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PubMed2025

Autologous Fibrin Glue in Pterygium Surgery as an Alternative to Commercial Fibrin Glue.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of autologous fibrin glue in pterygium surgery, comparing it with commercial fibrin glue in terms of postoperative complications, graft stability, and recurrence rate. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted, involving 42 patients with primary pterygium who underwent autologous conjunctival-limbal transplantation. The graft was fixed using autologous fibrin glue (Group 1, G1) or commercial fibrin glue (Group 2, G2). All patients underwent surgery performed by the same surgeon and were reevaluated on postoperative days 7, 30, 90, and 180 by an independent observer, assessing clinical parameters in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods. RESULTS: No cases of severe adverse events were reported. Complete graft dehiscence occurred in 1 patient from G1. The G2 group had more cases of subconjunctival hemorrhage ( P = 0.0355). Pyogenic granuloma was observed in 1 patient from G2 and 2 patients from G1. There was no significant difference in recurrence rates between the groups (15% in G1 vs. 5% in G2; P = 0.2918). In both groups, graft dimensions tended to decrease slightly in the early postoperative period, followed by stabilization. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous fibrin glue demonstrated efficacy and safety comparable to commercial fibrin glue, making it a viable alternative to conjunctival graft fixation in primary pterygium surgery.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The emerging applications of JAK inhibitors in dermatology - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are established treatments for selected dermatologic conditions, but their off-label use has expanded across refractory skin diseases. METHODS: We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to October 1, 2025, for studies reporting off-label JAK inhibitor use in dermatologic disorders beyond approved or late-phase trial indications. RESULTS: Of 9,182 records screened, 277 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 210 case reports, 55 case series, and 12 retrospective studies involving 764 patients. Owing to substantial clinical heterogeneity, findings were narratively synthesized using a structured disease-family framework. Off-label use most commonly involved lichenoid, neutrophilic, and granulomatous dermatoses. Overall, 725/764 (94.88%) patients experienced clinical benefit, including complete or near-complete response in 209/764 (27.35%) and significant or partial improvement in 516/764 (67.53%). Thirty-five patients (4.58%) showed no clinical change, and four (0.52%) experienced disease worsening. A total of 154 adverse events were reported, most commonly with tofacitinib; most were mild to moderate, although six were serious and 25 resulted in treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSION: JAK inhibitors demonstrate promising therapeutic potential across a broad spectrum of refractory dermatological diseases. The predominance of uncontrolled case-based evidence, heterogeneous dosing, and frequent combination therapy limits attribution of efficacy and safety to JAK inhibitor monotherapy. Prospective controlled studies are needed to better define their therapeutic role.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Ultrastructural Insights Into the Reproductive Anatomy and Eggs of Cotton Pink Bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae).

The pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders is a major pest of cotton, notorious for its high reproductive potential and rapid evolution of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins. Despite its economic significance, detailed knowledge of its reproductive anatomy and egg ultrastructure has remained limited, constraining the development of advanced molecular control strategies such as CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing. The present study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the reproductive system and egg surface morphology of P. gossypiella using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The male reproductive system consists of fused, bean-shaped testes, seminal vesicles, duplex and simplex ejaculatory ducts, and paired accessory glands. The female reproductive system comprises paired ovaries with four polytrophic ovarioles per ovary, lateral and common oviducts, accessory glands, corpus bursae, and spermathecal glands. Eggs are oval, dorsoventrally flattened, exhibit a reticulated chorion with distinct micropylar and aeropylar regions. SEM images revealed 6-9 rosette cells encircling a circular micropylar plate, 14-19 first order and 17-23 s order ribs, and 250-291 polygonal surface cells. The structural features of P. gossypiella eggs reveal key sites for sperm entry, aeropylar respiration, and candidate zones for microinjection in gene editing applications. These findings establish a morphological baseline critical for optimizing embryo manipulation and ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery in lepidopteran genome editing. This study represents a pioneering effort to integrate classical egg morphology with molecular entomology, thereby advancing precision genetic interventions aimed at resistance management and population suppression in P. gossypiella.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Rhinoplasty Difficulty Scale: Development and Psychometric Analysis of a Surgeon's Assessment of Rhinoplasty Technique and Nasal Deformity Correction.

BACKGROUND: Rhinoplasty surgeons lack a universal scale of the relative difficulty of rhinoplasty techniques and rhinoplasty deformities. OBJECTIVE: To compare the expert opinion of the difficulty of rhinoplasty techniques and rhinoplasty deformities among international rhinoplasty surgeons, as measured by a scale of difficulty. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of rhinoplasty surgeons collected training levels, experience, case volume, and perceived expertise. Rhinoplasty techniques/deformities (n = 64) were rated from 1-10, representing the least to most technically demanding. Rasch analysis was used to examine the fit of the observed data to Rasch model requirements, assess rating scale functioning, and provide estimates of internal consistency. RESULTS: Respondents (n = 63) were in practice (<5 years, 14%; 5-10, 20%; 10-20, 20%; 20-30, 26%; >30, 20%), and rhinoplasty volume ranged from <25 (14%) to >100 cases/year (32%). Self-reported expertise was comfortably novice (32%), intermediate (10%), advanced (28%), and expert (30%). Otolaryngology (42%), facial plastic surgery (30%), and plastic surgery (28%) were represented. Rasch estimates of internal consistency reliability were excellent (0.96 for surgeons and 0.99 for items); the item difficulties were more heterogeneous (mean: 0, SD: 1.23) than the distribution of surgeons (mean: -0.09, SD: 0.58). Survey items were ordered by difficulty, ranging from least difficult (inferior turbinate reduction = 1.01) to most difficult (contracted nose repair post-infection = 8.24). CONCLUSION: The newly developed Rhinoplasty Difficulty Scale provides ratings of common rhinoplasty techniques and deformities with a high correlation among experts using this rating scale.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Plasma proteomics: considerations for preanalytical variability; a systematic review with narrative synthesis.

BACKGROUND: The plasma proteome (PP) is a dynamic system subject to pathology-associated changes and a focus for novel disease biomarker discovery. Disease-related PP research assumes protein concentrations in test specimens accurately reflect the in vivo milieu. However, measures to maintain the physicochemical integrity of the proteome before assay are often rudimentary, poorly described, or lacking standardisation in published studies. Contrastingly, in laboratory medicine, there is an expectation that errors in the so-called "preanalytical phase" (PAP) that impact patient results are understood, monitored, and mitigated against, while also being well described in research publications. There is therefore scope for good practice from laboratory medicine to inform PP research workflows. This review considers factors in the PAP which may impact the validity of PP results. CONTENT: A systematic review was conducted per PRISMA guidelines, limited to English-language peer-reviewed studies (2014-2024). Candidate studies were imported, screened, and managed using Covidence systematic review software. SUMMARY: 15 eligible studies were reviewed, covering many relevant processes. 11 studies reported statistically significant differences in PP due to factors in the PAP. Temperature and time-to-processing were the most commonly reported factors affecting the PP, with significant effects reported in 8 studies. OUTLOOK: PAP variability can significantly affect results in PP studies. Careful consideration of the effect of each stage of the PAP is needed when working with the PP. In multicenter studies, pre-defined and research question-specific sample processing workflows are essential for reducing PAP variability, which helps ensure the validity of PP studies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Influence of microplastics on microalgal performance during wastewater polishing.

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants that are increasingly accumulating in aquatic ecosystems due to excessive anthropogenic activity and insufficient mitigation strategies, posing serious environmental and public health risks. Their impact on wastewater (WW) treatment processes remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of five MPs commonly found in WW - polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide, low-density polyethylene, and high-density polyethylene - on the physiology and bioremediation performance of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris in synthetic WW (SWW). Metabolic responses were assessed via esterase activity and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), while nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and glucose removal were monitored to evaluate bioremediation efficiency. MPs inhibited esterase activity and elevated ROS levels, indicating oxidative stress. Nevertheless, C. vulgaris maintained a high bioremediation capacity (> 75 % N, > 60 % P, and > 70 % for glucose). Environmental conditions modulated microalga response to MPs exposure. Under N-limited conditions, C. vulgaris exhibited enhanced nutrient uptake and biomass production, but a 12 h/12 h light/dark photoperiod reduced N removal but stimulated glucose consumption via heterotrophic metabolism. In contrast, C-limited conditions exacerbated oxidative stress and compromised nutrient removal, resulting in residual concentrations exceeding legal limits. These findings highlight that environmental factors can either mitigate or exacerbate the physiological stress induced by MPs, ultimately affecting WW polishing. This work provides a comprehensive insight into the cellular and metabolic effects of MPs on microalgae and supports C. vulgaris as a resilient and sustainable approach for nutrient and carbon removal in MP-contaminated WW systems.

Microalgae↗

PubMed2026

Mitochondrial DNA diversity in Ecuadorian populations: Recurrence of variant 16136 within haplogroup B2.

The identification of lineage-defining variants, frequently found in the coding region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), is essential for refining haplogroup classification. Most mtDNA studies in South American populations have focused on the control region (CR), which has provided important insights into population structure and maternal lineage origins, although information needed for more robust phylogenetic resolution has been neglected. This study investigates the maternal genetic structure of Ecuadorian populations by combining CR and whole mitogenome analyses. Sequences from the mtDNA CR were obtained from 461 individuals (253 Mestizos and 208 Native Americans), while complete mitogenomes were sequenced for 127 individuals to improve phylogenetic resolution by identifying lineage-defining variants present in coding region. Most mtDNA haplogroups in the two population groups analyzed were of Native American origin (A2, B2, B4, C1, D1, D4), with significant differences in the distribution of specific lineages between them. Among Mestizos, African haplogroups (all within the L branches) and Eurasian haplogroups (H, K, R, U) were detected at low frequencies, whereas no African lineages were observed among Native Americans. The results obtained highlighted a heterogeneity within Ecuadorian populations that must be considered when developing mtDNA haplotype databases for forensic purposes. Whole mitogenome sequences enabled the identification of variants that refined haplogroup classifications, provided a more accurate reconstruction of the maternal genetic diversity, and improve the discrimination between Native American and Asian maternal lineages within haplogroup B4b.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Assessment of Methodological Bias in Studies Reporting Racial Differences in Retinopathy of Prematurity in the United States.

PURPOSE: To assess methodological biases in studies reporting racial and ethnic differences in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: Systematic review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2024 that reported on ROP outcome measures by race, ethnicity, or social determinants of health (SDOH). Three reviewers independently assessed each observation for selection and collider bias using definitions derived from perinatal epidemiology literature. Findings were also compared using a structured comparative synthesis between studies with and without identified methodological bias. RESULTS: A structured PubMed search identified 78 articles; 13 met inclusion criteria, with one study contributing two distinct analytical approaches, yielding 14 total observations. Survivorship bias was identified in 6 of 14 observations (42.9%), primarily due to the exclusion of infants who died prior to ROP screening. Potential collider bias was most common, found in 9 of 14 observations (64.3%), and was introduced through adjustment or stratification by gestational age and/or birthweight. Three studies did not exhibit either assessed biases. Among studies with identified bias, 8 of 10 observations reported lower ROP risk among Black versus White infants, whereas 3 of 4 observations without identified bias reported higher ROP risk or incidence among Black infants. CONCLUSION: Methodological biases in ROP studies investigating race or ethnicity are prevalent. Adjustment for gestational age or birthweight may introduce spurious race-ROP associations and contribute to paradoxical findings. Further exploration of the impact of SDOH on disease outcomes may reduce the misattribution of race as a biological risk factor and improve the interpretation of ROP disparities.

Collider bias↗

PubMed2026

Factors influencing the enhancement of the new iron triangle in healthcare organisations.

PURPOSE: A new paradigm, "healthcare's new iron triangle," has been developed to emphasise the technological perspective of healthcare delivery, focusing on automation, value and empathy. The study aims to build a conceptual model and to identify factors for the enhancement of the new iron triangle in healthcare organisations. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The healthcare organisation is the primary focus point of the current study. To determine the factors, a survey of the literature and healthcare experts' opinions was conducted. The healthcare professionals validated the identified factors. Data for this study were gathered using a closed-ended questionnaire and scheduled interviews. The study employed "Total Interpretive Structural Modeling methodology and Matriced' Impacts Croise´s Multiplication Appliqué´ a UN Classement/Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC) analysis" to address the "why" and "how" the factors interact and prioritise the identified factors. FINDINGS: The study found that organisational structure (F8), artificial intelligence (F1), innovation (F2) and human resources (F5) are the driving or key factors of the study. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The study primarily focused on identifying factors for the enhancement of a new iron triangle in healthcare organisations. The scope could eventually be expanded to explore more areas. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Academics and other stakeholders will have a better understanding of the key drivers for the enhancement of the new iron triangle in healthcare organisations. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: In this study, total interpretive structural modeling and cross-impact MICMAC analysis are proposed as an innovative approach to address the new iron triangle in healthcare organisations.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Non-tobacco nicotine dependence and postoperative complications after total ankle arthroplasty: A propensity-matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The clinical impact of non-tobacco nicotine dependence (NTND) is poorly defined. This study evaluated the association between NTND and complications following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX Research Network was performed. Adults undergoing primary TAA (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] 27702) between 2010 and 2025 were included. Patients were categorized into NTND (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision [ICD-10]: F17, excluding tobacco-specific codes) and nonsmoker cohorts. Propensity score matching (1:1) yielded 939 NTND patients and 939 controls. Ninety-day medical and wound complications and ≥ 2-year mechanical outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: NTND patients had higher rates of 90-day readmission (11.7% vs 6.5%; OR 1.9), wound disruption (4.3% vs 2.6%; OR 1.7), surgical site infection (3.1% vs 1.6%; OR 2.0), and sepsis (2.4% vs 1.1%; OR 2.3). At a minimum 2-year follow-up, NTND was not associated with increased risk of mechanical complications. CONCLUSION: These findings challenge the assumption that smokeless nicotine products are benign in the perioperative setting and support incorporating NTND screening and cessation counseling into preoperative optimization protocols. Future prospective studies are warranted to further characterize the dose-dependent effects of non-tobacco nicotine exposure and to evaluate the impact of perioperative cessation strategies on outcomes following TAA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Measuring economic efficiency in adult intensive care units: A systematic review of methods, metrics, and evidence.

OBJECTIVES: Intensive care units (ICUs) consume substantial hospital resources, yet "efficiency" is inconsistently defined and measured. This study systematically reviewed how economic efficiency has been conceptualised and quantified in adult ICUs and appraised the quality of evidence. METHODS: Following PRISMA 2020 and a PROSPERO-registered protocol (CRD420251107866), we searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Web of Science (2000-August 2025), plus global grey sources. Eligible studies explicitly defined efficiency and reported an efficiency metric/model linking ICU inputs (e.g., staff, beds/capacity, time, consumables, or costs) to outputs/outcomes (e.g., throughput/discharges, length of stay/resource use, risk-adjusted mortality). Dual independent screening and extraction were performed. Study quality was appraised using MMAT, and findings were synthesised narratively (SWiM), given heterogeneity. RESULTS: 39 studies (2001-2025) from 17 countries were included, all from high-income or upper-middle-income settings. Four methodological families were identified: (1) frontier modelling (predominantly DEA; occasional SFA/RFDH), (2) benchmarking indicators (risk-adjusted mortality and LOS/resource-use ratios; "efficiency matrix" quadrant classification), (3) cost-outcome evaluations, and (4) operational/process metrics. Across families, variation in decision-making units, input/output selection, and risk adjustment limited comparability; long-term and patient-reported outcomes were absent, and equity considerations were uncommon. CONCLUSIONS: ICU efficiency research is feasible but fragmented and often methodologically limited. Standardised definitions, validated risk adjustment, uncertainty quantification, and inclusion of patient-centred and equity-relevant outcomes are needed before efficiency metrics can reliably inform value-based decision making.

Intensive Care Units↗

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

Genetic Screening of Colombian Patients With Early-Onset Parkinson Disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Early-onset Parkinson disease (EOPD), defined as symptom onset before 50 years of age, accounts for approximately 10% of patients and is suggested to have a greater genetic component than typical late-onset forms of the disease. Recessive variants in PRKN, PINK1, and DJ-1, are the most common genetic cause of EOPD, however, most studies are in patients of white ancestry. This study aims to analyze genetic variants in PRKN, PINK1, and DJ-1 in Colombian patients to help address the gap in EOPD genetic research of South American populations. METHODS: We analyzed 43 unrelated patients with EOPD using Sanger sequencing for the PRKN, PINK1, and DJ-1 genes and employed multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification to detect copy number variants. Additionally, long-read whole-genome sequencing was conducted on 3 unresolved patients with age at onset before 30 years of age (long-read sequencing [LRS] patient A-C). RESULTS: We identified known pathogenic single-nucleotide variants and copy number variants in the PRKN gene accounting for 2 patients' disease (4.6% of patients). We observed 2 pathogenic variants in PRKN (c.155delA; p.N52Mfs*29 and c.1083+1G>A) in patient 1, who reported an age at onset of 16 years. We further detected a homozygous duplication of PRKN exons 5-6 in an additional patient, age at onset of 18 years. DISCUSSION: Our study helps characterize genetic contributors to EOPD in Colombian patients, demonstrating genetic forms (PRKN, PINK1, and DJ-1) are rare. Our results highlight a need to include diverse populations in research to improve genetic understanding of disease.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

Evaluating the pathogenic significance of unique chromosomal variants in craniosynostosis using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and mouse modelling.

PURPOSE: Unravelling causal links between unique structural/copy-number variants (SV/CNV) and associated phenotypes is essential for correct genetic counselling. We investigated two families in which patients with craniosynostosis had SV/CNV potentially dysregulating a fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-encoding gene; a 730 kb dup(4)(q21.21) including FGF5; and a complex 568 kb interspersed 13q12.11 duplication, located 841 kb from FGF9. METHODS: We combined bioinformatic predictions of altered topologically-associating domain (TAD) structure, with experimental analysis (RNA- and ATAC- [assay for transposase-accessible chromatin] sequencing) of patient induced pluripotent stem cell lines (iPSCs) differentiated to neural crest (NCC) and osteoprogenitor (OPC) identities. For the dup(4)(q21.21) we generated a mouse bearing an equivalent rearrangement using CRISPR-Cas9 targeting. RESULTS: TAD analysis suggested potential dysregulation of the FGF5/FGF9 gene by bringing it into a novel genomic milieu. The RNA- and ATAC-seq assays demonstrated FGF5/FGF9 upregulation (2.7-18x) and local opening of chromatin, in 3/4 cell lines. For the dup(4)(q21.21), a causal role was supported by the mouse model, whereas interpretation of the 13q12.11 SV is confounded by a co-existing FOXP2 pathogenic variant. CONCLUSION: Patient iPSC-differentiated NCC and OPC lines, combined with TAD-based modelling to generate testable functional hypotheses, provide valuable functional evidence when evaluating causation of unique SV/CNV in craniosynostosis.

copy-number variant↗

PubMed2026

Continuous Ultrasound-guided Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Thoracic Paravertebral Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Thoracotomy.

OBJECTIVES: To compare postoperative analgesia using continuous ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) versus thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB), with dynamic visual analog scale (VAS) during coughing as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included static VAS (at rest), hemodynamic changes, side effects, total opioid consumption, time of first rescue analgesia, length of hospitalization, anesthesia recovery time, postanesthesia care unit stay, time to first ambulation, and patient satisfaction. METHODS: The study included 40 cases scheduled for elective thoracotomy admitted to the cardiothoracic surgery unit of Menoufia University Hospital. Patients were equally randomized into 2 groups, 20 patients each receiving either ultrasound-guided ESPB or TPVB (control group). Both groups received 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine as a loading dose followed by continuous infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine at 5 mL/h, with patient-controlled boluses of 20 mL on demand. RESULTS: Dynamic visual analogue pain scale scores were significantly lower in the ESPB group at 6, 9, 12, and 24 hours ( P =0.008, 0.035, 0.001, 0.006). Morphine consumption was significantly reduced in the ESPB group ( P < 0.001). Hypotension was more frequent in TPVB (40% vs. 10%, P =0.028). No significant differences were observed in hospital stay or patient satisfaction. DISCUSSION: The utilization of continuous ultrasound-guided ESPB demonstrated better postoperative visual analogue pain scale scores and a significant decrease in opioid consumption, with fewer side effects than TPVB.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Predictive Validity of Violence Screening Tools in Emergency and Psychiatric Services: A Systematic Review.

Violence against healthcare staff, including a threat or an act of violence toward people during their work, poses a physical and psychological risk to workers internationally. Screening is an important strategy in preventing violence against healthcare professionals. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence on the predictive validity of risk assessment tools used to screen for violence and aggression risk toward healthcare workers in emergency and psychiatric departments (PD). Primary studies that examined the predictive validity of risk assessment tools for workplace violence were identified via a systematic search of Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, and the Cochrane databases. There were 62 eligible studies, ten of which had a lower risk of bias (RoB). Those studies with high RoB were primarily due to a failure to present calibration measures as part of the analysis. All included studies adopted a longitudinal design and were conducted in PDs. The ten highest-quality studies reported on eight different instruments, four of which showed acceptable to outstanding predictive performance. The Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression and the Brøset Violence Checklist showed the best predictive performance; they were also validated in emergency departments and are best suited for short-term risk prediction. We recommend that the selection of a risk assessment tool should consider the following: (a) the target population, (b) the violence operationalization, and (c) the purpose of the monitoring. We note that the use of a screening tool should be a part of a multicomponent strategy to ensure staff safety.

Humans↗

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↗

PubMed2025

Selective Neurectomy Outcomes in Synkinesis Patients: The First 56 Consecutive Primary Cases with Minimum 1-Year Follow-Up.

INTRODUCTION: Evaluation of 1-year follow-up outcomes after selective neurectomy (SN) is essential to confirm sustained improvements in patient-reported, clinician-graded, and objective results. OBJECTIVE: To assess outcomes of SN in synkinesis, using patient-reported outcomes (VAS), clinician-graded assessments (eFACE), and objective evaluations. METHODS: Synkinesis patients who underwent SN were included in the study. Patients with less than 12 months of follow-up were excluded. Visual analog scale (VAS) was assessed as patient-reported outcomes. The Electronic Clinician-Graded Facial Function Scale (eFACE) was also assessed. Objective evaluations were carried out via Emotrics Software. RESULTS: Fifty-six primary cases were included, with a mean patient age at surgery of 33.8 ± 11.0 years. Of these, 45 patients (80.3%) were female. The average duration between paralysis and surgery was 124.3 ± 103.3 months. The mean duration between surgery and evaluation was 19.7 ± 7.5 months (mean/SD). Preoperative and postoperative mean aggregate VAS scores were 35.5 ± 19.8 and 67.7 ± 16.5, respectively (p < 0.001). However, two patients (3.7%) reported worsening in moving food around in the mouth, and four patients (7.5%) reported worsening in drooling. All postoperative eFACE subscores except periocular demonstrated significant improvement (p < 0.001). Emotrics analysis demonstrated improvement in all postoperative symmetry parameters, except in the periocular region. CONCLUSIONS: SN improves patient-reported outcomes, clinician-graded assessments, and objective measurements. However, periocular outcomes remain suboptimal, and functional deficits should be carefully considered.

Humans↗