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Analysis of the Relationship between Early Clinical Factors and Glasgow Outcome Scale in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between early clinical factors and the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 98 TBI patients who underwent emergency surgery between January 2021 and January 2024. Based on GOS scores at 6 months post-surgery, patients were classified into a favorable outcome group (GOS&#xa0;&#x2265;&#xa0;4, defined as moderate disability or good recovery,&#xa0;n = 58) and an unfavorable outcome group (GOS < 4, i.e., death, persistent vegetative state, or severe disability,&#xa0;n = 40). Baseline and early clinical parameters were compared between groups. Statistically significant variables from univariate analysis were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model to identify independent prognostic factors. RESULTS: Significant intergroup differences were observed in age, time from injury to surgery, bleeding site, midline shift, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score at admission, blood glucose level, and D-dimer level (all p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed that age, time from injury to surgery, GCS score, blood glucose, and D-dimer level were independent predictors of GOS (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Early clinical factors, including age, time to surgery, GCS score, blood glucose, and D-dimer level, independently influence GOS in TBI patients. Time from injury to surgery&#xa0;emerged as a potentially modifiable factor in this cohort, suggesting that minimizing delays may improve outcomes.

Humans

Healing from within: A randomized controlled trial of a novel expressive writing intervention among trans and gender expansive adults.

Transgender and gender expansive (TGE) populations in the United States experience high rates of mental health disparities. High rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms have been linked to a host of stigma-related stressors and exacerbated by decreased access to competent and affirming formalized health care supports, particularly in the face of legislation aiming to curb access. As a result, intervention strategies that can be made widely available, accessed at no cost, and address these stressors to improve mental health and well-being are needed. This study presents findings from a self-administered online mental health intervention, titled Reflections to (re)Claim an Affirmed Identity to Improve Mental Health (RECLAIM), which used an expressive writing approach to address internalized anti-TGE stigma to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms and improve perceived community connectedness. In this randomized controlled trial, 115 TGE community adults were assigned to one of three study conditions: two RECLAIM interventions and one expressive writing active control group. Analysis of between-group effects found that all three groups experienced similar levels of improvement in mental health over time, while within-group effects of time by condition demonstrated some notable differences in the overall trajectory of treatment or control effects. Overall, results of this randomized controlled trial provide preliminary empirical support for the efficacy of RECLAIM in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms and internalized anti-TGE stigma and improving community connectedness. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Humans

Defining Gaslighting in Gender-Based Violence: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review.

In both public and academic discourse, gaslighting has gained increased attention, especially regarding psychological abuse, power imbalance, and gender-based violence (GBV). However, the term gaslighting is often inconsistently defined and conflated with broader forms of manipulation. It is also largely examined in the context of intimate partner violence (IPV), which ignores its occurrence in other forms of GBV. The present study presents a systematic review that synthesizes interdisciplinary academic literature to create a comprehensive framework of gaslighting. This framework includes the specific tactics that are used by perpetrators of gaslighting, the social-psychological outcomes experienced by survivors, and the role of systemic inequalities and social power dynamics. A search across multiple databases identified 96 records that discussed gaslighting in relation to GBV. Thematic analysis revealed a two-part framework for understanding gaslighting: (a) gaslighting tactics, which were categorized into cognitive and perceptual manipulation, emotional and psychological abuse, power dynamics and control, and additional forms of manipulation and (b) survivor outcomes, including disruptions to perception and memory, emotional distress, social isolation, and resistance strategies. The findings show that gaslighting is more than just an interpersonal act; it is sustained within social structures, where perpetrators use identity factors and forms of marginalization to exploit survivors. Overall, this review presents a comprehensive definition of gaslighting that illustrates its epistemic nature and its intersection with systemic oppression. It is suggested that future research studies gaslighting in GBV contexts beyond IPV, while practice and policy efforts should seek to enhance recognition and support for survivors.

Humans

Extreme Temperature and Incident Diabetes Risk Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China: A National Longitudinal Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The metabolic consequences of extreme temperature exposure in nondiabetic populations remain poorly understood. This study aimed to examine associations between heatwave and coldwave exposure and incident diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in middle-aged and older Chinese adults. METHODS: A total of 1803 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study participants aged &#x2265;45 years with normoglycemia at baseline were followed from Wave 1 (2011) to Wave 3 (2015). Eighteen extreme-temperature indicators were derived from city-level fifth-generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts atmospheric reanalysis data. Outcomes were classified according to American Diabetes Association criteria. Generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMMs) were pooled across five imputed datasets, with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons (&#x3b1; = 0.0028) and sensitivity analysis adjusting for individual follow-up duration. RESULTS: All nine heatwave indicators showed odds ratios (ORs) < 1.0 for DM and IGT. HT9 (&#x2265;97.5th percentile, &#x2265;4 consecutive days) was the sole Bonferroni-significant result: OR = 0.845 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.802-0.890). Coldwave indicators showed no consistent associations. Age significantly modified the HT9 effect (P-interaction = 0.004): adults aged 65-84 showed a stronger inverse association (OR = 0.616) than those aged < 65 (OR = 0.921). CONCLUSION: Prolonged heatwave exposure was consistently associated with reduced diabetes risk, with pronounced age heterogeneity. Replication in larger prospective studies is warranted.

Humans

Effectiveness of Embedded Social Media Content on E-cigarette Attitudes and Behaviors: Results from a Randomized Control Trial.

BACKGROUND: This longitudinal randomized controlled trial examined the effects of anti-vaping social media content on e-cigarette attitudes and intentions among U.S. young adults (ages 18-24; n=3,400). METHODS: Targeted content was embedded directly into participants' social media feeds, with varying levels of impressions. RESULTS: Results indicate that increased exposure to anti-vaping messages significantly elevated perceived risk of harm (&#x3b2;=0.11, 95% CI: 0.03-0.20, p < .01) and social unacceptability of e-cigarette use (&#x3b2;=0.10, 95% CI: 0.03-0.18, p < .01), while decreasing intentions to vape (RRR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.36-0.97, p < .05). Notably, these attitudinal shifts occurred even with relatively low ad exposure and over an extended intervention period, while controlling for the e-cigarette use status (never, former, or current) of participants. Discussion These findings support the effectiveness of digital media campaigns in influencing health-related behaviors and attitudes among young adults. Specifically, embedding anti e-cigarette content directly in the feed of young adults is shown to be effective in shifting attitudes in a space where these young adults are already engaged. Limitations include limited ad impressions and minimal change in ad awareness recall, suggesting future research should explore longer interventions and broader nicotine product messaging.

Humans

Time Heals Some Wounds? Burnout but Not Secondary Traumatic Stress in Critical Care Nurses.

BACKGROUND: Burnout among new nurses has been widely documented. Less is known about how years of professional experience relate to distinct components of professional quality of life, including compassion satisfaction and secondary traumatic stress. Early-career nurses appear particularly vulnerable to occupational strain, warranting examination of how years of experience may influence perceptions of professional well-being. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between years of nursing experience and professional quality of life among critical care nurses. METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional pilot study was conducted using the Professional Quality of Life scale. A convenience sample of 55 nurses were recruited and consented from a rural hospital in the western United States. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlations were used to examine relationships between years of experience and scores on the instrument's subscales. RESULTS: Forty nurses provided complete survey responses. Years of nursing experience correlated positively with compassion satisfaction and negatively with burnout. No significant relationship was found between years of experience and secondary traumatic stress. CONCLUSIONS: Greater professional experience was associated with higher compassion satisfaction and lower burnout but not with secondary traumatic stress. These findings suggest that experience may buffer against cumulative occupational strain, whereas trauma-related stress responses may persist across career stages. Structured mentoring and transition support may help to mitigate burnout among early-career nurses, and trauma-informed leadership approaches may warrant consideration in high-acuity environments.

Humans

Feasibility of Prone Positioning in Patients With Obesity and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Prone positioning in patients with obesity remains uncommon because of concerns about feasibility, safety, and efficacy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes of manual prone positioning in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) across different classes of obesity. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study involving patients with ARDS who underwent manual prone positioning across 15 hospitals between April 2014 and July 2024. Patients were stratified into 5 groups based on body mass index. Standardized prone positioning protocols were followed across institutions. RESULTS: A total of 1448 patients with ARDS underwent prone positioning. Across all obesity categories, prone positioning was associated with shorter intensive care unit and hospital stays, improved oxygenation, and better clinical outcomes. Notably, patients with class III obesity showed the greatest increase in gas exchange efficiency, with a 37% improvement in ratio of Pao2 to fraction of inspired oxygen, compared with 28% in patients with normal weight (P < .05). Complication rates were low across all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Prone positioning is feasible and safe in patients with ARDS across all obesity classes. Patients with class III obesity showed the greatest improvements in oxygenation. Future prospective studies should further explore the long-term impact of prone positioning in patients with class III obesity to refine clinical guidelines and optimize care.

Humans

Clinical Outcomes and Genomic Epidemiology of Multidrug-Resistant Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Keratitis.

PURPOSE: To characterize the clinical features, management, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and genomic epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) keratitis at two North American centers. DESIGN: Retrospective interventional case series combined with laboratory investigation PARTICIPANTS: Seventy eyes of 67 patients presenting laboratory-confirmed MRSA keratitis were included METHODS: We performed a multicenter retrospective case series of patients with culture-proven MRSA keratitis treated between 2005 and 2022. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted, and multidrug resistance (MDR) was defined as resistance to &#x2265;3 antibiotic classes. A subset of isolates underwent whole-genome sequencing with core genome multilocus sequence typing. Vancomycin susceptibility, heteroresistance screening, and tolerance testing were performed on available isolates. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Antimicrobial susceptibility and multidrug resistance rates, vancomycin phenotypic profiles, MRSA genotypic distribution, and final best-corrected visual acuity RESULTS: Median age was 63.5 years, and 61.4% were female. Ocular surface disease (67.7%) and prior ocular surgery (65.2%) were common. Only 25.4% had significant healthcare exposure in the preceding year. Most isolates (85.7%) were MDR. Fluoroquinolone susceptibility was low (moxifloxacin 19.7%). All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin (MIC&#x2089;&#x2080; 2 &#xb5;g/mL), and no vancomycin-intermediate, heteroresistant, or tolerant phenotypes were identified. Whole genome sequencing (n = 41) demonstrated predominance of clonal complexes 5 (68.3%) and 8 (29.2%). Visual outcomes were poor, with most patients (85.2%) having a final visual acuity worse than 20/60 among those with follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: MRSA keratitis is associated with high rates of multidrug resistance and poor visual outcomes despite guideline-based therapy. Infections were predominantly caused by CC5 MDR strains despite limited recent healthcare exposure. These findings highlight the persistence of highly resistant MRSA lineages in community-associated corneal infection and underscore the need for ongoing antimicrobial surveillance and optimized treatment strategies.

Humans

Understanding Dynamics: A Systematic Review of the Attitudes, Knowledge, and Competencies of European Frontline Professionals Toward Domestic Abuse.

There remains a paucity of European research on attitudes and responses to domestic abuse from frontline workers and professionals who regularly encounter domestic abuse or engage with domestic abuse legislation. This systematic review synthesized qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method peer-reviewed studies that explored professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and competencies related to domestic abuse. The professionals included medical staff (doctors, nurses, midwives), social care professionals, police officers, and criminal justice practitioners. The review was conducted on current European studies published between 2014 and 2025 and was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases consulted included APA PsycInfo, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Sociological Abstracts, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences, Social Services Abstracts, and Google Scholar. Full-text review was performed on 273 articles, of which 36 were deemed appropriate for inclusion. The review included 8 multi-country studies spanning the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, and Wales), and 28 single-country studies conducted in England, Sweden, Turkey, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, Wales, Bosnia, Spain, Italy, Slovenia, and Hungary. A narrative and thematic synthesis categorized professional attitudes toward domestic abuse into four emergent themes: attitudes toward engagement and responsibility, attitudes toward victims, knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse, and attitudes as predictors of professional practice. This review addresses a dearth of research and provides recommendations for promoting proactive practice among professionals most likely to receive disclosures of abuse.

Humans

The Dual Role of Executive Functioning in the Association Between Family Socioeconomic Status and Children's Problem Behaviors.

Although prior research suggests that executive functioning may either mediate or moderate the association between family socioeconomic status (SES) and children's problem behaviors, examining these roles separately provides an incomplete account: mediation models may understate individual differences that are not attributable to the environment, whereas moderation models may understate the role of the environment in shaping personal characteristics. To integrate these perspectives, the present longitudinal study examined whether executive functioning simultaneously mediates and moderates the association between family SES and children's internalizing and externalizing problems. A total of 308 children in the early years of elementary school (MageT1 = 7.34 years; 138 girls) were assessed and followed up 39 months later. After controlling for children's gender, age, and grade, lower family SES at T1 significantly predicted higher levels of both internalizing and externalizing problems at T2. Executive functioning at T1 partially mediated these associations, indicating that differences in children's executive functioning partly accounted for socioeconomic disparities in problem behaviors. Executive functioning also moderated both associations: SES was negatively associated with problem behaviors among children with lower executive functioning but not among those with higher executive functioning. These findings highlight the dual role of executive functioning in the longitudinal association between SES and children's problem behaviors and suggest that executive functioning may be a promising target for efforts to reduce mental health disparities associated with socioeconomic disadvantage.

Humans

Prognostic value of the lactate-to-albumin ratio in adult sepsis: An updated systematic review of prognostic evidence.

BACKGROUND: The lactate-to-albumin ratio (LAR) has emerged as a potential prognostic biomarker in sepsis. This systematic review evaluated the prognostic value of LAR for mortality in adults with sepsis or septic shock. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception through March 2026. Studies evaluating mortality-related prognostic performance of LAR in adults with sepsis or septic shock were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality In Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were evaluated separately because of methodological heterogeneity. Discrimination was assessed using study-specific area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and LAR thresholds. RESULTS: Fourteen primary studies were included. Higher LAR was consistently associated with increased mortality across emergency department and intensive care populations. AUC values generally ranged from approximately 0.65 to 0.87, although one smaller cohort reported an AUC of 0.976. Several multivariable analyses demonstrated associations between higher LAR and mortality after adjustment for clinical covariates. Adjusted ORs and HRs were not pooled because of differences in LAR scaling, thresholds, mortality endpoints, and adjustment strategies. Considerable variability was observed in reported cut-offs and diagnostic performance. CONCLUSIONS: Higher LAR is associated with mortality in adult sepsis and may provide complementary prognostic information. However, clinical and methodological heterogeneity precludes a universal cut-off or single pooled adjusted effect. Standardized prospective multicenter studies are required before routine clinical implementation.

Humans

Uncovering parental exposure risks of TCPP: Impaired development and metabolic homeostasis in zebrafish offspring.

As brominated flame retardants are phased out, tris (1&#x2011;chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP), a phosphorus-based flame retardant, has emerged as a prominent detectable flame retardant in the environment. However, TCPP has been found to exhibit endocrine-disrupting effects on organisms, raising significant safety concerns. In our study, we utilized the zebrafish model to explore the toxic effects of parental TCPP exposure on offspring and uncover its regulatory mechanisms through metabolomics analysis. Moreover, the impact on the nervous system and lipid metabolism was examined through behavioral analysis and specific staining. Our findings demonstrated that both embryonic and parental TCPP exposure induced developmental disorders in larvae, along with decreased locomotor activity and disordered lipid metabolism homeostasis. Parental exposure to TCPP, exhibiting stronger developmental toxicity than direct embryonic exposure, notably led to reductions in crucial energy substrates such as amino acids and carbohydrates. Meanwhile, embryonic TCPP exposure primarily affected the endogenous lipid-related metabolites including phospholipids, lipid-soluble vitamins, steroids and fatty acids, promoting lipid accumulation in larval liver and subcutaneous tissue. What's more, continuously parental and embryonic exposure showed the most pronounced effects on zebrafish development and metabolic regulation. Our study highlights the risk posed by parental exposure to TCPP on offspring zebrafish, underscoring the need for comprehensive consideration of the impact from parental exposure in pollutants regulation.

Animals

Comparison of a 755-nm picosecond laser and a 1565-nm nonablative fractional laser for the treatment of atrophic acne scars: a 20-week prospective, randomized, split-face clinical study.

To compare the efficacy and safety of a 755-nm picosecond laser with a diffractive lens array (P-DLA) and a 1565-nm nonablative fractional laser (NAFL) for the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Twenty-seven patients with atrophic acne scars underwent three sessions of randomized split-face treatment with P-DLA and NAFL at 4-week intervals. Patients were followed up at 1, 2, and 3 months after the final treatment. Efficacy was assessed using the &#xc9;chelle d'&#xc9;valuation Clinique des Cicatrices d'Acn&#xe9; (ECCA) grading scale, the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score, patients' self-rated improvement, and overall satisfaction. Treatment-related adverse reactions were recorded daily by patients until resolution. Both modalities demonstrated significant improvements in scar appearance based on ECCA score, IGA score, and patients' self-rated improvement (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). No statistically significant differences in efficacy were observed between the two treatments. However, the P-DLA group showed higher patient satisfaction (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.035) and a more favorable safety profile, including shorter durations of erythema and edema and the absence of crusting. Both P-DLA and NAFL were effective and safe for the treatment of atrophic acne scars, with similar efficacy. P-DLA offered better tolerability.

Humans

Effects of Esketamine on Postoperative Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Scores in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Radical Resection for Colorectal Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of intravenous esketamine on postoperative Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection for colorectal cancer. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study, adult patients for elective laparoscopic radical resection were randomly assigned (1:1) to a control group (group C) or an esketamine group (group PE). Group C received conventional general anesthesia and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA). In group PE, esketamine 0.5&#x2009;mg/kg was injected during induction of anesthesia, with esketamine 1&#x2009;mg/kg added to PCIA. Primary outcome was HADS score on postoperative day 1. Secondary outcomes included HADS scores on postoperative days 3 and 7, sleep quality scores, postoperative level of consciousness, complication rate, length of hospital stay, 24&#x2009;h inflammatory factors, and satisfaction scores. RESULTS: Group PE showed significantly lower HADS-A and HADS-D scores on postoperative days 1 and 3 , reduced 24&#x2009;h interleukin-6 (IL-6) leveland higher patient satisfaction compared with group C (all p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Esketamine given during induction and in PCIA reduced early-stage postoperative HADS scores and improved patient satisfaction in colorectal cancer patients.

Humans

Disentangling oscillatory and aperiodic neural activity in autism: A spectral parameterization analysis of neurofeedback intervention.

BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by atypical neural oscillations and heterogeneous alterations in excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance, the directionality of which varies across individuals, neural circuits, and developmental stages. While Alpha-band neurofeedback (NFB) is a promising intervention, its underlying neurophysiological mechanisms remain unclear, partly due to the conflation of periodic and aperiodic signals in traditional EEG analysis. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial recruited 40 children with ASD, assigned to either an experimental group (Alpha-training NFB) or a no-feedback group. Resting-state EEG and behavioral assessments (SRS, ABC) were collected pre- and post-intervention. We employed spectral parameterization to decompose neural activity into aperiodic (1/f slope, offset) and periodic (periodic alpha power, center frequency) components. RESULTS: NFB training yielded significant behavioral improvements in social cognition and relating skills. Physiologically, the experimental group exhibited a significant steepening of the aperiodic slope (increased exponent), reflecting a reduction in neural noise and potential optimization of inhibitory modulation. Furthermore, we observed enhanced periodic alpha power and an acceleration of the alpha center frequency (ACF), indicative of improved neural efficiency and maturation. These physiological shifts in frontal and occipital regions were significantly correlated with improvements in behavioral scores. CONCLUSION: Alpha-training NFB was associated with improvements in caregiver-rated behavioral scores and modulated spectral features of resting-state EEG in children with ASD. These findings validate the utility of spectral parameterization markers in evaluating neuromodulatory interventions.

Humans

Estimating absenteeism associated with alcohol, illicit substance, and tobacco use: A nationally representative study of Australian workers.

INTRODUCTION: Substance use is common among employed people and has the potential to negatively impact productivity and worker health. However, the literature is inconclusive regarding the extent to which substance use impacts absenteeism. This study sought to extend the literature by investigating the relationship between substance use and absenteeism in the Australian workforce. METHODS: The analysis included N = 12,557 employed respondents of the 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey. We employed quasi-Poisson models to examine the impact of heavy episodic drinking (HED), illicit substance use, and tobacco smoking on work absences. RESULTS: In fully adjusted models, workers who engaged in weekly illicit substance use exhibited significantly elevated absenteeism rates (OR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.08, 2.03]) when compared to abstainers. This finding suggests that each worker who used illicit substances weekly was absent from work for an additional 3.6 days (95% CI [0.52, 6.61]) annually in comparison to those who abstained. HED engagement and smoking were not significantly associated with absenteeism. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This contemporary Australian study provides more refined insights into the relationship between varying levels of substance use and absenteeism at the population level. Findings illustrate the substantial productivity burden attributable to substance use, reinforcing the importance of workplace-targeted interventions and health policies to mitigate substance use and its effects on productivity and worker health.

Humans

Infra-low-frequency neurofeedback alters EEG network efficiency: exploratory evidence from healthy volunteers.

Infra-Low-Frequency Neurofeedback (ILF-NFB) combines classic frequency-band (FB) and infra-low-frequency (ILF) EEG components in implicit training protocols and is increasingly applied in clinical contexts. Yet, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying ILF-NFB remain to be further elucidated. In this randomized, sham-controlled and double-blind study, we explored the online impact of a one-session ILF-NFB application on EEG correlates in healthy participants (39 analyzed datasets). Continuous 31-channel EEG was recorded during verum and sham feedback in a double-blind, randomized crossover design. In this exploratory analysis approach, functional connectivity was estimated using the debiased weighted phase-lag index (dwPLI) and analyzed with graph-theoretical measures. The results revealed higher global efficiency during verum compared to sham in the Beta1 band (12-15 Hz), reaching significance in the primary comparison but not surviving Bonferroni correction across the five tested bands; block-wise follow-ups showed a significant verum-sham difference in the first half of the neurofeedback session and a directionally consistent pattern in the second half. The Condition&#x202f;&#xd7;&#x202f;Block interaction was not significant. No consistent differences were observed in other frequency bands, nor for betweenness centrality. While preliminary, these exploratory results point to possible network-level effects during ILF-NFB and motivate further confirmatory work in extended training protocols and clinical populations.

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Obesity-Related Coagulation Activation in Adolescents and Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

UNLABELLED: Obesity is recognized as a pro-thrombotic condition, yet the extent of coagulation activation across biomarkers remains unclear. This meta-analysis evaluates the impact of obesity on parameters-D-dimer, fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), von Willebrand factor (vWF), factor VIII (FVIII), and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP)-in children and adults. METHODS: Sixty-four studies comprising 59,503 individuals were analyzed. Plasma biomarker levels were compared between non-obese and obese groups using standardized mean differences (SMDs), with subgroup analyses. RESULTS: D-dimer was significantly elevated in adults with obesity (SMD 1.36, 95% CI 0.47-2.25, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.003) and children with obesity (SMD 0.77, 95% CI 0.19-1.36, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.009), indicating increased fibrin turnover. Fibrinogen levels were markedly higher in both adults (SMD 1.17, 95% CI 0.14-2.20, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.03) and children (SMD 1.43, 95% CI 0.93-1.92, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001). PAI-1 showed the most pronounced increase in adults (SMD 2.30, 95% CI 0.1.51-3.09, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001) and children (SMD 3.54, 95% CI 1.65-5.43, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.0002). FVIII levels were modestly elevated (SMD 0.52, 95% CI 0.10-0.94, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.02), whereas vWF levels showed inconsistent changes. ETP was significantly higher in obesity, in children (SMD 1.06, 95% CI 0.24-1.88, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.01) and adults (SMD 0.71, 95% CI 0.46-0.97, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001). Gender-stratified data indicated higher PAI-1, fibrinogen, and ETP levels in females. CONCLUSION: Obesity is associated with increased coagulation activation, suggesting a pro-thrombotic shift. These findings support the need for age- and gender-specific research into obesity-related hemostatic alterations.

Humans