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The influence of organizational culture on medication safety practices and associated risk factors in the community setting: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Increasing attention has been given to the role of organizational culture in influencing medication safety practices across healthcare settings. The lack of widely accepted standardized instrumentation makes operational measurement of organizational culture and medication safety challenging. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the impact of organizational culture on medication safety within community healthcare settings. METHODS: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Nursing & Allied Health were searched in August 2025 using keywords, subject terms, field codes, and Boolean operators to identify papers relevant to the review question; bibliographies of included studies were also reviewed. Screening and full-text review were completed independently by two reviewers with a third to adjudicate conflicts. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme was used for quality assessment. The PRISMA statement guided the development and implementation of the review. RESULTS: Thirteen articles were included representing various community settings. Most studies reported on untoward medication events, but few measured systematically collected safety data before and after an intervention. Organizational culture was seldom defined or operationalized. Most studies were methodologically sound, but the overall level of evidence was weak to moderate. CONCLUSION: Organizational culture influences medication safety through aspects such as communication channels, teamwork, training, and an environment that allows error and near-miss reporting. Few studies explicitly evaluate the causal impact of culture interventions on measurable medication safety outcomes in community healthcare settings. Further research should incorporate standardized measurement tools and intervention-based, pre-post designs to better understand how organizational culture influences medication safety in community healthcare settings.

Organizational Culture

Community pharmacists' perspectives on resupplying and prescribing contraceptives: a descriptive qualitative study in Australia.

OBJECTIVES: Australia has commenced implementing contraceptive resupply and prescribing by community pharmacists to improve equity in method access. This study aimed to investigate pharmacist's acceptability of hormonal contraceptive resupply and prescribing. METHODS: Participants were recruited via convenience sampling and had provided contraceptive counseling consistent with the ALLIANCE intervention (i.e. structured, patient-centered, effectiveness-based care) to women seeking the emergency contraceptive pill or presenting prescriptions for medical abortion medicines. This qualitative descriptive study was embedded within the ALLIANCE trial, whose process evaluation included semi-structured interviews with pharmacist participants. The interview guide, containing questions on pharmacists' views of the resupply and prescribing service, was reviewed by the ALLIANCE Trial Chief Investigators and piloted in June 2024 with the SPHERE Pharmacy Advisory Circle. Thirteen questions were developed using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). Two researchers conducted line-by-line coding using an iteratively refined codebook, with codes mapped to TFA constructs to examine operationalization in pharmacists' delivery of hormonal contraception. KEY FINDINGS: Although pharmacists (n = 24) perceived that the service could be cost- and time-saving to patients, they raised concerns of unintentionally removing general practitioner (GP)-led monitoring of patients and overstepping GPs' roles. While pharmacists felt confident in their expertise and generally supported the service, they expressed hesitation about initiating contraceptive prescriptions, for which they felt further training and access to comprehensive medical records were required. Additional barriers included increased workload pressures, lack of reimbursement, and inadequate staffing. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, providing a resupply service appears to be acceptable to community pharmacists because it relies on the GP's initial assessment but prescribing less so. However, evaluation is needed post-implementation to explore sustainability, feasibility, and long-term impact on patient outcomes.

contraception

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

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

Animals

Eating Experiences During Cancer Treatment in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Synthesis.

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 15-39 with cancer face distinct challenges during treatment, with eating consistently emerging as one of the most distressing and underrecognized concerns. At a critical life stage, AYAs must navigate illness-related consequences that profoundly affect well-being. Eating reflects these broader challenges and is identified as a key issue requiring health care attention. To address this, we synthesized evidence on AYAs' eating experiences and well-being during mealtime-related activities to inform health care practice. Qualitative and mixed-method studies were identified through searches across CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published up to May 2025, supplemented by snowball searches. Of 3214 records, 74 full-text articles were reviewed, and 18 met the inclusion criteria. These represented 302 AYAs, 73 relatives, and 88 health care professionals. Studies were analyzed using Joanna Briggs Institute review methods and GRADE-CERQual to support clinical interpretability. The meta-synthesis identified one core theme: "Eating as an embodied struggle and act of agency," with three subthemes: (a) living through physical and sensory disruption, (b) carrying the weight of new emotions and shifting relations, and (c) finding ways through gaps in support. Eating emerged as a disrupted, emotionally charged, yet agentic act requiring sensitive, individualized approaches. Thirteen evidence-informed recommendations were developed to guide clinical application. These emphasize early nutritional screening, dietetic support, flexible meal options, respectful family involvement, and psychosocially attuned care. Future research should codevelop and evaluate tailored interventions that address AYAs' embodied, emotional, and social needs to improve eating-related quality of life during cancer treatment.

Humans

Willingness to switch to long-acting regimens among people with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Long-acting regimens (LARs) offer promising alternatives for people with HIV, enhancing autonomy and convenience. Understanding preferences for LAR is essential to guide policy and implementation. DESIGN: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined willingness among adults with HIV to switch from daily oral antiretroviral therapy (ART) to LAR. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, we included studies of adults with HIV using daily oral ART reporting willingness to switch to existing or hypothetical LAR. The primary outcome was the proportion willing to switch. Articles were searched in PubMed and Embase up to October 2024. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB-PrevMH tool. A random-effects meta-analysis with a generalized linear mixed model synthesized willingness for LAR. Subgroup analyses explored heterogeneity. Alternative LAR were summarized descriptively. RESULTS: Searches identified 2038 records, of which 22 studies were included. Most studies were conducted in Europe or North America (96%). Willingness to switch to any LAR was 70% [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 59-79; I2  = 97.9%]. Furthermore, two-monthly intramuscular injections were the most frequently investigated LAR, with a pooled willingness of 60% (95%CI: 42-76; I2  = 97.5%). No study-level characteristics explained heterogeneity. Limited studies investigated willingness for alternative LAR. CONCLUSION: The majority of people with HIV expressed willingness to switch to LAR, with two-monthly intramuscular injections being the most commonly investigated formulation. Substantial heterogeneity persisted, suggesting that LAR preferences are highly context dependent. Evidence on alternative LAR, including tablets, implants and intravenous infusions, is limited. Low and middle-income countries were underrepresented, highlighting the need for geographically diverse research to better understand context-specific preferences and thereby inform treatment policy.

Humans

Ecotoxicological responses of aquatic macrophytes to 2,4-D: A global synthesis of species sensitivity and ecological risk.

The widespread use of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) has raised concern about its persistence, mobility, and effects on non-target aquatic vegetation in freshwater ecosystems. Here, we provide a global synthesis of the ecotoxicological responses of aquatic macrophytes to 2,4-D based on a PRISMA-guided systematic review of 86 peer-reviewed studies published between 1947 and 2025. A consistent gradient of species-specific sensitivity was observed across macrophyte growth forms. The submerged species Myriophyllum spicatum showed high susceptibility, with EC₅₀ values of 0.04-0.182 mg/L and marked growth inhibition at low concentrations, whereas floating species such as Lemna minor and Pontederia crassipes were more tolerant, requiring higher concentrations (7.08 to >100 and 8.1 mg/L, respectively) to produce comparable effects. Importantly, this sensitivity ranking was consistent across laboratory and field experimental settings. These interspecific differences likely reflect variation in herbicide uptake, translocation, and detoxification capacity associated with growth form. The overlap between EC₅₀ values for M. spicatum and regulatory thresholds for 2,4-D in surface waters suggests that current limits may be insufficient to protect sensitive submerged macrophyte communities. Regarding remediation, L. minor and Salvinia natans emerged as the most promising candidates for phytoremediation, while P. crassipes showed limited capacity to reduce herbicide concentrations in water. Despite advances, no study directly compared oxidative stress biomarkers between submerged and floating species, representing a critical gap in understanding the biochemical basis of the sensitivity gradient. Overall, this synthesis highlights the need to account for taxon-dependent sensitivity when evaluating the ecological risks of 2,4-D and provides a basis for improving regulatory frameworks and management of herbicide contamination in freshwater ecosystems.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid

Fatty acids and breast cancer: Epidemiology, subtype-specific metabolism, immune regulation, and clinical translation.

Fatty acids (FAs) are bioactive dietary and metabolic molecules that participate in membrane architecture, energy homeostasis, inflammatory signaling, gene regulation and immune function, all of which intersect with breast cancer (BC) risk, progression and treatment response. In this narrative review we integrate epidemiological, clinical, translational and mechanistic evidence on the role of FAs in BC. Saturated, monounsaturated, trans- and polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) are treated as distinct biological exposures rather than interchangeable measures of total fat intake. Similarly, evidence from dietary assessment, circulating biomarkers, erythrocyte membrane composition, adipose tissue stores and tumor lipid signatures is interpreted separately, because each captures exposure and biology at a different level. BC subtypes differ in FA synthesis, uptake, oxidation, storage and remodeling: luminal tumors are frequently linked to hormone-regulated lipogenesis, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive tumors to growth-factor-driven lipid metabolism, and triple-negative tumors to exogenous FA uptake, inflammatory lipid mediators and ferroptosis-related vulnerabilities. FA-derived mediators also shape immune-cell polarization, cytokine signaling and the tumor microenvironment, and dietary FAs may reshape the gut microbiota; the fiber-derived short-chain FAs it produces, distinct from dietary FAs, likewise help regulate immune and inflammatory tone. Clinical data suggest possible roles for fat-quality modification and selected n-3 PUFA interventions, but findings are heterogeneous and not yet sufficient to support routine biomarker-guided precision onco-nutrition. Candidate biomarkers, such as erythrocyte n-6:n-3 composition, require prospective validation before clinical implementation. FA biology thus represents a modifiable but complex axis in BC prevention, tumor biology and supportive care.

Humans

An overview of the use of proteomics and peptidomics to characterize alternative protein foods.

The global protein transition is accelerating the development of alternative protein foods, mainly derived from plants, insects, algae, fungi, and cellular agriculture. Ensuring the authenticity, safety, and nutritional adequacy of these emerging protein matrices requires molecular-level characterization beyond traditional compositional analyses. Proteomics and peptidomics have emerged as transformative analytical platforms capable of decoding the molecular signatures that define protein origin, structural integrity, digestibility, functionality, and health potential. The review comprehensively examines the application of proteomics, and peptidomics for profiling alternative protein foods. Further, the source authentication strategies based on species-specific protein and peptide biomarkers, detection of adulteration in complex matrices, and allergenicity assessment is discussed. Special attention is also given to nutritional proteomics with protein digestibility, gastrointestinal peptide release, and identification of bioactive sequences. SIGNIFICANCE: The importance of this review is that proteomics and peptidomics are becoming central in the management of the fast-growing environment of alternative protein foods, such as plant-based, insect, algal, fungal, and cultured meat products. It provides an explanation of the application of mass spectrometry-based processes to decode molecular signatures defining the origin of proteins, their structural integrity, digestibility, allergenicity, and bioactive properties, and thus directly contribute to safety, nutritional analysis, and authenticity of the product. Presentation of the article includes the integration of the knowledge of traditional muscle foods with alternative systems of proteins, where validated protein and peptide biomarkers are used in authentication, fraud detection, and allergy risk assessment in a wide variety of matrices. It also indicates the role of nutritional proteomics and peptidomics in informing the formulation strategy to promote digestibility and release of health-promoting peptides. In general, this review will guide scientists, the food industry, and regulatory bodies to use modern proteomic technologies in quality assurance, and decision-making, for the advancementof sustainable protein-based foods.

Proteomics

A Triple-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial Comparing Hydromorphone vs. Fentanyl for Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy.

BACKGROUND: Tonsillectomy is one of the most frequently performed pediatric surgeries; however, little evidence guides the choice of intraoperative opioids in a population at an elevated risk for perioperative respiratory complications. This study tested the hypothesis that fewer children who received hydromorphone during tonsillectomy would require postoperative "rescue" opioids compared to children who received fentanyl. METHODS: We conducted a triple-blind, randomized, controlled trial to compare intravenous hydromorphone versus fentanyl in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Children aged 2-15 years undergoing bilateral tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy were assigned (1:1) to receive hydromorphone (10 mcg/kg) or fentanyl (1 mcg/kg) intraoperatively. The primary endpoint was the number of patients who required rescue intravenous opioid analgesia following endotracheal extubation. Secondary endpoints included pain scores, pulse oximetry saturations, postoperative nausea, time in the recovery room, morphine milligram equivalents in the post-anesthesia care unit, and adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 188 children underwent randomization, and 180 were analyzed (90 in each group). The median age was 5 years (interquartile range: 3-7 years). Rescue intravenous opioid was administered to 48 (53%) children who received intraoperative hydromorphone and 66 (73%) children who received intraoperative fentanyl (difference, 20.0 percentage points; 95% confidence interval, 6.2-33.8) (p = 0.005). Children who received hydromorphone also had lower mean pain scores for the first 15 min postoperatively and lower median morphine milligram equivalents. The incidence of adverse events was similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study in children undergoing tonsillectomy found that intraoperative hydromorphone resulted in improved analgesia in the recovery room compared to fentanyl. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04230681.

Adolescent

Role of nicotine metabolite ratio in pharmacological interventions on smoking cessation: A systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Emerging evidence suggests that the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR) may influence the efficacy of smoking cessation, yet its role across pharmacotherapies remains unclear. This study aims to investigate how NMR affects cessation outcomes under different medications to guide personalized treatment. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (inception to September 30, 2024) for randomized controlled trials on pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation with NMR data. Data were synthesized using random-effects models, with heterogeneity assessment. The primary outcome was verified smoking cessation rate at the end of treatment or the closest time-point. RESULTS: Eleven RCTs with accessible full text were included in the qualitative analyses and nine were included in the quantitative synthesis. For non-titratable nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), normal/fast metabolizers demonstrated lower odds of smoking cessation than slow metabolizers (Odds Ratio, OR=0.81, 95% confidence interval, CI=0.68-0.96; 5 studies, I²=62.5%). No significant associations were shown between normal/fast and slow metabolizers using titratable NRT (OR=1.04, 95% CI=0.95-1.14; 2 studies, I²=0%), bupropion (OR=0.67, 95% CI=0.38-1.16; 2 studies, I²=51.4%), or varenicline (OR=1.17, 95% CI=0.79-1.74; 4 studies, I²=59.8%). CONCLUSION: Current evidence demonstrates that NMR moderates' treatment efficacy among those who smoke using non-titratable NRT, with slow metabolizers achieving significantly better cessation outcomes than normal/fast metabolizers. Substantial further research is needed to determine optimal medication hierarchies across metabolic profiles.

Humans

Decoding the spatiotemporal patterns of food spoilage microbial communities: Integrating multi-omics and artificial intelligence to enable precision preservation.

In the global food supply chain, food wastage caused by spoilage has resulted in significant economic losses, food shortages, and environmental pressure. This process is fundamentally driven by the spatiotemporal dynamics of microbial communities. However, traditional research methods struggle to elucidate the complex mechanisms of spatial heterogeneity, interspecies interactions, and functional succession. This limits the development of effective preservation strategies. This review systematically reviews the cutting-edge progress of integrating multi-omics technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to study food spoilage microbial communities, breaking through this bottleneck. We propose an intelligent theoretical framework that could potentially analyze microbial metabolic activities and predict dynamic shelf life if implemented. The conceptual framework integrates multidimensional data, including spatial metabolomics, temporal metatranscriptomics, single-cell transcriptomics, and longitudinal metagenomics. It can also be combined with AI models, such as graph neural networks. The article elaborates on the principles and applications of spatio-temporal monitoring technologies, such as nano secondary ion mass spectrometry, hyperspectral imaging, and the Internet of Things sensing. Through illustrative cases of typical perishable foods, it also explores how such a multi-omics - AI system might be applied to spoilage warning and precise intervention. Additionally, the article addresses the current challenges in data coverage, model generalization, and federated learning implementation. Then the research further explores emerging areas such as engineered probiotics, edge AI, and microfluidic sensing. These areas are targeted at transforming food preservation from an empirical control approach to a data-driven, precise regulatory framework. This transformation provides theoretical support and technical approaches for developing a smart, sustainable food preservation system.

Multiomics

Integrative modeling of the genome structure and dynamics in fission yeast.

Genome organization in the nucleus is highly structured and dynamic. Recent advances in genomic technology have enabled the measurement of genome-wide architecture and locus-specific motion, yielding contact maps and live-cell trajectories. However, these outcomes are derived from different modalities and are not directly comparable, with their quantitative integration being a key challenge. Here we establish a genome-wide live-cell imaging platform in fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, tracking 131 chromosomal loci, along with the spindle pole body (SPB) and nucleolus, to construct a quantitative map of locus dynamics. By integrating these dynamics with contact data through polymer modeling of Hi-C data, we build a physics-based "digital twin" of the S. pombe genome consistent with the spatiotemporal dynamics of interphase chromatin. We validate it against genome-wide mobility patterns and known architectural features, including centromere and telomere clustering. The model also identifies distinct dynamical regimes: centromere- and telomere-proximal loci relax within [Formula: see text]150 s, whereas the remaining loci relax within [Formula: see text]70 s. We measure semiperiodic dynamics of SPB motion, including a characteristic peak near 225 s and [Formula: see text] fluctuations. We use the model with SPB-directed forcing to show how these low-frequency components propagate through the genome to drive genome-wide chromatin displacements. Together, this predictive physics-based modeling framework integrates genome structure and dynamics to reveal how nuclear mechanical driving forces shape chromosome motion, linking mechanically driven chromatin responses to genome maintenance and regulation.

Schizosaccharomyces

Meniscal preservation in the age of biologics: toward a quantitative decision algorithm for personalized repair.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in arthroscopic repair and biologic augmentation, surgical indication for meniscal tears remains heterogeneous. No standardized framework currently integrates biomechanical, clinical, and biological determinants to guide repair versus resection. PURPOSE: To develop a quantitative decision model-the Meniscal Preservation Score (MPS)-that unifies biomechanical and biological evidence to stratify reparability potential and standardize treatment selection in meniscal surgery. METHODS: A systematic evidence synthesis conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 reporting standards of studies published from 2000 to 2025 in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus identified key determinants of meniscal healing. Five consistent predictors-patient age, vascularity, tear morphology, associated pathology, and activity profile-were weighted through a two-round modified Delphi consensus among ten experienced knee surgeons. The resulting 0-9-point MPS was incorporated into a stepwise decision tree linking lesion morphology, biological context, and surgical strategy. Conceptual validation used 50 simulated cases and a retrospective cohort of 45 patients to test agreement between algorithm recommendations and expert surgical decisions. RESULTS: The MPS achieved 86% concordance with expert judgment in simulation and 84% agreement in clinical validation. In this retrospective exploratory cohort, cases in which surgical management was concordant with MPS recommendations demonstrated higher mean IKDC scores at 24 months and lower observed reoperation rates. These findings should be interpreted as associative rather than causal, as treatment allocation was not controlled and discordant cases may have represented inherently more complex pathology. CONCLUSION: The MPS represents an evidence-informed decision-support framework designed to systematize reparability assessment. While exploratory analyses suggest structural coherence with expert reasoning, prospective implementation and external validation are required before clinical adoption as a predictive tool. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: conceptual model with exploratory validation.

Humans

Structured Visualization for Laparoscopic Skill Acquisition:A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether structured visualization can support acquisition of basic laparoscopic skills during simulation training and whether this approach can achieve outcomes comparable to repeated physical practice. DESIGN: Prospective randomized comparative study. SETTING: Simulation-based laparoscopic skills training at a university-affiliated teaching center. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty laparoscopy-naive medical students were randomly assigned to a laparoscopic practice group or a visualization group. The laparoscopic practice group performed a validated Gynecological Endoscopic Surgical Education and Assessment (GESEA) Laparoscopic Skills Training and Testing (LASTT) hand-eye coordination task 7 consecutive times. The visualization group performed the same task physically on attempts 1, 4, and 7, while attempts 2, 3, 5, and 6 consisted of guided visualization. Each attempt lasted up to 2 minutes, and performance was scored as the number of correctly placed rings (range 0-12). RESULTS: Baseline performance was comparable between groups (2.92&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;2.14&#x202f;vs 2.88&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;1.72; p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.94). Both groups improved significantly over time (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001). No statistically significant between-group differences were found on the 4th attempt (6.52&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;3.25&#x202f;vs 5.76&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;2.57; p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.48) or 7th attempt (8.24&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;2.86&#x202f;vs 7.44&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;2.99; p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.39). The final physical performance of the visualization group was significantly better than the 3rd physical attempt of the laparoscopic practice group (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Structured visualization may support early laparoscopic skill acquisition and achieve short-term outcomes comparable to repeated hands-on simulator training. Visualization should be considered an adjunct, rather than a replacement, for physical practice in simulation-based laparoscopic education.

Laparoscopy

Late hiatal hernia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a systematic review.

Obesity is a global public health issue. This condition is linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia (HH), both of which are exacerbated by increased intra-abdominal pressure. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the most widely performed techniques for treating obesity and is considered a versatile option suitable for most patients. The development of a symptomatic HH and pouch migration can lead to various symptoms and complications. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central were searched for studies with late HH after RYGB. We pooled outcomes for symptom resolution. Secondary outcomes were recurrence rate and operation characteristics (mesh use, cruroplasty, gastropexy, reoperation, length of stay, and operative time). A meta-analysis could not be conducted due to significant heterogeneity in HH. HH following RYGB presents with GERD (39-93.6%), obstructive symptoms (29%-88%), and abdominal pain (28.6%-71%). Diagnostic methods include endoscopy, computed tomography scans, and upper gastrointestinal series. Surgical management varies, with primary cruroplasty being the most common approach, sometimes incorporating mesh or fundoplication. Postoperative symptom resolution rates range from 42.9% to 100%, with HH recurrence occurring in 5%-6.54% of cases. Follow-up durations varied, showing improvement in most patients, though some continued to experience reflux and dysphagia HH contributes to obstructive and reflux symptoms, with contrast-enhanced imaging offering the highest diagnostic accuracy. Bioabsorbable mesh may reduce recurrence, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring.

Humans

A Randomized Clinical Trial to Compare Moxifloxacin Versus Azithromycin for the Treatment of Mycoplasma genitalium: The FARTHEST Study.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is increasingly characterized by high rates of macrolide and fluoroquinolone resistance. International guidelines recommend resistance-guided therapy; however, access to genotypic testing is limited, and randomized trial evidence is lacking. We assessed the efficacy of moxifloxacin and azithromycin without resistance assays. METHODS: This monocentric, open-label, superiority, randomized controlled trial enrolled adults with MG infection detected by multiplex PCR, randomized 1:1 to receive moxifloxacin 400 mg daily for 10 days or azithromycin 500 mg daily for 6 days. A test of cure was performed &#x2265;28 days after treatment completion. The primary endpoint was microbiological cure in the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) populations. Subgroup analyses assessed symptomatic versus asymptomatic infections, doxycycline exposure, re-treatment, and sexual behavior. RESULTS: Among 358 randomized participants, 87.0% of those treated with moxifloxacin and 61.2% of those treated with azithromycin achieved microbiological cure in the ITT analysis (absolute risk difference 25.8%, 95% CI 16.5, 35.2). The superiority of moxifloxacin was confirmed in the ITT and PP populations. Moxifloxacin remained superior across most subgroups, whereas azithromycin showed comparable efficacy only among heterosexual individuals. Doxycycline coadministration did not improve outcomes. Both regimens were well tolerated, with only one case of discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: Moxifloxacin demonstrated superior efficacy compared to azithromycin for treating MG infection in the absence of resistance testing. These randomized data support the use of moxifloxacin as a first-line option when resistance assays are unavailable and may inform treatment strategies.

Humans

Pathogenic properties of myasthenia gravis AChR autoantibodies associate with clinical response to efgartigimod.

BACKGROUND: Efgartigimod, a neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) blocker, effectively reduces total IgG, including pathogenic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) autoantibodies in myasthenia gravis (MG); however, clinical responses vary. To investigate this variability, we studied how efgartigimod impacts AChR-specific autoantibody profiles and associated pathogenic mechanisms, including complement activation, AChR internalisation and ACh-binding site blockade. METHODS: Serum samples (N=150) were sourced from 50 AChR autoantibody-positive generalised MG patients participating in the phase 3 ADAPT study, randomised to receive efgartigimod (N=40) or placebo (N=10) in cycles of 4-weekly infusions. Samples were collected at baseline, day 29 and day 57 during the first cycle. Live cell-based assays quantified AChR-specific IgG subclasses and isotypes and assessed their capacity to mediate pathomechanisms. RESULTS: Efgartigimod decreased all detectable AChR-specific IgG subclasses. At baseline, AChR autoantibody-mediated C3b deposition, AChR internalisation and ACh-binding site blockade were detected in 42 (84%), 41 (82%) and 10 (20%) patients, respectively. After 4-weekly infusions of efgartigimod, the magnitude of all three pathomechanisms was significantly decreased. However, the extent of this reduction varied across individuals. Double responders on both MG-activities of daily living and quantitative MG scores demonstrated a greater reduction in complement activity and AChR internalisation compared with patients who responded on only one score or were double non-responders. In addition, efgartigimod reduced IgG-dependent IgM binding to AChR. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that clinical efficacy may be more closely associated with functional modulation of the AChR-specific autoantibodies than with their absolute quantity alone. These results support the evaluation of mechanistic pathway monitoring as a potential strategy to predict or guide efgartigimod treatment response.

Humans

Influence of ovarian maturity, age, and mating status on&#xa0;the antennal responses of wild and laboratory reared Xyleborus affinis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) to ethanol.

Xyleborus affinis Eichthoff is a neotropical ambrosia beetle that, in certain regions such as the United States and Mexico, has been associated with exotic phytopathogenic fungi causing extensive tree mortality. Although studies relating its olfactory response to volatile compounds and trapping systems have been published, factors such as the insect's physiological condition, which can affect its recognition or response to odors, have not been studied. Here, we evaluated the electroantennographic (EAG) response of wild and&#xa0;laboratory reared X. affinis females to 70% ethanol, a compound known to attract these insects. The experimental design was developed to consider and compare the following conditions: (i) females collected inside and outside host-galleries, (ii) sexual maturity (with mature and immature ovaries), (iii) age (0, 1, 3, and 5&#x2009;d after emergence), and (iv) mating status (virgins and mated). Our results indicate that most of the wild females located outside the galleries were sexually mature but exhibited significantly lower EAG response than those inside the galleries. Regarding mating status, mated females exhibited significantly stronger antennal responses compared to virgins, whereas age did not affect antennal sensitivity. Finally, we provide images of the hitherto undescribed reproductive system of X. affinis females, a key element that enabled this investigation. The information generated offers a useful foundation for future studies aimed at understanding the physiological mechanisms and other critical factors related to sensory perception and reproductive condition. For example, factors that may influence the behavior and attraction of X. affinis females to host semiochemicals.

Animals