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The effects of visuomotor training and tDCS stimulation on visuomotor integration and visual processing: an electrophysiological approach.

BACKGROUND: Visuomotor integration coordinates visual and motor cortical activity to produce goal-directed responses and can be indexed by Rolandic Mu-rhythm suppression and visual evoked potential (VEP) P100 parameters. Perceptual-motor training improves visuomotor performance, and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over primary motor cortex (M1) has been reported to enhance motor learning when paired with training. This study examined whether anodal M1 tDCS augments the effects of Senaptec visuomotor training in healthy adults. METHODS: Sixty participants were randomized to active anodal tDCS (five 10-minute sessions, 1 mA; n = 31) or sham (n = 29) over M1 immediately before each Senaptec training session; 53 completed all sessions and post-testing. Outcomes were Mu-suppression ratios, VEP P100 latency and amplitude, and Senaptec measures of visual sensitivity and visuomotor control. RESULTS: Active tDCS produced no augmentation of any outcome, with no significant group × time interaction for any measure, consistent across composite and task-level analyses. Training alone produced no change in Mu suppression or visuomotor control. By contrast, both groups showed significant training-related gains in visual sensitivity, including near-far quickness and stereopsis, accompanied by shorter P100 latencies and larger amplitudes, indicating more efficient early visual processing. CONCLUSIONS: A clear dissociation emerged: training produced robust improvements in early visual processing, whereas neither tDCS nor training altered sensorimotor (Mu) or visuomotor-control measures. The tDCS results should be interpreted cautiously given the modest dose and limited power to detect small effects, rather than as evidence of inefficacy. Tablet-based perceptual training enhanced visual processing independent of neuromodulation.

Humans

Neighborhood Hostility is Associated With the Relationship Between Park Proximity and Physical Activity Among Youth: National Evidence From Chile.

PURPOSE: Physical inactivity among youth is highly prevalent worldwide. Although proximity to parks and recreational facilities is generally associated with higher physical activity (PA), unsafe or hostile neighborhood environments may limit their use. This study examined whether neighborhood hostility moderates the association between access to recreational facilities and adherence to World Health Organization PA guidelines among Chilean youth. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2024 National Physical Activity and Sport Survey of Chile, including 3,477 urban participants stratified into childhood (5-10 years), early adolescence (11-13 years), and late adolescence (14-17 years). Built environment exposures included perceived access to recreational facilities, a cumulative neighborhood hostility score (0-5). Logistic regression models were stratified by age group and adjusted for covariates. Interaction terms assessed moderation by neighborhood hostility, and causal mediation analyses were performed. RESULTS: Adherence to World Health Organization guidelines was low (41.9% in childhood, 43.8% in early adolescence, and 43.9% in late adolescence). Greater distance to recreational facilities was associated with lower odds of meeting activity guidelines. Higher neighborhood hostility was independently associated with lower PA levels. Among adolescents, neighborhood hostility substantially attenuated the association between proximity and activity. Mediation analyses indicated partial mediation, with effective park utilization emerging as the strongest mechanism, accounting for 21.8% of the association (p < .001), followed by psychological motivation (11.9%). DISCUSSION: Proximity to recreational infrastructure alone is insufficient to promote PA in hostile neighborhoods. Policy approaches should integrate infrastructure provision with strategies addressing neighborhood safety and promoting active engagement.

Humans

Screening for neurofibromatosis type 1-related optic pathway gliomas: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Neurofibromatosis-type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder characterized by developing optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) in 15%-20% of patients with higher estimates where consanguinity is prevalent. Clinically, NF1-OPG might be unpredictable with the risk of OPG progression and visual impairment. The optimal time for screening is controversial. We aim to identify the mean/median age at diagnosis of NF1-OPG and its clinical spectrum. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases was conducted for English-language publications from January 1993 to October 2025, exploring the visual screening of OPGs in NF1 patients, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO ID: CRD420251036244). Inclusion criteria focused on studies reporting the age at OPG diagnosis and visual manifestations in NF1 patients. Data were extracted on demographics, age at NF1 and OPG diagnosis, tumour location (using the Dodge classification), and presenting symptoms. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Among 4 739 NF1 patients, 818 had OPGs, with prevalence ranging from 4.2% to 46.7%. The age at NF1 diagnosis ranged from 0 to 132 months (mean: 18-38 months), and at OPG diagnosis from 0-240 months (median: 29-58 months). Approximately 58.4% of OPGs were asymptomatic, and 25% were above the age of 5 years. Among symptomatic patients, the most frequent presentations included decreased visual acuity (62%), abnormal optic disc (45%), proptosis (20%), strabismus (12%), and visual field defects (7%). CONCLUSIONS: NF1-related OPGs typically present early within 6 years of age. Early ophthalmologic and/or radiologic screening at the time of NF1 diagnosis enhances the detection of silent OPGs.

Humans

Craniotomy versus Endoscopic Membranectomy in the Treatment of Non-Homogeneous Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Pilot Randomized Parallel-Group Active-Controlled Trial (EMiT CSDH 2).

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a prevalent neurosurgical condition with persistent challenges related to recurrence. Endoscopic membranectomy (EM) has shown promising results in managing symptomatic non-homogenous (SNH)-CSDH, but comparative evidence against craniotomy with membranectomy (CM) is lacking. OBJECTIVES: To compare the safety and efficacy of EM versus CM in managing SNH-CSDH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pilot randomized parallel-group active-controlled open- labeled superiority trial from September 2023 to November 2024 at Government Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai, India. Sixty patients with SNH-CSDH were randomized into EM and CM groups. Recurrence was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included operative time, complications, radiological indices, pain, hospital stay, and functional recovery. All patients were followed for six months. RESULTS: No recurrence was observed in either group at six months. Two CM patients required reoperation on postoperative day one ( P = 0.15). EM was associated with shorter operative time ( P = 0.02), lower incidence of post-operative subdural residual fluid ( P = 0.015), better early hematoma reduction/subdural space reduction index ( P = 0.008), midline shift/symmetry improvement index ( P = 0.001), and lesser surgical site swelling ( P < 0.001). All patients were ambulant and had a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) 15 at discharge and at six months (including reoperated patients). Pain scores and functional recovery were comparable. EM patients had shorter hospital stays ( P = 0.004) and no significant complications. CONCLUSION: EM demonstrated favorable early radiological outcomes, fewer complications, and comparable functional recovery and recurrence versus CM in SNH-CSDH. Independent reproduction and larger multicentric trials are needed for validity and generalizability.

Humans

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&#x2009;<&#x2009;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&#x2009;=&#x2009;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.

Humans

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 I&#xb2;. 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%; I&#xb2;&#x202f;=&#x202f;92%); neck (41%; 95% CI: 35%-47%; I&#xb2;&#x202f;=&#x202f;95%), lower back (36%; 95% CI: 32%-39%; I&#xb2;&#x202f;=&#x202f;87%), and shoulder pain (28%; 95% CI: 22%-35%; I&#xb2;&#x202f;=&#x202f;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

Improving survival in Duchenne muscular dystrophy across eras: a systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) was historically associated with death in the late teens or early twenties, mainly from respiratory failure. Survival has improved substantially with home mechanical ventilation (HMV) and multidisciplinary care, although variability remains. This study evaluated temporal trends in survival in DMD and the impact of HMV. METHODS: A study-level cumulative meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD420251163011) of studies reporting survival outcomes in patients with DMD was conducted (PubMed 1977 to 13 October 2025). Pooled estimates of median survival were calculated, and random-effects meta-analyses with predefined subgroups (HMV and study period) were performed, alongside meta-regressions. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: 53 studies (median follow-up 8&#xa0;years), comprising more than 13,000 patients, of whom 60% received HMV, were included. Median survival differed substantially between ventilated (29&#xa0;years, 95%CI 27 to 31) and non-ventilated (19&#xa0;years, 95%CI 18 to 20) patients. Survival improved progressively over time in both groups. Glucocorticoid therapy was not associated with improved survival (p=0.45), whereas treatment with heart failure medications, including renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (p=0.002) and &#x3b2;-blockers (p=0.02), was associated with longer survival. The predominance of mortality shifted from respiratory to cardiac causes, while enhanced cardiac management was associated with a growing contribution of other causes of death. CONCLUSION: Survival in DMD has increased substantially over time, with median survival now approaching the third decade of life among ventilated patients. The growing contribution of cardiac and other non-respiratory causes of death highlights the importance of long-term multidisciplinary and early cardioprotective intervention. STUDY REGISTRATION: The meta-analysis and systematic review have been registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251163011).

Humans

Impact of Integrated Continuous Team Midwifery Care on Breastfeeding Success within the Iranian Health System: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Supporting women during the perinatal period helps build confidence, strengthens early bonding between mother and baby, and encourages successful breastfeeding. Continuous midwifery care models are one of the ways that support women in this periods. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of integrated continuous team midwifery care (ICTMC) in enhancing breastfeeding success in the Iranian health system. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 200 low-risk primiparous women with a gestational age of less than 12 weeks were recruited from public health centers. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which received continuous midwifery care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal follow-up, or the control group, which received routine care. The primary outcomes were early skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding success at the time of discharge and at 4-6 weeks postpartum. Data were analyzed using Stata, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-square, independent t-test, Phi/Cramer's V, and Cohen's d. The p < 0.05 is significant. Data were analyzed with SPSS 26. RESULTS: ICTMC groups were significantly more likely to initiate skin-to-skin contactearly skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth (92% vs. 74%, p < 0.001) and achieve successful breastfeeding at the discharge time (88% vs. 70%, p = 0.002) compared to the control group. At 6 weeks postpartum, breastfeeding success remained higher in the intervention group (82% vs. 65%, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Women with ICTMC, effectively support skin-to-skin contactearly mother-infant bonding and enhance breastfeeding success among low-risk primiparous women. Integrating this model into routine maternal care may improve perinatal outcomes.

Humans

Distal versus proximal radial access for diagnostic cerebral angiography: comparative outcomes and learning curve analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Distal transradial access (dTRA) is an alternative to proximal transradial access (pTRA) for neuroangiography, but comparative real-world data and evidence on its early learning curve remain limited. We compared procedural performance and access-site complications between dTRA and pTRA and evaluated the early learning curve of dTRA. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 470 diagnostic cerebral angiography procedures, representing 421 unique patients, performed via radial access at a single center between January 2025 and February 2026, including 237 dTRA and 233 pTRA procedures. Baseline characteristics, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI) category, aortic arch type, and antiplatelet/anticoagulant use, procedural performance, and clinically assessed access-site events were compared between groups. Radial artery occlusion (RAO) was assessed by postoperative bedside pulse examination and confirmed with Doppler ultrasound when clinical findings were uncertain. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of RAO, persistent bleeding or repeated compression, hand edema, and a composite access-site event endpoint. Because repeated procedures occurred in a subset of patients and event counts were limited, first-procedure sensitivity analysis and analyses of infrequent outcomes were interpreted cautiously. The dTRA learning process was assessed in the first 100 dTRA cases performed by a single operator using multivariable regression, cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis, segmented trend analysis, and phase-based comparisons. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups, including age, male sex, BMI category, aortic arch type, and antiplatelet/anticoagulant use. Compared with pTRA, dTRA was associated with more puncture attempts (3.0 [2.0-4.0] vs 2.0 [1.0-3.0], P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), longer puncture time (2.0 [1.0-5.0] vs 2.0 [1.0-3.0] min, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.003), lower first-pass success (19.4% vs 35.2%, P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), and a higher crossover rate (11.4% vs 6.0%, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.037). However, dTRA was associated with a lower clinically assessed RAO rate (2.5% vs 7.7%, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.011). On multivariable analysis, pTRA was independently associated with higher odds of RAO (OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.26-8.49, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.015) and the composite access-site event endpoint (OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.55-6.28, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.001). Similar findings were observed in a sensitivity analysis restricted to the first procedure per patient. In the first 100 dTRA cases, cumulative dTRA experience was independently associated with shorter total procedure time (beta&#xa0;=&#xa0;-0.074&#xa0;min/case, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.009), while CUSUM and moving-average analyses suggested that the major learning effect occurred within approximately the first 10-15 cases. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective single-operator cohort, dTRA was associated with lower clinically assessed RAO than pTRA despite greater access difficulty. The early learning effect was mainly reflected in shorter total procedure time. These findings support the feasibility of dTRA but should be interpreted cautiously given the study's observational design and limited anatomical data.

Humans

The future of TCR-Treg therapies is renewables.

Cell therapy has longstanding roots in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and early immune cell transfers in infectious disease and transplantation, where patient- or donor-derived cells have achieved therapeutic benefit in selected contexts. The modern era has been driven largely by oncology, with engineered modalities such as tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, CAR-T cells and TCR-engineered T cells delivering transformative responses but requiring complex, costly manufacturing. These platforms are now being adapted for autoimmune diseases to induce durable, antigen-specific immune tolerance, yet broad application is limited by safety concerns, process complexity and access. Non-engineered cell therapies for autoimmunity, including mesenchymal stem cells, polyclonal regulatory T cells and tolerogenic dendritic cells, have shown acceptable safety and proof-of-principle for immune re-education, but clinical responses have been modest and inconsistent, with limited scalability. Engineered approaches such as CAR-T cells can induce reversible B cell depletion in B cell-mediated rheumatic diseases but only addresses antibody-driven pathology and not T cell-mediated autoimmunity. TCR-engineered Tregs have emerged as a promising antigen-specific strategy, offering localized, antigen-linked suppression with bystander tolerance. Preclinical and early clinical data suggest superior potency, stability and disease control compared with polyclonal Tregs at similar or lower doses, but translation is constrained by the rarity and fragility of Tregs and by labour-intensive, CAR-T-like manufacturing. This review highlights emerging solutions for closed, automated and decentralised production, and discusses allogeneic approaches using gene-edited or banked Tregs with HLA engineering or matching. Together, these advances support the development of scalable, "off-the-shelf" TCR-Treg products with potential to provide safe, affordable tolerance-restoring therapies for autoimmune disease.

Humans

The impact of drug decriminalization policy on mental health- and substance-related service utilization among people who use drugs with prior care in British Columbia.

BACKGROUND: In 2023, British Columbia implemented a pilot illicit drug decriminalization policy aimed at addressing the high burden of illicit drug toxicity deaths, creating a need to examine its health system impacts. Although research on decriminalization has largely focused only on substance-related outcomes, broader mental health service utilization, including substance-related mental health care, among people who use drugs remains an insufficiently studied domain that this study seeks to address. METHODS: In this single interrupted time series analysis of prevalent people who use drugs with prior care (PWUD-PC) in BC, we examined the proportion of people who accessed mental health and substance-related (MH-SR) services and their average monthly MH-SR visits one year before and after the decriminalization policy, stratified by physician visits, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations. RESULTS: The population prevalence of PWUD-PC remained stable at 1.8% before and after decriminalization, and no statistically significant changes were observed in the proportion of PWUD-PC accessing MH-SR physician services and hospitalizations. The early period following decriminalization did not produce large shifts in overall MH-SR service use among PWUD-PC. Some movements in trends were seen in emergency department use, while several other outcomes, particularly in hospitalizations and physician visits, continued pre-existing trends. CONCLUSION: Overall, we found stable patterns of MH-SR service engagement across the intervention period and small shifts in the post-intervention trends of average MH-SR service visits. These findings suggest that the early period following decriminalization did not lead to abrupt or large shifts in MH-SR service use among PWUD-PC.

Humans

Intravenous Ketamine reduces psychological pain in suicidal inpatients: A secondary analysis of a six-week randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Psychological pain has been conceptualized as an unbearable inner experience and a possible precondition for suicidal ideation. No randomized placebo-controlled study has specifically investigated psychological pain as a treatment target in psychiatric populations. We examined ketamine's effect on psychological pain in suicidal psychiatric inpatients. METHODS: This secondary analysis used KETIS, a 6-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants received two 40-minute intravenous infusions of ketamine (0.5&#xa0;mg/kg) or placebo (0.9% saline) 24&#xa0;h apart, alongside usual care and medication. Psychological and physical pain were assessed at baseline, repeatedly during 96&#xa0;h, and at weeks 2, 4, and 6 using the self-rated PPP-VAS. Longitudinal mixed models compared pain trajectories. RESULTS: The trial randomized suicidal inpatients to ketamine (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;73) or placebo (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;83). Psychological pain decreased in both groups but was lower with ketamine during the first 96&#xa0;h. Pointwise scores were lower with ketamine from 40&#xa0;min to 96&#xa0;h, largest at 40&#xa0;min, 2&#xa0;h, 4&#xa0;h, and 24&#xa0;h (all p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), but not at weeks 2, 4, or 6. This early difference remained significant after adjustment for depressive symptoms and hopelessness. The early reduction appeared more pronounced in the bipolar subgroup. No robust baseline predictors of outcome were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous ketamine was associated with a greater reduction in psychological pain than placebo in suicidal inpatients, with the clearest effects emerging within the first hours after treatment and remaining evident through the first 96&#xa0;h. Ketamine may represent a clinically relevant option as a psychological pain reliever in psychiatric patients.

Humans

Nondominant Hand Training in Laparoscopy for Surgical Interns: Feasibility and Impact.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopy requires bimanual proficiency, yet early trainees demonstrate underdeveloped nondominant hand (NDH) performance. Although deliberate practice of NDH skill contributes to overall performance, NDH training is rarely incorporated into residency simulation curricula and has not been formally evaluated in surgical trainees. We assessed feasibility and impact of integrating structured NDH training with established laparoscopic curriculum for surgery interns. DESIGN: Prospective, single-institution randomized pilot study. Interns were assigned the standard 4-week curriculum of laparoscopic dominant hand and bimanual tasks (Control) or completed assigned NDH tasks in addition to the standard curriculum (Intervention). Feasibility was determined by assigned task completion, daily standard and NDH-specific self-reported practice time, and improvement in bimanual task performance. Performance was video recorded weekly and assessed by blinded evaluators using MISTELS and GOALS scoring. Cognitive workload during laparoscopic tasks was measured via NASA-TLX. Exploratory analyses were conducted within a Bayesian framework. SETTING: A single academic institution with a surgical simulation training program. PARTICIPANTS: General surgery interns on their 4-week simulation rotation. RESULTS: Eleven general surgery interns (6 intervention, 5 controls; all right-hand dominant) completed the study with 100% task completion and practice log compliance. Both groups improved in bimanual performance and perceived cognitive load. Reduction in cognitive workload during bimanual task performance was greater in the NDH group. Time spent on NDH practice over 4 weeks was associated with improved bimanual performance, independent of time spent on standard curriculum tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Structured NDH training is feasible to implement within an existing curriculum and reduces perceived cognitive workload during bimanual laparoscopic tasks. NDH practice demonstrates a beneficial dose-response relationship with performance, supporting its integration into early laparoscopic training.

Laparoscopy

Uce-based phylogeny and classification of Megachilini.

The generic-level classification of the bee tribe Megachilini (Megachilidae) has remained controversial due to poor phylogenetic resolution at the base of the group, particularly among the brood parasitic genera and the numerous dauber ("Chalicodoma s. l.") lineages. We present a phylogenomic analysis of Megachilini based on ultraconserved elements (UCEs), sampling 52 ingroup taxa with emphasis on the dauber lineages. We also present a combined UCE&#xa0;+&#xa0;six-gene analysis to improve taxon coverage, resulting in a dataset with 127 ingroup taxa. Maximum likelihood, coalescent, and Bayesian analyses of multiple UCE matrices recover largely congruent topologies with substantially improved support relative to previous studies. Our results strongly support the monophyly of Megachilini, the early divergence of Noteriades and Gronoceras, and a single origin of brood parasitism. All remaining non-parasitic Megachilini form a moderately supported clade sister to the brood parasitic lineage. The leafcutter bees are monophyletic and nested within dauber lineages. Several major dauber clades are consistently recovered, including an exclusively Australian clade corresponding to the Hackeriapis group of subgenera, while several recognized subgenera are paraphyletic. The lineage known as Morphella, previously placed in synonymy with the subgenus Callomegachile, was not closely related to that subgenus and is here treated as a valid subgenus. Divergence-time analyses place the crown age of Megachilini in the late Eocene to early Oligocene, with major extant lineages diversifying during the Miocene. Limited morphological diagnosability of several clades indicates that splitting non-parasitic lineages into numerous genera would result in an impractical classification that would widen the gap between taxonomists and non-specialists and exacerbate the taxonomic impediment in bees. We therefore advocate retaining a single genus Megachile for non-parasitic Megachilini (excluding Noteriades and Gronoceras), as the classification best supported by phylogenomic evidence and most robust to future taxon sampling.

Animals

Indications, Techniques and Complications Associated With Pterygoid Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pterygoid implants represent a graftless option for rehabilitation of patients with posterior maxillary atrophy, engaging the dense cortical bone of the pterygomaxillary complex. Despite clinical growth, a comprehensive synthesis of indications, surgical techniques, and complications is lacking. This review evaluated the prevalence of complications, implant survival rates, and marginal bone loss (MBL) associated with pterygoid implant placement. METHODS: The reporting of this review follows PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Six electronic databases (PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, WoS, CENTRAL, and Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source) were searched from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2025. Included criteria comprised randomized and non-randomized clinical studies reporting outcomes of pterygoid implants (&#x2265;&#x2009;13&#x2009;mm) in adult patients with posterior maxillary atrophy (minimum 10 implants). Risk of bias was assessed using JBI critical appraisal checklists. Proportions were pooled using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation under a random-effects model. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. RESULTS: Seventeen studies reporting 846 patients and 1915 pterygoid implants were included. The pooled survival rate was 97.9% (95% CI: 97.1%-98.6%; I2&#x2009;=&#x2009;0%; 14 studies) and the overall failure rate was 2.1% (95% CI: 1.4%-3.0%). Early failure rate was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.0%-3.0%; I2&#x2009;=&#x2009;59.5%). Late failure and MBL were summarized narratively. Certainty of evidence was low to very low. CONCLUSIONS: Pterygoid implants demonstrate excellent survival (97.9%) and low failure rates (2.1%), primarily early, supporting their reliability as a graftless solution for posterior maxillary atrophy. Complications appear infrequent though heterogeneously reported. Low evidence certainty necessitates prospective studies with standardized outcome reporting.

Humans

Diurnal differences in the effects of heat exposure on renal function: A randomized controlled crossover trial.

High temperature is a major risk factor for kidney injury, and population exposure to nighttime heat is increasing as the climate warms. However, whether renal responses to heat exposure differ between daytime and nighttime remains unclear. Forty-one healthy adults participated in a randomized crossover experiment conducted in a controlled laboratory setting. Participants were exposed to heat (32&#xb0;C during daytime; 30&#xb0;C during nighttime) and thermoneutral conditions (26&#xb0;C) for 8&#x202f;h. Blood and urine samples were collected before and after each exposure to examine various renal biomarkers reflecting glomerular filtration function, tubular injury, and early kidney stress. Heat exposure affected both blood and urinary biomarkers of kidney function, with notable diurnal differences in renal responses. Daytime heat exposure primarily affected blood markers of glomerular filtration, increasing creatinine by 7.67% (95% CI: 4.73%-10.61%) and cystatin C by 3.05% (95% CI: 0.17%-5.93%), while reducing estimated glomerular filtration rate by 0.05% (95% CI: 0.02%-0.08%). In contrast, nighttime heat exposure predominantly elevated urinary biomarkers of early kidney stress, including insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (58.40%, 95% CI: 27.66%-89.14%), kidney injury molecule-1 (47.25%, 95% CI: 18.91%-75.59%), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (51.88%, 95% CI: 22.26%-81.51%). Moreover, increases in insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 were significantly greater at night than during the day. Sleep-related parameters, including sleep quality, duration, and heart rate variability, partially mediated nighttime heat effects on renal responses. These results indicated that heat exposure induced different diurnal patterns in renal responses.

Humans

Proteomic insights into the immunomodulatory effects of Ca/Sr co-doped sol-gel coatings for titanium implants.

Ionic functionalization of biomaterial coatings has emerged as a powerful strategy to regulate early host responses at the implant interface. However, how combined Ca/Sr incorporation governs the adsorbed proteome and downstream immune signaling remains poorly understood. This study analyses, employing in vitro tests and proteomics, the effect of adding Sr and Ca to Si-based coatings designed to bioactivate Ti implants. Hybrid Si-based coatings were synthesized by the sol-gel route with a fixed Ca content (0.5&#x202f;wt%) and increasing Sr contents (0.5, 1.0, 1.5&#x202f;wt%), and their physicochemical properties, ion release kinetics, and hydrolytic stability were characterized. The coatings remained highly crosslinked despite Ca/Sr incorporation, whereas the highest Sr content increased hydrolytic degradation to around 70% after 56 days. Proteomic analysis identified 183 adsorbed proteins, of which 56 were differentially adsorbed on Ca/Sr-coatings, mainly associated with immune and coagulation pathways. In vitro, RAW 264.7 showed increased gene expression of TNF-&#x3b1; and TGF-&#x3b2;; with an enhanced TNF-&#x3b1; secretion by the addition of Ca and Sr. In parallel, MC3T3-E1 indicated that Ca/Sr-coatings were not cytotoxic and did not impair cell proliferation. However, ALP activity was reduced in the co-doped groups, indicating that the immunomodulatory effects induced by Ca/Sr incorporation were not accompanied by enhanced early osteogenic differentiation. The Ca/Sr combination induced alterations in the adsorption of immune-related proteins, which correlated with the in vitro findings. The deeper insight into how Ca/Sr mixtures modulate protein adsorption on biomaterial surfaces may be key to understanding the immunomodulatory capacity of these bioactive cations.

Animals

Long-term outcomes of surgical correction of ventral penile curvature in children: Patient-reported measures, surgical results, and decisional regret.

INTRODUCTION: There is a dearth of data on long-term outcomes, including patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), decisional regret, and complication rates for surgical correction of isolated ventral penile curvature in childhood. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six children treated for ventral curvature between 1993 and 2008 were identified; 24 met inclusion criteria (isolated ventral curvature without hypospadias or need for urethral reconstruction). Surgical correction consisted of degloving alone or degloving with Nesbit-like dorsal plication when residual curvature >20&#xb0; persisted after degloving. PROMs were collected via pre-mailed validated questionnaires after puberty: Danish Prostatic Symptom Score (DAN-PSS) for LUTS, Erection Hardness Score (EHS) for erectile function, Penile Perception Score (PPS) for cosmetic perception, and items assessing decisional regret and perceived appropriateness of surgical timing. RESULTS: Curvature was corrected intraoperatively in all 24 patients. Twelve underwent degloving alone and 12 required additional dorsal plication. During long-term follow-up (median 14.2 years), one patient (4%) underwent re-operation for residual curvature, and three (13%) underwent cosmetic revisions; two (8%) underwent cystoscopy for flow concerns. 71% returned PROMs at a median age of 16.2 years. LUTS were uncommon, with low bother scores. Erectile function was favorable: 87% (13/15) reported EHS 4 and 93% (14/15) reported ejaculation. Cosmetic outcomes were favorable, with PPS dissatisfaction rates comparable to controls. Two patients reported dissatisfaction with overall appearance, and one with residual subjective curvature. No patient expressed decisional regret, and 88% felt timing of surgery was appropriate. CONCLUSION: Early surgical correction of isolated ventral penile curvature using degloving with or without dorsal plication provided durable anatomical correction and favorable long-term functional and cosmetic outcomes. These findings support early intervention as an effective approach with sustained patient-perceived benefits.

Humans