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PubMed2026

First identification and molecular subtyping of Blastocystis spp. in donkeys in Aksaray province, Türkiye.

Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist worldwide that can infect humans and animals. Although its molecular epidemiology in Türkiye is mostly focused primarily on humans and livestock, equids have received limited attention despite their traditional roles and frequent contact with humans and other animals in rural environments. This study aimed to determine the molecular prevalence and subtype (ST) distribution of Blastocystis spp. in donkeys in Aksaray Province, providing the first molecular data on donkeys in Türkiye. A total of 182 fresh fecal samples were collected from donkeys in nine villages within Aksaray province. Genomic DNA was extracted, and the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene fragment of Blastocystis spp. was amplified via PCR analysis. Positive isolates were sequenced bidirectionally for identification and subsequent phylogenetic analysis of Blastocystis in donkeys. The overall molecular prevalence of Blastocystis spp. in donkeys was 4.4% (8/182). The infection rate was higher in young donkeys (under 3 years old; 8.33%) than in adults (3 years or older; 2.46%). However, this difference was not statistically significant. Sequence analysis of the positive PCR products revealed the presence of one known livestock-specific subtype, ST10. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the ST10 isolates characterized in this study clustered with isolates identified from different hosts. This study provides the first molecular data on Blastocystis presence in donkeys in Türkiye. The exclusive detection of ST10 suggests potential cross-species transmission, likely facilitated by the traditional practice of co-housing donkeys with other animals in confined barns. These findings indicate that donkeys may contribute to Blastocystis transmission, underscoring the importance of a "One Health" approach in future epidemiological surveillance.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Biochemical Insights Into the Conserved Interactions of NMD Factors From Budding Yeast to Humans.

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is one of the most extensively studied pathways of cytoplasmic mRNA degradation. It plays a critical role in diverse cellular processes by eliminating aberrant transcripts containing premature stop codons and by regulating the stability of physiological mRNAs. NMD factors were initially identified through genetic screens in S. cerevisiae (UPF1, 2, 3) and C. elegans (SMG-1, SMG5-7). Subsequent biochemical and genetic studies revealed the composition of NMD complexes and identified additional factors. A major protein hub for NMD is Upf1, an ATP-dependent RNA helicase that is part of two mutually exclusive NMD assemblies, the Upf1-Upf2-Upf3 complex and the Upf1-decapping complex, which contains the decapping enzyme and its co-factors. Here, we discuss recent findings, primarily from budding yeast, on the protein-protein interactions driving NMD complexes dynamics and their similarities to human NMD. Together, the N-terminal cysteine and histidine rich (CH) and helicase domains (HD) of Upf1 act as a hub for binding multiple partners. Upf1 is required for binding to NMD substrates and for the initiation of RNA degradation through decapping (yeast) or endonucleolytic hydrolysis (humans). We focus on the interplay between Upf2, Dcp2 and Nmd4 (yeast SMG6), which ensures the mutually exclusive formation of Upf1-bound subcomplexes modulating Upf1's affinity for RNA. Thus, the study of NMD factors interactions in different organisms sheds new light on the remarkable conservation of NMD molecular mechanisms.

Nonsense Mediated mRNA Decay↗

PubMed2026

GIP contributes to postprandial regulation of splanchnic blood supply in humans with type 2 diabetes: a randomised, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: In healthy lean humans, endogenous glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) contributes significantly to the postprandial increase in arteria mesenterica superior blood flow. The vascular biology related to activation of the GIP receptor is markedly impaired in individuals with type 2 diabetes and is sometimes absent. In this population, we investigated the role of endogenous GIP on postprandial splanchnic blood flow by using the GIP receptor antagonist, GIP(3-30)NH2. The primary outcome of this study was the changes in blood flow in arteria mesenterica superior during oral glucose with or without GIP receptor antagonist infusion. METHODS: Ten participants with type 2 diabetes (age 20-80 years, BMI 20-35 kg/m2, and HbA1c >48 mmol/mol and <75 mmol/mol) were investigated in a randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover study. On four separate occasions, participants received the following treatment: oral glucose + i.v. GIP(3-30)NH2; oral glucose + i.v. saline (154 mmol/l NaCl); oral water + i.v. GIP(3-30)NH2; oral water + i.v. saline. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention groups using (random.org). Participants were unaware of allocation, while investigators were aware. No additional allocation concealment procedures were used. During all four interventions, splanchnic blood flow was measured using phase-contrast MRI in the arteria mesenterica superior, truncus coeliacus and vena portae during oral glucose (75 g) or water ingestion. The study was conducted at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen. Liver volume and oxygenation, as well as gallbladder volume, were assessed. Blood samples were collected and analysed for insulin, C-peptide, GIP, glucagon and glucose. RESULTS: Oral glucose alone increased mean blood flow in arteria mesenterica superior by 57% (95% CI 26, 88) and this was 15% (95% CI -2, 32) lower during concomitant GIP receptor antagonist infusion, p=0.012. Infusion of GIP receptor antagonist during oral glucose treatment did also result in lower insulin secretion, C-peptide and C-peptide/glucose ratio compared with saline infusion, whereas glucagon levels and plasma glucose were unaffected. Oral water did not affect any outcomes. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Endogenous GIP contributes to postprandially increased splanchnic blood flow in people with type 2 diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06426823 FUNDING: This work was supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Associations between multiple essential trace metal concentrations and risk of hyperuricemia: insights from a central Chinese population.

Previous studies have indicated that levels of individual essential trace metals are related to hyperuricemia (HUA), but evidence on their combined effects is limited. To address this gap, the associations of individual and joint levels of 12 essential trace metals (manganese, selenium, nickel, chromium, cobalt, tin, iron, molybdenum, zinc, strontium, vanadium, and copper) with the risk of HUA were investigated in 2,021 adults recruited from Hunan Province, China. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed to determine urinary metal concentrations. Logistic regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and quantile g calculation (Qgcomp) were applied to evaluate the associations of single and mixture metal concentrations with HUA. Of the participants, 516 (25.53%) were diagnosed with HUA. Inverse associations were found between vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, selenium, strontium, and molybdenum levels and HUA, with ORs ranging from 0.63 to 0.91. Conversely, a positive association was observed between zinc concentration and HUA [OR (95% CI): 1.17 (1.01, 1.37)]. Both BKMR and Qgcomp models showed a negative overall effect of essential trace metals on HUA risk, with strontium (- 43.6%) and vanadium (- 27.8%) being the main contributors. In addition, formal interaction tests revealed significant effect modification by age for tin and by BMI for zinc. In conclusion, the levels of essential trace metals were linked to a decreased risk of HUA, and these associations were modified by age and BMI only for specific metals.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy of afoxolaner (NexGard®) for the treatment of myiasis caused by the zoonotic tumbu fly, Cordylobia anthropophaga, in domestic dogs under field conditions.

Cordylobia anthropophaga is a major cause of furuncular myiasis in dogs and humans in sub-Saharan Africa, yet evidence for pharmacological control remains limited. Current management relies mainly on mechanical larval removal, and no controlled studies have assessed the efficacy of modern antiparasitic agents. This study evaluated the curative and preventive efficacy of a single dose of afoxolaner (NexGard®) in dogs with naturally acquired C. anthropophaga infestation under field conditions and explored a possible indirect protective effect in puppies after maternal treatment. A randomized, blinded, negative-controlled field study was conducted in Samburu County, Kenya, and included 104 naturally infested dogs allocated to a treated group (n = 53) or an untreated control group (n = 51). Clinical evaluations were performed on Days 0, 15 (±2), 30 (±2), and 45 (±2). Efficacy was assessed based on the presence of active nodules and clinical scores. Additional observational data were collected from puppies born to or nursing from treated bitches. Compared to the control group, parasiticide efficacy was 94% on Day 15 and 100% on Day 30. The number of parasite-free dogs reached 86.3% on Day 15, 100% on Day 30, and 95.3% on Day 45. Treated dogs showed a significant clinical improvement from the first post-treatment assessment, whereas infestation persisted in controls (nodules: OR = 0.003, 95% CI 0.001-0.017; skin lesions: OR = 0.010, 95% CI 0.002-0.051; lymph node: OR = 0.013, 95% CI 0.002-0.074; body condition: OR = 0.073, 95% CI 0.027-0.195; all p < .001), with large effect sizes at the final visit for all outcomes (r = 0.521-0.793). No C. anthropophaga infestations were detected in examined puppies from treated dams, including puppies exposed during pregnancy or lactation, up to 4 weeks after birth and up to 11 weeks of age, respectively. Afoxolaner appears effective to control canine cordylobiosis and may offer indirect protection to puppies, warranting further investigation.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Distinct functions of mammalian RAD51 paralogs in genome maintenance.

RAD51 paralogs (RAD51B, RAD51C, RAD51D, XRCC2, and XRCC3) are evolutionarily conserved essential proteins for cell survival and genome maintenance. RAD51 paralogs were originally identified to play a role in homologous recombination-mediated repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). However, investigations over the last decade have uncovered new roles of RAD51 paralogs beyond DSB repair in replication stress responses, including replication fork progression, fork stability, and its restart. Recent structural studies have not only uncovered the molecular architecture of previously known RAD51 paralog complexes but also identified novel paralog complex assemblies, providing mechanistic insights into their various genome-maintenance functions. Additionally, a role for RAD51 paralogs in resolving R-loops has been identified, and studies with cancer-associated variants suggest that RAD51 paralogs are potential determinants of cancer susceptibility and therapeutic responses. In the present review, we highlight the recently deciphered structures and novel functions of RAD51 paralog complexes and discuss the clinical and therapeutic implications.

Rad51 Recombinase↗

PubMed2026

Effectiveness and implementation of task-sharing cognitive-behavioral interventions for perinatal mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral interventions (CBIs) delivered by nonspecialist providers (NSPs) on perinatal depressive (PND) and anxiety symptoms, and to narratively synthesize their implementation processes and reported implementation outcomes, including acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, cost, and sustainability. METHODS: We systematically searched eight databases from inception to April 8, 2025. Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing CBIs delivered by NSPs for PND and/or anxiety. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted, and assessed trials. Meta-analyses employed random-effects models, with subgroup, sensitivity, meta-regression, and publication bias analyses conducted in Stata 18.0. Implementation processes and outcomes were reported as frequencies or percentages across trials. RESULTS: A total of 47 trials (11, 357 participants) were included in the systematic review, of which 37 trials (8,709 participants) were included for meta-analyses. CBIs were conducted in 12 countries. Nurses and midwives delivered 45% of CBIs. CBIs were associated with reduced PND post-intervention compared with control conditions (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.49, 95% CI -0.63 to -0.35; I² = 86.8%). Limited evidence from four trials suggested a small sustained effect at 12 months (SMD -0.14, 95% CI -0.27 to -0.02; I² = 26.4%). Reductions in anxiety symptoms were observed immediately post-intervention (SMD, -0.45, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.25; I²=81%), but evidence for longer-term effects was limited. Subgroup analyses confirmed consistent effects across diverse settings, populations, and intervention characteristics. Reporting of implementation processes (e.g., training, supervision, fidelity) was limited, with only 23.4% of trials assessing fidelity and 10.6% evaluating costs. CONCLUSIONS: NSP-delivered CBIs showed beneficial effects on PND and anxiety, with generally encouraging evidence for acceptability and feasibility. However, evidence for sustained effects beyond the immediate post-intervention period remains limited. Future studies should strengthen long-term follow-up and improve reporting of implementation processes and outcomes, particularly in rural and adolescent perinatal populations, to inform scalable and equitable task-sharing models.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The effectiveness of protective behavioral strategies for reducing alcohol use and alcohol-related harms among adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: Excessive alcohol consumption is a major public health concern. Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) are widely incorporated into alcohol interventions, but their effectiveness and role as mechanisms of behavior change remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of PBS-based interventions on alcohol consumption, alcohol-related harms, and PBS use. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and ProQuest were searched from inception to December 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of adults (≥18 years) delivering PBS as an active intervention component. Random-effects meta-analyses using Hedges' g examined alcohol quantity, drinking frequency, alcohol-related problems, and PBS use. RESULTS: Fifteen RCTs were included, predominantly involving young adults attending U.S. universities. PBS interventions increased protective strategy use (g=0.23, p=0.005 after outlier removal), but alcohol effects were modest: no change in quantity (g=-0.05, p=0.162), small reduction in frequency (g=-0.09, p=0.014), and marginal reduction in problems (g=-0.07, p=0.052; significant in sensitivity analysis). Subgroup findings suggested greater effects at longer follow-up and when PBS was incorporated into multi-component interventions. Evidence supporting PBS as a mechanism of change was limited and inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS: PBS-based interventions produce modest, context-dependent effects on alcohol outcomes. Most evidence comes from young U.S. university students, underscoring the need for studies in more diverse adult populations and further mechanistic research.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Association of hydroxyurea use and sickle cell retinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hydroxyurea (HU) is prescribed to reduce systemic complications of sickle cell disease; however, its association with sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) remains unclear. This meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD420251079006) evaluates the pooled association between HU use and SCR. In the primary analysis, HU use was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in SCR (OR = 0.90, 95% CI [0.41, 1.97], p = 0.79; I² = 77%). In a prespecified leave-one-out analysis, exclusion of the outlier study did not produce a statistically significant association, although the estimate shifted toward a stronger protective effect with reduced heterogeneity (OR = 0.70, 95% CI [0.39, 1.27], p = 0.25; I² = 67%). In a subgroup analysis excluding high-risk-of-bias studies, HU use was also not associated with a statistically significant reduction in SCR (OR = 0.84, 95% CI [0.39, 1.82], p = 0.66; I² = 77%). In post hoc analyses, HU use was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in SCR in non-adult populations (OR = 1.14, 95% CI [0.43, 3.05], p = 0.79; I² = 81%) or genotype-restricted analyses (OR = 1.22, 95% CI [0.81, 1.84], p = 0.35; I² = 0%). In post hoc analyses restricting studies to retinopathy phenotype, however, HU was associated with statistically significant lower odds of non-proliferative SCR (OR = 0.73, 95% CI [0.54, 0.98], p = 0.04; I² = 0%) and proliferative SCR (OR = 0.24, 95% CI [0.09, 0.60], p = 0.002; I² = 12%). Very low-certainty evidence suggests mixed associations between HU and SCR. Prospective studies are needed to clarify its role in SCR prevention.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Copper-Containing Surface Engineering for Soft-Tissue Biomedical Devices: Structure-Function Relationships and Ion Release-Driven Biological Performance, A Systematic Review.

Copper and copper-based materials have gained increasing attention for the functional modification of implantable medical devices intended for prolonged soft-tissue contact, including vascular stents, catheters, and intrauterine devices. Owing to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, redox reactivity, and involvement in angiogenesis and cellular signaling, copper-based systems offer significant potential for multifunctional surface engineering. However, achieving a balance between antibacterial efficacy, corrosion behavior, controlled ion release, and cytocompatibility remains a critical challenge. This PRISMA-compliant systematic review analyzes copper-containing materials and surface modification strategies for soft-tissue biomedical applications. A structured search of Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed (2015-2025) identified 65 eligible studies. The review encompasses bulk copper-containing alloys, electrochemical and chemical surface modification techniques, physical vapor deposition approaches, and advanced hybrid systems integrating copper with polymers, hydrogels, or metal-phenolic networks. Across the reviewed literature, antibacterial performance was strongly dependent on copper concentration, microstructural distribution, and spatiotemporal ion release profiles. Moderate, well-controlled copper incorporation frequently improved antibacterial efficacy while maintaining acceptable hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility, particularly in vascular and blood-contacting devices. In contrast, excessive copper loading often accelerated corrosion and induced adverse cellular responses. Emerging multifunctional architectures demonstrated improved regulation of biological interactions, enabling simultaneous antibacterial, antithrombotic, and proendothelial effects. Overall, copper-based surface technologies represent a versatile platform for soft-tissue implant modification. Future translational progress will require precise control of copper release kinetics and comprehensive long-term in vivo validation to ensure safety and sustained therapeutic performance. From the authors' perspective, the most promising future direction involves multifunctional copper-based hybrid coatings capable of dynamically regulating ion release, host tissue integration, and antibacterial performance simultaneously. Strategies integrating hierarchical architectures, stimulus-responsive release systems, and clinically scalable fabrication methods are expected to play a key role in translating copper-containing surfaces from experimental concepts toward commercially viable soft-tissue biomedical devices.

Copper↗

PubMed2026

Impact of creatine supplementation alone or combined with exercise on inflammatory and clinical outcomes in chronic musculoskeletal pain treated in the rheumatological field: a systematic review.

Creatine supplementation has demonstrated ergogenic and anabolic effects in healthy and clinical populations. However, its potential therapeutic role in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain treated in rheumatological contexts remains unclear. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of creatine supplementation on pain, physical function/disability, quality of life, muscle strength, skeletal muscle mass, and inflammatory markers in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain usually treated from the rheumatological field. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, and EMBASE up to July 2026. Eligible studies were randomized or nonrandomized clinical trials that provided creatine supplementation alone or in combination with exercise as a treatment compared to a control or placebo group. Eight studies (n = 189) were included, encompassing fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Creatine dosages varied from chronic low-dose to loading protocols (20 g/d, 2-5 g/d). Combined creatine plus resistance training may improve strength, skeletal muscle mass, and quality of life beyond exercise alone in osteoarthritis. Trials on fibromyalgia suggest an increase in muscle strength, but inconsistent effects on pain. Rheumatoid arthritis studies suggest gains in skeletal muscle mass and, in pilot studies, reduced disease activity. No major adverse events were reported. In conclusion, creatine supplementation alone may be insufficient to obtain clinical benefits, while combined with resistance exercise it could offer potential benefits for muscle strength, skeletal muscle mass and certain aspects of quality of life in these clinical conditions. However, evidence on pain and inflammation remains limited; Furthermore, the response across different clinical conditions is heterogeneous, highlighting the need for larger, high-quality trials.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

An expanded breakfast buffet increases daily energy and protein intakes in hospitalised patients: A prospective crossover quality improvement study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Inadequate dietary intake remains common during hospitalisation. Ordinary hospital meals are central to nutritional intake, but their contribution depends on what is offered and what patients are able and willing to eat. We evaluated whether a preference-informed, limited expansion of the hospital breakfast buffet could increase total daily energy and protein intakes. METHODS: This prospectively structured, ward-based crossover quality-improvement study was conducted in seven inpatient wards at a tertiary university hospital. Each ward was observed for four consecutive days and randomly allocated to begin with standard or expanded breakfast, after which conditions alternated daily. The expanded buffet consisted of standard breakfast supplemented with familiar energy- and protein-rich foods selected from previous patient-choice data. Twenty-four-hour intake was registered using component-level weighed food records during the day and nursing registration overnight. Primary outcomes were total daily energy and protein intakes. Linear mixed-effects models adjusted for observation day and ward-level starting sequence and accounted for repeated patient observations and ward-level clustering. Analyses used data from patients who consumed breakfast and contributed analysable observations under both breakfast conditions. RESULTS: The primary crossover population included 71 patients contributing 188 analysable patient-days. Compared with standard breakfast, the expanded breakfast increased total daily energy intake by +198 kcal/day (95% CI 44 to 352) and protein intake by +6.8 g/day (95% CI 1.0 to 12.5), without a statistically significant increase in total food weight. Daily energy and protein adequacy increased by +8.7 and + 6.8 percentage points, respectively. The increase was driven mainly by breakfast intake, with no measurable reduction in non-breakfast intake. CONCLUSIONS: A limited expansion of the ordinary hospital breakfast buffet increased total daily energy and protein intakes in the primary crossover population of hospitalised adults who consumed breakfast. This increase occurred without a statistically significant increase in total food weight or a measurable reduction in non-breakfast intake. Small, preference-informed additions of familiar energy- and protein-rich foods at breakfast may improve daily intake by increasing the nutrient yield of foods patients are able or willing to eat.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Novelty seeking and rapid symptom improvement across active and sham accelerated iTBS conditions: A pooled individual-patient data analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent and often treatment-resistant. Accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS) is a promising intervention for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), though outcomes vary. Personality traits have been examined in relation to rTMS outcomes, yet their role in aiTBS remains underexplored. This pooled individual-patient-data analysis of two randomized, sham-controlled trials examined associations between baseline Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) traits and one-week symptom change, and whether they differed by condition. METHODS: The left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was targeted for 20 sessions over 4 days. Personality was assessed with the TCI, depression severity with the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17). TCI-symptom-change associations were examined with a robust linear mixed-effects model, adjusting for age, gender, repeated measurements, and study membership. RESULTS: 104 participants were included (M/F 45/59; mean age 40.9 ± 12.7; active/sham 50/54). The model yielded a Time × Novelty Seeking interaction (β = -1.70, p = 0.021): higher baseline Novelty Seeking was associated with faster symptom reduction, without a between-arm difference. However, the interaction did not survive Holm correction across 14 trait-interaction tests (adjusted p = 0.294) and is therefore exploratory. No other interaction reached the uncorrected threshold. CONCLUSIONS: Higher baseline Novelty Seeking showed a nominal association with faster symptom reduction, without a difference between active and sham conditions. Because it did not survive multiplicity correction and was not reproduced in within-arm analyses, it is preliminary and may reflect contextual or nonspecific processes. Independent replication is required before temperament assessment can be clinically informative.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of Family-Based Intervention for Childhood Obesity on Parental and Offspring Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Childhood obesity is a global public health issue with strong familial and intergenerational transmission. However, existing syntheses often overlook the active role of parents and fail to assess outcomes beyond the child. This systematic review and meta-analysis specifically investigate the effects of family-based interventions, which position parents as active co-agents of change, on health outcomes for both children with obesity and their parents. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Six databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) targeting children with obesity and at least one family member. Primary outcomes were children's BMI z-score and parental BMI; secondary outcomes included other adiposity measures and dietary behaviors. Outcomes for both children and parents were synthesized. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on intervention characteristics. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2, and evidence certainty was evaluated using GRADE. RESULTS: Twenty RCTs with 1740 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The interventions demonstrated a significant reduction in children's BMI z-score. Additional benefits were observed for long-term BMI z-score and percentage of total body fat. The most effective interventions commonly integrate health education, behavioral strategies, and motivational support. Subgroup analyses indicated that interventions positioning parents as active co-participants, rather than mere supporters, yielded larger effects. However, no significant effects were found on parental BMI. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that family-based interventions can confer significant benefits for children with obesity. Their success hinges on strategically framing parents as active co-agents and integrating motivational strategies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Trends in demographic and health survey publications based on a bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program, launched in 1984, provides high-quality population health data that underpins a vast body of global health research. However, the scale and growth patterns of DHS-based publications remain underexplored, particularly as donor funding uncertainties threaten program sustainability. OBJECTIVE: We examine temporal trends in DHS-based research output from 1984 to 2025, quantifying growth patterns and publication delays to inform understanding of the program's global research expansion. METHODS: A systematic bibliometric review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Dimensions, Wiley, and CINAHL. Eligible peer-reviewed articles using DHS data between 1984 and 2025 were identified. Annual publication counts were analyzed, segmented regression identified growth inflection points, and timeliness was assessed by calculating lag between survey completion and publication. RESULTS: Over 10,000 DHS-based publications were identified. Annual output rose from isolated studies in the 1980s to several hundred annually by the 2010s. Segmentation analysis revealed two rapid growth phases: a 56-publications/year increase from 2004-2012, and a 71-publications/year increase from 2012 to 2024. Despite this growth, median lag from survey completion to publication remained approximately 5 years, with only a modest recent improvement (Kendall's τ =  -0.623, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: DHS data have fueled exponential growth in global health research over four decades, confirming their vital role in evidence generation. However, persistent publication delays highlight the need to shorten the pathway from data collection to dissemination through strengthened research capacity in low- and middle-income countries. Sustained funding is essential to maintain this critical evidence source.

Bibliometrics↗

PubMed2026

Effects of semaglutide and empagliflozin on markers of endothelial function in persons with type 2 diabetes: A post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

AIMS: The endothelium maintains vascular health by regulating blood flow and protecting against inflammatory damage. In type 2 diabetes (T2DM), however, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia place a significant burden on the endothelium, potentially leading to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). While semaglutide and empagliflozin have been shown to reduce CVD risk in T2DM, it remains unclear whether these benefits are mediated by improved endothelial function. This post-hoc analysis explores the effects of these agents on markers of endothelial function, i.e. the reactive hyperaemic index (RHI) and the endothelial-derived cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) E-Selectin, ICAM-1, P-Selectin, and VCAM-1. METHODS: This was a post-hoc analysis of a 32-week randomized trial evaluating the separate and combined effects of semaglutide and empagliflozin on cardio-renal organ damage. One hundred and twenty participants with type 2 diabetes, age ≥ 50 were randomized to four groups (semaglutide, empagliflozin, the combination or placebo). An increase in RHI and/or a decrease in CAMs were considered beneficial. RESULTS: RHI increased compared to baseline (0.11, 95%CI [0.008;0.21], p = 0.03) but not compared to placebo in the semaglutide group (0.11, 95%CI [-0.04;0.24], p = 0.16). There was no effect on RHI in the empagliflozin group. Compared to placebo, E-Selectin decreased significantly in the semaglutide and combination groups (-9, 95%CI [-14.1;-5.1] p < 0.01 and - 9, 95%CI [-14.3; -5.2] p < 0.01, respectively). VCAM-1 increased in the same groups, compared to placebo (12.3, 95%CI[2.8;20.8] p = 0.01 and 16.2, 95%CI [7.2;24.3], p < 0.01, respectively).P-Selectin and ICAM-1 was not significantly affected in any of the groups, compared to placebo (p ≥ 0.11 and p ≥ 0.09, respectively). CONCLUSION: Semaglutide improved endothelial function compared to baseline, but not significantly versus placebo, which likely is due to limited power. CAM responses were heterogeneous, suggesting distinct roles in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. ClinicalTrialsRegister.eu: EudraCT 2019-000781-38.

Aged↗

PubMed2026

Indigenous body image amid rapid social and economic change: A reflexive thematic analysis of Wayuu narratives.

The Wayuu, Colombia's largest Indigenous group, are experiencing rapid social, economic, and technological change, including expanding internet access, educational opportunities, and increasing exposure to globalised media. Though the harmful effects of appearance-idealised media imagery on body image are well documented, indigenous body image research remains unevenly distributed across global contexts, with Latin American Indigenous communities particularly underrepresented. This study explored how Wayuu people understand and experience appearance ideals and body image in the context of expanding digital media exposure and rapid sociocultural and economic change. Five focus groups of up to 9 participants were conducted with 29 Wayuu participants (18-68 years; 23 women, 6 men). Using reflexive thematic analysis, three overarching themes were identified: (1) Intersecting sources of appearance pressure: encompassing influences from social media, Wayuu family expectations, and discrimination from non-Indigenous peers; (2) Negotiating and resisting appearance ideals: from body dissatisfaction and restrictive eating to affirmation of cultural identity as protection; and (3) The changing role of appearance in today's Wayuu culture: participants linked globalised appearance ideals to expanding educational opportunities, migration, digital connectivity, and broader socioeconomic transformations occurring within Wayuu territories. While exposure to global ideals fostered comparison and dissatisfaction, cultural pride and collective belonging appeared to buffer against internalised colonial values. Culturally grounded media literacy and education initiatives co-developed with Wayuu communities could foster critical reflection while strengthening heritage. These results highlight the need for decolonial, community-based approaches to body image research and intervention in Indigenous contexts.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2026

Pregnancy diet based on ancestral patterns increases growth in subcortical fetal brain regions.

Evidence on the biological basis for maternal nutrition effects on fetal and newborn neurodevelopment remains limited. This randomized controlled trial in Ecuador tested a maternal dietary pattern-derived from empirical studies of nutrition in human evolution and adapted locally-on offspring growth and brain development. Pregnant women (n = 215) in their first trimester were randomized to: 1) control (n = 104); or 2) Mikhuna ("nourish" in Kichwa) intervention (n = 111). The intervention, from 12 wk gestation to birth, consisted of a weekly food delivery (8 eggs, 500 g fish, and a variety of sustainably sourced fruits and vegetables) and a behavior change communication strategy encouraging diet diversity and limiting highly processed foods. Longitudinal data collection occurred at 12 wk, 21 wk, 35 wk gestation, and 2 wk postpartum, and included ultrasound imaging of fetal bone and brain parameters, maternal dietary intakes, anthropometry, socioeconomic and demographic variables, and other biomarkers. At close of intervention, a significantly higher percentage of women met the minimum dietary diversity threshold in Mikhuna (74.5%) vs. control groups (55.8%) (P = 0.004). Generalized linear regression models showed significant differences in Mikhuna compared to control for: corpus callosum length 0.19 cm (95% CI [0.02, 0.35]), gangliothalamic ovoid height 0.15 cm (95% CI [0.03 to 0.26]), and femur length -0.10 cm (95% CI [-0.19, -0.02]) from 21 wk to 35 wk; and corpus callosum Z 0.56 (95% CI [0.03, 1.09]) and femur length Z -0.21 (95% CI [-0.42, 0.00]) at 35 wk. The Mikhuna intervention increased the growth of subcortical fetal brain structures, which have established roles in motor control, cognition, and signal transmission.

Female↗