公共卫生研究摘要 (2026-01-05)
共收录 61 篇研究文章
1. The labor of wealth: A phenomenological study of black women's experiences with wealth accumulation and its implications for health.
期刊: Ethnicity & health 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
Black women consistently exhibit some of the highest labor force participation rates in the United States, yet they are among the least wealthy group across race and gender which carries a disparity with profound implications for both economic and health outcomes. This phenomenological study employed semi structured interviews with 13 Black women as heads of households. Collin’s Black Feminist Theory provides the framework for this study, underscoring race and gender within the context of labor as an essential factor in the wealth accumulation process and health outcomes. Part of a larger study, themes reported here revealed four themes of labor: hustle labor, emotional labor, spiritual labor, and resistance labor, actions taken to maintain dignity and self-worth in the face of systemic oppression, emerged as a new form of labor. The study makes visible Black women’s labor beyond the U.S. traditional economic metrics. Recommendations for social policy and public health interventions central to wealth accumulation and health outcomes are offered.
2. [Temporal changes in serum total cholesterol levels during a 30-year follow-up in a South Hungarian village population].
期刊: Orvosi hetilap 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
Elevated serum cholesterol is a major cardiovascular risk factor. Population-level trends in total cholesterol reflect changes in lifestyle, diet, and pharmacological treatment. To assess temporal changes in serum total cholesterol levels in the population of a South Hungarian village over a 30-year period. Serum total cholesterol was measured in Méhkerék residents in 1994 and 2014 following professional guidelines, and re-examined in 2024. Temporal trends were analyzed using multiple regression and analysis of covariance. The study included 760 individuals in 1994, 391 in 2014, and 544 in 2024. Due to changes in age and sex composition, analyses were standardized for 40-, 50-, and 70-year-old men and women. Among 40-year-old women, cholesterol decreased by 3% from 1994 to 2024, and by 10% and 25% among 50- and 70-year-olds, respectively. In men, the corresponding reductions were 11%, 17%, and 28%. No significant difference was found between 1994 and 2014 (p = 0.117), but the decline became significant by 2024 (p<0.001). Cholesterol levels were significantly associated with sex (p = 0.005) and age (p<0.001), and a time × age interaction indicated a more pronounced decline in older participants. According to a detailed review of the available literature, this is the first comprehensive epidemiological study conducted on a Hungarian population over a 30-year period, which follows the serum total cholesterol levels of the entire population of a settlement. The significant long-term reduction likely reflects combined effects of medical therapy and lifestyle improvements. These findings emphasize the preventive role of general practice and the need for more focused cardiovascular prevention among younger individuals and women. Orv Hetil. 2026; 167(1): 9-15. Bevezetés: A magas koleszterinszint a legfontosabb cardiovascularis kockázati tényezők egyike. Populációs szinten a szérum-összkoleszterinszintet hosszabb távon az életmód és a táplálkozás, valamint a gyógyszeres kezelés egyaránt befolyásolhatja. Célkitűzés: Vizsgálatunk célja a szérum-összkoleszterinszint időbeli változásának elemzése volt egy dél-alföldi település lakosságában, 30 éves követés során. Módszer: 1994-ben és 2014-ben Méhkerék községben, a szakmai előírásoknak megfelelően, meghatároztuk a lakosság szérum-összkoleszterinszintjét. A vizsgálatot 2024-ben megismételtük, és az időbeli változásokat többszörös regressziós modellben, kovarianciaanalízissel elemeztük. Eredmények: A vizsgálatba 1994-ben 760, 2014-ben 391, 2024-ben pedig 544 személy került be. A három vizsgált csoport életkori és nemi összetétele az eltelt évtizedekben megváltozott, ami befolyásolhatta az összkoleszterinszinteket. Ezért a változásokat 40, 50 és 70 éves, standardizált életkorú férfiakon és nőkön elemeztük. A 40 éves nők becsült összkoleszterin-értéke 1994-ben 5,02 mmol/l volt, amely 30 év alatt 3%-kal csökkent; 50 és 70 éves korban a csökkenés mértéke 10%, illetve 25% volt. Férfiaknál ugyanezen korcsoportokban 11%, 17% és 28%-os csökkenést tapasztaltunk. 2014-ben az 1994-es értékekhez képest nem találtunk szignifikáns eltérést (p = 0,117), 2024-re azonban a változás már szignifikánsnak bizonyult (p<0,001). Az összkoleszterinszint szignifikánsan függött a nemtől (p = 0,005) és az életkortól (p<0,001). Az idő és az életkor közötti interakció szignifikáns volt, jelezve, hogy az időbeli csökkenés mértéke életkoronként eltérő, és a legnagyobb része az utóbbi évtizedben következett be. Következtetés: Tudomásunk szerint ez az első, 30 éves időtartamot átfogó, magyarországi populáción végzett epidemiológiai vizsgálat, amely egy település teljes lakosságának szérum-összkoleszterinszintjét követi. Az észlelt, szignifikáns és klinikailag is jelentős mértékű csökkenés részben a gyógyszeres kezelés, részben pedig az életmód- és étrendváltozások hatására vezethető vissza. Népegészségügyi szempontból a gyógyszeres és nem gyógyszeres beavatkozások együttes hatása a meghatározó. Eredményeink felhívják a figyelmet a háziorvosi praxisban végzett prevenciós tevékenység fontosságára, valamint arra, hogy a jövőben a fiatalok és a nők célzott megelőző programjai különösen indokoltak. Orv Hetil. 2026; 167(1): 9–15.
3. Perilla frutescens seeds enhance lamb immunity and antioxidant capacity via the microbiota-gut-liver-muscle axis.
期刊: Journal of animal science and biotechnology 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
Perilla frutescens seeds (PFS) are gaining recognition as a natural alternative to antibiotics in livestock, supporting sustainable farming and animal health. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms through which PFS influence host immune function and antioxidant capacity, especially via the gut-liver-muscle axis, remain largely unknown. This study employed an integrative multi-omics approach to elucidate how PFS supplementation modulates the microbiota-gut-liver-muscle axis and enhances immune and antioxidant functions in lambs. PFS supplementation markedly improved immune and antioxidant profiles, demonstrated by elevated serum levels of IL-10, IgM, IgG, GSH-PX, and SOD, and reductions in IL-1β, TNF-α, and MDA. Microbial analysis revealed elevated abundances of ruminal and intestinal taxa commonly associated with gut homeostasis and metabolic health (Christensenellaceae_R-7_group) and reduced levels of species with pathogenic or pro-inflammatory potential (Bacillus cereus and Clostridioides) in the ileum. Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling of liver tissue indicated modulation of key inflammatory and bile acid signaling pathways, including the downregulation of TLR4, NLRP3, ATF3, CYP2J2, and LXR-α. PFS also increased hepatic concentrations of anti-inflammatory metabolites such as chlorquinaldol and indole-3-carboxaldehyde, while reducing levels of LysoPC(20:4) and phosphatidic acid. Correlation and mediation analyses revealed strong interconnections among gut microbiota, hepatic gene expression, lipid metabolites in liver and muscle, and systemic immune-antioxidant markers. These findings highlight the microbiota-gut-liver-muscle axis as a central mechanism through which PFS enhances immune function and antioxidant capacity in lambs. PFS supplementation represents a promising nutritional strategy to improve healthy lamb production, supporting the development of antibiotic-free and sustainable livestock systems.
4. Frizzled-1 amplification promotes fibrosis in the gastric tumor microenvironment through the activation of fibroblasts via the SLIT2/ROBO1 axis.
期刊: Gastric cancer : official journal of the International Gastric Cancer Association and the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
A fibrotic tumor microenvironment (TME) promotes tumor progression by the interactions between tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the extracellular matrix (ECM), which enhance tumor cell survival and growth, and by suppressing antitumor immunity. However, how characteristic gene expression and amplification in cancer cells drive the formation of a fibrotic TME in patients with gastric cancer (GC) is unclear. We performed genomic and transcriptomic analyses via datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Asian Cancer Research Group to identify amplified and overexpressed genes associated with the presence of a fibrotic TME in tumors. Syngeneic mouse models of GC and multiplexed immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to validate the findings of the transcriptomic analysis and investigate the underlying mechanisms. The Frizzled class receptor 1 (FZD1) gene was frequently amplified and highly expressed in GC patients with fibrotic tumors, and FZD1 expression was related to a poor prognosis. The overexpression of Fzd1 in murine GC tumor cells was significantly associated with enhanced tumor fibrosis and growth and reduced infiltration of CD3+ lymphocytes and CD8+ T cells into tumors. SLIT2 secretion was increased in Fzd1-overexpressing tumor cells via the canonical WNT-β-catenin pathway, and SLIT2 activated CAFs to produce more ECM through the SLIT2‒ROBO1 axis. This study highlights the potential of FZD1 as a biomarker for predicting fibrotic status in patients with GC and the SLIT2‒ROBO1 axis as a therapeutic target to reverse a fibrotic and immunosuppressive TME.
5. Emerging strategies to reduce the side effects of CAR-T cell therapy: focusing on gene editing and nanotechnology.
期刊: Clinical & translational oncology : official publication of the Federation of Spanish Oncology Societies and of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
CAR-T cell therapy has been transformative in treating certain blood malignancies and is also being adopted for treating other malignancies, including solid tumors. Despite its undeniable successes, CAR-T cell therapy is frequently associated with severe and potentially life-threatening side effects and toxicities, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity (ICANS), graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in allogeneic settings, secondary CAR-T-derived malignancies, and long-term immunosuppression-induced risk of infections. Recent advances in integrating gene-editing technology and nanomedicine into CAR-T cell therapy have opened new avenues to enhance the safety profile of CAR-T cell therapy and broaden its clinical applications. Gene-editing tools enable targeted modulation of the CAR-T cells’ genome, thereby improving their safety profile by preventing related side effects. In parallel, nanomedicine can be used at various stages, including manufacturing and post-treatment, to prevent their occurrence or manage them. This review highlights the current preclinical and clinical landscape, explores the emerging combinatorial strategies, and discusses future directions to achieve a safe and more controllable CAR-T cell therapy.
6. An Overview of the Effects of Exercise on Viral Infection in Obesity: Recent Advances and Potential Mechanisms.
期刊: Applied biochemistry and biotechnology 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
The intersection of the global obesity epidemic with viral infection pandemics poses a significant public health problem. Obesity increases virus severity by inducing dyslipidemia-characterized by defective low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles-and establishes a condition of chronic, low-grade inflammation that undermines both innate and adaptive immunity. Moreover, cholesterol-enriched lipid rafts (LRs) in the plasma membrane, which are crucial for viral entry and replication, provide a molecular connection between dysregulated lipid metabolism and viral life cycles. Although exercise is acknowledged for its benefits to metabolic and immunological health, a thorough synthesis of its precise function in influencing the relationship between obesity and viral infection is lacking. This review examines the impact of exercise on lipid metabolism and adipose tissue function, as well as its subsequent effect on antiviral immunity. We discuss how exercise training may mitigate obesity-induced dyslipidemia, promote the health of white adipose tissue, reduce inflammation, and enhance both humoral and cellular immune responses. We also compile research about the direct impacts of exercise on different viral illnesses. In summary, obesity intensifies viral infections via dyslipidemia and compromised immunity. This study has identified a significant gap by demonstrating that regular exercise is a crucial non-pharmacological strategy for mitigating these hazards. We have outlined the comprehensive mechanism by which exercise enhances lipid metabolism and adipose tissue function, consequently strengthening antiviral immunity and disrupting the cycle of obesity-related susceptibility to severe viral diseases. Consequently, physical exercise should be regarded as a fundamental preventive measure.
7. The dietary index for gut microbiota and risk of advanced cardio-kidney-metabolic syndrome.
期刊: Clinical and experimental medicine 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
As a novel dietary assessment tool, the dietary index for gut microbiota (DI-GM) measured food intake patterns that influenced GM balance. The association of DI-GM with advanced cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome (CKM) remained unclear. We aimed to explore the relationship between DI-GM and the advanced CKM risk. Participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2018 were included. The DI-GM was defined based on intake levels of 10 beneficial and 4 unfavorable foods. To assess the association of DI-GM with advanced CKM risk, we employed multivariate logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression. About 13,226 eligible participants were enrolled. Multivariable logistic regression showed that each 1-point increment in the DI-GM and beneficial food scores were associated with a 6% (95% CI: 0.92-0.97) and 7% (95% CI: 0.90-0.97) reduction in advanced CKM risk, respectively. Unfavorable food scores showed no significant association with advanced CKM risk. ROC analysis indicated that compared with the baseline model, the addition of the DI-GM (AUC: 0.743 vs. 0.741; P = 0.013) and the beneficial food scores (AUC: 0.743 vs. 0.741; P = 0.005) significantly improved the discriminatory ability of the baseline model for advanced CKM. WQS regression further identified broccoli, soybeans, fermented dairy products, and dietary fiber as the key dietary components strongly associated with advanced CKM. The DI-GM can function as a promising tool for assessing advanced CKM risk. For the general population, especially individuals with metabolic risk factors, increasing the intake of broccoli, soybeans, fermented dairy products, and dietary fiber may help reduce advanced CKM risk.
8. Integrated analysis of the blood metallome and DNA methylation, gene expression, and protein levels of immune-associated genes in residents from mining region.
期刊: Environmental geochemistry and health 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
Environmental exposure to toxic and essential metals can disrupt host immune function through mechanisms involving epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional regulation. Although numerous studies have investigated these regulatory layers separately, integrative analyses across molecular levels in relation to metallome is missing. In this study, we performed a targeted multi-omics analysis of six immune-associated genes (NFKB1, CDKN2A, IGF2, H19, ESR1, and APOA5) and corresponding proteins in healthy residents from a long-term mining region (MRR, n = 46) and a non-mining region (NMR, n = 48). Transcriptome data were generated by mRNA sequencing, while DNA methylation data were obtained using targeted bisulfite sequencing by analyzing previously identified differentially methylated positions. Plasma protein levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and plasma metal concentrations were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We observed significantly higher plasma levels of NFKB1 and CDKN2A proteins, along with lower ESR1 transcript levels, in residents of the mining region compared to the non-mining region. NFKB1 protein levels were associated with both promoter methylation and residence in mining region, suggesting a regulatory cascade from DNA methylation to protein expression. IGF2 protein levels were higher in males and showed positive associations with age and the cumulative Z-score of essential metal mixture burden. Our results show that long-term residence in mining regions is associated with changes in NFKB1 at both the DNA methylation and protein levels, which may serve as a sensitive biomarker of metal exposure.
9. Novel integrated acidic and microbial modification strategy to improve adsorption performance of water hyacinth.
期刊: Biodegradation 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
Industrial wastewater often contains high concentrations of Cr(VI), posing serious environmental and health threats. This study introduces a novel approach to enhancing the adsorption performance of lignocellulosic materials through thermal chemical modification of water hyacinth using dilute H2SO4 under mild (low-temperature) conditions, and then a microbial treatment step by a cellulolytic bacterium strain. The effects of modification time (0-50 h), acid volume/material ratio (3-11 mL/g), temperature (25-60 °C), and acid concentration (0.5-3% v/v) were systematically evaluated using a one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) method and further optimized via Box-Behnken Design (BBD) coupled with response surface methodology (RSM). Under the optimal conditions (30 h, 5.5 mL/g, 45 °C, and 1.5% v/v H2SO4), the treated biomass achieved a maximum Cr(VI) adsorption capacity of 3.22 mg/g. Characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis confirmed that the mild acid treatment effectively reduced cellulose crystallinity, and introduced abundant C = O and O-H functional groups, while the surface area (1.86 m2/g) remained unchanged. The zero point of charge (pHpzc) of treated water hyacinth (TWH) was determined to be 5. Adsorption followed the Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.972) and pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.9982), involving both intra- and extra-particle diffusion. Furthermore, the results revealed that microbial treatment with Alcaligenes sp. KHM19 for 6 days achieved a Cr(VI) removal efficiency of 95.42% and an adsorption capacity of 3.85 mg/g, which was approximately 1.2 times higher than that obtained by thermal-acidic modification alone. This integrated method, combining biological treatment with thermal chemical modification, represents a novel and sustainable strategy for efficient Cr(VI) removal from industrial wastewater.
10. Estimating the Value of Combination Vaccines: A Methodological Framework.
期刊: PharmacoEconomics 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
Combination vaccines combine several components in a single dose administration. They offer programmatic and public health advantages, particularly as vaccine schedules become increasingly crowded. They are often more expensive to develop and produce, which discourages manufacturer investment without clear market signals. Hence their benefits need to be captured with existing health economic evaluation reference cases used by decision-makers to guide vaccine investments. We propose that the value of combination vaccines can be captured through at least four domains: (1) reductions in tangible and intangible costs to caregivers, (2) operational efficiencies to the health system, (3) opportunity costs of vaccine schedule slots, and (4) more streamlined vaccine schedules. We demonstrate the practicality of our framework by comparing the value of introducing a hypothetical vaccine to a crowded schedule as a standalone formulation, a replacement for a vaccine already in the schedule, or a combination product. The framework could also be applied to estimate the value of reducing the number of separate administrations needed for a standalone vaccine. Applying it in real-world situations could be facilitated by further data collection, particularly on collating results on the value of existing vaccines in the schedule and estimating willingness-to-pay for fewer vaccine administrations.
11. Evaluation of the new role of the invasive species (Procambarus clarkii) as an environmental indicator in polluted watersheds.
期刊: Environmental geochemistry and health 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
Procambarus clarkii represents an invasive species of crayfish common in the rivers of the Iberian Peninsula, which replaced a previous invasive species of crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) and is now being replaced by a new invasive species (Pacifastacus leniusculus) in northern rivers. Leaving aside the ecological problems that these invasive species can cause, these organisms can be excellent candidates to act as environmental indicators in pollution processes that involves the interface water-sediment. In this work, the potential role of Procambarus clarkii as a bioindicator of pollution processes of mining origin is evaluated. Unlike previous research, which often focuses on snapshot assessments of contamination levels, our approach integrates historical data and continuous monitoring to provide a dynamic perspective on the impact of Hg and other metals on biotic and abiotic media over an extended period. A total of 330 crayfish were collected from 10 sites in Valdeazogues river, grouped by size, and analyzed for Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, As, and Sb in abdominal muscle and hepatopancreas, with a complete characterization of sediment and water media. Crayfish data have shown that hepatopancreas and muscle present the highest average content of Zn (1,325 and 377 mg kg-1, respectively) and Cu (1,297 and 179 mg kg-1 respectively). Levels of Hg were higher in muscle (1.6 mg kg-1) than hepatopancreas (1.0 mg kg-1), with all muscle samples exceeding the EU maximum permissible level of 0.5 mg kg-1 for food. The sensitivity of P. clarkii has been sufficient to identify different sources of Hg, Pb and Zn contamination in the drainage system, and even agricultural sources of Cd downstream of the mining district. This versatile capability can be of application to large mining areas in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, especially throughout the Iberian Pyrite Belt.
12. The potential of cytokine polymorphisms as biomarkers for oral squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review.
期刊: Discover oncology 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
13. Methods to reduce environmental nontuberculous mycobacteria exposure: revisiting the recent literature.
期刊: Critical reviews in microbiology 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
The incidence and prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease (LD) cases are rising, with diagnosis and treatment proving difficult. With the preponderance of viable NTM in both natural and engineered environments, the understood route of human infection is through environmental exposures. In an effort to decrease the occurrence of NTM LD, methods to reduce environmental NTM exposures are of great interest to people with infection and the clinical community. In 2013, coauthor Falkinham summarized methods known at the time to reduce exposure to LD-causing Mycobacterium avium. The objective of this current review was to perform an updated PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar literature search spanning 2014-2025 for newly reported methods and newer studies that expand on known mitigation strategies. In total, 31 articles were found. Among these new reports that posed new or improved methods to reduce environmental NTM exposure, risk assessment remains limited underscoring the need for more research in this area. We propose a feasible solution may be to revisit the “healthy home” concept and to consider the engineered environmental microbiome interactions when designing future homes.
14. Stress in Indoor and Outdoor Cats: Association between Hair Cortisol Levels, Housing Style, and Guardians' Perceptions of Behavior.
期刊: Journal of applied animal welfare science : JAAWS 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
This study evaluated hair cortisol as a biomarker of chronic stress in 34 domestic cats (Felis catus), comparing indoor and outdoor individuals. The aim was to investigate associations between hormonal levels, physical and social environmental characteristics, and behavioral indicators related to feline welfare. Hair samples were analyzed using the ELISA method, and guardians completed structured questionnaires. The overall mean cortisol concentration was 2.52 pg/mg, with no significant difference between indoor (2.40 pg/mg) and outdoor (2.62 pg/mg; p = 0.510) groups, suggesting that both housing styles may be compatible with low physiological stress levels. Indoor cats were associated with more intentionally enriched environments, including litter boxes, hiding places, vertical spaces, and predatory stimuli, highlighting the importance of resources provided by the owners indoors. Cats exhibiting behaviors such as isolation and excessive vocalization showed higher cortisol levels, while perceived stress reported by guardians did not correlate with hormonal data. The findings reinforce the relevance of environmental enrichment for feline welfare. Studies with larger samples are recommended to deepen these associations and support the dissemination of effective environmental management practices for domestic cats.
15. Effort-reward imbalance at work and health: Review and critical appraisal of three decades of research.
期刊: Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
This paper discusses the contribution of a widely used theoretical model of the psychosocial work environment, effort-reward imbalance (ERI), to occupational health research. It highlights the development of this approach, its measurement, and its main findings over the past three decades, focusing on epidemiological investigations. Furthermore, several limitations and challenges in view of far-reaching changes of modern work are discussed.
Based on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and an extended search for key publications, this discussion paper sets out the main evidence of associations of the models measures with health risks, prioritizing prospective investigations. Complementing results addressing psychobiological markers as potential pathways underlying these associations, as well as findings on the models expansion beyond paid work, are briefly summarized.
Currently available findings document consistent, moderately elevated related risks of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and depression following exposure to ERI. Quasi-experimental findings on physiological parameters as potential mediators of the link with IHD support this evidence. Results on a range of other disorders, in particular metabolic diseases, drug-related disorders, and indicators of reduced health functioning, while supportive, are less robust.
This paper synthesizes three decades of international research on ERI as a parsimonious model of adverse psychosocial working conditions. At the same time, conceptual and methodological limitations-particularly in light of rapid changes in modern work and employment-point to priorities for future refinement and application of the model.
16. Employers' utilization of and collaboration with occupational health services in preventive occupational health and safety management.
期刊: Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
Occupational health services (OHS) are an important resource within employers’ preventive occupational health and safety management (OHSM). The aims of this study were to investigate employers’ utilization of OHS in preventive OHSM and identify decisive contextual, structural and/or processual conditions in ensuring successful collaboration with OHS in preventive OHSM. A total of 122 organizations within the Swedish welfare sector (education, social services and healthcare), of which 112 had access to OHS, responded to a quantitative survey on the organization and management of their preventive OHSM. Responses were investigated using both conventional descriptive analysis and configurational analysis. Only a third of the participating organizations utilized OHS to a high or very high degree within their preventive OHSM. Factors for successful collaboration with OHS within preventive OHSM included having a contract that made it possible to use OHS and having established routines for involving OHS in the early phases of preventive measures, especially when managing external demands and complex challenges. The utilization of OHS within preventive OHSM is limited, and increased utilization may improve the ability of employers to successfully implement OHSM. The successful organization of OHSM practices and the OHS contract were key factors in a successful collaboration with OHS. Working together in preventive OHSM may also strengthen social capital for all stakeholders, which could further enhance collaboration.
17. Optimizing a physiotherapist-led vocational intervention for people with rheumatoid arthritis or axial spondyloarthritis. A qualitative evaluation from a patient's perspective.
期刊: Disability and rehabilitation 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are chronic inflammatory diseases that often lead to reduced work ability. This study explored participants’ perspectives on their experiences with a physiotherapist (PT)-led, vocational intervention to improve work ability. A qualitative process evaluation, integrated into the Physiotherapy WORKs randomized controlled trial, compared a PT-led vocational intervention to usual care in people with RA or axSpA and reduced work ability. Semi-structured interviews with 10 participants were conducted using a standardized interview guide, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes emerged. First, perceived effects included a) enhanced awareness or symptoms and balance between capacity and load; b) improved self-management and c) better physical functioning. Second, facilitators included a) personalized approach, b) trust in physiotherapists’ expertise, c) comprehensive, work focused content and d) optionality of treatment modalities. Third, a mismatch was perceived between intervention and the participants’ perceived severity of work-related limitations. Employed people with RA or axSpA valued the intervention’s personalized approach and the professional expertise of the PT. However, better alignment between the intervention and severity of work-related limitations is needed. These findings offer valuable insights for improving the content and implementation of vocational interventions. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are chronic inflammatory diseases that often lead to reduced work ability.Employed people with inflammatory arthritis who participated in a physiotherapist-led vocational intervention generally perceived it as a valuable treatment.The comprehensive and personalized approach and the specific expertise of the physical therapist were seen as main strengths and worthwhile to consider in future vocational interventions.
18. The hand activity and behavior intervention (HABIT): a novel group to increase daily hand-use post-stroke.
期刊: Disability and rehabilitation 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
To describe the development of The Hand Activity and Behavior Intervention (HABIT) and to evaluate its feasibility and initial effectiveness in increasing daily hand‑use among individuals post‑stroke with good motor ability. HABIT was developed by integrating behavior‑change principles, a motivational-social theory and an occupational therapy model. Community‑dwelling adults post‑stroke (Fugl-Meyer Assessment ≥ 43/66) participated in HABIT (10-group sessions). Session attendance and satisfaction measured feasibility. Effectiveness was assessed at baseline (PRE1), pre‑intervention (PRE2), post‑intervention (POST1), and follow‑up (POST2) using The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) (performance and satisfaction for participant-selected goals using the affected upper extremity), the Rating of Everyday Arm‑Use in the Community and Home (REACH) (daily hand-use), Confidence in Arm and Hand Movement scale (CAHM), and the Dual Overload Interference Test (DO‑IT). Trial registration: NCT06455241. Eleven adults post‑stroke participated in HABIT. Attendance and satisfaction were high. No changes between PRE1-PRE2. Median (IQR) COPM performance increased from 4.0 (2.2-4.8)-PRE2 to 7.3 (5.1-8.1)-POST1 and 7.0 (5.7-7.7)-POST2 (z = -2.85, p< 0.001). REACH improved significantly at POST2 (z = -2.49, p< 0.05). CAHM also demonstrated a significant improvement. HABIT is feasible and demonstrates preliminary effectiveness in improving daily hand-use among individuals with good motor ability post-stroke. Individuals post-stroke with good motor ability may still show limited daily hand-use, highlighting the need for targeted behavioral interventions.The Hand Activity and Behavior Intervention (HABIT), a structured group-based intervention, is feasible and acceptable, with high attendance and satisfaction.Meaningful improvements were achieved in daily hand-use without changes in motor function.Group delivery fosters peer support and motivation, contributing to sustained real-world hand-use.
19. Multi-Stakeholder Primary Health Care for Migrant Populations in Thailand's Border Regions: A Qualitative Study of Barriers and Opportunities.
期刊: Journal of immigrant and minority health 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
Primary health care (PHC) in Thailand’s border regions remains challenged by the needs of mobile and marginalized populations, despite the country’s progressive Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This qualitative study explores the dynamics of cross-border PHC systems along Thailand’s borders with Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Cambodia through a people-centered lens. We conducted 101 semi-structured interviews with diverse stakeholders across six border provinces. Findings reveal that migrants and refugees face complex barriers, including legal exclusion, geographic isolation, and fear of deportation, leading to reliance on self-medication and delayed care. Health priorities consistently included communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and occupational risks, yet the context varied significantly by border. The Myanmar border was characterized by Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)-dependent, fragmented services for undocumented migrants and refugees. In contrast, the Lao PDR border demonstrated more stable, seasonal migration and smoother bilateral health cooperation. The Cambodia border was defined by labor migration and inconsistent employer-based health arrangements. Multi-stakeholder collaboration-particularly through migrant health volunteers and NGOs-was identified as both feasible and essential for service delivery, but remains ad hoc and donor-dependent. Sustainable solutions require formalizing the roles of community-based actors, creating institutionalized coordination platforms, and developing tailored, context-specific strategies that address the fundamental social determinants of health. Achieving health equity in these borderlands necessitates inclusive policies that bridge the gap between national UHC ambitions and the realities of cross-border mobility.
20. Layered Polymeric Carbon Nitride as a Green Support for Cellulase Immobilization: Improved Stability, Activity, and Reusability.
期刊: Applied biochemistry and biotechnology 发表日期: 2026-Jan-04 链接: PubMed
摘要
21. Educational preparation of primary care nurse practitioners and outcomes for patients with dementia.
期刊: Nursing outlook 发表日期: 2026-Jan-03 链接: PubMed
摘要
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) enrollment has grown substantially over the past decade. However, there is limited evidence on whether DNP preparation for nurse practitioners (NPs), compared to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) preparation, leads to improved patient outcomes. To examine differences in emergency department (ED) use and hospitalization among persons living with dementia receiving care from DNP- and MSN-prepared NPs in primary care practices. The sample included 603 NPs (509 MSN-prepared, 94 DNP-prepared) and 17,229 patients. Multilevel generalized linear regressions assessed associations between NP educational preparation and odds of ED use and hospitalization. Patients receiving care directly from DNP-prepared vs. MSN-prepared NPs did not have lower odds of ED use and hospitalization, but patients receiving care at practices employing DNP-prepared NPs had lower odds of ED use. DNP-prepared NPs in primary care may reduce ED use at the practice level. Further research among other populations is needed. The DNP may have a positive impact on primary care practices through an educational emphasis on skills such as leadership and quality improvement.
22. Homeschooling trends before and after the New York state repeal of nonmedical vaccine exemptions.
期刊: Vaccine 发表日期: 2026-Jan-03 链接: PubMed
摘要
Evaluation of New York State (NYS) Senate Bill 2994A repealing school-entry nonmedical vaccine exemption options suggests that the law was effective to increase school vaccine coverage; however, the law’s impact on homeschooling has not been examined. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of NYS Senate Bill 2994A on homeschooling prevalence. We conducted a population-based cohort study with interrupted time-series analyses to estimate homeschooling prevalence differences (PD) comparing the time periods before (referent) and after NYS Senate Bill 2994A. The study cohort comprised school districts submitting all annual enrollment and homeschooling reports for the 2014-15 through 2019-20 school years. Crude and adjusted PDs accounting for longitudinal homeschooling trends were estimated at the population-, district-, and county-levels. Analyses were conducted in January 2025. Among 685 (99.3%) NYS school districts, NYS Senate Bill 2994A was associated with a 0.1% (95% CI: 0.1%-0.1%) increase in homeschooling prevalence among New York City (NYC) students and a 0.3% (95% CI: 0.2%-0.3%) increase among students outside of NYC, after adjustment for longitudinal trends. At the district-level, the law was associated with a mean 0.4% (95% CI: 0.3%-0.5%) increase in homeschooling prevalence among non-NYC schools. Spatial variation in crude homeschooling PDs was observed in county-level estimates (range: -0.3% to 1.5%; interquartile range: 0.2% to 0.5%). We found that NYS Senate Bill 2994A was associated with small, but significant increases in homeschooling prevalence. These results suggest a small number of un(der)vaccinated students may have disenrolled from traditional “brick-and-mortar” schools to avoid compliance with the law.
23. Perspectives on gender-inclusive language in Canadian sexual and reproductive health care: findings from a modified Delphi survey.
期刊: BMC health services research 发表日期: 2026-Jan-03 链接: PubMed
摘要
24. Dynamic copula Bayesian network predictive model for assessing the impact of initiative programs on child undernutrition in Ethiopia, 2009-2016.
期刊: BMC public health 发表日期: 2026-Jan-03 链接: PubMed
摘要
Child undernutrition remains a major public health concern in Ethiopia, influenced by multiple and interacting household and community factors. Despite large-scale initiatives such as the Productive Safety Net Program, Emergency Aid Program, and Health Extension Program, evidence is still needed on how these interventions affect the determinants of child nutritional status over time. We applied a Dynamic Copula Bayesian Network (DCBN) to model time-varying associations between program participation and key determinants of child undernutrition: food security (FS), household wealth (WQ), and mother subjective well-being (MSW). Data were drawn from the Young Lives-Ethiopia surveys (waves 2009, 2013, 2016) with baseline information from 2002 and 2006. The DCBN framework incorporated 26 copula families, Kendall’s τ for dependence measures, and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) for parameter estimation. Model performance was evaluated using root mean square error (RMSE) and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE). We further accounted for program spillovers through a community program intensity proxy and assessed robustness with baseline conditioning and inverse probability weighting (IPW). Program participation was positively associated with household food security and wealth. Both FS → CUS and WQ → CUS edges showed negative and strengthening dependencies across waves, indicating that improvements in food security and wealth are associated with reductions in child undernutrition. These associations were robust to baseline conditioning, spillover adjustments, IPW weighting, and estimation method (MCMC vs. local optimization). The study demonstrates the utility of DCBNs for mapping dynamic, nonlinear associations between social protection and health programs and child undernutrition determinants. The results highlight that strengthening household food security and wealth plays a central role in reducing child undernutrition. Although findings are associational, the transferable dependence map can be re-estimated with contemporary data to guide program targeting, monitoring, and policy decisions in Ethiopia.
25. Structural factors of disability and ageing: spatial patterns in Mexico.
期刊: BMC public health 发表日期: 2026-Jan-03 链接: PubMed
摘要
Mexico is undergoing rapid population ageing, but its pace and intensity vary markedly across regions. This process unfolds amid deep social and economic inequalities, particularly in rural and marginalized areas where limited access to healthcare and social protection increases the risk of chronic disease, disability, and dependence. To examine how demographic ageing, socioeconomic, and health conditions relate to disability prevalence among older adults at the municipal level, emphasizing the structural and territorial factors that constrain healthy ageing. Using data from the 2020 Population and Housing Census and 2015-2019 mortality records, a municipal composite ageing index was developed to capture both the magnitude and structure of ageing. Spatial analytical techniques-Moran’s I, Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA), and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR)-were applied to identify spatial dependence and local variation. Bivariate Moran’s I indicated limited global autocorrelation between ageing and disability, but LISA revealed pronounced local clusters. Ageing was more advanced in northern and central Mexico, whereas disability concentrated in the south and southeast. Lower educational attainment, reduced social protection coverage, and greater socioeconomic disadvantage were linked to highter disability prevalence. The findings show that ageing and disability are spatially patterned outcomes shaped by long-standing territorial inequalities. Recognizing these spatial dynamics is key to designing regionally differentiated, place-based public health and social policy responses that promote equitable ageing in Mexico.
26. Real-world evidence indicates romosozumab use is associated with a greater reduction in osteoporotic fractures than PTH (1-34) analogs in women.
期刊: Biology of sex differences 发表日期: 2026-Jan-03 链接: PubMed
摘要
To compare the effectiveness of romosozumab (ROMO) with parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor agonists [teriparatide (TPTD)/abaloparatide (APTD)] in reducing fracture risk following osteoporosis treatment. A TriNetX cohort study assessed fracture and mortality risks using Kaplan-Meier analysis with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). After propensity score matching (n = 2,258 pairs), ROMO users had lower risks of osteoporotic fractures (HR: 0.711, 95% CI: 0.542-0.931) and hypercalcemia (HR = 0.707, 95% CI: 0.511-0.977) compared with PTH receptor agonists. Five subgroup analyses demonstrated a reduced fracture risk in the ROMO cohort among women (HR: 0.738), patients aged ≥ 65 years (HR: 0.652), individuals with a history of prior fractures (HR: 0.659), and those without chronic kidney disease (CKD) (HR: 0.731). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings across different covariate adjustments, data sources, and extended follow-up, consistently showing a lower risk of hypercalcemia and nonsignificant trends toward reduced fracture risk in the ROMO cohort. Compared with PTH analogs, ROMO offers stronger short-term protection against osteoporotic fractures and hypercalcemia, particularly in older women with prior fractures. Nonetheless, cardiovascular safety, calcium metabolism, and sequential therapy require careful consideration for individualized treatment. Osteoporosis is a disease that makes bones weak and more likely to break, especially in older adults and women after menopause. This study compared two types of bone-strengthening medicines: romosozumab (ROMO) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) drugs, including teriparatide and abaloparatide. Researchers used a large health database to see which treatment better prevented bone fractures. They found that people taking ROMO had fewer fractures and fewer cases of high calcium levels in the blood than those taking PTH drugs. The benefits of ROMO were strongest in women, people aged 65 and older, and those who had fractures before. These results suggest that ROMO may offer stronger short-term protection against fractures compared with PTH drugs. However, doctors still need to consider possible side effects and each person’s overall health before choosing the best treatment. This study provides helpful information for patients and doctors in deciding how to manage osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fragility fractures.
27. Harnessing TiO2-STA nano-interfaces with improved electrical conductivity for the efficient photocatalytic removal of methylene blue dye.
期刊: Environmental geochemistry and health 发表日期: 2026-Jan-03 链接: PubMed
摘要
The annealing process was used to create TiO2-Silicotungstic acid (TiO2-STA) nanocomposites. Ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the resultant materials. The FTIR spectrum verified the production of new chemical bonds between TiO2 and STA, however the UV-visible spectrum showed a significant interaction between them. The TiO2-STA nanocomposites’ crystallite size was reduced, according to XRD measurements. According to calculations made using the Debye-Scherrer equation and subsequently confirmed by the Williamson-Hall technique, the crystallite size falls between 120 and 240 nm. The dopants were evenly dispersed over the surface, and SEM examination revealed a reduction in particle size. Methylene blue dye was used as a model pollutant to assess the photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites. According to the findings, the nanocomposites had outstanding catalytic activity, reaching a degradation efficiency of up to 99.87%. Additionally, the nanocomposite materials’ temperature-dependent AC and DC conductivities were examined. TiO2 and TiO2-STA nanocomposite’s notable improvement in conductivity points to its possible use in electrical devices.
28. Assessing the health literacy needs of school adolescents in Birendranagar Municipality, Surkhet, Nepal.
期刊: BMC public health 发表日期: 2026-Jan-03 链接: PubMed
摘要
29. Rapid assessment of the factors contributing to the increase in maternal mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Latin American region.
期刊: BMC pregnancy and childbirth 发表日期: 2026-Jan-03 链接: PubMed
摘要
COVID-19 infection in pregnant women was known to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality in Latin America and the Caribbean as a consequence of comorbidity and disruption in the supply and use of health services. A multi-country qualitative study was carried out in Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador to investigate the factors contributing to maternal mortality in the period March 2020 - July 2021. Four sources were analyzed: health policy documents and interviews with decision-makers, service providers of health and relatives of women who died due to maternal causes during the aforementioned period. The information collected was coded according to dimensions of the SURE Collaborative model (Supporting the Use of Research Evidence Collaborative) for the analysis of the implementation of health policies; and their implementation was analyzed by applying the Three Delays model. Sixty-two policy documents were analyzed, and 21 interviews with decision makers, 30 interviews with service providers and 28 interviews with relatives of women who died from maternal causes were conducted. The most relevant findings were the change in the maternal and reproductive health care model with the disruption of primary health care; the prioritization of emergency care for patients affected by COVID-19; and the fear of pregnant women to seek health services. The atomization of health management and the problems of communication/dissemination of the measures aimed at the general population and health teams generally undermined the provision of quality maternal and reproductive health services.This was exacerbated by socioeconomic vulnerability and lack of systematic policy implementation, as exemplified by the uneven rollout of telemedicine and home visits. Resource and skill gaps affected both the healthcare system and service users, particularly impacting the third delay in the maternal and reproductive health continuum. Deficiencies in infrastructure, supplies, human resources, and their protection further compounded these challenges. Various factors affected the availability, use, and quality of maternal, and reproductive health services during the COVID 19 pandemic. Access to timely quality maternal health care was severely affected. The study protocol was registered on the OSF storage website (Chapman et al. 2022. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/36JQD).
30. Oral fermented rice bran supplementation suppresses viral replication and stimulates immune functions in immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice infected with influenza virus.
期刊: BMC complementary medicine and therapies 发表日期: 2026-Jan-03 链接: PubMed
摘要
The number of immunosuppressed elderly persons, who are at a higher risk of developing influenza infection-related complications, has been increasing. Fermented rice bran (FRB) is used as a dietary supplement, exhibits a variety of biological activities, and may exhibit anti-influenza virus activity. However, the effect of FRB supplements on influenza A virus (IFV) infection remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the effects of FRB on influenza prevention by oral administration to IFV-infected mice in an immunocompetent or immunocompromised state. FRB was produced by fermentation of rice bran with a mixture of Bacillus spp, Lactobacillus sp, Bifidobacterium sp, and Aspergillus sp. BALB/c mice orally received FRB (20 mg/day) for 1 or 2 months prior to intranasal IFV inoculation or immediately after IFV infection until 14 days post-inoculation. Weight changes, virus production, levels of neutralizing antibodies, immunoglobulin A (IgA) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and histological changes of the intestine were analyzed in FRB-administered mice. FRB-administered immunocompetent mice without 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment showed suppressed body weight loss caused by IFV-infection and rapid weight recovery. The virus yields in the lungs of FRB groups were reduced 3 days post-infection. Neutralizing antibody titers in the blood and respiratory tract and IgA levels in the lung and intestine were increased in FRB groups after 14 days of infection. An elevation in IFN-γ levels was observed in the blood of FRB-treated mice on days 3 and 14 after virus inoculation. In immunocompromised mice treated with 5-FU, oral FRB administration beginning 1 month prior to IFV inoculation resulted in significant suppression of body weight loss, reduced viral titers in the lung, elevated systemic and local neutralizing antibody titers, and preservation of normal colonic morphology compared with the control group. In contrast, when FRB was administered 1 h after viral inoculation, these protective effects were present but notably less pronounced than those observed with supplementation pre-inoculation. FRB stimulates local and systemic adaptive immune functions, favors early recovery from influenza, and prolongs protective effects against IFV infection in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice.
31. Evaluation of a train-the-trainer implementation strategy on providers' competency, opportunity and motivation for advance care planning in residential care homes: a mixed-methods study.
期刊: BMC geriatrics 发表日期: 2026-Jan-03 链接: PubMed
摘要
Engaging staff in residential care homes in advance care planning (ACP) is an increasingly important area. The train-the-trainer strategy driven by the Capacity Opportunity Motivation-Behavior Change Model is a promising approach but has limited data. The study aims to evaluate a theory-driven train-the-trainer implementation strategy on ACP engagement. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was conducted to evaluate an implementation strategy, the train-the-trainer ACP program consisting of an ACP workshop and individualized field coaching. Surveys of ACP competency and ACP readiness were measured pre- and post-workshop. Interviews were conducted after individualized field coaching. Sixteen enrolled nurses, 17 registered nurses, 18 health assistants, and 8 social workers (N = 59) were recruited from 10 care homes. The age of the care home residents ranged from 67 to 108 years old. Upon completion of the ACP workshop, participants had significant increases in their ACP competency scores from 80.44 ± 15.12 to 96.12 ± 10.79 (t = 5.953, p < 0.001), but no change in their readiness for engaging in ACP (Z = - 0.988, p = 0.329). Following individualized field coaching, participants further reported professional growth (communication skills, understanding of relevant practice guidelines, integration of ACP as a clinical communication tool, and additional role as an information provider and coordinator) and personal gains (appreciation of the health-illness trajectory, urgency to reflect on end-of-life planning, and being prepared to address the challenges of an aging population). Mixed methods analysis showed a distinct causal pathway revealing that participants’ capacity was mostly impacted by the ACP workshop, while their opportunity and motivation in ACP were impacted by the field coaching. The ACP training program has successfully engaged staff in care homes by increasing their capacity, opportunity, and motivation. The protocol (version 1.0, dated 20211201) of the trial was first registered on March 23rd, 2023, at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier NCT06238063).
32. Deficiency of NRF2 aggravates BLM-induced systemic sclerosis-associated fibrosis and inflammation in mice.
期刊: International immunopharmacology 发表日期: 2026-Jan-03 链接: PubMed
摘要
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also called scleroderma, is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs and vasculopathy. Its pathogenesis involves abnormal activation of fibroblasts, inflammatory response and oxidative stress. Studies have shown that nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2), as a key transcription factor regulating oxidative stress, not only affects the process of organ fibrosis, but also dynamically modulates the inflammatory response. Data from clinical studies showed that the remarkably abnormal expression of NRF2 at skin lesions in SSc patients suggested the pathological relevance between NRF2 and SSc. Wild type (WT) mice and NRF2 Knockout (NRF2 KO) mice were subcutaneously injected with Bleomycin (BLM) as an SSc mouse model, and primary mouse fibroblasts were induced through BLM and H2O2 as vitro model to investigate the role of NRF2 in the onset and progression of SSc. NRF2 deficiency exacerbated the BLM-induced skin hyperplasia and collagen deposition in mice, compared with the WT group. In addition, NRF2 deficiency significantly regulated the expression of the genes associated with skin fibrosis, inflammatory response and oxidative stress. NRF2 deficiency promotes fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress in SSc-like mice by activating JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Our research provides a new potential target and its underlying mechanisms for the clinical treatment of scleroderma.
33. Engineered flagellin-based adjuvant boosts mucosal immunity in recombinant RSV vaccine.
期刊: Vaccine 发表日期: 2026-Jan-03 链接: PubMed
摘要
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a global health concern that poses a significant threat to children under the age of five. Yet vaccine development has been hindered by historical safety concerns, including vaccine-associated enhanced respiratory disease (VAERD). To address these challenges, we rationally engineered a soluble, stable, and deimmunized flagellin-derived adjuvant (FIC) to activated mucosal immunity, which plays a critical role in protecting against respiratory diseases and is considered safe for children. In mouse models, FIC adjuvanted RSV prefusion F (preF) vaccines elicited a Th1-biased immune response, characterized by elevated expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α and robust pre-F-specific humoral, cellular, and mucosal immunity, while minimizing flagellin-associated immunogenicity. Further, a sequential immunization regimen incorporating FIC significantly enhanced protection against both upper and lower respiratory tract RSV challenges. Notably, intranasal sequential immunization enhanced antigen-specific cytokine production from splenocytes, thereby optimizing the vaccine’s efficacy against RSV. These findings indicated that structure-guided adjuvant optimization combined with mucosal prime-boost strategies can overcome historical barriers in RSV vaccinology, offering a promising pathway for respiratory pathogen vaccine development.
34. Nurturing gut health: A comprehensive framework.
期刊: Indian journal of gastroenterology : official journal of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology 发表日期: 2026-Jan-03 链接: PubMed
摘要
Gut health is gradually emerging as a cornerstone of overall well-being, influencing a wide range of physiological systems including the nervous, immune, metabolic and hepatic pathways. Disruption of the gut ecosystem has been implicated in functional gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic diseases, mental health disturbances and many other entities. The novel concept of ‘bowel hygiene’ can be developed as a comprehensive, structural framework akin to oral or sleep hygiene, which emphasizes daily, modifiable lifestyle behaviors that can be utilized to improve gastrointestinal function. The conceptual framework of bowel hygiene is based on evidence from dietetics, behavioral science, exercise physiology and traditional practices and identifies five core pillars - dietary regulation and hydration, adhering to routine timing, physical activity, mind-body practices and behavioral toileting habits. These practices, supported by emerging scientific evidence, aim to improve gut motility, stool consistency, microbial diversity and stress resilience and potentially reduce the burden of chronic gastrointestinal and functional bowel disorders. Traditional knowledge systems and community proverbs and sayings, also align with this approach, lending it socio-cultural legitimacy. The potential of bowel hygiene to serve as a low-cost, scalable, culturally adaptable intervention that can be introduced at individual, community and school levels to promote lifelong digestive health needs to be urgently explored from the perspective of public health. While clinical and mechanistic studies continue to evolve, the current understanding suggests that this concept holds significant promise for integration into public health and preventive medicine paradigms.
35. Measurement of urban environmental exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields in several Spanish regions.
期刊: Environmental science and pollution research international 发表日期: 2026-Jan-03 链接: PubMed
摘要
This is an observational descriptive study carried out in three Spanish regions to identify typical environmental levels of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) in diverse population settings as well as in the proximity to various electrical infrastructures. To achieve this, measurement protocols were previously established considering national and international reference standards. To describe the public exposure to ELF-MF, both immission and emission levels have been quantified in public spaces and close to the main infrastructure related to the transportation and distribution of electricity, but also to those related to electrified transport. Based on the collected data, the average environmental ELF-MF exposure level in public spaces is 0.095 µT, while it is 1.303 µT in the vicinity of emission sources. The observed levels of exposure to ELF-MF in Spain are very similar to those in other European countries, with values significantly below the maximum exposure limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection in 2010, which for the public are set for 50 Hz at 200 µT. This study, as a preliminary step, paves the way for further research that may encompass more Spanish’ regions and provide a data collection for future epidemiological studies, as well as a useful reference for the public. It could provide a foundation for establishing national regulatory frameworks on this matter, given the current absence of specific legislation in Spain.
36. A portable multiplex vertical flow immunoassay platform for Tier 1 biothreat detection in biofluids and environmental matrices.
期刊: Biosensors & bioelectronics 发表日期: 2026-Jan-02 链接: PubMed
摘要
Rapid, field-deployable diagnostics are critical for detecting high-priority biothreats, yet most platforms lack sensitivity, multiplexing, or usability in resource-limited settings. We present VeriFAST, a compact vertical flow immunoassay (VFI) system integrating automated fluid handling, a nitrocellulose-based multiplex membrane, and smartphone-enabled image processing for real-time analysis. Using a gold nanoparticle sandwich format, VeriFAST simultaneously detects four Tier 1 bacterial antigens LcrV and F1 (Yersinia pestis), FtLPS (Francisella tularensis), CPS (Burkholderia pseudomallei). The system achieved limits of detection of 0.05 ng/mL for F1, 0.0125 ng/mL for CPS and 0.625 ng/mL for LcrV in serum, urine, and soil extracts, with total assay time under 30 min. Reagent stability testing showed that buffers and detection antibodies retained full function for 12 months under ambient or refrigerated storage, whereas capture antibodies began to show signal drift after 3 months at room temperature, even with desiccant protection. Matrix-specific optimization further enabled high reproducibility and low background across complex samples. By combining multiplexing, automated processing, and mobile analytics in a portable format, VeriFAST addresses critical gaps in field diagnostics and offers a scalable solution for biothreat detection in public health, military, and environmental response.
37. All-inside arthroscopic capsular plication shows favorable outcomes in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability and irreparable anterior talofibular ligament.
期刊: British medical bulletin 发表日期: 2026-Jan-02 链接: PubMed
摘要
In chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) and irreparable anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), reconstruction procedures are commonly advocated. All-inside arthroscopic capsular plication may be a viable alternative for CLAI in patients with an unrepairable ATFL. A retrospective study was conducted between 2016 and 2021 on 92 consecutive CLAI patients with arthroscopically confirmed unrepairable ATFL who underwent all-inside arthroscopic surgery. Patients were divided into two groups: in the reconstruction group (n = 40), an autologous gracilis tendon was used to reconstruct the lateral ligament complex; in the plication group (n = 52), the lateral ankle capsule was plicated using a double-loaded suture anchor. Restoring lateral ankle stability is the optimal goal in the management of CLAI. The reliability of all-inside arthroscopic capsular plication for CLAI with an irreparable ATFL compared with reconstruction procedures remains uncertain. Over 2 years of follow-up, the plication group achieved superior American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores at 3 months and 1 year, and higher Karlsson Ankle Functional scores at 1 and 2 years, whereas the reconstruction group demonstrated better anterior talar translation scores; ankle joint position sense was comparable between groups. Biomechanical comparisons between the two procedures are urgently needed.
38. Structural and functional characterization of the antigenicity of influenza A virus hemagglutinin subtype H15.
期刊: Cell reports 发表日期: 2026-Jan-02 链接: PubMed
摘要
Avian H15 influenza viruses are closely related to H7 viruses, but only 22 H15 sequences have been reported since 1987, suggesting both rarity and minimal antigenic variation. Here, we characterized a panel of mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) raised against the A/wedge-tailed shearwater/Western Australia/2576/1979 ancestral strain, and a human mAb isolated from an H7N9 vaccinee. We found differences in binding and neutralization profiles against the ancestral strain and drifted strains of H15 isolated after 2008. mAbs exhibiting hemagglutination inhibition activity against the ancestral strain do not show binding to drifted strains, hinting at antigenic differences near the receptor binding site. We show that the mAbs protect in vivo and elucidate mAb-antigen interactions using negative stain and cryo-electron microscopy. The characterization of H15 antigenicity and the mechanisms of antibody-mediated neutralization expands our knowledge of this sparsely sampled avian influenza virus subtype and informs our understanding of immune pressures on viral surface glycoproteins.
39. Sex steroid hormones, gonadotropins and risk of testicular germ cell tumors: results from the STEED study.
期刊: Journal of the National Cancer Institute 发表日期: 2026-Jan-02 链接: PubMed
摘要
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are thought to be endocrine-related. The hypothesis, however, has not been thoroughly investigated. As a result, pre-diagnostic serum samples from the U.S. Servicemen’s Testicular Tumor Environmental and Endocrine Determinants (STEED) were analyzed to assess the relationship of hormones and gonadotropins to TGCT risk. The study included 517 men who subsequently developed TGCT and 790 comparison men. The hormones/gonadotropins examined included testosterone, estradiol, sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol glucuronide (3α-diol G), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using logistic regression. Analyses stratified by histology (seminoma, nonseminoma) were also conducted. Compared to men in the middle quintile of LH concentrations, men with the lowest concentrations had an increased risk of TGCT (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.31-2.70), as did men with FSH concentrations in the lowest (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.21-2.60) and highest quintiles (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.53-3.17). An increased risk of seminoma was found with both low and high LH, and high FSH, while an increased risk of nonseminoma was found with low LH, and both low and high FSH. Decreased levels of 3α-diol G were associated with increased risk of seminoma (OR 1.65, 95%CI 1.02-2.67). These results suggest that gonadotropin disruption may be a critical event in the development of TGCT. Further examination of upstream and downstream metabolites in the hormone pathways may help elucidate the underlying mechanism that distinguishes men who develop TGCT from men who do not.
40. Anti-mitochondrial M2 antibody links to cardiac involvement and immune-mediated inflammatory myopathy-like pathology in myositis.
期刊: Rheumatology (Oxford, England) 发表日期: 2026-Jan-02 链接: PubMed
摘要
Cardiac involvements in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) is rare but potentially severe. Anti-mitochondrial M2 antibody (AMA-M2) has been implicated in cardiac involvements, but the association remains under-explored. This study aims to evaluate the clinical, pathological, and prognostic features of AMA-M2 IIM. This historic prospective cohort included IIM patients hospitalized at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 2008 and 2020. Outcomes were prospectively collected through the PROMIS registry. Cox regression models were employed to identify risk factors of cardiac involvements and mortality. Among 987 IIM patients, 55 (6%) were AMA-M2 positive. These patients exhibited higher rates of polymyositis (56% vs 23.5%, p< 0.001), and elevated baseline gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (78.0 vs 35.0, p< 0.001) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (85.0 vs 64.0, p< 0.001). Throughout disease courses, AMA-M2 positive patients had significantly higher rates of cardiac involvements (60% vs 12.9%, p< 0.001), including arrhythmias (56%), heart failure (44%), and pulmonary hypertension (31%). Some of the muscle biopsies showed features consistent with immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), cardiac biopsies demonstrating structural degeneration with minimal inflammation, and liver biopsies confirming early-stage primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Multivariate COX analysis identified AMA-M2 positivity as an independent risk factor for cardiac involvements (HR 3.156, p< 0.001). Despite frequent cardiac manifestations, long-term survival did not differ between AMA-M2 positive and negative patients (mean survival: 103.9 months vs 98.0 months, p= 0.86). AMA-M2 positivity defines an IIM subgroup with significant cardiac involvements, an immune-mediated inflammatory muscle histology, but not necessarily worse long-term survival. These findings highlight the need for early recognition and tailored management of AMA-M2 IIM.
41. Caregivers Serving as Confidants: Relationship Correlates and Well-Being by Care-Recipients' Dementia Status.
期刊: The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences 发表日期: 2026-Jan-02 链接: PubMed
摘要
Family and unpaid caregivers are mainstays of help with daily activities when older adults experience health problems; caregivers can also be relied on as confidants for discussing important matters. It remains unclear what characteristics of caregiving relationships may underlie caregivers’ confidant status, how serving this additional role affects their psychological well-being, and whether these associations vary by the presence of dementia in older adults. We used data from the 2017 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) and the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC). Participants included 1,694 family or other unpaid caregivers of 1,126 older adults receiving self-care, mobility, or household help due to health and functioning. We estimated logistic regression models for being nominated as a confidant and linear regression models for caregivers’ psychological well-being. Caregivers who were spouses or children and who reported more positive relationships with the older adults they provided care for were more likely to be nominated as confidants; yet the association involving relationship quality was moderated by older adults’ dementia status. Being a confidant was associated with better well-being among caregivers of older adults without dementia, but not for caregivers of older adults with dementia. Caregivers of older adults with dementia tend to also be a confidant, but serving these multiple roles is only associated with positive psychological well-being for those caring for older adults without dementia. We call for more research to better understand the unique stressors that caregivers experience when serving as confidants for older adults with dementia.
42. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for tropical infections: a scoping review.
期刊: Journal of intensive care 发表日期: 2026-Jan-02 链接: PubMed
摘要
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for infectious causes of refractory cardiopulmonary failure is established as appropriate therapy in high-income countries. Its use in low- and middle-income nations for tropical infections is not well-studied, however, perhaps because most of these countries have not been historically able to offer ECMO support. Tropical infections remain an important cause of global morbidity and mortality, but the role of ECMO is poorly described. We identified a list of viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections that qualified as tropical infectious diseases. These included infections that were either a World Health Organization (WHO) designated Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) or an infectious disease with a higher prevalence in the Tropics than elsewhere. We conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature regarding ECMO use to support these infections. Multiple viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic tropical infections have been supported by ECMO with varying success. leptospirosis, melioidosis, and tuberculosis are conditions suitable for venovenous ECMO support with frequent use in the literature and reported survival as high as 84% in Leptospirosis. Venoarterial ECMO has been successfully used in American trypanosomiasis-related cardiogenic shock as a bridge to transplant, with one center reporting a 71% survival rate. Dengue and malaria have been successfully supported with both venovenous and venoarterial ECMO. Mortality is relatively high (> 65%) in patients who receive ECMO for Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome. ECMO has also supported Echinococcal infections perioperatively. There are multiple tropical infections where ECMO use has not been published. As the use of ECMO expands globally, more patients with tropical infections may require ECMO in both endemic and non-endemic settings. We present a scoping review on the evidence base of ECMO use to support tropical infectious diseases, with data regarding feasibility in specific disease processes as well as clinical considerations for tropical diseases on the ECMO circuit.
43. Exploring the social and organizational factors influencing dog bites: a qualitative study.
期刊: BMC public health 发表日期: 2026-Jan-02 链接: PubMed
摘要
Dog bites, a public health problem of global concern, have been causing increasing worries in the health system. This study was conducted with the aim of identifying the social and organizational-political factors that influence dog bites in Khash County, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran. This qualitative study delved into the factors affecting dog bites using guided content analysis. A purposive sampling of 41 participants (residents, bitten individuals, families, and institutional officials) was conducted between March 2025and June 2025. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed with MAXQDA 12 software, ensuring a thorough understanding of the issue. The factors were classified into four main categories at two social and organizational-political levels: Cultural factors include beliefs and attitudes in keeping semi-free dogs and irresponsibility of dog owners; Behavioral factors include risky behaviors, inappropriate interactions with dogs, and vulnerability of specific groups such as children and the elderly; organizational-political factors include inter-institutional incoherence and lack of sustainable funding; and facilitators include institutional capacities and social demands. The findings underscore the need for integrated interventions to manage and prevent dog bites. These interventions, which should be implemented at both local and national levels, include local education in the Balochi dialect, strengthening inter-institutional coordination, and sustainable budget allocation. National policies can create a preventive environment to reduce the burden of this problem by empowering local communities, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing this issue.
44. Effectiveness of a behaviour change intervention on health literacy for behavioural risk factors of non-communicable diseases among health care assistants of government hospitals in Colombo District: a cluster-randomized controlled trial.
期刊: BMC public health 发表日期: 2026-Jan-02 链接: PubMed
摘要
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major public health challenge in Sri Lanka, driven by behavioural risk factors. Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) play a key role in NCD prevention, but limited health literacy (HL) reduces their effectiveness. Strengthening HL among HCAs can reduce their own NCD risk, enhance their role as health promoters, and improve patient education and hospital-based health initiatives. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a behaviour change intervention package (BCIP) to improve HL on behavioural risk factors of NCDs among HCAs in Colombo district. A cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (cRCT) was conducted with 240 HCAs from 20 hospitals in the Colombo district, 10 hospitals each for the control and intervention arms. The 16 sessions of the BCIP were conducted over eight weeks. The HL-NCD tool and STEPS questionnaire were administered two weeks before and after the intervention. HL score was analyzed as a continuous variable, while HL level was categorized as inadequate or adequate based on predefined HL score cutoffs. Analyses included unadjusted, cluster-level, and Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) models to account for clustering effects. The intervention group showed significant improvements in HL score (unadjusted p < 0.001; cluster p = 0.005; GEE OR = 7.80, 95% CI: 7.38-8.22, p < 0.001) and HL level (unadjusted p = 0.003; cluster p = 0.011; GEE OR = 3.80, 95% CI: 1.59-9.11, p = 0.003). Age < 35 years was a significant positive predictor of HL score and educated only up to O/Ls was a significant negative predictor of HL level. The GEE analysis revealed significant improvement in behaviour change related to diet, physical activity, avoiding smokeless tobacco, and non-exposure to secondhand smoking except avoiding smoking tobacco and alcohol intake. The BCIP was effective in improving HL and reducing behavioural risk factors of NCDs among HCAs, highlighting its potential for broader implementation. SLCTR/2023/023, https://slctr.lk/trials/slctr-2023-023, 11th December 2023, Sri Lanka Clinical Trial Registry.
45. Meaning in life and adolescent depression and anxiety in China: a large-scale study of dual pathways through life satisfaction and resilience.
期刊: BMC psychology 发表日期: 2026-Jan-02 链接: PubMed
摘要
Adolescence is a formative yet vulnerable developmental period, marked by heightened emotional volatility and risk for depression and anxiety. Meaning in life (MiL)-the sense that one’s existence is purposeful, significant, and coherent-has been proposed as a key psychological resource, but its mechanisms affecting mental health in non-Western youth remain under-examined. This study investigated associations between MiL and psychological outcomes, and tested whether life satisfaction and resilience mediated these relationships. Data in this study were drawn from the Guangdong Adolescents Mental Health Survey conducted between September and December 2023, which included 5,759 adolescents. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was used to investigate the relationships among the research variables. Mediation analysis was employed to examine the mechanism through which MiL influences mental health. The presence of meaning was strongly associated with lower depression and anxiety and higher life satisfaction and resilience. Mediation analyses showed that life satisfaction and resilience partially accounted for these effects, with life satisfaction emerging as the dominant pathway. In contrast, search for meaning exhibited mixed associations, predicting greater distress once indirect effects were controlled, suggesting that existential exploration may entail short-term costs during identity formation. Meaning in life functions as both a stabilising and developmental force in adolescent mental health-buffering distress through satisfaction and resilience while reflecting normative struggles for identity and coherence. Cultivating meaning may thus represent a culturally adaptable, evidence-based avenue for youth mental-health promotion in China.
46. Patient education for chronic musculoskeletal pain: a scoping review of recommendations, effectiveness, and educational content.
期刊: Chiropractic & manual therapies 发表日期: 2026-Jan-02 链接: PubMed
摘要
47. Longitudinal changes in processed food intake and their daily caloric contribution among Ghanaian populations living in Ghana and Europe: findings from the prospective Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) cohort study.
期刊: BMC global and public health 发表日期: 2026-Jan-02 链接: PubMed
摘要
Dietary changes towards increased consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods are major contributors to obesity and non-communicable diseases worldwide. However, limited data exist on the intake of processed foods among Ghanaians living in Ghana and their migrant counterparts living in Europe. This study assessed changes in the intake of processed foods and their corresponding energy contributions among different Ghanaian populations. Data were collected from the Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants-prospective (RODAM-Pros) cohort study, which recruited Ghanaians living in rural and urban Ghana and Ghanaian migrants living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands between baseline (2011-2015) and follow-up (2019-2021). Dietary intake was assessed using standardized food frequency questionnaires. Foods were regrouped according to the NOVA classification, a system that categorizes food based on the degree of processing. Paired sample t-tests were used to determine the differences in mean daily intake (grams) of foods and energy contribution between baseline and follow-up. Compared with baseline, ultra-processed food consumption decreased significantly among urban Ghanaians (-37.6%, -97.57 g/day, 95% confidence interval (CI) -129.66 to -65.48, p < 0.001) and migrants in Amsterdam (-31.1%, -168.90 g/day; 95%CI -241.54 to -96.26, p < 0.001) with no significant change in rural Ghana. The percentage of total energy from ultra-processed foods changed from 9.6 to 9.0% (p = 0.136) in rural Ghana, 15.9% to 13.9% (p < 0.001) in urban Ghana and 13.4% to 13.0% (p = 0.539) in Amsterdam. Conversely, processed food consumption increased across all sites: by 52.4% (+ 149.31 g/day, 95%CI127.70 to 170.92, p < 0.001) in rural Ghana, 31.4% (+ 96.67 g/day, 95%CI 75.15 to 118.19, p < 0.001) in urban Ghana and 29.0% (+ 62.91 g/day, 95%CI 44.18 to 81.63, p < 0.001) in Amsterdam. The percentage of total energy from processed food increased significantly from 20.8 to 39.5% (p < 0.001) in rural Ghana, 23.6% to 33.5% (p < 0.001) in urban Ghana and 7.2% to 12.9% (p < 0.001) among migrants. Across all Ghanaian population groups studied, dietary intake has shifted towards higher intake and caloric contribution of processed foods, while ultra-processed food consumption has declined in urban and migrant settings. Further research is needed to identify the drivers of these changes and their implications for cardio-metabolic health among Ghanaian populations.
48. Evaluation of factors influencing the reduction of home mechanical ventilation dependency in patients planned to receive home health care.
期刊: BMC palliative care 发表日期: 2026-Jan-02 链接: PubMed
摘要
With increasing life expectancy and the growing burden of chronic diseases, healthcare systems are shifting from hospital-centered models to community- and home-based care. The use of home mechanical ventilators (HMVs) facilitates early discharge from hospital settings yet creates significant physical, psychological, and social burdens for caregivers. Identifying strategies to reduce ventilator dependency during palliative inpatient care may alleviate these challenges. This retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study employed a quantitative approach with purposive sampling. The study included 75 bedridden patients who were transferred from intensive care units (ICUs) to palliative care services with a planned transition to home healthcare. A multidisciplinary rehabilitation program encompassing respiratory, physical, nutritional, and psychological interventions was systematically implemented in the palliative care unit. Data on the patients’ functional and nutritional status, as well as pressure ulcer risk scores, were collected and analyzed to evaluate their association with successful weaning from HMV. Among the study population, 77.3% (n = 58) were successfully weaned off HMV. Significant predictors of ventilator weaning included higher Early Functional Ability (EFA) scores at admission, particularly in the sensorimotor and cognitive domains, as well as greater improvement in Karnofsky Performance Scores during the palliative stay. Improvements in nutritional and pressure ulcer risk scores were not significantly associated with ventilator weaning. Multidisciplinary palliative care with targeted rehabilitation interventions may effectively reduce HMV dependency in patients transitioning from intensive care. A higher initial functional status and improvements in physical performance are key determinants of successful weaning, potentially lowering the burden on caregivers in home settings.
49. Water Activity as a Central Determinant of Tahini Quality, Safety, and Shelf Stability.
期刊: Journal of food science 发表日期: 2026-Jan 链接: PubMed
摘要
Tahini, a low-moisture, high-fat emulsion produced by roasting and grinding sesame seeds, exhibits a complex interplay among chemical, physical, and microbiological stability factors. Despite its global relevance, the physicochemical basis of tahini stability has been poorly defined, and water activity (aw) has rarely been treated as a central control variable. This review proposes aw as the practical, primary lever governing the principal quality attributes of tahini from microbial lethality during roasting to Maillard flavor development, lipid oxidation, proteolysis, and textural stability during storage. Integrating kinetic theory with process data, three key aw domains are identified: high (aw = 0.6-0.7) for microbial lethality during humid-roasting, intermediate (aw = 0.35-0.5) for Maillard flavor development, and low (aw ≤ 0.35) for oxidative and microbiological stability in storage. Managing aw trajectories, rather than temperature alone, offers the most effective route to ensure safety, texture, and flavor integrity. This aw-centered framework bridges traditional processing knowledge with modern food physics, offering a roadmap for predictive control and shelf-life optimization in low-moisture foods. The proposed framework positions tahini as a reference model for understanding and optimizing other low-moisture, high-fat foods such as nut butters, seed pastes, halva, and chocolate.
50. Multifunctional Properties of Vinegar-Derived Acetic Acid Bacteria and Lactic Acid Bacteria: Innovative Potential Probiotics.
期刊: Journal of food science 发表日期: 2026-Jan 链接: PubMed
摘要
Vinegar is a special fermented product in our daily lives. In this study, vinegar-derived acetic acid bacteria (AAB) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were evaluated in terms of multifunctional properties such as viability in harsh conditions, safety, technological properties, antimicrobial activity, in vitro adhesion. All AAB strains grew at pH 2, 3, and 4, while all LAB strains except for five Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain (IGFVL5, IGFVL4, IGMVL5, and IGMVL6) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IGFVL12 grew only at pH 3 and 4. However, all these strains exhibited high viability in the presence of bile salts, pepsin, pancreatin, and phenol at various levels (18.63%-200.09%). Besides, most AAB strains resisted ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and erythromycin, whereas LAB strains were susceptible. Although all AAB strains grew at 1.5% and 10% NaCl, nine LAB strains grew at these conditions. Only La. paracasei IGFVL19 and Lac. plantarum IGFVL17 had β-galactosidase activity, while the proteolytic activity of twelve strains ranged from 0.003 to 0.043 mg tyrosine/mL. Eight AAB and eleven LAB strains had antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 6.33 to 18.00 mm against all test bacteria (Salmonella Typhimurium NRRL B-4420, E. coli O157:H7 ATCC 43895, Escherichia coli DSM 1103, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6037, Listeria monocytogenes Scott A, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P). Moreover, AAB and LAB strains, except for Acetobacter pasteurianus (IGFVA7), A. ghanensis (IGFVA8 and IGFVA10), A. fabarum IGFVA13, La. paracasei (IGFVL4, IGAVL1, and IGVAL2) showed auto-aggregation ability ranging from 0.82% to 54.47% and these percentages increased depending on the incubation time. Lastly, according to the cumulative probiotic scores from all the results La. paracasei IGFVL19, La. paracasei IGFVL21, and Lev. brevis IGFVL18 have potential to be used as innovative probiotics for applications in the food industry with further in vivo tests.
51. Effects of Postmortem Aging on Nutritional Quality and Myofibrillar Protein Function in Bactrian Camel Meat.
期刊: Journal of food science 发表日期: 2026-Jan 链接: PubMed
摘要
This study investigated the effects of postmortem aging on the nutritional quality and physicochemical properties of myofibrillar proteins (MFP) in Bactrian camel meat. In this study, hindlimb meat from five Bactrian camels was aged at 4°C and sampled on D0, D1, D3, D5, and D7. Samples were analyzed for proximate composition, amino acid profiles, and the functional and structural properties of MFPs. During aging, the moisture content decreased from 75.86% (D0) to 73.60% (D3) before partially recovering to 74.54% (D7), while protein (≈21.7%), crude fat (≈1.1%), and ash (≈0.86%) remained stable. Total amino acids (TAA) and essential amino acids (EAA) increased significantly, with TAA rising from 20.32 to 22.53 g/100 g and EAA from 9.17 to 9.92 g/100 g (P < 0.05). The EAA/TAA ratio consistently exceeded FAO/WHO recommendations, with lysine showing the highest amino acid score (≈1.6 times the reference value). MFP solubility increased from 25.66% to 76.21%, accompanied by improved emulsifying activity, but gel water-holding capacity and foaming stability declined. SDS-PAGE revealed a 30 kDa troponin-T (TnT) degradation product from D3, while Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) indicated a structural shift from α-helices (18.21% to 11.56%) to random coils (+5.64%). These results suggest that 3-5 days of aging may optimize both nutritional value and functional properties, providing a practical reference for camel meat processing. The findings are specific to the hindlimb muscle, and further research on different muscles is warranted.
52. Comparative Analysis of Structural, Physicochemical, and Functional Properties of Eel Proteins Extracted by Different Methods Using Multivariate Statistical Approaches.
期刊: Journal of food science 发表日期: 2026-Jan 链接: PubMed
摘要
This study compared the structural, physicochemical, and functional properties of eel proteins extracted using different methods. The protein fractions were distributed as salt-soluble (45.75% ± 0.37%), water-soluble (29.46% ± 1.16%), alkali-soluble (20.70% ± 1.75%), and insoluble (4.08% ± 1.12%), with glutamic acid, lysine, and aspartic acid being the most abundant amino acids. PBS-extracted proteins exhibited lower α-helix and β-sheet content but higher β-turn content than Tris-extracted proteins. Alkali-soluble proteins demonstrated high solubility (95.31% ± 0.54%) and superior emulsifying properties (9.26 ± 0.27 m2/g). Salt-soluble proteins excelled in water-holding capacity (94.07 ± 1.08 g/g), while water-soluble (222.06% ± 2.22%) and salt-soluble (253.62% ± 2.54%) proteins showed excellent foaming abilities. Based on its comprehensive advantages in functional properties and digestibility, the PBS extraction method was determined to be optimal for eel protein isolation. Multivariate statistical analysis validated that protein content and solubility were the primary structural factors influencing protein functional properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study demonstrates how extraction methods influence the structure and functionality of eel proteins, providing a basis for developing value-added products and enhancing the use of eel by-products in the food industry.
53. Effects of extreme heat on the onset of dementia and all-cause mortality: A 3-year follow-up study in a large population-based cohort in Japan.
期刊: Alzheimer’s & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer’s Association 发表日期: 2026-Jan 链接: PubMed
摘要
Long-term effects of repeated extreme heat exposures on dementia onset remain unclear. We analyzed 2016 to 2019 Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study data, including 57,178 dementia-free, independent adults (≥ 65) residing ≥ 30 years in the same municipality. Dementia and mortality were identified through public long-term care insurance. Extreme heat exposure was defined as cumulative (sum over 1-3 years, capturing the combined effect of multiple years) or point (days in a single year, estimating each year’s independent effect) above the 90th or 99th percentile of local climate. Three-level random-effects logistic regression was applied. Cumulative exposure to extreme heat over 1 to 3 years increased the odds of dementia and the combined outcome of dementia or mortality. Time-lagged analyses showed significant effects for 1-year and 3-year prior exposures but inconsistent or reverse effects for 2-year exposure. Extreme heat may accelerate dementia onset or death. Heat adaptation policies for older adults are warranted. Evidence is scarce on the impact of repeated extreme heat exposure on dementia onset. Extreme heat relative to local climate norms was associated with higher odds of dementia onset and all-cause mortality in older adults. Adverse effects appear rapidly, within 1 to 3 years of exposure. Heat adaptation strategies should be incorporated into dementia prevention frameworks.
54. Individual and neighborhood socioeconomic inequality and the risk of dementia: A 14-year follow-up study.
期刊: Alzheimer’s & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer’s Association 发表日期: 2026-Jan 链接: PubMed
摘要
Socioeconomic inequality is a non-negligible risk factor for dementia. However, complex associations of individual socioeconomic status (ISES) and neighborhood socioeconomic status (NSES) with dementia risk have not been determined. In 327,641 adults aged 40-69 years from the UK Biobank, we estimated the separate, interactive, and joint associations of ISES and NSES with the risk of dementia and explored the role of inflammatory markers and metabolites. Low ISES and low NSES were associated with higher risks of all-cause dementia and its subtypes. A stronger association between ISES and dementia was observed in those with low NSES. The subpopulation with disadvantages in both ISES and NSES showed the highest risk of dementia. Inflammatory markers (e.g., lymphocyte percentage) and metabolites (e.g., valine) mediated the associations of socioeconomic status (SES) profiles with all-cause dementia. These findings underscore the importance of eliminating socioeconomic inequality at both individual and neighborhood levels for preventing dementia. Disadvantages in both individual socioeconomic status (ISES) and neighborhood socioeconomic status (NSES) are associated with higher risks of dementia. There are significant interactions between ISES and NSES on dementia risk. The low SES subpopulation with disadvantages in both ISES and NSES has the highest risk of dementia. Inflammatory markers and metabolites partially mediate the associations of socioeconomic status (SES) profiles with all-cause dementia. Narrowing socioeconomic inequality at both the individual and neighborhood levels may help prevent dementia.
55. A first-line regimen combining Bruton's tyrosine kinase and programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitors with chemotherapy excluding methotrexate achieves high response rates in primary central nervous system lymphoma.
期刊: Cancer 发表日期: 2026-Jan-01 链接: PubMed
摘要
Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive, immune-privileged, large B-cell lymphoma with limited frontline treatment options. This study was an open-label, single-arm, phase 1/2 trial evaluating orelabrutinib combined with an anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) antibody and a non-methotrexate chemotherapeutic agent (fotemustine) in patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04831658). Orelabrutinib was tested at three dose levels (100, 150, and 200 mg), and the recommended phase 2 dose was determined as 150 mg. In phase 2, patients received orelabrutinib 150 mg orally once daily, a PD-1 inhibitor 200 mg intravenously on day 1, and fotemustine 100 mg/m2 intravenously on day 2 every 21 days for six cycles. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate. From February 2021 to October 2023, 31 patients (median age, 62 years; age range, 37-70 years) were treated, and 27 were evaluable for efficacy. The objective response rate was 85.2% (complete response, 66.7%; partial response, 18.5%). The median progression-free survival was 9.4 months (95% confidence interval, 5.4-13.4 months), and the median overall survival was 22.8 months (95% confidence interval, 1.1-44.5 months). The 1-year and 2-year overall survival rates were 68.0% and 48.0%, respectively. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were thrombocytopenia (45.2%), pulmonary infection (38.7%), and leukopenia (25.8%). Orelabrutinib combined with PD-1 blockade and fotemustine demonstrated high antitumor activity with manageable toxicity, supporting its potential as a frontline regimen for PCNSL.
56. Association Between Blood Glucose Variability and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
期刊: Diabetes/metabolism research and reviews 发表日期: 2026-Jan 链接: PubMed
摘要
Glycaemic variability (GV) has emerged as an important prognostic indicator in critical illness, yet its predictive value among patients with sepsis remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between GV metrics and mortality outcomes in adult patients with sepsis. Cohort studies enrolling septic patients and reporting in-hospital, 28-day, or 30-day mortality in relation to GV were identified through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, CNKI, and Wanfang databases. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the findings. Ten studies comprising 18,337 patients were included. For categorical analysis, high-GV patients had nearly twice the mortality risk (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.66-2.40, p < 0.0001; I2 = 45%). For continuous analysis, all 4 GV metrics showed significant associations with mortality: CoV (OR = 1.050, I2 = 76.6%), SD (OR = 1.0037, I2 = 83.5%), GLI (OR = 1.0171, I2 = 0.0%), and MAGE (OR = 1.0062, I2 = 0.0%). High GV was associated with prolonged ICU stay (0.95 days, p = 0.0018). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the result robustness. Elevated GV is independently linked to an increased risk of death among patients with sepsis. GLI and MAGE are the most reliable GV metrics for prognostic assessment, whereas CoV and SD are less consistent. Standardised GV measurement and prospective studies are warranted to evaluate whether interventions targeting GV can improve outcomes in this population.
57. Efficacy and safety of teclistamab in triple-class exposed relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: Pooled findings from three clinical cohorts and a retrospective cohort.
期刊: Cancer 发表日期: 2026-Jan-01 链接: PubMed
摘要
Teclistamab is the first approved bispecific antibody targeting B-cell maturation antigen. It has demonstrated rapid, deep, durable responses with manageable safety in patients with triple-class exposed relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (TCE RRMM). The authors report results from three cohorts: Global Trial cohort consisting of 217 patients from three registrational studies (pivotal MajesTEC-1 study [n = 165], China cohort of MajesTEC-1 [n = 26], and the Japan MMY1002 study [n = 26]); the subset of 52 of 217 patients formed the Asian Trial cohort, and 42 patients treated outside of trials in the pre-approval access (PAA) program formed the Asian PAA cohort. In the Global Trial cohort, median age was 65 years, weight was 69 kg, and prior lines-of-therapy was five; 29.0% had high-risk cytogenetics and 18.9% had extramedullary disease. With 29.5 months median follow-up, overall response rate (ORR)/≥complete response (CR) was 66.4%/50.2%, median duration of response (DOR) was not reached; progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 15.6, and 29.1 months, respectively. In the subset of Asian Trial cohort, baseline features were similar except for lower weight (median, 58 kg); median follow-up was 26.3 months. ORR/≥CR was 76.9%/63.5%, 24-month DOR, PFS, and OS rates were 67.5%, 59.5%, 71.4%, respectively, with medians not yet reached. Efficacy was consistent in the Asian PAA cohort with ORR/≥CR of 66.7%/40.5%. Most common adverse events were cytopenias, cytokine release syndrome, and infections. Infection management improved over time, supported by increased immunoglobulin use in later-enrolling Asian studies, aligned with guideline adoption. Teclistamab demonstrated clinically meaningful benefits across diverse patients, encompassing various weight categories and geographies, reinforcing its potential as a standard of care for TCE RRMM. ClinicalTrials.gov MajesTEC-1 (NCT03145181 and NCT04557098) and Japan MMY1002 study (NCT04696809).
58. Unraveling the Antifungal Activity of Hernandulcin: Protective Effect on the Postharvest Rot of Strawberry Receptacles.
期刊: Journal of food science 发表日期: 2026-Jan 链接: PubMed
摘要
The antifungal properties of the natural sesquiterpenoid hernandulcin on two postharvest phytopathogens of strawberry receptacles (Fragaria × ananassa cv. Camino real) are reported. Benomyl-resistant strains of Botrytis cinerea (isolate FI2) and Rhizopus stolonifer (isolate FI3) were characterized as natural agents of receptacle postharvest rot. From these phytopathogens, R. stolonifer isolate FI3 triggered faster and more devastating rot than that caused by B. cinerea isolate FI2. According to the resazurin reduction assay, hernandulcin (HE) exhibited cytotoxic activity against the isolates of B. cinerea and R. stolonifer, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 100 ± 0.5 and 200 ± 0.7 µg/mL, respectively. HE exerted mixed-type inhibition (IC50, 189.6 µg/mL) on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, suggesting its possible action through blocking early steps of ergosterol biosynthesis. Mixed-type inhibition was endorsed by enzyme kinetics and the docking approach. The effect of HE splattering (100-250 mg/L) on receptacles inoculated by both fungal species revealed a significant delay (p < 0.01) in phytopathogen sign emergence and rot development for at least 8 days post-inoculation. HE splatter substantially preserved (p < 0.05 - p < 0.01) receptacle quality parameters such as total phenol content, antioxidant capacity, protein, fat, fiber, and reducing sugars, as well as the levels of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside, and pelargonidin-3-O-rutinoside determined by HPLC-ESI/MS. Our results sustain the potential use of HE for controlling the incidence of some phytopathogens linked to the soft rot of strawberry receptacles. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This investigation demonstrates the antifungal properties of hernandulcin, a non-caloric sweetener accumulated in the leaves of the Mexican medicinal plant Phylla scaberrima. This natural sesquiterpene may be used to avoid the simultaneous contamination of strawberry fruit by gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) and Rhizopus rot. Thus, the application of hernandulcin to extend the shelf life of strawberry fruits is feasible.
59. Extract of Aerial Parts of "Tongchaeru" Sweet Potato Attenuates Muscle Atrophy via Mitochondrial Improvement and PI3K-Akt Pathway Activation in a Mouse Model.
期刊: Journal of food science 发表日期: 2026-Jan 链接: PubMed
摘要
Skeletal muscle atrophy triggered by glucocorticoid is linked to impaired mitochondrial function and dysregulated protein metabolism. While the metabolic benefits of sweet potato roots have been widely studied, the anti-atrophic potential of their edible aerial parts on the muscle remains unexplored. This study examined the protective role of an aqueous extract of Tongchaeru aerial parts (TE), a sweet potato cultivar newly developed in Korea. The major phenolic compounds in TE were estimated using UPLC. Male mice were received dexamethasone (Dex, 10 mg/kg body weight) to trigger muscle atrophy and co-treated orally with TE at doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg for 14 days. Grip strength (GS), muscle histology, markers of mitochondrial biogenesis and respiratory complexes, and protein metabolic signaling pathways were evaluated. TE significantly improved GS and increased the cross-sectional area of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles. TE reversed Dex-mediated downregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis-associated biomolecules (PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM) and restored the expression of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) components. TE attenuated AMPK-FoxO3α activation and reduced the expression of muscle degradation-related factors, including atrogin-1, MuRF1, and myostatin, while counteracting Dex-induced suppression of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway and muscle protein synthesis markers (MyoD1, MyoG, and MHC). Phenolic profiling revealed that TE contains high levels of neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid. These findings suggest that TE mitigates Dex-induced skeletal muscle atrophy by restoring mitochondrial function, reducing protein degradation, and maintaining protein synthesis. TE may act as a nutraceutical with preventive effects on muscle wasting.
60. What's new in heart failure? November 2025.
期刊: European journal of heart failure 发表日期: 2025-Nov 链接: PubMed
摘要
61. Vaccine protection against COVID-19-related mortality in patients with schizophrenia: a retrospective cohort study.
期刊: Revista brasileira de psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999) 发表日期: 2025 链接: PubMed
摘要
This study analyzed the role of vaccination in preventing COVID-19-related mortality in patients with schizophrenia. This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (Sistema de Informação da Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe [SIVEP-Gripe]) database, focusing on patients aged = 18 years with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 between February 2020 and February 2023. The primary exposure was schizophrenia. The primary outcome of interest was the role of vaccines in preventing COVID-19-associated mortality. Statistical analysis included multiple binary logistic regressions to determine the impact of schizophrenia on mortality and to compare vaccine protection between cohorts. The cohort included 2,131,089 patients, 3,516 (0.2%) of whom had schizophrenia. After adjusting for potential confounders, patients with schizophrenia presented a significantly higher risk of severe disease (OR = 1.59, 95%CI 1.39-1.81) and mortality (OR = 1.65, 95%CI 1.45-1.87). After the booster dose, protection against mortality was estimated at 67.7% (95%CI 66.5-68.7) in the non-schizophrenia cohort and 62.4% (95%CI 44.1-74.6) in the schizophrenia cohort. Mortality rate differences of approximately 20% and 10% were observed between boosted and non-vaccinated individuals among the schizophrenia and non-schizophrenia cohorts, respectively. Consequently, five patients (95%CI 4-8) with schizophrenia and 10 patients (95%CI 9-11) in the general population would need to receive a booster dose to prevent one fatality. Our results suggest that vaccination provided similar protection against COVID-19-related mortality in individuals with and without schizophrenia. However, the magnitude of the intervention effect was double for individuals with schizophrenia due to their higher baseline risk.