IntroductionVitreous substitutes are crucial adjuncts during vitreoretinal surgery for retinal detachment, macular holes, and vitreous hemorrhage. However, current vitreous substitutes pose limitations, including but not limited to their postoperative decrease in visual sharpness, nonfavorable refractive indices, and complications such as glaucoma, cataract, and retinal toxicity.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review to evaluate the biological, physical, and clinical properties of novel experimental vitreous substitutes in animal and human models. We performed a systematic search on Ovid Medline, Embase, and Scopus from January 1, 1990, to October 10, 2025. Studies were included if they reported on any of the following three aspects: optical properties, biological interactions, or clinical outcomes.ResultsOut of 11,045 search results, 37 studies investigating novel hydrogels (n = 15), polymers (n = 5), liquids (n = 5), and devices (n = 12) were included. Among these, 16/37 substitutes had > 80% success in tamponade of retinal detachments, 12/37 showed high tissue biocompatibility, 15/37 demonstrated low ocular inflammation, 13/37 exhibited optical properties similar to native vitreous, and 14/37 were associated with no significant changes in intraocular pressure.ConclusionsNovel experimental vitreous substitutes, such as UV‐CHA, Vitargus ABV‐1701, PanaceaGel SPG‐178, E10KDC18, or FCVB, show the most promising biological, optical, and physical properties for additional investigation as vitreous substitutes.

ObjectiveThe purpose was to investigate the shared key genes between chronic periodontitis (CP) and aging.Materials and MethodsFirst, we collected single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) data of peripheral blood samples from patients with CP, aging, and healthy control (HC) and confirmed the cross‐group coexpressed and downregulated cell subsets as the core research objects. Subsequently, we explored the dynamic evolutionary rules and functional interaction patterns of these cell subsets by integrating pseudotime trajectory analysis and intercellular communication modeling. Then, we screened the differentially expressed gene targets and adopted mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to clarify causal association between aging and CP susceptibility. Finally, we performed colocalization analysis by integrating data from CP genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) and expression quantitative trait locus datasets and conducted metabolic pathway enrichment analysis on the key genes obtained.ResultsSubsets of T cells were found to account for a significant proportion in both CP patients and aging individuals. CD8_CM cells showed a downward trend in these two groups, screening of 16 differentially expressed genes. MR indicated that GZMK, KLRG1, and LYAR had causal relationships and were retained in the validation phase, and colocalization analysis yielded limited evidence supporting the existence of shared causal variants. Furthermore, metabolic enrichment analysis delineated the metabolic pathways functionally associated with these genes.ConclusionThis study found the downregulation of CD8_CM cells is a shared feature of CP and aging, and pointed out that GZMK, KLRG1 and LYAR may be the molecular links, offering an innovative perspective on elucidating the intersection mechanisms underlying aging and CP.

BackgroundContraceptive discontinuation while a need for pregnancy prevention persists, often termed “in‐need” discontinuation, remains a significant barrier to achieving reproductive health goals in Ethiopia. Traditional survival analyses often overestimate this risk by failing to account for competing events, such as discontinuation due to an intentional desire for pregnancy.MethodsThis study utilized nationally representative data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). A total of 1617 contraceptive episodes among currently married women were analyzed. To identify predictors of “in‐need” discontinuation while strictly accounting for the competing risk of “desire for pregnancy,” a Fine–Gray subdistribution hazards model was employed as the primary inferential framework.ResultsThe overall 12‐month–adjusted cumulative incidence of “in‐need” discontinuation was heterogeneous across sociodemographic strata. Women in the 35–49 age cohort exhibited a significantly higher subdistribution hazard (2.91%) compared with those aged 15–24 (1.58%; aSHR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.26–2.71). Secondary education was protective, reducing the 12‐month incidence to 1.27% compared with 1.85% for those with no formal education (aSHR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.40–0.96). Conversely, women engaged in manual labor faced an increased probability of discontinuation (1.97%) compared with professional workers (1.29%; aSHR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.08–2.25). Notably, women with undecided fertility preferences showed the highest persistence, with a 12‐month probability of only 1.03% (aSHR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.32–0.93). Religious affiliation remained a strong predictor, with Catholic users exhibiting a higher subdistribution hazard (aSHR: 4.65; 95% CI: 2.06–10.49).Conclusion“In‐need” discontinuation in Ethiopia is driven by a complex interplay of age, educational attainment, and occupational physical demands. The finding that older and less‐educated women are at higher risk suggests that national family planning programs should move beyond adolescent‐focused strategies to include targeted clinical counseling for long‐term users. Furthermore, the economic impact of side effects on manual laborers necessitates more flexible, community‐based follow‐up care to ensure contraceptive security for Ethiopia′s most economically vulnerable women.

BackgroundThis study evaluated the sealing ability and degradation resistance of a novel hydrogel‐based, low‐viscosity, light‐curable obturation material compared with gutta‐percha combined with an epoxy resin–based sealer using a bacterial leakage model and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis.MethodsThirty‐seven extracted single‐rooted bovine incisors were allocated into four groups: gutta‐percha + epoxy resin sealer (n = 12), hydrogel‐based material (n = 10), positive control with empty canals (n = 11), and negative control (n = 4). Bacterial leakage was assessed using a two‐chamber model inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis. Survival times were analyzed using nonparametric tests. For degradation analysis, 30 hydrogel specimens (n = 6 per medium) were incubated in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), brain heart infusion (BHI) broth, E. faecalis suspension, sterile‐filtered saliva, or pH 10 carbonate buffer. SEM‐based Feret diameter measurements were obtained after 1, 8, and 30 days and analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Holm‐adjusted Mann–Whitney U tests.ResultsThe first leakage occurred after 11 days in the gutta‐percha group and after 58 days in the hydrogel group. Forty percent failure was observed after 22 days for gutta‐percha and after 121 days for the hydrogel material (p < 0.001). Mean Feret diameter increased most markedly under alkaline conditions (Δ = +0.100 μm from Day 1 to Day 30; p < 0.001), whereas changes in PBS, BHI, E. faecalis, and saliva remained below 0.05 μm over 30 days.ConclusionsThe hydrogel‐based obturation material demonstrated significantly prolonged resistance to bacterial penetration and maintained structural stability under biologically relevant incubation conditions. Further long‐term and in vivo studies are required to confirm clinical performance.

BackgroundIsoginkgetin (ISO) is a natural flavonoid with potential anticancer effects. However, the anticancer mechanisms of ISO in gastric cancer remain insufficiently explored.MethodsNetwork pharmacology, TCGA data analysis, and molecular docking were employed to identify potential ISO targets and their involvement in gastric cancer. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in gastric cancer were compared with ISO targets to find overlapping genes. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted to determine key biological pathways. Cytoscape‐MCODE was used to identify hub genes, and molecular docking assessed the binding stability between ISO and these hub genes.ResultsA total of 107 potential ISO targets were identified, of which 66 overlapped with gastric cancer DEGs. Functional enrichment analysis indicated involvement in cell cycle regulation, cellular senescence, and the PI3K–Akt signaling pathway. Ten hub genes (GSK3B, TERT, CCNT1, CCNB3, CCNB2, CREB1, CCNA2, CCNB1, CDK1, and ESR1) were identified using Cytoscape‐MCODE. Most genes were highly expressed in tumor tissues and positively correlated, with some significantly associated with patient survival. Molecular docking demonstrated stable binding between ISO and the hub genes.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study systematically explored the molecular targets and potential mechanisms of ISO in gastric cancer, providing a preliminary theoretical basis for further research.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent cancer and one of the deadliest cancers, with a significant global disease burden. Despite progress in the diagnosis and treatment of CRC, the rate of mortality is still high. Identifying the molecular mechanisms contributing to CRC development and progression creates opportunities to provide better management for CRC. 14‐3‐3 proteins are extremely conserved phosphoserine/phosphothreonine‐binding proteins found in all eukaryotic cells. These proteins regulate a number of biological processes in the cells by binding to their client proteins. Thereby, they can contribute to the regulation of cell cycle progression, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, highlighting their role in cancer development, progression, and treatment. The present article is aimed at reviewing the 14‐3‐3 proteins and their biological function, as well as their contribution to cancer regulation. In addition, it will collect previously performed studies investigating the role of 14‐3‐3 proteins in CRC pathogenesis, emphasizing their potential for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic purposes, offering insights into novel intervention strategies and personalized medicine approaches for CRC.

BackgroundCleft lip and/or palate (CLP) is one of the most prevalent birth abnormalities and is caused by incomplete growth and failure to close components of the face. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiologic features of patients with congenital CLP and identify risk factors associated with the disorder.MethodsThe study used the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist for reporting on 1341 CLP patient records from MOHKAM Institute in Iran. We conducted a descriptive analysis on records spanning from September 2006 to May 2023. After applying eligibility criteria, 950 CLP cases and 950 controls with other congenital conditions were included. Data preprocessing removed bias. We then analyzed the preprocessed dataset using descriptive statistics, association rule mining (ARM), and the Apriori algorithm.ResultsThe study revealed that 88% of mothers did not use cosmetics during pregnancy. Additionally, 9% of cases had a history of disease during pregnancy, and 6% had a history of drug use. The study also examined the birth order of children and found that the highest number of children with congenital diseases occurred between the first and third children of the family. The age distribution of mothers showed the highest frequency in the age range of 18–24 years in both the case and control groups, whereas the frequency of fathers was highest in the age range of over 41 years. ARM identified five association rules with confidence values exceeding 0.567, indicating moderate associations between combined demographic and geographic variables and CLP occurrence. The rules demonstrated weak‐to‐moderate lift values, suggesting nonrandom associations within the dataset.ConclusionSeveral maternal and familial factors, including pregnancy‐related conditions and parental age, were associated with CLP. Given the multifactorial nature of CLP and its susceptibility to multiple genetic and environmental influences, further large‐scale and multicenter studies are required to validate these associations and explore additional contributing factors.

Low back pain (LBP) is a common and severe musculoskeletal ailment that disproportionately affects the elderly. Some of the top causes of disability and impaired functional independence occur worldwide. As populations age and chronic diseases increase, controlling LBP in the elderly is a public health issue. Polypharmacy and age‐related vulnerabilities make widely recommended pharmacologic methods risky for older persons. Physical activity is a favored first‐line remedy due to its safety and multidimensional advantages, especially in the elderly. This review synthesizes the literature on elderly LBP prevention and management through physical exercise. Recent evidence (2020–2024), biological underpinnings of exercise‐related pain regulation, and practical applications of aerobic, resistance, flexibility, and neuromuscular training are highlighted. The biopsychosocial and Kinesio pathophysiological frameworks that inform LBP rehabilitation therapeutic thinking are also reviewed. Fear of pain, social isolation, comorbidities, and environmental limits are examined, along with ways to increase exercise engagement and adherence. This article also assesses literature discrepancies, identifies study gaps, and suggests further research. To help healthcare providers and researchers optimize exercise‐based interventions for the elderly. Physical activity should be a standard therapy method for senior LBP patients, not an optional recommendation.