Tag: pubmed

Phys Life Rev. 2025 Dec 22;56:202-203. doi: 10.1016/j.plrev.2025.12.014. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41455146 | DOI:10.1016/j.plrev.2025.12.014

Clin Chem Lab Med. 2025 Dec 29. doi: 10.1515/cclm-2025-1339. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The Kappa Index has proven its diagnostic value for multiple sclerosis (MS), while its prognostic potential remains to be fully explored. The objective of this study is thus to investigate the value of the Kappa Index at disease onset in predicting disease activity and high-efficacy therapy (HET) initiation.

METHODS: We enrolled MS patients with available Kappa Index values at disease onset and a follow-up of at least two years. Primary outcome was the time to loss of NEDA3 (no evidence of disease activity-3) defined as the absence of relapses, MRI activity, and disability progression. Secondary outcome was the time to HET initiation.

RESULTS: Of 120 enrolled patients (36 M, 84 F, mean age: 35 ± 11 years), NEDA3 loss occurred in 89 (74 %) by the end of the follow-up period. A total of 98 (82 %) initiated a moderate efficacy therapy (MET); of these, 34 (28 %) transitioned to a HET during follow-up. Kappa Index values above the maximally selected log-rank statistic-derived cut-off of 38 were independent risk factors for NEDA3 loss (HR 1.75, 95 % CI: 1.09-2.80, p=0.021) and HET initiation (3.25, 95 % CI: 1.54-6.87, p=0.002) and also independently predicted HET following MET failure (2.54, 95 % CI: 1.17-5.51, p=0.018).

CONCLUSIONS: Elevated Kappa Index values at diagnosis predict disease activity, MET failure and HET initiation and may be a valuable adjunctive tool in identifying patients in need of prompt HET initiation.

PMID:41455127 | DOI:10.1515/cclm-2025-1339

Med Phys. 2026 Jan;53(1):e70208. doi: 10.1002/mp.70208.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sacral chordoma (SC) is a rare and locally aggressive tumor, characterized by a high risk of local recurrence (LR). Advanced imaging biomarkers capturing tumor heterogeneity and treatment response may help refine patient stratification and improve outcomes.

PURPOSE: This study aims to explore the potential of microstructural parameters and habitat analysis derived from diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) to characterize intratumoral heterogeneity, assess treatment-induced changes, following carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT), and investigate their association with recurrence patterns in SC patients.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 40 SC patients treated with CIRT. Microstructural parameters-cell radius (R), eccentricity (ecc), diffusion coefficient (D), cell volume fraction (vf), and apparent cellularity (ρ-app)-were estimated from DW-MRI using a computational model based on Monte Carlo simulations. Longitudinal changes were assessed from DW-MRI scans acquired at baseline, first follow-up (3 months after CIRT), and, for LR patients, at the time of recurrence. Habitat imaging analysis was performed by applying K-means clustering (k = 2) independently to each map of the six microstructural parameters. A joint clustering approach was then used to combine these binary maps, resulting in 64 unique microstructural configurations (2⁶ habitats). The spatial distribution of these habitats was quantified within the gross tumor volume (GTV) and recurrence regions. Associations with clinical outcomes were explored by analyzing habitat fractions in patients with early (early-LR) vs. late recurrence (late-LR), and by comparing recurrences predominantly located within the high-dose clinical target volume irradiated during CIRT (in-field-LR) vs. those partially outside the target (marginal-LR). Statistical tests, multiregional spatial interaction (MSI) matrix analysis, Cox regression, Spearman correlation and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed.

RESULTS: Treatment-induced changes in microstructural parameters were statistically significant in both local control (LC) and LR patients, characterized by an increase in cell radius, eccentricity, ADC, and diffusion, and a concomitant reduction in cell volume fraction and apparent cellularity. This pattern suggested a reduction in cell density and increased tissue disorganization, likely reflecting CIRT-induced cell damage and extracellular matrix remodeling. Habitat analysis revealed distinct microstructural configurations associated with clinical outcome. A favorable microstructural pattern-high diffusivity and low cellularity-was predominantly found in LC patients (HABITAT47_212221), whereas more aggressive configurations (low diffusivity and high cellularity) were enriched in LR patients (HABITAT26_122112 and HABITAT28_122122). Univariate Cox regression identified these high-risk habitats as significantly associated with recurrence (hazard ratio > 1, p-value < 0.05). Moreover, habitat fractions showed a progressive trend across recurrence risk subgroups (LC, late-LR, early-LR; LC, in-field-LR, marginal-LR), while spatial analyses revealed increased co-localization of high-risk habitats in LR patients based on MSI matrix analysis. Finally, Kaplan-Meier analysis based on hazard ratios predicted at first follow-up using Cox models trained on baseline habitat fractions revealed significant differences in progression-free survival.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the potential of DW-MRI-derived microstructural parameters and habitat imaging to capture intratumoral heterogeneity, assess treatment-induced microstructural changes, and identify high-risk patterns associated with LR in SC patients treated with CIRT. These findings support the integration of microstructural and habitat-based imaging as a non-invasive tool for risk stratification and personalized treatment planning in CIRT for SC.

PMID:41455110 | DOI:10.1002/mp.70208

Environ Sci Technol. 2025 Dec 27. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c10153. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Knowledge of ground-level ozone (O₃) formation in the Southern Hemisphere is limited due to the lack of long-term in situ O₃ observations. Here, we analyzed the ground-based measurement data of O₃, formaldehyde (HCHO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) collected from 2011 to 2020 at two sites in eastern Australia, namely, Memorial Park and Springwood. Only HCHO at Memorial Park showed a statistically significant upward trend (0.19 ppb yr^-1). Compared with the sea-influenced air masses, the land-influenced air masses were observed to enhance all pollutant concentrations at two sites. According to the site-specific sensitivity of the O₃ to the HCHO-to-NO₂ ratio (FNR), the daytime formation of the O₃ at two sites was mainly in the volatile organic compound (VOC)-limited regime. When the long-term variability of NO₂ was weak, HCHO, particularly from primary emissions indicated by BTX, was observed to predominantly control the monthly FNR at each site over time. Our work underscores the importance of long-term in situ measurements in interpreting ground-level O₃ formation and potentially informs future O₃ studies in other areas in the Southern Hemisphere.

PMID:41455097 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c10153

Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2025 Dec 27. doi: 10.1111/apt.70492. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Disentangling whether disordered eating is a cause, consequence or manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms remains a challenge. We conducted an updated systematic review and the first meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of eating disorders in individuals with IBD.

METHODS: We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO from inception to 28 October 2025, for original observational studies reporting the prevalence of at least one eating disorder in an IBD population. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using random-effects models and stratified by IBD type, sex, age and assessment method. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using Q and I² statistics.

RESULTS: Twenty-three studies were included. Prevalence estimates varied substantially depending on how eating disorders were assessed. Studies using self-report questionnaires yielded a pooled prevalence of 13.60% (95% CI = 9.86%-17.81%; I² = 90.7%; n = 18), whereas studies employing physician-assigned diagnoses yielded a lower pooled prevalence of 2.84% (95% CI = 0.00%-9.03%; I² = 99.9%; n = 5). The highest prevalence was observed in studies using the Nine-Item Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Screen, with a pooled estimate of 17.10% (95% CI = 12.81%-21.88%; I² = 87.4%; n = 9). No significant differences in prevalence were found by sex, IBD subtype, age at time of study or disease activity.

CONCLUSIONS: Eating disorders are prevalent among individuals with IBD, particularly avoidant/restrictive types. These findings highlight the need for improved screening and greater clinical awareness to better detect and manage disordered eating in the IBD population.

PMID:41455094 | DOI:10.1111/apt.70492

Support Care Cancer. 2025 Dec 27;34(1):57. doi: 10.1007/s00520-025-10284-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With improved survival in pediatric cancers, late effects such as reproductive dysfunction and infertility have emerged as a major concern. Oncofertility services remain underdeveloped in India, particularly in public sector institutions. We aimed to evaluate reproductive function and fertility preservation practices in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) attending a tertiary care center in India.

METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study of CCS enrolled at the Pediatric Cancer Survivor Clinic of AIIMS, New Delhi, between January 2022 and December 2024. Survivors ≥ 8 years of age with prior gonadotoxic therapy were included. Hormonal assays, semen analysis, and ovarian reserve evaluations were conducted. Interventions were offered based as indicated.

FINDING: The cohort included 87 males and 45 females, mostly treated for hemato-lymphoid malignancies. Hypogonadism was identified in 76.3% of males based on low testosterone, and azoospermia in 50% of those tested. Among females, 56.8% of those tested had low anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, and 62.5% of those tested had reduced antral follicle count. Despite high-risk features, fertility preservation uptake was poor. Only five females received hormone replacement therapy. Cultural barriers and financial constraints were major deterrents.

CONCLUSION: There is a high burden of reproductive dysfunction among Indian CCS, with significant gaps in fertility preservation. Early integration of oncofertility services within oncology care is feasible and essential. Structured, multidisciplinary models and non-governmental organization (NGO) support can help bridge current gaps in LMICs.

PMID:41455091 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-025-10284-4

Spine Deform. 2025 Dec 27. doi: 10.1007/s43390-025-01260-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes following in situ transdiscal L5-S1 fixation (delta fixation) in elderly osteoporotic patients with high-grade spondylolisthesis, with emphasis on functional recovery and changes in sagittal spinopelvic alignment.

METHODS: 15 patients aged > 60 years (mean age 74.9 ± 14.8 years) with Meyerding Grade III-IV L5-S1 spondylolisthesis and osteoporosis (DEXA T score ≤ – 2.5) underwent posterior-only in situ transdiscal fixation and neural decompression. Pre- and postoperative spinopelvic parameters were assessed using standing radiographs and Surgimap® software. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months.

RESULTS: All patients demonstrated significant functional improvement. ODI improved from 66.8 ± 7.1 to 37.3 ± 5.1 (p < 0.001), VAS for low back pain from 8.3 ± 1.5 to 2.7 ± 0.5 (p < 0.001), and VAS for leg pain from 4.5 ± 1.7 to 1.2 ± 0.6 (p < 0.001). Among sagittal parameters, significant improvements were observed in thoracic kyphosis (p = 0.006), sagittal vertical axis (p = 0.010), and PI-LL mismatch (p = 0.032). Changes in pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis, and sacral slope were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: In situ delta fixation with neural decompression offers substantial clinical benefit in elderly osteoporotic patients with high-grade L5-S1 spondylolisthesis. Functional recovery occurred despite limited changes in local spinopelvic sagittal alignment, highlighting that global compensation and neural decompression may suffice for clinical improvement in this high-risk population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-Case series.

PMID:41455089 | DOI:10.1007/s43390-025-01260-3

Brain Inform. 2025 Dec 27. doi: 10.1186/s40708-025-00289-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), an irreversible blinding disease characterized by retinal ganglion cell damage and optic nerve atrophy, exerts significant effects on brain functional networks. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data from 34 PACG patients and 34 matched healthy controls (HCs), we extracted four types of connectivity features-voxel-wise static functional connectivity (FC), dynamic functional connectivity (dFC), effective connectivity (EC), and dynamic effective connectivity (dEC)-via the AAL90 (Automated Anatomical Labeling 90) atlas following preprocessing. Elastic net feature selection was applied independently to each connectivity type to retain the top 10% most discriminative features. We evaluated the classification performance of ten machine learning models using individual feature types as well as their combined features, with the FC-based logistic regression (LR) model achieving optimal diagnostic efficacy (accuracy = 0.92, AUC = 0.96). SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) of the model identified 20 critical connections, revealing abnormal patterns at both the region of interest (ROI)-level and network-level within brain networks such as the visual network (VSN), dorsal attention network (DAN), and sensorimotor network (SMN). Statistical group comparisons validated reduced connectivity (e.g., VSN-SMN, VSN-DAN) and enhanced DAN-thalamus connectivity in patients, while voxel-wise analyses of key regions confirmed diminished connectivity to visual areas. The results provide insights into how machine learning can be effectively employed to detect PACG-specific brain network disruptions and highlight potential neuroimaging biomarkers.

PMID:41455052 | DOI:10.1186/s40708-025-00289-4

J Assist Reprod Genet. 2025 Dec 27. doi: 10.1007/s10815-025-03786-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate how different forms of chromosomal imbalance affect human embryo morphokinetics, using a dataset of PGT-A tested embryos and a robust statistical framework that accounts for patient- and cycle-level variability.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 1303 embryos from 525 ICSI-PGT-A cycles from a single centre. Embryos were categorized by aneuploidy type as euploid, single, double, or complex (≥ 3) and further subtyped by chromosomal configuration. Developmental timings were extracted from time-lapse monitoring and compared using linear mixed-effects models with random intercepts for patient and treatment cycle. Estimated marginal means and pairwise contrasts were calculated for each morphokinetic parameter (tPB2 to tEB) and key developmental intervals (tSC → tB, tM → tEB).

RESULTS: Morphokinetic behavior varied according to chromosomal load and aneuploidy type. Single aneuploidies, particularly monosomies, showed a biphasic delay pattern, with subtle slowing during early cleavage (tPNf-t2) and more pronounced divergence during blastulation (tSB-tEB). Double aneuploidies demonstrated partial early compensation followed by late-stage deceleration, suggesting non-additive or adaptive effects. Complex aneuploidies, and especially complex mosaic embryos, exhibited global and cumulative delays across nearly all stages, reflecting a progressive loss of developmental synchrony with increasing genomic imbalance.

CONCLUSION: These findings support a dosage-dependent model of developmental disruption, in which the severity and timing of morphokinetic delay correlate with aneuploidy complexity in a stage-specific and non-linear manner. While not diagnostic on their own, time-lapse imaging may contribute to ploidy risk assessment and help identify embryos that could benefit from biopsy and further evaluation through PGT-A, particularly when integrated with clinical, biomarker, and genomic information.

PMID:41455046 | DOI:10.1007/s10815-025-03786-x

J Appl Genet. 2025 Dec 27. doi: 10.1007/s13353-025-01037-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to apply DArTseq technology to analyze T. spelta L. (spelt wheat) genotypes in order to eliminate duplicates in the gene bank and ensure the high quality and purity of the stored material. The research included the analysis of genetic similarity, the construction of dendrograms, and association mapping, which enabled the identification of specific molecular diagnostic markers for spelt wheat. Spelt is an ancient cereal species gaining popularity, especially in organic farming. It is characterized by natural resistance to biotic factors and tolerance to environmental stress. Spelt is a valuable material in plant resistance breeding aimed at developing varieties resistant to diseases and well adapted to unfavourable environmental conditions. In this study, molecular characterization of 27 spelt genotypes was carried out using high-throughput DArTseq technology, enabling simultaneous analysis of SilicoDArT and SNP markers. A total of 96,136 markers were identified, of which 16,712 met the quality criteria and were used for genetic similarity and association mapping. Based on similarity coefficients, a dendrogram was created, distinguishing four main genotype groups. Association mapping revealed over 2,600 markers significantly associated with the virulence level of the B. graminis f. sp. tritici pathogen. Particular attention was paid to SilicoDArT 7,492,586 and SNP 1,126,088 markers, showing significant associations with plant response to three of the five analyzed isolates. Chromosomal regions (1D, 3D, 5B, 6 A) associated with resistance were also identified, confirming the polygenic nature of this trait. Results indicate high genetic variability of the analyzed material and the usefulness of DArTseq technology in identifying markers for resistance breeding. The presented markers can be used in marker-assisted breeding programs, especially considering the growing interest in spelt as a cereal for organic farming. These findings provide a valuable basis for further improvement of spelt resistance and sustainable cereal breeding.

PMID:41455027 | DOI:10.1007/s13353-025-01037-4