Tag: pubmed

Alcohol Clin Exp Res (Hoboken). 2026 Apr;50(4):e70278. doi: 10.1111/acer.70278.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with increased risks of some neuropsychiatric conditions and early-onset dementia. However, the association between Alzheimer disease (AD) and AUD is poorly characterized. To address this, we studied associations between AUD, cognition, and measures of AD neuropathology.

METHODS: We measured a lifetime history of AUD, cognitive decline, and blood biomarkers for AD in middle-aged and older participants (47-87 years) from the St. Louis site of the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) (N = 392). Cognitive decline was measured using the Eight-item Informant Interview to Differentiate Aging and Dementia (AD8) (N = 366); 154 individuals had AD biomarkers derived from plasma measurements (Amyloid Probability Score 2, Aβ42/Aβ40, and %p-tau217). We used Poisson regression models to evaluate the relationship between AUD, age, and cognitive decline. AUD was categorized as no AUD, mild AUD, or moderate-to-severe AUD, and age was modeled as a piecewise linear variable segmented by decade. Linear regressions were used to assess the association between AD blood biomarkers and AUD.

RESULTS: Analyses revealed a significant association between moderate-to-severe AUD and increased cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults (RR = 1.4, p < 0.001). While a greater proportion of participants with moderate-to-severe AUD met the Aβ42/Aβ40 threshold for predicting elevated brain amyloid compared to those with mild or no AUD, consistent with our hypothesis, this trend did not achieve statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS: These results underscore the importance of addressing AUD as a potentially modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline in middle aged and older adults. Further study is needed to understand the link between AUD and AD biomarkers.

PMID:41941099 | DOI:10.1111/acer.70278

Clin Rheumatol. 2026 Apr 6. doi: 10.1007/s10067-026-08032-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of BA.5.2/BF.7 infections on the severity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to identify associated risk factors.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 6 to February 19, 2023. The study population included SLE patients and healthy controls infected with the BA.5.2/BF.7 variants. Odds ratios (ORs), risk differences (RDs), and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the effects of infection on SLE severity and to explore related risk factors.

RESULTS: A total of 1,013 SLE patients and 2,125 healthy controls who were infected with BA.5.3/BF.7 were enrolled in the study. After adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, and vaccination status, SLE was significantly associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 hospitalization (adjusted OR [aOR] 6.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.06 to 12.27, p < 0.001). Among SLE patients, COVID-19 infection was associated with an increased risk of rash (risk difference [RD] 4.0%, 95% CI 1.5 to 6.6; p = 0.002), alopecia (RD 4.2%, 95% CI 0.9 to 7.6; p = 0.016), and mucosal ulcers (RD 3.3%, 95% CI 0.8 to 5.7; p = 0.012). Among SLE patients, the use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was significantly associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 hospitalization (aOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.06 to 3.74; p = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of a nuanced approach in managing SLE patients with COVID-19. Key Points • The COVID-19 pandemic spread widely across China. However, the impact of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) medications on COVID-19-related hospitalization remains unclear. • Our study found that treatment with mycophenolate mofetil in SLE patients was associated with a higher risk of hospitalization for COVID-19. • These findings should alert policymakers and clinicians to the need for a more nuanced and cautious approach when managing SLE patients infected with the Omicron BA.5.2 or BF.7 subvariants.

PMID:41941087 | DOI:10.1007/s10067-026-08032-y

Saudi Dent J. 2026 Apr 6;38(4):44. doi: 10.1007/s44445-026-00155-x.

ABSTRACT

This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of bacterial cellulose-reinforced MTA (BC-MTA) and conventional MTA in indirect pulp capping (IPT) treatment of primary teeth. A total of 40 primary molars diagnosed for IPT were randomly allocated into two groups: Group I (BC-MTA, n = 20) and Group II (Conventional MTA, n = 20). IPT procedures were carried out under aseptic conditions following local anesthesia, and teeth were restored with glass ionomer cement (GIC). Follow-up evaluations were performed clinically and radiographically at 3 and 9 months postoperatively. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20, applying descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and independent t-tests (p < 0.05). At the end of 9 months, 75% of cases reported complete pain relief. Internal root resorption was observed in two teeth in Group I. Overall success rates at 9 months were 88.23% for BC-MTA and 100% for conventional MTA. Both BC-MTA and MTA showed favorable and comparable outcomes in IPT of primary teeth. While BC-MTA demonstrates potential due to its biocompatibility and improved handling characteristics, further studies are needed to validate its long-term clinical efficacy.Trial Registration: Ethical clearance was granted by SRM University IEC (SRMIEC-ST0323-442) and registered retrospectively in CTRI (CTRI/2024/12/077670).

PMID:41941071 | DOI:10.1007/s44445-026-00155-x

Int Ophthalmol. 2026 Apr 6;46(1):193. doi: 10.1007/s10792-026-04069-9.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To quantify residence and insurance inequities in the timeliness of access to first-eye cataract surgery in Eastern China, using better-eye best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at surgical-pathway entry as an electronic health record-derived indicator.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive first-eye cataract surgeries at a tertiary hospital in Yangzhou, China (August 2024-July 2025). Analyses were restricted to local insured residents; non-local and self-pay patients were excluded. The primary outcome was better-eye BCVA (logMAR), defined as the better (lower logMAR) value between the two eyes measured at the admission-registration (pathway-entry) assessment. Adjusted differences were estimated using multivariable linear regression with surgeon fixed effects and heteroskedasticity-consistent (HC3) robust standard errors. Prespecified categorical analyses used multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS: Among 1438 eligible patients, bilateral BCVA was measured at pathway entry in 1437 (99.9%). Compared with Urban-Employee patients, adjusted better-eye BCVA was worse in Urban-Resident (0.09 logMAR; 95% CI 0.01-0.17), Rural-Employee (0.11; 0.01-0.21), and Rural-Resident patients (0.17; 0.11-0.24); adjusted marginal means were 0.32, 0.41, 0.43, and 0.49 logMAR, respectively. Rural-Resident patients were less likely to enter in the early category (RRR 0.52; 95% CI 0.39-0.69) and more likely to enter in the late category (RRR 1.76; 95% CI 1.15-2.69).

CONCLUSION: Residence and insurance inequities in the timeliness of access to first-eye cataract surgery were evident. Better-eye BCVA at pathway entry is a low-cost, scalable metric that can complement coverage and postoperative outcomes to guide pathway and financing interventions.

PMID:41941059 | DOI:10.1007/s10792-026-04069-9

Drug Deliv Transl Res. 2026 Apr 6. doi: 10.1007/s13346-026-02090-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Felodipine (FEL), an antihypertensive drug, is being repurposed as an anticancer drug. It has low oral bioavailability due to its extensive metabolism in the liver and poor water solubility. This study aimed to develop hyaluronic acid-coated cetylosomes (HCCs) for parenteral delivery of FEL to boost its solubility and anticancer efficacy. FEL-HCCs were prepared by the thin-film hydration technique based on Box-Behnken design. Amounts of cetyl alcohol, Brij 97, and hyaluronic acid were the independent factors. The optimized HCC (OHCC) formula which showed the highest desirability value (0.626), was composed of 100 mg Brij 97, 32.44 mg CA, and 10 mg HA. It showed the minimum vesicle size (156.72 nm) and polydispersity index (0.134), and the maximum entrapment efficiency% (72.04%) and zeta potential (-30.58 mV). After lyophilization and sterilization of the OHCC formula, it showed a 2.01-fold enhancement in FEL release compared to the market tablet, with no significant difference in release before and after lyophilization or sterilization. The sterilized OHCC was stable for six months. The OHCC showed an enhanced cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells with 6.61-fold compared to pure FEL powder. Additionally, the OHCC potentiated the antiproliferative effect of doxorubicin, as evidenced by a raised Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase 9 content, and suppressed VEGF levels. In vivo, the OHCC markedly reduced tumor growth, particularly in combination with doxorubicin. The histopathological investigation supported the apoptotic and necrotic death of cancer cells. These findings suggest that HCCs represent a promising nanocarrier system for the targeted parenteral delivery of FEL in cancer therapy.

PMID:41941056 | DOI:10.1007/s13346-026-02090-0

Acta Parasitol. 2026 Apr 6;71(2):81. doi: 10.1007/s11686-026-01260-x.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Bats harbor a diverse spectrum of gastrointestinal parasites, including trematodes, cestodes, and nematodes. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal helminths in bats from cave and wetland environments in northern Iran, where bat parasitology remains largely unexplored. The research seeks to expand the regional records of bat parasites and establish a parasitological baseline for future ecological and epidemiological studies.

METHODS: A parasitological survey was conducted on 13 individuals from three bat species (Miniopterus pallidus, Rhinolophus hipposideros, Pipistrellus kuhlii) collected across Guilan Province. Recovered helminths were morphologically examined using statistical measurements, photography, and line drawings. For trematode specimens, molecular characterization was performed by sequencing the 28 S rDNA gene. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using Bayesian analysis to assess the taxonomic placement of the obtained sequences.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of helminth infection was 61.5%. Morphological and molecular analyses revealed the presence of three trematode species belonging to the family Lecithodendriidae (Pycnoporus heteroporus, Pycnoporus sp., and an undetermined species) and one species from Plagiorchiidae, Plagiorchis koreanus. Two additional specimens were tentatively identified as Plagiorchis sp. based on morphology. Two nematode species, Molinostrongylus ornatus and Litomosa chiropterorum, were also recorded. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the placement of the sequenced trematodes, with one sequence clustering with Plagiorchis koreanus and the others forming a distinct clade within the genus Pycnoporus.

CONCLUSION: This study reveals a high prevalence and diversity of helminth parasites in bats from northern Iran, documenting several species not previously reported in the region. These findings provide crucial baseline data on bat-helminth associations in Iran and contribute to broader ecological and parasitological knowledge of bats as hosts. Further surveys across different regions and seasons are recommended to explore host-parasite dynamics and potential zoonotic implications.

PMID:41941035 | DOI:10.1007/s11686-026-01260-x

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Apr 6;198(5):408. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15258-5.

ABSTRACT

This study presents a statistical analysis of trace elements in dried apricot samples, focusing on health risk assessment using data from packaged and unpackaged products. The mean concentrations of essential metals obtained were as follows: aluminum 5.518 mg/kg, boron 3.892 mg/kg, iron 3.247 mg/kg, and zinc 1.162 mg/kg. Analysis of toxic metal concentrations showed a mean level of 0.209 mg/kg for nickel, followed by lead at 0.083 mg/kg. Arsenic and cadmium were present at lower concentrations (0.005 and 0.003 mg/kg, respectively), while vanadium and mercury showed the lowest mean concentrations, at 0.0005 and 0.0004 mg/kg, respectively. The results revealed that the highest concentration among the measured elements was related to aluminum, and the lowest concentration was related to mercury. These findings have implications for Monte Carlo simulations to quantify potential health risks and emphasize the need to monitor toxic metal levels in dried fruit products. Based on Monte Carlo simulations, the dietary exposure to toxic metals from dried apricots posed no significant health risk. The calculated target hazard quotients (THQ) were below 1, indicating negligible noncarcinogenic risk, while the incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCR) fell within the acceptable range (< 1 × 10⁻⁴) for both adults and children. In conclusion, dried apricots provide safe nutritional benefits of essential metals with minimal toxic risks at moderate intake, which requires ongoing monitoring and sustainable practices for optimal health safety.

PMID:41941027 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15258-5

Int Ophthalmol. 2026 Apr 6;46(1):191. doi: 10.1007/s10792-026-04057-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Yamane technique for sutureless scleral-fixated intraocular lens (YTSFIOL) implantation is an established option for visual rehabilitation in eyes without capsular support. However, evidence on ultra-short-term refractive outcomes and the influence of different vitreous management strategies remains limited.

METHODS: This retrospective observational cohort study included consecutive adult patients who underwent YTSFIOL implantation by a single surgeon at a tertiary centre. Ultra-short-term outcomes were defined as visual and refractive outcomes assessed at six weeks postoperatively. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalence (SE), refractive astigmatism, and corneal astigmatism were analysed and compared between eyes that underwent anterior vitrectomy (AV) and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).

RESULTS: Thirty-one eyes of 30 patients were included. Mean BCVA improved significantly from 0.25 ± 0.24 logMAR preoperatively to 0.14 ± 0.10 logMAR at six weeks postoperatively (p = 0.041). Mean SE improved from + 4.83 ± 7.39 D to – 0.70 ± 0.90 D (p < 0.001). Both refractive and corneal astigmatism increased significantly at six weeks. No statistically significant differences were observed between AV and PPV groups in postoperative BCVA, SE, refractive astigmatism, corneal astigmatism, or SE prediction error (all p > 0.05). Early postoperative complication rates were comparable between groups (p = 0.335).

CONCLUSION: YTSFIOL implantation provides significant improvement in visual acuity and predictable refractive outcomes as early as six weeks postoperatively, irrespective of vitreous management strategy.

PMID:41941014 | DOI:10.1007/s10792-026-04057-z

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Apr 6;198(5):409. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15293-2.

ABSTRACT

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) pollution of reclamation soils is becoming an important issue in coal mining subsidence areas due to its impacts on environment and human health. To investigate the spatial and temporal distribution, pollution characteristics, bioaccumulation, ecological and health risk of the soils under different reclamation modes in coal mining subsidence areas, 126 soil samples and 42 crop samples were collected and analyzed from coal gangue filling areas (CG), lake sediment filling areas (LS) and land leveling areas (LL). While the results showed that PTEs concentrations were lower than the soil environment quality risk control standard-indicating a low risk of soil pollution for this agricultural land-the levels of heavy metals in the three reclamation areas all exceeded, to varying degrees, the background values for Jiangsu Province. This exceedance of the background levels still poses an ecological risk. The distributions in the soil profile of PTEs had no obvious regularity and the PTEs concentrations also fluctuated irregularly with the extension of the reclamation time. The Cd and Hg were in “moderate pollution” while other analyzed metals were in “no pollution to medium pollution” based on the mean values of I_geo. Soil PTEs pollution status followed the sequence of CG (PLI = 1.85) > LS (PLI = 1.55) > LL (PLI = 0.97). Meanwhile, the results of the RI revealed that the CG, LS, and LL area were ecologically in “considerable risk” (RI: 535.97 to 314.57), “moderate risk” (RI: 218.90 to 51.71), and “low risk” (RI: 126.33 to 59.11). In addition, crops had a strong enrichment capacity for Cd, and Hg in the CG, LS, and LL areas. Health risk assessment showed that the non-carcinogenic health risks were not expected for adults while the children were prone to non-carcinogenic health risks. The new exploration can provide some insight into the contamination characteristics, ecological and human health risk of soil PTEs under different reclamation modes, which is useful for soil pollution prevention and reclamation planning.

PMID:41941010 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15293-2

Eur J Pediatr. 2026 Apr 6;185(5):237. doi: 10.1007/s00431-026-06809-6.

ABSTRACT

A novel evaluation of the acceptability of screening and mass screening for celiac disease (CD) in young children at the Preventive Youth Health Care Centres (YHCCs) in the Netherlands. Children aged 1-4 years attending the YHCC Kennemerland region were screened for CD-related symptoms. Symptomatic children were offered a point-of-care (POC) test for CD antibodies. Parents of both symptomatic and asymptomatic children received tailored questionnaires assessing opinions on case finding and mass screening and about distress and anxiety. Parents of POC-positive children received follow-up questionnaires during diagnosis. Questionnaires were completed for 1070 asymptomatic children, 1095 symptomatic participants, and 653 symptomatic non-participants. Sixty-one children tested POC-positive; 39 follow-up questionnaires were returned. Reported distress and anxiety were mild, mainly after a positive POC result. Among parents who refused testing, 32% (80/248) cited practical obstacles. Of those who accepted, 88% would participate again in the future. Overall, 87% considered mass screening a good idea, but only 68% (2125/3111) would allow participation of their asymptomatic child.Conclusion: Active case finding and mass screening for CD is well accepted in the Dutch population, with limited distress for parents and children. Reducing practical barriers is essential for successful implementation.

PMID:41940984 | DOI:10.1007/s00431-026-06809-6