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PubMed2026

The Effect of Breastfeeding on Cervical Dysplasias.

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

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Obstructive sleep apnea and idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pooled prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among adults with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) using polysomnography (PSG) and the Berlin Questionnaire screening. NATURE: IIH is a vision-threatening disorder characterized by elevated intracranial pressure. OSA shares overlapping risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms with IIH, including nocturnal hypoxia and hypercapnia. Clarifying OSA prevalence in IIH is clinically important for diagnosis and management. METHODS: For this prospectively registered systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD420251132794), we searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL from inception to August 23, 2025, for studies reporting PSG-confirmed OSA or Berlin Questionnaire positivity in adults with IIH. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I and RoB-2, and certainty of evidence was checked using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool. Random-effects meta-analyses of proportions generated pooled prevalence estimates. Subgroup analyses excluded high-risk studies, leave-one-out analyses assessed robustness, and funnel plots evaluated publication bias. RESULTS: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Across 9 PSG-based studies (n = 299), the pooled prevalence of OSA in IIH was 0.44 (95% CI: 0.26-0.63; I² = 90.5%). Leave-one-out analyses showed stable results (39%-50%). Excluding high-risk studies (4 studies; n = 132) yielded a pooled prevalence of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.32-0.74). Four Berlin Questionnaire studies (n = 154) showed a pooled prevalence of 0.65 (95% CI: 0.54-0.74; I² = 0%). Funnel plot asymmetry suggested publication bias, and certainty of evidence was very low. CONCLUSIONS: OSA is common among patients with IIH, supporting routine objective sleep evaluation. Prospective studies are needed to clarify this association.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Clinical predictors of severe and fatal respiratory syncytial virus infection in adults and the elderly: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is increasingly recognized as a cause of severe respiratory illness in adults, especially the elderly and those with comorbidities. However, data on outcomes and risk factors for severe disease in this population remain limited. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 123 adult patients diagnosed with RSV infection at a tertiary center in Taiwan from 2015 to 2023. Clinical characteristics, laboratory data, detection of other pathogens, clinical course and outcome were reviewed. Multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors for severe RSV infection, including ICU admission and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: The mean age was 55.7 years; 50% were aged ≥60 years and 13% were ≥75 years. ICU admission occurred in 17%, with significant associations to viral coinfection and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP). Thirty-day mortality was 13%, and overall in-hospital mortality was 18%, all among patients with comorbidities. Independent predictors of 30-day mortality included late elderly (aOR 24.2, p = 0.03), high CRP > 11.5 mg/dL (aOR 16.4, p = 0.005) and thrombocytopenia < 34,103/μL (aOR 11.4, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Advanced age (≥75 years), high CRP, and severe thrombocytopenia are key predictors of mortality in adults RSV patients. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies, including vaccination, in high-risk populations.

Co-infection↗

PubMed2026

Noncombustible Nicotine or Tobacco Product Use After Smoking Cessation and Major Vision-Impairing Diseases: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the risk of major vision-impairing eye diseases among smokers who quit combustible cigarettes (CC) and switch to noncombustible nicotine or tobacco products (NNTPs) compared with those who completely quit using tobacco. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: About 179 273 adults from the Korean National Health Insurance Service who smoked CC in 2011 to 2012 and reported cessation in 2018 to 2019, classified into complete quitters and NNTP switchers. METHODS: This nationwide longitudinal cohort study followed participants for up to 6 years and identified incident major vision-impairing eye diseases (cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and refractive and accommodation disorders) using standardized diagnostic codes. Propensity score matching was applied to emulate a pseudo-randomized comparison, balanced on key demographic, clinical, comorbidity, and lifestyle characteristics. Subdistribution hazard ratios (SHRs) were evaluated using the Fine-Gray subdistribution hazards model accounting for all-cause mortality as a competing risk. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Adjusted SHRs for incident major vision-impairing eye diseases. RESULTS: Among 32 316 matched participants followed for a mean of 4.6 years, 6328 incident major vision-impairing eye disease events occurred. The incidence was 41.1 and 44.0 per 1000 person-years for complete quitters and NNTP switchers, respectively. Switching to NNTPs was associated with an increased risk of major vision-impairing eye disease (SHR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.13). The risk elevation was most pronounced for diabetic retinopathy (SHR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.00-1.53) and refractive and accommodation disorders (SHR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.12). These findings were robust across inverse probability-weighted and Cox proportional hazards models. The association remained consistent in sensitivity analyses and across clinical subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Transitioning from CC to NNTPs is associated with a modest but consistent increase in the risk of major vision-impairing eye diseases compared with complete nicotine abstinence. These findings challenge the assumption that substituting NNTPs for CCs is visually harmless and indicate that, from an ophthalmic perspective, complete cessation of all nicotine products should remain the preferred cessation goal.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Current Diagnostic Pathways for Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease Result in Substantial Underdiagnosis and Excess Mortality: A Multicenter Norwegian Quality Assurance Audit.

OBJECTIVE: Recent guidelines suggest risk-stratified screening for rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). However, the diagnostic gap between current routine care and this screening approach remains unquantified. We assessed currently detected RA-ILD in Norway, benchmarking findings against recent screening-based estimates of the true disease burden. METHODS: This 10-year quality assurance audit across six centers covered 43% of the Norwegian population. RA-ILD cases identified via ICD-10 codes were confirmed by manual chart review. Prevalence was calculated relative to a registry-derived total RA background population and benchmarked against a 10% expected target derived from recent prospective studies. Mortality was compared to a 3:1 frequency-matched RA control group using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: Among 17,305 RA patients, 188 (1.1%) had verified ILD; when benchmarked against an expected 10% prevalence, this indicates an 89% diagnostic gap in routine clinical care. Mean age at ILD detection was 67.5 years. Most cases (93.6%) possessed ≥2 established risk factors for RA-ILD: 93.6% were seropositive, 76.1% had smoking histories, while RA onset age ≥60 and persistently increased inflammatory laboratory markers were present in over half of patients. RA-ILD was associated with significantly increased mortality; 66 (4.1/100 person-years) deaths occurred in the RA-ILD group vs. 120 (2.3/100 person-years) among RA controls (HR 1.77; 95% CI: 1.31-2.39, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: When comparing to prevalence expectations, current routine care may leave a substantial proportion of cases undetected, primarily capturing a high-risk phenotype with excess mortality. Systematic, risk-stratified screening is needed to bridge this diagnostic gap, aiming to enable earlier intervention.

Interstitial lung disease↗

PubMed2026

Aortoesophageal Fistula: Mending the Lethal Connection-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare, life-threatening condition with limited high-quality evidence to guide management. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of PubMed and Scopus through December 2025, evaluating survival and complication outcomes according to treatment strategy and morphological severity. Patients were categorized into 5 groups: TEVAR alone, staged TEVAR followed by surgery, primary open or hybrid surgery, TEVAR with esophageal stenting, and supportive/palliative care. Outcomes were pooled as proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: A total of 167 reports representing 528 patients were included. Overall 30-day mortality was 31.2% (95% CI 27.0% to 35.7%) and 1-year mortality 41.2% (95% CI 36.2% to 46.4%). Infection occurred in 32.6%, reintervention in 20.2%, and recurrence in 13.2%. Staged TEVAR followed by surgery showed favorable survival (30-day 12.7%, 1-year 26.1%) but high infection (66.7%) and reintervention (43.2%) rates. TEVAR with esophageal stenting had the lowest early mortality (5.0%) but frequent reintervention (54.5%) and 1-year mortality of 33.3%. TEVAR alone demonstrated the lowest 1-year mortality among definitive strategies (25.5%) but notable recurrence (26.9%). Primary open or hybrid surgery carried higher early and late mortality, while supportive/palliative care had the worst outcomes. Morphological severity correlated strongly with mortality, infection, reintervention, and recurrence, with type IV lesions showing particularly poor prognosis. CONCLUSION: Despite contemporary management, AEF carries high early and late mortality. Definitive strategies, particularly staged TEVAR followed by surgery, offer improved survival but increased complications. Morphology-guided, individualized management is recommended.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Editorial Commentary: Stiff Patients After Rotator Cuff Repair: How Many Had Underrecognized Preoperative Adhesive Capsulitis?

Stiffness after rotator cuff repair is one of the most common sources of disability and one of the most common complications. Smoking, diabetes, Workers' compensation status, and traumatic tears are among the strongest risk factors. This is important information in setting appropriate expectations for both the patient and the surgeon preoperatively. Some of these factors are also associated with preoperative stiffness, so surgeons should maintain a high index of suspicion for concomitant adhesive capsulitis in patients presenting with limited motion, particularly in diabetic and non-English speaking populations. In cases where both a rotator cuff tear and adhesive capsulitis coexist, performing a concurrent capsular release or manipulation during the index procedure may improve functional outcomes and reduce the necessity for secondary surgical intervention.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Frequent readmissions after hospitalization for alcohol withdrawal: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol use disorder and alcohol withdrawal syndrome impose substantial clinical and economic burdens, with repeated hospitalizations being common. We aimed to systematically review readmission rates following inpatient detoxification, assess variation across study designs and hospital settings, and identify key risk and protective factors. METHODS: We performed a literature search in Embase and Pubmed on 10/04/2026 focusing on studies assessing in hospital alcohol detoxification. Exclusion criteria included studies on substance use other than alcohol and outpatient or residential treatment. Main outcome was rehospitalization, and meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled readmission proportions. Secondary outcomes were risk factors and protective factors influencing the rate of rehospitalization. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies were included. The pooled proportion of readmissions following alcohol detoxification was estimated at 17% (95% CI: 14%-21%; 13 studies, n = 287,896) within 1 month, increasing to 44% (95% CI: 36%-52%; 8 studies, n = 2,877) at 1 year. Substantial between-study heterogeneity was observed. Subgroup analyses found no significant differences by hospital setting or time period. Findings for study aim and study design were mixed and based on limited data A small number of studies suggested associations with housing stability, employment, and treatment engagement. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that approximately one in six patients are readmitted within 1 month and nearly half within 1 year after inpatient alcohol detoxification. However, readmission rates varied considerably across settings and populations. Future research should evaluate targeted interventions to reduce readmissions among high-risk patient groups.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

primary analysis of the RANDOMIZED eortc-2139/columbus-ad trial: Adjuvant encorafenib and binimetinib versus placebo in high-risk stage II BRAF-V600E/K melanoma.

PURPOSE: Stage IIB/IIC melanoma has a high risk of recurrence after resection. Combined BRAF/MEK inhibitor therapy showed benefit in resected high-risk stage III and advanced melanoma. The objective of this study was to investigate its role in stage IIB/IIC. METHODS: Adult patients with resected stage IIB/IIC cutaneous melanoma which had a BRAF V600E/K mutation were randomized 1:1 to receive encorafenib (enco) 450 mg QD + binimetinib (bini) 45 mg BID orally for one year or placebo. The study planned to randomize 815 patients and was designed to demonstrate superiority regarding recurrence-free survival (RFS). Following a premature termination of accrual, the study was amended with safety as the primary endpoint and RFS as secondary endpoint. RESULTS: Between June 9, 2022, and October 9, 2023, 339 patients were screened for a BRAF mutation and 110 randomized. Data cutoff was 19 Nov. 2024, after the last patient discontinued study participation. Among randomized patients, 87 (79%) had a BRAF V600E mutation, and 39 (35%) AJCC8 stage IIC. Median follow-up was 12 and 7 months for enco/bini and placebo arms, respectively. Among 54 patients who initiated enco + bini, grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events (AE) occurred in 13 (24%) patients, and 18 (33%) patients had an AE leading to permanent treatment discontinuation. RFS at 12 months was 86% (95% CI: 65-95%) in the enco + bini and 70% (95% CI: 46-85%) in the placebo arm, distant metastasis-free survival at 12 months was 92% (95% CI: 77-97%) for enco + bini and 82% (95% CI: 55-93%) for placebo. CONCLUSION: EORTC 2139 - Columbus-AD demonstrated a consistent and manageable safety profile and encouraging efficacy results for the combination of enco and bini in resected stage IIB/C BRAF V600E/K-mutated cutaneous melanomas.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Physician-Modified Fenestrated Stent-Grafts Planned Using Three-Dimensional Techniques for Complex Aortic Pathology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Complex aortic pathology involving the visceral arteries remains a significant therapeutic challenge. Open repair is associated with considerable perioperative risk, particularly in patients with multiple comorbidities, while standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is often not feasible because of inadequate proximal sealing zones. Fenestrated and branched endovascular repair (F/BEVAR) represents an established treatment strategy; however, the use of custom-made devices is limited by manufacturing time and availability. Physician-modified stent grafts (PMSGs) have therefore emerged as a pragmatic alternative. Three-dimensional planning techniques have been increasingly used to facilitate accurate graft modification. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PMSG procedures planned with three-dimensional techniques. Technical success, target vessel patency, early mortality, endoleak occurrence, and reintervention rates were analyzed. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases. Studies describing the use of physician-modified fenestrated stent grafts planned with three-dimensional tools were included. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model with restricted maximum likelihood estimation. A logit transformation was used for the analysis of proportions. RESULTS: The analysis included five studies involving 172 patients. The estimated weighted mean follow-up duration was 14.9 months. The overall technical success rate was 92.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84.5-96.9%), with low-to-moderate heterogeneity. Target vessel patency was 96.9% (95% CI: 93.6-98.5%). Early mortality was 5.5% (95% CI: 2.1-13.3%). The incidence of endoleaks was 13.3% (95% CI: 5.8-27.4%), with significant heterogeneity among studies. Reinterventions were reported in 6.6% of patients (95% CI: 2.3-17.5%). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that PMSG procedures planned with three-dimensional techniques are associated with a high rate of technical success and preserved patency of target vessels in patients with complex aortic pathology. The observed variability in endoleak and reintervention rates likely reflects differences in anatomical complexity and patient selection among studies. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm long-term outcomes.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Hepatotoxicity of OBS: A review of the emerging PFOS substitute.

As an alternative to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), sodium perfluorononenyl oxobenzene sulfonate (OBS) is widely used due to its cost-effectiveness. Multiple studies have shown that the liver is a classic target organ for OBS. However, there is currently no systematic review on the hepatotoxic effects of OBS. This review systematically summarizes the exposure characteristics of OBS in the environment and human populations, as well as its mechanisms of liver toxicity. In vivo studies consistently demonstrate that OBS induces hepatotoxic effects, such as hepatomegaly, vacuolization, elevated serum transaminases, and lipid dysregulation, though the manifestation of these phenotypes varies across species and exposure routes. In vitro evidence further shows that OBS reduces cell viability and survival, and triggers necrosis accompanied by inflammation. Mechanistically, oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling, and metabolism disorder are implicated. Critically, most existing work addresses subacute or subchronic exposure, leaving a gap in chronic risk assessment for long-term, low-dose OBS exposure. Moreover, mechanistic studies have focused predominantly on downstream transcriptional and signaling changes, with limited exploration of upstream epigenetic controls. Overall, this study aims to provide a comprehensive reference for future toxicological investigations and liver injury risk assessments related to OBS exposure.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Perinatal depression, maternal thyroid status and fetus/infant health and development: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid hormones are known to influence both maternal depression and child developmental outcomes, while maternal depression independently affects child outcomes. The potential interaction between thyroid dysfunction and depression in shaping child development remains insufficiently explored. The present study addresses such interplay. METHODS: Following PRISMA 2020 and JBI guidelines, three databases were searched through December 2025 for primary studies on maternal thyroid status, perinatal depression, and child development. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using validated tools. Due to clinical and methodological heterogeneity, data were synthesized narratively following SWiM guidelines. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included. Beyond independent risks for preterm birth and behavioral problems, limited evidence supports a synergistic model, while most studies likely reflect the simple co-occurrence of risks. Maternal thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) were associated with child externalizing problems exclusively in the presence of clinical depression. High depressive symptoms also attenuated the cognitive benefits of prenatal iodine supplementation. Thyroid status appears to function as a risk moderator rather than a mediator. However, 50% of observational studies presented high RoB, primarily due to participant attrition. CONCLUSION: Findings are still scarce to support a synergistic risk model where specific maternal thyroid parameters (i.e. thyroid autoimmunity and iodine status) may moderate the impact of depressive symptoms on child development. Despite the high RoB in half of the studies, results highlight the need for integrated screening protocols. Simultaneously assessing mental health and thyroid status may optimize risk stratification for high-risk mother-infant dyads.

Female↗

PubMed2026

Contact tracing for hepatitis C: perspectives of people with experience of substance use and hepatitis C on intervention acceptability.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) is a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In the UK, the principal risk factor for HCV is injecting drug use. The introduction of direct acting anti-virals (DAA's) have transformed HCV care, with cure rates of over 95%. However, HCV is often asymptomatic, and reinfection is a concern. Modelling and real-life studies demonstrate the potential effectiveness of a contact tracing approach for finding people who have acquired HCV through injecting drug use. However, it is not used routinely in the UK. This qualitative study was undertaken to assess the acceptability of a contact tracing approach to identify people who have injected drugs with an index patient recently diagnosed with HCV. METHODS: Twelve people with lived or living experience of injecting drug use and an HCV diagnosis were interviewed using semi-structured interview topic guides. Participants were purposefully selected according to the inclusion criteria and to ensure there was an even spread of male and female participants. Sekhon's Theoretical Framework of Acceptability, incorporating seven components (affective attitude, burden, ethicality, intervention coherence, opportunity cost, perceived effectiveness, and self-efficacy) was used to analyse data from interview transcripts. RESULTS: A sample of 12 people who inject drugs in the UK indicated that a contact tracing approach was acceptable across two components of Sekhon's acceptability framework: affective attitude and ethicality. Participants broadly found the idea of tracing people who may be at risk of contracting HCV acceptable, and the approach aligned with their value systems. A contact tracing approach would help alleviate concerns about putting other people's lives at risk through HCV transmission and was seen as a 'sensible' way of finding people at risk. However, there were caveats to this acceptability. Contact tracing approaches delivered by mainstream health, or governmental organisations increased burden, opportunity costs and perceived effectiveness of a contact tracing approach for HCV, particularly within contexts of exclusion and criminalisation of people who inject drugs. Burden and opportunity costs were also affected by individual experiences and risks of violence, sexual violence and abuse. There was a lack of knowledge of contact tracing approaches amongst respondents, leading to a lack of intervention coherence and misunderstandings of what contact tracing was and how it would work. Trusted relationships with NGOs and HCV specialist nurses reduced burden and increased confidence and ability (self-efficacy) to engage with a contact tracing approach. CONCLUSION: People who inject drugs broadly perceive contact tracing as an acceptable method of finding people who are at risk of HCV. However, this acceptability is based on specific modes of delivery through trusted organisations. Findings further highlight the importance of naming and describing contact tracing approaches appropriately, as well as assessing and mitigating against potential risk to index patients, to increase self-efficacy and capacity to engage. Considering these findings, the potential for expanding existing contact tracing approaches should be explored to ensure the UK reaches and maintains its elimination targets.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

To Treat or Not to Treat: Navigating Early-Stage CLL in the Era of Targeted Therapy.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is most frequently diagnosed at early, asymptomatic stages (Rai 0/Binet A), in which a watch-and-wait strategy remains the standard of care, based on historical trials demonstrating no overall survival benefit from early treatment. Over the past two decades, however, substantial advances in genomic profiling-including immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region (IGHV) mutational status, TP53 disruption, recurrent gene mutations, and complex karyotype-have uncovered marked biological heterogeneity among early-stage patients and substantially improved prediction of disease progression. In parallel, targeted therapies such as Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors and venetoclax-based combinations have transformed the management of symptomatic CLL, raising renewed interest in whether early intervention might favorably alter the natural history of biologically high-risk disease. In this review, we critically examine the evolution of prognostication in early-stage CLL, integrate contemporary molecular and clinical risk models, and summarize evidence from both historical chemotherapy-era studies and modern early-intervention trials. We discuss key unresolved controversies, including reliance on surrogate endpoints, the risks of overtreatment, and the persistent absence of an overall survival benefit across all early-treatment strategies. Finally, we outline future research priorities, including refined genomic stratification, minimal residual disease-driven (MRD)-driven approaches, and combination targeted therapies currently under investigation. Despite renewed interest in preemptive treatment, available evidence supports continued observation for asymptomatic patients outside clinical trials.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Tracking microplastic contamination across seasons in a freshwater reservoir: Evidence from surface water, sediments, and fishes.

Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent contaminants in aquatic environments, posing substantial ecological and health risks. These particles migrate within the different layers of aquatic bodies with time and affect the respective biota. Thus, to get an in-depth understanding of the particles, this current study investigated the seasonal distribution, morphological and chemical characteristics, along with potential ecological and human health impacts in the samples including surface water, sediment, and fish from a drinking water supplying reservoir in eastern India. Across three different seasons, pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon samples were collected using optimized methods. Results revealed distinct seasonal trends: MP abundance in surface water peaked during the monsoon (mean: 1.15 MPs/L), while sediment showed the highest concentrations in the pre-monsoon (mean: 596 MPs/kg), indicating temporal accumulation dynamics influenced by runoff, hydrodynamics, and sedimentation. Fish gut analysis confirmed ingestion of MPs across five species, with concentrations ranging from 26 to 100 MPs/kg, depending on feeding habits. The most dominant MP type were fragments, followed by fibers, films, and beads. Polymer analysis via µFTIR identified polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride as prevalent, with hazard assessments (i.e., Polymer Hazard Index (PHI)) indicating medium to very high ecological risks. Heavy metal association was more dominant in the MPs isolated from sediments than the waterborne MPs. Pollution Load Index (PLI) values were > 1 in most seasons, confirming contamination. Health risk analysis suggested potential exposure through both drinking water and fish consumption. This study emphasizes the need for seasonal monitoring, improved waste management, and mitigation strategies to address MP pollution in freshwater ecosystems.

Microplastics↗

PubMed2026

Prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms according to comorbidities, risk factors, country, and time period: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage declined between 1980 and 2010, which coincided with a decline in smoking and prevalence of hypertension. We aimed to investigate whether the decrease in subarachnoid haemorrhage incidence is paralleled by declines in unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) prevalence. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science for articles published in any language from Jan 1, 2011 to Dec 31, 2025, and reassessed 68 articles published before March 1, 2011 from a 2011 systematic review and meta-analysis. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they used a cross-sectional or case-control design and provided the crude number of participants and those with UIA. We only included studies reporting numbers of UIA separately from ruptured aneurysms and with ten or more patients. Summary data were independently extracted by JD with AZ or CB and conflicts were resolved by GJER. The primary outcome was proportion of participants with UIA. Relative to a hypothetical reference population (mean age 50 years, 50% women, and no comorbidities), age and/or sex-adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) for regions, comorbidities, and risk ratios (RRs) for female sex, smoking, and hypertension were estimated using generalised linear mixed models. A time trend analysis was done by binomial meta regression using the mid-year of data acquisition. We assessed the certainty of evidence using GRADE. The study was registered with PROSPERO, number CRD420261296728. FINDINGS: Our search screened 4708 studies. 67 reassessed and 95 newly identified articles, reporting on 316 131 participants and 11 822 people with UIAs, were included in our meta-analysis. In the reference population, the estimated prevalence of UIAs was 3·9% (95% CI 3·0-5·1). The prevalence of UIAs in individuals with atherosclerosis was 5·5% (4·7-6·4; 2229 of 40970 participants) and the adjusted PR was 1·3 (95% CI 0·8-2·0) compared with the reference population. For positive family history of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) or UIA, the UIA prevalence was 7·9% (5·6-11·1; 412 of 4252 participants) and the adjusted PR was 2·4 (0·5-11·2). For connective-tissue disorder, the UIA prevalence was 10·3% (6·5-16·0; 94 of 879 participants) and the adjusted PR was 3·9 (2·0-7·6). For autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the UIA prevalence was 12·8% (9·2-17·6; 293 of 1990 participants) and the adjusted PR was 4·4 (1·5-12·6). RRs were for current smoking 1·4 (1·2-1·6; 798 of 27911 participants), for having hypertension 1·6 (1·5-1·7, 4043 of 83053 participants), and for female sex 1·9 (1·8-2·0; 3415 of 65020 women and 2122 of 76130 men). In studies on healthy individuals with MR angiography or CT angiography as imaging modality, the prevalence in 2016-2022 was 6·6% (6·3-6·8; 2904 of 41191 participants). The adjusted PR was 1·8 (1·1-2·8) for 2016-2022 versus 2002-2015. Prevalence of UIAs of 5 mm or larger was 0·7% (0·6-0·8) in 2002-2015 and 1·4% (1·0-1·9) in 2016-2022. The UIA prevalence did not differ between countries. τ2 showed significant heterogeneity between studies. The certainty of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate. INTERPRETATION: Prevalence of UIA is increasing, particularly over the past two decades. This increase is only in part explained by improved detection of small UIAs and an ageing population, and other factors-such as environmental-are likely involved. Alongside patients with ADPKD and a positive family history of aSAH, patients with connective-tissue disorders had a higher prevalence of UIA than the reference population. Our findings warrant further investigation into the potential benefit of personalised screening and management strategies in groups at high risk for having UIAs. FUNDING: None.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Targeting depression before it starts: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of preventive interventions in young adults from randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Young adulthood is a high-risk period for major depressive disorder (MDD) onset yet is underrepresented in prevention research. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of psychosocial preventive interventions in adults aged 18-25 years, focusing on symptom reduction, medium- and long-term effects, and MDD onset. METHODS: We conducted a PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42024625481) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychosocial preventive interventions for depression in young adults (18-25) published up to April 15, 2025. Between-group symptom reduction was quantified using Hedges' g and pooled with random-effects models. Outcomes were analyzed at post-intervention, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. Effects on MDD onset were assessed via risk ratio (RR). Risk of bias was assessed with the RoB-2 tool. RESULTS: We included 65 interventions from 58 RCTs (N = 11,333; mean age 20.4; 61.6% female), with 92.8% rated high risk of bias. Interventions at post-test reduced depressive symptoms vs. controls (k = 65; g = -0.52; 95%CI:-0.70;-0.33; p < 0.01), with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 93.0%). Indicated, guided, and face-to-face interventions outperformed universal, selective, self-guided, and online interventions. Effects on symptomatology were highly heterogeneous and non-significant at 6- (k = 8) and 12-month (k = 4) follow-up. Four RCTs were identified evaluating MDD onset risk; pooled effects suggested a reduction in MDD onset (RR = 0.77; 95%CI:0.61;0.97; p < 0.01) though risk of bias was high and samples were highly selective. INTERPRETATION: Psychosocial preventive interventions modestly reduce depressive symptoms at post-test and may lower onset risk in highly selective populations. However, findings remain limited by high risk of bias, scarce data on the long-term sustainability of effects, and unclear mechanisms.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2026

Role of routine surveillance stress testing in patients with or without imaging-guided or physiology-guided PCI.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal follow-up strategy for high-risk patients who underwent imaging-guided or physiology-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains uncertain. We investigated whether routine surveillance stress testing after PCI provides clinical benefit when the procedure is guided by intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) or fractional flow reserve (FFR). METHODS: In the Pragmatic Trial Comparing Symptom-Oriented vs Routine Stress Testing in High-Risk Patients Undergoing PCI randomised trial, 1706 high-risk patients who underwent PCI were assigned to either routine functional testing at 1 year or standard care alone. In this prespecified subgroup analysis, patients were subsequently categorised according to whether IVUS or FFR was used at the index procedure. The primary outcome was a composite of death, myocardial infarction or hospitalisation for unstable angina over 2 years. RESULTS: Among the randomised population, 74% underwent IVUS-guided intervention and 36% underwent FFR-guided intervention. At 2 years, rates of the primary outcome were similar between routine testing and standard care both in patients treated with IVUS guidance (5.3% vs 6.7%; HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.50 to 1.24) and without IVUS guidance (5.7% vs 3.8%; HR 1.52; 95% CI 0.63 to 3.68; interaction p=0.21). Comparable results were observed in patients with FFR guidance (2.6% vs 3.9%; HR 0.65; 95% CI 0.26 to 1.58) and without FFR guidance (7.0% vs 7.1%; HR 0.99; 95% CI 0.63 to 1.55; interaction p=0.59). Routine functional testing was consistently associated with higher use of invasive coronary angiography and repeat revascularisation, without improvement in clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Among high-risk patients who underwent PCI, routine surveillance stress testing did not reduce the risk of death, myocardial infarction or unstable angina, regardless of the use of IVUS or FFR at the index procedure. Routine functional testing increased downstream invasive procedures without clinical benefit. These findings support guideline recommendations against routine surveillance testing after PCI. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03217877.

Humans↗