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16 pages, 1663 KB  
Article
Unveiling the HIV Landscape in Oman: A Retrospective Study of Prevalence, Risk Factors, Treatment Efficacy and Clinical Outcomes
by Mohan B. Sannathimmappa, Salima Al-Maqbali, Chhaya Divecha, Manjiri Hawal, Rajeev Aravindakshan, Khamis Al-Hosni, Elham Said Al-Risi and Vinod Nambiar
Sci 2026, 8(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci8010016 - 13 Jan 2026
Viewed by 180
Abstract
Introduction: The sustained global epidemic of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) necessitates comprehensive, region-specific surveillance to inform public health policy. This 30-year retrospective observational cohort study delineated the epidemiological patterns, transmission dynamics, treatment efficacy, and long-term clinical outcomes of HIV infection in Oman to [...] Read more.
Introduction: The sustained global epidemic of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) necessitates comprehensive, region-specific surveillance to inform public health policy. This 30-year retrospective observational cohort study delineated the epidemiological patterns, transmission dynamics, treatment efficacy, and long-term clinical outcomes of HIV infection in Oman to strategically align preventative and therapeutic programs with Oman’s Vision 2040 framework. Methods: We analyzed the clinical and epidemiological data of 429 confirmed HIV-positive patients with a minimum follow-up period of six months, registered at a secondary care facility in North Batinah, Oman, between January 1995 and December 2024. Predictors of mortality were rigorously assessed utilizing Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models. Continuous variables were evaluated using independent sample t-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests, while categorical variables employed chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Results: The cohort exhibited a male predominance (70.6%) with a mean age at diagnosis of 32.8 years (SD ± 12.17). Heterosexual contact constituted the predominant mode of acquisition (56%), followed by bisexual (17%) and homosexual (12%) contacts. Although 67.1% of patients presented with early, asymptomatic disease (WHO Stage 1), opportunistic infections were evident in 28.1% of the cohort, with recurrent sepsis (8.4%) and bacterial pneumonia (3.5%) being the most frequent complications. The WHO clinical stage at presentation was confirmed as a highly significant predictor of survival (p < 0.0001). Stage 1 patients achieved excellent long-term prognosis (approximately 75% survival beyond 30 years), markedly contrasting with Stage 4 patients, whose survival declined sharply (median survival of approximately 8 years, and only 10–15% surviving past 20 years). The tenofovir/emtricitabine/efavirenz regimen showed superior efficacy, achieving 75% survival at 30 years, relative to zidovudine-based regimens, which showed significantly poorer performance (15–20% survival at 20 years). Conclusions: This investigation substantiates the shift toward predominant heterosexual transmission and emphasizes the critical prognostic significance of the clinical stage at diagnosis. Optimal long-term survival mandates prompt diagnosis, timely initiation of contemporary antiretroviral therapies, and sustained viral suppression. These findings offer crucial evidence to strengthen HIV prevention and treatment programs within Oman. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biology Research and Life Sciences)
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13 pages, 247 KB  
Article
Biopsychosocial Characteristics of Patients with Primary Fallopian Tube Carcinoma: Retrospective Single-Center Descriptive Pilot Study
by Marcelina Migdał, Dorota Branecka-Woźniak, Joanna Błażejewska-Jaśkowiak, Edyta Skwirczyńska and Rafał Kurzawa
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020598 - 12 Jan 2026
Viewed by 109
Abstract
Background: Primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) is a rare gynecologic malignancy, and data describing its biopsychosocial characteristics remain limited. Understanding the biological, psychological, and social features of affected women may support patient-centered care and inform future research. Methods: This retrospective, single-center, descriptive pilot [...] Read more.
Background: Primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) is a rare gynecologic malignancy, and data describing its biopsychosocial characteristics remain limited. Understanding the biological, psychological, and social features of affected women may support patient-centered care and inform future research. Methods: This retrospective, single-center, descriptive pilot study included 20 patients with histopathologically confirmed PFTC treated in 2024–2025. Demographic, reproductive, clinical, preventive, and record-documented psychosocial variables were extracted from medical records. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square tests (or Fisher’s exact test where appropriate), and effect sizes were summarized using Cramér’s V. Proportions were reported with 95% confidence intervals using the Wilson method. Results: Half of the women were aged ≥70 years (50.0%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 29.9–70.1) and 65.0% had never been pregnant. Normal body mass index (BMI) predominated (65.0%). International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage was available for 12/20 patients; among those with documented staging, 58.3% were FIGO stage III. Preventive behaviors documented in medical records suggested suboptimal screening patterns: cervical cytology was classified as occasional in 75.0% of patients. Psycho-oncological support was documented in 45.0% of patients, and sleep problems were documented in 25.0%. An age-group difference in documented psycho-oncological support was observed (χ2 = 14.007; p = 0.007; Cramér’s V = 0.751); however, given the very small sample size and the distribution of observations across age categories, this finding should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating rather than confirmatory evidence. No association was observed between place of residence and FIGO stage in the subset with available staging data. Conclusions: In this small retrospective, single-center cohort, patients with PFTC were predominantly older and frequently nulligravid, while normal BMI was common. Record-documented psychosocial needs (including psycho-oncological support and sleep problems) were observed in a subset of patients and underscore the importance of systematic psychosocial assessment using validated tools in future studies and clinical pathways. Findings are preliminary and hypothesis-generating and support the need for larger prospective multicenter studies integrating comprehensive clinical and standardized psychosocial data in PFTC populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Oncology)
15 pages, 822 KB  
Article
Distribution of ApoE Gene Polymorphism and Its Association with the Lipid Profile Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Black South Africans
by Siphesihle Mkhwanazi, Tumelo Jessica Mapheto, Honey Bridget Mkhondo, Olebogeng Harold Majane, Sechene Stanley Gololo and Mashudu Nemukula
Diabetology 2026, 7(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/diabetology7010008 - 4 Jan 2026
Viewed by 348
Abstract
Background: ApoE is a major regulator of lipid metabolism and glycaemic control. The aim of the current study is to investigate the ApoE gene polymorphisms among Black South Africans with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associate them with their [...] Read more.
Background: ApoE is a major regulator of lipid metabolism and glycaemic control. The aim of the current study is to investigate the ApoE gene polymorphisms among Black South Africans with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associate them with their lipid profile. Methods: A cross-sectional case–control study was conducted among 107 participants, divided into two groups: patients with T2DM (n = 65) and non-diabetic controls (n = 42). Blood samples were collected for analysis of glycated haemoglobin, lipid profile, nitric oxide, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and DNA genotyping using the MALDI-TOF. Continuous variables were analysed using Student’s t-test or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Genotype and allele frequencies were compared using Fisher’s exact tests. Results: The ApoE3 allele was the most prevalent among both groups, observed in 55.47% in T2DM patients and 52.38% in the non-diabetic group, followed by E4 and E2. HWE analysis revealed a deviation from equilibrium [χ2 (3) = 9.137, p = 0.0275]. TG levels differed significantly across ApoE alleles (F = 3.68, p = 0.03), with higher TG concentrations observed among E3 allele carriers and E4 allele carriers. Poor glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7.0%) predominated across all ApoE alleles. Among E3 allele carriers, 75.0% of participants exhibited poor glycaemic control, whereas only 25.0% achieved good glycaemic control (p = 0.002). Conclusions: ApoE polymorphisms are associated with allele-specific heterogeneity in lipid metabolism and glycaemic control among individuals with T2DM, underscoring the complex, context-dependent role of genetic variation in metabolic dysregulation within African populations. Full article
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27 pages, 4713 KB  
Article
Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Molecular Profiling of JAK-STAT Pathway Alterations in FOLFOX-Treated Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer
by Fernando C. Diaz, Brigette Waldrup, Francisco G. Carranza, Sophia Manjarrez and Enrique Velazquez-Villarreal
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010479 - 2 Jan 2026
Viewed by 387
Abstract
Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) continues to rise, with the steepest increases observed among Hispanic/Latino (H/L) populations, underscoring the urgency of identifying ancestry- and treatment-specific biomarkers. The JAK-STAT signaling axis plays a central role in colorectal tumor biology, yet its relevance under FOLFOX-based chemotherapy [...] Read more.
Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) continues to rise, with the steepest increases observed among Hispanic/Latino (H/L) populations, underscoring the urgency of identifying ancestry- and treatment-specific biomarkers. The JAK-STAT signaling axis plays a central role in colorectal tumor biology, yet its relevance under FOLFOX-based chemotherapy in EOCRC remains poorly defined. In this study, we evaluated 2515 colorectal cancer (CRC) cases (266 H/L; 2249 non-Hispanic White [NHW]), stratifying analyses by ancestry, age of onset, and FOLFOX exposure. Statistical comparisons were performed using Fisher’s exact and chi-square tests, and survival patterns were assessed via Kaplan–Meier analysis. To extend conventional analytics, we deployed AI-HOPE and AI-HOPE-JAK-STAT, conversational artificial intelligence platforms capable of harmonizing genomic, clinical, demographic, and treatment variables through natural language queries, to accelerate multi-parameter biomarker exploration. JAK-STAT pathway alterations showed marked variation by ancestry and treatment context. Among H/L EOCRC cases, alterations were significantly enriched in patients who did not receive FOLFOX compared with those who did (21.2% vs. 4.1%; p = 0.003). A similar pattern emerged in late-onset CRC (LOCRC) NHW patients, where alterations were more frequent without FOLFOX exposure (13.3% vs. 7.5%; p = 0.0002). Notably, JAK-STAT alterations were significantly more common in untreated H/L EOCRC compared with untreated NHW EOCRC (21.2% vs. 9.9%; p = 0.002). Survival analyses revealed that JAK-STAT pathway alterations conferred improved overall survival across several NHW strata, including EOCRC treated with FOLFOX (p = 0.0008), EOCRC not treated with FOLFOX (p = 0.07), and LOCRC not treated with FOLFOX (p = 0.01). These findings suggest that JAK-STAT alterations may function as ancestry- and treatment-dependent prognostic markers in EOCRC, particularly among disproportionately affected H/L patients. However, prognostic interpretation in H/L subgroups is limited by small mutation-positive sample sizes, reflecting historical underrepresentation and highlighting the need for larger ancestry-balanced studies. The integration of AI-enabled platforms streamlined analyses and reveals the potential of artificial intelligence to accelerate discovery and advance precision medicine for populations historically underrepresented in cancer genomics research. Full article
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12 pages, 233 KB  
Article
Video Head Impulse Test: A Prognostic Marker for Patients with Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
by Gaelle Ngankam Fotsing Epse Vofo, Matityahou Ormianer, Marrigje Aagje de Jong, Julia Meyler, Yaakov Noble, Ron Eliashar and Menachem Gross
Audiol. Res. 2026, 16(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres16010007 - 31 Dec 2025
Viewed by 358
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Patients with Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) are often devastated by the unknown etiology coupled with the unknown pathway to recovery. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether abnormalities on the video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) performed early [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Patients with Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) are often devastated by the unknown etiology coupled with the unknown pathway to recovery. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether abnormalities on the video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) performed early in the course of ISSNHL are associated with poorer hearing recovery. Methods: Forty-four patients with ISSNHL were prospectively enrolled between 2019 and 2022 following exclusion of differential diagnoses on clinical and MRI evaluation. vHIT was performed within 1–14 days of symptom onset and within 48 h of hospitalization. Recovery at six months was assessed both as a dichotomous outcome and by change in pure tone average (PTA). Group differences were analyzed using Fisher’s exact and Mann–Whitney U tests. A two-predictor logistic regression model examined the association between vHIT results, dizziness, and recovery. Results: Twelve patients exhibited abnormal vHIT findings. Abnormal vHIT was strongly associated with the presence of dizziness and with markedly poorer hearing recovery at six months. Patients with normal vHIT demonstrated substantially greater improvement in PTA thresholds compared with those showing abnormal results. Logistic regression further confirmed that abnormal vHIT was an independent predictor of reduced likelihood of hearing recovery, whereas dizziness alone did not independently influence outcomes. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that abnormal vHIT results in ISSNHL patients are linked to poor hearing recovery, which can enhance patient counseling regarding expectations. Although promising as a prognostic tool, we acknowledge our limited sample size and recommend validation in larger prospective cohorts. Full article
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14 pages, 736 KB  
Article
Distribution of Virulence Factors in Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci Isolated from Clinical and Intestinal Samples
by Preslava Mihaylova Hristova
Microorganisms 2026, 14(1), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14010090 - 31 Dec 2025
Viewed by 356
Abstract
Virulence factors in enterococci play an important role in the pathogenesis of enterococcal infection and colonization. The aim was to determine the prevalence of genes encoding virulence factors in VRE from clinical and intestinal samples. A total of 163 VRE (94 clinical and [...] Read more.
Virulence factors in enterococci play an important role in the pathogenesis of enterococcal infection and colonization. The aim was to determine the prevalence of genes encoding virulence factors in VRE from clinical and intestinal samples. A total of 163 VRE (94 clinical and 69 intestinal) isolated from patients treated in the University Hospital were studied. Species identification was performed by Vitek 2. The genes for vancomycin resistance (vanABCDMN) and virulence factors (ace/acm, asa1, esp, efaA, cylA, gelE and hyl) were detected by multiplex PCR. The prevalence of virulence genes with respect to clinical and intestinal E. faecium was compared using Fisher’s exact test and p > 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Carriers of virulence factors were 107 VRE: 85 clinical and 14 intestinal E. faecium, 6 intestinal E. gallinarum and single E. durans and E. faecalis. The dominant virulence genes were acm and esp. Genes for virulence factors were not detected in the tested E. casseliflavus isolates. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of the genes encoding virulence determinants between the clinical and intestinal E. faecium. High diversity of virulence determinants was found in 107 VRE and a combination of two genes, mainly acm and esp, was detected in 94 of them. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance)
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20 pages, 1070 KB  
Article
LJ-TTS: A Paired Real and Synthetic Speech Dataset for Single-Speaker TTS Analysis
by Viola Negroni, Davide Salvi, Luca Comanducci, Taiba Majid Wani, Madleen Uecker, Irene Amerini, Stefano Tubaro and Paolo Bestagini
Electronics 2026, 15(1), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15010169 - 30 Dec 2025
Viewed by 414
Abstract
In this paper, we present LJ-TTS, a large-scale single-speaker dataset of real and synthetic speech designed to support research in text-to-speech (TTS) synthesis and analysis. The dataset builds upon high-quality recordings of a single English speaker, alongside outputs generated by 11 state-of-the-art TTS [...] Read more.
In this paper, we present LJ-TTS, a large-scale single-speaker dataset of real and synthetic speech designed to support research in text-to-speech (TTS) synthesis and analysis. The dataset builds upon high-quality recordings of a single English speaker, alongside outputs generated by 11 state-of-the-art TTS models, including both autoregressive and non-autoregressive architectures. By maintaining a controlled single-speaker setting, LJ-TTS enables precise comparison of speech characteristics across different generative models, isolating the effects of synthesis methods from speaker variability. Unlike multi-speaker datasets lacking alignment between real and synthetic samples, LJ-TTS provides exact utterance-level correspondence, allowing fine-grained analyses that are otherwise impractical. The dataset supports systematic evaluation of synthetic speech across multiple dimensions, including deepfake detection, source tracing, and phoneme-level analyses. LJ-TTS provides a standardized resource for benchmarking generative models, assessing the limits of current TTS systems, and developing robust detection and evaluation methods. The dataset is publicly available to the research community to foster reproducible and controlled studies in speech synthesis and synthetic speech detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Generative-AI Based Audio Processing)
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24 pages, 1212 KB  
Article
Assessing the Performance of Green Office Buildings in Major US Cities
by Svetlana Pushkar
Buildings 2026, 16(1), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16010158 - 29 Dec 2025
Viewed by 214
Abstract
This study examines LEED certification strategies for Existing Buildings 4.1 (LEED-EB v4.1)-certified office projects in major US cities and their relationship with local green building policies. LEED-EB v4.1 is the latest program with an appropriate sample size to conduct significance tests and draw [...] Read more.
This study examines LEED certification strategies for Existing Buildings 4.1 (LEED-EB v4.1)-certified office projects in major US cities and their relationship with local green building policies. LEED-EB v4.1 is the latest program with an appropriate sample size to conduct significance tests and draw robust statistical inferences. LEED-EB v4.1 features six performance indicators: “transportation”, “water”, “energy”, “waste”, “indoor environmental quality (IEQ)”, and “overall LEED”. The purpose of this study was to evaluate LEED-EB v4.1 gold-certified office projects in San Francisco (SF), New York City (NYC), and Washington, D.C. (DC). Exact Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney and Cliff’s δ tests were used to compare the same LEED variables between two cities. Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlation tests were used to assess the strength/direction between two LEED variables, and a simple linear regression (SLR) model was applied to predict the overall LEED variable. It was found that SF outperforms NYC in “IEQ” (δ = 0.53 and p = 0.009) and outperforms both NYC and DC in “overall LEED” (δ = 0.66 and p = 0.001; δ = 0.59 and p = 0.001). “Energy” and “waste” were positively and significantly correlated with “overall LEED” in NYC (r = 0.61 and p = 0.001; r = 0.40 and p = 0.044, respectively) and DC (r = 0.83 and p < 0.001; r = 0.65 and p = 0.009, respectively). The SLR results showed that one-point increases in “energy” and “waste” scores resulted in an increase in NYC’s overall LEED scores by approximately 0.78 and 1.72 points, respectively, and one-point increases in “energy” and “waste” scores resulted in an increase in DC’s overall LEED score by approximately 0.96 and 1.97 points, respectively. It is hypothesized that the difference in the “IEQ” of LEED-EB-certified office buildings between SF and NYC may be due to differences in these cities’ green building policies. According to the “overall LEED” indicator, office buildings in SF are more sustainable than those in NYC and DC. “Energy” and “waste” showed a stronger positive relationship with “overall LEED” in NYC and DC than the other indicators. However, the correlation analysis for SF presented in the Limitations Section is speculative due to the small sample size (n = 11). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
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9 pages, 221 KB  
Case Report
Therapy-Related Myeloid Neoplasms After CAR-T Therapy: A Case Series with Distinct Cytogenetic Features and Comparison with Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation
by Pilar Palomo-Moraleda, Sara Alonso-Álvarez, Lucía Morais-Bras, Christian Sordo-Bahamonde, Rocío Granda-Díaz, Joud Zanabili-Al-Sibai, Sofía García-Ferreiro, Marco Moro-García, Estefanía Pérez-López, Marco Hernández-Martín, Ana J. González-Huerta, Soledad González-Muñiz, Ángel Ramírez-Payer, J. María García-Gala, Ariana Fonseca-Mourelle, Segundo González and Ana P. González-Rodríguez
Hemato 2026, 7(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/hemato7010001 - 25 Dec 2025
Viewed by 237
Abstract
Background: The emergence of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (t-MN) after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is well documented. However, with the growing use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies, concerns about secondary myeloid neoplasms, particularly MN, have arisen. The [...] Read more.
Background: The emergence of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (t-MN) after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is well documented. However, with the growing use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies, concerns about secondary myeloid neoplasms, particularly MN, have arisen. The mechanisms and cytogenetic features associated with post-CAR-T MN, especially chromosome 7 abnormalities, remain underexplored. Objectives: To compare the incidence, timing, and cytogenetic characteristics of MN developing after CAR-T-cell therapy versus ASCT, and to evaluate the potential association between CAR-T therapy, persistent cytopenias, and these specific alterations. Study Design: This was a retrospective, single-center study of 275 patients with B-cell malignancies treated between 2015 and 2024 at Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (Spain). Of these, 259 patients underwent ASCT and 16 received CAR-T-cell therapy (axicabtageneciloleucel n = 13, tisagenlecleucel n = 2, brexucabtageneautoleucel n = 1). Clinical, cytogenetic, and laboratory data were collected and analyzed. Incidence rates were compared using Fisher’s exact test, and time-to-event outcomes was evaluated using the Mann–Whitney U test (given the small number of events). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Myeloid neoplasms were diagnosed in 3 of 259 ASCT patients (1.15%) and in 2 of 16 CAR-T-cell patients (12.5%) (p = 0.03). The median time to myeloid neoplasm diagnosis was numerically shorter in the CAR-T group (15.5 vs. 69 months, p = 0.096). All post-CAR-T cases presented persistent cytopenias and cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Cytogenetic analyses revealed de novo monosomy 7 and 7q deletion in both CAR-T-related cases, whereas no chromosome 7 abnormalities were detected in ASCT-related cases. Pre-treatment samples did not show these abnormalities, although limitations in the sensitivity of the assays preclude the definitive exclusion of minor pre-existing clones. Both affected CAR-T patients had prolonged CAR-T cell persistence and required transfusional support due to hematologic toxicity. One patient was diagnosed with high-risk MN with 5q and 7q deletion and the other with Clonal Cytopenia of Uncertain Significance (CCUS) with monosomy 7. Conclusions: CAR-T-cell therapy was associated with a significantly higher and earlier incidence of myeloid neoplasms compared to ASCT in this cohort. The development of post-CAR-T myeloid neoplasm was characterized by persistent cytopenias, prolonged CAR-T cell persistence, and de novo chromosome 7 alterations. While the small sample size necessitates cautious interpretation, these findings may suggest a distinct pathogenesis potentially linked to inflammation, immune toxicity, or the expansion of pre-existing clones. This highlights the need for long-term hematologic monitoring and evaluation for clonal hematopoiesis prior to CAR-T-cell therapy, especially in heavily pretreated patients. Full article
13 pages, 2462 KB  
Article
The Impact of Axial CT Level Selection on Grading Trochlear Dysplasia Using Dejour Classification
by Koray Kaya Kılıc, Mehmet Baris Ertan, Huseyin Selcuk, Tolga Kirtis, Oguzhan Uslu and Ozkan Kose
Diagnostics 2026, 16(1), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16010077 - 25 Dec 2025
Viewed by 301
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate how the choice of axial CT level affects the reliability and diagnostic accuracy of the Dejour classification for trochlear dysplasia and to evaluate a novel level defined at the most superior extent of the [...] Read more.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate how the choice of axial CT level affects the reliability and diagnostic accuracy of the Dejour classification for trochlear dysplasia and to evaluate a novel level defined at the most superior extent of the Blumensaat line. Materials and methods: Patients who presented with patellar instability or acute patellar dislocation between 2014 and 2024 and had preoperative CT scans were retrospectively reviewed. Fifty patients were randomly selected based on an a priori sample size calculation. For each knee, four axial CT levels were reconstructed: midpatellar level, Roman arc level, 3 cm above the joint line, and the top of the Blumensaat line. A consensus Dejour grade (A–D) was established by an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist and an orthopedic sports surgeon and used as the reference standard. Two orthopedic surgeons independently graded all 200 axial images twice at least 15 days apart. Quadratic weighted kappa (κ) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to assess intra- and inter-observer reliability and agreement with the consensus. Diagnostic accuracy was defined as the proportion of correctly classified cases relative to the consensus and was compared across levels using Cochran’s Q test. Results: When all four levels were combined, intra-observer reliability was almost perfect for both observers (κ = 0.96 and 0.84; exact agreement 91% and 84%), and inter-observer reliability was substantial to almost perfect (κ = 0.72 and 0.78; exact agreement 72–73%). Agreement with the consensus across all levels was moderate (κ = 0.52–0.58; exact agreement 51–52%). Analyzing levels separately, intra-observer κ remained high at all levels, whereas inter-observer agreement and agreement with the consensus varied markedly. The midpatellar level showed only moderate inter-observer reliability and fair-to-moderate agreement with the consensus (κ = 0.36; accuracy 34–40%), whereas the top of the Blumensaat line showed the highest agreement with the consensus (κ 0.69) and the highest accuracy (up to 64%; pooled 61%); however, statistically significant between-level differences were detected in only one observer–time comparison. The 3 cm above the joint line and the Roman arc level demonstrated intermediate performance. Conclusions: Although intra-observer reliability of the Dejour classification is high regardless of axial CT level, both inter-observer agreement and diagnostic accuracy depend strongly on the selected slice. The axial CT level at the top of the Blumensaat line showed a consistent trend toward higher agreement and accuracy relative to the consensus standard and may be used as a standardized reference slice within routine multi-slice CT assessment to improve reproducibility; however, it should complement comprehensive imaging review and clinical evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Imaging and Theranostics)
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9 pages, 340 KB  
Article
Digitally Enabled Discharge Quality After Neurosurgical Traumatic Brain Injury: A 10-Year Cohort from a Brazilian Public Tertiary Center
by Roberto Salvador Souza Guimarães, Victoria Ragognete Guimarães, Carlos Marcelo Barros, Maísa Ribeiro Pereira Lima Brigagão and Francisca Rego
Healthcare 2026, 14(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14010032 - 23 Dec 2025
Viewed by 248
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Safe discharge after neurosurgical traumatic brain injury (TBI) depends on documented counseling and appropriate referrals, yet real-world fidelity is uncertain in resource-constrained settings. We quantified discharge process quality and identified digitally actionable gaps. Methods: The sample for this study was a retrospective [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Safe discharge after neurosurgical traumatic brain injury (TBI) depends on documented counseling and appropriate referrals, yet real-world fidelity is uncertain in resource-constrained settings. We quantified discharge process quality and identified digitally actionable gaps. Methods: The sample for this study was a retrospective cohort of 559 consecutive neurosurgical TBI patients discharged from a Brazilian public tertiary center (2012–2022). Data were abstracted from electronic health records. The primary outcome was documentation of warning sign counseling at discharge. Proportions are reported with exact Clopper–Pearson 95% confidence intervals. Results: The median age was 66 years (IQR 47–79.5); 78.5% were male and most received care under the public health system. Subdural hematoma predominated; hematoma drainage was the most frequent procedure. Warning sign counseling was documented in 16.1% of cases (89/559; 95% CI 13.2–19.5), and no palliative care referrals were recorded. Conclusions: A low baseline for a safety-critical discharge element exposes an immediately actionable target. Embedding discharge order sets with mandatory counseling fields in the EHR, clinical decision support prompts for palliative care screening and follow-up, and QR-coded patient handouts represent a pragmatic path to improve discharge quality and end-of-life readiness in the digital era. Full article
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17 pages, 334 KB  
Article
Intraoperative Music During General Anaesthesia in Dogs Undergoing Elective Ovariohysterectomy: A Prospective, Double-Blinded Randomized Exploratory Study
by Stefanos G. Georgiou, Pagona G. Gouletsou, Eleftheria Dermisiadou, Tilemachos L. Anagnostou, Aikaterini I. Sideri and Apostolos D. Galatos
Animals 2026, 16(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16010029 - 22 Dec 2025
Viewed by 373
Abstract
Music is considered a non-pharmacological adjunct in human anaesthesia, contributing to anaesthetic- and analgesic-sparing effects, modulating autonomic responses, and enhancing recovery. However, its effects in veterinary surgical settings remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to explore the potential influence of intraoperative music on [...] Read more.
Music is considered a non-pharmacological adjunct in human anaesthesia, contributing to anaesthetic- and analgesic-sparing effects, modulating autonomic responses, and enhancing recovery. However, its effects in veterinary surgical settings remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to explore the potential influence of intraoperative music on anaesthetic and analgesic requirements, autonomic parameters, intraoperative adverse effects, and recovery quality in dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy under general anaesthesia. In this prospective, randomized exploratory study, client-owned female dogs (n = 28) were randomly assigned to either a music group (exposed to instrumental classical music intraoperatively) or a control group (no music). All dogs received a standardized anaesthetic protocol. Mean end-tidal isoflurane concentrations, intraoperative analgesic requirements, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, adverse effects, and recovery quality were recorded and compared between groups using unpaired t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed. Therefore, intraoperative music did not produce measurable effects on the assessed parameters. While no apparent benefit was observed in this study, future studies with larger sample sizes should investigate music-based interventions in more challenging or variable clinical scenarios. Additionally, further research is needed to clarify the extent to which anaesthetics suppress auditory processing. This exploratory investigation contributes to the limited body of evidence on auditory stimulation in veterinary anaesthesia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Companion Animal Theriogenology)
16 pages, 855 KB  
Article
Human Papillomavirus Self-Sampling Attitudes Amongst Women Living with HIV Prior to a Self-Sampling Intervention
by Sofia Nicolls, Emma Karlsen, Isabelle Boucoiran, Shariq Haider, Valérie Martel-Laferrière, Vanessa Poliquin, Marie-Louise Vachon, Sharon Walmsley, Alexander Wong, Sean Yaphe, Mark H. Yudin, Gina Ogilvie, Deborah Money and Elisabeth McClymont
Cancers 2026, 18(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18010014 - 19 Dec 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Our objective was to determine the acceptability of and attitudes towards HPV self-sampling among women with HIV and investigate any associations between self-sampling attitudes and participant demographic and clinical characteristics. Methods: Women with HIV aged 18–45 were given a description of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Our objective was to determine the acceptability of and attitudes towards HPV self-sampling among women with HIV and investigate any associations between self-sampling attitudes and participant demographic and clinical characteristics. Methods: Women with HIV aged 18–45 were given a description of HPV self-sampling and instructions on how to self-collect the sample. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing their perceptions of the acceptability and comfort of HPV self-sampling before using the self-sampling methodology. Responses were based on a 5-point Likert scale (strongly agree to strongly disagree) for each statement. Participants’ characteristics were included in bivariate analysis. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to assess associations between questionnaire results and participant characteristics. Results: Of the 117 completed questionnaires, 79.6% of participants had a CD4+ T cell count ≥ 500 cells/mm3. Participants’ median age was 39 (IQR 34–43). One hundred participants (85.5%) felt confident they could collect their samples correctly, and 77.8% did not think they would experience difficulties with self-collection. Most participants (68.4%) preferred to self-collect their sample instead of provider-collected sampling. Ninety-six participants (82.1%) agreed they would likely use self-collection methods for future cervical screening. Many participants were concerned about receiving a positive HPV result (68.4%), passing HPV on to their partner(s) (75.7%), and disclosing their HPV status to friends/family (49.6%). Conclusions: Women with HIV seem to be accepting of HPV self-sampling as a cervical cancer screening methodology; however, many participants were concerned about the implications associated with a positive HPV test result. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cervical Cancer Screening: Current Practices and Future Perspectives)
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19 pages, 1567 KB  
Article
Changes in Body Weight Perception, Lifestyle Habits, and Health Awareness in Croatia: A Comparative Population Survey (2022–2024)
by Sanda Marusic, Radenka Munjas Samarin, Vjekoslav Cigrovski, Silvija Canecki Varzic, Ines Bilic-Curcic, Lana Ruzic and Maja Cigrovski Berkovic
Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010011 - 19 Dec 2025
Viewed by 383
Abstract
Background: Croatia has the highest prevalence of obesity among European Union member states, with more than 65% of adults classified as overweight or obese. Understanding public perceptions and behaviours related to body weight is essential for designing effective prevention and treatment strategies. [...] Read more.
Background: Croatia has the highest prevalence of obesity among European Union member states, with more than 65% of adults classified as overweight or obese. Understanding public perceptions and behaviours related to body weight is essential for designing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Objective: This study compared Croatian adults’ satisfaction with body weight, physical fitness, and dietary habits in 2022 and 2024, exploring potential behavioural changes following national awareness campaigns and the introduction of new anti-obesity measures. Methods: Data were collected via computer-assisted web interviews (CAWI) from representative national samples of adults aged 18 years and older (N = 798; 398 in 2022, 400 in 2024). Analyses used descriptive statistics, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests for categorical variables, and independent t-tests for continuous variables. Results: In both years, fewer than half of respondents were satisfied with their body weight or physical fitness. Obesity prevalence rose slightly among men (from 18.9% to 25.4%), while rates among women remained stable. Although 93% of women and 78% of men were aware of BMI, only 21% knew their exact value. Individuals with obesity were significantly more dissatisfied with their body shape (p < 0.001). One-third reported dieting within the past six months, and only one in ten sought medical advice for weight management. Lack of time and the high cost of healthy foods were the most frequently cited barriers to healthier lifestyles. Conclusions: Body weight satisfaction and lifestyle habits among Croatian adults remain suboptimal. Targeted, gender-sensitive, and web-based interventions are needed to promote awareness, improve self-perception accuracy, and enhance obesity prevention efforts. Full article
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7 pages, 201 KB  
Brief Report
DEA 1 Prevalence and Theoretical Transfusion Mismatch Estimates in Dogs from Southeastern Mexico
by Carlos Antonio Arcos-Roa, Luis Arturo Ortíz-Carbajal, Jose Luis Bravo-Ramos, María Guadalupe Sánchez-Otero, Sokani Sánchez-Montes, Aarón Bustos-Baena, Carolina Palmeros-Exsome, Sashenka Bonilla-Rojas and Beatriz Agame-Lagunes
Pets 2025, 2(4), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/pets2040043 - 18 Dec 2025
Viewed by 293
Abstract
Ensuring blood group compatibility is essential in canine transfusion medicine, and Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) 1 is the most clinically relevant erythrocyte antigen due to its immunogenicity. However, information on its prevalence in Mexico is scarce. This study assessed the distribution of DEA [...] Read more.
Ensuring blood group compatibility is essential in canine transfusion medicine, and Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) 1 is the most clinically relevant erythrocyte antigen due to its immunogenicity. However, information on its prevalence in Mexico is scarce. This study assessed the distribution of DEA 1 in client-owned dogs from Veracruz–Boca del Río, southeastern Mexico, and applied antigen frequencies to generate theoretical incompatibility scenarios in untyped populations. A cross-sectional study was conducted using blood samples from 192 clinically healthy dogs. DEA 1 typing was performed using a commercial immunochromatographicassay. Frequencies were compared using chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated with the Wilson method. Of all dogs sampled, 60.9% (95% CI: 53.6–67.8) were DEA 1-positive. No statistically significant differences were observed by sex or municipality (p > 0.05). Although frequencies varied among breeds, no significant association between breed and DEA 1 status was detected (p > 0.05). Based on observed antigen proportions, mathematical estimations were calculated to illustrate how DEA 1 distribution alone may contribute to potential donor–recipient mismatching when typing is not performed. These estimations are theoretical values and do not represent clinically documented sensitization or transfusion reactions. This study provides the first report of DEA 1 distribution in southeastern Mexico and establishes baseline information that may support future research on canine transfusion practices and donor selection. Full article
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