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PubMed2026

Association between prenatal exposure to tetrachloroethylene and adverse birth outcomes: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) is a ubiquitous chlorinated solvent with documented placental transfer. Despite widespread environmental and occupational exposure, no prior systematic review has synthesized evidence on prenatal PCE exposure and adverse birth outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched from inception to July 13, 2026. Eligible studies reported associations between prenatal PCE exposure (drinking water or inhalation) and adverse birth outcomes. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) criteria. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed using risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with Knapp-Hartung adjustments and Paule-Mandel τ2 estimation. RESULTS: Twenty one studies (1987-2023) met inclusion criteria. Prenatal PCE exposure was associated with spontaneous abortion (8 studies; RR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.00-1.63; I2 = 64.2%). Analyses of stillbirth, central nervous system defects, oral clefts, neural tube defects, preterm birth, low birthweight, and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) yielded positive but statistically non-significant pooled estimates. The certainty of evidence ranged from very low to low across outcomes (GRADE). CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal PCE exposure may be associated with spontaneous abortion, particularly at higher exposure levels, and with SGA. Findings support ongoing regulatory efforts to limit PCE in occupational and environmental settings, particularly for pregnant individuals. Future prospective studies with biological monitoring and confounder-adjusted designs are needed.

Tetrachloroethylene↗

PubMed2026

Genome-wide SNP data support species boundaries in sympatric Polylepis Ruiz & Pav. (Rosaceae) species from Bolivia and Ecuador.

Species delimitation in the South American genus Polylepis is notoriously challenging due to high morphological similarity and phenotypic plasticity, likely driven by hybridization and gene flow. Previous phylogenetic studies suggested that genetic structure aligns more strongly with geography than with taxonomy, questioning existing species concepts and hampering conservation efforts. We used double-digest RAD sequencing (ddRADseq) to generate genome-wide SNP data for 11 Polylepis species sampled across multiple localities in Bolivia and Ecuador. Population genetic analyses, phylogenetic inference, and network approaches were combined to assess whether genetic structure aligns more closely with taxonomy or geography. Morphologically defined species formed largely cohesive genetic lineages across regions, with species identity explaining substantially more genetic variation than locality. While localized admixture and reticulation were detected among closely related taxa, widespread species showed strong genetic cohesion and clear separation from congeners. Our results indicate that the sampled Polylepis species from Bolivia and Ecuador maintain distinct genetic identities despite localized signals consistent with gene flow. This genome-wide support for current taxonomy highlights Polylepis as a valuable model for studying speciation under gene flow and indicates that multiple geographic sampling will be essential in reconstructing a robust phylogeny of the genus, with important implications for conservation planning in Andean montane forests.

Bolivia↗

PubMed2026

Surveilled subjectivation: narratives of drug policing among people who use prohibited drugs in Sweden.

In Sweden, possession and personal use of drugs are criminalized since 1988, resulting in police work being directed towards minor drug offenses. Despite this, police and other authorities are encouraged to protect the health and wellbeing of people who use prohibited drugs (PWUPD). Knowledge is scarce on how this drug policy plays out in practice. This study therefore analyzes interviews with 20 PWUPD who visited harm reduction services and interacted with policing agents in Stockholm, Sweden. The analysis is based on the participants' narratives of drug policing, and it concerns how they produced themselves as subjects through relations between materiality and discourse. We utilize the concept of surveilled subjectivation to elucidate what the participants could do, what they knew and who they could be or become under drug policing. Four themes were identified illustrating the link between discourse and materiality in PWUPD's surveilled subjectivation: "Material aspects of surveillance"; "Resisting the 'drug abuser' identity"; "Fighting power with power"; and "Crossing boundaries and becoming-other". The participants described nonstop efforts to prevent their bodies, activities, belongings and environments from being enfolded by drug law enforcement, which otherwise would fuel even more surveillance. They therefore disassociated themselves from the "drug abuser" identity, and managed encounters with policing agents by keeping a low profile or acting compliantly. While the study highlights the skills and knowledges the participants deployed to navigate omnipresent drug policing, we conclude that their production of autonomous and empowered subjectivities would be facilitated if possession and use of drugs were no longer criminalized.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Gender-specific pathways linking body dissatisfaction, self-disgust, and social anxiety in Chinese adolescents: A three-wave longitudinal study.

Adolescence is a critical period for physical and psychological development. Body dissatisfaction is a significant concern during this stage, contributing to psychological issues such as social anxiety. However, the longitudinal relationships among body dissatisfaction, self-disgust, and social anxiety, as well as the potential role of gender differences in these dynamics, remain unclear. A total of 1109 junior high school students in China completed the baseline survey, with data collected at three time points (Mage = 12.67 years, SD = 0.68; 51.9% girls). Data were collected using the Body Areas Satisfaction Scale (BASS), the Self-Disgust Scale (SDS), and the Social Anxiety Scale for Children (SASC). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the longitudinal mediating effects among body dissatisfaction, self-disgust, and social anxiety, as well as to explore gender differences in these relationships. After controlling for autoregressive effects of self-disgust and social anxiety across waves, body dissatisfaction at T1 was found to indirectly predict social anxiety at T3 through self-disgust at T2, while indirectly predicting self-disgust at T3 through social anxiety at T2. Multi-group analyses revealed significant gender differences: for females, only the mediating pathway with self-disgust as the mediator was significant; for males, only the pathway with social anxiety as the mediator was significant. These findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the emotional mechanisms linking body dissatisfaction to social anxiety and highlight the importance of considering gender-specific pathways in prevention and intervention efforts.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2025

Artificial Intelligence in Diagnosing Depression Through Behavioural Cues: A Diagnostic Accuracy Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AIM: To synthesise existing evidence concerning the application of AI methods in detecting depression through behavioural cues among adults in healthcare and community settings. DESIGN: This is a diagnostic accuracy systematic review. METHODS: This review included studies examining different AI methods in detecting depression among adults. Two independent reviewers screened, appraised and extracted data. Data were analysed by meta-analysis, narrative synthesis and subgroup analysis. DATA SOURCES: Published studies and grey literature were sought in 11 electronic databases. Hand search was conducted on reference lists and two journals. RESULTS: In total, 30 studies were included in this review. Twenty of which demonstrated that AI models had the potential to detect depression. Speech and facial expression showed better sensitivity, reflecting the ability to detect people with depression. Text and movement had better specificity, indicating the ability to rule out non-depressed individuals. Heterogeneity was initially high. Less heterogeneity was observed within each modality subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first systematic review examining AI models in detecting depression using all four behavioural cues: speech, texts, movement and facial expressions. IMPLICATIONS: A collaborative effort among healthcare professionals can be initiated to develop an AI-assisted depression detection system in general healthcare or community settings. IMPACT: It is challenging for general healthcare professionals to detect depressive symptoms among people in non-psychiatric settings. Our findings suggested the need for objective screening tools, such as an AI-assisted system, for screening depression. Therefore, people could receive accurate diagnosis and proper treatments for depression. REPORTING METHOD: This review followed the PRISMA checklist. PATIENTS OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patients or public contribution.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Cytonuclear conflict and reticulate evolution in the Morelloid clade (Solanum, Solanaceae): Insights from genome skimming and network Phylogenomics.

The Morelloid clade (black nightshades) is one of the most strongly supported clades within the megadiverse Solanum genus. It comprises 76 globally distributed, non-spiny herbaceous and suffrutescent species. While often erroneously considered poisonous weeds, several species are economically important as orphan crops. The clade is closely related to tomato and potato but, due to a lack of focused breeding efforts, remains a putative reservoir of genetic diversity for crop improvement. Despite this potential, we lack fundamental knowledge on the evolution of the Morelloid clade. The group includes polyploid species with unknown parental origins-likely reflecting reticulate processes such as hybridization, introgression, and associated backcrossing events. Prior analyses have been unable to disentangle these processes, leaving the mechanisms underlying reticulate evolution in the Morelloid clade poorly understood. Here, we use genome skimming to produce a well-supported maximum likelihood plastid phylogeny from complete circularized plastomes and a coalescent-based species tree from combined Angiosperms353 and conserved ortholog set nuclear markers. Our dataset, composed of previously published data and deep genome skimming from herbarium samples, spans 26 Morelloid species. To investigate phylogenetic discordance, we used a nuclear phylogenetic network, multispecies coalescent simulations, a fused rooted nuclear chloroplast tree, and quantification of nuclear gene tree concordance. We show that incongruence between nuclear and plastid trees is pervasive and cannot be explained by incomplete lineage sorting alone. Instead, our results demonstrate that events consistent with repeated chloroplast capture have shaped the reticulate evolutionary history of the clade, especially among African polyploid and Pan-American diploid lineages.

Phylogeny↗

PubMed2026

Health risk assessment of inorganic arsenic: an umbrella review.

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is a toxic environmental pollutant linked to serious health risks, prompting global regulatory efforts. This study identifies major health conditions associated with iAs exposure using text network analysis, and assesses health risk assessments through an umbrella review and dose-response analysis. It synthesizes previous systematic reviews to offer a broader perspective on iAs-related health effects. An optimized text network analysis-based search strategy was applied across multiple databases to identify relevant systematic reviews. An umbrella review framework was employed to synthesize and reinterpret findings across systematic reviews. The methodological quality of included systematic reviews was assessed using the A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2 tool. Extracted data on study characteristics, exposure levels, and risk estimates were analyzed to evaluate the dose-response relationship between iAs exposure and health outcomes. From 922 systematic reviews, 36 were included and categorized into 10 health condition groups. For example, seven SRs found a significant dose-response relationship between iAs and bladder cancer, with one systematic review reporting relative risks of 2.70, 4.20, and 5.80 at 10, 50, and 150 µg/L, respectively. Individual study analysis further showed that each 10 µg/L increase in iAs raised bladder cancer risk by 3.11 % (p=0.003). iAs exposure is associated with hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and adverse fetal outcomes. Dose-dependent increases in bladder cancer, lung cancer, and hypertension risks were observed. These findings support more precise health risk assessments and regulatory strategies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

"Abrazos, no Balazos": Intensity of Risk for Exposure to Violence and Armed Conflict Trajectories for Adolescents and Young Adults in México 2018-2024.

PURPOSE: "Abrazos, no balazos" (Hugs, not gunshots) is the approach to violence used by the Federal Mexican government from 2018 to 2024. This study identifies distinct conceptually useful latent class growth trajectories in the annual intensity of risk for exposure to events and fatalities from violence against civilians and battles for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in México from 2018 to 2024. METHODS: Data are from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project. Latent class growth analyses were conducted with four longitudinal dependent variables assessed in seven sequential years (2018-2024). RESULTS: In most of the Mexican states, AYAs experienced low intensity-flat trajectories (p >.096) in the annual intensity of risk for exposure to events and fatalities from violence against civilians and battles. AYAs who lived in states with extremely, markedly, or moderately elevated 2018 intensities of risk for exposure to violence experienced decreasing trajectories (p =.000). One latent class with a mildly elevated-increasing trajectory (p =.000) in the annual intensity of risk for exposure to violence was identified for each of the four longitudinal dependent variables. DISCUSSION: During the time that the Federal Mexican government used the "Abrazos, no balazos" approach, AYAs in the majority of the states in México had intensity of risk for exposure to violence and armed conflict trajectories that were consistent with the goals of primary and secondary violence prevention. Violence prevention efforts should be augmented in states with unfavorable trajectories.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Systems Factors Contributing to Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Maternal Health: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Despite ongoing efforts to reduce adverse maternal outcomes, including maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, racial/ethnic disparities in outcomes persist in high-income countries, including the United States (US) and Canada. Limited research has examined hospital-level factors that may drive disparities and contribute to adverse outcomes. This systematic review summarizes factors within the health system contributing to adverse outcomes and racial/ethnic disparities in the US and Canada to inform future policies and practices. METHOD: We searched SCOPUS, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and ProQuest Healthcare Administration for studies that reported hospital-level factors contributing to adverse maternal outcomes and racial/ethnic disparities. The review followed a two-stage screening process. The risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The System Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) 2.0 framework guided the identification and categorization of factors. RESULTS: Of 2441 studies retrieved, 30 met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-eight studies were conducted in the US, and 2 were conducted in Canada. The review included 16 qualitative, 11 quantitative, and 3 mixed-methods studies. We identified 60 factors associated with different system components, including person(s) (12%), tasks (28%), tools and technology (7%), internal environment (10%), organization (28%), and external environment (15%). Shortage of resources, including staffing, poor care coordination, and discriminatory organizational practices, were key factors described in the studies. CONCLUSION: Addressing health system factors in addition to broader societal factors is important to reduce adverse outcomes and promote equity for all women and birthing persons.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Development of a cell-based nanoluciferase reporter system for high-throughput screening of HBV cccDNA inhibitors.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistence is sustained by the viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) minichromosome, which remains a major barrier to curative antiviral therapies. The lack of reliable quantitative cccDNA detection methods and surrogate markers has hindered efforts to target cccDNA in antiviral high-throughput screening (HTS). Here, we established a novel inducible cccDNA-dependent nanoluciferase (NLuc) reporter cell line, designated HepBLE12, by inserting an in-frame 11-amino acid split-NLuc HiBiT tag into the precore (pC) coding region of an HBV transgene. The resulting 1.3-kDa HiBiT tag on pC serves as the detection module of the split NLuc system, generating quantitative luminescence upon high-affinity complementation with the cognate 18-kDa LgBiT subunit in cell lysates. Notably, the HiBiT assay enables direct detection of intracellular HiBiT-pC protein rather than secreted HBeAg, providing a reporter signal more closely linked to cccDNA activity. HepBLE12 cells exhibited inducible and robust viral DNA replication, and the cccDNA-dependent HiBiT signal was validated under diverse experimental conditions that modulate cccDNA formation or transcription. We further miniaturized the assay to a 384-well format and optimized key parameters following standard HTS assay development practices. The assay was successfully automated and demonstrated excellent performance in a multi-day variability study and a pilot screen, with signal-to-background (S/B) ≈ 9, coefficient of variance (CV) < 10%, and average Z-factor value of 0.74, exceeding canonical HTS quality benchmarks. Together, the HepBLE12 cell-based HTS platform provides a robust and practical tool for identifying inhibitors targeting HBV cccDNA.

Hepatitis B virus↗

PubMed2026

Interfacial engineering of cobalt tungstate-halloysite nanotube nanocomposite for electrochemical detection of synthetic vanillin in food matrices.

In processed foods and medicine, synthetic vanillin is widely used, although excessive intake poses toxicological risks. Due to the rising usage of synthetic vanillin in food products and associated health hazards, quick, sensitive, and reliable analytical methods are needed to precisely measure vanillin in complex food matrices. This work introduces a CoWO4@F-HNT/GCE nanocomposite as an efficient electrocatalytic modifier for glassy carbon electrodes aimed at trace-level synthetic vanillin detection. Structural and microscopic analyses confirmed phase-pure monoclinic CoWO4, preservation of the tubular aluminosilicate framework, and homogeneous nanoparticle anchoring on F-HNT. Differential pulse voltammetry provided a broad linear range from 0.01 to 372.14 μM and a low detection limit of 4.3 nM, together with excellent selectivity against common interferents, good cycling stability, and high inter-electrode reproducibility. These characteristics position the CoWO4@F-HNT-modified electrode as a cost-effective and reliable platform for on-site quality control of synthetic vanillin in complex food matrices.

Benzaldehydes↗

PubMed2026

Global Patterns of Net Ecosystem Exchange in peatlands: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Drivers Across Land Use and Environmental Gradients.

Peatlands play an essential role in the global carbon cycle, storing approximately one-third of the world's soil carbon despite covering less than 3% of the land surface. Peatland degradation from anthropogenic activities and climate change can convert peatlands from net carbon sinks to sources by altering carbon cycling. Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE), the balance between CO2 uptake and emission, is a critical indicator for assessing peatland condition and restoration efforts. We conducted a systematic quantitative literature review to investigate global patterns of NEE in peatlands and identify key environmental and anthropogenic drivers of CO2 flux variability. Annual NEE values from 120 globally distributed sites reported in peer-reviewed literature were analyzed in relation to climatic zone, land use, vegetation type, peatland condition, and water table depth. Our synthesis revealed significant geographic gaps, with peatland NEE studies substantially underrepresented in the Tropics, Africa, and Oceania. Agricultural peatlands emitted significantly more CO2 than sites under natural land uses or peat extraction, while degraded peatlands were significantly greater net CO2 sources than intact and restored systems. Restored peatlands remained net CO2 sources on average, emphasizing the importance of long-term monitoring and adaptive management following restoration interventions. Water table depth significantly affected NEE variability, with CO2 emissions increasing approximately 7.2 gCO2-C m-2yr-1 for every centimeter of water table drawdown. A substantial variability in measurement methods, data processing software, and protocols highlighted the critical need for methodological standardization. Our findings provide evidence-based targets for peatland conservation and restoration monitoring as nature-based climate solutions.

Ecosystem↗

PubMed2026

Comparison of posterior cellular bonegraft options for single-level lumbar spinal fusion: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Iliac bone autograft (IBG) is osteoinductive/osteogenic/osteoconductive but requires an additional harvesting procedure with known morbidities. Bone morphogenic protein (BMP) is osteoinductive and effective in obtaining fusion but is used off label for posterior fusion, has multiple side effects, and is expensive. Stem cell bone products, both auto- and allograft are attractive osteoinductive alternatives that avoid morbidity related to the graft donor site and may have a better safety profile than BMP. Morcelized allograft bone is osteoconductive but not osteoinductive or osteogenic. PURPOSE: Evaluate and compare the effectiveness of 6 types of viable or osteoinductive bone graft material in obtaining a solid posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for single level anterior/posterior lumbar spinal fusion. The bone grafts were IBG, BMP, autogenous stem cells (MSC) from concentrated bone marrow aspirate (BMA), allograft MSC from bone marrow, adipose tissue, or amniotic fluid, combined with inert cancellous allograft (Allo). STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Prospective, single-blinded randomized study of 6 cohorts and inert historical control. PATIENT SAMPLE: Elective anterior-posterior lumbar spinal fusion of 175 patients. OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessments included pre and postoperative back and leg pain (VAS) scores, pain drawing, disability (ODI) scores, pain medication usage, and 1-year postoperative thin-cut CT scans (read by blinded radiologists). METHODS: Patients who were surgical candidates for a 1-level anterior/posterior lumbar fusion were randomized to 1 of 6 types of posterior bone graft alternatives: IBG, BMP, BMA, allograft MSC derived from bone marrow combined with morcelized Allo (cAlloBone), adipose derived MSC combined with morcelized Allo (cAlloFat), or amnion derived MSC combined with morcelized Allo (cAlloAm). Historical Allo patients served as a negative control group. Each group (n 27) had prospective outcomes and were followed for a minimum of 2 years. Fusion rate and outcomes were compared and referenced to Allo group. RESULTS: All but 5 patients had a solid ASF. The posterior fusion rates were 98% for IBG, 94% for BMP, 85% for BMA, 67% for cAlloBone, 64% for cAlloFat, 62% for cAlloAm, and 50% for Allo. Outcomes were significantly improved for all measures for all groups and there was no difference between groups except cAlloFat had slightly greater improvement in back pain in the 7-12 month follow-up period. BMP was the most expensive graft material; cellular allografts had a high-cost relative to fusion rate. CONCLUSIONS: For single level ASF/PSF, the PSF fusion rate was significantly greater for IBG and BMP followed by BMA. Various allograft MSC bone graft options resulted in lower fusion rates but may be greater than Allo. Outcomes were uniformly improved regardless of the type of graft used or the fusion status of the posterior fusion as long as the interbody fusion was solid. If bone graft cost savings is a consideration for PSF, then IBG has the greatest radiographic value, and Allo the greatest clinical value as long as the anterior interbody fusion is solid.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The Role of Artificial Intelligence Combined With Digital Cholangioscopy for Indeterminant and Malignant Biliary Strictures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Current endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and cholangioscopic-based diagnostic sampling for indeterminant biliary strictures remain suboptimal. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms by means of computer vision in machine learning have been applied to cholangioscopy in an effort to improve diagnostic yield. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic performance of AI-based diagnostic performance of AI-associated cholangioscopic diagnosis of indeterminant or malignant biliary strictures. METHODS: Individualized searches were developed in accordance with PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines, and meta-analysis according to Cochrane Diagnostic Test Accuracy working group methodology. A bivariate model was used to compute pooled sensitivity and specificity, likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and summary receiver operating characteristics curve (SROC). RESULTS: Five studies (n=675 lesions; a total of 2,685,674 cholangioscopic images) were included. All but one study analyzed a deep learning AI-based system using a convoluted neural network (CNN) with an average image processing speed of 30 to 60 frames per second. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 95% (95% CI: 85-98) and 88% (95% CI: 76-94), with a diagnostic accuracy (SROC) of 97% (95% CI: 95-98). Sensitivity analysis of CNN studies (4 studies, 538 patients) demonstrated a pooled sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (SROC) of 95% (95% CI: 82-99), 88% (95% CI: 72-95), and 97% (95% CI: 95-98), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial intelligence-based machine learning of cholangioscopy images appears to be a promising modality for the diagnosis of indeterminant and malignant biliary strictures.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Targeting SIRT6: the design and therapeutic implications of activators and inhibitors.

Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is an NAD+-dependent deacylase that maintains genomic stability, regulates metabolism, and influences aging, making it an attractive but challenging therapeutic target. Pharmacological modulation of SIRT6 holds promise for cancer and metabolic disorders, yet its context-dependent functions demand precise intervention strategies. Potent, selective, and drug-like chemical probes are therefore essential to dissect SIRT6 biology and to validate its therapeutic potential. This review critically evaluates recent medicinal chemistry advances in SIRT6 modulation. We focus on structure-guided design strategies and structure-activity relationships (SAR) that have transformed initial hits into optimized leads for both activators and inhibitors, highlighting the remaining challenges in achieving isoform selectivity and drug-like properties.

Sirtuins↗

PubMed2026

Long-term outcomes of non-operative compared to operative management of acute uncomplicated appendicitis - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated long-term outcomes of non-operative management (NOM) versus surgical management of acute uncomplicated appendicitis. METHODS: Systematic review of studies comparing NOM versus surgery with ≥2 years follow-up. Primary outcome was long-term failure rate. RESULTS: 9/1635 studies were included (3 RCTs; 6 non-RCT studies), involving 3883 patients; 5 were in pediatric populations. Median follow-up was 33.6 (range 24-312) months. NOM pooled long-term failure rate was 38.9% (95% CI: 31.1%-46.7%), increasing to 44.4% (95% CI: 41.4%-47.4%) in RCTs. Pooled appendectomy rate after NOM was 36.3% (95% CI: 28.9%-43.7%). Incidence of appendiceal neoplasms was approximately 0.3%. Non-operative management had cost savings of €1535 (95% CI: -€1892 to -€1178) versus surgery. CONCLUSIONS: NOM of acute uncomplicated appendicitis was associated with high long-term failure rates and significant risk of subsequent appendectomy.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Unacknowledged Burdens and Clinical Assets of BIPOC Genetic Counseling Students: Qualitative Evidence to Inform Supervision.

As the genetic counseling profession works to diversify its predominantly white workforce, understanding the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students is central to equity efforts. While BIPOC students bring invaluable cultural and linguistic diversity that improves patient care, they often navigate clinical training environments that lack diversity and psychological safety. This article draws on data from a longitudinal constructivist qualitative study to examine how racial and ethnic concordance (or lack thereof) with patients and clinical supervisors influenced the clinical training, professional development, and well-being of BIPOC genetic counseling students. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 BIPOC genetic counseling students in the United States and Canada. Interviews were recorded using Zoom.us, transcribed using Rev.com, and analyzed in NVivo using reflexive thematic analysis. The analysis led to the construction of three themes: (1)Shared identity with patients is a clinical advantage: Participants leveraged their cultural and linguistic intuition to establish trust and rapport with patients; (2) Identity navigation involves cognitive and emotional labor: Participants shouldered an unacknowledged burden in managing stereotype threat, overcoming feelings of exclusion, and educating supervisors; and (3) Racial/ethnic identity shapes supervisory dynamics: Participants described BIPOC supervisors as providing identity-affirming support, while some white supervisors avoided discussions about identity or committed microaggressions. These results suggest that BIPOC genetic counseling students have clinical assets rooted in biculturalism, yet carry a burden that often goes unacknowledged of managing power imbalances and pressure to assimilate in predominantly white clinical supervision spaces. To promote equitable training, programs should implement supervisor training on culturally responsive identity broaching, establish independent, transparent mechanisms for students to report biases they encounter in clinic, and expand mentorship networks to provide additional support.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Biological mechanisms of atropine in myopia control (Review).

Myopia is now recognized as a progressive, potentially sight‑threatening disease rather than just a refractive error, with its prevalence rising rapidly worldwide due to its high occurrence, major vision losses and huge public health cost. The World Health Organization estimates that 2.6 billion individuals in the world were myopic in 2020 this figure is projected to increase to 3.364 billion by 2030. Although myopia may be better controlled in its early stages, it may not be completely reversed at this time. Of all of the methods for controlling myopia, atropine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist, remains an effective pharmacological option for slowing myopia progression in children. However, the mechanisms of action of atropine remain to be fully elucidated. This review provided a systematic review for myopia epidemiology, pathogenesis, the effects and side effects, as well as up‑to‑date possible mechanisms, in the hope of facilitating that researchers in this field elucidate its underlying mechanisms so that clinical ophthalmologists may be able to better control this disease.

Humans↗