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23 pages, 1140 KB  
Article
Diet Quality, Nutrition Knowledge, and Social Media-Driven Supplement Use Among Polish Adolescents and Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Klaudia Sochacka, Agata Kotowska and Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska
Nutrients 2026, 18(9), 1363; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18091363 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026
Abstract
Diet quality, nutrition knowledge, and psychosomatic literacy—defined as the understanding of the interactions between diet, gut microbiota, and mental well-being—may shape weight-related behaviours in youth. This study used a cross-sectional design to integrate these domains with digital information pathways in Central–Eastern Europe. This [...] Read more.
Diet quality, nutrition knowledge, and psychosomatic literacy—defined as the understanding of the interactions between diet, gut microbiota, and mental well-being—may shape weight-related behaviours in youth. This study used a cross-sectional design to integrate these domains with digital information pathways in Central–Eastern Europe. This study assessed diet quality, nutrition, and psychosomatic knowledge, supplement use, and health-information sources among Polish adolescents and young adults, with emphasis on age-related differences and the role of social media. A cross-sectional, anonymous online survey (October 2025–January 2026) was conducted in Poland (final analytical sample: n = 478; adolescents 15–19 years vs. young adults 20–30 years). Of 591 individuals who accessed the survey, 478 were included in the final analytical sample. Diet quality was estimated from FFQ data using KomPAN-derived indices (pHDI-10, nHDI-14, DQI). Nutrition knowledge (0–25 points), psychosomatic/gut–brain indicators, supplementation, and information sources were analysed using χ2/Fisher tests and Mann–Whitney U tests with effect sizes. The primary outcomes measured were dietary supplement use and excess body weight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). Multivariable logistic regression examined predictors of supplement use and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Overall diet quality was low to moderate, with limited intake of whole grains, legumes, and fish, and common nutrition misconceptions. Social media was the most frequently indicated source of diet/supplement information and was independently associated with more frequent supplement use (OR = 2.29; 95% CI: 1.43–3.64). Adolescents reported lower whole-grain intake and more misconceptions than young adults. Predictors of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 included male sex (OR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.46–4.15), lower education, and lower nutrition knowledge, while age showed a non-linear positive association with excess body weight. Polish adolescents and young adults show gaps between declared pro-health attitudes and actual diet quality/competencies. Social media reliance appears particularly linked to product-oriented behaviours (supplementation). Prevention should strengthen nutrition and food safety education, digital health literacy, and professional guidance on supplementation, especially in adolescents. Our findings suggest that social media is a primary driver for dietary supplementation among Polish youth, more so than objective nutrition knowledge. While diet quality is linked to weight status, the relationship is complex. These results may inform future public health interventions targeting digital health literacy to promote balanced nutrition and safe supplementation practices. Full article
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28 pages, 437 KB  
Article
Educational Reform Priorities in Hungary: Prevalence, Gender Differences, and Associations with Teacher Well-Being
by Attila Lengyel, Éva Bácsné Bába, Veronika Fenyves, Katalin Mező, Ferenc Mező and Anetta Müller
Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 687; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16050687 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026
Abstract
Hungarian teachers’ reform priorities remain insufficiently mapped, despite their central role in shaping feasible, evidence-based educational change. In a cross-sectional study with 1254 kindergarten, primary, and secondary teachers across Hungary (May 2025), we elicited and analyzed open-ended written responses in which participants identified [...] Read more.
Hungarian teachers’ reform priorities remain insufficiently mapped, despite their central role in shaping feasible, evidence-based educational change. In a cross-sectional study with 1254 kindergarten, primary, and secondary teachers across Hungary (May 2025), we elicited and analyzed open-ended written responses in which participants identified their top three required reforms. Responses were segmented and coded into 18 mutually exclusive categories via a validated codebook, and prevalence was calculated using respondent-normalized weights. We then examined demographic, well-being, and personality correlates of reform priorities using χ2 tests, Mann–Whitney tests, and multivariable logistic models with Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery correction. Teachers most frequently prioritized competency development and pedagogical reform, followed by curriculum flexibility and system governance. Reform priorities were not random: female teachers were substantially more likely to prioritize inclusion and SEN support, while male teachers more often prioritized governance and depoliticization; older age predicted governance priorities. Lower educational system satisfaction robustly predicted prioritizing curriculum reform, autonomy, and governance restructuring, and anxiety and depression were positively related to curriculum concerns. Conscientiousness predicted prioritizing salary and material recognition. The results indicate that teachers’ reform demands function as systematic, psychologically grounded signals that can guide more targeted, teacher-centerd educational policy in Hungary. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Education and Psychology)
16 pages, 1149 KB  
Article
Ambulatory Holter Findings in Patients with Palpitations and Structurally Normal Heart: A Prospective Study of the Prevalence and Patterns of Ventricular and Supraventricular Arrhythmias
by Khaled Elenizi, Rasha Alharthi, Nasser E. Alotaibi, Talal Alotaibi, Mohammed Alfraikh, Faris Almusayfir and Kamran Ahmad
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(9), 3285; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15093285 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Palpitations are among the most common reasons for cardiology referrals. Despite widespread use of ambulatory cardiac monitoring, contemporary data from the Middle East are scarce. Extended Holter monitoring provides detailed evaluation of arrhythmia burden, autonomic regulation, and symptom–rhythm correlation in routine clinical [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Palpitations are among the most common reasons for cardiology referrals. Despite widespread use of ambulatory cardiac monitoring, contemporary data from the Middle East are scarce. Extended Holter monitoring provides detailed evaluation of arrhythmia burden, autonomic regulation, and symptom–rhythm correlation in routine clinical practice. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of consecutive patients presenting with palpitations who underwent 24–96 h ambulatory Holter monitoring at a cardiology outpatient clinic in Saudi Arabia in 2025. Demographic and clinical characteristics, comorbidities, medication use, echocardiographic parameters, heart rate variability (HRV), ventricular and supraventricular ectopy, tachyarrhythmias, and symptom diary activations were systematically evaluated. Results: Among 251 patients (mean age 41.9 ± 16.4 years; 35.5% male), Holter monitoring showed excellent recording quality (mean analyzable time 98.7 ± 9.5%). Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) were detected in 53.4% of patients, but burden was low (median 0.0%, IQR 0–0.1%), with only 4.4% exceeding 10%. Atrial premature contractions (APCs) were common (92.0%), though usually low-burden (median burden 0.0%, IQR 0–0.1%); atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia were rare (0.8% each). Symptom diary activation occurred in 116 patients (46.2%), with 996 events; most (87.9%) correlated with sinus tachycardia, while only 8.6% correlated with PVCs and 2.6% with APCs. In the remaining 53.8% of patients, no symptom–rhythm correlation was documented during monitoring. Heart rate variability showed expected age-related changes. Conclusions: In this predominantly young cohort, Holter monitoring revealed frequent low-burden atrial and ventricular ectopy, whereas clinically significant tachyarrhythmias were uncommon. Holter monitoring up to 96 h provided a diagnostic yield in approximately 50% of patients and should be considered a first-line screening tool. Patients without diagnostic findings may require prolonged monitoring using external or implantable devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)
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23 pages, 1257 KB  
Article
Life Expectancy and Survival Patterns in a Multigenerational Romanian Family (1900–2024): A Descriptive Study Based on Synthetic Cohort Life Tables
by Madalina Iordache, Ioana Chelu, Daniel Dicu and Ioan Gaica
Genealogy 2026, 10(2), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy10020051 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026
Abstract
This study aimed to estimate life expectancy at birth and survival patterns within a multigenerational family from Romania (102 individuals), whose members lived across the period 1900–2024. Life expectancy was estimated using abridged synthetic cohort life tables, and the results were interpreted through [...] Read more.
This study aimed to estimate life expectancy at birth and survival patterns within a multigenerational family from Romania (102 individuals), whose members lived across the period 1900–2024. Life expectancy was estimated using abridged synthetic cohort life tables, and the results were interpreted through survival curve analysis. Life expectancy at birth was estimated at approximately 84 years for females and 80 years for males, while the overall life expectancy for the total family population was 81 years, representing a weighted estimate derived from sex-specific life tables, with weights corresponding to the proportion of females and males in the studied population, rather than a simple arithmetic mean, following standard demographic practice. The resulting survival curves exhibited a clear Type I survival pattern, characterized by low mortality at younger ages and an increasing concentration of deaths at older ages. When contextualized using recent Eurostat data, the life expectancy estimated for the analyzed family exceeds current national-level values reported for Romania and is close to the European Union average, particularly for females. These findings indicate a favorable survival profile at the familial level and illustrate the usefulness of life tables for investigating longevity patterns in small populations. Full article
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27 pages, 669 KB  
Systematic Review
Biomarkers and Psychological Factors Associated with Distress in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults Undergoing MRI Neuroimaging: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies with Clinical Recommendations
by Guillermo Ceniza-Bordallo, Ana Belén del Pino, Dino Soldic and Angel Torrado-Carvajal
Healthcare 2026, 14(9), 1160; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14091160 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026
Abstract
Introduction: Distress during pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) neuroimaging can compromise scan quality and negatively impact children’s experiences. This review aimed to systematically synthesize biomarkers and psychological factors associated with distress in children, adolescents, and young adults undergoing neuroimaging. Methods: This [...] Read more.
Introduction: Distress during pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) neuroimaging can compromise scan quality and negatively impact children’s experiences. This review aimed to systematically synthesize biomarkers and psychological factors associated with distress in children, adolescents, and young adults undergoing neuroimaging. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA and AMSTAR-2 guidelines and preregistered in OSF. A systematic search was performed in six electronic databases, including observational articles published between 2000 and 2025 that assessed distress during MRI and functional MRI (fMRI). Data extraction and risk of bias assessment (QUIPS tool) were performed independently by two reviewers. Results: Ten studies (n = 558) examining distress during neuroimaging were included in this review. Distress was assessed through subjective self- and parent-reports, objective physiological measures, and qualitative interviews. Overall, distress levels were low to moderate; most participants tolerated scans well, though younger age, male sex, parental anxiety, procedure length, and chronic illness were associated with greater discomfort. Noise, immobility, and boredom emerged as the most frequent triggers, while strategies such as distraction, age-appropriate information, and reducing waiting times were perceived as helpful. Among participants with cancer, scan-related anxiety was closely linked to fear of recurrence and perceived stress. Risk of bias across studies was moderate to high, particularly in domains of attrition and statistical reporting. Conclusions: Distress during scanning is driven by anticipatory and parental anxiety, procedure length, and chronic illness. Biomarkers (e.g., cortisol, blood pressure) showed inconsistent links with subjective distress, highlighting the need for integrated measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Concussion Characteristics, Recovery Patterns, and Care Strategies)
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17 pages, 3112 KB  
Article
Morphometric Characterization of the Domestic Yak Skull (Bos grunniens Linnaeus, 1766)
by Hasan Hüseyin Arı, Hasan Alpak, Nariste Kadiraliyeva, Aziz Begaliyev, Milena Djordjevic and Ozan Gündemir
Animals 2026, 16(9), 1320; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16091320 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026
Abstract
This study presents a morphometric characterization of the cranial structure of Bos grunniens based on linear measurements taken from adult skulls. Twenty yak skulls (10 males and 10 females) were collected from slaughterhouses in the Bishkek region of Kyrgyzstan. A total of 27 [...] Read more.
This study presents a morphometric characterization of the cranial structure of Bos grunniens based on linear measurements taken from adult skulls. Twenty yak skulls (10 males and 10 females) were collected from slaughterhouses in the Bishkek region of Kyrgyzstan. A total of 27 linear cranial measurements were recorded from each specimen, focusing on neurocranial, facial, orbital, and occipital regions. The aim of this study was to describe morphological patterns and structural integration within the yak skull, and to provide baseline morphometric data for a species that remains relatively underrepresented in the literature. Correlation analyses indicated a high degree of morphological association among cranial length, width, and dental parameters. Notably, highly correlated measurement clusters were observed among total cranial length, condylobasal length, dental length, and lateral facial length, indicating coordinated growth and dimensional interdependence in the skull. The first two principal components together explained approximately 75% of the total morphometric variance. PC1 was primarily associated with global skull size and elongation, while PC2 reflected variation in orbital and frontal structures. Additionally, independent t-tests revealed statistically significant differences in selected measurements such as total cranial length, dental length, greatest mastoid breadth, greatest inner height of the orbit, and occipital heights, indicating a secondary role of sexual dimorphism in shaping cranial morphology. The findings contribute to anatomical standardization, taxonomic studies, and future comparative morphometric research in large ruminants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Form, Function, and Diversity in Animal Anatomy)
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8 pages, 1382 KB  
Case Report
Taenia lynciscapreoli in Eurasian Lynx: New Taeniid Record for Romania
by Maria Monica Florina Moraru, Ana-Maria Marin, Dan-Cornel Popovici, Azzurra Santoro, Federica Santolamazza, Radu Blaga, Kalman Imre and Narcisa Mederle
Pathogens 2026, 15(5), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15050468 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026
Abstract
The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is an apex predator and an important sentinel for trophically transmitted helminths acquired via predation on wild ungulates. On 2 March 2022, an adult male lynx that was road-killed in the Apuseni Mountains (Surducel hunting ground, [...] Read more.
The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is an apex predator and an important sentinel for trophically transmitted helminths acquired via predation on wild ungulates. On 2 March 2022, an adult male lynx that was road-killed in the Apuseni Mountains (Surducel hunting ground, Bihor County) was collected, frozen for biosafety, and a necropsy was performed. Taeniid cestodes were detected, with a total intestinal burden of nine adult specimens. Genetic analyses confirmed Taenia lynciscapreoli, and the obtained sequences were deposited in GenBank (PV843597, PV855065, PV844409). Phylogenetic inference based on cox1 assigned the Romanian isolate within the European cluster, distinct from the Chinese isolate, while showing genetic proximity to Taenia sp. (MW846305) that have been reported from a lynx in China. This study represents the first molecular identification of T. lynciscapreoli in the Eurasian lynx in Romania and, to our knowledge, the first record from Southeastern Europe. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Host-Parasite Interactions)
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26 pages, 8311 KB  
Review
Molecular Advances in Male Infertility and Fertility: Importance of Redox Regulation and Oxidative Stress
by Robert J. Aitken, Monica H. Vazquez-Levin, João S. Hallak, Thiago A. Teixeira and Jorge Hallak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(9), 3819; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27093819 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026
Abstract
Oxidative stress is one of the few defined causes of male infertility affecting at least one third of patients attending infertility clinics. Human spermatozoa are vulnerable to this form of attack because their stripped-down architecture means that they possess limited antioxidant protection and [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress is one of the few defined causes of male infertility affecting at least one third of patients attending infertility clinics. Human spermatozoa are vulnerable to this form of attack because their stripped-down architecture means that they possess limited antioxidant protection and little capacity for biochemical repair. They also compound their vulnerability by being active generators of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and possessing multiple substrates for oxidative damage. The major sources of ROS in these cells are their mitochondria, an L-amino acid oxidase (IL4I1) and a calcium-dependent NADPH oxidase (NOX5). Spermatozoa tolerate the risks associated with ROS generation because their biology is heavily dependent on redox regulation. ROS are important mediators of sperm capacitation, stimulating the generation of cAMP and prostaglandins, inhibiting protein phosphatases and encouraging removal of cholesterol from the plasma membrane. Furthermore, during fertilization, the ability of ROS to activate metalloproteinases facilitates penetration of the zona pellucida and sperm–oocyte fusion. While ROS are physiologically important for sperm function, the over-production of these metabolites can impair sperm function. Antioxidants have therefore assumed some importance as a possible therapy for the infertile male. However, before this potential can be realized, we need to optimize the composition and dose of reagents used in such formulations and develop improved methods of diagnosing oxidative stress within the patient population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Biology)
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12 pages, 538 KB  
Article
Temporal Trends and Mortality of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Bacteremia—A Six-Year Retrospective Cohort Study in a Tertiary Hospital in Greece
by Despoina Kypraiou, Angelos Sourris, Eirini Astrinaki, Efsevia Vitsaxaki, Stamatina Saplamidou, Maria Vakonaki, Kyriaki Tryfinopoulou, Georgios Chamilos, Petros Ioannou and Diamantis Kofteridis
Pathogens 2026, 15(5), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15050467 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background: Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) bacteremia represents a major therapeutic and epidemiological challenge, particularly in regions with high antimicrobial resistance rates such as Southern Europe. Longitudinal local data are essential to guide infection control and antimicrobial stewardship strategies. This study aimed to evaluate temporal [...] Read more.
Background: Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) bacteremia represents a major therapeutic and epidemiological challenge, particularly in regions with high antimicrobial resistance rates such as Southern Europe. Longitudinal local data are essential to guide infection control and antimicrobial stewardship strategies. This study aimed to evaluate temporal trends in incidence, management, and mortality of VRE bacteremia in a tertiary care center in Greece over a six-year period, including comparison before and after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This retrospective observational study included adult patients with VRE bacteremia at the University Hospital of Heraklion, Greece, from 2018 to 2023. Demographic and clinical data, such as the Pitt Bacteremia Index (PBI), as well as microbiological, and treatment data were collected from patient records. Incidence was calculated per 10,000 patient-days. Comparisons were performed between survivors and non-survivors and between pre- and post-COVID-19 eras. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality. Results: A total of 96 patients were included (mean age 68.6 ± 14.5 years; 56.3% male). The incidence of VRE bacteremia increased more than five-fold during the study period, from 0.242 cases per 10,000 patient-days in 2018 to a peak of 1.344 per 10,000 patient-days in 2022, remaining elevated in 2023 (1.001 per 10,000 patient-days). The overall in-hospital mortality was 54.2%. Non-survivors had significantly higher PBI scores compared to survivors (median 2.5 vs. 0, p = 0.005). In the multivariate analysis, higher PBI was independently associated with in-hospital mortality [odds ratio: 1.449 (95% confidence intervals: 1.166–1.801)]. Appropriate empirical therapy was administered in 41.7% of cases and was not significantly associated with survival. Post-COVID-19 patients were older (69.9 vs. 61.4 years, p = 0.0365), and antimicrobial regimens were more frequently adjusted according to susceptibility testing (55.7% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.0141), but mortality did not significantly differ between periods. Conclusion: VRE bacteremia incidence increased dramatically over the six-year study period in our tertiary center, with persistently high mortality exceeding 50%. Severity of illness at the diagnosis of bacteremia, as measured by the PBI, was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality. Strengthened infection prevention measures, optimized antimicrobial stewardship, and early aggressive management are urgently needed to mitigate the growing burden of VRE bacteremia. Full article
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11 pages, 1770 KB  
Article
Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Sepsis Risk in Patients with Non-Ventilator Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia
by Han Zhou, Zhenchao Wu, Beibei Liu, Yipeng Du, Rui Wu and Ning Shen
Biomedicines 2026, 14(5), 987; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14050987 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026
Abstract
Objective: To identify risk factors for progression to sepsis in patients with non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) and to develop a practical nomogram for individualized risk assessment in this population. Methods: We retrospectively screened 408 hospitalized patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia at Peking [...] Read more.
Objective: To identify risk factors for progression to sepsis in patients with non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) and to develop a practical nomogram for individualized risk assessment in this population. Methods: We retrospectively screened 408 hospitalized patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia at Peking University Third Hospital between January 2017 and December 2021. After excluding patients with an unclear diagnosis date or missing critical variables required for SOFA score calculation, 368 eligible patients with NV-HAP were included and randomly divided into a training cohort (n = 260) and an internal validation cohort (n = 108). An independent temporal validation cohort of 68 patients admitted between January 2022 and December 2022 at the same center was further used for temporal validation. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses with backward stepwise selection were performed in the training cohort to identify predictors associated with progression to sepsis. A nomogram was then constructed based on the final model and evaluated by discrimination, calibration, and decision curve analysis. Results: A total of 368 patients were included in the model development dataset. The final multivariable model retained six predictors: male sex (OR = 2.393, 95% CI: 1.333–4.296), diabetes (OR = 2.205, 95% CI: 1.126–4.319), coagulation dysfunction (OR = 3.327, 95% CI: 1.726–6.413), PaO2/FiO2 (OR = 0.955 per 10-unit increase, 95% CI: 0.912–1.001), platelet count (OR = 0.900 per 10 × 109/L increase, 95% CI: 0.853–0.949), and bilirubin (OR = 1.176 per 1 μmol/L increase, 95% CI: 1.100–1.258). The nomogram showed acceptable performance, with an apparent C-index of 0.809 and a bootstrap-corrected C-index of 0.792 in the training cohort. The C-index was 0.750 (95% CI: 0.658–0.841) in the internal validation cohort and 0.754 (95% CI: 0.639–0.870) in the temporal validation cohort. Calibration analysis showed acceptable agreement between predicted and observed probabilities, and decision curve analysis indicated a positive net clinical benefit across clinically relevant threshold probabilities. Conclusions: In patients with NV-HAP, male sex, diabetes, coagulation dysfunction, lower PaO2/FiO2, lower platelet count, and higher bilirubin were associated with progression to sepsis. The developed nomogram showed acceptable discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility, and may serve as a practical tool for early individualized risk stratification in patients with NV-HAP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Respiratory Diseases (2nd Edition))
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15 pages, 440 KB  
Article
The Role of Rotational Thromboelastometry in High-Risk-of-Bleeding Endoscopic Procedures in Patients with Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis
by Irina Girleanu, Laura Huiban, Cristina Muzica, Camelia Cojocariu, Cătălin Victor Sfarti, Stefan Chiriac, Sebastian Zenovia, Gheorghe G. Balan, Raluca Avram, Ana Maria Sîngeap, Iulian Buzincu, Ana Maria Trofin, Ioana-Miruna Balmuș, Carol Stanciu and Anca Trifan
Diagnostics 2026, 16(9), 1289; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16091289 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the differences between two blood product transfusion protocols [a standard coagulation (SC) group and a rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) group] in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (LC) undergoing high-bleeding-risk endoscopic procedures. Methods: Between December 2024 and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the differences between two blood product transfusion protocols [a standard coagulation (SC) group and a rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) group] in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (LC) undergoing high-bleeding-risk endoscopic procedures. Methods: Between December 2024 and March 2025, we conducted a prospective cohort study including adult decompensated cirrhotic patients who needed prophylactic blood product transfusion before high-bleeding-risk endoscopic procedures. The prophylactic blood product transfusion strategy in the SC group was based on conventional coagulation tests (INR, platelets, and fibrinogen), and in the ROTEM group on viscoelastic parameters. Results: A total of 72 patients were included in this study (36 patients in each group); most were male (63.9%), Child–Pugh B (54.2%), and had LC with a predominance of alcoholic etiology (51.4%). There were no clinically significant differences regarding the baseline characteristics between the study groups. The most frequent endoscopic procedure was polypectomy (76.4%). Postinterventional bleeding occurred after eight procedures in the SC group and after four procedures in the ROTEM group (p = 0.206). Endoscopic hemostasis was effective. Patients from the ROTEM group received fewer FFP transfusions than the SC group (5.6% vs. 69.4%; p < 0.0001). Blood product transfusion was needed less in patients evaluated using ROTEM compared with the SC group (41.2% vs. 100%; p < 0.0001). There were no differences in the length of hospital stay (p = 0.618) or 30-day mortality (p = 0.643) between the two study groups. Conclusions: ROTEM-guided transfusion management was associated with a significant reduction in blood product use compared with standard coagulation test-based management. However, this difference should be interpreted in the context of the distinct transfusion thresholds applied in the two groups, as the standard coagulation arm followed predefined laboratory-based criteria that may have increased the likelihood of prophylactic transfusion. No statistically significant differences were observed in bleeding complications, length of hospital stay, or 30-day mortality. Therefore, these findings reflect differences in transfusion strategies rather than demonstrating clinical superiority of ROTEM-based management and should be considered preliminary. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis)
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15 pages, 318 KB  
Article
Traumatic Spine Injury in Southern Ethiopia: Falls, Delayed Presentation, and High Early Mortality at a Tertiary Referral Center
by Mengistu G. Mengesha, Sultan Baz, Hermella Damenu, Hana-Joy Hanks, Ryan Beyer, Alexander Nazareth, Sohaib Hashmi and Hao-Hua Wu
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(9), 3276; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15093276 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Traumatic spine injury is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries, yet detailed epidemiologic data from sub-Saharan Africa remain limited. We used a fracture registry to characterize injury patterns, care pathways, and short-term outcomes among patients [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Traumatic spine injury is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries, yet detailed epidemiologic data from sub-Saharan Africa remain limited. We used a fracture registry to characterize injury patterns, care pathways, and short-term outcomes among patients presenting with traumatic spine injury at a tertiary referral center in Ethiopia. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained fracture registry at a tertiary referral hospital in Ethiopia from June 2023 to July 2025. Patients with traumatic spine injury were included. Variables included demographics, injury mechanism and context, injury region, AO morphology, neurologic status (ASIA), referral status, mode of transportation, time to presentation, treatment, and 30-day outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the cohort. Bivariate associations were assessed using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, and crude odds ratios were calculated for prespecified 2 × 2 comparisons. Results: A total of 252 patients were included (mean age: 33.1 ± 13.6 years; 81.3% male). Falls (45.2%) and road traffic accidents (26.2%) were the most common mechanisms, and injuries most often occurred on farms (40.1%) and roads/streets (33.7%). The thoracolumbar (31.3%) and cervical (30.6%) regions were most frequently affected. Complete spinal cord injury (ASIA A) occurred in 36.5% of patients. Most patients were referred (88.5%), 62.7% presented >24 h after injury, and 65.5% were managed non-operatively. Referral status was strongly associated with delayed presentation (OR: 10.49, 95% CI: 3.84–28.64). Thirty-day mortality was 22.2%. Complete SCI (OR: 6.17, 95% CI: 3.23–11.90) and cervical/thoracic injuries (OR: 6.54, 95% CI: 3.12–13.70) were associated with higher mortality. Conclusions: Traumatic spine injury in this Ethiopian cohort disproportionately affected young adults and was marked by severe neurologic injury, delayed presentation, and high early mortality. Full article
16 pages, 20185 KB  
Article
Molecular Signatures of Maladaptive Plasticity in the Amygdala in a Rat Model of Chronic Neuropathic Pain
by Peyton Presto, Julian Cardenas, Christian Bustamante, Brent R. Kisby, Guangchen Ji, Olga Ponomareva, Volker Neugebauer and Igor Ponomarev
Cells 2026, 15(9), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15090775 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026
Abstract
Chronic pain, a complex multidimensional disorder, remains a major healthcare issue and a therapeutic challenge. Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain condition that results from damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. While mechanisms of neuropathic pain at the peripheral and spinal cord [...] Read more.
Chronic pain, a complex multidimensional disorder, remains a major healthcare issue and a therapeutic challenge. Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain condition that results from damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. While mechanisms of neuropathic pain at the peripheral and spinal cord level have been extensively studied, pain mechanisms in the brain remain underexplored. The amygdala, a limbic brain region, has emerged as a critical brain area for the emotional–affective dimension of pain and pain modulation. Amygdala neuroplasticity has been associated with pain states, but the exact molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these states and the transition from acute to chronic pain are not well understood. Here, we used the spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model of neuropathic pain in male rats to investigate changes in gene expression in the amygdala at the chronic pain stage using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Two amygdala nuclei, the basolateral (BLA) and central (CeA), were investigated in a hemisphere-dependent manner. We used an integrative approach that focuses on functional significance and cell-type specificity of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to nominate mechanistic targets for central regulation of chronic pain. Our integrative transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses identified individual genes (e.g., Cxcl10, Cxcl12, Mbp, Plp1, Mag, Mog, Slc17a6, Gad1, and Sst), molecular pathways (e.g., cytokine-mediated signaling pathway), biological processes (e.g., myelination, synaptic transmission), and specific cell types (e.g., oligodendrocytes, glutamatergic, and GABAergic neurons) affected by chronic pain. Our results also provide some evidence for the emerging concept of hemispheric lateralization of pain processing in the amygdala. Overall, our study proposes oligodendrocyte dysfunction in the amygdala, neuroimmune signaling in the CeA, and glutamatergic neurotransmission in the BLA as key processes and potential therapeutic targets for the management of chronic neuropathic pain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cellular Neuroscience)
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32 pages, 875 KB  
Systematic Review
Genetic Determinants of Stress Reactivity in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Implications for Maternal and Fetal Health
by Socol Ioana Denisa, Socol Flavius George, Farcaș Simona Sorina, Dumitriu Bogdan-Ionel, Dumitriu Alina-Iasmina, Antal Andreea, Boarta Aris, Iacob Daniela and Andreescu Nicoleta Ioana
Genes 2026, 17(5), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17050509 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background: Gestation is a period of significant biological plasticity where the intrauterine environment influences fetal development via “fetal programming”. This study systematically reviews and meta-analyzes the association between genetic determinants—specifically the NR3C1, FKBP5, and CRHR1 genes, chosen for their pivotal [...] Read more.
Background: Gestation is a period of significant biological plasticity where the intrauterine environment influences fetal development via “fetal programming”. This study systematically reviews and meta-analyzes the association between genetic determinants—specifically the NR3C1, FKBP5, and CRHR1 genes, chosen for their pivotal role in the functional regulation and feedback sensitivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis—and stress reactivity during pregnancy. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, yielding an initial total of 1430 records. After removing duplicates and screening 669 studies, a total of 34 primary observational studies were included in the systematic review and qualitative synthesis. For the quantitative synthesis, 27 articles provided sufficient data, resulting in k = 39 independent effect sizes analyzed via a mixed-effects model to account for tissue-specific and cohort-specific outcomes. Results: Systematic analysis reveals that maternal psychosocial stress significantly correlates with NR3C1 hypermethylation, acting as a biological mediator for neonatal cortisol dysregulation and hippocampal volume reduction. The FKBP5 rs1360780 polymorphism emerged as a key moderator of structural vulnerability, showing a “double-hit” effect when combined with epigenetic alterations. Furthermore, the study identifies sex-specific susceptibility, with divergent placental trajectories for male and female fetuses. Meta-analytic estimates confirmed the robustness of these associations (Rosenthal Fail-Safe N = 431,000), despite a general trend toward statistical significance (p = 0.079) in heterogeneous cohorts. Conclusions: The findings underscore a stable link between genetic determinants and prenatal stress reactivity. The interaction between molecular predisposition and environmental factors defines the health of the mother–infant dyad. These results advocate for a transition toward Precision Prenatal Medicine, integrating polygenic risk scores and epigenetic monitoring to implement early, targeted preventive interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Human Genomics and Genetic Diseases)
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21 pages, 1297 KB  
Article
Effects of Calf Starter Neutral Detergent Fiber Levels and Weaning on Growth and Rumen Microbial Diversity of Holstein Calves
by Özge Sayın Özdemir, Umair Ahsan, Ifrah Raza and Özcan Cengiz
Animals 2026, 16(9), 1316; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16091316 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2026
Abstract
A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) levels of calf starter and weaning time on growth, rumen fermentation characteristics, serum metabolites, and rumen microbial diversity of Holstein calves. A total of 24 newly born male Holstein calves [...] Read more.
A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) levels of calf starter and weaning time on growth, rumen fermentation characteristics, serum metabolites, and rumen microbial diversity of Holstein calves. A total of 24 newly born male Holstein calves were randomly distributed to four groups in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of NDF levels (14% and 24%) and weaning time (d 44 and d 54). There was no interaction between starter NDF levels and weaning time for any trait except rumen acetic acid in the immediate post-weaning phase (p = 0.013). Starter NDF levels had no effect on growth, feed intake, and hay intake. Late-weaned calves had greater (p = 0.050) weight gain in the pre-weaning phase whereas, early-weaned calves showed greater weight gain (p = 0.004) and starter intake (p = 0.004) in the post-weaning phase although overall weight gain, and starter and hay intakes were not affected by weaning time. Rumen pH, ammonia nitrogen, and most volatile fatty acids remained unaffected by starter NDF levels and weaning except isobutyric acid which was greater in calves fed 24% NDF starter (p = 0.001) in the immediate post-weaning and isovaleric acid which was greater in early-weaned calves (p = 0.044) at the end of experiment. Serum metabolites were largely affected (p < 0.05) by starter NDF levels and weaning time in the pre-weaning phase only. Alpha diversity of rumen microbes was greater and chaotic in 14% NDF starter group (early- and late-weaned) in the pre-weaning phase which converged in the immediate post-weaning phase and diverged on starter NDF basis at the end of experiment. Microbial ecology at phylum and genus levels composition were greatly driven by starter NDF levels in the pre-weaning phase, by weaning time in the immediate post-weaning phase, and two distinct bifurcated microbial ecologies based on starter NDF levels appeared at the end of experiment. In conclusion, the comparable growth with distinct microbial diversity but largely in favor of 24% NDF starter suggests that calves can be subjected to early weaning with 24% starter NDF levels for smooth transition from liquid to solid feed in Holstein calves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Regulation of the Rumen Microbiome and Fermentation)
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