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An updated systematic review of buffalo nutritional requirements (2000-2024).

Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) are large ruminants with a superior ability to digest and utilize low-quality forages, producing milk and meat of higher quality compared to cattle. Despite their importance in animal production, buffaloes remain the focus of relatively few studies aimed at defining their nutritional requirements, which often results in inadequate diet formulation and management. There, this study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the literature on buffalo nutritional requirements, considering only open-access papers published in English and in indexed journals. A total of 58 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most of them focused on dairy buffaloes, particularly on the evaluation of crude protein, energy levels, and fiber content in the diet. Mineral nutrition was addressed in eight studies; however, in general the evaluated levels showed no significant effects. In contrast, very few or no studies were found concerning beef buffaloes, growing animals, reproduction, or other production stages. These findings highlight a critical gap in the literature and reinforce the urgent need to direct more research efforts and resources toward establishing species-specific nutritional requirements, particularly for beef buffaloes.

Animals

Strategies to improve recruitment to randomised trials.

BACKGROUND: Recruiting participants to randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is challenging. Identifying effective recruitment strategies would benefit health research: poor recruitment leads to underpowered trials, reducing the reliability of findings and increasing the risk of wasted resources, ethical concerns, and trial failure. Evidence to inform recruitment strategies is increasingly generated through Studies Within A Trial (SWATs), which are methodological studies embedded within host RCTs. This is an update of a review last published in 2018. OBJECTIVES: Primary: to quantify the effects of strategies to improve recruitment of participants to RCTs. Secondary: to evaluate recruitment strategies' cost-effectiveness and impact on retention, and the equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) characteristics of recruited participants. SEARCH METHODS: We used MEDLINE, Embase, and six other databases to identify the studies included in the review. We also sought unpublished recruitment SWATs through social media and targeted email dissemination to trial methodology networks. The latest search date was 16 February 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised SWATs evaluating trial recruitment strategies embedded in healthcare and non-healthcare trials. We excluded quasi-randomised, hypothetical, questionnaire-only, retention-only, or clinician incentive studies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Primary outcome: proportion of eligible participants or centres recruited. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: cost-effectiveness, retention rates, and EDI characteristics of included participants. We conducted random-effects meta-analysis for strategies evaluated in at least two studies; otherwise, we synthesised results narratively. We reported effects as risk differences (RDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and assessed between-trial heterogeneity. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence for the primary outcome. We expressed cost-effectiveness as the incremental cost per additional participant recruited in pounds sterling (GBP). MAIN RESULTS: We identified 91 eligible studies (53 new to this update), providing 94 comparisons and involving at least 176,747 participants. Eighty-one studies involved strategies aimed at trial participants, while 10 evaluated strategies aimed at recruiters. All were healthcare studies. We found 65 recruitment strategies; 49 were evaluated in a single study. Only five strategies were supported by high-certainty evidence according to GRADE criteria, and we focus on these strategies in the summary below. Open-label trials versus blinded, placebo trials. Open-label trials recruited more participants than blinded trials (RD 10%, 95% CI 8% to 12%; 3 studies, 9004 participants), corresponding to approximately 10 additional participants per 100 approached. The studies involved mostly women in the UK and Estonia. No cost or retention data were reported. Telephone reminder versus no telephone reminder. Telephone reminders to people who did not respond to an initial postal invitation boosted recruitment by 6% (95% CI 3% to 9%; 2 studies, 1450 participants), in trials with low underlying recruitment (we are less certain for trials with over 10% recruitment). The studies involved people with a mean age of 58 years in Canada and Norway. No cost or retention data were reported. Recruitment primer letter versus no letter. Pre-recruitment letters and leaflets designed to encourage participation made little or no difference to recruitment (absolute improvement 1%, 95% CI -1% to 2%; 2 studies, 5376 participants), and were associated with increased costs compared to not sending a primer (incremental cost: GBP 2.08). The studies involved mostly older white people in the UK and Ireland. Multimedia information via a digital link/QR code plus paper participant information leaflet (PIL) versus paper PIL alone. This made little or no difference to recruitment (absolute improvement 0%, 95% CI -1% to 1%; 7 studies, 11,612 participants) and retention (absolute improvement 0%, 95% CI -2% to 3%; 5 studies, 7403 participants), and increased costs compared to not including multimedia information (incremental cost: GBP 0.78). The studies involved people in the UK. Optimised, user-tested PIL versus standard PIL. Optimising participant information leaflets (e.g. through user-testing the leaflet with the target population to shape its content, format, and appearance) made little or no difference to recruitment: absolute improvement was 0% (95% CI 0% to 1%; 6 studies, 27,805 participants). The studies involved people in the UK. Only one study reported EDI data; participants were mostly older women. No cost or retention data were reported. We had moderate-certainty evidence for 13 other strategies; confidence was often reduced because the results came from single studies. Seven strategies involved changes to how potential participants received information; four involved changes to trial conduct; one targeted the recruiter or recruitment site; and one tested non-monetary incentives. We had much less confidence in the other 47 comparisons because the studies had design flaws, were single studies, or had very uncertain results. Costs were reported in only 17 of 91 studies. Strategy impact on retention was reported in 15 studies. All but one study (99%) were from high-income countries. The most reported demographics were age (49 studies), sex (32 studies), gender (27 studies), and education level (16 studies). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The evidence on strategies to improve trial recruitment remains broad but lacks depth. Of 65 strategies evaluated, only five were supported by high-certainty evidence. Open-label trial designs and telephone reminders to non-responders increased recruitment, while optimised participant information leaflets, recruitment primer letters, and multimedia information provided alongside a paper participant information leaflet had little or no effect. Reporting of participant characteristics was poor, limiting assessment of equity, diversity, and inclusion across most studies. Evidence is heavily skewed toward high-income countries. Future research must prioritise evaluations in low-to-middle-income settings and consistently report cost, retention, and EDI outcomes. We strongly urge the methodology research community to strengthen the evidence base by prioritising replications of existing strategies over the development and testing of new ones. FUNDING: National Institute for Health and Care Research (Advanced Fellowship, Adwoa Parker, reference:NIHR302256). Health Research Board, Republic of Ireland, Evidence Synthesis Ireland (grant ESI-2021-001) REGISTRATION: This review updates an earlier Cochrane review, which was first published in 2002 and subsequently updated in 2007, 2010, and 2018. Previous versions of the review and their protocols are available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.MR000013.pub2 https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.MR000013.pub3 https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.MR000013.pub4 https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.MR000013.pub5 https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.MR000013.pub6.

Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions among adolescents and young adults in North America: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions are common among adolescents and young adults and represent an important clinical and public health concern in North America. Trauma exposure, psychiatric symptoms, and social adversity frequently co-occur with substance-related problems in this population. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on prevalence patterns, associated clinical and psychosocial factors, and care-related implications described in the literature on adolescents and young adults with substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions. METHODS: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and was preregistered in PROSPERO (CRD42024581685). A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies examined adolescents and young adults (≤ 25 years) in North America. A combination of subject headings, keywords, and synonyms for the concepts "adolescents," "young adults," "substance use disorders," and "co-occurring mental health conditions" was used. Of 1,882 records identified, 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. Given the heterogeneity of the literature, findings were synthesized narratively. RESULTS: The included studies showed heterogeneity in population, setting, denominator, and ascertainment method. Across the literature, depressive, anxiety-related, trauma-related, and externalizing mental health presentations were frequently reported alongside substance-related problems in adolescents and young adults. Trauma exposure, adverse childhood experiences, and broader social adversity were also commonly reported in association with substance-related problems across studies. Care-related implications were more limited and were largely derived as future directions mentioned across studies rather than direct evaluations of youth-specific service models. CONCLUSION: Co-occurring mental health and substance-related problems were frequently reported among adolescents and young adults in high-risk and service-engaged populations in North America. Trauma and social adversity were prominent across the reviewed literature, while direct evidence for evaluated, integrated, youth-specific care models remains limited. These findings support the relevance of developmentally appropriate, integrated, and trauma-informed approaches to care and highlight the need for further research directly evaluating improved service delivery models for this population. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

Humans

Machine learning vs. traditional methods for predicting postoperative cardiac complications after non-cardiac surgery: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate prediction of peri-operative cardiac complications is critical to optimise pre-operative decision-making. Traditional risk prediction scores, such as the Revised Cardiac Risk Index, show only modest discrimination. Machine learning can model complex, non-linear relationships but their predictive performance compared with traditional scores remains unclear. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. The primary outcome was postoperative adverse cardiac events following non-cardiac surgery. Prediction models were assessed relative to the Revised Cardiac Risk Index. As many studies evaluated multiple versions of each model type, the highest performing ('best version') and lowest performing ('worst version') results were analysed. Models were ranked using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). RESULTS: Thirteen studies evaluating 54 models and 927,113 patients were included. Machine learning approaches generally outperformed traditional risk scores. Automated machine learning ranked highest (SUCRA 96.6) showed the greatest improvement in the best version analysis (mean difference (MD) 0.28 (95%CrI 0.16-0.40)) and remained superior in the sensitivity analysis (MD 0.30 (95%CrI 0.14-0.45)). Gradient boosting models showed superior performance over the Revised Cardiac Risk Index across analysis (best version: MD 0.20 (95%CrI 0.14-0.26), worst version: MD 0.18 (95%CrI 0.12-0.25), SUCRA 82.4). The Gupta Perioperative Risk for Myocardial Infarction or Cardiac Arrest score outperformed the Revised Cardiac Risk Index in the best version analysis (MD 0.16 (95%CrI 0.01-0.32)). Between-study heterogeneity was low. None of the included studies externally validated their machine learning models and only six were judged to be at low risk of bias. DISCUSSION: Most machine learning models showed better discrimination than traditional risk scores, with automated machine learning and gradient boosting models ranking highest. However, study quality, calibration reporting and absence of external validation limit immediate clinical adoption. Prospective, multicentre evaluation is required before integration of these models into peri-operative practice.

Humans

Digital health interventions for diabetes management in the eastern mediterranean region: A systematic review of types and effectiveness.

AIM: The aim of this study was to systematically review and evaluate the types and effectiveness of digital health interventions used for diabetes management in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO). METHODS: This systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus up to May 2025 to identify studies on digital interventions for diabetes management in EMRO countries. Methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the EPHPP tool, and findings were categorized by intervention type, outcome measures, and intervention effectiveness. RESULTS: A total of 46 studies were included, mainly from Iran and Saudi Arabia. Phone calls and SMS were the most common digital tools. Digital interventions significantly improved HbA1c, fasting blood sugar, and several behavioral outcomes such as physical activity, medication adherence, and self-efficacy, while effects on psychological outcomes were mixed. CONCLUSION: Digital health interventions, especially phone calls and SMS, effectively improve glycemic control and self-care behaviors, though their impact on psychological outcomes remains inconsistent.

Humans

Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics of Upadacitinib Among Patients in East Asia With Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Post Hoc Subanalysis of Randomized Phase 3 Studies.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Upadacitinib, a selective Janus kinase 1 inhibitor, is approved to treat moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). This post hoc subanalysis evaluated the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of upadacitinib in patients in East Asia. METHODS: U-ACHIEVE (UC1; NCT02819635) and U-ACCOMPLISH (UC2; NCT03653026) were Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, induction studies evaluating upadacitinib 45 mg or placebo daily in adults with moderately to severely active UC. Clinical responders to 8 weeks of upadacitinib induction were eligible to receive upadacitinib 15 mg, upadacitinib 30 mg, or placebo daily in the 52-week U-ACHIEVE maintenance study (UC3; NCT02819635). Efficacy outcomes, safety, and pharmacokinetics were evaluated among East Asian patients. RESULTS: A higher proportion of East Asian patients achieved clinical remission with upadacitinib than placebo at induction Week 8 (UC1: n = 127, 31.4% vs. 7.3%; UC2: n = 114, 31.2% vs. 2.7%) and maintenance Week 52 (UC3: n = 184, upadacitinib 15 mg, 52.4%; upadacitinib 30 mg, 53.8%; placebo, 10.7%). Rates of endoscopic outcomes were higher with upadacitinib than with placebo across studies. No new safety signals were identified. Herpes zoster occurrences were low (UC1 and UC2: upadacitinib 45 mg, two events [in one patient]; placebo, zero events; UC3: upadacitinib 15 mg, five events; upadacitinib 30 mg, eight events; placebo, zero events). Pharmacokinetics and trends in the relationship between upadacitinib exposure and efficacy were consistent in the East Asian and global populations. CONCLUSION: Upadacitinib was generally well tolerated and effective for treating moderately to severely active UC in patients in East Asia, with a favorable benefit-risk profile consistent with the global population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02819635, NCT03653026.

Humans

Performance of Photon-counting CT for Assessing Pretreatment Breast Cancer: Comparison with Mammography, MRI, and 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Background Photon-counting CT (PCCT) offers improved spatial resolution, contrast to noise ratio, and dose efficiency, but its clinical utility remains incompletely defined for breast cancer. Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of PCCT for pretreatment breast cancer assessment through comparisons with MRI, full-field digital mammography (FFDM), and fluorine 18 (18F) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT. Materials and Methods In this prospective study (March-May 2025), female participants with breast lesions categorized as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 4C or higher at US or FFDM underwent breast MRI and multiphasic contrast-enhanced PCCT. 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed in a subset with locally advanced disease. Four radiologists independently evaluated lesion morphologic characteristics, additional findings, and clinical TNM stage. Agreement was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and κ statistics. The diagnostic performance for additional lesions and nodal metastasis was compared with the reference standard (pathologic examination). Results Among 126 participants (mean age, 58.1 years ± 12.3 [SD]), interreader agreement across PCCT, MRI, and FFDM was good to excellent. PCCT agreed with MRI for lesion characterization (κ = 0.57-0.96) and clinical T categorization (κ = 0.86-0.88), with highest agreement with pathologic size (ICC, 0.70-0.81). For 46 pathologically confirmed additional lesions, PCCT was more sensitive than FFDM (difference, 44% [95% CI: 19, 66]) and similar to MRI (difference, 7% [95% CI: -5, 21]). Additionally, 44% (95% CI: 27, 52) of microcalcifications were missed at PCCT versus FFDM. For pathologically confirmed nodal metastasis, PCCT was more sensitive (difference, 10% [95% CI: 1, 20]) and accurate (difference, 6% [95% CI: 1, 11]) than MRI. For clinical N category, PCCT agreed with PET/CT (κ = 0.82 [95% CI: 0.62, 0.96]; n = 19). Two distant metastases identified at PCCT were consistent with 18F-FDG PET/CT and pathologic findings. Conclusion PCCT demonstrated similar performance to MRI for lesion characterization and detection of additional lesions, with better performance for nodal metastasis evaluation; however, detection of microcalcifications was limited. © RSNA, 2026 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Humans

An Assessment of Reliability Estimation Methods for Binomial Health Care Quality Measures.

We evaluated the performance of commonly used methods for estimating the reliability of binomial health care quality measures using simulated datasets spanning a range of performance score means and variances, numbers of entities, and patient sample sizes. For each simulation, reliability was estimated for all selected methods and compared with the known true reliability derived from the simulation parameters, with methods assessed on their accuracy and precision. Logistic regression with reliability estimated on the outcome scale demonstrated the highest accuracy and precision among all methods evaluated. The widely used Adams beta-binomial method performed poorly, although a modification recommended by Nieser and Harris substantially improved its performance. These approaches are applicable only to binomial measures. Among methods that can be applied to both binomial and continuous measures, permutation resampling of the Spearman rank correlation coefficient was the most accurate and precise, outperforming other commonly used approaches. Overall, for binomial quality measures, logistic regression on the outcome scale is the preferred method for reliability estimation, followed closely by the modified beta-binomial approach, while for non-binomial measures, permutation-based Spearman rank correlation appears to be the most suitable method.

Reproducibility of Results

Emerging techniques of CRISPR/Cas system in antiviral therapy and diagnostics: Applications, limitations, and translational perspectives.

The CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) system is a versatile technology for developing antiviral medicines and editing viral genomes in both diagnostics and vaccine synthesis. Emerging insights into class 2 effectors, such as Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13, which target viral DNA and RNA, have revolutionized vaccines against viruses such as HIV, HPV, HBV, and EBV. Innovative diagnostic techniques such as SHERLOCK, DETECTR, and FELUDA have demonstrated system's diversity and accuracy in detecting the virus markers, supporting clinical decision-making, indicating adaptability and precision of CRISPR. This review critically evaluates CRISPR's role in RNA editing, emphasizing its importance for functional genomics and development of recombinant vaccines. Translational challenges are critically discussed, including off-target effects, delivery limitations, and ethical issues, for which unique approaches such as high-fidelity Cas variants, non-viral delivery systems, and bioethical frameworks are evaluated to address these limitations. This review also covers other social implications, such as accessibility and biosecurity risks, associated with CRISPR technologies Collectively, these advances underscore the transformative potential of CRISPR technologies in shaping next-generation antiviral diagnostics and therapeutics.

CRISPR-Cas Systems

The effect of penile tourniquet and continuous artificial erection on penile erectile tissues: An experimental study.

INTRODUCTION: Penile tourniquet (PT) is known to cause ischemic injury, which worsens with prolonged application. Artificial erection (AE), formed by intracorporal saline injection mostly under PT, has been practiced for decades to evaluate penile curvature, yet its effect on erectile tissues has never been investigated. In this study, we examined a modified approach, continuous artificial erection (CAE), and investigated its effects on erectile tissues. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the histopathological and immunohistochemical effects of CAE on penile erectile tissues. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-five rats were randomized into five groups. Four experiment groups received 20 or 40 min of isolated PT (20T and 40T) or PT with CAE (20T&E and 40T&E). CAE was achieved through continuous intracavernosal saline injection. Penectomy was performed three weeks post-procedure in the experiment groups and directly in the control group. Erectile tissue samples were evaluated using light microscopy for histopathological parameters including inflammation, neovascularization and fibrosis, and by immunohistochemistry. Endothelial function was assessed by eNOS and e-selectin staining, while ICAM-1 staining was used to assess chronic inflammation. RESULTS: 40T showed the highest levels of inflammation, fibrosis, and endothelial dysfunction. 20T had significantly less inflammation than 40T, with a non-significant increase in fibrosis and alteration of endothelial markers. 40T&E displayed the second-highest fibrosis rate (adjusted p > 0.05), while 20T&E showed complete absence of fibrosis. Both 40T&E and 20T&E preserved strong eNOS and e-selectin expression, identical to controls. ICAM-1 expression in 20T&E was also consistent with the control group. The most significant difference in erectile tissue damage was noted between 40T and 20T&E. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to evaluate the effects of AE on erectile tissues. Findings of this experimental model support that, CAE does not increase the tissue damage that is already caused by PT, but rather reduces it, likely through the washout of blood elements contributing to reperfusion injury. CAE possibly provides a protective effect on erectile tissues by preserving endothelial function, reducing inflammation and fibrosis, especially under 20 minutes of duration. These findings may support that AE maneuvers such as "artificial erection test" and CAE are potentially safe, while further studies are needed to assess the detailed effects of CAE.

Male

Review: The African turquoise killifish as a model for the integrative physiology of vertebrate aging.

With increasing emphasis on extending healthy lifespan, aging research requires vertebrate models that permit efficient mechanistic investigation and intervention testing within practical time and cost constraints. The African turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri) has attracted growing attention because it combines an exceptionally short life cycle with an intact vertebrate physiological context and an expanding genetic toolkit, enabling relatively rapid evaluation of candidate aging interventions and mechanistic analysis across molecular, tissue, and organismal levels. This review assesses N. furzeri from an integrative-physiology perspective, focusing on germline-soma interactions, gut microbiota-host crosstalk, nutrient sensing and metabolic remodeling, temperature responsiveness, and AMPK-mTOR-linked programs. It also examines expanding genome-engineering and reporter approaches that support mechanistic and tissue-resolved investigation of these physiological processes. Building on recent reviews of killifish biology, disease modeling, regeneration, and the hallmarks of aging, we synthesize evidence across major intervention domains, distinguish established phenotypic effects from incompletely resolved mechanisms, and highlight functional endpoints, methodological standardization, and the appropriate interpretation of the model's translational relevance. Together, these features position N. furzeri as a strategically useful vertebrate platform for rapid mechanistic testing, intervention evaluation, and prioritization of aging-related pathways. Future progress will require improved methodological standardization, tissue-resolved causal studies, and question-driven cross-species validation where appropriate.

Animals

Artificial intelligence-supported double reading in European population breast cancer screening: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective programs.

BACKGROUND: Most European population mammography screening programs rely on double reading with arbitration, a model that delivers mortality benefit but is increasingly challenged by radiologist workload, variable specificity, and interval cancers. Artificial intelligence (AI) is being evaluated to support or optimize these established European screening pathways. PURPOSE: To synthesize prospective or program-embedded evaluations of AI conducted within European-style population screening programs and to estimate exploratory program-level absolute risk differences (RDs) per 1000 examinations for cancer detection rate (CDR) and recall. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prespecified, focused evidence synthesis of three large studies embedded within routine population screening programs operating under European-relevant workflows: MASAI (randomized AI-supported risk triage within a national program), ScreenTrustCAD (prospective paired-reader evaluation with AI as an independent reader in a double-reading framework), and PRAIM (nationwide decision-referral implementation). Outcomes were harmonized as AI-control RDs per 1000 examinations. Random-effects pooling used Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman models. For the paired-reader design, sensitivity analyses applied a Kish effective sample-size approach across plausible within-examination correlations (ρ = 0.3-0.8). Positive predictive value (PPV) and workflow/time outcomes were summarized descriptively. RESULTS: Across 597,419 examinations, the pooled CDR RD was +0.9 per 1000 (95% CI -0.0 to +1.8; I2 ≈ 12%), consistent with a modest directional increase with borderline statistical uncertainty. The pooled recall RD was -0.6 per 1000 (95% CI -3.1 to +2.1; I2 ≈ 41-43%), indicating no consistent recall increase across screening programs. Where reported, PPV was higher with AI-supported screening. Efficiency signals included 44.3% fewer total readings in MASAI and shorter reading times for AI-normal examinations in PRAIM; in PRAIM, a program-level safety-net mechanism recovered 204 cancers that would otherwise have been missed. CONCLUSION: In European population screening programs characterized by double reading and arbitration, prospective program-embedded evidence suggests that AI integration may yield a small absolute increase in cancer detection (≈1/1000) without a consistent increase in recall, alongside improved PPV and efficiency signals. These findings suggestAI primarily as a complementary reader within European screening workflows, with implementation requiring explicit quality assurance and monitoring of interval cancers and stage distribution.

Humans

Hormonal contraceptives and women's sleep health: A systematic review.

Sex hormones and hormonal contraceptives influence the regulation of sleep-wake behavior. However, there are very few large-scale studies to date that have comprehensively evaluated how hormonal contraceptives influence women's sleep health. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the existing research on hormonal contraceptive use and sleep in women ages 18-50. The systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement checklist. Nineteen studies were included in this review. Data were extracted and evaluated for risk of bias and heterogeneity. The included studies demonstrated high heterogeneity in terms of objective and/or subjective sleep-related measures and non-sleep primary study outcomes and demonstrated significant risks of bias, underscoring the need for methodological consistency in assessing women's sleep health. Several clinical considerations may be gleaned from this existing research in terms of the behavioral assessment and treatment of sleep difficulties in women using hormonal contraceptives. Additional investigation is needed to identify standardized research and clinical methodology guidelines for assessing and treating women's sleep health.

Humans

Efficacy and safety of Janus kinase inhibitors in Behçet's disease: A systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Behçet's disease e (BD) is a chronic, relapsing, multisystem inflammatory disorder that if not successfully treated can lead to severe, organ or life-threatening complications. Despite treatment with glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, some patients still have refractory disease that mandates additional therapeutic options. The pathogenesis of BD involves dysregulated innate and adaptive immune responses with multiple cytokines signaling through the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway. By targeting multiple inflammatory pathways, JAK inhibitors have emerged as a promising therapeutic option. However, current evidence remains limited and heterogeneous. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review to evaluate their efficacy and safety in BD. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature review in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO registration: CRD420261381955). PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 2026. Original clinical studies evaluating Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in BD were included. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Due to heterogeneity, results were synthesized narratively, focusing on efficacy and safety outcomes. RESULTS: Seventeen studies (99 patients) were included, predominantly case reports and small observational cohorts with overall high methodological quality. All evaluated tofacitinib, baricitinib, or upadacitinib, with no data on other JAK inhibitors. Patients were highly treatment-refractory, with prior failure of conventional and biologic therapies. Upadacitinib was the most frequently studied agent and demonstrated an overall response rate of 85.2% and complete remission in 59.3% in a multi-center study. Efficacy was observed across multiple domains, with the most consistent responses in intestinal disease, including clinical and endoscopic remission, alongside frequent glucocorticoid-sparing effects. Safety findings were consistent with known JAK inhibitor safety profiles, with mainly mild to moderate infections and manageable laboratory abnormalities, and no clear signal for increased thrombotic events, although follow-up was limited. CONCLUSION: JAK inhibitors demonstrate promising efficacy in BD, particularly in refractory and multisystem disease. The most consistent evidence of efficacy was observed in gastrointestinal involvement, whereas data for other disease domains remain limited. Their safety profile appears consistent with existing data, although further follow up and validation is required. High-quality randomized controlled studies are an imminent need to study the potential role of JAK inhibitors in BD.

Humans

Post-trial 12-month follow-up of TRACE (targeted research on addictive and compulsive eating) randomised controlled trial participants: A brief report.

Few treatment interventions for addictive eating have evaluated long-term effectiveness. This post-trial follow-up study evaluates secondary changes in addictive eating symptoms and quality of life at 12-months in a sample of individuals who participated in the TRACE (Targeted Research for Addictive and Compulsive Eating) RCT. Thirty-three adults out of possible 144 (82% female), median age 53 years, randomised to either the active intervention (five telehealth sessions delivered over 3-months), passive intervention (self-guided workbook) or control group completed an online post-trial survey. Pre- and immediate post-intervention (3-months) outcomes were compared to 12-months post-trial outcomes. Positive effects reported in the short term showed a rebound effect at post-trial follow-up in ∼50% of participants. The findings suggest that longer term support is needed to maintain changes in addictive eating behaviours and improve quality of life. Future research is needed to identify optimal intervention durations and support options for sustained change. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621001079831).

Humans

Embedding cardiovascular risk assessment into routine BTK inhibitor management in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular (CV) toxicities remain a major challenge during Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Selecting the optimal BTKi based solely on a history of overt CV disease may underestimate underlying cardiovascular vulnerability. AREAS COVERED: We performed a targeted, non-systematic review of PubMed and MEDLINE to examine the association between baseline CV comorbidities and BTKi-related CV toxicities in CLL. Current evidence indicates that preferential use of BTKis with more favorable CV safety profiles, coupled with appropriate cardio-oncology surveillance, reduces the risk of CV adverse events in patients with pre-existing CV disease. In patients without established CV disease, the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation 2 (SCORE2) and SCORE2-Older Persons (SCORE2-OP) may help identify clinically meaningful latent CV risk, enabling early optimization of modifiable risk factors in line with the proactive cardiovascular management strategy endorsed by the 2026 European Hematology Association (EHA) CLL guidelines. EXPERT OPINION: A structured, risk-adapted approach integrating standardized CV risk assessment, early management of modifiable risk factors, individualized BTKi selection, and multidisciplinary cardio-oncology collaboration may improve the safety and tolerability of BTKi therapy in CLL. Pending prospective validation, SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP should complement, rather than replace, dedicated cardio-oncology evaluation.

Humans

Assessment of the Potential of Different Anthropometric Indices in Predicting the Risk of Diabetes and Associated Co-morbidities.

Diabetes, a chronic disorder, is showing a rapidly increasing trend globally. India holds the second position in the global diabetes epidemic. The present investigation is an assessment of different anthropometric measurements and their association with type 2 diabetes to determine their diagnostic potential for diabetes as well as its co-morbidities. In this cross-sectional study, we have measured anthropometric parameters and blood biomarkers in subjects with diabetes. We have presented the comparisons of cost- and time-effective anthropometric variable with costly and time-dependent biochemical variables in control and diabetic groups (n = 233/group). Correlations between anthropometric variables and biochemical measurements, as well as the diagnostic utility of anthropometric variables for diabetes, were evaluated. The diagnostic utility of anthropometric variables for diabetes was assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Neck circumference, sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), skinfold thickness, and body roundness index (BRI) displayed high specificity and diagnostic utility for diabetes, emphasizing their potential in predicting diabetes and the further development of metabolic syndrome. The study highlights the importance of cost- and time-effective anthropometric assessments in diabetes risk evaluation and calls for further research to elucidate this intricate relationship and develop personalized management strategies.

Humans

A full review of online education resources available on antifungal stewardship.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Antifungal resistance represents an increasing global threat, driven by the rising burden of fungal disease. Antifungal stewardship (AFS) is a critical component of broader antimicrobial resistance (AMR) efforts, but education in this area remains less established than antibacterial stewardship initiatives. The scope and characteristics of the current landscape of online AFS resources have not yet been systematically described. To identify and evaluate online educational resources focused on fungal disease management and AFS, and assess their accessibility, format, educational design and implementation focus. METHODS: A structured search of internet search engines, distribution platforms and organizational websites was conducted to identify English-language web-based resources related to fungal disease management and stewardship. Resources were evaluated using predefined criteria including access model, format, length, educational design, interactivity and AFS content. An overall educational value score (1-10) was assigned. RESULTS: Twenty-three educational resources were identified. Most were delivered as online unfacilitated courses (11, 48%) and were short (<4&#x2005;h) (12, 52%). Most focused on guidelines and syndromic management (18, 78%) and targeted doctors and/or nurses/midwives (22, 96%). Limited interactivity was reported in nine (39%) courses. Five courses (22%) had either a substantial or comprehensive focus on AFS. CONCLUSIONS: Online AFS educational resources are available and support awareness and knowledge development. However, they remain relatively few in number. Greater emphasis on implementation-focused learning, behaviour change components and broader global representation may enhance their impact.

Journal Article