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12 pages, 623 KB  
Article
Hepatitis B Virus, Helicobacter pylori and High-Risk Events of Gastric Cancer Development: An Observational Study (SIGES)
by Jin-Chen Zou, Mao-Yao Wen, Yuan Yang, Zhuo-Yu Li, Yan Huang, Xin-Zu Chen and SIGES Research Group
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(6), 2413; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15062413 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an infection proven to increase the risk of gastric cancer, especially among hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) seropositive patients. However, the route through which HBV injures gastric mucosa and its mechanism of gastric carcinogenesis are still [...] Read more.
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an infection proven to increase the risk of gastric cancer, especially among hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) seropositive patients. However, the route through which HBV injures gastric mucosa and its mechanism of gastric carcinogenesis are still under investigation. Aims: The present study aimed to observe and evaluate associations between HBV infection with Helicobacter pylori, atrophic gastritis, and some other high-risk events for gastric cancer development. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study recruited participants undergoing a health check-up between 2018 and 2020 in the West China Hospital of Sichuan University. Participants were stratified into three statuses, including Group A (non-HBV infection), Group B (resolved HBV infection), and Group C (chronic HBsAg carriers or active HBV infection). Additionally, Groups A and B were categorized as HBsAg-seronegative, whereas Group C was defined as HBsAg-seropositive. High-risk events of gastric cancer included a history of gastric ulcer, Helicobacter pylori infection, serological atrophic gastritis (serum pepsinogens), hypergastrinemia (serum gastrin-17), and endoscopic findings of atrophic gastritis, gastric polyps, and gastric ulcer. Associations of HBV infection status or HBsAg seropositivity with Helicobacter pylori infection, atrophic gastritis and other high-risk events of gastric cancer were analyzed. Results: A total of 21,505 eligible observations were included, with Group C accounting for 6.1%. In Group C, the prevalence of gastric ulcer (p = 0.002) and very-high serum gastrin-17 level (p = 0.002) was significantly greater than in Group A. In multivariate analysis, both Helicobacter pylori infection (aOR = 2.79, 95% CI 2.44–3.21) and HBsAg seropositivity (aOR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.02–1.59) were significant risk factors for hypergastrinemia. No interaction was found between Helicobacter pylori co-infection risks and Group B (aOR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.84–1.43) or Group C (aOR = 1.40, 95% CI 0.66–2.95). Helicobacter pylori infection was identified as an independent risk factor for atrophic gastritis (aOR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.44–2.39). However, HBsAg seropositivity did not show a similar association with atrophic gastritis (aOR = 1.15, 95% CI 0.75–1.74). Moreover, HBV co-infection did not exert a synergistic effect on the risk of atrophic gastritis in individuals with Helicobacter pylori (aOR = 1.09, 95% CI 0.54–2.22). Additionally, multivariate analyses did not identify significant associations between HBV infection statuses and gastric polyps or ulcers. Conclusions: HBsAg seropositivity was not associated with increased risk of atrophic gastritis, gastric polyps or ulcers, or Helicobacter pylori infection, with the exception of hypergastrinemia. Additionally, HBV co-infection did not exert a synergistic effect on increasing the risk of atrophic gastritis in patients with Helicobacter pylori. Collectively, these findings suggest that the mechanism underlying the increased risk of gastric cancer in individuals with HBV may not be predominantly mediated via Helicobacter pylori infection and atrophic gastritis. Theories regarding HBV-induced genotoxicity or confounding effects warrant further investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Epidemiology & Public Health)
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8 pages, 552 KB  
Article
Leveraging Large and Diverse Biobanks to Evaluate Gene–Disease Associations in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
by Saif F. Dababneh, Kevin Ong, Darwin Yeung, Nathaniel M. Hawkins, Andrew Krahn, Zachary Laksman, Rafik Tadros and Thomas M. Roston
J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(3), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16030171 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026
Abstract
Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common inherited disease and a leading known cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young adults and athletes. While genetic testing has advanced rapidly in the past decade, the yield of genetic testing remains low. The Clinical Genome [...] Read more.
Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common inherited disease and a leading known cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young adults and athletes. While genetic testing has advanced rapidly in the past decade, the yield of genetic testing remains low. The Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen) initiative has become a leading resource for defining the clinical relevance of genetic variants with expert groups focusing on evaluating the strength of evidence for each HCM implicated gene. With the rise of large biobanks and population databases, genetic discovery has been significantly advanced. However, whether these databases can be used to validate gene–disease associations curated by ClinGen and provide evidence for novel gene–disease associations remains unclear. Objectives: Here, we utilized a publicly available database containing 748,879 individuals across three large biobanks (All of Us, UK biobank, Mass General Brigham biobank). Methods: We tested the association of rare coding variants in each gene in the HCM ClinGen panel with HCM. In total, 38 genes were tested, and Bonferroni correction was applied accordingly. Results: Of the 12 genes with definitive evidence for HCM (e.g., MYBPC3, MYH7, TNNT2, ALPK3), 8 (67%) demonstrated nominally significant association with HCM on a population level, and 5 (42%) remained significant after Bonferroni correction, further supporting the validity of these genes in HCM panels. Several definitive genes which are much less commonly affected in HCM (CSRP3, MYL3, ACTC1, TPM1, FHOD3, MYL2, and TNNC1) did not pass our Bonferroni corrected-significance threshold, but all had positively associated effect sizes with HCM. No genes deemed to have moderate or limited evidence had any significant associations with HCM even before Bonferroni correction. Conclusions: Altogether, we show that large biobanks and population databases generally recapitulate established gene–disease associations for HCM and support the ClinGen group’s gene curations. The utilization of such publicly accessible databases represents an additional tool for assessing gene validity in monogenic cardiac disorders with an established phenotype, although it may have limited sensitivity and should not be solely relied on. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Medicine and Surgery in Cardiovascular Disorders)
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13 pages, 246 KB  
Article
Seroepidemiology and Reactivation Rates of Cytomegalovirus in HIV-Positive Patients in Istanbul: A Retrospective Analysis
by Derya Sevimli Saydan, Murat Hakan Kir, Muammer Osman Köksal, Kutay Sarsar, Arat Hulikyan, Atahan Cagatay, Mehmet Demirci, Pınar Soguksu, Eray Yurtseven, Serra Zeynep Akkoyunlu, Sevim Meşe, Ali Agacfidan and Hayriye Kirkoyun Uysal
Viruses 2026, 18(3), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18030394 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a major opportunistic pathogen in individuals with HIV. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence and reactivation rates of CMV among HIV-positive individuals. A total of 300 people with HIV presenting to the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine [...] Read more.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a major opportunistic pathogen in individuals with HIV. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence and reactivation rates of CMV among HIV-positive individuals. A total of 300 people with HIV presenting to the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine were enrolled. Serological assessments were performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while molecular analyses were conducted through PCR-based methods. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were also evaluated. Of the participants, 90% were male, with an age range of 18–76 years. Serological testing demonstrated CMV IgG positivity in 292 patients (97.3%) and CMV IgM positivity in 11 patients (4.07%). CMV DNA was detected in 91 patients (30.3%) by molecular assays, with viral loads ranging from <150 to 2,404,678 copies/mL. CMV DNA positivity was significantly more frequent in older patients (p < 0.05) and was associated with lower CD4+ T lymphocyte counts. CMV disease was identified in 50 patients (16.7%), with organ involvement (64%) representing the most common clinical manifestation. CMV seropositivity is remarkably high in HIV-positive individuals, and reactivation rates are increased, particularly in older patients and those with advanced immunosuppression. These findings underscore the clinical relevance of routine CMV surveillance in the management of HIV infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Human Virology and Viral Diseases)
21 pages, 1106 KB  
Review
Gene Polymorphisms Associated with Osteoarthritis: Potential Implications for Nutrigenetics and Precision Nutrition
by Alessia Mariano, Anna Scotto d’Abusco and Sergio Ammendola
Nutrients 2026, 18(6), 1003; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18061003 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the main degenerative joint disease affecting nearly 7% of world population. OA is a multifactorial pathology due to environmental, inflammatory and genetic causes. Recently, the diet and consumption of specific foods have been associated to onset and progression of OA. [...] Read more.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the main degenerative joint disease affecting nearly 7% of world population. OA is a multifactorial pathology due to environmental, inflammatory and genetic causes. Recently, the diet and consumption of specific foods have been associated to onset and progression of OA. Dietary patterns, macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds can influence inflammatory pathways, oxidative stress, and cartilage metabolism. These effects are mediated not only by structural support but also through the modulation of gene expression and cellular signaling pathways. The emerging fields of nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics provide a mechanistic framework to explain interindividual variability in dietary responses. Nutrigenomics investigates how nutrients influence gene expression and molecular pathways involved in OA pathophysiology, whereas nutrigenetics examines how genetic polymorphisms affect nutrient metabolism, bioavailability, and biological efficacy. This narrative review critically examines current evidence on the interaction between diet, nutraceuticals, and common non-pathological genetic variants in OA. We discuss whether specific dietary patterns exert genotype-independent effects or require personalized approaches to optimize outcomes. By integrating genetic, metabolic, and nutritional perspectives, this review aims to clarify inconsistent findings in the literature and to outline the potential of precision nutrition as a complementary strategy for OA prevention and management. The integration of these approaches enables the development of personalized nutritional strategies tailored to an individual’s genetic background, metabolic profile, and comorbid conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Full article
14 pages, 255 KB  
Article
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Labor Duration and Cesarean Indications Among Low-Risk Nulliparous Term Singleton Vertex Births: A Retrospective Analysis
by Elizabeth Mollard, Huijun Xiao, James Bena, Constance Cottrell and Maeve Hopkins
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(6), 2418; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15062418 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Racial and ethnic disparities in cesarean birth and labor management persist in the United States, including among individuals considered low risk. Understanding variation in labor progression and cesarean indications within low-risk nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) births may help clarify potential contributors [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Racial and ethnic disparities in cesarean birth and labor management persist in the United States, including among individuals considered low risk. Understanding variation in labor progression and cesarean indications within low-risk nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) births may help clarify potential contributors to inequities. This study examined differences in cesarean rates, cesarean indications, and labor duration by race and ethnicity in a low-risk NTSV cohort. Methods: We conducted a retrospective secondary analysis of electronic medical record data from 13,231 low-risk NTSV births within a Midwestern academic health system. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the likelihood of cesarean birth and cesarean indications by race and ethnicity, adjusting for maternal age, gestational age, body mass index, insurance type, and labor onset. Linear regression models examined differences in first-stage, second-stage, and total labor duration. Interaction terms assessed whether associations varied by labor onset. Results: The overall cesarean rate was 29%. Absolute cesarean rates were higher among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic individuals compared with non-Hispanic White individuals; however, these differences were not statistically significant after adjustment. Labor duration differed significantly by race and ethnicity. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic individuals experienced longer median first-stage and total labor durations compared with non-Hispanic White individuals; however, second-stage duration was markedly shorter among non-Hispanic Black individuals. Among induced labors resulting in cesarean birth, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic individuals had increased odds of cesarean for early arrest of dilation, although these findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating, given data limitations in labor onset documentation. Body mass index was positively associated with likelihood of cesarean. Conclusions: In this low-risk NTSV cohort, adjusted cesarean rates did not differ significantly by race or ethnicity; however, differences in labor duration and cesarean indication were observed. These findings underscore the importance of continued investigation into labor management practices and structural contributors to obstetric inequities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Obstetrics & Gynecology)
21 pages, 4849 KB  
Article
Genetic Structure and Selective Signature Analysis of Xinjiang Local Sheep Populations
by Chunyan Luo, Marzia Yasen, Feng Bai, Geng Hao, Aminiguli Abulaizi, Lijuan Yu, Nazakaiti Ainivaner, Xinmin Ji, Yuntao Zhang, Jianguo Yu and Yanhua Zhang
Animals 2026, 16(6), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16060985 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026
Abstract
The unique ecological gradients of Xinjiang have fostered a rich reservoir of genetic resources in local sheep populations. However, the population genetic structure, adaptive mechanisms to extreme environments, and the genetic basis underlying key economic traits of these breeds remain poorly understood. To [...] Read more.
The unique ecological gradients of Xinjiang have fostered a rich reservoir of genetic resources in local sheep populations. However, the population genetic structure, adaptive mechanisms to extreme environments, and the genetic basis underlying key economic traits of these breeds remain poorly understood. To address this gap, we performed whole-genome resequencing of 140 individuals from seven indigenous sheep populations—Altay, Bayinbuluke, Kazakh, Kirgiz, Bashibai, Turpan Black, and Yemule White—identifying 18,700,507 high-quality SNPs. Genetic diversity analyses revealed that all populations exhibited comparable levels of genetic diversity, with modest variation across breeds, with Turpan Black sheep exhibiting the highest observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.3110) and proportion of polymorphic sites, whereas Kirgiz sheep showed comparatively lower values. Population structure analyses consistently indicated that geographic isolation is the primary driver of genetic differentiation, with Kirgiz sheep from the Pamir Plateau in southern Xinjiang displaying the greatest genetic distance relative to northern Xinjiang populations. By integrating multiple selection signature detection methods—including F_ST, π ratio, and XP-CLR—we found that genes under selection in Kirgiz sheep were significantly enriched in biological pathways related to stem cell pluripotency regulation (e.g., BMPR1B), DNA repair (e.g., DDB2), and neural development, thereby elucidating their unique genetic adaptations to high-altitude environments. In contrast, Turpan Black sheep appear to cope with heat stress through mechanisms involving basal transcriptional regulation (e.g., GTF2I), maintenance of protein homeostasis (e.g., DNAJB14), and melanin biosynthesis (e.g., MC1R). Furthermore, comparative analysis of body size identified a suite of candidate genes associated with growth and development (e.g., CUX1, KIT), which are primarily involved in transcriptional regulation, protein kinase activity, and the ubiquitin-mediated proteolytic system, thereby revealing a multi-layered genetic regulatory network governing body conformation. Collectively, this study provides a comprehensive genomic framework for understanding the genetic structure, adaptive evolution, and molecular basis of economically important traits in indigenous sheep breeds from Xinjiang, offering valuable candidate targets for future functional validation and precision breeding programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Livestock Omics)
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13 pages, 527 KB  
Article
The Association Between Social Media Usage on Food Choice Motivations and Dietary Carbon Footprints in Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Hande Seven Avuk, Tugce Ozlu Karahan, Ezgi Sarigil, Nil Pinar, Ayse Terzi, Nursena Dirinli and Emre Batuhan Kenger
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(3), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23030400 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026
Abstract
Social media has become a prominent digital environment associated with adolescents’ food preferences and the environmental impacts of their diets. This study aimed to examine the relationship between social media usage habits, food choice motivations, and the environmental impact of the diet, specifically [...] Read more.
Social media has become a prominent digital environment associated with adolescents’ food preferences and the environmental impacts of their diets. This study aimed to examine the relationship between social media usage habits, food choice motivations, and the environmental impact of the diet, specifically the carbon footprint, in adolescents. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 216 adolescents aged 14–18 years in Istanbul between January and April 2025. Data were collected using the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) and a 24 h dietary recall. The dietary carbon footprint was calculated by mapping 24 h dietary recall data to emission factors from the Data FIELDS database and scientific literature. Of the participants, 60.6% were female. Females had significantly higher rates of being influenced by social media in food choices (p < 0.001) and total FCQ scores (p = 0.025) compared to males. Regarding social media platforms, TikTok usage was associated with higher ethical concern and mood scores (p < 0.001), while Instagram usage was associated with weight control (p = 0.012). Daily internet use of 180 min was associated with higher price (p = 0.001) and weight control (p = 0.003) motivations. Notably, a significant negative correlation was found between health motivation and carbon footprint (r = −0.173, p = 0.011). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed that an increase in health score was associated with a reduction in carbon footprint (β = −0.204, p = 0.003), independent of gender, BMI, and social media influence. Social media platforms serve as a relevant digital environment associated with adolescents’ food preferences. The finding that health-oriented choices are associated with lower carbon footprints indicates that promoting healthy eating on social media will benefit both individual and planetary health. Full article
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17 pages, 995 KB  
Article
Pharmacogenetic Associations with Statin Regimen Modification, Intolerance, and Adverse Outcomes in Coronary Artery Disease Patients
by Rania Abdel-latif, Shaban Mohammed, Mohamad Saad, Khalid Kunji, Wadha Al-Muftah, Ayman El-Menyar and Jassim Al Suwaidi
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(3), 514; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19030514 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026
Abstract
Background: Statins are central to primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease but are often underutilized due to myopathy and intolerance. While individual pharmacogenetic (PGx) variants, particularly in SLCO1B1, are linked to statin-associated muscle symptoms, the real-world impact of both [...] Read more.
Background: Statins are central to primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease but are often underutilized due to myopathy and intolerance. While individual pharmacogenetic (PGx) variants, particularly in SLCO1B1, are linked to statin-associated muscle symptoms, the real-world impact of both clinical and cumulative PGx burden on regimen modification and adverse outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the existing uncertainty regarding whether combined PGx scores can effectively guide statin dose titration and regimen modification, thereby filling a key clinical gap. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 911 statin-treated patients with coronary artery disease was conducted from the Qatar Cardiovascular Biorepository with available whole-genome sequencing data. Variants in SLCO1B1, ABCG2, and CYP2C9 were combined into a functional PGx burden score, and their associations with statin regimen modification, intolerance, myopathy, liver injury, adherence, and composite adverse events were evaluated. The composite adverse events were defined as the occurrence of any statin-related adverse event, including statin-associated myopathy, liver injury, or poor medication adherence, during the follow-up period. Patients were classified as having experienced the composite outcome if at least one of these events occurred. Results: Over 12 months following statin initiation, 10.2% of patients underwent dose escalation, 11.4% de-escalation, and 78.4% remained on the same regimen. PGx burden is not statistically significantly associated with statin intolerance (OR 1.14; 95% CI: 0.73–1.76), composite adverse outcome (OR 1.08; 95% CI 0.82–1.42), or time to regimen change (HR 1.02; 95% CI 0.77–1.35). However, higher PGx burden showed a directional tendency toward dose de-escalation (RRR 1.18, 95% CI 0.76–1.84) and lower likelihood of escalation (RRR 0.93, 95% CI 0.56–1.54). Conclusions: Clinical factors, particularly statin intensity and myopathy, were the primary determinants of regimen modification. The PGx burden contributes to vulnerability to statin-related adverse effects in a context-dependent manner but does not independently drive statin regimen modification in routine clinical practice. Prospective studies are warranted to assess the clinical utility of PGx-guided workflows in statin therapy. Full article
18 pages, 640 KB  
Article
Central and Peripheral Characterization of Key Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites in Mexican Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: An Exploratory Study
by Pablo Arturo Acosta Mendez, Graciela Ordoñez, Karla F. Meza-Sosa, Tonali Blanco Ayala, Daniela Ramirez Ortega, Gonzalo Pérez de la Cruz, Dinora F. González Esquivel, Teresita Corona, José Flores Rivera, Verónica Rivas, Paul Carrillo Mora, Carmen Aláez-Verson, Korrapati V. Sathyasaikumar, Saúl Gomez-Manzo, Aleli Salazar, Benjamin Pineda and Verónica Pérez de la Cruz
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(3), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19030513 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder characterized by neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Increasing evidence implies the kynurenine pathway (KP) in the MS pathophysiology; however, data from Mexican populations are lacking. This exploratory study aimed to characterize central and circulating KP [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder characterized by neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Increasing evidence implies the kynurenine pathway (KP) in the MS pathophysiology; however, data from Mexican populations are lacking. This exploratory study aimed to characterize central and circulating KP metabolites in Mexican patients with MS and to investigate potential genetic variants in KP-related genes. Methods: Serum concentrations of kynurenic acid (KYNA) and 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of KYNA, quinolinic acid (QUIN), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were determined in treatment-naïve relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), primary progressive MS (PPMS), and treated PMS patients. Serum levels were compared with those of healthy controls, and CSF findings contrasted with those of non-MS neurological patients and individuals with neurocysticercosis (NCC). Public whole-exome datasets were analyzed for variants in KP-related genes, and target exome sequencing was performed in three Mexican patients with MS. Results: Serum concentrations of KYNA and 3-HK were decreased in MS patients compared with healthy controls. CSF KYNA and QUIN levels did not differ significantly among MS subtypes or the non-MS neurological group, but they were lower than those observed in NCC. IL-4 and IL-6 were detectable in MS CSF samples, supporting the presence of intrathecal inflammation. Genetic and bioinformatic analyses identified variants in genes encoding KP enzymes in both public MS datasets and in Mexican patients with MS. Conclusions: These findings indicate an altered KP metabolism in Mexican MS patients, particularly during the relapse phase, and suggest a possible contribution of genetic variability. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these observations and to determine the functional implications of KP-related genetic variants in MS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Kynurenine Pathway: A Novel Therapeutic Opportunity—2nd Edition)
16 pages, 6700 KB  
Article
When Blue Turns the Green off: Implications of Methylene Blue Interference in Indocyanine Green Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging
by Elisa Maria Gariboldi, Luigi Auletta, Roberta Ferrari, Alessandra Ubiali and Damiano Stefanello
Animals 2026, 16(6), 983; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16060983 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026
Abstract
Sentinel lymph node mapping is increasingly used in canine and feline oncology and often involves the combined use of visible dyes and fluorescent tracers. However, the effect of methylene blue on the fluorescence of indocyanine green during near-infrared imaging remains unclear. This explorative [...] Read more.
Sentinel lymph node mapping is increasingly used in canine and feline oncology and often involves the combined use of visible dyes and fluorescent tracers. However, the effect of methylene blue on the fluorescence of indocyanine green during near-infrared imaging remains unclear. This explorative study aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively assess potential fluorescence quenching in solutions of methylene blue–indocyanine green at different ratios in three near-infrared imaging modalities (overlay, color map, contrast). Four solutions were prepared: 100%/0%, 75%/25%, 50%/50%, and 25%/75% indocyanine green/methylene blue. The fluorescence intensity of the four solutions was quantitatively measured in vitro using near-infrared imaging. Subsequently, four lymphographies, one for each solution, were performed from the metatarsal region of feline cadavers. Observers with varying levels of experience evaluated lymphographic images. Methylene blue caused a concentration-dependent reduction in fluorescence both at the quantitative evaluation and qualitative lymphography interpretation. Despite this reduction, fluorescence remained sufficient in cadavers for accurate identification of lymph nodes, and observer experience did not significantly affect interpretation, except for the color map mode. Because methylene blue-dominant solutions showed a greater quenching effect on indocyanine green fluorescence, clinicians should favor indocyanine green-dominant mixtures. This approach may preserve fluorescence performance, maintaining the surgical guidance benefits of methylene blue. Future confirmatory studies should include a substantially larger number of specimens to allow appropriate statistical comparisons and to better account for inter-individual variability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic Imaging in Animal Oncology)
13 pages, 716 KB  
Communication
Are Atrial Fibrillation Risk Loci Universally Applicable? Insights from Whole-Genome Sequencing in a Polish Population
by Michał Wasiak, Mateusz Sypniewski, Paula Dobosz, Maria Stępień, Anna Michalska-Foryszewska, Patryk Rzońca and Zbigniew J. Król
Med. Sci. 2026, 14(1), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci14010155 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026
Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and has a substantial genetic component. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified more than 100 susceptibility loci; however, replication across populations remains variable, suggesting potential population-specific differences in the genetic determinants [...] Read more.
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and has a substantial genetic component. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified more than 100 susceptibility loci; however, replication across populations remains variable, suggesting potential population-specific differences in the genetic determinants of AF. To date, no whole-genome sequencing (WGS)-based study has evaluated AF susceptibility in a Polish population. Methods: We performed WGS (mean coverage 35×) in 233 unrelated individuals recruited within the Thousand Polish Genomes Project, including 56 patients with non-valvular AF and 177 controls without AF. After quality control and linkage disequilibrium pruning within a cardiovascular gene panel, 19,395 variants were analyzed. Association testing was performed using logistic regression adjusted for age and sex, applying both false discovery rate and Bonferroni correction thresholds. Results: No variants reached statistical significance for association with AF after correction for multiple evaluation. Previously reported susceptibility loci were not replicated in this cohort. Age was strongly associated with AF risk, whereas sex showed no significant effect. Given the relatively modest sample size, the study was primarily powered to detect variants with moderate or large effect sizes; smaller genetic effects reported in large GWASs may remain undetected. Conclusions: This pilot WGS-based study provides an initial exploration of AF-associated genetic variation in a Polish population. The absence of significant associations likely reflects the importance of further investigation in larger and well-characterized Central–Eastern European cohorts before genetic risk stratification approaches can be broadly applied across populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiovascular Disease)
19 pages, 2944 KB  
Article
LSTM-Based Early Jamming Threat Detection Scheme for Drone Ad-Hoc Networks
by Chungman Oh and Seokjoong Kang
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(6), 3046; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16063046 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026
Abstract
Drone ad-hoc networks are inherently vulnerable to performance-degradation attacks such as jamming, packet disruption, and routing interference due to dynamic topology changes and unstable wireless channels. In such environments, conventional threshold-based detection schemes often fail to identify threats in their early stages because [...] Read more.
Drone ad-hoc networks are inherently vulnerable to performance-degradation attacks such as jamming, packet disruption, and routing interference due to dynamic topology changes and unstable wireless channels. In such environments, conventional threshold-based detection schemes often fail to identify threats in their early stages because individual performance metrics remain within normal ranges despite emerging abnormal temporal patterns. To address this limitation, this study proposes an LSTM-based early threat detection method that learns the temporal dynamics of network performance indicators, including packet delivery ratio (PDR), connection reliability (CR), and delay. By modeling inter-metric correlations and evolving degradation trends, the proposed approach enables probabilistic inference of abnormal state transitions prior to explicit threshold violations. The proposed method is validated through simulation experiments conducted in a drone ad-hoc network environment under jamming attack scenarios, and its performance is compared with that of conventional threshold-based schemes. The results show that while the threshold-based approach first detected the attack at t = 65 s when predefined metric boundaries were exceeded, the proposed LSTM-based detector identified the attack at t = 45 s with an estimated attack probability of 0.63, achieving approximately 20 s earlier detection. This improvement is attributed to the LSTM’s capability to capture subtle temporal dependencies, directional trends, and cross-metric interactions that precede abrupt metric degradation. Furthermore, the LSTM output probabilities exhibited monotonic growth during the attack period and gradual decay during recovery, indicating robust tracking of network state transitions rather than isolated event detection. These results demonstrate that the proposed method not only enhances early threat awareness but also contributes to resilience-oriented operation by enabling proactive mitigation in drone ad-hoc networks. This study provides quantitative evidence that sequence learning over performance metrics can overcome the structural limitations of threshold-based detection and enable effective early threat detection in drone ad-hoc network environments. Full article
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38 pages, 789 KB  
Review
Medical Treatment for Endometriosis: One Size Does Not Fit All
by Paolo Vercellini, Noemi Salmeri, Veronica Bandini, Beatrice Conca, Paola Viganò, Edgardo Somigliana and Michele Vignali
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(6), 2408; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15062408 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026
Abstract
Endometriosis is associated with nociceptive pain, as well as peripheral and central sensitization. Evidence-based treatment suggestions for controlling endometriosis should be based on the convergence of the best scientific evidence, physicians’ clinical expertise, and the values and priorities of individual patients. In this [...] Read more.
Endometriosis is associated with nociceptive pain, as well as peripheral and central sensitization. Evidence-based treatment suggestions for controlling endometriosis should be based on the convergence of the best scientific evidence, physicians’ clinical expertise, and the values and priorities of individual patients. In this non-systematic, comprehensive narrative review, data from available randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses on hormonal treatment for symptomatic endometriosis are interpreted through the lens of clinical experience. The role of patients in defining therapeutic trade-off balances is also taken into consideration. Most symptomatic patients benefit from hormonal therapy, including first-line (progestogens and estrogen-progestogen combinations) and second-line (GnRH agonists and antagonists) medications, to relieve nociceptive pain. To reduce the risk of venous and arterial thrombosis and avoid stimulating lesions, it is preferable to use combinations containing body-identical estrogens rather than ethinyl-estradiol. The main adverse effect of first-line medications is irregular bleeding, which adversely impacts efficacy, tolerability, and adherence. If progestogens and estrogen-progestogens do not improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL), promptly stepping up to GnRH analogues combined with add-back therapy is indicated. Add-on rather than upfront combination therapy is suggested. Separating the analogues and add-back therapy allows for choosing the compounds that best suit the characteristics of individual patients. Transdermal body-identical estradiol use is proposed in combination with both progestogens and GnRH analogues. Similar satisfactory outcomes are achieved with GnRH agonists and antagonists. Evidence on the use of neuromodulatory drugs to treat neuropathic and nociplastic pain is derived from studies of other chronic pain conditions and shows limited effectiveness. The two mainstays of hormonal therapy are (i) ovariostasis and (ii) amenorrhea. “Medical treatment failure” should not be declared unless a shift from first-line to second-line medications has been undertaken whenever these conditions are not met. For severely symptomatic adolescents and young women, secondary prevention through ovariostasis and amenorrhea should be pursued promptly to improve HRQoL, halt lesion progression, and preserve reproductive potential. Full article
17 pages, 492 KB  
Article
Leveraging School Nutrition Environments Through Healthy Universal School Meals Laws to Improve Child Health and Academic Outcomes in the United States
by Olivia M. Thompson and Kathryn E. Coakley
Nutrients 2026, 18(6), 1001; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18061001 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The purpose of this article (a comparative analysis of state laws) is to thoroughly examine enacted state-level healthy universal school meals bills to summarize bill content and determine current practices for program implementation and long-term viability, with special attention to the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The purpose of this article (a comparative analysis of state laws) is to thoroughly examine enacted state-level healthy universal school meals bills to summarize bill content and determine current practices for program implementation and long-term viability, with special attention to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Methods: Bills enacted at the state level, as of 31 December 2025, were located electronically on state legislature websites and subsequently reviewed with rules, regulations, and implementation guidelines. Content analyses were conducted to identify patterns, themes, and key concepts pertaining to healthy universal school meals laws and program implementation guidelines to inform comparison policy analyses. Results: Nine states (California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, and Vermont) have healthy universal school meals laws that include mandatory funding provisions for programming. Michigan is the only state that has a non-permanent law. Such laws eliminate requirements to certify individual students for free, reduced-price, or full-price meals based on their household income, and instead allow entire schools and/or school districts to offer all enrolled students no-cost meals. All states are funding healthy universal school meals programming by leveraging existing or new tax revenue to bridge the gap between the cost of school meals and federal meal reimbursements. Conclusions: State laws that leverage the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) have become a key way to sustain universal school meal programs when federal funding falls short. States that direct resources to high-poverty schools, help districts determine the most accurate Identified Student Percentage, and reduce undercounting through strong direct-certification practices are better positioned to maintain universal meals over time. These strategies strengthen both child health and academic outcomes by ensuring stable access to no-cost, nutritious meals. Full article
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16 pages, 1835 KB  
Article
Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Neutrophil Counts, Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio, Pan-Immunoinflammatory Score, Systemic Immunoinflammatory Index, and Systemic Inflammatory Response Index in Brain Tumors
by Murat Ozcan Yay, Adem Keskin, Mahmut Ali Osman Eryilmaz and Cagatay Kaya
Diagnostics 2026, 16(6), 933; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16060933 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the possible association between systemic inflammation parameters and tumor presence in brain tumor patients with high morbidity and mortality rates, to examine the discriminative performance of these markers and, furthermore, to investigate the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the possible association between systemic inflammation parameters and tumor presence in brain tumor patients with high morbidity and mortality rates, to examine the discriminative performance of these markers and, furthermore, to investigate the relationship of these markers with the clinical findings of patients at different time points. Methods: This study included 99 patients with brain tumors as the case group and 99 healthy individuals as the control group. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet levels, as well as indices and ratios derived from these parameters, were compared among the participants. Binary logistic regression and ROC analyses were applied to variables showing significant differences, and the relationship between these variables and demographic and clinical findings was also evaluated. Results: The neutrophil count, neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), pan-immunoinflammatory value (PIV), systemic immunoinflammatory index (SII), and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) values of the case group were higher compared to the control group. While these parameters were associated with the presence of brain tumors, the highest odds ratio, area under the curve, and specificity were found in the neutrophil count, and the highest sensitivity was found in the SIRI parameter. Some or all of these parameters differed according to tumor type, localization, motor weakness, 3-month adjuvant treatment, 6-month recurrence, postoperative day 1, 3-month and 6-month neurological deficits and 3-month and 6-month Karnofsky Performance Status. Conclusions: These parameters can be considered useful biomarkers that show moderate discrimination in patients with brain tumors and can support clinical evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis)
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