Tag: pubmed

Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2026 Dec;22(1):2682486. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2026.2682486. Epub 2026 Jul 6.

ABSTRACT

Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) are at increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, yet concerns about safety often lead to delayed or incomplete immunization. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1278 CSHCN attending the Special Vaccination Consultation Clinic of Kunming Children’s Hospital in Yunnan Province, China, between January 2023 to December 2024. We examined their disease spectrum, vaccination recommendations, and incidence of adverse events following immunization (AEFI). The cohort had a male-to-female ratio of 1.3:1, with infants aged 0-1 y constituting the majority (56.4%). Neurological (38.3%), neonatal (33.6%), and cardiovascular diseases (21.4%) predominated the consultation spectrum, with a marked age-dependent shift from neonatal conditions in early infancy to neurological disorders thereafter. Following specialist evaluation, 92.5% of children received vaccination advice: 76.7% were recommended for standard or single-dose sequential vaccination, and 15.8% for inactivated vaccines only; only 2.7% were advised to defer all vaccinations. Among 1182 children who were subsequently vaccinated, 174 reported AEFI, yielding an incidence of 14.7%. Fever was the predominant manifestation (70.7% of AEFI), and the vast majority (99.4%) of events occurred in children under 4 y of age. This study demonstrates that under the guidance of a specialized vaccination clinic, over 90% of CSHCN can be safely vaccinated. Individualized assessment based on age and disease characteristics is pivotal to ensuring immunization in this vulnerable population, thereby safeguarding their right to protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

PMID:42406396 | DOI:10.1080/21645515.2026.2682486

Pain Med. 2026 Jul 6:pnag084. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnag084. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Genicular nerve radiofrequency (gRF) treatment is a widely used intervention for chronic pain from knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This systematic review and meta-analysis focuses on RCTs utilizing image guidance to address inconsistencies in previous reviews and provide higher-quality evidence.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND METHODS: This study included RCTs that compared gRF techniques (conventional, cooled, pulsed, bipolar) to non-gRF treatments, including sham procedures, intra-articular injections, ozone therapy, and oral medications. Primary and secondary outcomes were changes in pain and total WOMAC scores at 3, 6, and 12 months post-gRF treatments. Subgroup analyses explored differences by lesion size, use of prognostic blocks, industry sponsorship, and study location. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed via I 2 statistics.

RESULTS: Eleven RCTs with 868 knee osteoarthritis patients (435 gRF, 433 non-gRF) were included. At 3 months, gRF significantly reduced pain (SMD -1.65, 95% CI: -3.20 to -0.10, I 2 = 98%, P = 0.040), but not at 6 months or 12 months. Secondary analyses showed no significant differences in total WOMAC scores between the gRF and control groups at 3, 6, and 12 months. Subgroup analysis showed that industry-sponsored studies reported significant 3-month pain reduction, whereas non-sponsored studies did not. This effect was independent of study location.

CONCLUSIONS: GRF provides short-term pain relief (up to 3 months) but neither functional improvement nor sustained pain reduction compared to non-gRF treatments. Our findings do not support the routine use of gRF for long-term chronic pain due to KOA.

PMID:42406393 | DOI:10.1093/pm/pnag084

J Drugs Dermatol. 2026 Jul 1;25(7):655-658. doi: 10.36849/JDD.10028.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Facial cleansers can disrupt the stratum corneum and cause irritation. Selecting a cleanser that is both effective and gentle is foundational to a tailored skincare routine, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin. This project assessed the relative mildness of Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleanser (GSC; Galderma Laboratories, LP, Fort Worth, TX) vs 7 other commercially available gentle cleansers using corneosurfametry.

METHODS: Surface skin cells were collected from the volar forearms of 18 volunteer participants using D‑Squame® standard sampling discs. Discs were then incubated for 10 minutes in a 10% aqueous solution of one of the 8 cleansers, 5% sodium lauryl sulfate (positive control), or water (negative control). Samples were stained with toluidine blue–basic fuchsin and measured by chromameter. Colorimetric index of mildness (CIM) least-squares means were compared pairwise versus GSC, and photographs provided qualitative corroboration. A higher CIM indicated a milder cleanser, while a lower CIM indicated a harsher cleanser.

RESULTS: The mean CIM for GSC was 63.87; pairwise comparisons indicated statistically significant differences between GSC and the mean CIM of the 7 comparators, which ranged from 46.95 to 53.32. Photographic tape appearance was concordant with CIM rankings.

CONCLUSION: GSC was significantly milder than the comparator cleansers as assessed by CIM and photographic analysis of the tape strips. These data suggest that there are differences in irritation potential among commercially available facial cleansers, which may help ensure patients and providers select a sufficiently mild cleanser for those with sensitive skin.

PMID:42406355 | DOI:10.36849/JDD.10028

J Drugs Dermatol. 2026 Jul 1;25(7):629-631. doi: 10.36849/JDD.10055.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pigmentary disorders, particularly hyperpigmentation, disproportionately affect individuals with skin of color and are associated with significant psychosocial burden. Despite their global prevalence, real-time data on public awareness and interest remain limited. Digital tools such as Google Trends offer a novel approach to assessing public interest in dermatologic conditions.

METHODS: Google Trends was used to evaluate public interest in hyperpigmentation-related terms such as “hyperpigmentation”, “pigmentation”, “skin brightening”, “brown spots”, and “dark spot treatment” from January 2004 to October 2025. Data were analyzed for the United States (US) and globally using relative search volume (RSV), a normalized scale from 0-100 representing peak popularity within a defined region and time frame. Temporal trends, seasonal variation, and geographical distribution were assessed.

RESULTS: Across all terms, RSV demonstrated a sustained increase over time both domestically and globally. “Pigmentation” and “hyperpigmentation” consistently showed the highest search interest, with a marked spike in “hyperpigmentation” in early 2025. “Brown spots” exhibited seasonal peaks during the summer months. In the US, the highest relative search interest for “brown spots” was observed in southern states, including South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee. Globally, countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Mauritius frequently ranked highly across multiple terms.

CONCLUSION: Public interest in pigmentary disorders has increased significantly over the past two decades. Google Trends provides valuable insight into consumer awareness and information-seeking behavior, highlighting potential gaps in education and access to dermatologic care. These findings may inform targeted public health initiatives and culturally responsive interventions for populations disproportionately affected by pigmentary conditions. &nbsp.

PMID:42406343 | DOI:10.36849/JDD.10055

Neurocrit Care. 2026 Jul 6. doi: 10.1007/s12028-026-02576-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we sought to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of mental health outcomes in survivors of neurocritical illness.

METHODS: Literature databases [PubMed, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and PsycInfo] were searched for terms relating to critical illness, intensive care, and outcomes from January 1970 to June 2024. English-language studies of adults with critically illness with a primary neurological diagnosis were included if they reported on mental health outcomes [specifically, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress (PTS), or general mental health]. Data extraction was performed, in duplicate, for prespecified variables related to study outcomes. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate pooled prevalence and symptom severity.

RESULTS: Of more than 33,000 abstracts screened, 24 publications reported on mental health outcomes: 19 reported on depression outcomes, 11 on anxiety, 7 on PTS, and 8 on general mental health. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] time to first depression, anxiety, and/or PTS assessment was 3 (1.75, 12), 4.5 (1.1, 7.5), and 3 (0, 3) months, respectively. The most common assessment tools were the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Depression Subscale (HADS-D; n = 8) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Anxiety Subscale HADS-A (n = 8), and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (PCL-5)/Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, Civilian Version (PCL-C) for PTS (n = 4). General mental health outcomes were studied using seven unique tools at a median (IQR) follow-up time of 3 (0.5, 6) months. Pooled depression prevalence [95% confidence interval (CI)] was 24% (20-29%) among publications using HADS-D and 26% (16-38%) in publications using any assessment tool. Pooled anxiety prevalence was 37% (21-56%) using HADS-A and was 32% (18-51%) using any assessment tool. PTS prevalence was 14% (8-21%). Heterogeneity of assessment tools precluded a pooled analysis of general mental health.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the burden of mental health symptoms following neurocritical care illness, with prevalences higher than the general population. These findings were impacted by substantial between-study heterogeneity-particularly in assessment tools and timing of evaluations-limiting precise prevalence estimation.

PMID:42406307 | DOI:10.1007/s12028-026-02576-2

Discov Ment Health. 2026 Jul 6. doi: 10.1007/s44192-026-00541-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Psychological vulnerability reflects a heightened susceptibility to psychological distress when individuals encounter stressors, particularly in the absence of adequate coping resources. In the digital era, has emerged as a potential risk factor contributing to this vulnerability. Family functioning has been proposed as a protective factor; however, its moderating role in the relationship between and psychological vulnerability remains insufficiently examined.

METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional quantitative design involving 284 active social media users in Pekanbaru, Indonesia, aged 18-50 years (M = 22.6, SD = 3.9), with the sample predominantly consisting of students (98.2%). Participants were recruited using a convenience sampling approach through online distribution. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with a disjoint two-stage approach.

RESULTS: The results indicated that was positively associated with psychological vulnerability (β = 0.400, p < .001), while family functioning showed a significant negative association (β = – 0.174, p = .001). The interaction effect between and family functioning was statistically significant but very small in magnitude (β = 0.103, p = .009; f² = 0.016). Conditional effect analysis showed that the association between and psychological vulnerability was stronger at higher levels of family functioning, indicating a non-buffering moderation pattern.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that is an important risk factor for psychological vulnerability, whereas family functioning demonstrates a protective direct effect. However, its moderating role appears limited and does not operate in a buffering manner. Given the very small interaction effect and the use of convenience sampling with a predominantly student sample, the findings should be interpreted with caution. Future research employing longitudinal designs and more diverse samples is needed to further clarify these relationships.

PMID:42406304 | DOI:10.1007/s44192-026-00541-1

Dig Dis Sci. 2026 Jul 6. doi: 10.1007/s10620-026-10098-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease with high morbidity and mortality, characterized by the activation of pancreatic enzymes within the pancreas, leading to autolysis. The clinical spectrum of AP ranges from edematous pancreatitis to necrotizing pancreatitis and may result in local complications such as pancreatic necrosis, pseudocysts, and peripancreatic fluid collections. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of daily C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, and CRP/albumin levels in predicting local complications of pancreatitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 350 patients with AP, who were hospitalised at Bilkent City Hospital, between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2023. Demographic data, AP etiologies, and biochemical parameters were recorded. The daily trajectories of CRP, procalcitonin, and albumin levels were monitored over 14 days. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22.

RESULTS: To distinguish cases with and without peripancreatic fluid collection, the cutoff values for CRP on the first, second, and third days were determined as ≥ 30, ≥ 33, and ≥ 59 (AUC: 0.6574; 0.8343; 0.8897), respectively. The cutoff values for procalcitonin were ≥ 0.09, ≥ 0.07, and ≥ 0.12 (AUC: 0.6457; 0.7227; 0.7310), while for CRP/albumin, the cutoff values were ≥ 0.2609, ≥ 1.0476, and ≥ 1.7143 (AUC: 0.6586; 0.8314; 0.8856), respectively. For distinguishing acute peripancreatic fluid collection (APFC) from WON-pseudocyst, the cutoff values for CRP on the first, second, and third days were determined as ≥ 79, ≥ 124, and ≥ 131 (AUC: 0.7428; 0.8360; 0.9613), respectively. The cutoff values for procalcitonin were ≥ 0.18, ≥ 0.13, and ≥ 0.10 (AUC: 0.7403; 0.8493; 0.8967), while for the CRP/albumin ratio, the cutoff values were ≥ 2.000, ≥ 3.000, and ≥ 2.9556 (AUC: 0.7530; 0.8368; 0.9634), respectively. For distinguishing pseudocyst from walled-off necrosis (WON), the cutoff values for CRP on the first, second, and third days were determined as ≥ 234, ≥ 91, and ≥ 229 (AUC: 0.5750; 0.6285; 0.7148), respectively. The cutoff values for procalcitonin were ≥ 0.96, ≥ 0.39, and ≥ 0.69(AUC: 0.6083; 0.6813; 0.7319), while for the CRP/albumin ratio, the cutoff values were ≥ 6.50, ≥ 5.3684, and ≥ 7.3571 (AUC: 0.5603; 0.6357; 0.7456), respectively.

CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that the daily variations in CRP, procalcitonin, and CRP/albumin ratio were significantly associated with AP complications.

PMID:42406297 | DOI:10.1007/s10620-026-10098-2

Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2026 Jul 6. doi: 10.1002/acr.80112. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Orofacial manifestations are significantly impactful in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), yet remain understudied, with no dedicated clinical guidelines to inform their management.

METHODS: An international online survey comprising 38 questions addressing orofacial manifestations of SSc, including patients’ confidence in their treating teams, and perceived unmet needs. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data.

RESULTS: We included responses from 334 individuals with SSc, who were predominantly female (95%), older than 55 years (>90%), of white race (87%), and residing in North America (68%) or Europe (23.7%). Most participants were registered with a dentist (90%), and attended at least biannually (64%); however, while (71%) brushing at least twice daily, only 49% used interdental aids daily. Difficulties with oral hygeiene were mainly due to restricted mouth opening (76.7%) and reduced dexterity (65%). The most frequently reported orofacial manifestations were xerostomia (81%), facial appearance concerns (76%), restricted mouth opening (75%), dysphagia (71.3%), and denture-related problems (70% of denture users). Following SSc diagnosis, increased dental extractions (12.6%) and worsening periodontal health (16.3%) were reported. Patients expressed more confidence in their rheumatologists (69.7%) than their dentists (46.1%) in raising concerns regarding the management of SSc-related orofacial issues. Over half of the respondants (55.7%) felt their oral health needs were neglected, particularly regarding periodontal health (51%), enamel wear (35%) and dental caries (28%).

CONCLUSIONS: Orofacial issues are common and impactful yet frequently overlooked by clinicians involved in SSc patient care and management. We have identified important patient-focussed priorities to inform the future research agenda.

PMID:42405430 | DOI:10.1002/acr.80112

Headache. 2026 Jul 6. doi: 10.1111/head.70174. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND: Cluster headache (CH) has historically been considered a male-dominated disorder, suggesting a role for androgens in its pathophysiology. We aimed to evaluate hormone profiles and symptoms of androgen deficiency in CH.

METHODS: In this prospective, matched case-control study with a nested repeated-measures component, fasted morning blood samples were collected in 30 males with chronic CH (CCH), 33 males with episodic CH (ECH; both during episode and remission), and in 30 age-matched male headache-free controls (HCs). Surveys assessing symptoms of androgen deficiency (Quantitative Androgen Deficiency of Aging Males [QADAM], Aging Males’ Symptoms [AMS]) were collected simultaneously. Steroid hormone profiles were compared among groups. The primary outcome was total testosterone (tT) including biochemical hypogonadism (tT ≤ 10.5). Secondary outcomes were hormonal pathways and individual hormones. Data were collected between October 2022 and April 2025.

RESULTS: Biochemical hypogonadism was observed in 20% of participants with CCH (n = 6), in 9% with ECH (n = 3), and in 7% of HCs (n = 2). None of the HCs had severe hypogonadism, in contrast to those with CH (CCH, n = 3/6; ECH, n = 1/3). AMS and QADAM scores indicated more symptoms of androgen deficiency in participants with hypogonadism, in ECH (AMS: B = 9.59 [95% CI = 5.69-13.50], p < 0.001; QADAM: B = -5.25 [95% CI = -7.39 to -3.11], p < 0.001) and CCH (AMS: B = 8.78 [95% CI = 4.45-13.12], p < 0.001; QADAM: B = -4.59 [95% CI = -6.97 to -2.22], p < 0.001) compared to HCs. In the unadjusted model, we observed a lower, albeit non-statistically significant, mean tT in participants with CCH versus HCs (CCH: B = -2.35 nmol/L [95% CI = -4.79 to 0.09], p = 0.059). In the adjusted model, the differences attenuated, suggesting a strong effect of body mass index and age on the mean tT (CCH: B = -0.93 nmol/L [95% CI = -3.81 to 1.95], p = 0.524; ECH: B = 0.55 nmol/L [95% CI = -2.05 to 3.15], p = 0.674). Measures of hormonal pathways and individual hormones did not differ among groups.

CONCLUSION: Biochemical hypogonadism was observed in one out of five males with CCH versus one out of 20 in the ECH and HCs. Apart from one case, gonadotrophin concentrations were not increased, suggesting a central origin. In the crude data we observed a lower, albeit non-statistically significant, mean tT in males with CCH, but this appeared to be mainly driven by body mass index and age, because it attenuated after correction. Clinical symptoms of androgen deficiency were more prevalent in CH compared to HCs, independent of hypogonadism. Physicians should be aware of potential increased risk and symptoms of (central) hypogonadism in CCH. Further investigation should explore shared underlying mechanisms and testosterone supplementation in CH.

PMID:42405415 | DOI:10.1111/head.70174

Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2026 Jul 2. doi: 10.2174/0118715303434247251208072607. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of denosumab and alendronate on bone mineral density (BMD) and liver fibrosis markers in patients with both primary osteoporosis (OP) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective observational study. A total of 60 patients diagnosed with both OP and MASLD were identified from Zhejiang Hospital and categorized into two groups based on their actual treatment received: denosumab (n=30) or alendronate (n=30). Baseline data, including demographic information, clinical characteristics, BMD, and liver fibrosis markers, were obtained from medical records. These measures were again obtained from records after approximately one year of treatment to evaluate changes in BMD and liver fibrosis markers.

RESULTS: In the denosumab group, marked improvements in BMD were observed at the lumbar spine (L1-4), femoral neck, and total hip (all P < 0.01). Additionally, there were notable reductions in liver fibrosis markers, such as FIB-4 and NFS (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). In the alendronate group, only an increase in lumbar spine (L1-4) BMD was noted (P < 0.05), with no statistically significant changes observed in femoral neck or total hip BMD (P > 0.05), nor in liver fibrosis markers.

CONCLUSION: Denosumab use was associated with improvements in BMD and reductions in liver fibrosis in patients with OP and MASLD, suggesting it may be a promising therapeutic option.

PMID:42405391 | DOI:10.2174/0118715303434247251208072607