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PubMed2026

A profile of abandoned fetal and neonatal remains admitted to the Diepkloof forensic pathology service medico-legal mortuary during the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 periods.

The abandonment of neonates is a global concern, with a higher prevalence of cases present in South Africa. This study aimed to review cases admitted to the Diepkloof Forensic Pathology Service during the COVID-19 (2020-2021) and post-COVID-19 (2023) periods. A total of 158 cases were analysed to determine prevalence, demographic characteristics, circumstances and causes of death, with a comparative analysis between the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 periods. Most cases were classified as natural. However, many were undetermined due to decomposition. Non-viable fetuses (< 26 wk gestation) comprised 47% of the cases. Among the viable births (n = 72), 23 (32%) were classified as stillbirths, while 11 (15%) were live births. A minority of cases were deemed unnatural, with deaths attributed to trauma (8 cases) or abandonment (2 cases). No statistically significant difference was found between the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 periods. Decedents were most often found in open spaces, roads or streets, or dumping sites, most commonly wrapped in plastic materials. These findings highlight the severity of fetal and neonatal abandonment. They underscore a pressing need for targeted preventative measures, community outreach, and enhanced support systems in maternal healthcare to address this growing concern.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

New Horizons in the Development of Treatments for Substance Use Disorders.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a major public health problem in the United States and cause substantial morbidity and mortality. There are meaningful gaps in the available SUD treatment options, and the development of new therapies is urgently needed. While medications with U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval are available for alcohol, nicotine, and opioid use disorders, there are no approved pharmacotherapies for cannabis, cocaine, or methamphetamine use disorders. Behavioral treatments for SUDs have significant limitations in effectiveness and accessibility, and there is a need for the development of both new behavioral treatment options and new models of treatment delivery. The next generation of treatments for SUDs will likely come from a diverse set of interventions, including new drug classes, new technologies, and new methods of delivery.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

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 ≥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 ≥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↗

PubMed2026

Selective monitoring of trace-level catechin and myricetin in herbal and aqueous matrices using magnetic MIP-DSPME: Optimization via design of experiments.

A novel dispersive solid-phase microextraction approach utilizing a magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MMIP) integrated with HPLC-UV detection was developed for the concurrent quantification of catechin and myricetin in herbal extracts and aqueous samples. The sorbent was engineered as a core-shell nanocomposite, consisting of a selective polymer layer deposited onto Fe3O4@SiO2-APTMS magnetic nanoparticles. Dual-template imprinting using catechin and myricetin generated complementary binding cavities within the polymer framework. Experimental variables influencing extraction were systematically screened and subsequently optimized. A Plackett-Burman design was first applied to identify the most influential factors, with pH and sorption time identified as the dominant variables. These parameters were subsequently fine-tuned using a central composite design, and the optimization process was completed in only 30 experimental runs. The sorption characteristics of the imprinted sorbent (MMIP) were compared with those of its non-imprinted counterpart (MNIP). The MMIP demonstrated markedly higher maximum binding capacities (Qmax), reaching 119.3 mg g-1 for myricetin and 112.1 mg g-1 for catechin, whereas the corresponding values for the MNIP were 32.55 and 32.08 mg g-1, respectively. Moreover, the affinity constants (KL = 0.760-0.950 L mg-1) were approximately 2.3-fold higher for the MMIP, confirming its stronger and more selective interactions with the target analytes. The selectivity coefficients for the targeted flavonoids relative to structurally related compounds, including ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, melatonin, and curcumin, exceeded 3.5 for the MMIP, whereas the corresponding values for the MNIP were close to 1.1, demonstrating the high molecular recognition capability of the imprinted sorbent. Method validation demonstrated limits of detection (LODs) of 0.33-0.59 ng mL-1 and limits of quantification (LOQs) of 1.10-1.96 ng mL-1, and excellent linearity over the concentration range of 5.0-5500 ng mL-1 (R2 > 0.998). The method achieved recoveries of 93.96% to 105.69% with RSDs below 5.5%, while the preconcentration factors ranged from 209 to 229. Furthermore, the sorbent retained more than 95% of its extraction efficiency after four consecutive reuse cycles and more than 80% after six cycles, demonstrating excellent stability and reusability. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of six medicinal plant extracts and water samples, showing negligible matrix interference and superior sensitivity, selectivity, and operational simplicity compared with conventional solid-phase extraction methods.

Flavonoids↗

PubMed2026

First insights into the role of evolutionary history in shaping venom composition of Vipera ammodytes.

Understanding intraspecific venom variation requires distinguishing the contributions of neutral population history from natural selection. This study aims to determine whether venom variation in Vipera ammodytes species complex is structured across eight phylogenetic groups. Despite a complex evolutionary history, venom composition did not differ among phylogenetic groups within the analytical framework used, suggesting that shared ancestry alone does not explain venom variation. Whether local adaptation to environmental conditions explains the observed variation remains an open question for future studies.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

The role of particle therapy in the treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy. Advancements in multimodality treatment have improved outcomes. About 2-10% of patients will have a local recurrence even after optimal treatment. Salvage surgical treatment is the treatment of choice, however, in posterior and lateral recurrences, surgery is linked to a high rate of treatment-related morbidity. Some recurrences remain unresectable even after neoadjuvant treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed to search for studies on curative-intent radiation therapy (RT) with photons, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and particle beam therapy. The aim of the literature search was to define the role of particle therapy in the treatment of patients with unresectable or inoperable local recurrences of rectal cancer where neoadjuvant treatment is unlikely to result in downstaging, leaving patients with RT as the only curative treatment option. RESULTS: 32 studies which fulfil the criteria were identified. In general, SBRT and particle beam therapy permitted the application of significantly higher doses to the target without a concomitant increase in treatment-related toxicities. CONCLUSIONS: For unresectable and inoperable locally recurrent rectal cancer ablative radiotherapy techniques such as SBRT and particle beam therapy offer a curative treatment approach as an alternative to surgery. SBRT can be offered for small local and nodal recurrences, while particle beam therapy can be offered for larger recurrences and complex shapes spanning several anatomical compartments as well. Further research is needed to stratify patients according to their need and eligibility for the different possible modalities of curative-intent RT.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Trends in the Prevalence of Foods High in Saturated Fats, Sodium, and Added Sugars among U.S. adults, NHANES 2007-2018.

BACKGROUND: Foods and beverages high in saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars (HFSS) are often ultra-processed and linked to poor health outcomes, but few studies have investigated their intake. OBJECTIVE: To describe the trends in the intake of HFSS foods and beverages between 2007 and 2018 in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, by sociodemographic characteristics and What We Eat in America food groups. DESIGN: This is a secondary, cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2018. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: The final sample included 27,984 adults 19 years of age or older from NHANES with at least one complete dietary recall. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes are the percentage of total energy intake from foods classified as HFSS according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Nutrient Profile Model. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: To estimate the percentage of energy intake from foods and beverages HFSS, linear regression models with interaction terms between cycles and covariates were used. RESULTS: The overall intake of foods and beverages HFSS did not change, representing over 60% of the total energy intake between 2007-2010 and 2015-2018. The intake of foods and beverages high in sodium increased by 2.0 percentage points (95% CI: 0.5, 3.5) and 3.5 percentage points (95% CI: 1.1, 5.8), respectively. The intake of foods and beverages high in saturated fats increased by 6.1 percentage points (95% CI: 4.5, 7.6) and 6.1 percentage points (95% CI: 3.9, 8.2), respectively. The intake of foods and beverages high in added sugars did not change. CONCLUSION: In the U.S., intake of HFSS foods and beverages is high. Future research should focus on whether public health interventions and policies might reduce the intake of foods high in nutrients of concern.

Added sugars↗

PubMed2026

CL16019, A Combination of Cissus quadrangularis and Boswellia serrata Extracts Promotes the Healing of Distal Radius Fractures: A Multicentric, Randomized, Open-Label Study.

OBJECTIVE: Distal radius fracture (DRF) is the most frequent injury to the upper limb. Complications include nonunion, wrist stiffness and instability, local discomfort, and tendon irritation. The purpose of the current open-label clinical study was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of CL16019, an herbal formulation of Cissus quadrangularis and Boswellia serrata extract, in accelerating fracture healing in volunteers with DRFs. METHODS: Fifty participants (both male and female; age: 30-50 years) with type I, IIA, or IIB DRFs (as per Lidstrom classification) were equally randomized and treated with standard treatment (ST) or ST + CL16019 for 60 days. The primary efficacy outcome was the radiographical bone fracture healing rate as scored by the Radius Union Scoring System (RUSS). Pain, swelling, and tenderness were among the clinical characteristics evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Wrist function improvements were assessed using the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation Questionnaire (PRWEQ). The intergroup and intragroup results were analyzed using a paired t-test and an analysis of covariance model, respectively. RESULTS: The RUSS scores for the ST and ST + CL16019 groups at the end of the trial were 5.54 ± 1.77 and 7.96 ± 0.20, respectively, with a p-value <0.0001. In addition, the CL16019 volunteers showed substantial (p < 0.05) declines in their VAS and PRWEQ scores. The ST + CL16019 group demonstrated higher Physician Global Assessment and Subject Global Assessment scores. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation of CL16019 along with standard therapy was found to enhance the bone fracture healing rate, possibly by accelerating the callus formation rate and enhancing cortical bridging. These findings imply that CL16019 might be a good adjunctive in addition to ST for the faster healing of DRFs. The trial was registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI) with the registration number CTRI/2021/12/039006, on December 29, 2021.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Overcoming the hurdles: A systematic review of barriers to self-initiated exercise in trauma recovery.

There is substantial quantitative evidence in support of exercise as beneficial for trauma recovery, particularly in targeting the neurobiological mechanisms disrupted by trauma. It is therefore important to understand the circumstances under which individuals may avoid exercise, ultimately preventing them from accessing the wellbeing benefits. Some qualitative articles have identified the factors which may prevent an individual from choosing to engage in exercise outside of a structured intervention (self-initiated exercise), but there lacks a synthesis across these differing articles. This systematic review aimed to synthesise qualitative evidence on trauma survivors' experience of barriers to self-initiated exercise. A systematic search of six databases was conducted to identify peer-reviewed qualitative findings on the perceived barriers to self-initiated exercise engagement, with six articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Thematic synthesis revealed three key themes: Searching for Safety, Staying With The Trauma, and Costs of Exercise and Trauma. In their decision to exercise, trauma survivors negotiate many barriers: the physiological, social, and environmental threats to their safety, trauma-related dissociation, and the costs of both exercise and trauma weighed against competing recovery needs. The small number of included studies reflects the emerging nature of research in this area, but it may limit the transferability of the findings. Nonetheless, as the first of its kind, this systematic review collates the experience of barriers as a first meaningful, exploratory step towards addressing them in future research. Taken together, the findings underscore the importance of a trauma-informed approach to ensure exercise remains unimpeded for trauma survivors.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Determinants of Nonspecific Response to Treatment in Randomized Controlled Trials of Major Depressive Disorder: A Narrative Review.

The design, conduct, and interpretation of double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials in major depressive disorder (MDD) are complicated by determinants of nonspecific response to treatment (NSRT). This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the determinants of NSRT in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for MDD, including the placebo effect, factors related to measurement of the primary endpoint, the inclusion of misdiagnosed patients, the relapsing-remitting course of MDD, and factors related to functional unblinding. Potential strategies to reduce the impact of the determinants of NSRT and to improve the interpretation of RCT outcomes in MDD are also summarized. These strategies include use of centralized rating and standardized rater training, independent diagnostic confirmation, optimized site selection, minimizing financial incentives, exclusion of subjects participating in multiple clinical trials, exclusion of patients with unstable major depressive episode trajectories, and use of active placebo and alternative trial designs. Uniformity among experts in the definitions of determinants of NSRT and related concepts, as well as in strategies to address them, may facilitate progress in the development of novel treatments for MDD.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The Impact of Upper Extremity Rehabilitation on Fatigue in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Although numerous interventions have been investigated to alleviate fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), evidence regarding the effects of upper extremity rehabilitation on fatigue remains limited. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to evaluate and synthesize the available evidence on the effects of upper extremity rehabilitation interventions on fatigue in PwMS. METHODS: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and was prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus was performed up to August 2026. Studies were eligible if they investigated the effects of upper extremity rehabilitation interventions on fatigue in PwMS. The risk of bias of randomized controlled trials was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2), and the certainty of the evidence was appraised using the GRADE methodology. RESULTS: Nine studies including 250 participants (136 intervention, 114 control) met the inclusion criteria. The included studies evaluated a range of technology-assisted, exercise-based, home-based, and task-oriented upper extremity rehabilitation approaches, with some interventions incorporating more than one therapeutic or technological component. Fatigue outcomes were measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Risk of bias was low in three randomized controlled trials, with some concerns in two and high in two; among the two crossover studies, one was rated as low risk and one as high risk. GRADE assessment showed low certainty of evidence for studies using the FSS and very low certainty for those using the MFIS, indicating an overall low certainty of the available evidence. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions regarding the effects of upper extremity rehabilitation on fatigue in PwMS. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are required.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The Effect of Breastfeeding on Cervical Dysplasias.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between breastfeeding and precancerous cervical lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case control study was conducted at a tertiary training and research hospital between September 1 and November 1, 2023. A total of 168 patients who attended the gynecology outpatient clinic and reported their breastfeeding experiences were included. Patients with abnormal cervical cytology formed the study group (n = 37), while patients with normal cytology formed the control group (n = 131). Breastfeeding duration and patterns were compared between groups. RESULTS: The control group had normal smear results. In the study group, 15 patients had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and 22 patients had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. Human papillomavirus (HPV) was positive in 54.1% of the study group versus 9.2% of the control group. The mean breastfeeding duration was shorter in the study group (9.18 ± 3.43 months) than the control group (23.6 ± 3.35 months; p < 0.05). Most control group patients breastfed for 13-36 months (35.1%), while most study group patients breastfed for <6 months (48.6%; p < 0.05). Shorter breastfeeding (<6 months) and HPV positivity were the strongest predictors of abnormal cytology. Breastfeeding <6 months increased the risk 9.883-fold compared with >36 months, while HPV positivity increased the risk 27.612-fold. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding and longer breastfeeding duration appear to be associated with a lower risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Given its multiple health benefits, including prevention of gynecological cancers, promoting breastfeeding through public health policies is strongly recommended. Early recognition and prevention of precancerous lesions remain essential to reducing the risk of cervical cancer.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

How to assess different types of abstract concepts in brain disorders: A systematic review.

The clinical evaluation of semantic knowledge has predominantly relied on tools targeting concrete concepts, whereas abstract knowledge has historically received limited attention despite its importance in everyday communication. Only a few instruments have explored the internal subdivision of abstract knowledge, likely due to the intrinsic difficulty of defining specific types of concepts or dimensions, resulting in a fragmented and heterogeneous neuropsychological assessment framework that limits our understanding of this domain. This systematic review examined the tools used to assess various types of abstract concepts in clinical populations. A literature search has been performed on the electronic databases of PubMed and Google Scholar (last update: October 2025). A total of 17 tests is reviewed, differing in the test characteristics, i.e. ranging from automatic to controlled processes and varying in ecological validity, the type of stimuli employed, and the abstract dimensions explored. Most studies have focused on neurodegenerative patients, while comparatively few have examined other clinical conditions. The risk of bias of the reviewed studies was assessed using an ad hoc developed instrument. This review highlights the need for future research to extend investigations to additional abstract domains and clinical populations, while also identifying key challenges related to stimulus selection and the determination of the most appropriate assessment framework.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The landscape of pruning for large language models: A systematic review and unified taxonomy.

Confronting the inherent tension between the exceptional capabilities and the immense computational costs of Large Language Models (LLMs), pruning has become a crucial technique for achieving efficient deployment. However, a systematic analytical framework dedicated specifically to LLM pruning remains absent. In this paper, we aim to bridge this gap. We first elucidate the theoretical foundations that underpin the effectiveness of pruning, namely overparameterization and redundancy, and then propose a multidimensional taxonomy that organizes existing approaches along the axes of granularity, timing, and criteria. Building upon this unified perspective, we further analyze performance recovery mechanisms and the broader evaluation ecosystem, while also exploring forward-looking challenges such as interpretability, automation, and hardware-algorithm co-design. Through this comprehensive synthesis, we seek to provide an integrated and coherent analytical lens for advancing both research and practice in LLM pruning.

Large Language Models↗

PubMed2026

Identification of elements determining KIR gene demethylation at the CD56-bright stage of NK cell development.

The variegated expression of the KIR family of class I MHC receptors generates specialized natural killer (NK) cells capable of allele-specific HLA recognition. Understanding the mechanism of KIR gene activation will lead to improved methods for the generation of fully functional NK cells. A central RUNX-binding site in the KIR proximal promoter is required for gene activation. RUNX proteins recruit ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins that generate 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and drive DNA demethylation. Assessment of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5hmC residues at four stages of NK cell development reveals deposition of 5hmC primarily in a CREB site next to the RUNX site at the CD56Bright stage but not the subsequent CD56Dim stage representing fully mature NK cells. KIR promoter demethylation is delayed relative to other lineage-associated genes, indicating a high threshold for KIR gene demethylation in developing NK cells, and a window of opportunity for RUNX/TET-dependent KIR gene activation in CD56Bright NK cells.

6-base sequencing↗

PubMed2025

Influence of soil types with different soil-forming process on the qualitative and quantitative detection of microplastics by near-infrared spectroscopy.

Microplastics (MPs) have become a pressing global environmental threat, with soils-acting as sinks for MPs from multiple sources-gaining increasing attention. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy offers a promising tool for MPs detection due to its rapid, non-destructive, and field-applicable features. Although previous studies have focused on the effects of individual soil components on the NIR detection performance of MPs, there is still a lack of systematic research on how the complex background-formed by the coupling of multiple physicochemical properties in natural soils-affects detection performance. This study focuses on soil types with different soil-forming processes, selected five representative agricultural soils to systematically evaluate how the combinations of physicochemical properties they represented affect the performance of NIR-based qualitative and quantitative analysis of MPs in soils. The results demonstrated that soil type significantly affected both the spectral response and detection performance of MPs. Brown Pedocals and Brown Earth exhibited clearer characteristic absorption and stronger linear responses, achieving higher identification accuracy under low (<1.5 %) or zero MPs concentrations and the best quantitative performance (R2 ≥ 0.988, prediction set root mean square error (RMSEP) ≤ 0.110 %). In contrast, Phaeozem and Red Soil were more prone to misclassification at low concentrations, while Fluvo-aquic Soil showed the poorest quantitative performance. This study is the first to reveal, at a holistic level, the critical constraints posed by natural soil complexity on the NIR detection of MPs, offering targeted empirical evidence to support the application of NIR technology in real-world soil environments.

Soil↗

PubMed2026

A review into the recent advances in the world of amoebiasis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Amoebiasis is a parasitic infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica , affecting 10% of the global population. It is a well recognized cause of morbidity and mortality in low-middle-income countries where it is endemic. However, with increased migration and global travel, amoebiasis is now more common in high-income countries, although diagnosis is often delayed or even missed due to lack of awareness of the latest epidemiology and optimal diagnostic testing. This review discusses the evolving prevalence, and the current international guidelines for the investigation and treatment of amoebiasis, focusing on recent advances. RECENT FINDINGS: The recent literature shows that the primary investigations for amoebiasis remain the same, though newer modalities such as artificial intelligence-powered microscopy and metagenomics have been developed recently, which aids the accuracy and speed of diagnosis. Treatment remains the same, though current research has found potential new drugs and drug targets which show promise. SUMMARY: This review reinforces the importance of early clinical suspicion, diagnosis and treatment for amoebiasis. What was once a disease only seen in endemic countries or travel-associated imported cases is now more common and must not be missed.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The role of media in reducing and reinforcing stigma: A randomized controlled trial investigating the impact of positive and negative representations of visible difference.

OBJECTIVES: Individuals with visible differences often experience appearance-related stigma and discrimination, reinforced by negative media portrayals. In contrast, positive portrayals may challenge stereotypes and promote acceptance. This study examined whether exposure to positive, negative or neutral images of visible difference influences appearance-related stigma, body appreciation and broad conceptualizations of beauty. It was hypothesized that positive images would decrease stigma and increase body appreciation and broad conceptualizations of beauty, whereas negative images would increase stigma and reduce broad conceptualizations of beauty. DESIGN: An online randomized controlled experiment using a mixed repeated-measures design compared three conditions (positive, negative, neutral) across pre- and post-exposure. METHODS: A sample of 103 adults viewed 10 images of individuals with visible differences presented in one of three conditions: positive (positive captions), negative (villains with visible differences and negative captions) or neutral (without captions). Participants completed pre- and post-measures of appearance-related stigma, body appreciation and broad conceptualizations of beauty. Repeated-measures ANOVAs examined within- and between-group changes. RESULTS: Appearance-related stigma significantly increased in the negative condition, while remaining unchanged in the positive and neutral groups. Body appreciation significantly increased from pre- to post- across all conditions. No significant effects emerged for broad conceptualizations of beauty. CONCLUSIONS: Negative portrayals of visible difference may reinforce stigma, highlighting the need to discourage such depictions in media. While positive exposure did not significantly reduce stigma, viewing images of visible difference increased observers' body appreciation, indicating potential downward social comparison. Future research should explore strategies to strengthen stigma reduction and broaden conceptualizations of beauty.

Humans↗