical study aimed to compare the 18-month clinical performance of the bioactive resin-based PFS (BioCoat™) with a fluoride-containing conventional resin-based PFS (Fissurit FX) and to assess the influence of patient-related factors on material success. Sixty-three pediatric patients (aged 7-9) requiring non-invasive PFS were included. BioCoat™ (Group 1) and Fissurit FX (Group 2) were applied to contralateral mandibular permanent first molars. Clinical evaluations were performed at 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, and 18th months using modified USPHS criteria. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and logistic regression were applied. At 18 months, success rates were 90.2% for BioCoat™ and 88.2% for Fissurit FX, with no statistically significant difference between groups (p > 0.05). Both materials showed similar performance in marginal discoloration-adaptation, retention and secondary caries (p > 0.05). Median survival times were 17.72 months (BioCoat™) and 17.49 months (Fissurit FX), showing no significant difference (p = 0.744). No significant effect of patient-related factors on material success was determined (p > 0.05). BioCoat™ demonstrated comparable long-term clinical performance to Fissurit FX. Its bioactive properties may provide additional preventive benefits, supporting its safe use in pediatric dentistry.

PMID:41629532 | DOI:10.1007/s10266-026-01332-4

Transl Stroke Res. 2026 Feb 3;17(1):22. doi: 10.1007/s12975-026-01417-w.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41629521 | DOI:10.1007/s12975-026-01417-w

Int J Colorectal Dis. 2026 Feb 2;41(1):54. doi: 10.1007/s00384-026-05098-7.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This long-term follow-up study evaluates clinical and functional outcomes after ileocecal resection with either Kono-S or conventional anastomosis techniques in patients with Crohn’s disease. The goal was to determine whether the Kono-S approach confers a long-term advantage in preventing disease recurrence and improving quality of life. While the Kono-S anastomosis has shown promise in reducing recurrence rates in Crohn’s disease following surgery, most existing evidence stems from short- to medium-term follow-up. High-quality long-term data remain scarce, particularly in real-world clinical settings. This study aims to fill that gap.

METHODS: A retrospective-prospective cohort analysis was performed including patients who underwent ileocecal resection for Crohn’s disease between 2015 and 2017 at a single academic center. Patients were grouped according to anastomosis technique (Kono-S vs. conventional). Long-term follow-up data were obtained via chart review, imaging studies, and patient-reported questionnaires, including the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). Primary outcomes included recurrence rates, postoperative complications, and quality of life.

RESULTS: Seventy patients were included in the final analysis (Kono-S: n = 31; conventional: n = 39). The median follow-up duration was 8.1 years (interquartile range = 6.9-8.8 years). No significant differences were observed between groups regarding endoscopic inflammation (Kono-S = 19.4%, conventional = 25.6%, p = 0.39), restenosis (Kono-S = 9.7%, conventional = 2.6%, p = 0.34), or GIQLI scores (Kono-S: median 116 vs. 110, p = 0.08). Rehospitalization rates were numerically higher in the Kono-S group (16.1% vs. 2.6%, p = 1.0), but not statistically significant. Importantly, approximately 40% of all patients retrospectively stated they would have preferred earlier surgical intervention, independent of the anastomotic technique.

CONCLUSION: After more than 7 years of follow-up, the Kono-S anastomosis demonstrates comparable long-term outcomes to conventional techniques in terms of recurrence, complications, and quality of life. Patient reflections suggest a potential benefit of earlier surgical intervention, highlighting the need for more proactive surgical referral in gastroenterological practice.

PMID:41629511 | DOI:10.1007/s00384-026-05098-7

Trop Med Int Health. 2026 Feb 2. doi: 10.1111/tmi.70090. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Shigellosis, a major cause of diarrhoea in low- and middle-income countries, presents a significant public health challenge due to its high morbidity and mortality, particularly among children under five. The local epidemiology and resistance patterns of Shigella species in Cameroon remain poorly characterised. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns of Shigella species in Cameroon.

METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement and was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). A comprehensive search of databases was performed up to June 2025 to identify observational studies reporting Shigella prevalence. Data were extracted using a pre-tested standardised form, and the risk of bias was assessed with the Hoy et al. checklist. Meta-analyses were performed using a DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model in R software to estimate the pooled prevalence of Shigella. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q test and the I² statistic.

RESULTS: A total of 23 studies were included, surrounding 24,847 total units of analysis (including humans, animals, food and environmental samples). The overall pooled prevalence across all sources was 9% (95% CI, 5.51%-14.76%; I² = 93.3%). When restricted to human patient populations (n = 24,464 individuals), the pooled prevalence was 6% (95% CI, 3%-12%; I² = 94.0%). Prevalence rates in non-human sources were 6% in animals (n = 358), 9% in food samples (n = 1371) and 6% in environmental samples (n = 610). Among identified species, S. flexneri was most common (36.4%).

CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate a significant burden of shigellosis in Cameroon, coupled with a concerning level of resistance to first-line antibiotics. This high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) suggests that current empirical treatments may be ineffective, underscoring the critical need for a continuous surveillance program to guide clinical and public health interventions.

PMID:41629505 | DOI:10.1111/tmi.70090

Sci Rep. 2026 Feb 2. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-37412-2. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41629477 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-37412-2

Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2026 Feb 2. doi: 10.1007/s00266-026-05615-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The two main features that are important in defining the attractiveness of the nose include the projection and rotation of the tip of the nose. Among many techniques, Strat and SEG are much more efficient. The purpose of this study is to compare these two methods in preserving and maintaining of the tip of the nose.

RESEARCH METHOD: This study was conducted in two groups. Before, immediately after the operation and at intervals of six months and one year, distances and angles were measured with digital photo viewer software. Additionally, their satisfaction with the results of the operation was recorded on the basis of the prepared ROE questionnaire. Finally, the data were recorded in an Excel file and analyzed with statistical analysis software.

FINDINGS: There was no significant difference in rotation before surgery between the two groups, but there was a significant difference in average rotation immediately after surgery. In addition, there was no significant difference between the averages at six months and 12 months after surgery. On the other hand, the preoperative projection did not significantly differ between the two groups. In addition, the mean projection immediately after surgery and six months later did not significantly differ between the two groups, but a significant difference was observed 12 months later.

CONCLUSION: Therefore, the SEG method has greater durability than columellar strut does in the long term and can maintain the shape of the nose for a longer period.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

PMID:41629470 | DOI:10.1007/s00266-026-05615-7

Support Care Cancer. 2026 Feb 2;34(2):158. doi: 10.1007/s00520-026-10401-x.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in India, with patients often experiencing high symptom burden and compromised quality of life (QoL). Despite evidence supporting early supportive care integration, significant implementation gaps persist in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study addresses the lack of feasible intervention models for resource-constrained settings and inadequate characterization of mechanisms through which early supportive care improves outcomes-particularly symptom-specific contributions and financial burden reduction.

METHODS: This single-centre, randomised controlled trial at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, randomised 110 newly diagnosed adult female breast cancer patients (1:1) into intervention (early supportive care plus standard care) or control (standard care only) groups. Supportive care included symptom management, psychosocial counselling, and educational support. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 3 months using EORTC QLQ-C30 and Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS). Statistical analyses included t-tests, multivariate regression, and mediation modelling.

RESULTS: Both groups showed significant QoL improvement, but greater symptom reduction occurred in the intervention group (mean ± SD ESAS reduction: 30.69 ± 15.51 vs. 22.9 ± 15.99; p = 0.014). Fatigue and pain were significantly lower in the supportive care group (Cohen’s d = 0.55 [95% CI:0.17,0.94] and 0.38 [95% CI:0.00,0.75], respectively). Financial burden significantly reduced (p = 0.001), with higher patient and caregiver satisfaction (p = 0.032). Mediation analysis confirmed pain reduction as a key QoL predictor (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Early supportive care integration significantly reduces symptom burden, enhances psychological well-being, and lowers financial stress, supporting its inclusion as standard adjunct cancer care in developing countries, providing actionable evidence for policymakers in LMICs.

PMID:41629457 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-026-10401-x

Nat Med. 2026 Feb 2. doi: 10.1038/s41591-025-04156-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Routine adolescent health check-ups can support healthy development and well-being, but evidence on the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of contextually relevant comprehensive check-ups in low- and middle-income settings is limited. We conducted a hybrid implementation-effectiveness study incorporating a mixed-methods pre-post design of Y-Check, a comprehensive health check-up intervention in Zimbabwe, as part of a multicountry study developed and coordinated by the World Health Organization. Eligible participants were 10-19-year-old adolescents attending school or community venues. We used self-administered digital questionnaires, provider-led clinical tests and nurse reviews to screen for 25 conditions/behaviors. We provided health promotion, on-site care and referral to relevant providers. From October 2022 to September 2023, 2,097 adolescents were enrolled, of whom 1,843 (87.9%) were seen at 6 months. The primary outcome of appropriate care and/or referral(s) for all identified issues was achieved for 70.8% (95% confidence interval: 68.7-72.9%) of 1,865 participants with at least one issue. At follow-up, there were improvements in nutrition, health-related quality of life, self-esteem, behaviors and educational outcomes. The intervention was feasible and largely acceptable. Uptake of referral services varied by issue. Y-Check cost US$47 per participant. Through Y-Check, we identified untreated conditions and risk behaviors and successfully treated and linked adolescents to services. Here we provide evidence on the potential of the intervention to positively impact health and well-being.

PMID:41629426 | DOI:10.1038/s41591-025-04156-x

Nat Med. 2026 Feb 2. doi: 10.1038/s41591-025-04181-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Retrospective studies suggest that early time-of-day (ToD) infusions of immunochemotherapy may improve efficacy. However, prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to validate it. In this randomized phase 3 LungTIME-C01 trial, 210 patients with treatment naive stage IIIC-IV nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lacking driver mutations were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either an early or late ToD group, defined by the administration of the first four cycles of an anti-PD-1 agent before or after 15:00 h. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), while secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR). After a median follow-up of 28.7 months, the median PFS was 11.3 months (95% confidence interval (CI) = 9.2-13.4) in the early ToD group and 5.7 months (95% CI = 5.2-6.2) in the late ToD group, corresponding to a hazard ratio (HR) for earlier disease progression of 0.40 (95% CI = 0.29-0.55; P < 0.001). The median OS was 28.0 months (95% CI = not estimable (NE)-NE) in the early ToD group and 16.8 months (95% CI = 13.7-19.9) in the late ToD group, corresponding to an HR of an earlier death of 0.42 (95% CI = 0.29-0.60; P < 0.001). Treatment-related adverse events were consistent with the established safety profile, with no new safety signals observed. No significant differences in immune-related adverse events were observed between the two groups. Over the first four cycles, morning circulating CD8⁺ T cells increased in the early ToD group, whereas they declined in the late ToD group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the ratio of activated (CD38⁺ HLA-DR⁺) versus exhausted (TIM-3⁺PD-1⁺) CD8⁺ T cells was higher in the early ToD group (P < 0.001) compared with the late ToD group (P < 0.001). In summary, our study indicates that early ToD immunochemotherapy substantially improves PFS and OS and is associated with enhanced antitumor CD8⁺ T cell characteristics compared with late ToD treatment. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT05549037 .

PMID:41629425 | DOI:10.1038/s41591-025-04181-w