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PubMed2026

Machine learning-ready genomic biomarkers: ATF3 polymorphisms predict postoperative analgesic demand through AI-compatible phenotyping.

PURPOSE: To determine whether ATF3 polymorphisms can serve as genetic biomarkers for machine learning-based precision analgesia by establishing a genotype-phenotype association suitable for predictive modeling of postoperative opioid requirements. METHODS: In a prospective cohort of 167 adults undergoing abdominal surgery, ATF3 SNPs rs3122721 and rs3125293 were genotyped. A structured dataset architecture was developed to represent genetic profiles as input features for supervised learning models, enabling translational analysis of genotype‑dependent opioid consumption over 72 h. RESULTS: Patients with homozygous genotypes of the ATF3 SNPs had significantly higher opioid requirements than non‑carriers, despite reporting similar subjective pain scores. This consistent genotype‑dependent pattern provided a clinically relevant phenotype suitable for integration into predictive algorithms. CONCLUSION: ATF3 genotyping offers a promising biomarker for computationally informed precision analgesia. By linking genomic variability to clinically meaningful outcomes within a structured clinical and genomic framework, this approach supports the future development of risk-stratified clinical decision-support systems to optimize postoperative pain management.Trial registration ChiCTR1900021991, registered 30 April 2019. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s13755-026-00480-9.

ATF3↗

PubMed2026

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) of polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) dental implants: A systematic review of the effect of printing parameters on mechanical behaviour and surface quality.

PURPOSE: This systematic review evaluated how FDM printing parameters influence mechanical behaviour and surface characteristics of 3D-printed PEEK and identified parameter combinations linked to the most favourable mechanical performance and surface quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search was conducted in: MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Compendex (last update: January 2025). Studies that evaluated the effect of FDM printing parameters on mechanical and surface properties of PEEK were included. Outcomes comprised compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths, elastic modulus, fracture toughness, surface hardness, roughness, and wettability. RESULTS: Of 4005 reports screened, 54 manuscripts were included. 92.6% (n = 50) of articles showed low risk-of-bias, while 7.4% (n = 4) showed medium risk-of-bias. Tensile strength was the most investigated mechanical parameter (78%), followed by elastic modulus (41%), flexural strength (30%), compressive strength (20%), and fracture toughness (6%). Surface roughness was the most evaluated surface property (30%), followed by hardness (17%) and wettability (6%). Across studies, higher printing temperatures, lower printing speed, thinner layer thickness, and maximum infill ratio in a horizontal printing orientation were associated with higher strengths, less warpage, increased accuracy, and improved surface quality. CONCLUSION: Specific combinations of FDM printing parameters can significantly improve the mechanical and surface properties of PEEK. However, it is difficult to meet all the optimal conditions simultaneously. Thus, balancing between different parameters must be considered in practical production.

Benzophenones↗

PubMed2026

Transforming Curcuma longa leaf waste into cellulose scaffolds.

The constant dearth of transplantable tissues and organs in India required the development of substitute biomaterials for tissue engineering. Plant-based decellularized scaffolds have become attractive options because of their abundance, ethical acceptability, architectural diversity, and lower risks of zoonotic transmission. Curcuma longa leaves were investigated in this study as a possible source of cellulose-based scaffolding for use in biomedical applications. After cuticle removal, an immersion decellularization technique utilizing sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and triton-X-100 was developed to successfully remove cellular and nuclear material while maintaining leaf parenchyma architecture. Histology, DAPI staining, scanning electron microscopy, and a notable decrease in leftover DNA content all demonstrated efficient decellularization. When contrasted with native leaves, the resultant decellularized C. longa leaf scaffolds showed significant increase in porosity, water vapor transmission rate and swelling percent, and significantly lower contact angle with an optimum surface roughness promoting cell adhesion. Mechanical test manifest higher tensile strength with decreased stiffness. Fourier transform infrared spectra of leaf scaffold reveals persistence of different components except cuticle but the intensity of different peaks was decreased. The leaf scaffolds showed superior hemocompatibility and excellent compatibility with Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (MDCK) which is demonstrated by cell attachment and proliferation. MTT assay of seeded scaffold showed significantly higher metabolically active cell. In vivo subcutaneous implantation of decellularized scaffolds showed host tissue incorporation, accumulation of collagen, and neovascularization. C. longa leaf scaffolds can be utilized as cost effective and sustainable biomaterials for soft tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Curcuma↗

PubMed2026

Preparation and study of non-thrombotic and biostable sulfobetaine-modified small-diameter polyurethane vascular grafts.

A novel sulfobetaine-modified polysiloxane-polycarbonate polyurethane (ZSiPCU) was synthesized. In vitro characterizations revealed that polysiloxane surface enrichment endowed the material with excellent biostability. Importantly, sulfobetaine zwitterions formed a robust hydration layer, effectively suppressing protein adsorption and platelet adhesion to ensure outstanding hemocompatibility. Furthermore, the material supported the adhesion and proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, confirming its cytocompatibility, while its elastomeric matrix provided rapid mechanical self-sealing capabilities. Electrospun ZSiPCU grafts were evaluated in a 3-month rat abdominal aorta model, maintaining high patency rates and facilitating in situ luminal endothelialization and smooth muscle cell remodeling. Additionally, superior puncture resistance of the grafts was demonstrated by puncture tests, with complete hemostasis achieved within 2 mins through mechanical self-sealing.

Polyurethanes↗

PubMed2026

Standardized visual overlays enhance laparoscopic instruction: A mixed-methods evaluation.

Effective communication during laparoscopic procedures is frequently undermined by spatial disorientation and inconsistent terminology between instructors and trainees. This study examined whether standardized visual overlays on endoscopic monitors could enhance communication and learning. We conducted a three-phase mixed-methods study: qualitative observation of 20 laparoscopic teaching cases; a randomized trial of 63 second-year medical students assigned to control, clock, or alphanumeric grid (AG) overlays during three trials of a standardized transfer task; and intraoperative implementation in 44 cases (30 AG, 14 clock) with post-case surveys and qualitative feedback. In simulation, the clock overlay produced the fastest completion times, whereas the AG yielded the lowest error scores, and both overlays outperformed the control. Intraoperatively, the AG was rated higher than the clock for communication clarity, spatial orientation, perceived operative efficiency, and trainee confidence. Standardized visual overlays, particularly the AG, appear to support intraoperative teaching by providing a shared spatial frame of reference.

Laparoscopy↗

PubMed2026

Multicenter randomized effectiveness/implementation trial of a digital self-management support tool to improve the quality of life during adjuvant hormonal therapy for patients with early breast cancer: The HOPE trial.

BACKGROUND: For patients with hormone receptor (HR) positive early breast cancer (BC), adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) represents the cornerstone of treatment. However, 75% of patients experience ET-related symptoms that negatively affect their quality of life (QOL). Despite their high prevalence, these symptoms are often underestimated and under-addressed during consultations. As a result, non-adherence to ET is common and remains a major barrier for optimal disease and survival outcomes. METHODS: National, prospective, randomized, open-label hybrid type 1 effectiveness/implementation trial conducted in France comparing a personalized digital health pathway plus standard of care (SoC) vs. SoC alone in patients with HR+ early BC reporting ET-related symptoms. 180 patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive either 12 weeks of the digital health pathway or 12 weeks of SoC. The intervention is anchored by the Resilience© digital companion including remote symptom and needs assessment, an introductory nurse-navigator phone call, and access to personalized, symptom-specific online educational and self-management programs (physical activity, yoga, meditation or cognitive behavioral therapy). In both arms, patients will be invited to wear a wearable device to objectively monitor behavioral parameters. The primary endpoint is the ET symptoms scale of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-BR45 over 12-weeks. Secondary endpoints include other QOL domains, self-reported ET adherence, eHealth literacy, self-efficacy, and evaluation of the implementation process. DISCUSSION: This study should provide evidence on the effectiveness and real-world implementation of a personalized digital health pathway to improve QOL in patients experiencing ET-related symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06781996; Protocol version 3.0.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Development, feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of NutriSOS®: A behavioral mobile app to promote sustainable diets.

The primary objective of this study was to describe the development of the NutriSOS® app and to evaluate its feasibility and acceptability for its use in the NutriSOS® Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to promote sustainable diets. A secondary objective was to explore preliminary changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors and environmental impact following app use. The NutriSOS® app integrates personalized dietary advice, educational content, self-monitoring, and social interaction features. A single-arm, pre-post pilot study was conducted in 37 young Mexican adults over four weeks. Feasibility, acceptability, quality, and usability were assessed using online surveys, alongside exploratory changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors, environmental indicators, and their association with perceived behavioral determinants. Feasibility and acceptability were high overall, with favorable responses reaching up to 100% in key components such as the nutritional guide and learning modules, and above 90% for messaging, registration, and design. Greater variability was observed in some sections, particularly the 24-h recall (41-86%). Reductions in red and processed meat and ultra-processed food consumption were observed (from 3 to 1 times/week, p < 0.01), with ∼60% decreases in their related environmental footprints (p < 0.01) and favorable self-reported behavioral determinants (p < 0.0001). Physical activity type and intensity changed (p < 0.05). These findings support NutriSOS® as a feasible and acceptable tool, while highlighting areas for refinement, particularly those related to the time and effort required for data entry, prior to its implementation in the NutriSOS® RCT, in which its effectiveness will be formally evaluated.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Psychological distress and incident cardiovascular disease independent of life's essential 8: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although psychological stress has emerged as an important determinant of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, it remains excluded from the recently updated cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics, known as Life's Essential 8 (LE8). This study aimed to examine the association between psychological distress and the incidence of CVD, independent of Life's Essential 8 metrics, in a large Korean adult population. METHODS: This study included 6,410 participants from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study Ansan-Ansung cohort, who had no history of CVD and had complete baseline data on psychological distress and Life's Essential 8 cardiovascular health (LE8 CVH) metrics. Psychological distress was assessed using the Psychosocial Wellbeing Index Short Form (PWI-SF). CVD events were identified based on participants' self-reports of physician-diagnosed conditions: myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association between PWI-SF scores and incident CVD, adjusting for age, sex, residential area, educational attainment, household income, and LE8 CVH metrics. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 13.8 years, 500 new cases of CVD were identified. Higher PWI-SF scores were independently associated with an increased risk of CVD after adjusting for LE8 CVH metrics and other potential confounders (hazard ratio: 1.321; 95% confidence interval: 1.067-1.636; p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that higher levels of psychological distress are independently associated with an increased risk of CVD, even after accounting for established LE8 CVH metrics. Incorporating psychological distress into future CVH assessments may enhance risk stratification and prevention strategies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Smartphone apps for obesity management: A systematic review using self-determination theory.

BACKGROUND: While bariatric surgery and pharmacotherapy are effective treatments for obesity, ongoing supportive care remains a challenge. Smartphone applications (apps) may assist with symptom management, but their effectiveness and practical use in obesity treatment is unclear. This review evaluated the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of these apps in supporting individuals following obesity treatment. To better understand how these apps may promote sustained engagement and behaviour change, their design was analysed using Self-Determination Theory (SDT). METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and CENTRAL databases. Eligible studies included randomised and non-randomised interventions involving adults (≥18 years) with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) who had undergone bariatric surgery or pharmacotherapy. Interventions had to include an app designed to support post-treatment symptom management. Findings were synthesised narratively, and app features were mapped to SDT constructs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. RESULTS: Five studies (three RCTs, two cohort studies) involving 1,133 participants were included (female: 78 %; median age: 47.63 years). Most apps targeted post-bariatric surgery care; only one focused on pharmacotherapy. Common features included tracking, reminders, and education, supporting autonomy and competence. Relatedness features such as communication and peer support were least represented. Two studies reported improvements in weight-related outcomes and one in medication adherence. Effects on quality of life, self-efficacy, and healthcare utilisation were not significant. Patient satisfaction was reported in one study, with 95 % expressing positive feedback, though formal assessments of feasibility and acceptability were limited. CONCLUSION: Smartphone apps show potential to support obesity management, particularly after bariatric surgery. While some evidence suggests benefits for weight loss and adherence outcomes, the limited studies and variability of reporting prevent conclusive observations in other outcomes. Future app development should integrate behavioural theory to address psychological needs, nutritional risks and promote holistic self-management beyond weight control.

Female↗

PubMed2026

A systematic review of sleep hygiene interventions in physically and operationally demanding occupations.

Workers in physically and operationally demanding (POD) occupations (e.g. military personnel, emergency responders, law enforcement) experience disrupted sleep due to irregular schedules and high-stress work environments. Given the importance of sleep for physical and cognitive performance, interventions to improve sleep in POD occupations are crucial yet remain under-researched. To investigate the effectiveness of sleep hygiene interventions in improving sleep quality and quantity outcomes for POD occupations, a systematic review was conducted across five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, Web of Science) in September 2024. Eligible studies involved workers in POD occupations where a sleep hygiene intervention was compared against a waitlist or passive control. Ten studies were included, eight randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and two non-randomised controlled trials (NRCTs). Narrative synthesis identified Structured Training Programs (n = 7), Phone Assistance Programs (n = 2), and Single Lecture Interventions (n = 1). Evidence certainty ranged from Very Low to Moderate, converging towards Low quality due to imprecision, risk of bias, and indirectness. Structured Training Programs showed moderate improvements in sleep quality and small-to-moderate effects on sleep duration. Phone Assistance Programs had minimal effects, and Single Lecture Interventions had negligible impact. Higher-quality research is urgently needed to assess sleep hygiene interventions in POD occupations.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Oxygen-controlled gamma-irradiation and annealing enable terminal processing of collagen-based biomaterials.

Gamma irradiation is a widely adopted method for terminal sterilization of medical devices; however, its application to collagen-based extracellular matrix (ECM) materials remains limited due to radiation-induced degradation of structural integrity and mechanical performance. Here, we present an engineered terminal-processing strategy that combines oxygen controlled gamma irradiation (25-30 kGy) with post-irradiation dry-heat annealing to preserve ECM functionality while achieving effective sterilization. By modulating oxygen availability during irradiation, this approach alters radical reaction pathways, suppresses oxygen-mediated oxidative degradation, and generates a metastable radical-containing intermediate, which is subsequently converted into a structurally stabilized collagen network through thermal annealing. As a result, the treated matrices preserved ECM integrity and recovered clinically relevant mechanical properties. Furthermore, the process achieved cumulative viral reductions exceeding 6 log10 across a representative panel including enveloped and non-enveloped DNA and RNA viruses, demonstrating compatibility with sterility assurance and viral safety requirements for biologically derived medical devices. Notably, preliminary observations indicate that mechanical integrity can be partially preserved even at elevated irradiation doses up to 50 kGy, suggesting potential applicability to sterilization validation frameworks requiring higher assurance levels. Overall, this work establishes a mechanistically grounded terminal-processing paradigm that enables control of radical fate, decouples sterilization efficacy from material degradation, and integrates sterilization, viral safety, and functional preservation into a unified and scalable framework for collagen-based biomaterials. This concept repositions gamma-irradiation from a purely degradative process to a controllable tool for tuning collagen structure and performance.

Gamma Rays↗

PubMed2026

Clinical performance evaluation of single-shade versus multi-shade composite resins in non-carious cervical lesions: a 36-month randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Composite resins are widely used as the material of choice for definitive restorations due to their ability to integrate functional and aesthetic aspects in dental rehabilitation. Recently, one-shade composite resins have been introduced to simplify the clinical workflow. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the clinical performance of a "chameleon effect" composite resin with that of a multi-shade composite resin in non-carious cervical lesions after 36 months of follow-up. METHODS: This study was a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial with an equivalence design using a split-mouth approach. The sample consisted of 60 patients presenting at least two non-carious cervical lesions, totaling 120 restorations. Restorations were performed using two materials from the same commercial brand: Vittra Unique (one-shade group) and Vittra APS (multi-shade group). The clinical performance of the restorations was longitudinally evaluated according to the FDI criteria. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test, while other clinical parameters were compared using the chi-square test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: At baseline, no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the evaluated biological, functional, and aesthetic parameters (p > 0.05). Both materials demonstrated clinically acceptable performance according to the FDI criteria, with no significant differences between them. CONCLUSIONS: After 36 months, no significant differences were observed between the one-shade and the multi-shade composite resins in the restoration of non-carious cervical lesions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This 36-month randomized clinical trial demonstrates that single-shade composite resins achieve structural durability and aesthetic integration equivalent to traditional multi-shade layering when restoring non-carious cervical lesions. This evidence validates a simplified, single-shade restorative workflow, significantly reducing chairside time and operator-dependent variables without compromising the clinical longevity.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Leveraging environmental applications and risks of coal gangue: A critical review on authigenic inorganic heavy metals, organic contaminants, and the removal of exogenetic contaminants.

Coal gangue (CG) as bulk solid waste has seriously threatened the ecosystem. Therefore, identifying the key risk drivers and exploring feasible disposal methods for CG are essential for developing a sustainable strategy. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive information that balances the contamination risks with the valuable constituents present in CG, which hinders its full potential for sustainable use without negative environmental impacts. Given the complex composition and associated risks, we propose that addressing the critical properties related to contamination is crucial for the efficient utilization of CG. On this premise, we summarized several practical resource pathways (ecological multifunctional materials, extraction of rare elements, and soil additives) that are more favorable for sustainable development relative to conventional disposals. Meanwhile, we also propose that coupling disposals could intensely reduce CG's environmental footprints and capital costs. Consequently, regardless of the number of challenges to be solved, we believe the CG has broad application prospects, and we hope this review will promote the conversion of CG into an asset with lower ecological and social impacts.

Metals, Heavy↗

PubMed2026

Navigating Social Media: Balancing Connectivity With Media Literacy to Combat Misinformation and Protect Mental Well-Being.

BACKGROUND: The pervasive use of social media has created a complex digital ecosystem where high connectivity coexists with significant challenges, including the rapid spread of misinformation, particularly regarding mental health, and documented negative impacts on psychological well-being. Platform architectures designed for engagement maximization have been identified as central factors in both issues. OBJECTIVE: This paper critically analyzes the interconnected relationships between social media use, misinformation dissemination, and mental health impacts, with particular attention to psychiatric misinformation across diagnostic categories (e.g., depression, anxiety, ADHD). A primary objective is to evaluate the potential of advanced critical digital literacy frameworks to serve as protective mechanisms against these dual threats. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines across APA PsycInfo, PubMed, JSTOR, and Google Scholar for literature published between January 2018 and March 2026 (updated from the original 2023 search). The search yielded 2672 records. After removing 624 duplicates, 2048 records underwent title and abstract screening, with 1802 excluded. The remaining 246 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, resulting in 86 studies included in the final qualitative synthesis. Inter-rater reliability was established (Cohen's κ = 0.82). Quality assessment was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist, AXIS, and CASP tools, with findings weighted by methodological quality. A thematic analysis was undertaken to synthesize findings. RESULTS: The analysis reveals that core architectural features of social media platforms, algorithmic curation and engagement-based metrics, simultaneously foster environments ripe for misinformation spread and contribute to psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and harmful social comparison. Psychiatric misinformation specifically (e.g., inaccurate claims about treatment effectiveness, diagnostic criteria, and medication side effects) represents a growing concern, particularly on image- and video-based platforms. The findings indicate that conventional media literacy approaches focused solely on fact-checking are insufficient. Instead, a critical digital literacy framework encompassing algorithmic awareness, data literacy, and emotional awareness is essential for building user resilience, with evidence from high-quality systematic reviews supporting this approach. CONCLUSIONS: Navigating the complexities of modern social media requires an integrated approach combining "pedagogies of play" for experiential skill development with advocacy for structural change (e.g., algorithmic transparency, well being by design principles). This dual strategy empowers individual users to critically engage with digital content while advocating for ethical platform design, thereby safeguarding both mental well-being and democratic discourse. Implications for educators, mental health professionals (including competencies for addressing patient encounters with psychiatric misinformation), policymakers, and platform designers are discussed.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Post-intervention effectiveness of a computerized personalized cognitive stimulation program adapted according to cognitive reserve in older adults without cognitive impairment in Primary Care: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive reserve may influence responsiveness to cognitive interventions, yet it is rarely used to tailor computerized stimulation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a computerized cognitive stimulation program personalized according to cognitive reserve on cognition, reserve-related activities, and digital competence in community-dwelling older adults without cognitive impairment in Primary Care. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 102 adults aged ≥65 years with normal cognitive performance were recruited from three primary care centers in Zaragoza, Spain, and stratified by cognitive reserve level before random allocation to intervention or control. The intervention comprised digital literacy sessions followed by 8 weeks of home-based computerized cognitive stimulation tailored to participants' cognitive reserve profiles and life history. Controls received a single group-based health education session focused on maintaining everyday cognitive activity. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using global cognition (MEC-35), the Cognitive Reserve Questionnaire, the Mobile Device Proficiency Questionnaire-16, and domain-specific neuropsychological tests. A total of 100 participants completed the final evaluation and were included in complete-case analyses. RESULTS: Compared with controls, the intervention group showed greater adjusted post-intervention improvements in global cognition (MEC-35 between-group difference: 1.8 points) and several cognitive measures, including temporal orientation, calculation, attention, praxis, verbal fluency, processing speed, executive functions, and verbal learning. CRQ scores and digital competence also improved, with small-to-large effect sizes. CONCLUSIONS: A computerized cognitive stimulation program adapted according to cognitive reserve appears feasible in Primary Care and may improve cognition, engagement in reserve-related activities, and digital competence in older adults without cognitive impairment.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Unconfined compressive strength prediction for the ordinary Portland cement-steel slag-silica fume ternary system based on response surface methodology.

This research was undertaken to address environmental concerns associated with industrial solid waste and to reduce cement consumption in geotechnical engineering. It specifically investigates the feasibility of using steel slag (SS) and silica fume (SF) as partial substitutes for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in soil stabilization. The effects of SS, SF, OPC, and initial moisture content on the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of stabilized soil were investigated through single-factor experiments and response surface methodology (RSM). The results show that SS and SF can synergistically enhance the strength of stabilized soil, although their interaction effect was not statistically significant within the investigated ranges. Compared with soil stabilized solely with OPC, the addition of 18 % SS and 10 % SF reduced OPC consumption by 3 % without compromising strength. Microstructural and compositional analyses further revealed that SS mainly supplied calcium- and silica-bearing components, while SF provided highly reactive silica and micro-filling effects, jointly promoting hydration reactions and improving the compactness of the stabilized soil matrix. As a result, more hydration products were formed in the OPC/SS/SF-stabilized soil than in the OPC-stabilized soil, which contributed to pore filling and strength enhancement. This study provides useful guidance for the sustainable utilization of industrial solid waste and the low-carbon development of soil stabilization materials.

Construction Materials↗

PubMed2026

Workforce Representation in Ophthalmology Oral Board Examiners and Examinees.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the characteristics of the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) oral board examiners and examinees as well as trends in examiner and examinee gender over time. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SUBJECTS: ABO oral board examiners and examinees. METHODS: We utilized data from the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) and Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) to assess board examiner and examinee demographic characteristics from 2011 to 2024. Examiner characteristics included gender, years of experience, initial certification year and average examiner score. Examinee characteristics included gender, years since residency graduation and exam outcome (pass/fail). We utilized logistic regression to examine temporal trends in examiner and examinee gender from 2013 to 2024. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Gender distribution of examiners and examinees. RESULTS: Overall, the proportion of women examiners increased over the study period. Notably, the most pronounced increase occurred following the transition from in-person to virtual oral board exam administration in 2020, rising from 31.3% (95% CI: 24.1%-38.4%) in 2019 to 49.1% (95% CI: 43.8%-54.4%) in 2024 (p < .001). The percentage of women examinees remained stable (41.7% [95% CI: 37.6%-45.8%] in 2019; 37.5% [95% CI: 33.0%-42.0%] in 2024, p-value: .019). CONCLUSIONS: The representation of women among the ABO oral board examiners has increased significantly following the transition to virtual exams while the proportion of examinees remained stable. Strategies to increase flexibility in scheduling exams may be beneficial in continuing to improve examiner representation.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Tissue-derived extracellular matrix hydrogels instruct epigenetic adaptation in metastatic colonization.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a central role in regulating tumor progression and metastatic colonization by providing biochemical and mechanical signals that shape cancer cell fate. However, most organoid culture systems rely on basement membrane extracts that fail to reproduce the tissue-specific extracellular environments encountered during metastasis. Here, we develop tissue-derived decellularized matrix hydrogels to reconstruct organ-specific microenvironments and investigate epigenetic adaptation to ECM cues during metastatic colonization. Patient-derived colorectal cancer organoids cultured in colon-derived matrices exhibited enhanced maintenance of stem-like phenotypes and colon-specific chromatin accessibility landscapes compared with cultures grown in basement membrane extracts, demonstrating improved physiological relevance for primary tumor modeling. When exposed to matrices derived from secondary organs, the organoids showed distinct growth phenotypes accompanied by rapid, tissue-dependent chromatin accessibility remodeling, indicating that ECM composition alone can reshape regulatory programs governing metastatic adaptation. Notably, liver-derived matrices selectively activated hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4A)-associated transcriptional networks and created a context-specific dependence on c-MET signaling for survival. Functional perturbation of HNF4A or c-MET signaling confirmed that both are required for organoid formation specifically within the liver matrix environment. Together, these findings establish tissue-derived matrix hydrogels as instructive bioactive materials that actively regulate cancer cell epigenetic states and reveal microenvironment-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities during early metastatic colonization.

Journal Article↗