Search PubMedSearch

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

2,984 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

Genomic science and the nurse educator's role: Promoting integration from curriculum to clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Registered nurses and nurse educators play a critical role in preparing future clinicians to translate genomic discoveries into practice. However, emerging evidence suggests that both groups may lack sufficient knowledge and confidence in genomics, potentially limiting their ability to teach, mentor, and apply genomics in real-world settings. This gap is especially concerning in Aotearoa New Zealand, where the genomic literacy of nurse educators and clinicians remains underexplored. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to: (1) assess nurse educators' genomic literacy and confidence in teaching genomics; and (2) evaluate registered nurses' knowledge and confidence in applying and teaching genomics in clinical practice. DESIGN: Exploratory descriptive qualitative. SETTING: This study was conducted in the greater Auckland area. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 17 participants were recruited using purposive sampling to ensure a diverse range of perspectives across varying levels of teaching experience, disciplinary backgrounds, and exposure to genomic content. METHODS: Data were collected using semi-structured focus group interviews, a method well-suited for generating in-depth discussion and facilitating interaction among participants with shared professional interests. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis methods. RESULTS: The findings offer insight into the preparedness of New Zealand's nursing workforce to engage with genomic-informed healthcare and inform strategies for integrating genomics into nursing curricula and continuing professional development. Given the interdisciplinary nature of genomic healthcare, these insights may also be relevant to other health professionals-including midwives, pharmacists, and allied health practitioners-who increasingly encounter genomic information in clinical practice and require foundational competencies to support patient care. CONCLUSION: Addressing this educational gap is critical to ensuring that nurses-key facilitators of patient care and public health-are equipped to deliver safe, equitable, and evidence-based genomic healthcare.

Humans

Proprioception Training and Surrogate Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Definitions, Measures, and Effectiveness Claims.

BACKGROUND: "Proprioception training" is widely advocated in rehabilitation and sports practice, yet the term encompasses heterogeneous constructs, interventions, and outcomes. Many trials infer proprioceptive benefits from surrogate outcomes (balance, strength, or pain) rather than direct psychophysical indices. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine how proprioception is defined and measured, and how improvement is claimed, in randomized controlled trials. METHODS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to October 2025. Eligible randomized controlled trials explicitly described interventions as "proprioceptive" or "sensorimotor training" and reported at least one proprioceptive outcome, either direct (e.g., joint position reproduction, threshold to detection of passive motion, active movement extent discrimination) or indirect (e.g., sway, balance). Methodological quality was appraised with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale and risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. RESULTS: Fifty-one randomized controlled trials (n = 2319) were included. Comparative synthesis showed that improvements inferred from surrogate outcomes were more frequent and often larger than improvements observed in direct psychophysical measures. Directly targeted practice, angle specific, attentionally demanding, and aligned with the measured proprioceptive submodality and task construct, produced the most consistent benefits in position-reproduction accuracy/error, movement-detection sensitivity, or discrimination performance, depending on the outcome assessed. In contrast, multimodal regimens (balance, strengthening, taping, manual therapy) commonly improved balance, pain, strength, or function without comparably consistent evidence of enhanced direct psychophysical proprioceptive function. CONCLUSIONS: Specific psychophysical components of proprioceptive function appear modifiable, but only when training explicitly targets the sensory construct measured. The field remains conceptually diffuse, with frequent conflation of sensorimotor performance and proprioception. Progress depends on defining proprioceptive submodalities a priori, privileging validated psychophysical outcomes over surrogate outcomes, and aligning intervention content with measurement to substantiate true perceptual learning rather than generic motor adaptation.

Journal Article

Changes in ACL T2* Metrics Over the Course of the Female Menstrual Cycle: A New Biomarker for the ACL Injury Risk?

BACKGROUND: Sex-based disparities in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk may be partly explained by cyclic variations in sex hormones that drive systemic shifts in tissue osmoregulation. Ultrashort echo time (UTE) T2* magnetic resonance imaging provides a noninvasive, quantitative means of evaluating the water content and collagen orientation in tissue. HYPOTHESIS: Eumenorrheic female participants will exhibit significant ACL T2* changes across the cycle, while anovulatory control participants will demonstrate no significant changes over time. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: A total of 25 women with no prior knee injuries were enrolled: 10 premenopausal, eumenorrheic participants and 15 anovulatory control participants (6 postmenopausal and 9 premenopausal using oral contraceptives). Bilateral knee magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 4 time points evenly spaced over 1 month, with the first visit within 24 hours of menses onset. Ovulation status was confirmed using commercially available ovulation predictor kits. Three-dimensional UTE sequences (11 echoes; 0.03-25 ms) were acquired to evaluate bicomponent ACL T2* metrics. Linear mixed-effects models assessed temporal differences in long and short T2* values, and the Cohen d quantified effect size. RESULTS: Eumenorrheic participants demonstrated significantly shorter preovulatory long T2* values compared with postovulatory values (mean difference, 1.0 ms [95% CI, 0.2-1.9 ms]; P = .015; Cohen d = 0.51). No significant temporal differences were observed for any T2* metric in anovulatory controls. CONCLUSION: Eumenorrheic female participants exhibited significant preovulatory to postovulatory changes in ACL T2* metrics, while anovulatory controls demonstrated no significant changes over time. These findings suggest that ACL T2* metrics are sensitive to cyclic fluctuations in female sex hormones across the menstrual cycle.

Humans

Efficacy of transcranial alternating current stimulation for musculoskeletal pain and sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, emerging as a potential therapeutic option for musculoskeletal pain management. OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of tACS for alleviating pain and improving sleep quality in adults with musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Seven major databases and other sources were searched from inception until April 2026. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. A random-effects model was used to pool standardized mean differences (SMDs). The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework. RESULTS: Six RCTs involving 232 participants were included. Meta-analysis showed that tACS could significantly reduce pain intensity compared to control (SMD = -0.355, 95% CI: -0.625 to -0.084, p = 0.010, I² = 28.7%). However, no significant improvement was found for sleep quality (SMD = 0.004, 95% CI: -0.310-0.317, p = 0.982, I² = 0.0%). Adverse effects were mild and transient, comparable to sham stimulation. The overall certainty of evidence was rated as low for both pain and sleep quality outcomes. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that tACS may be beneficial for musculoskeletal pain; however, the available evidence remains limited and should be interpreted cautiously. The effect of tACS on sleep quality remains uncertain because of the limited number of available studies. Future well-designed RCTs with standardized outcome measures, condition-specific stimulation protocols, and longer follow-up are required to establish the efficacy and long-term safety of tACS.

Humans

Symptom Burden After Dialysis Initiation and Its Association With Hospitalization.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Symptom burden is distressing for patients living with kidney failure, but there is limited information about the combination of symptoms and individual symptoms that most strongly predict health care use in this group. We classified and summarized patients' symptom burden levels and changes over time and estimated associations with hospitalizations among patients receiving incident hemodialysis. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal, observational. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Individuals initiating dialysis in the United States. EXPOSURE: Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 (KDQOL-36) measure. OUTCOME: First hospitalization after dialysis initiation. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Latent transition analysis was used to identify symptom burden classes using the KDQOL-36. Cox regression models were used to assess whether individual KDQOL-36 symptoms and symptom burden groups were associated with hospitalization risk after dialysis initiation, independent of demographics and comorbid conditions. RESULTS: 1,818 participants were Black (29%), were aged >65 years (59%), were women (42%), had diabetes (49%), and had hypertension (74%). Latent transition analysis identified the following 3 symptom burden groups: (1) low (low severity of all symptoms and kidney disease impacts), (2) moderate (high physical health impact and overall burden of kidney disease), and (3) high (high levels of all symptoms and kidney disease impact). After adjusting for patient characteristics, all KDQOL-36 scales except the Effects of Kidney Disease scale were associated with a higher hazard of hospitalization. Using the symptom burden groups, a high symptom burden was associated with a 20% increase in the hazard of hospitalization. A 1-category worsening in pain interference and in fatigue was associated with a 12% and an 8% increased hazard of hospitalization, respectively. LIMITATIONS: Findings may not generalize outside the United States. CONCLUSIONS: Pain interference and fatigue, as well as an overall symptom burden, are useful prognostic indicators in patients receiving in-center hemodialysis. Symptom burden should remain a treatment target in hemodialysis.

Hemodialysis

Systematic meta-analysis of the toxicities and side effects of the targeted drug lenvatinib.

BACKGROUND: Lenvatinib, an effective targeted drug for various cancers, has clinical medication safety concerns due to its toxicities and side effects. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated lenvatinib-induced any adverse events (any AEs) and nine aspects: vascular toxicities related to the circulatory system (vascular toxicities, blood system, and heart), toxicities of the skin and its appendages (skin/subcutaneous tissue and taste system), toxicities of the respiratory system (respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal and respiratory tract), toxicities of the nervous system (nervous system and general), toxicities of the digestive system (gastrointestinal and liver), toxicities of the urinary system, toxicities of the endocrine and metabolic system (endocrine and metabolism/nutrition), toxicities of the musculoskeletal system, and other severe toxicities. Toxicities and side effects were stratified by severity into any and &#x2265;3 grades for analysis. PATIENTS/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multiple databases were searched for lenvatinib cancer clinical studies (cohort studies and randomized controlled trials) from inception to December 31, 2024; toxicity and side effect data were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: Nine high-quality studies were included, showing that lenvatinib is effective in cancers but has notable toxicities. Taking hypertension as an example, for any grade, the risk ratio (RR) was 2.34 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of [2.09, 2.62], a Z-value of 14.74, and a P-value <0.00001; for grade &#x2265;3, the RR was 2.60 with a 95% CI of [2.21, 3.06], a Z-value of 11.44, and a P-value <0.00001. CONCLUSION: Lenvatinib is effective for cancer but toxic, and this study supports its rational clinical use.

Humans

Molecular targeted therapy in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian cancer (PROC): a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although single-agent chemotherapy is the most common approach for treating platinum-resistant or refractory ovarian cancer (PROC), there is growing evidence that combining molecular targeted agents with chemotherapy is beneficial, especially for certain patient groups. However, the most effective combination regimen remains elusive. OBJECTIVES: This Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) aims to identify the best combination therapy for PROC. METHODS: Relevant studies were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from their inception until October 2024. The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and adverse events (AEs). Statistical analyses were performed using the GEMTC package (1.0-2) and R 4.2.0. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023428414). RESULTS: Our analysis of 22 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;3408) demonstrated that chemotherapy combinations with bevacizumab (hazard ratio (HR)&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.52-0.65), sorafenib (HR = 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45-0.93) or adavosertib (HR = 0.56, 95%CI: 0.35-0.90) significantly improved OS and PFS versus chemotherapy alone. Notably, adavosertib&#xa0;+&#xa0;gemcitabine was associated with an increased risk of grade 3-4 AEs (relative risk (RR)&#xa0;=&#xa0;1.8, 95%CI: 1.3-2.7), but these were generally manageable. CONCLUSIONS: Bevacizumab-based combinations demonstrate consistent benefits across multiple regimens for PROC. Paclitaxel&#xa0;+&#xa0;bevacizumab emerges as the optimal balance of efficacy and safety. Topotecan&#xa0;+&#xa0;sorafenib could be an alternative for patients who are ineligible for anti-angiogenic therapy.

Humans

Comparing the efficacy of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine for surgical site disinfection: a systematic review and meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled trials report conflicting evidence on the efficacy of different skin disinfectants for preventing surgical site infection (SSI). METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase for RCTs published up to February 2025 comparing preoperative skin disinfection with povidone-iodine (PVI) versus chlorhexidine (CH). Primary outcomes were overall, superficial, deep, and organ/space SSI rates. Secondary outcomes included hospital stay, readmission, and reoperation. RESULTS: CH was superior to PVI in preventing overall SSI (26 studies, n = 29,356; RR: 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80 to 0.99). The overall SSI incidence rate in the CH group was 7.1% (1,045/14,677), compared with 7.8% (1,152/14,679) in the PVI group, equating to an 11% reduction in relative risk and a 0.7% reduction in absolute risk. The number needed to treat to prevent one SSI was 143. CH demonstrated superiority over PVI in preventing superficial SSI (13 studies, n = 16,867; RR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.64 to 0.92), but not for deep SSI (11 studies, n = 15,842; RR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.77 to 1.29) or organ SSI (9 studies, n = 9,471; RR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.53). No significant differences were found in hospital stay, readmission, or reoperation rates between the two groups. CONCLUSION: CH demonstrates statistical superiority over PVI in preventing overall and superficial SSI, though the absolute clinical benefit is modest. No significant differences were observed for deep or organ/space SSI, nor for secondary outcomes including hospital length of stay, readmission, or reoperation rates.

Humans

The utility of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/computed tomography in relapsing polychondritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare chronic autoimmune inflammation of the cartilage associated with life-threatening respiratory complications. Currently, no clear role of imaging modalities such as 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) is defined in the literature. This systematic review and meta-analysis provide current evidence on the PET-positivity rate and utility in relapsing polychondritis. Prospective or retrospective studies with more than five patients of suspected relapsing polychondritis who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT during their management and reported a PET-positivity rate were included. Low-sample-size studies describing chondritis due to other aetiologies or utilizing PET-based radiopharmaceuticals other than FDG were excluded. A systematic search using relevant keywords was conducted across four databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science) to include studies up to 25 April 2025. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools were used for risk-of-bias analysis. Data were analysed using the R software package (v4.3.1; 2023). Out of 962 articles, three with a total of 97 patients were included. With a pooled PET-positivity rate of 94% [95% confidence interval (CI): 73-99%, I2&#x2005;=&#x2005;0%, P&#x2005;=&#x2005;0.76] and a pooled baseline SUVmax of 4.0 (95% CI: 3.5-4.6, I2&#x2005;=&#x2005;32%, P&#x2005;=&#x2005;0.23), 18F-FDG PET identified asymptomatic cartilage involvement in more than 25% patients and PET parameters correlated well with inflammatory markers. It had a higher positivity rate for inaccessible sites, such as peripheral airways, and was crucial in treatment monitoring. The pooled PET-positivity rate of 18F-FDG PET in relapsing polychondritis is high but requires prospective large-sample-size studies to explore the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic implications of 18F-FDG PET in relapsing polychondritis.

Polychondritis, Relapsing

Meniscal preservation in the age of biologics: toward a quantitative decision algorithm for personalized repair.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in arthroscopic repair and biologic augmentation, surgical indication for meniscal tears remains heterogeneous. No standardized framework currently integrates biomechanical, clinical, and biological determinants to guide repair versus resection. PURPOSE: To develop a quantitative decision model-the Meniscal Preservation Score (MPS)-that unifies biomechanical and biological evidence to stratify reparability potential and standardize treatment selection in meniscal surgery. METHODS: A systematic evidence synthesis conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 reporting standards of studies published from 2000 to 2025 in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus identified key determinants of meniscal healing. Five consistent predictors-patient age, vascularity, tear morphology, associated pathology, and activity profile-were weighted through a two-round modified Delphi consensus among ten experienced knee surgeons. The resulting 0-9-point MPS was incorporated into a stepwise decision tree linking lesion morphology, biological context, and surgical strategy. Conceptual validation used 50 simulated cases and a retrospective cohort of 45 patients to test agreement between algorithm recommendations and expert surgical decisions. RESULTS: The MPS achieved 86% concordance with expert judgment in simulation and 84% agreement in clinical validation. In this retrospective exploratory cohort, cases in which surgical management was concordant with MPS recommendations demonstrated higher mean IKDC scores at 24&#xa0;months and lower observed reoperation rates. These findings should be interpreted as associative rather than causal, as treatment allocation was not controlled and discordant cases may have represented inherently more complex pathology. CONCLUSION: The MPS represents an evidence-informed decision-support framework designed to systematize reparability assessment. While exploratory analyses suggest structural coherence with expert reasoning, prospective implementation and external validation are required before clinical adoption as a predictive tool. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: conceptual model with exploratory validation.

Humans

Assay-dependent variability in peptide biomarker quantification: experimental evidence from renalase in chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Renalase is a promising biomarker for kidney disease, but published levels vary widely between studies. We hypothesised that variability in commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) kits and matrix effects (serum vs plasma) drive these inconsistencies. METHODS: Paired serum and plasma samples from 56 participants (28 chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 2-5, 28 healthy controls) were tested using three commercial renalase ELISAs (BTLAB, Cloud-Clone, EIAab). We assessed intra-assay precision, inter-assay agreement (Spearman's rank correlation and Bland-Altman analysis on log10-transformed values), matrix effects, and associations with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Diagnostic performance was evaluated by Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: Inter-assay renalase concentrations differed markedly (up to orders of magnitude), with weak inter-assay correlations (r&#x2009;&#x2264;&#x2009;0.25). Bland-Altman analyses revealed large, systematic biases between kits. Only the BTLAB assay showed consistent serum/plasma agreement, a significant correlation with eGFR (&#x3c1;&#x2009;&#x2248;&#x2009;0.32-0.42, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05), and moderate discriminatory performance for CKD in serum (AUC = 0.70) and plasma (AUC = 0.68). Cloud-Clone and EIAab produced divergent results and strong matrix-dependent biases. CONCLUSIONS: Observed variability among commercial ELISA platforms may compromise comparability between studies. Harmonisation, standardised reference materials, and cross-validation are necessary before renalase assays can be used reliably in clinical practice.

Humans

Risk of adverse events in elotuzumab-treated patients with multiple myeloma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Elotuzumab, an anti-SLAMF7 monoclonal antibody for multiple myeloma (MM), lacks&#xa0;a comprehensive safety profile from meta-analysis. METHODS: We&#xa0;systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and CENTRAL through February 13, 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating elotuzumab in MM. Pooled relative risks(RRs) of adverse events observed in elotuzumab-containing regimens versus control therapies. RESULTS: 6 RCTs (N=1,736) were included. Elotuzumabsignificantly reduced incidence of neutropenia (RR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76-0.98), but increased risks of cough (RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 0.96-2.09), pneumonia (RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07-1.59), diarrhea (RR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05-1.30), pyrexia (RR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.10-1.96) and infections (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03-1.15). No significant differences were observed for anemia, thrombocytopenia, respiratory infections, nausea, appetite loss, back pain, muscle spasms, peripheral edema, insomnia, rash, pruritus, fatigue, or hypokalemia. For grade 3-4 events, elotuzumab was&#xa0;associated with higher risks of lymphopenia (RR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.31-2.64, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.0005, I2 = 9%), diarrhea (RR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.00-2.17), pneumonia (RR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.11-2.23), cataracts (RR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.15-7.21) and infections (RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.04-1.62). CONCLUSION: Elotuzumab in MM&#xa0;appears&#xa0;safe but with a specific&#xa0;adverse events pattern :&#xa0;lower neutropenia,&#xa0;but higher respiratory, gastrointestinal, metabolic, and infectious events. Differences may be influenced by longer treatment and corticosteroid use; therefore, interpretation of outcomes such as hyperglycemia and cataracts requires particular caution.

Humans

Genetic determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus in thai pregnant women: role of GCKR, CDKAL1, TCF7L2, NEDD1, and CMIP variants.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has a high global prevalence and arises from complex interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. GDM is associated with metabolic disturbances and chronic low-grade inflammation, both of which contribute to its pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the association between GDM and 135 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 20 genes related to metabolic traits. METHODS: In this case-control study, 152 pregnant women with GDM and 684 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) who underwent antenatal examination at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, were enrolled. Clinical data and blood samples were collected from all participants. Genomic DNA was isolated and subjected to whole-genome sequencing using the DNBSEQ-T7RS high-throughput sequencing platform. Genotype analyses were performed using R software, and haplotype analyses were conducted using the online SNPStats software. RESULTS: After adjusting for maternal age and pre-pregnancy body mass index, polymorphisms in TCF7L2 (rs34872471, rs7901695, rs4506565, rs7903146, rs12243326, and rs12255372), NEDD1 (rs10431408, rs11830756, rs249579, rs249585, and rs4762339), CMIP (rs2306115 and rs201681534), CDKAL1 (rs4710942), GCKR (rs2293572 and rs2293571), and GCK (rs5883890) were significantly associated with the risk of GDM. Haplotype analysis demonstrated that the TCF7L2 rs12243326-rs12255372 CA haplotype was associated with a decreased risk of GDM (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.23-0.81), while the NEDD1 rs249579-rs249585-rs4762339 GGT haplotype was associated with an increased risk of GDM (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.08-1.82). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that genetic variations in TCF7L2, NEDD1, CMIP, CDKAL1, GCK, and GCKR contribute to GDM susceptibility in the Thai population.

Humans

The effect of nutrition education interventions on dialysis patients' outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Non-adherence to dietary and fluid restrictions among dialysis patients is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Quantifying the effectiveness of nutrition education interventions can inform practice and policy. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus up to 15 July 2025, supplemented by trial registries and Google Scholar, with an updated search through 8 April 2026. Eligible studies included randomized and non-randomized trials evaluating nutritional education interventions in adult dialysis populations. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB-2 and ROBINS-I, certainty graded using GRADE, and random-effects meta-analyses conducted alongside subgroup, sensitivity, and meta-regression analyses. Publication bias was assessed with Egger and Begg tests and trim-and-fill where applicable. RESULTS: Forty-four studies comprising 4,106 participants were included. Nutrition education significantly improved knowledge (SMD = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.67-1.51) and health-related quality of life (SMD = 1.43; 95% CI: 0.86-2.00; I&#xb2; = 0%), and reduced serum potassium (SMD = -0.52; 95% CI: -0.91 to -0.14; I&#xb2; = 92%) and serum phosphate (SMD = -0.35; 95% CI: -0.56 to -0.15; I&#xb2; = 81%). Results for albumin, creatinine, sodium, calcium, and BUN were inconsistent and non-significant. Most outcomes were rated low or very low certainty by GRADE, reflecting inconsistency, indirectness, and imprecision. Potential publication bias was identified for certain outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Nutrition education consistently improves knowledge and quality of life and may modestly reduce serum phosphate and potassium in dialysis patients. High-quality registered trials with standardized outcomes and longer follow-up are needed to establish effectiveness and sustainability. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD420251119567.

Humans

Depressive Symptoms and Smoking Cessation Among Adolescents and Young Adults Who Smoke: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: This study examined the bidirectional prospective associations between depressive symptoms and smoking cessation among adolescent and young adults who smoke. METHODS: Data on 1,151 participants aged &#x2264;25 years who smoke and receive peer-led quitline counseling in Hong Kong (2016-2022) were analyzed. Exposures included baseline depressive symptoms and smoking cessation (self-reported 7-day abstinence) at 1, 3, and 6 months; Outcome measures included smoking cessation at 1, 3, and 6 months and depressive symptoms at 6 months. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, with a score &#x2265;16 indicating at risk for depression. RESULTS: More severe baseline depressive symptoms were associated with lower odds of smoking cessation at 1, 3, and 6 months, which reversely was associated with lower depressive symptoms at 6 months (all p < .05). Similarly, being at risk for depression at baseline was associated with lower odds of smoking cessation at 1 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] .66, 95% confidential interval [CI] .47-.93) and 3 months (aOR .71, 95% CI .52-.97). Conversely, smoking cessation at 1 (aOR .40, 95% CI .23-.69), 3 (aOR .58, 95% CI .37-.92), and 6 months (aOR .44, 95% CI .29-.69) was associated with lower odds of at risk for depression at 6 months. DISCUSSION: More severe depressive symptoms were prospectively associated with lower odds of smoking cessation, while smoking cessation was associated with lower depressive symptoms and risk for depression. Integrated interventions simultaneously addressing psychological needs and smoking are warranted, when delivered in smoking cessation programs or embedded within mental health services for youth who smoke.

Humans

Timing of carbetocin administration in vaginal deliveries: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of administering carbetocin before vs. after placental delivery in preventing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in low-risk vaginal deliveries. METHODS: The randomized controlled trial was conducted at Kartal City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. A total of 160 primiparous women with uncomplicated pregnancies who underwent vaginal delivery were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 100&#x202f;&#x3bc;g of carbetocin either before or after placental delivery. The primary outcome was the incidence of PPH. Secondary outcomes included the need for additional uterotonics, manual removal of the placenta with consequent antibiotic administration, blood transfusions, maternal adverse events, and changes in hemoglobin levels at baseline and 24&#x202f;h postpartum. RESULTS: The incidence of PPH was significantly lower in the carbetocin-before group than in the carbetocin-after group (p=0.015). The carbetocin-before group had a significantly lower mean hemoglobin drop compared to the carbetocin-after group (p<0.001). The need for additional uterotonics was significantly higher in the carbetocin-after group (p<0.001). Manual placenta removal and the need for antibiotics were more frequent in the carbetocin-before group (p=0.017). No significant differences in adverse maternal events were observed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Administering carbetocin before placental delivery significantly reduces the incidence of PPH, blood loss, and the need for additional uterotonics. However, the increased rate of manual placenta removal necessitates individualized risk-benefit assessment; pre-placental administration may be most advantageous in women at elevated risk for PPH, in whom the hemorrhagic benefit outweighs the risks associated with manual extraction.

Humans

Effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP051 Probiotic on Body Composition, Microbiome and Mood in Healthy Overweight Adults.

Obesity and mental health disorders are among the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. Interestingly, an altered microbiome profile has been associated with both conditions. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with a specific probiotic strain (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP051) on body composition and gut microbiome balance, together with measures of mood state, in a population of healthy overweight subjects. Sixty healthy, moderately stressed, nondepressed and overweight or obese volunteers were supplemented for 12 weeks with probiotic (L. plantarum KABP051; 1 billion colony forming units/day) or placebo (microcrystalline cellulose). The KABP051 group experienced significantly greater improvements compared with placebo on body composition measurements, including a reduction in body weight and waist circumference, which decreased in 1.97 &#xb1; 0.77 (mean &#xb1; SE) kg and 2.15 &#xb1; 0.81 (mean &#xb1; SE) cm versus placebo at the end of the intervention (both P < .05, mixed model for repeated measures [MMRM] and post-hoc analysis). Microbiome composition improved in KABP051 group, with significant increase in the relative abundance of Lactiplantibacillus spp. versus placebo. Body fat percentage, profile of mood states fatigue, and confusion sub-scores showed a global trend toward improvement compared with placebo, with the change at 12 weeks being significant in the three measurements in post-hoc analysis (P = .015, P = .014, and P = .016, respectively). No serious adverse events were registered during the intervention period. These results suggest that a specific strain of probiotic bacteria (L. plantarum KABP051) may have both metabolic and psychobiotic effects and may be beneficial for enhancing weight loss and body composition, improving energy (less fatigue) and mood levels while embarking on a healthy lifestyle regimen. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06808061.

Humans

Life-course stress exposure and cognitive decline in middle-aged and older Chinese adults: The role of sex differences and educational protection.

BACKGROUND: Stressful life events (SLEs) across the life course have been associated with cognitive decline, but evidence on their cumulative impact and potential modifiers remains limited. We aimed to examine the associations between SLE exposure in childhood, adulthood, or both life stages and cognitive trajectories, and to investigate whether these associations vary by sex and education. METHODS: We used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, a nationally representative cohort of adults aged &#x2265;45 years. Participants with complete data on SLEs, cognition, and covariates were included (n&#x202f;=&#x202f;5922). SLEs were retrospectively assessed for childhood and adulthood. Cognitive function was measured using a composite score (range 0-21) across three waves (2011-2015). Linear mixed-effects models examined longitudinal associations, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, and chronic conditions, with interaction analyses for sex and education. RESULTS: Compared with participants reporting no SLEs, cumulative exposure showed the strongest association with cognitive decline (&#x3b2;&#x202f;=&#x202f;-0.52, 95% CI -0.69 to -0.35), followed by childhood-only (&#x3b2;&#x202f;=&#x202f;-0.34, -0.48 to -0.20) and adulthood-only exposure (&#x3b2;&#x202f;=&#x202f;-0.22, -0.37 to -0.07). Sex significantly moderated the associations for childhood and cumulative exposure, with women exhibiting greater cognitive vulnerability. Higher educational attainment attenuated the associations between single-period stress and cognitive decline, with only partial protection observed against cumulative adversity. CONCLUSION: Cumulative life-course stress is associated with accelerated cognitive decline in Chinese middle-aged and older adults. Women appear more vulnerable to stress-related cognitive effects, whereas higher education confers partial resilience, highlighting the need for sex-sensitive and education-informed prevention strategies.

Humans