To investigate the association between delayed confirmatory testing and cervical cancer detection among women with abnormal Pap smear results in the Korean national cervical cancer screening program. This retrospective cohort study used customized data from the National Health Insurance Service of Korea. Women aged ≥30 years who underwent cervical cancer screening in 2019/2020 were included. After excluding those with prior gynecologic conditions or inadequate screening history, participants were classified according to confirmatory testing within 2 years after abnormal screening results. Outcomes included claims-based detection of cervical cancer (C53) and carcinoma in situ (D06). Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Among 10,331,369 participants, 64,762 were eligible (20,073 in Group 1 and 44,689 in Group 2). The 2-year detection rate of cervical cancer was 4.6% in Group 2 and 0.6% in Group 1. When including carcinoma in situ, rates were 19.5% and 5.6%, respectively. Delayed confirmatory testing was associated with higher detection rates, which may reflect delayed identification of pre-existing cases rather than a true increase in incidence (adjusted HR for C53+D06=1.45). Disparities by age, income, and region were observed. Delayed confirmatory testing was associated with higher cervical cancer detection; however, this likely reflects delayed identification of pre-existing cases rather than a causal increase in cancer occurrence. Improving follow-up systems may help reduce disparities in cancer detection.
Tea is a widely consumed beverage known for its variety of flavors and aromas, with major health benefits. However, the use of pesticides to protect against pests renders tea a potential health hazard, especially when consumed in large amounts. The tea leaf matrix is perplexing, as it is filled with organic acids, polyphenols, natural pigments, catechins, flavonols, and a mix of metallic and nonmetallic elements. This makes it difficult for analytical processes to work. The leaf complex matrix is one of the factors enabling accurate detection of pesticides. Therefore, we critically assessed the progression and implementation of advanced methodologies, encompassing the advancement of highly sensitive biosensors and the enhancement of chromatographic techniques, including liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). This review also examines how different types of tea affect analytical results and compares sample-preparation methods, from traditional liquid-liquid extraction to newer solid-phase extraction methods. This review highlights major advancements in analytical methods for pesticide detection in tea, emphasizing modern, effective techniques and future perspectives. This study highlights the critical role of sample preparation methods in achieving accurate results within a challenging tea matrix to safeguard consumer health.
Sensitive, specific, and stable detection of microRNAs (miRNAs) in complex biological environments remains a formidable challenge in molecular diagnostics. We introduce a novel bidirectional palindromic assembled multifunctional hairpin probe (A-MF-HP)-a molecular tool that integrates target recognition, cascade signal amplification, and fluorescence reporting into a single, compact system. Two palindromic arms drive autonomous, bidirectional self-assembly into a nuclease-resistant architecture, enabling robust operation in serum-rich environments. Upon recognition of miRNA-21, a structural switch in one hairpin triggers polymerase extension, nicking, and strand displacement all without auxiliary probes. This initiates a self-propagating disassembly cascade, unfolding additional hairpins and exponentially amplifying the signal. Under the optimized conditions, the platform demonstrates femtomolar-level sensitivity (about 1× 10-15 M) across a six-order dynamic range, with single-nucleotide mismatch discrimination and negligible cross-reactivity to unrelated miRNAs. Notably, A-MF-HP retains full functionality after 12 h in 10% human serum, and clinical application to blood samples from lung cancer patients revealed marked fluorescence elevation compared to healthy controls. By uniting biostability, multifunctionality, and autonomous amplification in a single programmable probe, this novel strategy addresses limitations commonly observed in multi-component isothermal amplification assays, such as poor nuclease tolerance and dependence on multiple separate probes, offering a powerful diagnostic tool for miRNA profiling in biomedical and clinical settings.
Brain abscesses demand prompt, accurate pathogen identification; however, identification using conventional culture is limited, especially for anaerobic and polymicrobial infections. We compared the diagnostic and clinical utility of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) with that of conventional culture in patients with brain abscess. We retrospectively included 115 patients with confirmed brain abscess pathogens. Seventy-two patients underwent both mNGS and conventional culture, and 43 underwent culture alone. We evaluated diagnostic performance, pathogen profiles, adjustments to antimicrobial regimens, and clinical outcomes. mNGS detected pathogens in 86.1% of patients versus 44.4% for culture (Cohen's kappa test p=0.004; McNemar's test p=0.0001). It identified mixed infections in 53.2% of cases, whereas culture predominantly revealed single pathogens. mNGS produced substantially higher detection rates than culture for anaerobic bacteria (50.0% vs 16.7%) and oral-derived bacteria (77.6% vs 61.1%). Antimicrobial regimens were adjusted in 54.2% of patients based on mNGS results; 61.5% of these adjustments involved de-escalation, and vancomycin was discontinued in 77.8% of patients. mNGS use was associated with a lower surgical intervention rate (47.2% vs 65.1%, P = 0.002). There were no differences in length of hospital stay, fever duration, Glasgow Outcome Scale score, or hospitalization costs. In eight patients without reported dental history, mNGS revealed occult odontogenic foci, enabling source control and potentially reducing recurrence risk. mNGS outperformed conventional culture for detecting mixed infections, anaerobes, and pathogens of d origin. It may inform targeted antimicrobial therapy and assist in identifying the infection source. In this single‑center retrospective study, which is subject to potential selection bias, mNGS use was associated with a lower rate of surgical intervention; however, this finding should be interpreted as an association rather than causation, and prospective studies are needed to confirm this observation. These findings support the integration of mNGS into diagnostic algorithms for brain abscess.
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of public health and economic importance worldwide. A cross-sectional study using simple random and purposive sampling techniques was conducted from May 2024 to October 2024 in agro-pastoral areas of Mvomero district, Morogoro Region. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis, associated risk factors, and characterize the circulating Brucella spp., in livestock and humans. A total of 918 serum samples were collected from Mvomero district, comprising cattle (n = 339), sheep (n = 164), goats (n = 303), and humans (n = 112). Animal samples were obtained from 18 herds with mixed livestock species, while human samples were collected from four health facilities. All samples were screened for Brucella-specific antibodies using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), and positive samples were subjected to competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA). Genomic DNA was extracted from the heparin-coated blood samples corresponding to the same samples that tested positive by c-ELISA for confirmation by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). A herd was considered Brucella seropositive if at least one animal tested positive on c-ELISA. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on potential individual and herd-level risk factors. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out using a backward elimination procedure to identify potential risk factors, following a univariate analysis, using a p-value cut-off of 0.25 from the univariable analysis to select candidate variables for a multivariable model. At the individual level, screening by RBPT revealed seropositivity rates of 9.1% (31/339) in cattle, 4.3% (7/164) in sheep, 5.6% (17/303) in goats, and 10.7% (12/112) in humans. Subsequent results by c-ELISA demonstrated lower seroprevalence rates of 6.5% (22/339) in cattle, 1.2% (2/164) in sheep, and 2.0% (6/303) in goats. Human seroprevalence by c-ELISA was 4.5% (5/112), with all positive cases originating from a single health facility. At the herd level, the overall seroprevalence was 55.5% (10/18) based on c-ELISA results. Out of the 35 c-ELISA positive samples, 21/35 (60.0%) tested positive for the Brucella genus detection using the IS711 gene. The Brucella species-specific assay detected 17/35 (48.6%) samples as B. abortus. There was no B. melitensis detected in this study. Risk factor analysis in sheep, goats, and humans yielded no significant associations in the univariable analyses. However, multivariable logistic regression analysis in cattle identified two significant risk factors: prior history of abortion (p < 0.001, OR = 12.7, 95% CI: 3.88-41.8) and retained placenta (p = 0.023, OR = 32.5, 95% CI: 1.602-660.8). Brucella abortus was the predominant circulating species in cattle, goats and humans. The significant association between brucellosis seropositivity and reproductive complications in cattle (abortion and retained placenta) underscores its economic impact on livestock productivity. We recommend serological screening of livestock and vaccination programmes in cattle and strengthened collaboration between veterinary and public health sectors through a One Health approach.
Root fractures of maxillary molars, particularly those involving the palatal root, are rarely reported and often present diagnostic challenges due to their deep anatomical position and lack of overt clinical symptoms. Most cases are associated with trauma; however, nontraumatic etiologies, including chronic occlusal stress and dietary habits, may also contribute. A 57-year-old Iranian female with no history of trauma or systemic disease was referred for endodontic evaluation of the maxillary first molar due to extensive caries and a separated instrument fragment. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), performed for diagnostic clarification, incidentally revealed an oblique palatal root fracture in the adjacent intact maxillary second molar (Tooth #15). The fracture line extended obliquely from the furcation area toward the apical third of the palatal root. The tooth remained vital, asymptomatic, and clinically stable, with normal probing depths and intact surrounding soft tissues. Conservative management through observation and periodic radiographic monitoring was adopted. At the 8-month follow-up, the tooth remained asymptomatic and responsive to vitality testing, with no clinical or radiographic evidence of periodontal or periapical pathology. This case highlights the diagnostic value of CBCT in identifying asymptomatic root fractures that may remain undetected on conventional radiographs. It expands the etiological understanding of root fractures to include repetitive masticatory microstresses potentially associated with dietary habits such as the consumption of hard traditional foods (e.g., Tah dig). Accurate diagnosis requires clinical expertise, careful examination, and the use of advanced imaging modalities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an incidentally detected asymptomatic oblique palatal root fracture in an Iranian patient. The case underscores the importance of clinician awareness, comprehensive imaging assessment, and conservative management for preserving pulp vitality and long-term tooth function.
Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection is a prevalent sexually transmitted disease (STD). It seems that CT infections ascending to the uterus can result in serious reproductive health complications, including infertility. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the worldwide prevalence of CT among infertile women. A systematic search was conducted across three major databases, Medline (via PubMed), Web of Science, and Scopus, to identify eligible studies between 2010 and July 2025. Keywords such as "Chlamydia trachomatis," "infertility," "women," and "prevalence "were used. The prevalence of CT among infertile women was estimated using random-effects model meta-analyses and reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were conducted based on detection method and sample type. Meta-regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between CT prevalence and either participants' age or year of publication. Thirty-eight studies, involving 14995 infertile women, were included in this study. The overall pooled prevalence of CT among infertile women was 24.1% (95% CI: 17.1-33.00). Regarding the diagnostic sample type, the highest prevalence of CT was observed in blood samples 45.7% (95% CI: 34.7-57.2), whereas the lowest was found in urine sample 10.8% (95% CI: 7.2-15.9). In terms of detection method, the highest prevalence of CT was reported using ELISA 26.9% (95% CI: 14.4-44.5), whereas the lowest prevalence was observed with the rapid test kit 7.9% (95% CI: 4-1.27). In endocervical samples, real-time PCR showed the highest prevalence among detection methods 20.5% (95% CI: 11.8-33.3) compared with other methods, indicating its high diagnostic sensitivity. This finding indicates that the overall prevalence of CT among infertile women is relatively high, highlighting the importance of paying special attention to this pathogen in infertility assessments. Among diagnostic methods, ELISA showed the highest overall prevalence, while real-time PCR in endocervical samples demonstrated high diagnostic sensitivity, emphasizing its effectiveness for accurate detection in this sample type. Ultimately, routine and standardized CT screening in infertile women may facilitate early detection, timely intervention, and improved fertility outcomes.
Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) PET/CT has rapidly become the preferred first-line imaging modality for primary staging of unfavourable intermediate-risk, high-risk, and very high-risk prostate cancer, and for restaging at biochemical recurrence. The objective of this review is to provide nuclear medicine physicians with a comprehensive and practical framework for PSMA PET/CT interpretation, structured reporting, and clinical decision integration, with emphasis on primary staging evidence, biochemical recurrence (BCR) detection rates, imaging pitfalls, and the PSMA-RADS reporting system. A narrative review of published evidence was performed, encompassing landmark randomised controlled trials and guideline documents from the EAU, EANM, and NCCN. Key trials reviewed included proPSMA, OSPREY, PRIMARY, CONDOR, and VISION. PSMA PET/CT demonstrated diagnostic accuracy (AUC) of 0.92 versus 0.38 for conventional imaging in primary staging (proPSMA). Detection rates in BCR ranged from 38% at PSA <0.2ng/mL to 97% at PSA >2ng/mL. In a phase 3 RCT, 18F-PSMA-1007 demonstrated superiority over 18F-Choline (84% vs 69%, OR 2.53, p<0.001). PSMA PET/CT provides superior staging accuracy, enables detection of recurrence at low PSA levels, guides oligometastasis-directed therapy, and serves as the mandatory gatekeeper for 177Lu-PSMA-617 theranostic eligibility. Structured reporting using PSMA-RADS and rigorous CT correlation - particularly to exclude unspecific bone uptakes (UBUs) with 18F-PSMA-1007 - are core professional competencies of the nuclear medicine physician.
Objective: To provide preliminary reference data for thermal quantitative sensory testing (QST) at the foot dorsum in healthy Vietnamese adults and to examine associations with demographic and metabolic variables. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 68 healthy Vietnamese adults (23-80 years). Participants were screened to exclude diabetes and prediabetes according to ADA 2024 criteria. Cold Detection Threshold (CDT), Warm Detection Threshold (WDT), and Heat Pain Threshold (HPT) were assessed bilaterally at the foot dorsum using the Q-Sense device and the Method of Limits protocol. Reference intervals (2.5th-97.5th percentiles) were estimated using non-parametric methods. Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate associations with age, sex, BMI, LDL-C, triglycerides, and HbA1c. Results: Bilateral symmetry supported the use of averaged bilateral values. Age was independently associated with all QST parameters (CDT β = -0.0299; WDT β = 0.0801; HPT β = 0.0739; all p < 0.001). In the reduced model, BMI was associated with CDT (β = 0.0929, p = 0.030), but this was not observed in the full model. LDL-C was associated with WDT in both models (β = 0.0122, p = 0.007; β = 0.0121, p = 0.011). Sex was not consistently associated with any parameter. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary reference data for thermal QST in a Vietnamese population. Age was the most determinant of thermal thresholds. LDL-C was associated with warm detection thresholds, while BMI was not significant in the full model. Significance: These data may support interpretation of thermal QST in clinical practice.
Understanding how ecologically similar species share space and time is central to community ecology and can provide information for conservation and management in multi-species systems. Camera-trap data provide a practical means of describing spatial co-occurrence and diel activity overlap amongst sympatric mammals, particularly where direct mechanistic inference is not possible from observational data alone. In human-dominated landscapes, standardised, open-access occurrence data are critical for balancing the conservation of endangered species with the management of over-abundant, conflict-prone wildlife. In this study, we present a curated, year-long camera-trap dataset for four sympatric ungulates in South Korea, based on monitoring conducted in a temperate forest landscape in Uljin County, together with station-level covariates and harmonised effort information derived from a camera operation log. We provide example analyses illustrating: (i) spatial occurrence patterns using species-wise occupancy models and (ii) diel activity and temporal overlap using non-parametric activity analyses. For the temporal example, overlap is summarised using local clock time (Asia/Seoul, UTC+09:00) and complemented by a photoperiod-adjusted (solar-time) sensitivity analysis, based on sunrise and sunset times calculated for site-level representative coordinates (one point per site; UJ1 and UJ2). Diel-period summaries are additionally reported as rate-normalised detections (detections per 100 hours) using civil-twilight definitions to account for unequal period durations. The released dataset contains 4,623 independent detection events for the four ungulate species (long-tailed goral: 2,317; water deer: 814; Siberian roe deer: 808; wild boar: 684) recorded at 82 camera stations between April 2022 and May 2023. Survey effort totalled 29,850 functional camera-trap nights (30,410 scheduled nights, including 560 inactive nights from recorded downtime). All released files are listed in the Data resources section and include event-level records, station-level covariates, generalised coordinates and effort summaries to support reproducible reuse.
Acute stroke, particularly posterior circulation stroke, is often missed in emergency departments due to non-specific symptoms. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the BE-FAST-V scale, which adds Vertigo assessment to the original BE-FAST, for acute stroke screening. The study included 1,094 patients presenting to a tertiary hospital's emergency department with suspected stroke. On arrival, the BE-FAST-V scale, which assesses Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time, and Vertigo, was administered. Stroke diagnoses were confirmed through imaging. Diagnostic accuracy metrics, including sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values, were calculated. The BE-FAST-V scale demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy, strong sensitivity, and moderate specificity. Adding vertigo improved the detection of posterior circulation strokes, which are often missed due to nonspecific symptoms. The BE-FAST-V tool presented a highly sensitive and practical value for stroke screening in the emergency department. Its ability to identify posterior circulation strokes, including those presenting with vertigo, addresses a critical gap in stroke diagnosis and supports early treatment initiation. Broader implementation and further validation across multiple centers could enhance its role in improving stroke outcomes globally. Acute stroke requires urgent evaluation to optimize clinical outcomes. Posterior circulation strokes are underdiagnosed due to atypical presentations including vertigo. We conducted a prospective cohort study to assess the diagnostic performance of the BE-FAST-V scale, a modified tool incorporating vertigo screening. Among 1,094 patients with suspected stroke in the emergency department, BE-FAST-V demonstrated high sensitivity, favorable specificity, and excellent overall accuracy. The scale improves detection of posterior circulation strokes, reduces missed cases, and facilitates timely imaging and intervention. BE-FAST-V is a feasible, reliable instrument for routine stroke screening in emergency care settings.
Systematic cardiovascular risk assessment and stratification across the entire cancer care continuum is essential among cancer patients, largely due to potential cardiotoxic effects of oncologic therapeutic regiments. Prior to initiation of cancer therapy, cardiotoxicity risk assessment should include comprehensive evaluation of baseline cardiovascular status and baseline measurement of cardiac biomarkers. Patient-related factors should be integrated with therapy-related risks associated with specific oncologic regiments and/or radiotherapy. During cancer treatment, continuous cardiovascular surveillance is necessary to detect early or subclinical myocardial dysfunction. Monitoring strategies involve periodic clinical evaluation, serial echocardiographic assessment and biomarker measurements. Surveillance protocols should be adapted according to the cardiotoxic potential of the administered regimen; as early detection of cardiotoxicity allows prompt cardioprotective interventions and adjustment of oncologic treatments. Cardiovascular assessment after cancer therapy is crucial due to potential delayed cardiotoxic effects. During the first year, post-treatment, structured follow-up is recommended to identify persistent or emerging cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicities. Long-term surveillance is also particularly important for cancer survivors exposed to cardiotoxic agents, given their increased risk of chronic cardiovascular complications. Digitalization improves cardio-oncology risk assessment through artificial intelligence, electronic health records, and remote monitoring enabling earlier detection and personalized cardiovascular surveillance. A multidisciplinary cardio-oncology approach and structured surveillance across the entire cancer care continuum is crucial to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and improve long-term outcomes.
Detecting agents and their interactions is a cornerstone of social cognition. Vertebrates are known to possess innate sensitivity to animacy cues, such as self-propelled or biological motion, supported by subpallial circuits within the social behavior network (SBN). However, the neural mechanisms distinguishing the detection of animate motion from the recognition of socially meaningful relations remain unclear. Using visually naive female domestic chicks, we investigated the brain regions activated when observing point-light displays of hens moving face-to-face or back-to-back, a behavioral paradigm previously shown to reveal spontaneous sensitivity to social interaction. We found selective immediate early-gene expression in the nidopallium caudolaterale, homologous to the mammalian prefrontal cortex, but not in the nucleus taeniae of the amygdala and septum, subpallial areas in the SBN. This pattern suggests that while basic sensitivity to animate motion may rely on evolutionarily ancient subpallial circuits, the detection of socially relevant relations engages higher order pallial processing.
The Heritage Cracks dataset contains a total of 1,716 high-resolution images documenting superficial cracking in ignimbrite masonry and lime-based plaster surfaces from heritage buildings in the historic center of Morelia, Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A total of 686 images were acquired under real field conditions using smartphone cameras along representative streets and architectural elements with visible deterioration, while 1,030 images were generated through data augmentation. The dataset was designed to support artificial intelligence applications for cultural heritage inspection, particularly object detection and computer vision-based damage assessment. All images were organized, preprocessed, automatically oriented, resized to 640 × 640 pixels, and manually annotated with bounding boxes by specialists in construction pathology. Crack selection considered visible damage associated with weathering, material degradation, structural adjustment, environmental exposure, erosion, overload effects, and biological activity. The dataset is divided into training, validation, and testing subsets; includes image, annotation files, configuration metadata, and documentation to facilitate reproducibility. Its structure allows direct use in deep learning workflows, including YOLO-based models and other object-detection architectures. By providing field-acquired images from real heritage construction systems, this dataset contributes to the development, evaluation, and benchmarking of non-invasive tools for crack detection, preventive conservation, and structural health monitoring. It is useful for researchers, engineers, conservation specialists, and developers working on AI-assisted inspection of vulnerable historic infrastructure in Latin American urban heritage contexts.
Liquid biopsy, analyzing circulating tumor-derived components, including ctDNA, circulating tumor cells, microRNAs, and exosomes, has emerged as a key tool in precision oncology. This review synthesizes evidence from the past five years, covering biological mechanisms, analytical platforms, clinical applications, and implementation barriers. Evidence from multiple clinical studies suggests ctDNA shows higher sensitivity for metastatic disease monitoring than conventional biomarkers such as CA15-3 and circulating tumor cells. For minimal residual disease detection, tumor-informed assays demonstrate sensitivity of 88%-100% and provide a median lead time of 8-15 months before clinical relapse. Despite these advances, early-stage cancer detection remains suboptimal, cost-effectiveness evidence is limited, and disparities in access are increasing. We critically evaluate current technologies and translational gaps and highlight the need for standardized clinical integration pathways. Overall, liquid biopsy is transitioning from a complementary diagnostic tool toward a longitudinal framework for cancer management, although substantial methodological and systemic challenges remain.
Supine chest radiography is routinely used in trauma care; however, its sensitivity is limited in pneumothorax detection. Although artificial intelligence (AI) has recently been introduced as a diagnostic support tool for chest radiograph interpretation, its use in trauma radiographs and its interaction with physician experience remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of AI-assisted image interpretation in traumatic pneumothorax detection among emergency medicine specialists and non-specialists. In this retrospective single-center study, 34 supine chest radiographs (17 pneumothorax and 17 non-pneumothorax cases confirmed with computed tomography) were interpreted by 20 emergency medicine physicians (10 specialists and 10 non-specialists). Each participant reviewed all radiographs twice: first without AI assistance and then with AI assistance after a 2-week washout period. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision were calculated. To account for clustering of observations within readers and cases, mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was performed. AI assistance significantly improved sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy across participants, whereas specificity and precision were not significantly affected. Specialists demonstrated higher baseline sensitivity and accuracy than non-specialists. In the mixed-effects logistic regression analysis, AI assistance was independently associated with improved diagnostic accuracy (odds ratio 2.37, p < 0.001). Additionally, the interaction between AI assistance and physician specialist status was significant (p = 0.010). AI-assisted interpretation of supine chest radiographs is a potentially useful decision-support tool for detecting traumatic pneumothorax in emergency settings.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic complication during pregnancy. Early identification of high-risk women is critical for reducing maternal and fetal complications. This study aimed to explore the predictive value of serum pentraxin 3 (PTX3) and galectin-3 in early pregnancy for GDM among Chinese women. This retrospective case-control study recruited pregnant women with a first prenatal visit before 14 weeks of gestation. Serum samples were collected at enrollment. All participants were followed up to 24-28 weeks, and GDM was confirmed via standard 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Correlation analysis, ROC curve and binary logistic regression were used to evaluate predictive efficacy. A total of 120 eligible women were divided into the GDM group (n=60) and healthy control group (n=60). FBG, FINS, PTX3 and galectin-3 levels were markedly elevated in GDM group (P < 0.05). Both biomarkers were positively correlated with glucose and insulin indexes (P < 0.05). The AUC values of PTX3 and galectin-3 were 0.821 and 0.662 respectively. The combined detection yielded an AUC of 0.877, with a sensitivity of 86.5% and a specificity of 92.3%. PTX3 and galectin-3 were verified as independent risk factors of GDM. First-trimester PTX3 and galectin-3 can serve as effective biomarkers for GDM prediction. Combined detection improves diagnostic efficiency and facilitates early screening for high-risk populations. Due to the single-center design and 1:1 grouping inconsistent with actual GDM prevalence, further prospective multicenter studies are required to validate our findings.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, with incidence rates in Lebanon among the highest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Despite this, data on CRC epidemiology, tumor characteristics, and treatment outcomes in MENA populations remain limited. This study aimed to investigate these factors, with the goal of supporting early detection, guiding clinical decision-making, and informing personalized treatment strategies. This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients diagnosed with CRC between 2019 and 2023 at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. Clinical data were retrieved from electronic health records and histopathological reports. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariable Cox regression models. A total of 349 patients (mean age 61 years) were included. Most tumors were low-grade adenocarcinomas (88.1%; n=306/347), and 73.3% (n=243/331) of patients presented with advanced-stage disease (Stages III/IV). Among patients with available MMR testing (n=181/349), 5.5% (n=10/181) were mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) by immunohistochemistry. Molecular testing revealed KRAS mutations in 42.9% (n=70/163 tested) and BRAF mutations in 7.0% (n=9/128 tested). Smoking (HR = 2.58, p = 0.007) and age ≥65 years (HR = 1.98, p = 0.050) were associated with reduced OS. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease had a significantly increased risk of progression (HR = 9.39, p = 0.032). Left-sided tumors were associated with improved OS (HR = 0.42, p = 0.018). This study identifies key risk factors, including tumor location, age, IBD, and smoking, influencing survival outcomes in Lebanese patients with CRC. Findings support implementation of risk-adapted screening strategies and population-specific therapeutic approaches in Middle Eastern settings.
The oral cavity and esophagus are contiguous mucosal sites whose microbiomes may jointly influence esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). To address whether microbial alterations are shared across oral and esophageal niches and possess diagnostic potential in ESCC, we performed five-region 16S rRNA sequencing on paired oral swabs and esophageal tissues from 45 patients with ESCC and matched controls. We identified consistent enrichment of Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium, and Treponema, with the depletion of Neisseria, Rothia, and Actinomyces across both sites. These cross-site signatures showed strong diagnostic performance, supporting proof-of-concept non-invasive ESCC prediction using oral swabs. Functional prediction suggested altered microbiome-associated functional profiles, including enrichment of glycan- and amino acid-related pathways and reduced fatty acid metabolism. In a 4-NQO mouse model, P. gingivalis accelerated ESCC development and promoted inflammatory and immune-suppressive responses. Together, these findings identify shared oral-esophageal microbial signatures with potential diagnostic value in ESCC and support further validation of oral microbiome-based detection strategies.
Anthropogenic environmental changes have intensified interactions among wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, reshaping parasite transmission dynamics. In this context, anteaters may play an important role as hosts within sylvatic transmission networks of Trypanosoma cruzi. This study investigated the occurrence and molecular characterization of T. cruzi in anteaters from São Paulo State, Brazil. Whole blood samples from 26 individuals were analyzed using PCR assays targeting the 18S rRNA gene, followed by sequencing and Bayesian phylogenetic inference. Trypanosoma cruzi DNA was detected in 42.3% (11/26) of the samples. Sequence analysis revealed high similarity (93.66-99.65%) with reference strains available in GenBank, and phylogenetic reconstruction confirmed that all sequences clustered within the T. cruzi clade with low intraspecific divergence. No statistically significant associations were observed between infection status and host-related variables, including host species (p = 0.348), sex (p = 1.000), age class (p = 0.674), and sampling season (p = 0.275), indicating no evidence of these factors as determinants of infection in the studied population. Positive individuals were identified across multiple municipalities, with a spatial concentration in the central-western region of São Paulo State, suggesting widespread circulation of the parasite in anthropogenically influenced landscapes. Although no clear temporal pattern could be established due to opportunistic sampling, the detection of infected individuals across different years supports the persistence of T. cruzi in these host populations. These findings provide molecular evidence of T. cruzi infection in anteaters from southeastern Brazil and reinforce their relevance as hosts in sylvatic transmission networks. The results highlight the importance of wildlife in maintaining parasite circulation and emphasize the need for integrative approaches combining molecular, ecological, and epidemiological data to better understand host-parasite dynamics and potential transmission interfaces.