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PubMed2026

Stroke risk following BNT162b2 vaccination: a systematic review and meta-analysis of self-controlled case series studies.

INTRODUCTION: Whether BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccination increases stroke risk remains a public health concern. This is the first meta-analysis to synthesize self-controlled case series (SCCS)-derived stroke risk estimates specifically for BNT162b2 vaccination. METHODS: PubMed and Embase were searched from inception through 9 May 2026, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Eight eligible SCCS studies were pooled using a random-effects model with restricted maximum likelihood (REML) estimation and the Knapp-Hartung adjustment. RESULTS: Eight studies across six countries encompassing several million vaccinated individuals were included. The pooled incidence rate ratio (IRR) was 0.967 (95% CI 0.892-1.049; I2 = 69.2%), indicating no statistically significant increase in stroke risk. Subgroup analyses showed no evidence of effect modification across continent, risk-window length, dose category, SCCS variant, or age group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide no evidence of increased short-term stroke risk following BNT162b2 vaccination at the population level. The observed heterogeneity appeared to be partly driven by methodological differences rather than true biological variation in vaccine effect.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Meta-analysis of source identification and apportionment in soil: A systematic review of analytical procedures, receptor modeling, and environmental applications.

Soil pollution poses significant risks to ecosystems and human health, necessitating accurate source identification and apportionment to guide mitigation strategies. This systematic review evaluates the application of Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) and other receptor models in soil pollution studies, focusing on analytical procedures, tracer indicators, and environmental applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive framework for conducting soil source apportionment studies, aiding policymakers in designing effective, region-specific environmental management strategies by compiling global trends and methodological insights. The study addresses sampling protocols, emphasizing representativeness and quality control. Data from 500 peer-reviewed publications highlight the dominance of research in China, Eastern Europe, and South Asia, with agricultural soils being the most frequently studied. Key findings reveal that traffic emissions (20.8 %) and industrial activities (19.4 %) are the primary global contributors to soil contamination, with regional variations such as coal combustion in cold climates and agricultural inputs in developing regions. Policy recommendations include stricter industrial regulations, sustainable agricultural practices, and targeted remediation efforts based on source-specific risks.

Soil Pollutants↗

PubMed2026

Clinical performance of a giomer-based pit and fissure sealant with and without air-abrasion pretreatment: a 12-month randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pit and fissure sealants are widely used for caries prevention; however, their long-term success depends largely on retention. Giomer-based sealants containing surface pre-reacted glass ionomer fillers offer bioactive properties, yet concerns remain regarding their bonding durability when applied with mild self-etch primers. This randomized clinical trial evaluated the effect of bioactive glass air-abrasion pretreatment on the retention and caries preventive efficacy of a giomer-based sealant in young adults over 12 months. METHODS: This parallel-arm randomized clinical trial included 96 participants, each contributing one eligible sound permanent molar (n = 48 per group). Participants were randomly allocated to either bioactive glass air-abrasion pretreatment followed by application of a giomer-based sealant (intervention group) or application of the same sealant without pretreatment (comparator group). Sealant retention and secondary caries incidence were evaluated at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months using Simonsen's criteria, and modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria, respectively. The primary outcome was sealant retention at 12 months, whereas secondary caries incidence was assessed as a secondary outcome. Intergroup comparisons were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Intragroup comparisons were analyzed using Cochran's Q test followed by multiple comparisons. Relative risk with 95% confidence intervals was calculated. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: At 6 months, complete sealant retention was observed in 91.7% of teeth in the intervention group and 75.0% in the comparator group, with no statistically significant difference between groups (p = 0.068). At 12 months, complete sealant retention was significantly higher in the intervention group (87.5%) than in the comparator group (33.3%) (p < 0.0001). Teeth in the intervention group exhibited an 81.25% lower risk of sealant retention failure compared with the comparator group (RR = 0.1875; 95% CI: 0.0864-0.4069; p < 0.0001). No differences in secondary caries incidence were detected between groups during the 12-month follow-up period (p = 1.0000). CONCLUSIONS: Bioactive glass air-abrasion pretreatment significantly improved the retention of a giomer-based fissure sealant compared with sealant application without pretreatment. No differences in secondary caries incidence were detected between groups during the 12-month follow-up period. Incorporating mechanical surface conditioning prior to sealant placement may enhance sealant retention without compromising preventive efficacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ , (NCT06003452), 15-08-2023.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Food-derived extracellular vesicles as delivery platforms for medicine-food homology components in metabolic syndrome.

Diet-induced obesity and associated metabolic syndromes have become major global public health challenge, highlighting the urgent need for safe and effective strategies. Recently, food-derived extracellular vesicles (FDEVs) have garnered increasing attention as natural nanocarriers due to their excellent biocompatibility and specific targeted delivery capabilities. FDEVs can efficiently deliver medicine-food homology components (MFHCs) to precisely regulate lipid metabolism, inflammatory responses, and insulin sensitivity, thereby improving obesity and its metabolic abnormalities. This systematic review summarizes recent advances in the use of FDEVs as delivery vehicles for MFHCs to suppress diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome, with a particular focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms, including signaling pathway regulation and cellular metabolic remodeling. In addition, the clinical translational potential and industrial application prospects of FDEVs are evaluated, and key challenges related to preparation techniques, safety assessment, and large-scale production are discussed. By integrating current evidence, this review aims to provide theoretical framework and future perspectives for the development of FDEVs as a novel targeted delivery platform and treatment of metabolic diseases.

Extracellular Vesicles↗

PubMed2026

Expression profiles of miRNAs in ruminant intermediate hosts with cystic echinococcosis.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), is a parasitic zoonotic disease recognized by the World Health Organization as a neglected tropical disease of significant public health concern. Despite ongoing control programs, CE remains endemic, underlining the need for integrated control strategies that involve new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Recent investigations have spotlighted microRNAs (miRNAs) as key regulators in parasite development, immunomodulation, and as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In the present research, a molecular study was conducted to investigate hydatid cyst samples (protoscoleces and germinal membranes) collected in southern Italy from different ruminant species (sheep, cattle, and water buffaloes), naturally infected with CE, with the ultimate goal of establishing a more comprehensive picture of miRNA expression patterns in these intermediate hosts. The bioinformatic analysis of hydatid cyst samples revealed 168 mature miRNAs. Among these, egr-miR-10-5p, egr-let-7-5p, and egr-miR-71-5p were the most abundant, with egr-miR-10-5p showing particularly high expression levels. No significant differences in miRNA abundance between host species were found. In contrast, when focusing on the comparison between protoscoleces and sterile germinal membranes, 24 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed. Targeted qPCR of four selected miRNAs (egr-miR-71-5p, egr-let-7-5p, egr-miR-125-5p, and egr-miR-10-5p) showed clear overexpression in protoscoleces and in fertile germinal membranes compared with sterile ones. The differential miRNA expression patterns provide insight into the molecular mechanisms controlling the parasite's lifecycle and may guide the development of novel intervention methods to enhance CE control in endemic areas.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

The Effect of Breastfeeding on Cervical Dysplasias.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between breastfeeding and precancerous cervical lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case control study was conducted at a tertiary training and research hospital between September 1 and November 1, 2023. A total of 168 patients who attended the gynecology outpatient clinic and reported their breastfeeding experiences were included. Patients with abnormal cervical cytology formed the study group (n = 37), while patients with normal cytology formed the control group (n = 131). Breastfeeding duration and patterns were compared between groups. RESULTS: The control group had normal smear results. In the study group, 15 patients had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and 22 patients had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. Human papillomavirus (HPV) was positive in 54.1% of the study group versus 9.2% of the control group. The mean breastfeeding duration was shorter in the study group (9.18 ± 3.43 months) than the control group (23.6 ± 3.35 months; p < 0.05). Most control group patients breastfed for 13-36 months (35.1%), while most study group patients breastfed for <6 months (48.6%; p < 0.05). Shorter breastfeeding (<6 months) and HPV positivity were the strongest predictors of abnormal cytology. Breastfeeding <6 months increased the risk 9.883-fold compared with >36 months, while HPV positivity increased the risk 27.612-fold. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding and longer breastfeeding duration appear to be associated with a lower risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Given its multiple health benefits, including prevention of gynecological cancers, promoting breastfeeding through public health policies is strongly recommended. Early recognition and prevention of precancerous lesions remain essential to reducing the risk of cervical cancer.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Validation of a Turkish Translation of the Stress in Emergency Healthcare Professionals: The Stress Factors and Manifestations Scale.

AIM: The primary duties of emergency healthcare professionals (EHPs) are to provide emergency patient care to acutely ill and injured individuals. Due to the nature of their work, EHPs operate under constant stress, often requiring rapid decision-making, swift action, and the delivery of necessary medical care in life-or-death situations, sometimes under inadequately safe conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the validity and reliability of the Emergency Healthcare Professional Stress Factors and Symptoms (SEHP:SFMS) Scale in Turkish for identifying stress factors and symptoms in emergency medical care professionals providing emergency patient care services. DESIGN: A methodological study design was used in this study. METHODS: The study was conducted with the participation of 211 EHPs from employees working in emergency care institutions affiliated with the Muğla Provincial Health Directorate between November 2023 and June 2024. Data were collected via a face-to-face survey. Data were analysed using Lawshe content validity ratio, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin coefficient, Bartlett test, exploratory factor analysis, principal component analysis, Varimax factor rotation method, confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach's α internal consistency coefficient, convergent validity, discriminant validity, test-retest, and Spearman correlation coefficient tests. RESULTS: The linguistic translation and cultural adaptation of the SEHP:SFMS showed strong performance. The scope validity index of the scale is 0.83. The item-total correlation values of the scale were found to be between 0.486 and 0.794, and the factor loadings were between 0.474 and 0.816. Confirmatory factor analysis fit indices: χ2 = 248.727; df = 101; n = 211; p = 0.000; χ2/df = 2.463; RMSEA = 0.083; CFI = 0.914, SRMR = 0.052, which was found to be compatible and acceptable with the proposed 3-factor model. The Cronbach's α reliability coefficient of the scale was 0.931, and the total variance was 61.97%. CONCLUSIONS: SEHP:SFMS is a valid and reliable tool to assess stress factors and symptoms of Turkish emergency healthcare professionals. Its use improves the quality of emergency care. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: These study findings have been used to create a tool with Turkish validity and reliability that allows for the examination of stress factors among healthcare professionals working in emergency and critical services. Identifying and reducing stress factors among healthcare professionals is crucial for the delivery of quality healthcare services. It can also be used to develop targeted interventions and ongoing strategies to facilitate improved clinical supervision and mentoring. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses in emergency departments, which are among the most stressful, dynamic, intense, life-saving, and critical environments in healthcare institutions, and where life-saving treatment is administered, are at high risk of experiencing psychological trauma. Trauma experienced in the work environment is a significant problem for nursing. The consequences of trauma negatively affect nurses and institutions. Studies show that post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout are commonly observed in emergency department nurses. In this sense, understanding the stress and stress factors experienced by nurses can guide future interventions. The results of this study are considered important in making visible the stress and stress factors experienced by nurses in the emergency department, and also in guiding managers and nurses working in this field in terms of preventive and protective measures.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Comparative Transcriptomics Reveals Shared Downstream Pathways in Craniofacial Pathology.

Treacher Collins syndrome and Nager syndrome are craniofacial developmental disorders caused by defects in ribosome biogenesis and RNA splicing, respectively, yet they exhibit overlapping abnormalities affecting neural crest cell-derived craniofacial structures. To investigate shared downstream pathogenic mechanisms, we performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis of zebrafish polr1c and sf3b4 mutant models from our previous studies. Comparative analysis identified 17 shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between polr1c and sf3b4 mutants, with the majority of shared genes dysregulated in the same direction, indicating a coordinated rather than random transcriptional response. Gene ontology analysis identified ATP-dependent protein folding chaperone activity as the only shared molecular function, driven in part by upregulation of hsp90aa1.2, indicating a common proteostasis response. Because chaperone activity is linked to extracellular matrix (ECM) protein processing, we cross-referenced DEGs from both mutants against the curated zebrafish matrisome. Three of the 17 shared DEGs (serpinh1b, il11a, and lepa) were matrisome-associated and upregulated in both mutants. Serpinh1b, a collagen-specific chaperone, was strongly expressed in craniofacial cartilage and mesenchymal populations during pharyngeal arch development and exhibited nearly identical fold changes in both mutants. Il11a is of particular interest because its receptor, IL11RA, is known to be associated with human craniosynostosis, suggesting potential relevance to craniofacial development. Together, it is possible to hypothesize that shared chaperone-associated transcriptional changes, together with altered ECM-related gene expression, may contribute to polr1c- and sf3b4-associated craniofacial disorders, warranting further functional validation.

Extracellular Matrix↗

PubMed2026

Exploring the dose-response relationship between prenatal exercise and postpartum depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

IMPORTANCE: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a hidden and widespread global public health crisis affecting millions of mothers and infants annually. Prenatal exercise is a potentially accessible nonpharmacological strategy for PPD prevention, but its optimal dose remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To explore the dose-response relationship between prenatal exercise and the incidence of PPD through meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). DATA SOURCES: Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library using MeSH terms and keywords related to "pregnant women," "prenatal exercise," and "postpartum depression," up to June 23, 2025. STUDY SELECTION: RCTs included examined prenatal exercise interventions in pregnant women without a history of depression, with PPD incidence reported using validated depression scales (such as EPDS, CES-D). Non-RCT studies, duplicate publications, and studies with insufficient data were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two researchers independently extracted data according to the PRISMA guidelines. A random-effects model was used to pool odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Linear and nonlinear dose-response models were employed to analyze and evaluate the relationship between exercise dose (measured in METs-min/week) and the incidence of PPD. MAIN OUTCOME(S) AND MEASURE(S): The primary outcome is the incidence of PPD, analyzing its relationship with prenatal exercise dose. RESULTS: Eight RCTs involving 2231 pregnant women were included. The pooled analysis showed that prenatal exercise was associated with a potential reduction in PPD incidence, although the overall effect did not reach statistical significance (OR=0.58, 95% CI [0.33, 1.02]). In dose-stratified analysis, exercise doses ≥500 METs-min/week were associated with significantly lower PPD incidence (OR=0.44, 95% CI [0.24, 0.78]). Subgroup analyses suggested trends toward greater benefits among women aged ≥30 years and those initiating exercise between 14 and 28 weeks of gestation; however, subgroup differences did not reach statistical significance. The linear dose-response trend did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.0533), and neither the overall spline association (p = 0.1704) nor the test for nonlinearity (p = 0.6361) was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Prenatal exercise may be associated with a lower risk of PPD, but the overall pooled effect did not reach statistical significance. Findings concerning ≥500 METs-min/week and the apparent flattening of the dose-response curve should be considered exploratory and require confirmation in larger trials.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Improving Patient Comfort of Vibratory Anesthetic Devices With a Dampener: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Vibratory anesthetic devices (VADs) reduce dermatologic injection pain, but their vibration can feel harsh at sensitive anatomical sites. Simple modifications improving patient comfort may enhance VAD adoption. OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluated whether dampening VAD vibration with a cotton buffer improves patient comfort and characterized tactile features influencing preferences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a single-site, participant-blinded pilot study (N = 53), adults received a dampened VAD (D-VAD) and standard VAD (S-VAD) at 5 sites-lateral nasal wall, submalar cheek, ear helix, lateral neck, and dorsal forearm-in randomized, contralateral application. Site-specific preference was analyzed with binomial and Cochran Q tests; demographic associations with univariate analyses. Word2vec and hierarchical clustering analyzed qualitative reasons behind patient preference. RESULTS: D-VAD was preferred at all sites across demographics-lateral nasal wall (88.7%), submalar cheek (84.9%), ear helix (88.7%), lateral neck (77.4%), and dorsal forearm (75.5%) (all p < .001), with strongest preference at face and head/neck (p = .018). Computational semantics analysis of qualitative responses identified 6 themes driving preference: Smoothness, Gentleness, Controlled, Low Frequency, Low Intensity, and Less Bothersome. CONCLUSION: Dampening VAD vibration with a cotton buffer enhances comfort across sensitive sites, with reduced harshness and smoother sensation underlying preference. This simple modification may improve patient experience, encouraging broader VAD adoption.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP051 Probiotic on Body Composition, Microbiome and Mood in Healthy Overweight Adults.

Obesity and mental health disorders are among the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. Interestingly, an altered microbiome profile has been associated with both conditions. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with a specific probiotic strain (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP051) on body composition and gut microbiome balance, together with measures of mood state, in a population of healthy overweight subjects. Sixty healthy, moderately stressed, nondepressed and overweight or obese volunteers were supplemented for 12 weeks with probiotic (L. plantarum KABP051; 1 billion colony forming units/day) or placebo (microcrystalline cellulose). The KABP051 group experienced significantly greater improvements compared with placebo on body composition measurements, including a reduction in body weight and waist circumference, which decreased in 1.97 ± 0.77 (mean ± SE) kg and 2.15 ± 0.81 (mean ± SE) cm versus placebo at the end of the intervention (both P < .05, mixed model for repeated measures [MMRM] and post-hoc analysis). Microbiome composition improved in KABP051 group, with significant increase in the relative abundance of Lactiplantibacillus spp. versus placebo. Body fat percentage, profile of mood states fatigue, and confusion sub-scores showed a global trend toward improvement compared with placebo, with the change at 12 weeks being significant in the three measurements in post-hoc analysis (P = .015, P = .014, and P = .016, respectively). No serious adverse events were registered during the intervention period. These results suggest that a specific strain of probiotic bacteria (L. plantarum KABP051) may have both metabolic and psychobiotic effects and may be beneficial for enhancing weight loss and body composition, improving energy (less fatigue) and mood levels while embarking on a healthy lifestyle regimen. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06808061.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

CanDo (Canadian Donor Milk) randomised controlled trial: pasteurised human donor milk supplementation in the well-baby unit - protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Mother's milk is the gold standard for feeding newborns. Despite lactation support while in hospital, supplementation rates remain high in Canadian well-baby units at 35-50%. When supplementation is needed, the choice between formula milk and pasteurised human donor milk (donor milk) remains uncertain with a lack of clinical trials to inform this practice. This study aims to compare the effect of supplementing mother's milk with donor milk versus formula in infants at higher risk for supplementation (infants of diabetic mothers, infants born small for gestational age or with a birth weight less than 2.5 kg and late preterm infants born between 350/7 and 366/7 weeks gestation). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is an ongoing, open-label, single-centre, randomised controlled trial conducted at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada. A total of 112 infants (56 per group) will be randomised to receive donor milk or infant formula as a supplement to mother's milk during their initial hospital stay, when supplementation is deemed necessary by the family and/or healthcare team. The primary outcome is exclusive human milk feeding at 4 months of age. Secondary outcomes include any or exclusive human milk feeding at 1, 2 and 3 months; infant growth and health indicators and breastfeeding self-efficacy. Exploratory outcomes encompass infant temperament; parental mental health (assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale); milk cortisol concentrations; and informal milk sharing comparing donor milk and formula supplementation. Follow-up includes monthly telephone assessments and a virtual or in-person visit at 4 months post partum. Data will be analysed using intention-to-treat principles. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The CanDo trial has received ethics approval from the Mount Sinai Hospital Research Ethics Board and the University of Toronto. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and stakeholder engagement with hospital and public health decision-makers. Findings will address a critical evidence gap regarding the use of donor milk supplementation in well-baby units and may inform future clinical practice and policy in newborn feeding. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT06315127.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Nephropathies Associated with Sickle Cell Trait and How to Study Them.

Sickle cell trait (SCT), which carries a single point mutation in the hemoglobin-β (HBB) gene, has long been considered a benign condition. However, epidemiological evidence challenges this assumption, revealing that individuals with SCT face an elevated risk of renal dysfunction. However, this field of study remains ill-defined as it has focused on sickle cell disease (SCD), where renal complications are severe. As SCT is more prevalent than SCD, consequences of nephropathies in this group translate into a substantial and largely unaddressed public health burden. Clinical data, primarily observational, implicate age and sex in the development of SCT-associated nephropathies. These manifestations span glomerular hyperfiltration, tubular damage, hematuria, renal papillary necrosis, renal medullary carcinoma, and progression to chronic kidney disease, all complications that cluster disproportionately in older male individuals. Despite this, the mechanistic basis of SCT nephropathy, the thresholds at which renal injury becomes clinically significant, and the optimal strategies for early identification and prevention remain inadequately defined. In vitro studies have primarily focused on SCD blood cell biology, with SCT receiving comparatively little attention. Humanized murine models (i.e., Berkeley and Townes) have recapitulated some SCT-associated renal phenotypes but need to be more fully characterized. This review aims to provide an overview of the biology of sickle cell trait nephropathies, the gaps in our knowledge, and the model systems we can use to fill those gaps.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

Design of an innovative framework based hybrid catalyst for simultaneous and sensitive monitoring of food additive and preservative of vanillin and nitrite in direct samples.

As vanillin (VAN) and nitrite (NIT) contamination in the food chain poses substantial threats to environmental and public health, rapid and portable detection is essential. The present study presents the first electrochemical sensor report based on a hybrid composite of Ni-TPA-MOF and MoS2/Co3O4. The oxidation of VAN and NIT exhibited sharp peaks and less over-potential on Ni-TPA-MOF/MoS2/Co3O4/GCE than on control electrode surfaces. On modified composite electrode surfaces, pH and scan rate were investigated for VAN and NIT. Further, the oxidation current exhibited high linearity at VAN and NIT concentrations of 5 nM-1000 μM and 3 nM-1250 μM, with detection limits of 0.102 nM and 0.073 nM (S/N = 3). We also applied anti-interfering ability (five/ten-fold excess of co-interfering compounds) and practical tests to various food-based real samples, with high recoveries of 98.85-102.41%. This study highlights the catalytic properties of Ni-TPA-MOF/MoS2/Co3O4 and demonstrates the sensor as a promising tool for food safety.

Benzaldehydes↗

PubMed2026

Time Heals Some Wounds? Burnout but Not Secondary Traumatic Stress in Critical Care Nurses.

BACKGROUND: Burnout among new nurses has been widely documented. Less is known about how years of professional experience relate to distinct components of professional quality of life, including compassion satisfaction and secondary traumatic stress. Early-career nurses appear particularly vulnerable to occupational strain, warranting examination of how years of experience may influence perceptions of professional well-being. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between years of nursing experience and professional quality of life among critical care nurses. METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional pilot study was conducted using the Professional Quality of Life scale. A convenience sample of 55 nurses were recruited and consented from a rural hospital in the western United States. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlations were used to examine relationships between years of experience and scores on the instrument's subscales. RESULTS: Forty nurses provided complete survey responses. Years of nursing experience correlated positively with compassion satisfaction and negatively with burnout. No significant relationship was found between years of experience and secondary traumatic stress. CONCLUSIONS: Greater professional experience was associated with higher compassion satisfaction and lower burnout but not with secondary traumatic stress. These findings suggest that experience may buffer against cumulative occupational strain, whereas trauma-related stress responses may persist across career stages. Structured mentoring and transition support may help to mitigate burnout among early-career nurses, and trauma-informed leadership approaches may warrant consideration in high-acuity environments.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Feasibility of Prone Positioning in Patients With Obesity and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Prone positioning in patients with obesity remains uncommon because of concerns about feasibility, safety, and efficacy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes of manual prone positioning in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) across different classes of obesity. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study involving patients with ARDS who underwent manual prone positioning across 15 hospitals between April 2014 and July 2024. Patients were stratified into 5 groups based on body mass index. Standardized prone positioning protocols were followed across institutions. RESULTS: A total of 1448 patients with ARDS underwent prone positioning. Across all obesity categories, prone positioning was associated with shorter intensive care unit and hospital stays, improved oxygenation, and better clinical outcomes. Notably, patients with class III obesity showed the greatest increase in gas exchange efficiency, with a 37% improvement in ratio of Pao2 to fraction of inspired oxygen, compared with 28% in patients with normal weight (P < .05). Complication rates were low across all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Prone positioning is feasible and safe in patients with ARDS across all obesity classes. Patients with class III obesity showed the greatest improvements in oxygenation. Future prospective studies should further explore the long-term impact of prone positioning in patients with class III obesity to refine clinical guidelines and optimize care.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Assessment of Genetic Correlations Between Tobacco or Alcohol Use and Neurodegenerative Diseases Using East Asian Genetic Ancestry Genome-Wide Association Study Results.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the most prevalent late-onset neurodegenerative diseases worldwide. Both are influenced in part by genetic factors and are currently incurable. Tobacco and alcohol, the two most common substances used among the general adult population, are potential AD/PD risk factors and are also heritable. Although important progress has been made, most existing research on the genetics of AD and PD has been carried out in individuals of European genetic ancestry. Investigations in a broad range of groups are crucial to understand disease mechanisms. Given the current availability of ancestry-specific tobacco and alcohol use as well as AD and PD genome-wide association study summary statistics, we performed global and local genetic correlation analyses using East Asian datasets. Genes within the correlated genetic regions were subsequently used to identify potentially enriched biological pathways between substance use and neurodegenerative diseases. We identified a global genetic correlation between smoking cessation and PD, which we confirmed in complementary European genetic ancestry data. Gene set enrichment analyses highlighted potentially shared genetic mechanisms between breast cancer and AD, which warrants further exploration. This work aims to promote further analyses across genetic ancestry groups.

Female↗

PubMed2026

Recent advances in electrode materials for electrochemical detection of zearalenone.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is an estrogenic mycotoxin commonly found in cereals, animal feed, and processed foods, making it an important concern for food safety and public health. Conventional chromatographic and immunological methods can detect ZEN; however, they often require expensive instruments, lengthy sample preparation, and skilled personnel, which restrict their use for rapid and on-site testing. Electrochemical sensors have attracted enormous interest of the scientific community because of their high sensitivity, rapid response, low cost, miniaturization potential, and compatibility with portable systems. The analytical performance of the electrochemical sensors is strongly influenced by electrode materials, morphology, conductivity, porosity, surface functionality, and the efficiency of bioreceptor immobilization. Despite several reviews on mycotoxin detection, a systematic assessment connecting electrode-material design, modification strategies, sensing mechanisms, and electroanalytical performance specifically for ZEN sensing remain limited. This review critically evaluates recent advances in metal oxides, carbon-based materials, metal-organic- and covalent organic frameworks, MXenes, polymers, and hybrid composites for electrochemical ZEN detection. Particular attention has been given to their roles in electron transfer, analyte enrichment, selectivity, and real-sample analysis. The review also compares the major limitations of current sensing systems, including complex fabrication, matrix interference, insufficient long-term stability, poor inter-electrode reproducibility, and limited scalability. Finally, future directions for developing robust, cost-effective, portable, and commercially viable ZEN sensors are discussed.

Journal Article↗