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SGLF-Net:Staged Global-to-Local Cross-Scale Fusion Network for Colonoscopic Polyp Segmentation.

Polyp segmentation in colonoscopy images plays a pivotal role in computer-aided medical diagnosis and the early prevention of colorectal cancer. However, existing methods often suffer from performance degradation when confronted with extreme polyp scale variation and polyp boundary ambiguity. To address these challenges, we propose the Staged Global-to-Local Cross-Scale Fusion Network (SGLF-Net), which adopts a novel staged global-to-local learning paradigm to progressively refine segmentation from coarse global semantics to fine-grained local details. Specifically, the Global Semantic Perception Stage integrates a Swin Transformer Encoder and a Dynamic Attentive Decoder (DAD) to construct comprehensive multi-scale contextual representations. The Local Detail Refinement Stage employs an Edge-aware Dynamic Attentive Decoder (E-DAD) to enhance structural fidelity and boundary precision through explicit edge-guided supervision. Furthermore, we introduce the Cross Spatial-Scale Feature Aggregation and Reconstitution (CSSAR) module, equipped with hybrid attention mechanisms, to facilitate efficient semantic structural interaction between the two cascaded stages. Extensive experiments on five public benchmark datasets demonstrate that SGLF-Net consistently outperforms state-of-the-art methods in both segmentation accuracy and boundary preservation.

Journal Article

PdIr bimetallic nanozyme engineered metal-organic frameworks integrated dual-mode sensor toward Stx2 detection in food.

Shiga toxin II (Stx2) has attracted extensive attention due to its toxicity and pathogenicity, making the development of sensitive detection methods urgent. This study constructed a dual-mode sensing platform for the sensitive detection of Stx2 in food. Composite material UIO-66@PdIr with peroxidase-like activity and fluorescent properties was synthesized and combined with cDNA as the signal probe, while aptamer-modified magnetic beads served as the capture probe. Specific binding of Stx2 to the aptamer triggered the release of the signal probe, enabling colorimetric and fluorescence signal readout. The colorimetric mode showed a linear range of 0.05-100 ng/mL with an LOD of 0.039 ng/mL, and the fluorescence mode exhibited 0.01-1000 ng/mL with an LOD of 0.0097 ng/mL. Additionally, this method was successfully applied to the detection of Stx2 in food, and the recovery rates were 94.33% ∼ 102.20%. It indicated that the constructed sensor holds great practical potential for Stx2 detection.

Food Contamination

Views and Experiences of People With Dementia, Informal Caregivers and Professionals on Eating and Drinking Difficulties: A Qualitative Systematic Review.

AIM: This study aims to explore the views and experiences of people with dementia, informal caregivers and professionals regarding eating and drinking difficulties. DESIGN: A qualitative systematic review was conducted. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines were used to conduct this systematic review. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research, and the data were thematically synthesised using Thomas and Harden's three-stage method. DATA SOURCES: Six electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL and PsycINFO) were searched from their respective inception dates to August 2025 to identify relevant studies. RESULTS: Thematic analysis of the 16 included studies identified four key themes: (1) Physiological and psychological changes in people with dementia and caregivers; (2) factors influencing eating and drinking in people with dementia; (3) needs and recommendations for people with dementia, informal caregivers and professionals; (4) selection of eating methods for end-stage people with dementia. CONCLUSIONS: Eating and drinking difficulties affect the well-being of both patients and caregivers. A good dining environment improves mealtime pleasure but demands caregivers' time and energy. All parties emphasised the importance of effective communication. In end-stage dementia, professional assistance is crucial for enteral nutrition decisions. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Collaboration among patients, caregivers and professionals is vital for creating tailored nutritional plans and improving mealtime environments, thereby enhancing nutritional intake. In advanced dementia, providers must provide balanced information on comfort feeding versus enteral nutrition to aid decision-making. IMPACT: What problems were addressed in this study? This study addressed the lack of a consolidated, tri-perspective understanding of eating and drinking difficulties in dementia care settings. What are the main findings? Four key themes were identified: physiological and psychological changes, influencing factors, stakeholder needs and end-of-life decision-making. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This will impact care practices for people with dementia and inform the training and support of informal caregivers and healthcare professionals.

Humans

Single-organ proteomics in Drosophila melanogaster larva.

The combination of genetic accessibility, organ complexity, evolutionary conservation, and cost-efficiency makes Drosophila melanogaster (Dm) a well-known model system for biomedical and fundamental biological research. Proteomic analysis of single organs enables the identification and quantification of proteins expressed in specific organs. This will help to uncover specific biological functions and unique protein profiles that are not detectable in whole-organism analyses. In this study we have isolated single organs form Dm larvae, and we have performed a deep proteomics mapping by following a minimal manipulation preparation procedure. The combined dataset across all organs comprised 9132 identified proteins. As anticipated, principal component analysis (PCA) revealed clear separation between the proteomes of most organs, confirming distinct protein profiles. These findings demonstrate the applicability of the sample preparation strategy for high-resolution proteomic characterization of individual organs in Drosophila. Given the extensive genetic tools available for this model organism, our approach has the potential to open new avenues for proteomic studies in Drosophila melanogaster and any other biological systems where the sample amount is limiting. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Drosophila melanogaster is a well-known model system for biomedical and fundamental biological research that serves as a valuable in vivo model organism due to its high degree of evolutionary conservation with higher vertebrates, tractable genetics, and logistical efficiency. However, the proteome of Drosophila at single organ level has been elusive to date, due to several factors like low sensitivity of previous generation mass spectrometers and sample preparation procedures, difficult isolation of some organs. In this study we have applied a compilation of advanced methods including minimal sample manipulation together with simple, straightforward and efficient protein extraction and digestion methods. Obtained peptides were minimally handled to be analyzed by applying specific and sensitive nLC methods coupled on-line to state-of-the-art MS/MS system. Altogether, the applied strategy allowed us to get the first single organ study to date for this animal. These datasets represent a significative resource for future genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic studies in Drosophila, as multi-omic integration requires deep proteomics to translate data into functional biochemistry, and serves as a critical bridge and an indispensable standalone resource across the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic landscapes.

Animals

The Effects of Intermittent Hypoxic Training Strategies on Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Healthy Humans: A Meta-analysis with Meta-regression.

BACKGROUND: Intermittent hypoxic training aims to enhance exercise performance and health, commonly assessed through maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Currently applied methods are live-high train-low (LHTL), live-low train-high (LLTH) and passive hypoxic conditioning (PHC). However, within these methods, numerous modes of application exist, and effectiveness is debated. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of LHTL, LLTH and PHC on VO2max in healthy participants, and identify factors associated with the amplitude of change in VO2max. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review with random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression. Studies were identified through PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. We included controlled studies, calculating between-group standardised mean differences. Athlete and non-athlete populations were analysed separately. RoB2 was used to assess study quality and publication bias was investigated with funnel plots and the Egger's test. RESULTS: Of the 5244 identified studies, 62 were included for analysis, resulting in a sample size of 1332 participants (610 athletes, 722 non-athletes). LHTL increased VO2max significantly more than control in athletes (mean difference [MD] = 2.17; 95% CI = 0.77, 3.56) but not in non-athletes (MD = 3.1; 95% CI =  - 0.23, 6.43). LLTH did not increase VO2max significantly more than control in athletes (MD = 0.89; 95% CI =  - 0.27, 2.05) but it did in non-athletes (MD = 1.70; 95% CI = 0.85, 2.54). PHC did not increase VO2max significantly more than control in athletes (MD =  - 1.07; 95% CI =  - 3.51, 1.37) but it did in non-athletes (MD = 2.26; 95% CI = 1.00, 3.52). Multivariate meta-regressions identified the severity, duration, and frequency of hypoxic exposure to be significantly associated with the change in VO2max. CONCLUSIONS: LHTL showed a significant effect on VO2max in athletic populations while LLTH and PHC showed a significant effect on VO2max in non-athletic populations only. Future studies should target investigating which characteristics (e.g. severity, duration) of the hypoxic exposure are most beneficial.

Journal Article

Association between anaemia and osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis significantly impacts global morbidity. Recent evidence suggests anaemia may contribute to osteoporosis risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates this association. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and ScienceDirect were searched for papers. Studies with definition of anaemia and assessing osteoporosis outcomes were included. Meta-analysis utilized random-effects models (DerSimonian-Laird method), and study quality was assessed via Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Analyses were performed using R Studio. RESULT: Eighteen studies (861,540 participants) were analyzed. Anaemia significantly increased osteoporosis risk in univariate analysis (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.33-1.98; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), despite high heterogeneity (I2 = 92.7%). The results remain significant in studies that reported multivariate analysis (OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.26-3.21; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.004). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of our result. CONCLUSION: Anaemia significantly associated with osteoporosis, emphasizing the need for targeted screening in anaemic individuals. Further studies should consider incorporating anaemia into osteoporosis and fracture prediction tools.

Humans

Loneliness and Personality: Noise- and Bias-Free True Correlations Between Loneliness and the Big Five Personality Domains.

OBJECTIVE: While loneliness is intertwined with many mental and physical health problems, its origins are not yet well understood. We sought to better understand its link to personality in a large national cohort. METHODS: Combining self- and informant ratings in multiple samples, we conducted the largest study to date to examine loneliness' true correlations (rtrues) with the Big Five personality traits, free of single-method biases and transient and random errors. RESULTS: Across three samples (Estonian-speaking, N&#x2009;=&#x2009;20,893; Russian-speaking, N&#x2009;=&#x2009;762; English-speaking, N&#x2009;=&#x2009;599), we found a strong relationship between loneliness and Neuroticism (rtrue&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.60-0.70). Loneliness also had robust but much weaker associations with Extraversion (rtrue&#x2009;=&#x2009;-0.20 to -0.30), and only weak associations (rtrue&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.10 to -0.20) with Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Openness. Collectively, the Big Five accounted for over 50% of loneliness variance. In a subsample, the associations were only slightly smaller longitudinally over approximately 10&#x2009;years. CONCLUSION: Overall, feeling lonely is more closely related to Neuroticism than previously understood, and the association endures over time.

Humans

Prevalence of Slowly Expanding Lesions in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic active lesions (CALs) reflect chronic inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). Slowly expanding lesions (SELs) are CALs identified on conventional MRI by linear, concentric expansion over time, while paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs) are CALs characterized by a paramagnetic rim on susceptibility-sensitive MRI. However, the prevalence of SELs and their overlap with PRLs remain unclear. The aims of this study were to (1) estimate the proportion of SELs among all T2 lesions and the proportion of patients with at least 1 SEL and (2) assess the proportion of SELs overlapping with PRLs. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase on February 1, 2026, for studies evaluating SELs in MS. At least 2 authors independently assessed study eligibility. Primary outcomes were the pooled proportion of SELs among T2 lesions and the proportion of patients with at least 1 SEL. We estimated mean per-patient volumes of SELs and total T2 lesions and the proportion of SELs overlapping with PRLs. Random-effects generalized linear mixed-effects models and inverse-variance methods were used, with between-study heterogeneity assessed using &#x3c4;2 and I2 and robustness using sensitivity analyses. Univariable meta-regression explored heterogeneity. PROSPERO: CRD42024603778. RESULTS: Of 5,980 records, 20 studies comprising 4,786 patients with MS were included (mean age: 43.6 &#xb1; 6.3 years; 63.7% female). Sample sizes varied by outcome. SELs accounted for 14% (95% CI 10-21) of all T2 lesions, and 78% (67-85) of patients had at least 1 SEL. After sensitivity analysis, per-patient mean volumes were 1.42 mL (0.79-2.06) for SELs and 10.6 mL (8.53-12.67) for total T2 lesions. In total, 11% (6-20) of SELs overlapped with PRLs. In subgroup analyses, proportions of SELs were similar in relapsing-remitting and progressive MS (15%), but the proportion of patients with at least 1 SEL was higher in progressive MS. Between-study heterogeneity was high across analyses with no significant sources identified. DISCUSSION: Although SELs represent a minority of T2 lesions, most patients have at least 1 SEL and a subset overlaps with PRLs, suggesting a partial correspondence between these 2 imaging markers of chronic inflammatory activity. Limitations include possible publication bias, high unexplained heterogeneity, differences in SEL identification methods, and differences in MRI time point number/timing.

Humans

Mul-PheG2P: decoupled learning and prediction-space fusion enables robust and interpretable multi-phenotype genomic prediction.

Genomic prediction of multiple phenotypes is crucial in modern plant breeding; however, existing methods struggle with negative transfer and lack interpretability, particularly across high-dimensional small-sample data and diverse species. To address this, we propose Mul-PheG2P, a novel paradigm based on decoupled learning and predictive space fusion. It employs a two-stage design: first training phenotype-specific encoders using genetic data, then decoupling phenotype-specific learning from cross-phenotype aggregation via an interpretable prediction layer. Mul-PheG2P outperforms existing methods across diverse crop datasets, including maize (Zea mays), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). It provides a multi-scale interpretability chain: at the macro level, it quantifies phenotypic contributions via attention-based weighting; at the micro level, Integrated Gradients reveal the genetic basis of predictions. Notably, the model successfully identified the CCT (CONSTANS, CO-like, and TOC) motif regulating photoperiodism and the SQUAMOSA (SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein) promoter for inflorescence development, confirming its ability to capture functional biological mechanisms. These results highlight the high performance and interpretability of Mul-PheG2P, showcasing its value for low-cost, large-scale screening to advance precision breeding.

Phenotype

Advanced mitigation strategies for acrylamide formation in foods: Mechanistic insights, emerging innovations, and future perspectives.

Acrylamide is a heat-induced contaminant formed predominantly in carbohydrate-rich foods during high-temperature processing, posing significant concerns due to its potential carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and genotoxic effects. This review critically examines the mechanisms of acrylamide formation, emphasizing the role of the Maillard reaction and key precursors such as asparagine and reducing sugars, along with the influence of processing conditions including temperature, time, pH, and moisture. Various mitigation strategies are comprehensively discussed, ranging from raw material selection and genetic approaches to enzymatic treatments such as asparaginase and the application of natural and chemical inhibitors. Advances in processing technologies, including optimization of conventional thermal methods and emerging non-thermal techniques such as cold plasma and ultrasound, are evaluated for their effectiveness. The review also highlights the role of food additives, functional ingredients, and fermentation in reducing acrylamide formation. Furthermore, recent developments in analytical techniques, including chromatographic methods, biosensors, and artificial intelligence-based predictive models, are explored for improved detection and control. Risk assessment, toxicological implications, and global regulatory frameworks are also examined. Finally, future perspectives focusing on genetic engineering, personalized nutrition, and digital technologies such as AI and blockchain are discussed to support sustainable and industry-applicable mitigation strategies.

Acrylamide

Recent advances in Strongyloides screening, diagnostics, therapeutics, and management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Strongyloidiasis affects an estimated 30-100 million people globally and can have life-threatening consequences in immunocompromised hosts, yet it remains underdiagnosed due to limited access and performance of available diagnostics. Novel assays and anthelmintics may reshape screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention for at-risk populations. RECENT FINDINGS: Advances in molecular diagnostics coupled with robust stool extraction methods have supplanted traditional parasitologic methods in settings where nucleic acid amplification is feasible. Transition from standard immunoglobulin G (IgG)-based immunoassays to the new IgG- and IgG4-based rapid diagnostic tests using recombinant Strongyloides stercoralis nematode immunodominant E antigen (NIE) and/or S. stercoralis immunoreactive antigen (SsIR) has facilitated serologic screening at the point of care. The World Health Organization now conditionally recommends community-wide ivermectin mass drug administration in highly endemic settings. Regarding new treatment options, moxidectin is noninferior to ivermectin with 93-94% cure rates and a longer half-life, while emodepside shows 80-90% predicted cure rates in early trials and offers a mechanistically distinct option. Understanding of immunosuppressed populations at risk for hyperinfection has expanded, prompting updated screening recommendations. SUMMARY: Serologic and molecular tools are improving screening and diagnosis, and moxidectin and emodepside may broaden treatment options, but data in severe disease and special populations remain limited. Priorities include harmonized screening algorithms and prospective studies in high-risk groups.

Humans

Behind the Curtain of Care. Nurses' Experiences Providing Care to Consumers With Alcohol and Other Drug Issues: A Qualitative Scoping Review.

AIM: To scope and synthesise qualitative literature relating to nurses' experiences of providing care to consumers with alcohol and other drug issues and explore how meaning is constructed in practice. DESIGN: Scoping review. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O'Malley's framework. Findings were analysed using thematic analysis. DATA SOURCES: Systematic searches were conducted between September and November 2025 across Medline, Emcare, CINAHL and Google Scholar, using controlled vocabulary and keywords relevant to nurses' experiences of providing care to consumers with alcohol and other drug issues. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies from 12 countries were included. Seven themes were identified: emotional aspects of care, education, training and skills in practice, the spectrum of stigma, ethical issues in professional practice, navigating pain management, limited support, and how meaning is constructed in practice. CONCLUSION: Nurses' experiences of providing care to consumers with alcohol and other drug issues are shaped by multiple intersecting factors influencing care delivery and professional practice. Further research is needed to examine how workplace culture, language and interpersonal interactions influence healthcare experiences, and inform education, service development and support needs. REPORTING METHOD: Reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

alcohol and other drugs

Comparison of Adult Tracheostomy Outcomes Before and After Implementation of a Dedicated Tracheostomy Team.

OBJECTIVE: (A) Determine patient and institutional factors associated with increased length of stay (LOS) and complications of tracheostomy, (B) Develop data-driven quality improvement in tracheostomy care. DESIGN: Mixed methods protocol used cross-sectional survey assessing institutional trends in tracheostomy-specific care. Retrospective chart review compared tracheostomy patient outcomes prior to and during implementation of a multidisciplinary tracheostomy care team and standardized guidelines. PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing tracheostomy from January 2019 to December 2021 at a tertiary hospital. METHODS: Patient factors, procedure type and indication, tracheostomy tube size, management timeline, insurance, and disease severity using Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score were analyzed for associations with LOS and adverse events. Multivariate analyses controlled for APACHE II score and payer source. LOS and complications were compared between patients before and during implementation of multidisciplinary tracheostomy care team and standardized guidelines. RESULTS: Three-hundred and eighteen patients met criteria with a 21.7% complication rate, average LOS of 24 days (SD&#x2009;=&#x2009;28.523), and median LOS post-tracheostomy of 14 days (IQR 7, 29). Departments without standardized protocols had greater LOS (F[1,316]&#x2009;=&#x2009;28.706, P&#x2009;<&#x2009;.001]) and complication odds (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.92, P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.015, 95% CI[1.231, 6.930]). Larger tracheostomy tube size was linked to increased LOS (&#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;.253, t(314)&#x2009;=&#x2009;4.741, P&#x2009;<&#x2009;.001, 95% CI[4.137, 10.081]). Delays from ventilation discontinuation to cuffless tube exchange and decannulation correlated with increased LOS (&#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;.406, t(184)&#x2009;=&#x2009;6.321, P&#x2009;<&#x2009;.001, 95% CI[.928, 1.771]); (&#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;.554, t(129)&#x2009;=&#x2009;7.625, P&#x2009;<&#x2009;.001, 95% CI[1.008, 1.715]). When focusing on a single department, comparing 2019 patients to 2021 patients (pre- and post-guideline and care team), overall, LOS decreased from 33.08 to 30.83 days (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.586). When excluding patients discharged on a ventilator, the 2019 group had average LOS of 37.938 days versus 33.41 days in 2021 (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.344). CONCLUSIONS: Standardized tracheostomy care guidelines and multidisciplinary care teams are critical to improving institutional outcomes. Data-driven approaches to quality improvement ensure efficient and targeted methods to improving patient care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Humans

Selective and sensitive colorimetric sensing of carbosulfan based on BiO2-x/Bi2O2.75 nanosheets with excellent haloperoxidase-like activity.

The development of colorimetric methods based on directly inhibiting nanozyme activity for pesticide detection has attracted considerable attention. In this study, we report a novel colorimetric sensing strategy utilizing BiO2-x/Bi2O2.75 nanosheets (BiO2-x/Bi2O2.75 NSs) with haloperoxidase (HPO)-like activity for the rapid and sensitive detection of carbosulfan (CBS) in foods. Oxygen-vacancy-rich BiO2-x/Bi2O2.75 NSs with HPO-like activity were rationally constructed. Kinetic studies revealed a remarkable Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of 0.014&#xa0;mM for I-, indicating a higher affinity for iodide ions than other reported HPO-like nanozymes, as evidenced by its lower Km. Under acidic conditions, CBS tends to be hydrolyzed to produce reductive sulfide species, which directly inhibit the iodoperoxidase-like activity of BiO2-x/Bi2O2.75 NSs, enabling selective detection with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.18&#xa0;&#x3bc;g/mL and a linear range of 0.20-100&#xa0;&#x3bc;g/mL. When the concentration of interfering pesticides and substances was 5 times that of CBS, the sensor remained unaffected, exhibiting excellent stability and specificity. This work contributes to the detection of CBS in complex food matrices, bridging the application gap of HPO-like nanozymes in pesticide detection and providing a promising method for food safety detection.

Colorimetry

HPV circulating tumor DNA as a potential prognostic and predictive biomarker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Human papillomavirus circulating tumor DNA (HPVctDNA) has emerged as a promising prognostic biomarker in HPV-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of HPVctDNA in HNSCC management. MATERIAL/METHODS: We systematically reviewed a PubMed-indexed database of studies published between January 2012 and September 2025. Eligible studies were assessed for design, primary tumor site and stage, treatment modality, HPVctDNA detection method, diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity), and reported clinical endpoints. Descriptive syntheses were performed; sensitivity and specificity were standardized to proportions and summarized as median values per group. RESULTS: A total of 60 studies, including 8,234 patients were analyzed, of which 41 (68.3%) focused exclusively on oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and 17 (28.3%) included mixed HPV-related HNSCC subsites and HPV-positive cancers of unknown primary. The median follow-up across the included studies was 23&#xa0;months. Among the included studies, 19 were retrospective (31.7%) and 33 were prospective (55.0%), with a small proportion of cross-sectional and randomized clinical trials. Overall, 40 (66.7%) evaluated the role of HPVctDNA in a curative setting. Plasma was the most common sample type, analyzed in 55 studies (91.7%), while 5 studies also included saliva. Detection methods varied: 40 employed droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), 16 used quantitative PCR (qPCR) and 4 applied NGS-based assays. Most of these studies (38, 63.3%) evaluated the prognostic utility of HPVctDNA, while only 4 (6.7%) assessed HPVctDNA in a screening or diagnostic setting. Regarding diagnostic accuracy, the median sensitivity across evaluable studies was 91.1%, while the median specificity was 99.4%. In OPSCC-only cohorts, the median sensitivity and specificity were 89.4% and 99.4%, respectively. Dynamic changes in HPVctDNA levels during or after treatment were consistently associated with outcomes: clearance or sustained negativity correlated with higher response rates, improved progression-free survival and overall survival, while persistent positivity or increasing levels predicted disease progression and recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: HPVctDNA demonstrates high diagnostic and prognostic accuracy in HPV-related HNSCC, especially OPSCC, supporting its use for prognosis, treatment monitoring and early detection of recurrence. However, prospective interventional studies are still required to demonstrate that HPVctDNA-guided treatment decisions improve clinical outcomes before routine implementation.

Humans

The use of diode laser and scalpel blade in stage-two dental implant surgery: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: The use of lasers in dental implant procedures raises questions regarding the preservation of keratinized tissues and implant outcomes. This study aimed to compare the clinical effects (pain and impression time) and soft tissue healing (keratinization, peri-implant probing, bleeding, and healing) of diode lasers and scalpels used during stage-two dental implant surgery. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A prospective randomized clinical trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio was conducted. The study included 30 patients, each with a single, fully osseointegrated implant. Patients were categorized into two groups. The study group underwent stage-two implant surgery using a 970-nm diode laser. In the control group, implants were exposed using a conventional surgical blade. A comparison between the diode laser and conventional scalpel groups was made based on clinical outcomes (pain and impression time) and soft tissue healing (keratinization, peri-implant probing, bleeding, and healing). Data were analyzed using a paired t test. RESULTS: Pain intensity significantly decreased from immediate postoperative to 7 days in both scalpel (49.87 &#xb1; 6.78, t = 28.48, df = 14, P .001) and diode laser (7.67 &#xb1; 7.58, t = 3.91, df = 14, P = .002) groups. Immediately after surgery, pain scores were significantly higher in the scalpel group compared with the diode laser group (94.53 &#xb1; 4.45 vs 46.93 &#xb1; 5.85, t = 25.076, df = 26.151, P .001). Although pain decreased in both groups by day 7, the scalpel group continued to exhibit significantly greater pain (44.67 &#xb1; 5.96 vs 39.27 &#xb1; 3.73, t = 2.974, df = 23.513, P = .007). Impression time (P = .231) and gingival keratinized tissue (P = .736) did not differ significantly between the scalpel and diode laser approaches. At week 6, the scalpel group exhibited a significantly higher mean peri-implant bleeding index (2.60 &#xb1; 0.507) compared with the laser group (0.07 &#xb1; 0.258, P .001). However, after 12 weeks, no significant difference was observed (1.58 &#xb1; 0.19 vs 1.55 &#xb1; 0.21, P = .748). Laser surgery produced significantly better early wound healing at all intervals (P .001), while intraoperative bleeding was more common with the scalpel technique than with the diode laser (100.0% vs 66.7%, P = .042). CONCLUSION: Compared with the scalpel method, the diode laser method resulted in a significant reduction in pain intensity, improved wound healing, and less peri-implant bleeding during the stage-two dental implant surgery.

Humans

Innovations in microbial physical mutagenesis for food fermentation: An overview from traditional to emerging technologies.

Microbial strains serve as an important factor affecting fermentation efficiency and product quality. To obtain superior strains, mutation breeding is a classic strategy. Compared to chemical mutagenesis, physical mutagenesis directly induces genomic changes, providing notable advantages such as the elimination of chemical residues and environmental sustainability, hence rendering it a favored method for enhancing food-grade microorganisms. Conventional physical mutagenesis mostly depends on UV, rays, high pressure, or space radiation. As physical technologies advance, emerging methods such as ion implantation, plasma, microwave, ultrasound, and pulsed light are widely utilized for genetic modification. Mutagenesis technologies are progressively transitioning from single-effect to multi-effect synergy. Recent evaluations indicate that emerging technologies can enhance microbial mutation efficiency at the application level relative to established technologies. Nonetheless, the systematic clarification and comparative analysis at the mechanistic level remain inadequate, hindering intuitive comprehension of the qualities and distinctions across techniques. Furthermore, physical mutagenesis encounters several significant obstacles, such as cellular damage, limited rates of advantageous mutations, and laborious screening processes. This review carefully elucidates the mechanisms and properties of physical mutagenesis technology and delineates the distinctions among approaches through comparative analysis. Simultaneously, solutions for optimizing mutagenesis are presented to tackle the principal challenges mentioned above. This review aims to offer a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the enhanced application of physical mutagenesis technologies in microbial breeding.

Mutagenesis

List randomization for prevalence estimation of sensitive behavioral data among women with HIV of reproductive age in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Self-reported data are subject to reporting biases, including social desirability bias. List randomization is one method that can help mitigate the impact of such biases. Here, we examined the utility of list randomization among women of reproductive age living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. In the Family Planning and Antiretroviral Therapy study, participants were randomized to answer 5 blocks of true/false statements via either direct or list response. Each block contained 3 nonsensitive statements and 1 sensitive statement related to either condom use or HIV disclosure. For each sensitive statement, we calculated the prevalence difference (PD) comparing list response to direct response overall and stratified by socioeconomic status. The PD for 4 of the sensitive statements was negligible. However, we found that self-report of always using a condom was reported by 53.1% at list response visits vs 34.7% at direct response visits (PD, 18.5%; 95% CI, 6.2%-30.7%), a difference that was attenuated among those with higher socioeconomic status. In this setting, list randomization did not meaningfully change the estimated prevalence for most questions, except for one question, which unexpectedly produced a higher estimate for a positive behavior. Examining this method in other settings and populations is warranted.

Humans