Tag: pubmed

Mol Biol Rep. 2026 Jan 3;53(1):249. doi: 10.1007/s11033-025-11410-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: RNA biomarker research has grown significantly in recent years, with a focus on blood-based biomarker studies using cell-free nucleic acids (cf-NAs). These RNA derivatives (e.g., mRNAs, microRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs) are useful in diagnostic procedures for genetic changes and can be found in a variety of physiological fluids, such as plasma, brain fluid, and urine. RNA biomarkers are composed of different coding and non-coding transcripts. Among these, cfRNAs extracted from blood provide a minimally invasive source for disease diagnosis and monitoring. However, cfRNA isolation is challenging due to degradation, instability, lack of standardization, and contamination by microbial, environmental, and intrasample DNA. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain cell-free RNAs in high concentration using appropriate methods and process them using downstream PCR systems.

METHODS AND RESULTS: To compare the purity and quality of cfRNAs isolated from plasma, five different isolation methods using commercial cfRNA kits were evaluated by digital PCR (dPCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). RNA quality was assessed across kits, and expression levels were measured using cfRNA reference genes such as GAPDH and B2M. The results of analysis revealed that the GAPDH housekeeping gene showed greater consistency than B2M, and both genes exhibited statistically significant expression.

CONCLUSIONS: Our comparative analysis of five cfRNA isolation methods demonstrated that commercial kits outperformed phenol-chloroform-based procedures. These results underscore the need for optimized isolation strategies and careful reference gene selection to enhance the reliability of cfRNA-based biomarker discovery.

PMID:41483423 | DOI:10.1007/s11033-025-11410-5

Environ Geochem Health. 2026 Jan 3;48(2):74. doi: 10.1007/s10653-025-02965-0.

ABSTRACT

This study examines the hydrogeochemical behavior and salinization processes affecting groundwater in the Kujang area, Eastern Odisha, India. Groundwater was very hard during both pre-monsoon (PRM) and post-monsoon (POM) periods due to elevated total hardness (TH). The chemical composition displayed high concentrations of Na⁺, Cl⁻, Mg²⁺, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and TH, reflecting saltwater-freshwater mixing within the coastal aquifer. The ionic dominance sequence Mg²⁺ > Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > K⁺ = Cl⁻ > HCO₃⁻ > SO₄²⁻ indicates saline influence. Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA and correlation), combined with the Base Exchange Index (BEX), Seawater Mixing Index (SMI), and ionic ratios, suggested the effects of seawater intrusion. Additional factors contributing to groundwater salinity include over-pumping, agricultural return flow, and wastewater infiltration. Simpson’s ratio [Cl⁻/(HCO₃⁻ + CO₃²⁻)] suggests that most samples fall within moderate to injurious contamination categories. The Hydrochemical Facies Evolution (HFE) diagram revealed that 86% of PRM and 64% of POM samples were affected by seawater intrusion and cation exchange. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) profiles demonstrated heterogeneous subsurface conditions with saline horizons at both shallow and deeper levels. Entropy water quality index (EWQI) analysis revealed that 55% (PRM) and 42% (POM) of groundwater samples with EWQI > 100 were categorized as poor to extremely poor. Therefore, the groundwater quality was found to be largely unsuitable for drinking purposes. This is the first integrated EWQI-VES-based assessment for the Kujang Block, providing a comprehensive understanding of groundwater salinization and insights for sustainable aquifer management.

PMID:41483421 | DOI:10.1007/s10653-025-02965-0

Immunol Res. 2026 Jan 2;74(1):2. doi: 10.1007/s12026-025-09735-1.

ABSTRACT

The lectin pathway, activated by ficolins, contributes to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis, but ficolin data remain inconsistent across populations. Present muti-centric cross-sectional study assessed serum ficolin-1, -2, and – 3 levels and their associations with clinical features and disease activity among SLE patients from five Indian regions (Mumbai, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Nagaland). Serum levels of ficolin-1, ficolin-2, and ficolin-3 were measured using ELISA. Disease activity was assessed using the SELENA-SLEDAI score. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Serum ficolin levels differed significantly by region. Ficolin-1 and ficolin-2 levels were positively correlated with the renal involvement in SLE patients from Mumbai (r = 0.218; p < 0.001 and r = 0.199; p = 0.001, respectively), while ficolin-1 levels were also correlated with lupus nephritis (LN) in SLE patients from Manipur (r = 0.247; p = 0.040). In Assam, ficolin-2 levels were significantly reduced in patients with mucocutaneous manifestations (r=-0.258; p = 0.014), and ficolin-3 levels showed a negative correlation with musculoskeletal manifestations (r=-0.217; p = 0.040). In Mumbai, ficolin-1 levels were positively associated with disease activity (r = 0.139; p = 0.018), and ficolin-3 levels correlated positively with anti-dsDNA autoantibodies (r = 0.172; p = 0.004). Conversely, ficolin-3 levels showed a negative correlation with anti-dsDNA (r=-0.470; p < 0.001) in Assam. The present study demonstrated significant regional variations in ficolin levels among SLE patients across India. Association of ficolin-1 and ficolin-3 with specific organ involvement suggested their potential as possible immunological indicators in SLE. These findings suggested the importance of considering regional and ethnic differences in SLE management and warranted further validation through larger, longitudinal studies.

PMID:41483420 | DOI:10.1007/s12026-025-09735-1

Surg Innov. 2026 Jan 3:15533506251414954. doi: 10.1177/15533506251414954. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BackgroundEarly innovations are often disruptive but gain traction when the benefits become evident. EXtended Reality (XR) has recently gained momentum for surgical training. XR involves a head-mounted display (HMD) blending physical and digital worlds for enhanced visualization, communication, and understanding. To understand its potential impact, the receptiveness of plastic surgeons was assessed for its usefulness and usability.MethodsPlastic surgeons watched XR interventions and completed a survey assessing applications for remote consultation, intra-operative education, and pre-operative planning. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and categorical inferential testing, with group differences assessed using Fisher’s exact test on dichotomized Likert responses.ResultsEleven attending and ten resident physicians (21/44, 48%) responded to the survey. Attendings perceived greater usefulness of XR for virtual consultation than residents (91% vs 50%), with a near-significant trend (P = 0.056) and higher reported mean usefulness and usability scores. Residents more often anticipated need for technical support during virtual consultation (60% vs 27%). Both groups strongly endorsed XR for intra-operative education. Willingness to use and optimism were high among both groups. For pre-operative planning, both groups perceived XR as useful, though usability concerns were prominent, including moderate perceived complexity and anticipated need for technical support particularly among residents (89% vs 70%).ConclusionAttendings were more receptive than residents to integrating XR in plastic surgery training with residents reporting greater cognitive load. Residents valued improved intra-operative visibility and noted the Hawthorne effect. Selecting high-value, usable XR applications while minimizing trainee role stress is essential for advancing residency education.

PMID:41483385 | DOI:10.1177/15533506251414954

J Robot Surg. 2026 Jan 3;20(1):134. doi: 10.1007/s11701-025-03109-3.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study is to comprehensively describe the use of robotic surgery for the excision of thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) in the literature. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases were searched. Screening, selection, data extraction, and quality analysis were performed by two independent authors using pre-defined criteria. Conflicts were resolved by independent senior authors. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. From 25 unique articles, 14 articles were selected, describing 26 distinct patients with lingual (n = 16), suprahyoid (n = 1), or infrahyoid (n = 9) TGDCs treated with robotic surgery. The median age was 11 years (IQR = 17). A simple transoral approach was performed for all lingual TGDCs (n = 16). Suprahyoid and infrahyoid TGDCs were treated using transvestibular sublingual (n = 1), postauricular (n = 8), and bilateral axillary-breast (n = 1) approaches. No intraoperative complications were reported. Post-operative complications included minor bleeding (n = 1), oral-cutaneous fistula (n = 1), nerve weakness (n = 1), and seroma (n = 1). No recurrences were reported across a median follow-up of 16 months (IQR = 7.5). The current available evidence is limited to small case series and reports. This study demonstrates low complication rates, no reported recurrences, and favorable recovery in patients undergoing TGDC excision, supporting the role of robotic surgery as a safe and effective option in select cases.

PMID:41483345 | DOI:10.1007/s11701-025-03109-3

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Jan 2;198(1):75. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14937-z.

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated contamination by ten heavy metals (Mo, Hg, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Cd, Ni, Mn) in soils from an abandoned paint factory in Kaifeng City. Pollution levels were assessed using multiple indices, including the single-factor index, geo-accumulation index, Nemerow index, and potential ecological risk index. Source apportionment was performed using the absolute principal component score, multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) model, and the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. The results revealed significant variation in mercury (Hg) contamination, with a coefficient of variation of 436%, while other heavy metals showed moderate variation (10-35%). Pollution assessment identified Hg and Cu as the primary pollutants, with Hg showing severe contamination (Nemerow index P_N > 3). Source apportionment from both models identified five distinct pollution sources. This study underscored the importance of integrating source apportionment with ecological risk assessment to inform remediation strategies for abandoned industrial sites.

PMID:41483343 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14937-z

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2026 Jan 2. doi: 10.1007/s12011-025-04919-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Elasmobranchs play crucial ecological roles and exhibit high biological diversity, yet their physiology, especially regarding contaminant regulation, remains poorly understood. In this sense, the pancreas, a vital organ for digestion and hormonal balance, is still severely understudied in ecotoxicological assessments concerning this group This study investigated, for the first time, total and subcellular concentrations of metals and metalloids by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in the pancreatic tissue of five threatened elasmobranch species along the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Species-specific bioaccumulation patterns were observed: Narcine brasiliensis exhibited the highest contamination, accumulating six elements, while Dasyatis hypostigma showed high Pb, Rb, Se and Ti levels. Zapteryx brevirostris exhibited the highest concentrations of Hg and V, while Atlantoraja castelnaui and Squatina guggenheim displayed high levels of Mn and Co, respectively. Subcellular analyses revealed that, in most species, metal concentrations associated with detoxification proteins (e.g., metallothioneins) were lower than total concentrations, suggesting either limited detoxification capacity, such as insufficient synthesis or metallothionein binding, or saturation of detoxification sites, implying maximum metal-binding capacity. Molar ratio assessments indicated potential protective interactions involving essential elements like Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, although these defenses do not always seem to be sufficient. Additionally, statistically significant associations such as Zn-As and Fe-Ti, among others, highlight potential competitive or antagonistic interactions affecting metal bioavailability. These findings suggest that the pancreas may be more vulnerable to metal toxicity than previously assumed. Overall, this study provides novel insights into metal handling in elasmobranchs and highlights the importance of including subcellular metal partitioning in future environmental exposure and physiological risk assessments in marine predators.

PMID:41483332 | DOI:10.1007/s12011-025-04919-0

Int Microbiol. 2026 Jan 2. doi: 10.1007/s10123-025-00773-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Marine sponges rely on their intricate and varied bacterial communities to sustain their ecological balance and health. The structure and role of bacterial communities are affected by environmental factors and sponge species. One ecological function of symbiotic bacteria is to prevent the formation of biofilms by pathogenic bacteria that could potentially compromise sponges’ health. This study investigates the antibiofilm activities of symbiotic bacteria isolated from seagrass associated sponges residing under dynamic conditions. Bacteria were isolated from various sponge species from seagrass ecosystem and assessed for their capacity to inhibit biofilm-forming bacteria discovered on submerged wood and fiber panels in contaminated marine habitats. A double-layer experiment was conducted utilizing Zobell 2216E media to evaluate antagonism among 44 bacterial isolates derived from nine sponge species. Twenty-five isolates exhibited inhibitory activity against five biofilm-forming bacteria, with FP2 being the most substantially inhibited strain. Eight symbiotic bacteria exhibited high to very high antibiofilm activity. Statistical analysis revealed groupings of bacteria with similar inhibition patterns, indicating a potential association with specific inhibitory mechanisms. The 16 S rRNA sequencing research revealed that the symbiotic bacteria are categorized into the Firmicutes and α- and γ-Proteobacteria groups, with potential unique strains identified. The findings suggest that bacteria from seagrass-associated sponges and their secondary metabolites could aid in the development of compounds for biofilm prevention and management.

PMID:41483287 | DOI:10.1007/s10123-025-00773-1

Qual Life Res. 2026 Jan 3;35(1):19. doi: 10.1007/s11136-025-04149-w.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: While some studies report improved outcomes following exercise-based interventions, the overall findings regarding their impact on individuals with lower limb amputation (LLA) remain inconsistent. Therefore, there is a need to synthesize the available evidence. In this regard, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the effects of organized physical activity on quality of life (QoL) and phantom limb pain (PLP) in adults with LLA.

METHODS: This review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024582703). Eight databases were searched in November 2024, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, ICI World of Papers, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Search terms combined concepts related to amputation, physical activity, quality of life, and phantom limb pain. Studies were included if they examined adults aged 18-60 with lower limb amputation and reported outcomes on quality of life or phantom limb pain following structured physical activity interventions. Only studies using validated outcome measures were considered.

RESULTS: Six studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Three studies (reporting four independent effect sizes) were included in the meta-analysis of QoL outcomes. The pooled effect size was small and not statistically significant (SMD = -0.06, 95% CI: -0.29 to 0.16; p = 0.58), with no observed heterogeneity (I² = 0%). Narrative synthesis indicated that most studies found either non-significant or short-term improvements in QoL. Only one study reported a reduction in phantom limb pain (PLP; NPRS: 9 to 2), precluding a meta-analysis for this outcome due to insufficient data.

CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence does not provide statistically significant support for improvements in QoL following organized physical activity among adults with lower-limb amputation, while effects on PLP remain unclear due to limited and heterogeneous data. Further high-quality research using standardized, context-sensitive outcome measures and well-defined intervention protocols is needed. A more person-centered and contextually grounded understanding of QoL may help capture meaningful recovery outcomes in this population.

PMID:41483283 | DOI:10.1007/s11136-025-04149-w

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Jan 2;198(1):74. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14892-9.

ABSTRACT

China’s coastal regions are facing an evolving air pollution pattern characterized by the joint occurrence of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and ozone(O₃). Rapid urban expansion has reduced ecological land, weakening its capacity to act as a “sink” for atmospheric pollutants. This study aims to evaluate the coupling coordination of P-O synergistic pollution and to quantify the “sink” role of ecological land. The Coupling Coordination Degree (CCD) model was applied to evaluate the P-O synergy. Spatial econometric models were then employed to investigate the “sink” function of ecological land in mitigating P-O pollution and associated spatial spillover effects, and the Geographical Detector model was employed to assess the interactive influence of multiple factors. Results show: (1) Significant north-south disparities exist in P-O CCD, exhibiting strong positive spatial autocorrelation. (2) FOREST (λ = -2.19, P < 0.05), GRASS (λ = -9.44, P < 0.01), and FARM (λ = -1.30, P < 0.1) effectively suppress P-O pollution, with FOREST and GRASS demonstrating the strongest sink capacity. FARM shows mixed effects, indicating its net ecological function depends on management quality. (3) PRE (λ_direct = -1.73***, λ_indirect = -3.15***) and SEI (λ_direct = -5.56, λ_indirect = -93.5**) significantly influence regional P-O spatial spillover effects, while ecological land’s impact is primarily localized. (4) Meteorological factors exhibit stronger interactions with other drivers; ecological land is the most explanatory factor for P-O synergy. These findings highlight that optimizing land-use structure and ecological management can serve as a practical pathway for synergistic air pollution control and sustainable coastal development.

PMID:41483263 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14892-9