Clinical intelligence & editorial.

PLOS

Novel approaches in linkage of data sources to explore the associations between purchase of opioid prescriptions during pregnancy and adverse neonatal outcomes

Objective: To evaluate patterns of opioid purchases by payment source among pregnant women in Arkansas and examine their associations with adverse neonatal outcomes. Methods: Liveborn singleton infants born in Arkansas between 2014 and 2016 were identified from the Birth Certificate Records and linked to the All-Payer Claims Database (APCD), capturing public and private insurance claims; the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), recording controlled substance dispensations regardless of p...

Pregnancy

Nahed O. ElHassan, Corey J. Hayes, Ruchira V. Mahashabde, Xiaotong Han, Chary Akmyradov, Chenghui Li, Teresa Hudson, Robert Mcgehee Jr, Peter M. Mourani, Bradley C. Martin• January 30, 2026

PLOS

First report of extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase-producing MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae from Fuchka

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and Carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-KP and CP-KP), in the food supply chain, poses a significant public health threat. Ready to eat (RTE) street foods, especially fuchka, a highly popular snack in Bangladesh, India and Southeast Asia, represents a critical breach in food safety. This study investigated the multidrug resistance (MDR) patterns of K. pneumoniae isolated from fuchka with an emphasis on p...

Klebsiella Pneumonia

Bushra Benta Rahman Prapti, Md. Tanjir Ahmmed, Aminur Rahman, Chandra Shaker Chouhan, Mahbubul Pratik Siddique• January 30, 2026

PLOS

Disparate estimates of intrinsic productivity for Antarctic krill across small spatial scales under a rapidly changing ocean

Understanding the spatio-temporal dynamics of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) productivity along the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) requires the application of robust analytical approaches. Both design-based and model-based methodologies have been employed to address this challenge. The Spawning Potential Ratio (SPR) is a indicator that provides valuable insights about population productivity. In this study, we analyzed the spatial and temporal variability of the SPR for krill by modeling...

Scales

Mauricio Mardones, Erica Jarvis Mason, Francisco Santa Cruz, George Watters, César Cárdenas• January 30, 2026

PLOS

Praxis function in the ADL Observation Scale: Spanish cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties

Objective: To cross-cultural adapt the ADL Observation Scale and evaluate its psychometric properties in a sample of Spanish-speaking patients with stroke. Methods: A validation study that included cross-cultural adaptation, structural validity assessment, reliability, and diagnostic accuracy analysis. The study followed COSMIN and STARD criteria. Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the ADL Observation Scale followed a backward translation process. Structural validity was assessed with...

Scales

Laura Sánchez-Bermejo, Pedro Jesús Milla-Ortega, José Manuel Pérez-Mármol• January 30, 2026

PLOS

Sarcopenia as an independent prognostic marker in liposarcoma: A longitudinal analysis of body composition and survival

Background: Sarcopenia is increasingly recognized as an important prognostic factor in oncology; however, its clinical relevance in liposarcoma remains insufficiently defined. This study aimed to evaluate longitudinal changes in CT-derived body composition parameters in liposarcoma patients, to assess the influence of tumor grade, recurrence, and treatment modalities on these parameters and to determine the association of baseline sarcopenia and progressive muscle loss with overall survival and...

Body Composition

Julian Kylies, Matthias Priemel, Anna Dupree, Karl-Heinz Frosch, Tobias M. Ballhause• January 30, 2026

PLOS

Incidence and risk factors for post-stroke delirium in the elderly: A national inpatient sample (NIS) analysis

Background: Post-stroke delirium (PSD) is a critical neuropsychiatric condition affecting up to 50% of elderly patients during hospitalization, often leading to poorer outcomes. Despite its prevalence, PSD remains underrecognized in clinical practice, and national-level studies exploring its risk factors are limited. Objective: To examine the incidence and risk factors associated with PSD in elderly individuals (≥65 years) using a large, nationally representative dataset. Methods: Data from the...

Stroke

Jianrong Zhang, Mei Chen, Yaoyang Huo, Xilin Liu, Yu’e Wu, Xiaohuan Li, Jingqin Wang, Fengling Yang, Gang Liu, Hao Xie, Ying Gao• January 30, 2026

PLOS

Integrated mental health for refugees: A realist theory building study

People with forced migration backgrounds, such as refugees, experience disproportionate mental health conditions related to complexities associated with acculturation, separation from family, traumatic events due to war or persecution and precarious journeys in their effort to find protection and care. Intersecting social determinants of refugee mental health include navigating and finding health care resources, employment, housing and social support. Because of the complexity of health and soci...

Mental Health

Nancy Clark, Alejandro Argüelles Bullón, Mita Huq, Ferdinand C. Mukumbang• January 30, 2026

PLOS

Qualitative evaluation of a pilot mental health program for public safety personnel with post-traumatic stress disorder

Public Safety Personnel (PSP) such as police officers, firefighters, and paramedics are at an increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to frequent exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events. Return-to-work trajectories can be challenging, as treatment programs are often not tailored to PSP, leading to long-term disability. To better support PSP, the work disability insurance authority in Ontario, Canada commissioned a mental health treatment program for PSP who r...

Mental Health

Lucas M. Seuren, Arija Birze, Kathleen G. Dobson, Cameron Mustard, Walter P. Wodchis• January 30, 2026

PLOS

Leukemia in users of contemporary hormonal contraception: A nationwide registry-based cohort study among premenopausal women in Denmark

Background: Sex hormones have been implicated in leukemogenesis, but evidence regarding hormonal contraceptive use and leukemia risk remains limited and primarily based on older formulations. Given the widespread use of contemporary hormonal contraceptives, clarification of this potential association is needed. This study examines the association between contemporary hormonal contraceptives and leukemia risk. Methods and findings: In a nationwide cohort design, we assessed associations between t...

Hormone

Caroline H. Hemmingsen, Susanne K. Kjaer, Jasmin Arvedsen, Emma O. Dahl, Amani Meaidi, Marie Hargreave, Lina S. Mørch• January 30, 2026

PLOS

Genetic insights into number of long-term conditions and their relationship with lifespan

Aims: Relationships between the genetic risk for long-term conditions (LTCs) and lifespan have been reported. However, the genetic factors underlying the total number of LTCs an individual has (LTC burden) and their association with lifespan have not been fully investigated. This study aims to investigate the genetics of LTC burden and evaluate its relationship with lifespan. Methods: A genome-wide association study (GWAS) and a genetic heritability test were conducted on LTC burden using data f...

Genetics

Youngjune Bhak, Bruce Guthrie, Albert Tenesa• January 30, 2026

PLOS

Genetic diversity of alpha and betacoronaviruses in cave and temple-roosting bats in Vientiane Province, Lao PDR

The emergence of MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-1, and SARS-CoV-2 highlights the significant public health and economic threats posed by coronaviruses. In Lao PDR, SARS-CoV-2-related bat coronaviruses capable of binding to human ACE2 receptors have been found in northern regions, but little is known about coronavirus diversity in anthropized environments like temples. This study investigated coronavirus circulation, diversity, and prevalence in bats from caves and temples in Vientiane Province, Lao PDR. A t...

Genetics

Illich Manfred Mombo, Novy Charel Bobouaka Bonguili, Nicola Gasperini, Arisa Chandarak, Thida Xaiyaphoumi, Pauline Brault, Oceane Rieu, Phimpha Paboriboune, Eric Leroy, Fabien Roch Niama, Sabrina Locatelli• January 30, 2026

PLOS

Correction: Intragenomic conflicts with plasmids and chromosomal mobile genetic elements drive the evolution of natural transformation within species

Supporting Information file S8 Data contains incorrect accession numbers. With this correction, the correct accession numbers are now provided. Please view the correct S8 Data below. Supporting information S8 Data Collection of Legionella pneumophila and Acinetobacter baumannii strains and their measures of transformation rates. (XLSX)

Genetics

Fanny Mazzamurro, Jason Baby Chirakadavil, Isabelle Durieux, Ludovic Poiré, Julie Plantade, Christophe Ginevra, Sophie Jarraud, Gottfried Wilharm, Xavier Charpentier, Eduardo P. C. Rocha• January 30, 2026