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Keywords = high-risk medical conditions

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13 pages, 258 KB  
Article
Lower Extremity Injuries in Elite Snowsport Athletes: A Retrospective Survey
by Buket Sevindik Aktas, Esedullah Akaras, E. Whitney G. Moore, Ersagun Kepir, Anthony Kulas and Gokhan Yagiz
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 695; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020695 - 15 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Lower extremity injuries represent a major health concern in elite snowsport disciplines, where high mechanical loads, complex movement patterns, and demanding environmental conditions substantially increase injury risk. Understanding injury incidence and burden in this population is essential for developing sport- and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Lower extremity injuries represent a major health concern in elite snowsport disciplines, where high mechanical loads, complex movement patterns, and demanding environmental conditions substantially increase injury risk. Understanding injury incidence and burden in this population is essential for developing sport- and sex-specific prevention strategies. This retrospective study determined lower extremity injury incidence and burden among elite snowsport athletes. Methods: Ninety-nine Turkish National Snowsport Teams Training Camp athletes (34 females; 65 males) consented to a review of their medical records for injury incidence. Overall, sex- and sport-specific injury incidence (number/10,000 h) and burden (weeks missing/10,000 h) were calculated. Results: Overall, medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) was the highest burden (9.5 ± 38.7), and ankle sprain (1.7 ± 0.4) was the highest-incident injury. However, injury incidence and burden patterns differed by sex and sport. Notably, medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) showed comparable incidence in female and male athletes but resulted in a substantial injury burden in both sexes, reflecting prolonged time-loss from training and competition and indicating a meaningful negative impact on athletic performance. Specifically, the highest-burden injury for women was anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture (16.2 ± 64.5), and for men the most common injury was MTSS (9.7 ± 40.7). For cross-country skiers, MTSS had the highest burden and incidence. For all other sports, and across sexes, ankle sprain was the highest incidence injury—women (1.3 ± 3.0), men (2.0 ± 4.5), biathletes (2.3 ± 5.7), Alpine skiers (2.8 ± 4.5), ski jumpers (1.6 ± 3.1), and snowboarders (3.2 ± 4.7)—plus the highest-burden injury for biathletes (6.9 ± 14.3) and ski jumpers (6.0 ± 14.0). The highest burden injury for Alpine skiers was ACL damage (34.3 ± 87.2), and for snowboarders it was knee collateral ligament injury (27.8 ± 78.6). Moreover, patellar tendinitis, hamstring strains, calf strains, Achilles ruptures, anterior tibial pain, meniscus tears, and hip injuries were frequently observed in injury patterns. Conclusions: Ankle sprains were the most frequent lower extremity injury in elite snowsport athletes, whereas medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries accounted for the greatest injury burden. Injury incidence and burden differed by sex and snowsport discipline. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sports Medicine)
13 pages, 535 KB  
Review
From Lung Cancer Predictive Models to MULTIPREVENTion
by Zuzanna Budzińska, Zofia Budzisz, Marta Bednarek and Joanna Bidzińska
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020629 - 13 Jan 2026
Viewed by 130
Abstract
The early diagnosis and treatment of civilizational diseases remain a significant challenge worldwide. Although advances in medical technology have led to the introduction of more screening options over time, these measures are still insufficient to effectively reduce mortality from deadly diseases such as [...] Read more.
The early diagnosis and treatment of civilizational diseases remain a significant challenge worldwide. Although advances in medical technology have led to the introduction of more screening options over time, these measures are still insufficient to effectively reduce mortality from deadly diseases such as lung cancer (LC), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These conditions pose a major public health burden, underlying the urgent need for more comprehensive and efficient prevention strategies. Recently, the concept of ‘multiscreening’ has emerged as a promising approach. Multiscreening involves the simultaneous screening for multiple diseases using integrated diagnostic methods, potentially improving early detection rates and optimizing resource utilization. In 2024, Rzyman W. et al. launched the MULTIPREVENT epidemiological study, which aims to develop and validate a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT)-based screening test for civilizational diseases. This study represents a step forward in the pursuit of more effective, minimally invasive diagnostic tools that could facilitate earlier intervention and improve patient outcomes. To better understand the potential of multiscreening approaches and their clinical utility, it is essential to evaluate the existing predictive models used for identifying individuals at high risk for these diseases. This narrative review focuses primarily on lung cancer risk prediction models used in LDCT screening while situating these approaches within the broader conceptual framework of the MULTIPREVENT project, aimed at future integration of multi-disease prevention strategies. With this analysis, we aim to provide insights that will guide the development of more accurate, integrative screening tools that could reduce the global burden of these diseases. Full article
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24 pages, 1951 KB  
Article
Lifestyle and Chronic Comorbidity in Relation to Healthy Ageing in Community-Dwelling People Aged 80 and over: Preliminary Study from a Primary Health Care Service in Southern Spain
by Alberto Jesús García-Zayas, María del Carmen Márquez-Tejero, Juan Luis González-Caballero and Carmen Gómez-Gómez
Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020189 - 12 Jan 2026
Viewed by 154
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Healthy ageing, focused on maintaining daily autonomy and cognitive function despite chronic comorbidities, poses a challenge for public health systems, especially for those aged ≥80, given the expected increase in this population. Promoting a healthy lifestyle in this group is essential [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Healthy ageing, focused on maintaining daily autonomy and cognitive function despite chronic comorbidities, poses a challenge for public health systems, especially for those aged ≥80, given the expected increase in this population. Promoting a healthy lifestyle in this group is essential to achieving this goal, with primary care services playing a key role in this effort. Therefore, our objective was to profile the participants based on these characteristics. Methods: The study included 222 non-institutionalized, dementia-free individuals (mean age 84.58 ± 3.72 years, 56.3% women) recruited from a primary healthcare service. Data were collected from medical records and interviews, including the cognitive Pfeiffer test, the functional Barthel index (BI), and ad hoc questionnaires (for lifestyle variables). Latent profiling analysis (LPA) was used to classify the participants. Results: The participants reported social support (97.7%), low-risk alcohol consumption (94.6%), adherence to the Mediterranean diet (85.1%), physical activity (74.8%), and never smoking (72.5%). Hypertension (86.5%), cataracts (74.3%), and osteoarticular diseases (68.5%) were the most frequent chronic conditions. Women showed a significantly different distribution of certain variables and a higher number of comorbidities (6.34 ± 2.38) than men (5.58 ± 2.44) (p = 0.019). After LPA, we found that 38.29% of individuals met characteristics compatible with healthy ageing, predominantly male (60%); the association of a high probability of cognitive impairment with a high degree (severe or total), exhibited by the profiles likely >85% women (18.5% of individuals); physical activity, smoking, osteoporosis, anxiety, COPD, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and creatinine blood levels exhibited statistical differences between profiles; and the probability of dependence severity was associated with an increase in age, although cognitive status conservation was associated being male. Conclusions: The studied +80 group seems to follow a healthy lifestyle, as self-reported. Women fare worse than men in resilient ageing. While common factors related to dysfunctionality did not differentiate between profiles, CKD, an increasingly common age-related condition, did. Full article
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31 pages, 431 KB  
Review
HBOT as a Potential Adjunctive Therapy for Wound Healing in Dental Surgery—A Narrative Review
by Beata Wiśniewska, Kosma Piekarski, Sandra Spychała, Ewelina Golusińska-Kardach, Bartłomiej Perek and Marzena Liliana Wyganowska
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020605 - 12 Jan 2026
Viewed by 285
Abstract
Background: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is considered a potential adjunctive modality to enhance tissue regeneration in oral and maxillofacial surgery. By increasing tissue oxygen availability, HBOT may support bone and soft-tissue repair under hypoxic and chronically inflamed conditions. Aim: This narrative [...] Read more.
Background: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is considered a potential adjunctive modality to enhance tissue regeneration in oral and maxillofacial surgery. By increasing tissue oxygen availability, HBOT may support bone and soft-tissue repair under hypoxic and chronically inflamed conditions. Aim: This narrative review evaluates current experimental and clinical evidence regarding HBOT in high-risk dental indications, including osteoradionecrosis (ORN), medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), chronic osteomyelitis, poorly healing postoperative wounds, and procedures in patients with systemic comorbidities. Methods: A structured search of PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library identified 123 relevant English-language publications (from 1 January 2000–September 2025) addressing HBOT mechanisms and clinical applications in oral and maxillofacial surgery, including clinical trials, observational studies, preclinical models, and systematic reviews. Results: Available evidence suggests that HBOT may improve healing outcomes and reduce complication rates in early-stage ORN and MRONJ when used as an adjunct to surgery and systemic therapy. However, findings in implantology—particularly in irradiated or diabetic patients—and in periodontal therapy remain limited, heterogeneous, and methodologically inconsistent. Conclusions: HBOT may be considered in selected clinical scenarios, particularly where healing is impaired by hypoxia or systemic disease. Nevertheless, current evidence remains insufficient to support routine use. Standardized, high-quality studies with clearly defined endpoints and uniform therapeutic protocols are needed to determine its clinical effectiveness and optimal indications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine)
13 pages, 969 KB  
Article
Diagnostic Value of Serum and Salivary Podoplanin as Clinical Biomarkers for Distinguishing Oral Cancer from Oral Leukoplakia
by Hafize Uzun, Guven Bozarslan, Seyma Dumur, Naile Fevziye Misirlioglu, Mehmet Nuri Elgormus, Canan Duvarcı, Remise Gelisgen, Aysegul Batioglu Karaaltin and Yetkin Zeki Yilmaz
Diagnostics 2026, 16(2), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16020206 - 9 Jan 2026
Viewed by 130
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate serum and salivary podoplanin (PDPN) levels in patients with oral cancer (OC) and oral leukoplakia (OL) and to investigate their potential role as diagnostic biomarkers in distinguishing between these conditions. Materials and Method: Ninety participants were enrolled: [...] Read more.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate serum and salivary podoplanin (PDPN) levels in patients with oral cancer (OC) and oral leukoplakia (OL) and to investigate their potential role as diagnostic biomarkers in distinguishing between these conditions. Materials and Method: Ninety participants were enrolled: 30 healthy controls, 30 patients with OL, and 30 patients with histopathologically confirmed OC. All cases were recruited from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty and Istanbul Atlas University Hospital. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and biochemical parameters were recorded. Serum and salivary PDPN levels were measured using the ELISA method. Results: Serum PDPN levels were significantly higher in the OC group (3.25 ± 0.80 ng/mL) compared with both OL (1.85 ± 0.56 ng/mL) and controls (0.98 ± 0.42 ng/mL) (p < 0.001). Salivary PDPN levels showed a similar pattern, being highest in OC (2.65 ± 0.75 ng/mL), followed by leukoplakia (1.40 ± 0.45 ng/mL), and controls (0.72 ± 0.30 ng/mL) (p < 0.001). Importantly, both serum and salivary PDPN concentrations increased progressively with increasing epithelial dysplasia severity among patients with OL (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy for OC: AUC = 0.976 for serum PDPN (cut-off: 2.0 ng/mL; sensitivity 93.3%, specificity 100%) and AUC = 0.987 for salivary PDPN (cut-off 1.24 ng/mL; sensitivity 93.3%, specificity 95%). Conclusions: Serum and salivary PDPN levels were significantly elevated in patients with OC and demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance in distinguishing malignant lesions from OL and healthy controls. The observed stepwise increase in PDPN levels with dysplasia severity further supports its role in malignant transformation. Notably, salivary PDPN represents a non-invasive, practical, and reproducible biomarker that may aid in early detection and risk stratification of high-risk oral premalignant lesions. PDPN assessment could therefore complement clinical and histopathological evaluation, although larger prospective studies are warranted to validate its diagnostic and prognostic utility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis)
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6 pages, 406 KB  
Case Report
Unusually Extensive Furuncular Myiasis in a Returning Traveller from Rural Ethiopia Complicated by Streptococcus Pyogenes Secondary Infection Following Albendazole Therapy
by Diva Jhaveri, Alastair McGregor and Matthew J. W. Kain
Reports 2026, 9(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports9010019 - 8 Jan 2026
Viewed by 232
Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: Furuncular myiasis is a tropical parasitic skin infestation caused by dipterous fly larvae, most commonly affecting travellers to endemic regions. While returning travellers typically present with one or few lesions, extensive parasitism is rare. Increased global mobility and [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: Furuncular myiasis is a tropical parasitic skin infestation caused by dipterous fly larvae, most commonly affecting travellers to endemic regions. While returning travellers typically present with one or few lesions, extensive parasitism is rare. Increased global mobility and expanding ecological range of myiasis-causing species underscores the need for clinicians in endemic and non-endemic regions to recognise, diagnose, and manage this condition promptly. Awareness of exposure risks—including soil contact, infested clothing, and poor living conditions—is essential to reducing morbidity and preventing complications like secondary bacterial infection. Case Presentation: A healthy male in his forties returned to the UK after a month-long visit to rural Ethiopia, during which he slept on dirt floors and hung his washing on a line. He developed pruritic papular lesions that progressed to erythematous furuncles with central puncta and purulent discharge, accompanied by sensations of movement. The patient self-extracted 12 larvae in Ethiopia and subsequently sought local medical attention, receiving Albendazole, after which emerging larvae were non-motile. On UK presentation, he had 27 lesions at varying stages, 3 with signs of secondary infection. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated inflammatory markers, and wound swabs grew scanty Streptococcus pyogenes. Management included wound occlusion and systemic antibiotics. No further larvae were retrieved, precluding definitive speciation. All lesions improved over subsequent reviews. Conclusions: This case illustrates an unusually extensive presentation of presumed Cordylobia spp. myiasis in a returning traveller, highlighting potential complications following larvicidal therapy. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for myiasis in patients with compatible cutaneous lesions and relevant history. Increasing travel and shifting vector distributions make familiarity with tropical dermatoses and provision of effective safety measures essential in clinical practice. Full article
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14 pages, 588 KB  
Systematic Review
Application of Transthoracic and Endobronchial Elastography—A Systematic Review
by Christian Kildegaard, Rune W. Nielsen, Christian B. Laursen, Ariella Denize Nielsen, Amanda D. Juul, Tai Joon An, Dinesh Addala and Casper Falster
Cancers 2026, 18(2), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020190 - 7 Jan 2026
Viewed by 211
Abstract
Introduction: Ultrasound elastography is increasingly used across medical imaging, yet its role in thoracic disease remains poorly defined. While both transthoracic ultrasonography (TUS) and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) offer real-time assessment of pleural and pulmonary structures, the diagnostic and clinical value of elastography in [...] Read more.
Introduction: Ultrasound elastography is increasingly used across medical imaging, yet its role in thoracic disease remains poorly defined. While both transthoracic ultrasonography (TUS) and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) offer real-time assessment of pleural and pulmonary structures, the diagnostic and clinical value of elastography in this context remains uncertain. Materials and Method: A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines (April 2023; updated January 2025). Original studies evaluating transthoracic or endobronchial elastography for pleural or pulmonary conditions were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by three reviewers, with QUADAS-2 used to evaluate risk of bias. Results: Thirty studies met inclusion criteria. Twenty-eight evaluated TUS elastography and two examined EBUS. Shear wave elastography was most frequently applied, particularly for differentiating malignant from benign pleural effusion or subpleural lesions. Surface wave elastography demonstrated consistently higher stiffness values in patients with interstitial lung disease compared with healthy controls, correlating with radiological and functional disease severity. Elastography-guided pleural biopsy improved diagnostic yield compared with conventional ultrasound-guided biopsy. Overall, substantial methodological variation existed among scanning techniques, elastography modalities, reporting methods, and diagnostic thresholds, limiting cross-study comparison. Conclusions: Ultrasound elastography shows promise for evaluating pleural effusion and pulmonary lesions, procedural guidance, and interstitial lung disease possibly improving diagnostic possibilities with bedside evaluation and reducing patient exposure to radiation. However, methodological variation and limited high-quality evidence preclude clinical implementation. Standardized acquisition protocols and multicentre validation studies are necessary to define its diagnostic utility in thoracic imaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Ultrasound in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment)
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15 pages, 300 KB  
Article
COVID-19 in the Neonatal Period in a Reference Maternity for High-Risk Pregnancy: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study
by Roseane Lima Santos Porto, Sonia Oliveira Lima, Cristiane Costa da Cunha Oliveira, Vera Lúcia Corrêa Feitosa, Raissa Pinho Morais, Aline de Siqueira Alves Lopes, Ana Jovina Barreto Bispo and Francisco Prado Reis
COVID 2026, 6(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid6010011 - 6 Jan 2026
Viewed by 163
Abstract
COVID-19 in newborns presents a multifaceted clinical spectrum, with the potential for severe outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical evolution and hospital outcomes of neonates with a molecular diagnosis of COVID-19. A case-control study was conducted in a public referral maternity [...] Read more.
COVID-19 in newborns presents a multifaceted clinical spectrum, with the potential for severe outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical evolution and hospital outcomes of neonates with a molecular diagnosis of COVID-19. A case-control study was conducted in a public referral maternity hospital for high-risk pregnancies. Two controls were selected for each case, matched by sex and gestational age. Variables related to birth data, symptoms, and clinical progression were collected from medical records and analyzed statistically, with crude and adjusted relative risks calculated using Poisson regression with robust standard errors. A total of 25 neonates with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified among 875 newborns. Compared with controls, infected neonates had a longer hospital stay (median of 19 days vs. 8 days; p < 0.001) and higher readmission rates (16% vs. 0%; p = 0.03). After adjusting for potential confounders, COVID-19 infection was associated with a 2.41-fold higher risk of neonatal death (95% CI: 1.24–4.67; p = 0.009). No evidence of vertical transmission was found. These findings suggest that neonates with COVID-19 may experience longer hospitalizations and an adjusted higher risk of mortality, emphasizing the need for vigilant surveillance and supportive care. However, given the observational design of the study, these results indicate associations rather than causal relationships. Understanding the clinical behavior of COVID-19 in this population—characterized by inherently low immunity—and recognizing its interaction with other neonatal conditions are essential for improving hospital management and outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section COVID Clinical Manifestations and Management)
11 pages, 569 KB  
Article
Preeclampsia as an Independent and Major Risk Factor for Significant Postpartum Depression Symptomatology: Results from a Prospective Cohort Study
by Larisa-Mihaela Holbanel, Adina Turcu-Stiolica, Daniela Gabriela Glavan, Sebastian Constantin Toma and Nicolae Cernea
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(1), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15010395 - 5 Jan 2026
Viewed by 228
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Preeclampsia is a severe hypertensive disorder that has been linked to increased maternal psychiatric morbidity. However, existing literature remains inconsistent regarding whether this association is independent of underlying medical co-morbidities such as chronic hypertension and diabetes. Our objective was to precisely [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Preeclampsia is a severe hypertensive disorder that has been linked to increased maternal psychiatric morbidity. However, existing literature remains inconsistent regarding whether this association is independent of underlying medical co-morbidities such as chronic hypertension and diabetes. Our objective was to precisely evaluate the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) of developing Postpartum Depression symptomatology (probable PPD) following a diagnosis of preeclampsia in a prospectively tracked cohort, controlling for essential confounders. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 180 women (33 in the Preeclampsia group, 147 in the Normotensive reference group), with stringent exclusion of women with prior psychiatric history to reduce confounding. PPD was assessed postpartum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS ≥ 13 cutoff). Multivariable logistic regression was employed to calculate the AOR, adjusting for maternal age, chronic hypertension, and prepregnancy diabetes. Results: The multivariable analysis demonstrated a highly significant and independent association between the primary exposure and the outcome. Preeclampsia was associated with 12.7-fold increased odds of developing PPD (AOR: 12.7; 95% CI: 5.1–31.7; p < 0.001). In contrast, none of the included confounders—chronic hypertension (AOR: 1.96, p = 0.182), prepregnancy diabetes (AOR: 1.8, p = 0.372), or age (AOR: 0.99, p = 0.759)—showed a statistically significant independent association with PPD risk. The model achieved strong explanatory power (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.327; Omnibus Test p < 0.001). Conclusions: Preeclampsia represents a powerful and independent determinant of the risk for significant PPD symptomatology, substantially increasing the adjusted odds of the condition. These findings mandate that women with a history of preeclampsia be designated a high-risk group and receive immediate, mandatory, and intensified postpartum mental health surveillance and preferential access to specialized psychological support. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perinatal Mental Health Management)
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11 pages, 703 KB  
Article
The Incidence of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy Among Low-Risk Cancer Patients with Preserved Renal Function on Active Treatment Undergoing Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography: A Single-Site Experience
by Ahmad Subahi, Nada Alhazmi, Maryam Lardi, Fatimah Alkathiri, Layan Bokhari, Sultanah Alqahtani, Nesreen Abourokba and Khalid Alshamrani
Healthcare 2026, 14(1), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14010115 - 3 Jan 2026
Viewed by 265
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common iatrogenic or medically induced condition among patients who receive intravenous infusion of iodinated contrast media that can cause renal insufficiency, raise the cost of care, and increase mortality risk. This study evaluated the incidence of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common iatrogenic or medically induced condition among patients who receive intravenous infusion of iodinated contrast media that can cause renal insufficiency, raise the cost of care, and increase mortality risk. This study evaluated the incidence of CIN and predictors of renal function among cancer patients receiving contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). Methods: A prospective, single-center longitudinal study was conducted at King Abdul-Aziz Medical City’s (Jeddah) medical imaging department from December 2021 to December 2023. Convenience sampling was used to select patients who were exposed to CECT based on data filled in the electronic medical record during the study period. Results: The final sample constituted 80 patients (47.71% attrition, mean age = 55.5 years, 58.75% male). The high attrition rate was associated with participants with incomplete records, those who were lost to follow-up, and those whose follow-up Scr was collected after 72 h from CECT administration. There was no statistically significant change in Scr following contrast exposure (mean increase 0.9 µmol/L; paired t = 1.41, p = 0.162; Wilcoxon p = 0.326). The incidence of CIN was 3.75% (3 of 80 patients; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.28–10.39%). Regression analysis showed no statistically significant associations between the percentage change in Scr and age, sex, baseline creatinine, or eGFR category (model R2 = 0.07). No clinically meaningful predictors of CIN were identified. Conclusions: The incidence of CIN in this study’s cohort of low-risk cancer patients undergoing CECT was low, and contrast exposure did not produce significant short-term changes in renal function. These findings support the safety of modern contrast agents in oncology imaging, but multi-center studies with larger samples and more robust methods are warranted to refine CIN risk assessment in cancer patients undergoing CECT. Full article
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18 pages, 290 KB  
Review
Usage of Silver Nanoparticles in Orthodontic Appliances
by Meigan Niu, Janet Jisoo Lee, Geelsu Hwang, Chun-Hsi Chung, Mark S. Wolff, Zhong Zheng and Chenshuang Li
Materials 2026, 19(1), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19010115 - 29 Dec 2025
Viewed by 285
Abstract
Orthodontic treatment, offering significant benefits for oral function and facial aesthetics, is in high demand among both adolescent and adult populations. Orthodontic appliances pose challenges for maintaining oral hygiene and increase the risk of dental and periodontal diseases. With advances in dental materials [...] Read more.
Orthodontic treatment, offering significant benefits for oral function and facial aesthetics, is in high demand among both adolescent and adult populations. Orthodontic appliances pose challenges for maintaining oral hygiene and increase the risk of dental and periodontal diseases. With advances in dental materials and the use of nanoparticles, a significant amount of research has focused on modifying orthodontic appliances with nanoparticles to reduce bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Silver nanoparticles are one of the most popular antibacterial materials in medical research. This article presents current evidence on silver nanoparticle-incorporated orthodontic appliances, including brackets, molar bands, archwires, elastomeric ligatures, mini-implants, and acrylic retainers. Silver nanoparticles and modified silver nanoparticles exhibit robust antibacterial activity when applied to the surfaces of orthodontic appliances. However, there are exceptions in which, on a few orthodontic appliances, the silver nanoparticle incorporation actually increased biofilm formation. Moreover, a silver nanoparticle incorporation may introduce adverse effects, such as cytotoxicity, and increase surface roughness. It is also worth noting that most of the studies were conducted in vitro. Long-term clinical studies are necessary to evaluate the stability, safety, and clinical efficacy of silver nanoparticle-incorporated orthodontic appliances under real-world conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials for Dentistry: Experiments and Practice)
19 pages, 1324 KB  
Article
Reno-Metabolic Multimorbidity and Psychiatric Comorbidity: Development of a Renal–Psychiatric/Psychosomatic Burden Score in a Real-World Cohort
by Ana Lucreția Trandafir, Oceane Colasse, Marc Cristian Ghitea, Evelin Claudia Ghitea, Timea Claudia Ghitea, Roxana Daniela Brata and Alexandru Daniel Jurca
Medicina 2026, 62(1), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010066 - 28 Dec 2025
Viewed by 205
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Renal and metabolic disorders frequently coexist with psychiatric and psychosomatic conditions, forming complex multimorbidity clusters that challenge traditional models of care. Anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders may amplify the clinical trajectory of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and metabolic dysfunction. This [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Renal and metabolic disorders frequently coexist with psychiatric and psychosomatic conditions, forming complex multimorbidity clusters that challenge traditional models of care. Anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders may amplify the clinical trajectory of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and metabolic dysfunction. This study aimed to characterize the renal–psychiatric/psychosomatic burden profile of a real-world clinical cohort and to introduce a novel integrative multimorbidity score (RePsy-Risk) quantifying the combined renal, metabolic, and psychiatric burden. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 148 adult patients stratified into a reno-metabolic group (group 1) and a comparison group with other comorbidities (group 2). Clinical, biochemical, and psychiatric data were extracted from routine medical records. RePsy-Risk was constructed from three domains: renal impairment (eGFR, UACR), metabolic load (TyG index, diabetes/metabolic diagnosis), and psychiatric/psychosomatic involvement (diagnostic text-mining, psychotropic treatment). Group differences were assessed using Mann–Whitney U and t-tests, and associations were explored via Spearman correlation and heatmap visualization. Results: The reno-metabolic group exhibited significantly higher serum creatinine (1.07 vs. 0.86 mg/dL, p = 0.0027), a greater medication burden (7.07 vs. 5.70 drugs, p = 0.0007), and a higher RePsy-Risk score (mean 4.11 vs. 3.20, p = 0.00028). Overall, 52.0% of patients were classified as low risk, 45.3% as moderate risk, and 2.7% as high risk. RePsy-Risk correlated strongly with renal dysfunction (eGFR: ρ = –0.62; UACR: ρ = 0.38) and with metabolic load (TyG: ρ = 0.53), while psychiatric factors contributed independently (RePsy_C: ρ = 0.48). Heatmap analysis confirmed clustering of renal and metabolic domains, with psychosomatic features forming a distinct but additive dimension. Conclusions: Reno-metabolic disease is associated with a significantly elevated renal–psychiatric/psychosomatic burden, shaped by the interplay between impaired renal function, metabolic stress, and psychiatric comorbidity. The RePsy-Risk score offers a practical tool for capturing this multidimensional vulnerability, highlighting the need for integrated clinical strategies that simultaneously address renal, metabolic, and mental health pathways. Further validation in larger cohorts is warranted. Full article
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12 pages, 234 KB  
Article
Associations of ADHD and Borderline Personality Disorder with Suicidality in Adolescents: Additive and Interactive Effects
by Bartłomiej Sporniak, Przemysław Zakowicz and Monika Szewczuk-Bogusławska
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(1), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15010224 - 27 Dec 2025
Viewed by 346
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Suicidal behaviors are a major clinical concern in adolescents, particularly among those with disorders marked by emotion dysregulation and impulsivity. Although attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) each heighten suicide risk, little is known about whether their occurrence confers [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Suicidal behaviors are a major clinical concern in adolescents, particularly among those with disorders marked by emotion dysregulation and impulsivity. Although attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) each heighten suicide risk, little is known about whether their occurrence confers additive or interactive effects in youth. This study examined whether ADHD and BPD diagnoses show additive or interactive associations with the suicide risk in adolescents. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational clinical study, the sample included 108 Polish adolescents (66.7% female; aged 13–17 years) recruited from inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings (Independent Public Healthcare Facility, Children and Youth Treatment Center in Zabór, the Youth Sociotherapy Center No. 2 in Wrocław, and the District Educational Center in Jerzmanice-Zdrój (Poland)). The data collection for our study was conducted between May 2024 and July 2025. Diagnoses and suicide risk were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-KID 7.02). Associations of ADHD and BPD with suicide risk were tested using linear and logistic regression models while accounting for age, sex, the current depressive episode, and the use of psychiatric medications. Results: Unadjusted analyses revealed significant main, but not interactive, associations of BPD and ADHD with suicide risk. When covariates were included in the model, BPD remained strongly associated with suicidality severity and with the presence of any suicide risk (adjusted OR = 7.00, 95% CI [1.55–31.57]), whereas the association between ADHD and suicidality was attenuated and did not reach conventional levels of statistical significance (adjusted OR = 3.48, 95% CI [0.93–13.08]). No statistically detectable ADHD × BPD interaction was observed. Estimates for ADHD were directionally consistent across models but characterized by wide confidence intervals. Conclusions: Adolescents with BPD appear to be at particularly high risk of suicide and should receive focused assessment, safety planning, and early intervention as part of routine care. In contrast, suicidality among adolescents with ADHD appears to be influenced by co-occurring clinical conditions, and its independent association with suicide risk remains statistically uncertain after adjustment. Clinicians should therefore remain alert to suicidality in youth with ADHD, while paying particular attention to accompanying symptoms and comorbid diagnoses that may further increase risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mental Health)
15 pages, 4017 KB  
Review
COVID-19 and Interstitial Lung Disease
by Roberto G. Carbone, Sharada Nagoti, Assaf Monselise, Keith M. Wille, Francesco Puppo and Pallav L. Shah
Medicina 2026, 62(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010022 - 23 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1683
Abstract
Background and Objectives: COVID-19 is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that may develop several complications. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the major long-term complication of COVID-19 disease leading to progressive lung fibrosis and reduced respiratory function. The aim of this [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: COVID-19 is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that may develop several complications. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the major long-term complication of COVID-19 disease leading to progressive lung fibrosis and reduced respiratory function. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an updated overview of post-COVID-19 ILD by examining research publications and clinical guidelines selected from PubMed, Web of Science, and major respiratory medicine journals from 2020 to 2025. Methods: ILDs are diagnosed by medical history, physiological examination, pulmonary function tests, and chest X-ray or high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan. Lung biopsy, especially cryobiopsy or video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) biopsy, can be performed to define histological patterns and confirm the diagnosis. Results: Post-COVID-19 ILD is a chronic condition characterized by long-term respiratory symptoms, radiological findings, and reduced lung function. Fibrotic injury is a consequence of the initial infection and could be influenced by persistent inflammation and dysregulated tissue repair. Risk factors include severe acute illness, advanced age, male sex, and smoking. Clinical course and prognosis of post-COVID-19 ILD is uncertain, as most patients experience gradual improvement or stability, whereas others develop progressive lung function decline. Treatment of post-COVID-19 ILD is not presently defined by guidelines but comprises corticosteroids, antifibrotics (including new drugs such as nerandomilast), supportive oxygen, pulmonary physiotherapy rehabilitation, smoking cessation, and vaccination. Conclusions: ILD represents a significant long-term complication of COVID-19 infection. Further investigations are required to better understand its pathophysiology and clinical management. As research progresses, more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are expected to emerge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Treatment of Interstitial Lung Disease)
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15 pages, 496 KB  
Article
Asthma Is Associated with Overweight, Obesity and Residential Grey Space in an Italian General Population Sample
by Ilaria Stanisci, Anna Antonietta Angino, Sara Maio, Giuseppe Sarno, Patrizia Silvi, Sofia Tagliaferro, Giovanni Viegi and Sandra Baldacci
Sustainability 2025, 17(24), 11300; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172411300 - 17 Dec 2025
Viewed by 315
Abstract
Background: Overweight and obesity frequently occur as comorbid conditions in people with asthma, particularly among those with poor disease control or more severe clinical profiles. However, the extent to which exposure to grey spaces may influence the link between overweight/obesity and asthma remains [...] Read more.
Background: Overweight and obesity frequently occur as comorbid conditions in people with asthma, particularly among those with poor disease control or more severe clinical profiles. However, the extent to which exposure to grey spaces may influence the link between overweight/obesity and asthma remains insufficiently explored. Aim: To assess the association between overweight/obesity and asthma in an Italian general population sample and the influence of residential grey space on such relationship. Methods: A total of 2841 individuals (54.7% women; age range 8–97 years) residing in Pisa, Italy, were surveyed in 1991–1993 using a standardised questionnaire on health conditions and relevant risk factors. The proportion of grey space within a 1000 m buffer around each participant’s home was quantified using the CORINE Land Cover database. Multinomial logistic regression models were applied to assess the association between asthma status (1. asthma symptoms without doctor diagnosis, 2. diagnosis ± symptoms, 3. no diagnosis/symptoms − reference category) and overweight/obesity, adjusting for sex, age, educational level, smoking, physical activity and grey space exposure. Analyses were further stratified according to high vs. low grey space exposure (above vs. below 63%, corresponding to the second tertile). Mediation and interaction analyses were also performed. Results: The prevalence of asthma diagnosis ± symptoms, overweight and obesity was 18.7%, 35.8% and 12.8%, respectively. In the full sample, asthma symptoms without medical diagnosis were positively associated with overweight (Odds Ratio—OR 1.43; 95% Confidence Interval—CI 1.08–1.88), obesity (OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.38–2.88) and residential grey space (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01–1.13). Stratified models showed that, among participants with high exposure to grey areas, asthma symptoms were linked to both overweight (OR 2.03; 95% CI 1.29–3.19) and obesity (OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.36–4.86). In individuals with low grey space exposure, an association was observed only with obesity (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.15–2.82). Mediation analysis did not reveal any weight-related effect modification. Measures of additive interaction indicated that 32% of asthma symptoms were attributable to the interaction between excess body weight and high grey space exposure. Conclusions: This study showed that overweight/obesity and grey space exposure are factors associated with asthma symptoms. These findings advocate for an early identification of overweight/obese-asthma symptom phenotype since it may help prevent the onset or worsening of asthma, particularly in urban environments. These insights highlight the need for integrated public health and urban planning strategies to promote more sustainable, health-supportive environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pollution Prevention, Mitigation and Sustainability)
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