Tag: pubmed

J Natl Cancer Inst. 2026 Feb 6:djag028. doi: 10.1093/jnci/djag028. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) multiple myeloma (MM) survival statistics (https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/mulmy.html) that have been used to guide MM management and control have been systematically overestimated due to the inclusion of smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), a premalignant condition of MM. Using the latest SEER release, we estimated the extent of such overestimation in the survival statistics. In 2016, 77.9% out of 5,495 patients reported as overall MM were symptomatic MM and 10.9% were SMM. Median survival was 65.8 months for overall MM versus 56.8 months for symptomatic MM (p < .001). Inclusion of SMM overestimated MM survival by 9 months. Five-year relative survival estimates from 2015-2021 were 61.6% for overall MM, 57.9% for symptomatic MM, and 88.3% for SMM, versus SEER’s reported 62.4%. Survival statistics for symptomatic MM and SMM should be reported separately to guide MM management and prevention at the population level.

PMID:41652897 | DOI:10.1093/jnci/djag028

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2026 Feb 6. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.70819. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between household air pollution (HAP) exposure and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes among mothers in Ghana using evidence from the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey.

METHODS: A retrospective secondary analysis was conducted using data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS). The study included women aged 15-49 years with a recent pregnancy outcome. HAP exposure was proxied using unclean cooking fuel. Outcomes assessed were maternal anemia (hemoglobin <11.0 g/dL), low birth weight (LBW) (<2500 g), preterm birth (<37 weeks), and stillbirth. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to estimate associations between HAP exposure and outcomes. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS: Unclean cooking fuel use was highly prevalent (88.2%), especially in rural households (95.7%) and among the poorest households (99.8%). After adjustment, unclean fuel use was associated with higher odds of LBW (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.47; 95% CI 1.10-1.96; P < 0.008). Anemia, cesarean section and prolonged length of hospital stay after delivery were associated with HAP.

CONCLUSION: HAP remains a significant risk factor for adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in Ghana, underscoring the need to accelerate adoption of clean cooking technologies.

PMID:41652887 | DOI:10.1002/ijgo.70819

J Anal Toxicol. 2026 Feb 6:bkag008. doi: 10.1093/jat/bkag008. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a quantitative method for the analysis of designer benzodiazepines in postmortem blood samples using micro-QuEChERS extraction and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A comprehensive optimization of the method was performed using a multivariate statistical approach, incorporating validation criteria in line with established practices for method validation in forensic toxicology. The method showed linearity between 1 and 200 ng/mL (r2>0.990), with good imprecision (<9.8%) and inaccuracy (<11.1%) evaluated at three different quality control concentrations. Matrix effects and recovery rates were found to be better than 58% and 77.5%, respectively. No carryover or interferences were detected during the analysis. The method was effectively utilized on two real forensic postmortem blood samples, both of which tested positive for bromazolam, showing concentrations of 31 ng/mL and 40 ng/mL. The micro-QuEChERS extraction method demonstrated satisfactory analytical performance and is an environmentally sustainable option, minimizing the use of solvents and reagents, with potential for application in both clinical and forensic analyses, aligning with green analytical toxicology principles.

PMID:41652886 | DOI:10.1093/jat/bkag008

J Public Health (Oxf). 2026 Feb 7:fdag006. doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdag006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Green spaces are increasingly recognized as critical to public health. This study examines English local planning authorities’ green infrastructure strategies, evaluating how health improvement and inequality reduction goals are integrated.

METHODS: A quantitative content analysis was conducted on publicly accessible green infrastructure strategy documents. Of 305 potential authorities, 133 (44%) were included based on eligibility criteria. Only strategies published from 2012 onwards were included. Data were coded across themes: health policy and actors, health outcomes, demographics and inequalities, environmental change and health. A scoring system quantified consideration of health and inequality, with descriptive statistics summarizing thematic presence, frequency, regional variation, and temporal trends.

RESULTS: The integration of health and inequality varied substantially. Most strategies referenced general health outcomes, but fewer detailed actions targeting health inequalities or specific demographic groups. Regional differences were observed, and methods for monitoring health impacts were limited.

CONCLUSION: Local green infrastructure strategies in England increasingly recognize their health improvement potential, but inconsistent integration of health and inequality may limit impact. Stronger collaboration between planning and public health is needed to create equitable, accessible, health-promoting environments. Future research should explore longitudinal health impacts and identify best practices for integrating health equity in spatial planning.

PMID:41652877 | DOI:10.1093/pubmed/fdag006

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2026 Feb 7:llag059. doi: 10.1093/ced/llag059. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41652870 | DOI:10.1093/ced/llag059

Contact Dermatitis. 2026 Feb 6. doi: 10.1111/cod.70107. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fragrance allergy is difficult to define, with thousands of known fragrance-related compounds. Whether certain botanicals should be considered ‘fragrance’ and whether fragrance-allergic patients should avoid these ingredients remains unclear, with minimal published data on the topic.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate whether there is cross-reactivity between fragrance and various botanicals commonly found in personal-care products, such as aloe, coconut oil and shea butter, among others.

METHODS: A cohort of fragrance-allergic patients was identified using data from 2038 patients patch-tested at a tertiary referral centre from 2020-2024. Cross-reactivity rates to botanicals commonly found in personal-care products were calculated, and statistical significance was determined using Fisher’s exact test. Cross-reactivity was defined as > 10% reaction incidence.

RESULTS: In patients with fragrance allergy, there was no significant cross-reactivity to any of the investigated botanical compounds.

CONCLUSIONS: The low concomitant rates of reaction between fragrance and the investigated substances suggest that patients allergic to fragrance do not need to avoid certain common botanicals. Many products contain these compounds, including ones marked as ‘fragrance-free’. Dermatologists can safely reassure fragrance-allergic patients of the safety of many botanicals commonly used in personal-care products.

PMID:41652868 | DOI:10.1111/cod.70107

Nurs Health Sci. 2026 Mar;28(1):e70300. doi: 10.1111/nhs.70300.

ABSTRACT

Nurse-caregiver communication at discharge is critical to ongoing care of the patient but is often hindered by system-level barriers. Meaningful interpersonal encounters, or presence, are known to enhance clinical interactions amidst system-level demands. Nursing students (16) were randomly assigned to an intervention or control arm of the study. Nursing students in the intervention group participated in Presence Circles and a simulated discharge conversation with a standardized caregiver. Nursing students in the control arm participated in the simulated discharge conversation only. Nursing students completed pre-post surveys and standardized caregivers completed post-conversation surveys. Pre versus post, nursing students in the intervention group reported increases in presence behaviors but no difference in effective communication. Compared to the control group, nursing students in the intervention group identified themselves as engaging in more effective communication. Caregivers also reported more presence behaviors and effective communication when compared to nursing students. Results point to a possible shift in more presence behaviors following the intervention; however, a larger study is needed to demonstrate substantial behavior change.

PMID:41652866 | DOI:10.1111/nhs.70300

Head Neck. 2026 Feb 6. doi: 10.1002/hed.70192. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and to identify clinical and demographic factors associated with HRQoL outcomes.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 202 patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer who completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) questionnaire. Sociodemographic and clinical data such as age, sex, educational status, employment, tumor size, ATA risk classification, TNM stage, and radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy were recorded. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, Spearman correlation, and multivariable linear regression to determine predictors of global HRQoL score.

RESULTS: The median global HRQoL was 58.3 (IQR: 50.0-75.0). Functional scores were highest in role, emotional, cognitive, and social domains (median 66.7). Fatigue was the most prominent symptom (median: 44.4), followed by pain, dyspnea, and insomnia (each 33.3). Female sex, lower educational level, and higher RAI dose were associated with lower global HRQoL scores. Emotional functioning was significantly lower in patients aged ≥ 55 years. Multivariable regression analysis identified sex, education level, RAI dose, and TNM stage as significant predictors of HRQoL.

CONCLUSION: Despite generally favorable prognoses in DTC, multiple demographic and treatment-related variables significantly influence patient-reported HRQoL. RAI therapy and disease stage may impact HRQoL less than previously assumed. These findings highlight the importance of individualized supportive care strategies in survivorship plans.

PMID:41652854 | DOI:10.1002/hed.70192

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2026 Feb;25(2):e70702. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70702.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Acne is a common skin condition that seriously affects the physical and mental health of patients. In addition to the standard acne treatment, anti-acne skin care products are gradually becoming essential in preventing and treating acne. Herbal Balance Solution contains multiple botanical ingredients with potential anti-inflammatory and barrier-supportive properties. This pilot study aimed to explore the safety and preliminary clinical effects of Herbal Balance Solution in patients with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.

METHODS: Thirty-three patients with mild or moderate acne vulgaris were treated with Herbal Balance Solution once every 3 days for 4 weeks. At baseline (Week 0, W0), Week 2 (W2), and Week 4 (W4), acne lesion counts (total, inflammatory, and non-inflammatory lesions) and the severity index were measured to assess the treatment efficacy, and transepidermal water loss was tested to assess face irritation.

RESULTS: The number of closed comedones was significantly reduced (p < 0.01) at each time point after using the test product. Furthermore, the transepidermal water loss rate significantly decreased (p < 0.05). At Week 4, reductions in total inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesion counts were observed and were statistically significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: In this open-label pilot study, use of Herbal Balance Solution was associated with short-term improvements in acne-related clinical parameters and skin barrier function and was well tolerated in patients with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. These preliminary findings warrant confirmation in randomized, vehicle-controlled clinical trials.

PMID:41652827 | DOI:10.1111/jocd.70702

Pharmacogenet Genomics. 2026 Feb 2. doi: 10.1097/FPC.0000000000000594. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Posaconazole is used to treat and prevent invasive fungal infections. Posaconazole metabolism is mediated by the uridine 5′-diphopho-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A4 enzyme; prior studies have suggested UGT1A4*3 contributes to low posaconazole exposure, while the impact of UGT1A4*2 is unclear. This study aimed to further understand the relationship between posaconazole exposure and UGT1A4 genotypes. Steady-state posaconazole plasma concentrations (PPCs) and demographics of patients who received the oral tablet formulation of posaconazole were collected, retrospectively, regardless of the patient’s underlying diagnoses. UGT1A4 genotypes were obtained from the institutional research biorepository. The patients’ dose-controlled PPCs, PPCs, and clinical PPC categorizations by institutional prophylaxis and treatment targets were analyzed among UGT1A4 genotypes. Breakthrough infection data were also collected in patients receiving posaconazole prophylaxis. A total of 103 patients were included, with 21 (20.3%) UGT1A4 *1/*3, 76 (73.7%) UGT1A4 *1/*1, and 6 (5.8%) UGT1A4 *1/*2. The dose-controlled PPCs [(ng/ml)/(mg/day)] were 3.63 (2.45-6.92) for UGT1A4 *1/*3, 5.07 (3.04-7.11) for *1/*1, and 4.92 (2.89-6.12) for *1/*2 (P = 0.62). Additionally, no statistically significant differences in median PPC or clinical PPC prophylaxis and treatment classifications were found among UGT1A4 genotypes. One UGT1A4 *1/*3 and two *1/*1 patients experienced possible breakthrough fungal infections. This study did not confirm the previously reported association between UGT1A4*3 and reduced posaconazole exposure and found no association with UGT1A4*2. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of homozygous UGT1A4 variants on posaconazole exposure.

PMID:41652826 | DOI:10.1097/FPC.0000000000000594