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PubMed2026

Ciliochoroidal Effusion and Regional Scleral Thickening in Peripapillary Pachychoroid Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To assess anterior scleral thickness and the presence of ciliochoroidal effusion (CE) in eyes with peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome (PPS), and to compare the results with a cohort of healthy age-matched controls. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study METHODS: A total of 20 eyes from 12 patients diagnosed with PPS and 30 eyes from 15 healthy control subjects. All participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging (EDI-OCT) and anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT). Choroidal thickness was measured at predefined macular and peripapillary locations, while anterior scleral thickness was assessed 6 mm posterior to the scleral spur in 4 quadrants. Ciliochoroidal effusion was evaluated qualitatively using AS-OCT. Comparisons between groups were performed using linear mixed models with Bonferroni correction (scleral thickness corrected P < .010) RESULTS: The mean age of PPS patients was 75.6 ± 9.8 years, and 16% were females. Anterior scleral thickness was significantly greater in the temporal quadrant in PPS eyes compared to controls (396.85 ± 74.97 µm vs 331.13 ± 62.65 µm: P = .007). Ciliochoroidal effusion was detected in 60% of PPS eyes, predominantly in the superior and temporal sectors, whereas no effusion was observed in healthy controls (P < .001). Eyes with CE exhibited a thicker mean scleral thickness and a thicker subfoveal choroidal thickness compared to eyes without effusion (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Eyes with PPS demonstrated increased temporal scleral thickness and a high prevalence of CE. These findings suggest that scleral characteristics may represent a predisposing anatomical factor in PPS, although the precise pathophysiological mechanisms remain to be elucidated.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Parents' Awareness of Their Adolescents' Sexual Behaviors and Experiences: A Concordance Analysis.

PURPOSE: Adolescence is a developmental period during which sexual exploration is normative. Parental awareness of adolescents' sexual behaviors can be protective during this stage; however, research suggests both parents and adolescents tend to avoid open conversations about these sensitive issues. This study aimed to examine concordance between parent proxy-reports and adolescent self-reports across three domains of adolescents' sexual behaviors and experiences. METHODS: Data were collected from a national sample of 522 parent-adolescent dyads (aged 15-17 years) from the AmeriSpeak panel (data collected May-September 2022). Prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK) statistics were calculated to evaluate agreement. RESULTS: Findings revealed weak-to-moderate concordance regarding adolescents sending and receiving sexual photos (PABAKs = 0.54-0.79), whereas stronger concordance was observed for experiences related to nonconsensual sharing of sexual photos (PABAKs = 0.92-0.94), with high agreement largely driven by low reported prevalence of these experiences. Strong concordance regarding whether adolescents had ever had sex (PABAK = 0.80) was largely driven by both parents and adolescents reporting the adolescent had not had sex. Concordance regarding sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy prevention methods varied, ranging from weak to strong agreement across specific methods (or lack thereof; PABAKs = -0.07-0.79). DISCUSSION: Results highlight significant discrepancies in parents' knowledge about their adolescents' sexual behaviors and experiences. Interventions aimed at enhancing trust and open dialogue between parents and adolescents about sexuality-related topics, as well as ensuring adolescents have a variety of trusted sources to consult for sexual information, can help adolescents make informed sexual health decisions.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Optimal dose and exercise modality to improve HbA1c in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review with pairwise, network, and dose-response meta-analyses.

We aimed to compare exercise modalities and evaluate dose-response relationships with glycemic control including continuous aerobic exercise (CAE), resistance training (RT), combined exercise (CE), mind-body exercise (MBE), and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Three databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of exercise interventions in older adults with T2DM reporting glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Pairwise, Bayesian network, and dose-response meta-analyses were conducted. Compared with control, HIIT demonstrated the largest estimated reduction (MD = -0.95%; 95% CrI -1.45, -0.49), followed by CE (MD = -0.59%; 95% CrI -0.93, -0.25), CAE (MD = -0.46%; 95% CrI -0.69, -0.24), MBE (MD = -0.42%; 95% CrI -0.76, -0.10), and RT (MD = -0.29%; 95% CrI -0.51, -0.08). Dose-response network meta-analyses suggested a non-linear association between overall exercise dose and HbA1c reduction, with maximal estimated benefits at approximately 704 METs-min/week with the 95% CrI excluding zero between 241 and 920 METs-min/week. HIIT demonstrated the steepest estimated dose-response relationship, but with wider credible intervals. Other exercise modalities showed more gradual dose-response patterns across their estimated effective ranges. Our findings suggest that exercise prescription for older adults with T2DM should be individualized according to exercise modality, dose, and health status.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Mapping the Molecular Evolution and Role of Wild Rice GLYIII Protein-Encoding Genes in Abiotic Stress Response.

To address the need for sustainable food production amid rapid global climate change, developing rice varieties that grow optimally even under harsh conditions is essential. An effective approach in this direction would be to harness the stress resilience traits of the crop wild relatives (CWRs) of rice. Among the various crucial stress-responsive genes, the Glyoxalase III (GLYIII) gene family is of utmost importance for its ability to detoxify the toxic glycolytic byproduct, methylglyoxal (MG), in a less energy-intensive, single-step process, as well as for its multifaceted cytoprotective role. In our study, a comprehensive genome-wide search across the Oryza genus revealed that GLYIII genes are conserved across wild rice genotypes. Their number has expanded during domestication, driven by gene duplications. Interestingly, only a few orthologous pairs showed positive selection, suggesting that the functions of most others need to be constrained and or conserved.We found that higher GLYIII activity, Total Antioxidant Capacity, endogenous glutathione (GSH) levels, and free radical scavenging activity contributes to the stress resilience of wild rices O. punctata, O. meridionalis, and O. nivara, in addition to other factors. , , . , . Our qRT-PCR analysis revealed differential expression of the OpGLYIII, OmGLYIII, and OnGLYIII genes across different developmental stages and in response to various abiotic stresses. Furthermore, we report that wild rice GLYIII proteins, specifically OpGLYIII-3, OmGLYIII-3, and OnGLYIII-5, exhibit high catalytic efficiency over a broad pH range and at higher temperatures under in vitro assay conditions. Overexpression of these proteins was found to impart substantial stress resilience to the transformed E. coli cells. These findings collectively suggest that GLYIII proteins constitute a key component of the abiotic stress response machinery in wild rice.

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PubMed2026

Genomic characterization of a hypervirulent Aeromonas veronii NN0115 from Nile tilapia and head kidney transcriptome of infected fish reveals B-cell-dominated immune response with specific immunoglobulin downregulation.

Aeromonas veronii is a pathogen of multiple fish species, yet systematic understanding of its infection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) remains limited. A dominant strain, NN0115, was isolated from a natural outbreak and identified as A. veronii by 16S rRNA and whole-genome average nucleotide identity (ANI, 96.33%). Experimental infection revealed high virulence (LD50 = 3.41 × 106 CFU/mL, equivalent to 8.53 × 104 CFU/fish). The genome is 4.58 Mb (58.57% GC) and encodes 4216 proteins. Virulence factor analysis identified 1253 genes, dominated by motility-related (264) and immune modulation (208) factors. Genomic island GI2 harbors 7 virulence genes and two dual-function resistance-virulence genes. The strain is resistant to 9 of 25 agents tested but carries three RND efflux pump genes whose predicted resistance was not phenotypically observed. The head kidney transcriptome of tilapia at 24 h post-bacterial infection identified 773 differentially expressed genes; among them, 57 were immunoglobulin (Ig) genes, and 56 were down-regulated. Integration of published single-cell transcriptomic data showed that non-Ig B-cell marker genes were down-regulated by 32%, whereas Ig genes were reduced by 63%, indicating selective transcriptional suppression of Ig genes rather than a general decrease in B-cell transcriptional activity. Together, this study provides a comprehensive characterization of a highly virulent A. veronii from Nile tilapia and reveals that selective downregulation of B-cell Ig genes is the dominant transcriptional feature of the host head kidney response.

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PubMed2026

Extender-dependent effects of reduced glutathione on post-thaw boar sperm quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Supplementation of reduced glutathione (GSH) in freezing media has been proposed to improve post-thaw boar sperm quality, although reported findings remain inconsistent. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the effects of reduced glutathione on post-thaw sperm quality through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Scopus, PubMed, CAB Direct, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar were systematically searched. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 in vitro studies comprising 19 experiments were included. Four outcomes were analyzed: total motility, progressive motility, viability, and acrosome integrity. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test, and the I2 statistic. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots, Egger's test, and trim-and-fill analysis, while sensitivity analyses were performed using Baujat plots and leave-one-out analysis. Reduced glutathione was positively associated with total motility (SMD = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.42-1.05; P<0.001), progressive motility (SMD = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.21-1.58; P=0.014), viability (SMD = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.11-1.23; P=0.022), and acrosome integrity (SMD = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.32-1.12; P=0.002). Low to high heterogeneity was observed across outcomes, indicating variability in the estimated effects across studies. Significant subgroup differences were identified according to GSH concentration, freezing media, and thawing media. Overall, the available evidence suggests a possible positive association between GSH supplementation and several post-thaw sperm quality parameters, although these subgroup findings are exploratory and require confirmation in well-standardized experimental studies.

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PubMed2026

Effects of acute resistance exercise on prefrontal oxygenation and task-switching performance: Considerations of loading strategies and blood flow restriction.

Although acute resistance exercise (RE) has been proposed to influence cognitive flexibility and underlying neural mechanisms, it remains unclear whether these effects vary across loading strategies and whether exercise-induced prefrontal hemodynamic responses translate into cognitive outcomes. The present study examined (1) prefrontal cortex (PFC) oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb) responses across exercise sets and conditions, (2) the effects of low-load (LL), LL with blood flow restriction (BFR), and high-load (HL) RE on task-switching performance, and (3) whether exercise-related PFC O2Hb responses were associated with pre- to post-exercise changes in task-switching performance. Thirty physically active adults completed three randomized, counterbalanced RE conditions consisting of four sets of barbell squats. LL was performed at 30% one-repetition maximum (1RM) with and without BFR, whereas HL was performed at 70% 1RM. Cognitive flexibility was assessed pre- and post-exercise using a modified Stroop task, indexed by switch-cost reaction time (RT) and accuracy. PFC O2Hb was assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy during exercise and expressed as changes from the resting baseline for each set (Sets 1-4). PFC O2Hb increased across sets, rising from Set 1 to Set 3 before plateauing, with no differences observed across conditions. Switch cost RT and accuracy did not improve from pre- to post-exercise, and no differences across conditions were detected. PFC O2Hb during the final set was not associated with changes in switch cost. These findings suggest that although acute RE elicits robust increases in prefrontal hemodynamic activity, such responses may not translate into acute improvements in cognitive flexibility.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

An oxidative stress - and immunotherapy-related six-gene signature defines immune subtypes and predicts prognosis and immunotherapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress and the tumor immune microenvironment jointly shape hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and response to immunotherapy, yet integrated biomarkers linking these processes are lacking. METHODS: Transcriptomic and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets were used to identify oxidative stress- and immunotherapyrelated differentially expressed genes (OSIRDEGs). Functional enrichment, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and LASSO-Cox regression were used to construct a prognostic signature. Consensus clustering, TIDE, CIBERSORT and ssGSEA characterized immune phenotypes. Somatic mutation, copy-number and drug-response data were integrated to assess genomic alterations and drug sensitivity. Expression of model genes was validated by qRT-PCR and western blotting in HCC cell lines. RESULTS: We identified 24 OSIRDEGs enriched in cell-cycle and mitotic pathways. WGCNA intersection yielded 18 module genes, from which a six-gene signature (BUB1B, CDKN2A, CENPE, HMMR, PTTG1, SPP1) was derived. The signature robustly stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups with significantly different progression-free and disease-free survival in both TCGA-LIHC and GSE14520. Based on signature expression, two molecular subtypes were defined, exhibiting distinct survival, immune landscapes and predicted immunotherapy responsiveness. Model genes harbored recurrent alterations and showed significant correlations with anticancer agents. All six genes were upregulated at mRNA and protein levels in metastatic HCC cell lines versus normal hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS: We systematically explored the landscape of OSIRDEGs in HCC, and proposed a validated six-gene signature that refines prognostic stratification, delineates immunerelevant HCC subtypes and highlights candidate biomarkers for therapeutic selection and mechanistic investigation.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes on periodontal ligament stem cells: An exploratory study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) at two osteogenic induction stages (undifferentiated and late-stage) differentially affect periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), and to explore the potential molecular basis. DESIGN: UCMSCs and PDLSCs were isolated and cultured. Exosomes were harvested from undifferentiated UCMSCs (Exo-D0) and UCMSCs after 14 days of osteogenic induction (Exo-D14). PDLSCs were treated with both exosome types. Proliferation and migration were analyzed using EdU and scratch assays, the latter under serum-free conditions. Early osteogenic differentiation was assessed by alkaline phosphatase staining and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified by high-throughput sequencing and further analyzed through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. RESULTS: Both exosome types promoted PDLSC migration. Exo-D0 enhanced early osteogenic differentiation, whereas Exo-D14 enhanced proliferation but reduced early osteogenic marker expression. Sequencing identified 21 differentially expressed miRNAs (13 upregulated, 8 downregulated). Bioinformatic prediction suggested that the putative target genes were enriched in Ras signal transduction, regulation of kinase activity, and focal adhesion, and further predicted significant enrichment in the MAPK, Ras, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, which are central to cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: Exosomes from undifferentiated and osteogenically induced UCMSCs exerted distinct effects on PDLSCs, potentially associated with differentially packaged miRNAs. These findings offer a basis for hypotheses about exosome-mediated mechanisms and support matching exosome sources to the intended therapeutic outcome as potential cell-free strategies for periodontal tissue regeneration and alveolar bone repair.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

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.

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PubMed2026

Comparison of immunogenicity, safety, and efficacy of EVA71 vaccine in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) is a principal cause of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), potentially leading to severe neurological complications in children. Inactivated EV-A71 vaccines have been introduced. This study compares the immunogenicity, safety, and efficacy of EV-A71 vaccines versus placebo in pediatric populations. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Following a PROSPERO-registered protocol, RCTs involving EV-A71 in children were identified via PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Two independent reviewers performed screening, extraction, and RoB assessments (RoB 2.0). RESULTS: Five phase III RCTs involving 36,659 children were included. EV-A71 vaccination significantly increased seropositivity across follow-up periods, including early (RR 5.8), medium-term (RR 3.09), and long-term (RR 2.95) response. Seroconversion was significantly higher in the vaccinated group (pooled RR 13.04, 95% CI 2.80-60.61; p < 0.001). Geometric mean titers, analyzed using the ratio of means approach, were significantly higher in the vaccinated group during early and medium-term follow-up. Vaccine efficacy against EV-A71-associated HFMD exceeded 98% (pooled RR 0.02, 95% CI 0.01-0.09; p = 0.0028; I2 = 50%). Solicited local and systemic adverse events were mild and comparable between groups. CONCLUSION: Inactivated EV-A71 vaccines robust immunogenicity, high clinical efficacy, and an acceptable safety profile in children. Future studies should explore long-term protection, booster schedules, and multivalent formulations against non-EV-A71 serotypes.

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PubMed2026

Comparative analysis of lipopolysaccharide lipid A structure and its biosynthetic genes in the plant-associated bacteria Brucella cytisi and Brucella lupini.

The genus Brucella comprises important human and animal pathogens, as well as numerous environmental and symbiotic species. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, plays a crucial role in bacterial physiology and host interactions. In this study, the structures of lipid A, the hydrophobic anchor of lipopolysaccharide, isolated from two plant-associated strains, Brucella cytisi ESC1ᵀ and Brucella lupini LUP21ᵀ, were presented. Lipid A preparations were structurally characterized using chemical methods, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The obtained results indicated that both lipid A molecules have almost identical structures. Their sugar backbones consist exclusively of 2,3-diamino-2,3-dideoxy-d-glucose (d-GlcpN3N). Phosphate residues were connected to distal and proximal GlcpN3N in approximately half of the lipid A molecules. Fatty acid analysis revealed the presence of C14:0 (3-OH), C16:0 (3-OH), and traces of C18:0 (3-OH). All of these were primary fatty substituents of the sugar backbone and were amide-linked residues. Lactobacillic acid C19:0cyc and 27-hydroxyoctacosanoic acid (C28:0 (27-OH)) were found as ester-linked secondary acyl residues. In turn, C28:0 (27-OH) was partly esterified by a 3-hydroxybutyroyl residue. Two unsubstituted 3-hydroxyfatty acids were linked exclusively to the proximal d-GlcpN3N residue. It was pointed out that sequences of putative genes encoding enzymes required for lipid A biosynthesis and genes encoding specific enzymes involved in structural modifications of lipid A occurring in the genomes of both bacterial species are almost identical. The high sequence similarity of these proteins reflects the observed similarities in the lipid A structures in both investigated Brucella species.

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PubMed2026

Occupationally relevant vibrations and the brain: frequency-dependent proteomics signatures in a rat model.

INTRODUCTION: Occupational exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV), particularly in agricultural environments, has been associated with adverse cognitive and physiological effects. This study examined the neurophysiological impact of WBV in a rat model at 4 Hz and 30 Hz, frequencies representative of off-road and on-road vehicle operation. METHODOLOGY: Forty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to control (0 Hz), low-frequency (4 Hz), or high-frequency (30 Hz) vibration conditions. After three days of exposure, brain tissues were collected and analyzed using mass spectrometry-based proteomics to identify differentially expressed proteins. RESULTS: Proteomic profiling revealed distinct, frequency-dependent alterations in brain protein expression. Compared with controls, 32 cognition-related proteins were differentially regulated at 4 Hz and 29 at 30 Hz, with 13 differing between the two vibration conditions. Principal component analysis showed clear separation among groups, indicating unique proteomic signatures for each exposure frequency. Functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction analyses demonstrated involvement of synaptic plasticity, cytoskeletal organization, calcium regulation, and neurotransmitter release. Exposure to 4 Hz was associated with the upregulation of proteins involved in calcium homeostasis and synaptic integrity, suggesting potential disruption of cognitive processes. In contrast, 30 Hz increased the expression of proteins related to axonal guidance and neuroprotection, indicating a less clearly adverse response that may reflect adaptive or potentially beneficial effects. DISCUSSION: These findings provide new insight into biological mechanisms underlying WBV-induced cognitive changes and underscore the importance of vibration frequency in shaping neurophysiological outcomes. They also establish a foundation for future studies integrating proteomics with behavioural assessments in animals and humans.

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PubMed2026

Assessment of atypical glandular cell interpretation in Pap tests using the Hologic Genius Digital Diagnostics System.

Atypical glandular cells (AGC) are a diagnostic challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and diagnostic performance of AGC detection on the Hologic Genius Digital Diagnostics System (HGDDS). A retrospective analysis of 451 ThinPrep Pap cases was conducted, including 207 cases of AGC, 27 cases of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), 25 cases of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), and 192 benign cases. All AGC cases had follow-up histologic diagnoses, with 66 cases subsequently diagnosed as adenocarcinoma. The slides were randomized, scanned, and analyzed by the HGDDS. Patient age and HPV test results were provided to reviewers, an experienced cytologist, who screened the cases, followed by two cytopathologists who independently examined the cases on the HGDDS. Diagnostic concordance between the two cytopathologists indicated strong agreement (κ = 0.829). Sensitivity of AGC on Papanicolaou (Pap) tests for adenocarcinoma detection on HGDDS was 98.5% and 95.5%, respectively, comparable to the original ThinPrep interpretation (OTPI). Specificity for adenocarcinoma detection was significantly higher (84.6% and 85.6%) with the HGDDS than 27.7% with OTPI. Overall, the diagnostic performance for AGC/HSIL interpretation to detect CIN2/3/adenocarcinoma appeared to have improved with HGDDS compared with OTPI, particularly for specificity and positive predictive value (PPV). This is the first study evaluating AGC diagnosis using the HGDDS. The findings demonstrate that the sensitivity of adenocarcinoma detection as AGC on HGDDS is comparable to the ThinPrep Imaging System, but the specificity and PPV are improved. This suggests the potential of artificial intelligence to augment the performance of cervical cancer screening.

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PubMed2026

Hemotropic mono- and coinfections in Colombian ruminants: descriptive occurrence and host-related factors associated with coinfection in cattle.

Hemotropic pathogens such as Anaplasma, Babesia, Mycoplasma, and Trypanosoma are endemic to cattle and can cause coinfections, complicating disease dynamics and control. However, the host-related factors influencing these infections under tropical conditions remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of hemotropic monoinfections and coinfections in ruminants tested for hemotropic pathogens and to identify host-related factors associated with coinfection in cattle under field conditions in Colombia. A total of 104 animals were included: 91 cattle, 10 buffaloes, and 3 goats. Among the cattle, 34 (37.4%) exhibited monoinfections, 47 (51.6%) had coinfections, and 10 tested negative. In buffaloes, seven (70%) presented monoinfections, and two (20%) presented coinfections; in goats, one had a monoinfection, and one had a coinfection, most frequently involving Mycoplasma spp. The predominant coinfection patterns were Anaplasma + Mycoplasma and Mycoplasma + Trypanosoma, particularly in Bos indicus cattle. Bivariate and multivariable analyses revealed that breed was the strongest predictor of coinfection, with animals of less common breeds showing 93% lower odds (aOR = 0.07; 95% CI: 0.02-0.30; p < 0.001). Bos taurus individuals also tended toward lower odds of coinfection in the multivariable model, although this trend did not reach statistical significance. Our findings demonstrate a high frequency of hemotropic coinfections in cattle, particularly those involving Mycoplasma spp., and highlight the influence of host-related factors on infection dynamics. These results underscore the importance of integrating demographic and genetic information into surveillance and prevention strategies to improve the management of hemotropic infections in tropical livestock systems.

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PubMed2026

Surgical management of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula in extremely low birth weight neonates: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates remains challenging and controversial. This study systematically reviews surgical strategies and outcomes in this population. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, Cochrane, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science (2004-2024) were searched in February 2025 for studies on surgical management of ELBW neonates with EA/TEF (PROSPERO CRD42025636228). Fatal chromosomal abnormalities were excluded. Demographics, comorbidities, surgical techniques, and complications were analyzed descriptively. Risk of bias was assessed. RESULTS: Eleven publications (five case reports and six case series) comprising 30 patients (Gross type B/C = 1/29) met the eligibility criteria. Mean gestational age was 28.1 (23-34) weeks, and mean birth weight was 760.4 (422-995) g. Twelve primary repairs (PR) and 18 delayed primary repairs (DPR) were performed, including staged repair (n = 11), lower esophageal banding (n = 4), and other techniques (n = 3). Postoperatively, four anastomotic leaks were managed conservatively, six strictures and one recurrent TEF required endoscopic intervention, three fundoplications and two aortopexies were reported (follow-up: 1-198 months, n = 19). Overall mortality was 30% (PR: 8.3%; DPR: 44.4%). Mortality was 60% among neonates with major congenital heart defects (CHD) and 40% among those with VACTERL association. EA/TEF-related complications contributed to 33.3% of deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality in this cohort remains high, particularly with major CHD, and is largely unrelated to EA/TEF-specific complications. In selected cases, PR appears feasible as an alternative to DPR, although conclusions are limited by the small sample size and heterogeneous studies.

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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.

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PubMed2026

Is ophthalmology a pain-free career? A systematic review and meta-analysis of musculoskeletal pain among ophthalmologists.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the pooled prevalence, anatomical distribution, and occupational impact of work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) pain among ophthalmologists, and to identify modifiable ergonomic risk factors. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis of published data. The protocol was preregistered (PROSPERO CRD42023422368) and reported in accordance with PRISMA. PARTICIPANTS: The participants were 6691 ophthalmologists from 21 studies. METHODS: Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed) were searched for peer-reviewed quantitative studies reporting MSK pain prevalence in ophthalmologists. Pooled estimates with 95% CI were calculated using random-effects models; heterogeneity was quantified using I². MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of overall and site-specific MSK pain; effects on workload and productivity; prevalence of treatment or mitigation strategies. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of any MSK pain was 70% (95% CI: 65%-75%; I² = 92%); neck (41%; 95% CI: 35%-47%; I² = 95%), lower back (36%; 95% CI: 32%-39%; I² = 87%), and shoulder pain (28%; 95% CI: 22%-35%; I² = 91%) were most common. Pain led to workload modification in up to 44% and contributed to reduced clinical volume, sick leave, or contemplation of early retirement. Forty-six percent (95% CI: 22%-71%) pursued no treatment; 39% (95% CI: 30%-49%) used medical therapy; and 29% (95% CI: 20%-41%) sought physiotherapy. Heterogeneity was high across studies, reflecting differing case definitions and self-reported measures. CONCLUSIONS: MSK pain affects most ophthalmologists, particularly in the cervical and lumbar regions and frequently alters practice patterns. These findings underscore the need for early ergonomic training, structured micro-breaks, and workspace redesign. Prospective intervention trials are required to establish causality and quantify benefit.

Humans↗