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PubMed2026

Immunogenicity and safety of inactivated TZ84- vs. HM175-based hepatitis A vaccines in pediatric populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Individual studies indicate stronger and persistent long-term immunogenicity with TZ84-based than HM175-based hepatitis A vaccines. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared immunogenicity and safety of inactivated TZ84- and HM175-based hepatitis A vaccines in children and adolescents. Studies involving adults, immunocompromised populations, non-comparative designs, non-English publications, and studies with non-extractable outcomes were excluded. MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, other electronic databases, and grey literature were searched (September-October 2025). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool, and meta-analyses were performed where appropriate. Seven publications arising from four randomized cohorts (total participants: 3,282) reporting seroconversion rates (SCRs), geometric mean concentrations (GMCs), long-term seroprotection, and adverse events (AEs) were identified. Pooled analyses demonstrated higher SCRs and GMCs with TZ84 than HM175-based vaccines following both one and two doses. SCRs at 1 month [odds ratio (OR): 3.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.88-4.96] and GMCs at 7 months [standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.88; 95% CI: 0.18-1.58; p = .01] both favored TZ84-based vaccines. Long-term follow-up (up to 186 months/15.5 y) showed higher reported anti-HAV antibody concentrations for TZ84-based vaccines. The AEs were comparable between vaccine types (RR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.76-1.20; p = .69). Evidence was limited by the small number of unique randomized cohorts, geographic concentration in China, heterogeneity across studies, and reliance on surrogate immunogenicity outcomes. Overall, available evidence suggests that TZ84-based hepatitis A vaccines (HAPIBEV™/HEALIVE®) are associated with higher reported antibody responses and greater reported antibody persistence than the HM175-based vaccine (HAVRIX®) in children and adolescents, with comparable safety profiles.Registration: PROSPERO CRD420251154480.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effectiveness of STK Spray® for semen stain localization on solid surfaces: A specificity and sensitivity study.

Semen identification is a crucial step in sexual assault cases. The aim of this study was to assess STK Spray®, a presumptive test for semen, under controlled conditions including, simulated crime scene stains detection. Easy to use, it can be sprayed directly onto different surfaces and visualized under UV light. Several tests were performed on five different substrates (ceramic tile, drywall, metal, wood, and faux leather). The spray was able to enhance semen fluorescence, especially in diluted samples, with characteristic "globular" spots. Although it showed good specificity, false positives could be obtained with 10% bleach. The fluorescence signals were quantified using ImageJ™ and showed a statistically significant substrate-dependent variability. Mixture analysis indicated that saliva did not interfere with detection of semen, while urine partially suppressed the signal and blood markedly affected its interpretation. Simulation tests with UV lamp comparisons confirmed the importance of choosing the right detection method and the utility of this presumptive test in combination with additional immunochromatographic tests. A preliminary signal retention test showed stable fluorescence for up to two years when stains were stored appropriately. Finally, complete DNA profiles (100% of alleles) were obtained from all samples (n = 24) after exposure to the reagent and UV light. Because of its ability to enhance semen signal, especially on specific surfaces, and its rapidity of use and detection, STK Spray® may represent a useful aid in the preliminary screening phase.

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

Efficacy of afoxolaner (NexGard®) for the treatment of myiasis caused by the zoonotic tumbu fly, Cordylobia anthropophaga, in domestic dogs under field conditions.

Cordylobia anthropophaga is a major cause of furuncular myiasis in dogs and humans in sub-Saharan Africa, yet evidence for pharmacological control remains limited. Current management relies mainly on mechanical larval removal, and no controlled studies have assessed the efficacy of modern antiparasitic agents. This study evaluated the curative and preventive efficacy of a single dose of afoxolaner (NexGard®) in dogs with naturally acquired C. anthropophaga infestation under field conditions and explored a possible indirect protective effect in puppies after maternal treatment. A randomized, blinded, negative-controlled field study was conducted in Samburu County, Kenya, and included 104 naturally infested dogs allocated to a treated group (n = 53) or an untreated control group (n = 51). Clinical evaluations were performed on Days 0, 15 (±2), 30 (±2), and 45 (±2). Efficacy was assessed based on the presence of active nodules and clinical scores. Additional observational data were collected from puppies born to or nursing from treated bitches. Compared to the control group, parasiticide efficacy was 94% on Day 15 and 100% on Day 30. The number of parasite-free dogs reached 86.3% on Day 15, 100% on Day 30, and 95.3% on Day 45. Treated dogs showed a significant clinical improvement from the first post-treatment assessment, whereas infestation persisted in controls (nodules: OR = 0.003, 95% CI 0.001-0.017; skin lesions: OR = 0.010, 95% CI 0.002-0.051; lymph node: OR = 0.013, 95% CI 0.002-0.074; body condition: OR = 0.073, 95% CI 0.027-0.195; all p < .001), with large effect sizes at the final visit for all outcomes (r = 0.521-0.793). No C. anthropophaga infestations were detected in examined puppies from treated dams, including puppies exposed during pregnancy or lactation, up to 4 weeks after birth and up to 11 weeks of age, respectively. Afoxolaner appears effective to control canine cordylobiosis and may offer indirect protection to puppies, warranting further investigation.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Nutrikinetics and bioavailability of Promunel®, a standardized poplar-type propolis phenolic extract: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over, randomized trial.

Brown poplar-type propolis has been recognized and used for centuries to help prevent upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). However, the scarce, incomplete information in humans on the nutrikinetics and bioavailability of its phenolic constituents, combined with a lack of standardization in its phenolic content and profile pose major challenges to develop bioactive ingredients. Thus, the aim of this study was to establish the nutrikinetics and total bioavailability (NKBA) parameters of brown poplar-type propolis phenolics in humans using the Standardized Propolis Extract (SPE) Promunel®. To achieve this, a 48 h NBKA study was conducted following a double blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over design in healthy humans (n = 10) with two doses of SPE (1X = 400 mg or 4X = 1600 mg). Phenolic compounds were detected, identified and quantified in the extract, plasma and urine through different LC-MS/UV technologies. The SPE used is a rich (304.44 ± 15.61 µmol mg-1) and diverse source of phenolic compounds (5 sub-families). A total of 63 and 85 phenolic metabolites were identified and quantified in plasma and urine, mostly in the form of glucuronides and sulfates. In plasma, phenolic metabolites reached Cmax (1.22 ± 0.20 for 1X and 4.80 ± 0.48 µM for 4X) after 1 h of SPE intake, while urinary excretion occurred mostly during the first 3 h after. The total net bioavailability of SPE phenolic compounds at 48 h was 57.16 ± 5.71% for 1X and 43.82 ± 6.77% for 4X. Generally, the data between SPE 1X and 4X were proportional, indicating that a higher dose does not substantially modulate total net bioavailability. Overall, our data shows that brown poplar-type SPE phenolic compounds are highly bioavailable in the form of cinnamic acid and flavonoid conjugates, and that these compounds are rapidly absorbed and eliminated through the urine. Our results suggest that, for a sustained presence in circulation, brown poplar-type propolis supplements should be consumed more than once a day.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Seroefficacy of a 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Pneumosil®) compared with other pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in children.

BACKGROUND: A new 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10SII) was prequalified by WHO in 2019 for children based on non-inferiority of immunogenicity to PCV13 and PCV10GSK. However, the efficacy of PCV10SII against pneumococcal carriage or disease has not been compared with other PCVs. We compared the risk of seroinfection in PCV10SII with PCV10GSK and PCV13-vaccinated infants. METHODS: Data were available for 716 infants from two randomised trials comparing the immunogenicity of PCV10SII with PCV13 and PCV10GSK. Serotype-specific IgG levels were measured from serum samples collected at four weeks after the primary vaccination series and at the time of booster vaccination. We defined seroinfection as any increase in serotype-specific IgG between post-primary vaccination and the booster dose, indicating likely colonisation, subclinical infection, or disease. We compared the relative risk (RR) of seroinfection between PCVs. RESULTS: There was no difference in the risk of seroinfection between PCV10SII and PCV10GSK for the shared serotypes, but PCV10SII showed better protection against 6A and 19A, not included in PCV10GSK. Compared with PCV13, the risk of seroinfection was 65% lower in PCV10SII for serotype 14 (RR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.57), 2.27-fold (95% CI: 1.40, 3.68) and 2.91-fold (95% CI: 1.84, 4.60) higher for 6A and 6B seroinfection, and similar for the remaining serotypes. CONCLUSION: PCV10SII demonstrated comparable seroefficacy as PCV10GSK against colonisation by serotypes common to both and may offer better coverage in countries with high prevalence of 6A and 19A disease. The serotype-specific differences in seroefficacy between PCV10SII and PCV13 should be considered when evaluating cost effectiveness. Funding Gates Foundation (INV-056261_2023).

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Safety and efficacy of recombinant botulinum toxin type A (Eveotox®) in patients with post-stroke upper limb spasticity: Results from a Phase Ib/II clinical trial.

Upper limb spasticity is a common and disabling complication of stroke. Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is widely used for focal spasticity treatment, but naturally derived products may present limitations related to immunogenicity and manufacturing variability. Recombinant botulinum toxin type A, produced by genetic engineering without complexing proteins, may provide improved product consistency. This Ib/II study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of recombinant botulinum toxin type A in adults with post-stroke upper limb spasticity. This multicenter, seamless Ib/II clinical study included an open-label dose-escalation Ib phase and a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled II phase. Adult patients with post-stroke upper limb spasticity received a single intramuscular injection of recombinant botulinum toxin type A or placebo. The primary endpoint in Phase II was the change from baseline in the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score of the primary target muscle group at Week 4. Secondary endpoints included MAS and Tardieu scale changes in individual muscle groups, Disability Assessment Scale (DAS), Physician's Global Assessment (PGA), and immunogenicity. The Ib phase showed improvements in MAS, DAS, and PGA, indicating an early efficacy signal. In Phase II, recombinant botulinum toxin type A produced a significant reduction in MAS score of the primary target muscle group at Week 4 compared with placebo, with effects sustained through Week 12. At Week 4, the PGA score in the Eveotox® group showed a statistically significant improvement compared with the placebo group. While MAS and PGA scores showed significant improvement, DAS functional scores did not differ statistically from the placebo group at week 4. The treatment was generally well tolerated, and low incidence of antibodies were observed. Recombinant botulinum toxin type A was safe and effective in reducing post-stroke upper limb spasticity after a single administration. These results support further Phase III clinical evaluation.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effect of flavored on!® nicotine pouch products on smoking behaviors: A sequential, multiple assignment, randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether flavored versus unflavored nicotine pouch (NP) access affects cigarette reduction and smoke exposure among adults who smoke daily, and whether delayed flavor introduction affects these outcomes. METHODS: Adults who smoked ≥ 5 cigarettes/day (CPD) with interest in replacing cigarettes with NPs were enrolled in a remote, six-week, sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (n = 402 randomized; n = 400 analyzed). Participants were randomized to immediate access to seven NP flavors (Flavor), unflavored-only access for six weeks (Original), or unflavored-only for three weeks followed by flavor access (Delayed Flavor). Primary outcomes were ≥ 50% reduction in weekly mean expired-air carbon monoxide (CO) from baseline and mean CO at Week 6. Secondary outcomes included ≥ 50% CPD reduction, mean CPD, CO-verified 7-day abstinence, and incident smoke-free days. RESULTS: At Week 6, Flavor and Original did not differ in ≥ 50% CO reduction (14.3% vs 14.2%; IRR=1.0, 95% CI=0.6-1.8) or mean CO (18.3 vs 16.5 ppm; β=1.9, 95% CI=-1.3-5.0). CPD decreased across groups by Week 6, with no differences between Flavor and Original in ≥ 50% CPD reduction (50.3% vs 51.6%; IRR=1.0, 95% CI=0.8-1.2) or CO-verified abstinence (9.3% vs 8.9%; IRR=1.0, 95% CI=0.5-2.2). Flavor increased smoke-free days early, with attenuation over time. Among Week 3 non-responders, delayed flavor access increased ≥ 50% CPD reduction at Week 6 (33.3% vs 18.6%; IRR=1.8, 95% CI=1.0-3.2). CONCLUSIONS: NP access supported cigarette reduction regardless of flavor availability, but flavors may accelerate smoke-free days and improve response among individuals who do not reduce cigarette consumption with unflavored products alone.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Cochlear size variation in a large-scale international multicentre cohort.

AIM: This study aims to (1) review the literature on cochlear size, measured by the A-value, to assess reported variation across studies, and (2) consolidate cochlear parameters-specifically basal turn diameter (A-value) and width (B-value)-measured using the standardized DICOM viewer OTOPLAN®, and compare these with published data. METHODS: A scoping literature review was conducted using the search term "diameter of cochlear basal turn" to identify studies reporting A-value measurements. To complement this, cochlear measurements obtained with OTOPLAN® were collected from clinical collaborators across multiple international centres. The ratio of B- to A-values, which defines the cochlear basal turn shape, was calculated as previously described by Khurayzi et al. (2021). RESULTS: The literature review identified 38 studies comprising 5,206 A-value measurements (average: 9.08 mm; range: 8.01-10.03 mm). Additionally, 5,580 OTOPLAN® measurements were collected from 43 clinics across 25 countries (mean: 9.07 mm; range: 6.67-11.45 mm). Overall, 68.7% of cochleae exhibited an elliptical basal turn shape. CONCLUSION: Using a large, international multicentre dataset and a standardized measurement tool, this study demonstrates substantial variation in cochlear size and shape across clinical cohorts from different regions. The mean A-value (9.07 mm) is consistent with previously published literature, while the wider observed range highlights greater anatomical variability within a multicentre clinical population than previously reported. The majority of cochleae demonstrate an elliptical basal turn configuration.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Nociception-guided opioid administration within multimodal analgesia for laparoscopic endometriosis surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

Women with endometriosis are at increased risk of severe postoperative pain due to nociceptive sensitization. While multimodal analgesia reduces opioid use, the added value of objective nociception monitoring remains unclear. This study evaluated whether NOL®-guided opioid titration improves perioperative outcomes within a standardized multimodal regimen. In this prospective, randomized, single-blinded trial, premenopausal women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for suspected endometriosis or adenomyosis were assigned to NOL®-guided analgesia or standard care based on clinical assessment. All patients received a standardized multimodal protocol. The primary outcome was total perioperative opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores (NRS) and PACU length of stay. Exploratory analyses assessed the association between preoperative pain (Mankoski Pain Scale, MPS) and postoperative outcomes. A total of 111 patients were analyzed (NOL®: n = 54; control: n = 57). Total perioperative opioid consumption did not differ significantly between groups (adjusted mean difference = 14 μg for Fentanyl and 52 μg for Remifentanil; p = 0.8). Surgery duration was an independent predictor of opioid use (p < 0.001) and PACU length of stay (p = 0.01), whereas treatment group had no significant effect. Postoperative pain scores were comparable between groups at all time points. NOL®-derived metrics were not associated with opioid consumption or pain. Higher preoperative MPS scores independently predicted higher pain scores in the late PACU phase. NOL®-guided opioid titration did not reduce perioperative opioid consumption or improve early postoperative outcomes compared with standard multimodal analgesia in women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Mobile health apps improve Health-Related Quality of Life in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by enhancing medication adherence: A multicentre randomised controlled trial with mediation analysis.

AIMS: This study evaluated whether a gamified mHealth application (CareAide®) improves Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and whether this effect is mediated by medication adherence. METHODS: Prespecified secondary analysis of the T2DM cohort from a 6-month multicentre RCT (NCT06068309; N = 663; three Malaysian hospitals). Participants were randomised 1:1 to standard care or CareAide®. Adherence (MMAS-8), EQ-5D-5L utility (Malaysian value set), and AQoL-6D were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Simple mediation analysis (PROCESS Model 4; 5000 bootstraps) adjusted for baseline HRQoL. RESULTS: CareAide® significantly predicted higher MMAS-8 scores (mean difference +1.756; d = 1.638; p < 0.001). Higher MMAS-8 scores significantly predicted improved AQoL-6D utility (b = 0.024; p < 0.001). The direct effect on AQoL-6D was non-significant (p = 0.248). Bootstrapped indirect effect confirmed full mediation via AQoL-6D (0.042; 95% CI [0.024, 0.060]). A sensitivity analysis adjusting for baseline HbA1c confirmed full mediation (indirect = 0.034; 95% CI [0.015, 0.052]; n = 563). EQ-5D-5L utility showed a significant direct between-group difference at 6 months (p = 0.012) but did not operate as a mediation outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Medication adherence fully mediates the AQoL-6D HRQoL benefit of a gamified mHealth intervention in T2DM, as confirmed by both the primary and HbA1c-adjusted sensitivity analyses. These findings support integration of behaviourally informed digital adjuncts into routine primary diabetes care.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Executive function in alcohol use disorder with low psychiatric comorbidity: Comparison with a non-clinical sample and predictive value for treatment outcome.

BACKGROUND: Executive functions (EF) encompass abilities such as planning, decision-making, and inhibitory control, critical for learning, establishing and maintaining behavioral change. The association between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and impairments in EF are well established. However, prior research is dominated by studies on convenience samples including individuals with severe AUD with high levels of psychiatric comorbidity, which limits generalizability. The present study therefore aimed to investigate the degree of impairment and predictive ability of EF, on alcohol consumption, among individuals with moderate AUD with low levels of psychiatric comorbidity. METHODS: Adults with moderate AUD (n = 147) were recruited at three specialized addiction outpatient clinics in Stockholm, to a randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy of two psychological treatments. Participants underwent neuropsychological testing before treatment. Eight tests from the CANTAB® battery were administered at baseline, assessing mental flexibility, sustained attention, visuospatial working memory, response inhibition, and delay discounting. Assessments of alcohol use and related symptoms were conducted at baseline, the 12- and 26-weeks follow-up. A non-clinical reference sample (n = 72) completed corresponding CANTAB® tests. The two groups were compared regarding EF using descriptive statistics and t-tests, and the predictive value of EF for reduction in alcohol consumption, was investigated using multiple regression models. RESULTS: Individuals with AUD did not perform worse on any of the tests on executive function (CANTAB®) as compared to the non-clinical reference sample. Measures of EF were not significant predictors for reduction in alcohol use for the 12-week, or the 26-week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: EFs were not impaired and were not a clinically relevant predictor of treatment outcomes in this population with AUD. Future research on EF as a predictor in AUD treatment, needs to corroborate the present findings, and include other populations, e.g., with different socio-economic backgrounds and by including other methodologies for measuring EF.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effect of a pharmacist-led mHealth app on adherence, quality of life, and glycaemic control in diabetes: A multicentre RCT.

AIMS: To evaluate whether CareAide®, a pharmacist-driven mHealth application, improves medication adherence, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and glycaemic control in diabetes mellitus using structural equation modelling. METHODS: Pre-specified secondary analysis of the type 2 diabetes mellitus cohort from a 6-month multicentre open-label randomised controlled trial (N = 663) across three Malaysian hospitals. Adherence was assessed by MMAS-8 (subjective) and Proportion of Days Covered (PDC; pharmacy-verified). HRQoL was measured by AQoL-6D and EQ-5D-5 L. Structural equation modelling (SEM), Necessary Condition Analysis, and Importance-Performance Map Analysis (cIPMA) were applied. RESULTS: CareAide® produced large adherence gains (MMAS-8: 7.31 vs 5.55, d = 1.64; PDC ≥ 80%: 81.6% vs 33.0%; both p < 0.001). Early 3-month adherence was the strongest predictor of sustained 6-month adherence in both models (β std = 0.567 and 0.688; p < 0.001). AQoL-6D utility improved significantly (0.669 vs 0.618; d = 0.353, p < 0.001), driven by coping (d = 0.447) and relationships (d = 0.254) domains. HRQoL did not mediate adherence; gains were a direct independent benefit. The intervention effect on HbA1c was not statistically significant in the PDC-based SEM model (β =  - 0.333, p = 0.065); a group difference was, however, supported by baseline-adjusted ANCOVA (β =  - 0.41%, p = 0.002), and the complete-case comparison was non-significant (p = 0.153), so glycaemic findings warrant cautious interpretation. cIPMA identified the intervention as the primary optimisation target. CONCLUSIONS: CareAide® significantly improves medication adherence and psychosocial quality of life. Evidence for glycaemic benefit came from baseline-adjusted analysis (ANCOVA), though findings should be interpreted with caution given incomplete HbA1c data at one site. The first three months are the most critical period for pharmacist support. In this dataset, PDC appeared more sensitive than MMAS-8 to the HbA1c signal within 6 months, but this finding requires confirmation in longer studies with more complete HbA1c data. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06068309.

Aged↗

PubMed2026

Glaucoma filtering surgery combined with phacoemulsification in the era of new aqueous humor filtration devices: A systematic review.

We evaluate the efficacy and safety of filtering glaucoma surgeries combined with phacoemulsification (PCE)-including new aqueous humor drainage devices-compared to standalone procedures. We performed a systematic search up to March 23, 2025, including all comparative studies assessing trabeculectomy (TRAB), non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS), Xen® Gel Stent (XEN), or Preserflo® MicroShunt (PMS) combined with PCE, versus the same surgery alone. Key exclusion criteria include inadequate follow-up (less than 12-month), absence of a defined success criterion, more than 50% of loss to follow-up at 12-month, and lens extraction performed without PCE. Main outcome was surgical success at ≥ 12 months. Secondary outcomes included intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, decrease in hypotensive medications, and rates of complications. A total of 27 studies were included for analysis. Among studies comparing TRAB/PCE with standalone TRAB, half reported similar success rates, while others favored standalone TRAB, particularly using strict IOP thresholds. Safety profiles were comparable. For NPDS/PCE, data mostly showed equivalent outcomes versus standalone NPDS, with comparable safety. In studies on XEN/PCE and PMS/PCE, results suggested similar rates of surgical success, efficacy in IOP and medication reduction, and safety compared to their stand-alone procedures. Small differences occasionally favored standalone procedures under stricter success definitions. Current evidence suggests that combined filtering glaucoma surgery provides long-term efficacy and safety comparable to standalone, though some subgroups and outcome thresholds may slightly favor standalone approaches. The limited availability of high-quality prospective trials underscores the need for further large-scale robust studies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Evaluating the persistence of semen under controlled environmental conditions.

When semen is deposited at a crime scene, it may be exposed to harmful environmental conditions. It is important to understand to what extent the different components of semen, specifically acid phosphatase (AP), prostate specific antigens (PSA), sperm and DNA, may become less detectable after exposure to high temperatures and varying levels of humidity. In this study, semen (50 μL) was deposited onto squares of black cotton and exposed to 45 °C and a relative humidity (RH) of 10 or 80% for 0, 7, 14, 21 or 28 days (n = 5 per day, per climate condition). Source testing included AP test reagent, ABAcard® p30 immunoassay kits, and hematoxylin and eosin staining. DNA was extracted using the DNA IQ™ System (Promega, Australia) and quantified using Quantfiler Trio™ (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Australia). Over the 28-day period under both RH conditions, the time taken for a positive AP test to develop increased significantly (p < 0.01) and the number of sperm observed decreased significantly (p < 0.01). All ABAcard® p30 tests were positive regardless of exposure time or conditions. No impact on the quantity of DNA recovered was observed when semen was exposed to 45 °C and 10% RH, with a higher median quantity of DNA recovered at day 28 compared to day 0. In contrast, when the RH was raised to 80%, the median quantity of DNA recovered was substantially less at day 28 (81.5 ng, IQR: 87.5 ng) compared to day 0 (181.5 ng, IQR: 1172.4 ng). This study highlights the impact that temperature and RH may have on the persistence of AP, PSA, sperm and DNA over time.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Inducible flocculation in Komagataella phaffii enables enhanced biomass separation for biopharmaceutical production.

Biomass separation represents a critical bottleneck in Komagataella phaffii-based biopharmaceutical processes, as typically high cell densities of 40 - 50 % create significant operational, technical and economic challenges for harvest operations. Yeast cell aggregation (flocculation) provides a solution to accelerate cell sedimentation by increasing particle size, thus allowing to improve biomass-supernatant separation efficiency during both natural gravity settling and (continuous) centrifugation operations. This study demonstrates successful engineering of K. phaffii strains with an inducible flocculation phenotype using CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing to integrate the Saccharomyces cerevisiae FLO1 (ScFLO1) gene under control of various regulatory elements, including methanol-inducible and derepressible promoters. Flocculation strength could be enhanced by implementing transcriptional positive feedback circuits based on the methanol-inducible AOX1 promoter. To address methanol-free production requirements, we developed alternative systems to retrofit PAOX1-based ScFLO1 expression and exploited the derepressible PDF promoter, offering broader compatibility with biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. Flocculating cells cultivated in a bioreactor demonstrated significantly improved sedimentation behavior, with considerably lower supernatant turbidity after short low-speed centrifugation or gravity sedimentation compared to non-flocculating controls. Crucially, cell flocculation had no negative impact on product amount and quality when expressing a multivalent NANOBODY® VHH molecule with pharmaceutical relevance. Thus, this work establishes the first genetically engineered flocculation system in K. phaffii compatible with recombinant protein production, providing the basis for an innovative approach to streamline harvest operations in biopharmaceutical processes.

Flocculation↗

PubMed2026

Gelified ethanol for percutaneous sclerotherapy of bone lesions: a systematic review of clinical applications and outcomes.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the available evidence on the feasibility, safety, and clinical effectiveness of percutaneous sclerotherapy using radiopaque gelified ethanol (RGE, Discogel®) for bone lesions. METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL was performed. Primary studies reporting clinical, technical, and safety outcomes following RGE sclerotherapy for bone lesions were included. Data on patient characteristics, lesion type, procedural details, and outcomes were extracted and synthesized descriptively. RESULTS: Six retrospective studies involving 55 patients (mean age 22.2 ± 20.4 years; range 3-65; 26 females) with 56 lesions and 119 procedures were included (mean 2.16 procedures per patient). Aneurysmal bone cysts (80%) and aggressive vertebral hemangiomas (18%) were the main indications. Technical success was reported in 100% of procedures. Pain outcomes were available for 28 patients, with complete resolution in 64.3% (18/28), partial reduction in 32.1% (9/28), and persistence in 3.6% (1/28). Radiological follow-up (50 lesions) demonstrated complete response in 96% and partial response in 4%. No major adverse events were reported according to CIRSE (≥ 4) or CTCAE (≥ 4) criteria. One SIR grade 3 vertebral fracture occurred without confirmed causal association to RGE. Subsequent surgery was required in 3.6% of lesions. CONCLUSION: Although limited to small retrospective series, current evidence suggests that RGE sclerotherapy is a safe and effective minimally invasive option for selected benign bone lesions. Prospective comparative studies with longer follow-up are warranted.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Characterization of the Immune Response after Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) and Effects of Mycophenolate Mofetil on Priming of this Immune Response-A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressive drug widely used by solid organ transplant recipients. Although it is known that MMF suppresses immune responses, its exact effects on specific vaccinations have not been investigated yet. Mucosal vaccinations are increasingly used, such as a cholera vaccination consisting of two oral immunizations (oral cholera vaccination; OCV). This study aimed to investigate the specific immunosuppressive effects of MMF use during the first dose of OCV in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in healthy volunteers. Moreover, the study aimed to characterize the immune response provoked by OCV in detail. This randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind trial included 16 healthy volunteers, each receiving two doses of Dukoral® and an intranasal rechallenge. Outcome measures were serum antibody responses (IgA and IgG) and IgA levels in saliva. Additionally, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of participants were investigated for ex vivo cytokine production and expression of tissue-specific homing markers after OCV. There were considerable serum IgA and IgG responses after vaccination. MMF-treated volunteers still showed a significant cholera antibody response, though data suggest a potential suppression by MMF without reaching statistical significance. There was no substantial IgA response in saliva. Investigation of PBMCs from OCV-treated participants showed a Th2 skewing with increased ex vivo production of TNF, IL-2, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-22 compared to the placebo group. Taken together, this study provides a framework for future clinical pharmacology studies building on OCV as a challenge model and for further investigation of specific effects of MMF on mucosal vaccination responses.

Humans↗

Results for “HAVRIX&#xae;”

Results for “HAVRIX®”