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PubMed2026

Low-burden metrics for monitoring healthy diets among nonpregnant females aged 15 to 49 years: a multicountry validation analysis using quantitative 24-hour dietary intake data.

BACKGROUND: Limited nationally representative quantitative dietary intake data and a lack of consensus on lower-burden tools and metrics hinder high-frequency monitoring of healthy diets globally. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the comparative construct validity and potential complementarity of low-burden metrics of a healthy diet among nonpregnant females aged 15 to 49 y. METHODS: Quantitative 24-h dietary intake data collected from 77,118 adolescent and adult females across 27 countries were used to construct low-burden metrics and reference metrics of dietary intake. Associations between mean-standardized low-burden measures or indicators and reference metrics were assessed using linear and logistic mixed-effect models, with Spearman's ρ used for survey-level rank correlations. Test characteristics identified low-burden indicators best differentiated adherence to reference indicators. RESULTS: An indicator reflecting nonconsumption of sweet foods and/or sweet beverages was most robustly associated with greater adherence to <10% energy from free sugars in upper-middle-income countries {odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 5.35 [5.05, 5.66]}. Food group diversity score (FGDS) was most strongly associated with and differentiated higher mean adequacy ratio of micronutrients [β of 1-standard deviation (SD) change: ∼11 percentage points (9, 12); ρ: 0.79], whereas noncommunicable disease-Protect score best reflected consumption of ≥400 g/d of fruits and vegetables [range OR of 1-SD changes (95% CI): 2.56-3.01 (2.40, 3.13) in lower-middle and high-income countries, respectively; ρ: 0.56]. FGDS and Global Diet Quality Score Positive were most consistently associated with achieving ≥25 g/d of fiber and ≥3510 mg/d of potassium across contexts. CONCLUSIONS: Low-burden data collection tools yield valid metrics, enabling high-frequency monitoring of healthy diets across contexts. Specifically, avoiding sweet foods and/or sweet beverages is an indicator for adherence to WHO free sugar guidelines among nonpregnant females in upper-middle-income countries, whereas metrics reflecting nutritious food group diversity strongly reflect better micronutrient adequacy and adherence to WHO guidelines for fruits and vegetables, fiber, and potassium intakes within and across contexts.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy With Integrated Mindfulness on Mindful Attention, Depressive Symptoms, and Dyadic Adjustment in Low-Income Couples: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.

Psychosocial distress can exacerbate marital conflict, maladjustment, and mental health vulnerability. This pilot randomized clinical trial examined cognitive-behavioral couple therapy (CBCT) integrated with mindfulness in low-income Brazilian couples (per-capita household income up to one minimum wage). Thirty-four participants (17 heterosexual couples) were randomized (independent computer-generated sequence) to an experimental (n = 16) or waitlist control group (n = 18). We assessed dyadic adjustment, mindful attention, marital social skills, and depressive symptoms (R-DAS, MAAS, IHSC, BDI-II) at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. The intervention was eight 80-min conjoint sessions plus daily home exercises. Time × group effects favored the experimental group for dyadic adjustment, mindful attention, and depressive symptoms (all p < 0.001, = 0.20-0.37), but not marital social skills (p = 0.14). Because two outcomes differed at baseline, effects were confirmed with baseline- and dependence-adjusted sensitivity analyses. These findings provide preliminary evidence that CBCT with mindfulness may benefit disadvantaged couples.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Childhood Economic Mobility and Systemic Inflammation Among Men Who Experienced Low Income in Toddlerhood: The Moderating Role of Trait Hostility.

OBJECTIVE: Childhood economic upward mobility (ie, increases in family income across childhood) may attenuate links between childhood poverty and systemic inflammation in adulthood, the extent of which may vary depending on inter-individual differences in personality characteristics, including hostility. METHODS: Men who experienced low income in toddlerhood (N=171) were followed prospectively into adulthood. Annual family income was collected 12 times when men were 1.5 to 17 years old. Men completed the Cook-Medley Hostility Scale and had their fasting blood drawn to measure circulating levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) at age 32. Multiple linear regression analyses examined main and moderation effects of childhood economic upward mobility and adult hostility on CRP levels adjusting for income at 1.5 years, race, parent educational attainment, and adult income, education, waist circumference, and smoking status. RESULTS: Main effects were nonsignificant, but an interaction effect emerged. Counter to expectations, childhood economic upward mobility related to greater adult CRP as trait hostility decreased ( β =-0.203, P =.018). Simple slope analyses further revealed that childhood economic upward mobility was positively associated with CRP among men lower in hostility ( β =0.23, SE=0.09, P =.020) but was unrelated to CRP among men higher in hostility. Results of post hoc sensitivity analyses are also discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Counterintuitive findings suggest that for men who experience poverty in toddlerhood, the association between childhood economic upward mobility and adult CRP may be nuanced and even in the positive direction for men low in hostility, which aligns with work on unintended health consequences of upward mobility.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effect of a 6-month low-carbohydrate diet on the circulating fatty acid composition in patients with type 2 diabetes: a secondary analysis of an open-label randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Circulating fatty acid profiles are linked to cardiovascular disease risk and mortality. Short-term interventions suggest that low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) promote cardioprotective shifts in circulating fatty acids in obesity. OBJECTIVES: We examined whether a 6-mo, non-calorie-restricted, LCD high in fat similarly improves circulating fatty acid composition in adults with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In an open-label, randomized, controlled trial, 71 individuals with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned 2:1 to an LCD [maximum of 20 E% (energy per cent) carbohydrates] or a control diet (50-60 E% carbohydrates) for 6 mo with no restriction in energy intake. The prespecified secondary outcomes were the mean difference in change between groups in serum phospholipid fatty acids in weight percentage (wt%) measured by gas chromatography and reported as 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and significance adjusted for multiple comparisons (q value). RESULTS: LCD reduced total saturated [-0.6 (CI: -0.9, -0.2)] and monounsaturated fatty acids [-0.9 (CI: -1.4, -0.3)] and increased total polyunsaturated fatty acids [1.3 (CI: 0.6, 2.0)] compared with the control diet (all q < 0.05). Importantly, LCD reduced palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7) [-0.13 (CI: -0.21, -0.06)], a marker of de novo lipogenesis, by 23% and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (20:3n-6) [-0.38 (CI: -0.67, -0.09)] by 12%, whereas it increased arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) [1.1 (CI: 0.3, 2.0)] by 9% compared with the control diet (all q < 0.05). Moreover, the LCD improved estimated desaturase activities by lowering stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 [-0.5 (CI: -0.7, -0.2)] and Δ6 desaturase [-0.6 (CI: -0.9, -0.2)] and increasing Δ5 desaturase [1.05 (CI: 0.3, 1.79)] activities, respectively (all q < 0.01). These changes occurred despite a 2.6-fold higher intake of saturated fatty acids in the LCD group. CONCLUSIONS: A 6-mo, non-calorie-restricted LCD modified the circulating composition of fatty acids in adults with type 2 diabetes in a manner consistent with a potentially favorable cardioprotective profile. This trial was registered at www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov as NCT03068078.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Lifestyle interventions to prevent gestational and type 2 diabetes among migrant women from low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review.

Migrant women from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) living in high-income settings experience disproportionately high risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This review aimed to identify and synthesise culturally adapted lifestyle interventions for preventing or managing GDM and T2DM among migrant women from LMICs, focusing on intervention components, cultural adaptation strategies, and behavioural and metabolic outcomes. Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Central) were searched using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis 2020 guidelines. Eligible studies included experimental designs involving lifestyle interventions delivered to migrant women from LMICs in high-income countries, reporting outcomes related to GDM or T2DM targeting behaviour change. Data were synthesised narratively; study quality was appraised using RoB2 for RCTs and a structured narrative approach for non-randomised designs. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Sample sizes ranged from 28 to 641 participants. Intervention duration varied from 6 weeks to 12 months. Most interventions incorporated atleast one culturally tailored component, such as bilingual delivery, culturally adapted dietary education, or community-based engagement. Improvements were reported across dietary behaviours, physical activity, glycaemic measures, or diabetes-related knowledge; however, effect sizes were modest and inconsistent. Interventions combining dietary modification, physical activity, and culturally adapted delivery demonstrated greater improvements than exercise-only or digital-only programmes. Overall certainty of evidence ranged from low to moderate. Culturally adapted, multi-component lifestyle interventions show promise for improving behavioural and metabolic outcomes among migrant women from LMICs; however, the evidence base remains limited.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Draft genome sequence of Enterococcus casseliflavus strain MBBL_MP4 isolated from healthy bovine milk.

We report the draft genome sequence of Enterococcus casseliflavus MBBL_MP4, recovered from healthy bovine milk. The 3.45-Mbp genome assembly comprises 27 contigs and indicates low pathogenic potential, with no acquired antimicrobial resistance or known virulence genes. This genome provides a valuable resource for the genomic characterization of bovine-associated E. casseliflavus.

Enterococcus casseliflavus↗

PubMed2026

Developing low-carbon metered-dose inhalers: effects of propellant HFA-152a on mucociliary clearance and bronchoconstriction in two Phase 1 randomised trials.

BACKGROUND: To reduce the impact of respiratory care on climate change, metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) are being reformulated with low-global warming potential (GWP) propellants. Next-generation propellant hydrofluoroalkane (HFA)-152a has >90% lower GWP than HFA-134a. As part of the safety evaluation for HFA-152a, mucociliary clearance (MCC), bronchoconstriction and safety were compared with HFA-134a. METHODS: Two Phase 1, randomised, two-way crossover studies (NCT06506266/NCT06702462) were conducted. MCC study: healthy participants inhaled HFA-152a and HFA-134a in two 7-day sequences. MCC was quantified as area under radiolabelled particle retention time curve over 4 h (AUC0-4h) after nebulised 99mTc sulphur colloid, following each propellant. Bronchoconstriction study: patients with mild asthma inhaled single doses of HFA-152a and HFA-134a. Non-inferiority of HFA-152a versus HFA-134a was defined as percent change in FEV1 (litres), 15 min post dose (95% confidence intervals [CI]: lower limit >-10%, upper limit >0%). Both studies assessed safety. RESULTS: In 22 healthy participants, the impact on MCC did not differ between HFA-134a and HFA-152a (AUC0-4h geometric mean ratio [90% CI]: 1.00 [0.99, 1.01]). In 19 patients with mild asthma, neither HFA-152a nor HFA-134a induced bronchoconstriction (percent change in FEV1 at 15 min: -0.37% [HFA-152a] vs -0.60% [HFA-134a]); HFA-152a was non-inferior to HFA-134a (mean difference [95% CI]: 0.23% [-3.61, 4.07]). Adverse event (AE) rates were low and similar for both propellants in both studies; all AEs were mild, with no serious AEs or deaths. CONCLUSION: HFA-152a and HFA-134a had almost identical effects on MCC, neither induced bronchoconstriction, supporting MDI reformulation with the low-GWP propellant HFA-152a.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Socioeconomic differences in the effectiveness of oral health programs for dental caries prevention in Europe: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: The meta-analysis systematically summarized evidence on how socioeconomic status (SES), access to dental care, and oral health programs (OHP) affect caries prevalence and severity among children and adults in Europe. METHODS: Four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Embase) were systematically screened from 1947-2026, supplemented by cross-referencing and manual searches, without language restrictions. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were done in duplicate. Methodological quality was assessed using the NHLBI Study Quality Assessment Tools according to study design. Certainty of evidence was graded using GRADE Profiler 3.6. Mean differences (MD) were calculated for changes in DMFT, and odds ratios (OR) for the presence of dental caries in individuals using fixed-or random-effects models. RESULTS: Electronic searching identified 1800 articles; 23 studies were included in the review (>169,000 participants) and 14 in the meta-analyses (>88,000). Nine studies evaluated the effectiveness of OHP stratified by SES, and ten examined OHP in low-SES populations. Among low-SES individuals, participation in OHP was associated with a significantly lower increase in DMFT (MD[95% CI]=-0.63[-0.94;-0.31];very low certainty) and significantly lower odds of having dental caries (OR[95% CI]=0.61[0.52;0.73];very low) compared with non-participation. Among program participants, individuals with low SES showed a significantly greater increase in DMFT than those with high SES (MD[95% CI]=0.79[0.30;1.21];very low) and had significantly higher odds of having dental caries (OR[95% CI]= 2.88[1.97;4.22];very low). CONCLUSION: Participation in OHP may be associated with reducing dental caries in European populations, but benefits are unequally distributed and increase with higher SES. However, this conclusion is based on a limited number of well-conducted trials.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Integrative machine learning and transcriptomic analysis reveals molecular mechanisms underlying low survival rate in larval Chinese Bahaba (Bahaba taipingensis).

Chinese Bahaba (Bahaba taipingensis) is a Class I protected marine fish endemic to China. Low larvae survival during artificial breeding severely hinder population recovery. To investigate the molecular mechanism of high mortality in larval fish, this study performed RNA-seq on liver from naturally deceased (ND) and mass-dead (MD) individuals, combined with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and random forest (RF) algorithms to screen for core signature genes. A total of 873 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 112 upregulated and 761 downregulated genes. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed significant enrichment in amino acid metabolism disorders, one‑carbon folate pool impairment, PPAR signaling abnormalities, ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion pathway, indicating widespread metabolic suppression accompanied by extracellular matrix remodeling and signaling disturbances in the livers of MD fish. MAD pre-filtering combined with dual machine learning algorithms yielded 18 robust core signature genes, among which SLC38A4, MMP1, FADD, FKBP5, and APOB were consistently identified as high-frequency core genes by both algorithms. SLC38A4 exhibited the highest importance score in the RF model and was significantly downregulated, making it the primary molecule distinguishing ND from MD phenotypes. ROC curve analysis showed that both models achieved an AUC of 1.000 (95% CI lower bound: 0.610), confirming the precise discriminatory ability of the core genes. GSEA further demonstrated significant enrichment of this core gene set in ND samples. This study provides the first systematic elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying liver dysfunction in low survival rate B. taipingensis, characterized by amino acid transport impairment, metabolic reprogramming, and structural remodeling, offering theoretical foundations for health assessment, early mortality risk warning, and artificial breeding conservation of this species.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Three-dimensional porous nano-hydroxyapatite@gelatin composite as efficient adsorbent for uranyl ion removal from low-level radioactive wastewater.

The contamination of water resources by uranyl (UO22+) ions poses significant environmental and health risks, requiring the development of efficient and sustainable remediation strategies. Adsorption-based techniques have emerged as promising approaches in the field of UO22+ removal, but the design of cost-effective, high-capacity, and environmentally friendly adsorbents remains challenging. In this study, a three-dimensional porous nano-hydroxyapatite@gelatin (nHAP@Ge) composite was synthesized through glutaraldehyde cross-linking, combining the structural stability of Ge with the high uranium affinity of nHAP. The optimized nHAP@Ge, with a nHAP:Ge mass ratio of 1:0.5, exhibited exceptional UO22+ removal efficiency (97 %), along with high adsorption capacity (364.03 mg/g). Systematic characterizations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods revealed that the porous structure and surface functional groups (-OH, Ca2+, and PO43-) of the material synergistically contributed to binding UO22+ species. Furthermore, the incorporation of nHAP into the Ge framework resulted in enhanced thermal stability while significantly improving the UO22+ adsorption performance. This work presents a scalable, eco-friendly, and recyclable strategy for the effective treatment of uranium-contaminated water, with potential applications in nuclear wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.

Adsorption↗

PubMed2026

Effects of Acute Low- and Moderate-Dose Alcohol on Chronic Disease-Related Biomarkers in Healthy Light and Heavy Drinkers.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption is a major contributor to global chronic disease, with growing evidence indicating health risks even at low levels of intake. However, mechanistic understanding of these risks relies heavily on preclinical models and observational data, leaving a critical gap in controlled experimental evidence regarding how alcohol perturbs human biological systems in vivo. METHODS: The present study utilized plasma samples from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effects of low-dose (0.35 g/kg) and moderate-dose (0.60 g/kg) alcohol on disease-relevant biomarkers in 32 healthy adults (mean age = 25.0 ± 3.8 years; 21 female/11 male), characterized by light (n = 15) or heavy (n = 17) drinking. This design enabled evaluation of effects across dose, timescale, and drinking history, as well as assessment of their interactions. Plasma was collected at prebeverage baseline and hourly for 4 h afterward. Immunoassays quantified 10 disease-related biomarkers: adiponectin, angiogenin, D-dimer, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1), Lipocalin-2 (LCN2), Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products (sRAGE), and Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells 2 (TREM2). RESULTS: Main effects of group indicated that even in this young healthy sample, heavy drinking status was associated with higher levels of adiponectin, angiogenin, ICAM-1, LCN2, and sRAGE, a profile suggesting altered vascular and metabolic activity. Acute alcohol administration induced changes in sRAGE and hsCRP. Specifically, moderate-dose alcohol triggered an increase in the immunoglobulin sRAGE, which may reflect an acute compensatory response to inflammation and/or oxidative stress. Compared to placebo, hsCRP was lower in the low-dose alcohol condition; however, this finding should be interpreted in light of CRP biology. MMP-7, MMP-9, and LCN2 showed time-dependent fluctuations that were independent of experimental condition, highlighting the critical importance of placebo-controlled designs to account for diurnal/postprandial variation in immune biomarkers. CONCLUSION: Findings provide translational evidence that alcohol is associated with multisystem biomarker changes relevant to chronic disease and that alcohol-related biomarker perturbations vary by dose and chronicity.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy and Safety of Ultra-Low Starting Dose Febuxostat Titration in Male Patients With Primary Gout.

BACKGROUND: Since gout is a common metabolic arthritis caused by urate crystal deposition, urate-lowering therapy (ULT) is clearly indicated, but the initiation of ULT frequently causes paradoxical acute flares that in turn impair patient adherence. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to assess the effectiveness and safety of an ultra-low-dose initiation strategy for febuxostat (10 mg/day) compared to the standard starting dose (20 mg/day) in reducing initiation-related flares while maintaining long-term urate control. METHODS: 120 male patients with primary gout presenting with acute arthritis were randomly assigned to initiate febuxostat at 10 mg/day (Group A) or 20 mg/day (Group B), with protocol-mandated biweekly titration. The primary outcomes were gout flare frequency over 24 weeks (assessed using Poisson regression), serum uric acid (SUA) target attainment, and the incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: Although both groups achieved comparable target SUA levels by week 24, Group A demonstrated a significantly lower overall flare incidence (36.7% vs. 70.0%; p < 0.001), along with a greater percentage of flare-free patients (70.0% vs. 46.7%; p = 0.016). Multivariable Poisson regression revealed that Group B had an approximately twofold higher risk of flares compared to Group A (Incidence Rate Ratio = 1.95; p = 0.012), with obese patients deriving the most pronounced benefit from the ultra-low-dose approach. To avert one additional flare, the calculated number needed to treat was 4.3. Additionally, the occurrence of clinically significant liver injury (ALT/AST > 3× ULN) was low in both groups, with 3.3% in Group A and 1.7% in Group B. Multivariable regression analysis confirmed that LDL-C is an independent predictor of ALT (β = 12.90, p = 0.009), while febuxostat dosage was not linked to hepatotoxicity. CONCLUSION: Initiating febuxostat at a dose of 10 mg/day with gradual titration demonstrates a superior safety profile by effectively reducing early acute flares without compromising long-term urate control, which is particularly advantageous for high-risk cohorts, including obese patients.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

High-frequency contralesional dorsal premotor cortex and low-frequency contralesional primary motor cortex rTMS in subacute stroke with severe upper limb impairment: comparable motor outcomes and differential regional degree centrality changes.

BACKGROUND: The contralesional dorsal premotor cortex has been proposed as a potential neuromodulatory target for patients with severe upper limb impairment due to subacute ischemic stroke. This proof-of-concept study aimed to compare behavioral outcomes and resting-state neuroimaging findings between high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the contralesional dorsal premotor cortex and guideline-supported low-frequency stimulation over the contralesional primary motor cortex. METHODS: In this randomized trial, 46 patients with severe upper limb impairment in the subacute stage after ischemic stroke were randomly assigned to receive either high-frequency rTMS over the contralesional dorsal premotor cortex or low-frequency rTMS over the contralesional primary motor cortex. Low-frequency stimulation over the contralesional primary motor cortex served as an evidence-supported active comparator for poststroke upper limb motor recovery. Stimulation was administered five times per week for two weeks using magnetic resonance imaging-guided neuronavigation. All participants received concurrent standard rehabilitation therapy. The primary outcome was the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity. Secondary outcomes included the Arm Subscore of the Motricity Index, the Hong Kong version of the Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity, the Modified Barthel Index, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging-derived degree centrality. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements in the primary and secondary behavioral measures (p < 0.01), with no significant between-group differences in the magnitude of change (p > 0.05). In neuroimaging analyses, patients receiving high-frequency rTMS over the contralesional dorsal premotor cortex showed significantly greater degree centrality changes in the ipsilesional middle occipital gyrus, contralesional medial superior frontal gyrus, and contralesional middle frontal gyrus than those receiving low-frequency rTMS over the contralesional primary motor cortex (p < 0.05). Within the high-frequency stimulation group, degree centrality changes in the ipsilesional middle occipital gyrus were positively correlated with improvements in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (r = 0.619, false discovery rate-corrected p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: High-frequency rTMS over the contralesional dorsal premotor cortex produced behavioral improvements comparable to guideline-supported low-frequency rTMS over the contralesional primary motor cortex, without establishing superiority or formal non-inferiority. Exploratory neuroimaging analyses showed greater degree centrality changes in the ipsilesional middle occipital gyrus after high-frequency premotor stimulation, and these changes correlated with upper-limb motor improvement. These findings support further investigation of contralesional dorsal premotor cortex-targeted high-frequency rTMS for severe subacute post-stroke upper limb impairment. REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn; Unique identifier: ChiCTR2000038049.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

A novel neoadjuvant immunotherapy confers improved overall survival in oral cancer patients with low tumor PD-L1 expression The IT-MATTERS Clinical trial - Prognostic role of tumor PD-L1 expression.

OBJECTIVE: Five-year overall survival (OS) remains < 50% for patients with resectable, locally advanced (LA) primary oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and soft palate, receiving current standard of care (SOC). The aim of our study was to examine neoadjuvant Leukocyte Interleukin Injection (LI) with CIZ (intravenous low dose cyclophosphamide, indomethacin and zinc multivitamins) effect on OS, in low-risk (LR) OSCC patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a randomized, controlled Phase 3 trial, treatment-naïve locally advanced patients, with stage III/IVa OSCC and soft-palate cancer, had surgical tumor samples assessed for pre-defined thresholds of PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS). OS was analyzed using proportional hazard models for LI + CIZ + SOC vs SOC, in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. RESULTS: OS was superior in low risk (LR) patients receiving LI + CIZ + SOC compared to SOC; OS advantage hazard ratio (HR) 0.64, p = 0.0569 (without selecting for N0, PD-L1 TPS < 10%), and the Kaplan-Meier (K-M) lifetable achieved significance (log rank p = 0.0340) favoring LI + CIZ + SOC vs SOC. Applying the selection criteria (cN0 and TPS < 10%) to ITT, OS reached HR 0.34p = 0.0012, Kaplan-Meier log rank p = 0.0015. The ITT LR cohort (cN0 and TPS < 10%) achieved a HR 0.26 (p = 0.0023), Kaplan-Meier log rank p = 0.0013, supported by progression free survival (PFS) HR 0.43, p = 0.0178, Kaplan-Meier log rank p = 0.0431, with 32% absolute survival advantage over control at 60 months. CONCLUSIONS: Significant OS prolongation was observed in ITT population for LI + CIZ + SOC vs SOC, in LR and in ITT LR cN0, PD-L1TPS < 10% cohort having locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma tumors in oral cavity/soft-palate. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01265849; EudraCT (Identifier: 2010-019952-35).

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Low-carbohydrate diet score subtypes and all-cause mortality in general and chronic disease populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

OBJECTIVES: To examine associations of overall, healthy and unhealthy low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) scores with all-cause mortality in general and chronic disease populations. Healthy and unhealthy subtypes were compared with assess whether the observed associations depend on macronutrient quality rather than carbohydrate restriction alone. DESIGN: Systematic review and pairwise category meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, MEDLINE, ProQuest Medical Database and Web of Science Core Collection were searched from inception to 12 May 2026. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Prospective cohort studies of adults assessing LCD adherence using a validated three-macronutrient composite score and reporting HRs for all-cause mortality were eligible. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Random-effects meta-analyses compared each higher reported LCD category with the lowest category, stratified by LCD score subtype and population type. Certainty of evidence was assessed using NutriGrade. RESULTS: 18 prospective cohort studies included 779 158 participants and 219 457 deaths; all scored 7-9/9 on the NOS. In chronic disease populations, the highest healthy LCD category was associated with lower mortality than the lowest category (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.76; I²=0%; high certainty), as was the highest overall LCD category (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.96; I²=68%; high certainty). In the general population, the highest healthy LCD category was not associated with lower mortality than the lowest category (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.01; I²=69%; moderate certainty), and neither was the highest overall LCD category (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.03; I²=87%; low certainty). Unhealthy LCD scores were not associated with mortality in either population. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy LCD adherence was associated with lower all-cause mortality, particularly among individuals with chronic diseases. Unhealthy LCD scores were not associated with mortality in either population, suggesting that macronutrient quality and source may matter more than carbohydrate reduction alone.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Endovascular thrombectomy versus best medical therapy for acute vertebrobasilar artery occlusion in patients with low NIHSS scores: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute vertebrobasilar artery occlusion (VBAO) presenting with mild symptoms (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score ≤10) remains uncertain. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of EVT versus best medical therapy (BMT) in this population. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to September 2025 for comparative studies. The primary outcome was 90-day excellent functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0-1). Secondary outcomes included functional independence (mRS 0-2), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and all-cause mortality. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Seven observational studies involving 3,107 patients were included. In unadjusted analyses, EVT was associated with a higher rate of excellent functional outcome (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.58-2.96) but not with functional independence (OR 1.58; 95% CI 0.90-2.77). After adjustment for confounders, EVT was associated with higher rate of excellent functional outcome (OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.89-4.31) and functional independence (OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.01-3.62). Safety outcomes including sICH and mortality did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSION: In patients with acute VBAO and mild symptoms, EVT may be associated with superior functional outcomes compared to BMT alone, without a significant increase in procedural risks. These findings suggest a potential role for EVT in selected patients with low NIHSS scores and underscore the need for confirmation in randomized trials.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

"It was good because they have a relationship with us": A qualitative study on low-threshold buprenorphine treatment at syringe services programs.

INTRODUCTION: Syringe service programs (SSPs) reach people who inject drugs with opioid use disorder (OUD) and are novel "low-threshold" venues to initiate buprenorphine treatment. The study investigated patients' experiences with SSP-initiated buprenorphine treatment, which could aid in improving buprenorphine treatment delivery at SSPs. METHODS: The study included 12 participants who completed qualitative exit interviews after a randomized controlled trial of buprenorphine treatment at SSPs. In the parent study, participants received buprenorphine treatment through an onsite model at an SSP or enhanced referral to a community health center based on the randomization sequence. Most participants started taking buprenorphine at home. Exit interviews included participants from both study arms, and the semi-structured interview guide focused on their experiences with clinicians, experiences initiating buprenorphine, prior experiences with OUD treatment, and perceptions about continuing buprenorphine treatment. Four researchers iteratively read, coded, and discussed each transcript, then they derived recurring themes using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants were mostly male, middle-aged, and 50% identified as Latino. Four main themes related to buprenorphine treatment initiation: 1) Onsite treatment facilitated buprenorphine prescription, but some participants also expressed a need for additional support; 2) Precipitated withdrawal complicated participants' buprenorphine initiation in both arms; 3) Participants largely experienced the SSPs as affirming and welcoming; and 4) Developing strong relationships with healthcare providers was critical to successful buprenorphine treatment initiation. CONCLUSIONS: The SSP-based model provided rapid access to buprenorphine prescriptions, but precipitated withdrawal was a common complication. Some participants desired additional support and guidance when they started taking buprenorphine at home. The findings point to a "low-threshold, high-touch" approach where participants receive expedited access to buprenorphine providers at SSPs but also additional support throughout the initiation process to avoid and/or manage precipitated withdrawal. Despite some challenges, SSP-based buprenorphine treatment was highly valued by study participants.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Positive psychology interventions during pregnancy: A systematic review.

Positive psychology interventions (PPI) have been applied and demonstrated evidence in various population groups. The present systematic review focused on the types and influence of PPI on the physical and psychological health of pregnant women. Studies that matched the selection criteria were identified on EBSCOhost, PsychINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and four positive psychology journals. From the 2528 records identified, finally eight studies were included in the review. PPI in this review were delivered utilising various positive psychology components such as hope, gratitude and optimism based on existing theories, for example, the strengths theory, broaden-and-build theory, and hope theory. Most interventions were conducted from 14 gestational weeks onwards and were delivered via virtual platforms or mobile applications. As a result of this systematic review, it was identified that PPIs for maternal well-being were aimed at improving (1) physical health, including labour pain, nausea and vomiting; (2) psychological health, including stress, emotions, anxiety and depression; and (3) subjective health, including life satisfaction, perceived social support and quality of life. Most of the selected studies provided significant evidence towards improvement of well-being outcomes from administering PPI. For future studies, in-depth PPI integrated coping and support approaches should be further evidenced among diverse pregnant populations.

Humans↗