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From human papillomavirus (HPV) infection to HPV-associated cancers in systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The current cervix-focused screening paradigm in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may underestimate extra-cervical anogenital cancer risk. This meta-analysis aimed to quantify the risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV-associated cancers in SLE patients. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed (2010), Embase (2010), and Cochrane Library (2010) to August 8, 2025. Odds Ratios (ORs) and Standardized Incidence Ratios (SIRs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were calculated. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251122192). RESULTS: SLE was associated with significantly increased odds of HPV infection (OR = 4.12, 95% CI 2.03, 8.32). We further assessed the risk of HPV-associated malignancies in SLE patients. SLE patients exhibited substantially elevated risks across multiple HPV-associated cancers (SIR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.51, 2.38). The risk of cervical cancer was more than doubled (SIR = 2.25, 95% CI 1.75, 2.89). Notably, even higher risks were observed for extra-cervical anogenital cancers, namely vulvar/vaginal cancers (SIR = 5.60, 95% CI 3.71, 8.43). CONCLUSIONS: SLE is associated with elevated risks of HPV infection and a broad spectrum of HPV-associated cancers. Subgroup analyses suggested that cyclophosphamide use, multiple sexual partners, and Asian populations may constitute higher-risk subgroups. These findings highlight the need for additional prospective evidence to better characterize HPV-associated cancer risks in SLE patients.

Humans

Relationship between menopausal hormone therapy and incidence risk of breast cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is widely prescribed for alleviating menopausal symptoms. Prior studies have mainly focused on individual hormone therapy formulations. This meta-analysis comprehensively synthesized evidence across various regimens to systematically evaluate the association between MHT and breast cancer risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically searched CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, and Web of Science from inception through August 2024. Eligible studies examining breast cancer risk following MHT were independently screened and assessed by two reviewers. The review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Thirty-four studies were included. The random-effects model showed a significant but heterogeneous overall association (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.09-1.22; I&#xb2; = 92.4%). Subgroup analysis identified hormone type, use status, and region as key determinants (P for interaction < 0.001). Stratification by hormone type resolved much of the heterogeneity, revealing risk confined to estrogen-progestin therapy (EPT; OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.26-1.64), while estrogen-only therapy (ET) showed no overall association (OR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.91-1.10). Study type, region, and sample size were significant effect modifiers. For ET, randomized controlled trials demonstrated a protective effect (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.70-0.87), contrasting with neutral findings from observational studies. CONCLUSIONS: MHT is associated with a modest but significant increase in breast cancer risk, primarily driven by EPT. This risk was not observed with ET in observational studies, though trials suggested a protective effect. Crucially, the association shows marked geographical heterogeneity, indicating risk is modified by regimen and regional factors.

Humans

Prevalence and risk factors of nutritional anaemia among adolescents in India: a systematic review with meta-analysis of prevalence.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional anaemia is a major public health concern among adolescents in India, threatening physical growth, cognitive development, and future maternal health. This systematic review with meta-analysis of prevalence aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of nutritional anaemia among Indian adolescents aged 10-19&#x2009;years and identify key associated risk factors. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus up to February 2025. Data were extracted on study design, setting, diagnostic methods, prevalence, and risk factors. Quality was assessed with a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects meta-analysis estimated pooled prevalence, with subgroup analyses by state and gender, and pooled odds ratios for risk factors. RESULTS: Forty-five studies encompassing diverse Indian regions and 159,979 adolescents were included. The pooled prevalence of nutritional anaemia was 56% (95% CI: 49%-63%), with higher rates among girls (62%) than boys (39%). Iron deficiency (OR 2.38-4.68), other micronutrient deficiencies, low socioeconomic status, poor dietary diversity, female gender, and inadequate supplementation were consistently associated with higher anaemia risk. CONCLUSION: Nutritional anaemia impacts more than half of Indian adolescents, with notable regional and gender differences. Its complex nutritional, socioeconomic, and behavioural causes demand targeted, context-specific interventions to enhance adolescent health nationwide.

Humans

Impact of smoking on structural failure after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff tears cause significant shoulder pain and functional limitation. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair improves symptoms, yet structural failure rates remain substantial. Smoking may impair tendon-to-bone healing, but clinical studies report mixed findings due to heterogeneous methodology. Therefore, a systematic synthesis of imaging-confirmed outcomes is needed to clarify the association between smoking and structural failure after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: This review followed PRISMA 2020 and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251246197). PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 12 December 2025. Comparative clinical studies of adults undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair that reported imaging-confirmed structural integrity (magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography) at &#x2265;6 months were included. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The primary outcome (structural failure) was pooled as risk ratios using a random-effects model with the restricted maximum likelihood estimator and Hartung-Knapp adjustment. Secondary continuous outcomes were synthesized using Bayesian random-effects models; subgroup, sensitivity, and meta-regression analyses explored heterogeneity. RESULTS: Ten cohort studies (1,683 shoulders) were included. Smoking was associated with a higher risk of imaging-confirmed structural failure (risk ratio 1.53; 95% confidence interval 1.13-2.08; P = .011) with low heterogeneity (I2 = 24.7%). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses supported robustness, with no evidence of effect modification by region, follow-up duration, tear size, or smoking definition. Meta-regression showed no significant influence of age, smoking prevalence, or diabetes prevalence on the pooled effect. Secondary outcomes (3 studies) suggested slightly lower postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores among smokers, while visual analog scale pain scores and forward flexion showed no clear between-group differences. No publication-bias signals were detected for the primary outcome. CONCLUSION: Smoking is associated with a higher risk of imaging-confirmed structural failure after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Functional outcomes were broadly similar between groups, with only a small, likely clinically negligible reduction in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores among smokers. These findings support careful smoking history assessment and perioperative risk modification, including smoking cessation strategies.

Humans

A risk-need-responsivity (RNR)-informed systematic review of needs during the pretrial period.

OBJECTIVE: Pretrial risk assessments are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Despite the importance of assessing and intervening around "needs" in the risk-need-responsivity model, few pretrial risk assessments include comprehensive assessment of needs. We aim to provide a systematic review of the prevalence of and predictive utility of needs within the pretrial population. HYPOTHESES: There were no hypotheses given the nature of the study. METHOD: We conducted searches for articles in the EBSCO, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases using key words related to 11 needs domains: antisocial personality, procriminal attitudes, procriminal associates, substance use, family/marital relationships, school/work, prosocial recreational activities, self-esteem, housing, mental health, and physical health. We identified 215 articles that reported on the prevalence of needs or explored their predictive associations with pretrial misconduct outcomes in adult populations. RESULTS: Overall, we find few comprehensive investigations of needs in the pretrial domain, apart from substance use. Variation in methodology and operationalization contributes to wide variability in prevalence estimates. We found only 15 articles that examined predictive associations between pretrial needs and outcomes, which were limited to investigations of behavioral health, employment, and housing needs. Substance use and housing needs emerged as the only consistent predictors of pretrial misconduct. CONCLUSIONS: Researchers should more directly assess the prevalence and predictive utility of needs within the pretrial period to bolster the evidence base for including these factors in pretrial risk assessments. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Humans

Risk-Benefit of Phase 2 Monotherapy Trials in Adult Solid Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Phase 2 (and phase 1 dose expansion, which we label phase 2 for the purposes of this study) cancer trials are the first direct tests of a new drug's efficacy. Because efficacy evidence is lacking, the therapeutic status of drug administration during ethical review is uncertain. We compared the efficacy and safety of cancer monotherapies in phase 2&#xa0;with phase 3, where clinical equipoise underwrites a therapeutic status for drug administration. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Clinicaltrials.gov for phase 2 and 3 investigational monotherapy drug trials in six solid malignancies, with primary completion dates 2015-2020, inclusive. Two independent reviewers completed data extraction. Effects were estimated using an inverse-variance weighted random-effects model meta-analysis of proportions using the R package meta. We analyzed 130 phase 2 and 52 phase 3 trial arms, enrolling 6665 and 18,694 patients. The pooled objective response rate was 7% (95% CI 5%-11%) in phase 2 versus 24% in phase 3 (95% CI 17%-31%; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001). The median PFS and OS were shorter in phase 2 compared to phase 3 (3.23 vs. 5.43&#x2009;months, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001; 9.46 vs. 14.44&#x2009;months, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.0001). The pooled rate of drug-related grade 3-4 adverse events was 30% (95% CI 23%-37%) in phase 2 and 25% (95% CI 19%-32%) in phase 3. Monotherapies delivered in phase 2 cancer trials present diminished risk-benefit compared with phase 3 and align with historic estimates for phase 1. Though there may be exceptions, risks for drug administration in phase 2 should generally be justified by appeals to research rather than therapeutic value.

Humans

Polygenic risk scores in major depressive disorder: A systematic review across diagnostic, treatment, course/severity, and subtype domains.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is heterogeneous across diagnostic, treatment-related, course/severity, and subtype domains. Polygenic risk score (PRS) studies have examined these domains, but differences in PRS sources, samples, methods, and endpoint definitions have fragmented the evidence. We synthesised findings and examined potential contributors to heterogeneity. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were searched for studies published from January 2016 through 25 November 2025. Result records were synthesised using SWiM, and certainty was assessed with an adapted GRADE framework. RESULTS: Sixty studies contributed 493 retained records; 450 were descriptively classified as positive, null, or reverse, although records were not independent. Positive findings accounted for 44/56 diagnostic, 61/273 treatment-related, 64/100 course/severity, and 14/21 subtype records. For MDD/depression-derived PRSs and case-control MDD status, all 10 contributing studies showed higher liability in cases (exploratory exact sign test p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.002; FDR q&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.004). The same PRS group showed positive findings for overall depressive symptom severity (14/18), although the study-level test was imprecise (5/5 studies; p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.063). Pharmacological response/remission findings for these PRSs were mostly null or directionally mixed (10 positive, 18 null, and 9 reverse). Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) findings differed by operational definition. Atypical and psychotic subtype signals arose mainly from single-study PRS and endpoint contrasts. CONCLUSIONS: PRS evidence was clearest for MDD diagnostic status and showed a tentative pattern for overall symptom burden. Treatment and subtype findings were less consistent or less replicated. Larger, ancestrally diverse studies with standardised endpoints and transparent PRS methods are needed.

Humans

Integrated multi-omics analyses identify an RAS-SLC11A2-associated molecular framework linking iron metabolism with PCOS-related cardiometabolic risk.

INTRODUCTION: PCOS is a common endocrine disorder with elevated cardiometabolic risk, yet the role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS)-iron metabolism axis in this comorbidity remains unclear. We explored its underlying mechanisms and evaluated the therapeutic potential of gentiopicroside. METHODS: Integrated multi-omics analyses combining transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, Mendelian randomization, machine learning, molecular docking, and in vitro functional assays were performed to identify shared molecular pathways and therapeutic targets across PCOS, hypertension, NAFLD, and T2DM. RESULTS: SLC11A2 was consistently dysregulated in PCOS transcriptomic datasets, and associated with iron metabolism, inflammatory response and oxidative stress pathways. Genetic analyses validated RAS-related regulation in hypertension susceptibility and revealed shared genetic architecture between PCOS and cardiometabolic traits. Network and single-cell analyses characterized SLC11A2-associated molecular patterns in disease-relevant cell types; machine learning identified disease-classifying molecular signatures. Gentiopicroside alleviated inflammatory and oxidative stress phenotypes, including reduced IL-6 expression and reactive oxygen species accumulation. CONCLUSION: This study defines an RAS-SLC11A2 molecular framework linking iron metabolism dysregulation to PCOS-related cardiometabolic risk, elucidating the mechanisms connecting ovarian dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress and hypertension, and supports gentiopicroside as a promising therapeutic candidate.

Humans

A systematic review and network meta-analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with oral submucous fibrosis risk.

BACKGROUND: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic and insidious oral disease characterized by hyalinization of the subepithelial connective tissue and progressive fibrosis of the oral submucosa. It is a precancerous condition of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Studies have demonstrated that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are closely associated with susceptibility to OSF. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the association between SNPs and OSF risk and to rank the strength of the association between different genetic models and OSF susceptibility. METHODS: Literature related to OSF was comprehensively searched from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wangfang databases up to July 2025. Full-text case-control studies with patients diagnosed with OSF were included. Quality assessment was performed to evaluate the risk of bias. RevMan 5.4, GeMTC 0.14.3, and STATA 17.0 were used for the pairwise and Bayesian network meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 24 studies with 2545 cases and 3772 controls, covering 13 SNPs in 11 genes, were included in our meta-analysis. We found that CYP1A1 rs4646903:T>C, CYP1A1 rs1048943:A>G, GSTT1 null genotype, GSTM1 null genotype, and XRCC3 rs861539:C>T were associated with an increased risk of OSF, while MMP2 rs243865:C>T and MMP3 rs3025058: 5A>6A were associated with a decreased risk of OSF. Further Bayesian network meta-analysis indicated the top 5 genetic models with the highest association with OSF risk in network group 1 were the dominant model, homozygous model, allelic model, and recessive model of CYP1A1 rs1048943:A>G (ranked 1-4), and the heterozygous/dominant model of CYP1A1 rs4646903:T>C (both ranked 5). While the allelic models of XRCC3 rs861539:C>T and MMP3 rs3025058: 5A>6A ranked first for predicting OSF in group 2 and group 3, respectively. CONCLUSION: Some specific SNPs are significantly related to the risk of OSF. Among them, the dominant model of CYP1A1 rs1048943:A>G may be the most strongly associated genetic model with OSF risk. Future large-sample, well-designed studies with detailed genotype data are needed to validate the roles of these SNPs in OSF risk.

Humans

Atopic dermatitis and the risk of osteoporosis and fractures: a meta-analysis of cohort studies.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) by synthesizing data from cohort studies. We also provide a comprehensive analysis of fracture risks across different severities of AD and anatomical sites. METHODS: Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library up to May 30, 2025. Studies that investigated the relationship between AD and osteoporosis or fractures were included in the analysis. Data extraction and screening were performed independently by two reviewers. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effects meta-analysis was applied, alongside sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's test. RESULTS: Ten cohort studies, involving 368 to over 2 million AD patients, were included. NOS scores ranged from 7 to 8, indicating generally high study quality. The pooled analysis revealed a 56% increased risk of osteoporosis (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.14-2.13; I2&#xa0;=&#xa0;99.9%, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001) and an 8% increased risk of all-cause fractures (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.05-1.10; I2&#xa0;=&#xa0;82.1%, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001) in AD patients. Subgroup analyses demonstrated a progressive increase in fracture risk with the severity of AD. Specific risks were significantly higher for vertebral fractures (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08-1.20; I2&#xa0;=&#xa0;67.3%, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.009) and lower limb fractures (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.08-1.13; I2&#xa0;=&#xa0;65.0%, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.014). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings, and no significant publication bias was detected (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.316). CONCLUSION: AD is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures, particularly among patients with severe AD and those experiencing vertebral or lower limb fractures. These findings highlight the importance of targeted bone health monitoring in the clinical management of AD patients.Registration: (PROSPERO: CRD420251066550).

Humans

Gout and allopurinol adherence in newly diagnosed patients and the risk of fractures: a nationwide cohort study.

INTRODUCTION / OBJECTIVES: The association between gout and fractures remains controversial due to the competing effects of uric acid's antioxidant properties and gout-induced chronic inflammation. Our study aimed to evaluate the risk of fractures in newly diagnosed gout patients and to analyze the impact of Allopurinol medication adherence on this risk. METHODS: This nationwide cohort study utilized the National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort (NHIS-HEALS) database (2002-2019). We identified 4,107 patients newly diagnosed with gout who remained on continuous allopurinol therapy during the 24-month medication assessment period and matched them 1:3 with 12,321 non-gout controls using propensity score matching. Allopurinol adherence was assessed via the Medication Possession Ratio (MPR) over a 24-month period and categorized into three groups: MPR&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.3, 0.3&#x2009;&#x2264;&#x2009;MPR&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.8, and MPR&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;0.8. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for fractures (vertebral, hip, and distal radius). RESULTS: Gout patients demonstrated a significantly higher risk of overall fractures compared to the non-gout group (aHR 5.52; 95% CI 4.19-7.26). A significant inverse linear relationship was observed between allopurinol adherence and fracture risk (P for trend&#x2009;<&#x2009;.001). The risk was highest in the low-adherence group (MPR&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.3; aHR 5.91; 95% CI 4.40-7.93) and relatively lower in the high-adherence group (MPR&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;0.8; aHR 4.77; 95% CI 2.94-7.72). Consistent trends were observed for vertebral (aHR 5.68) and hip (aHR 4.22) fractures. These associations remained consistent across all subgroups, including age, sex, and comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Newly diagnosed gout is associated with a substantially increased risk of fractures. Higher adherence to Allopurinol therapy is correlated with a significant reduction in this risk, suggesting that consistent urate-lowering therapy may mitigate gout-related bone fragility. Key Points &#x2022; Newly diagnosed gout patients have a significantly higher risk of major osteoporotic fractures compared to the non-gout population. &#x2022; A significant inverse linear relationship exists between Allopurinol adherence and fracture risk, with the highest adherence group (MPR &#x2265; 0.8) showing a relatively lower risk. &#x2022; Consistent urate-lowering therapy (ULT) may mitigate bone fragility in gout patients by reducing systemic inflammatory burden caused by urate crystal deposition.

Humans

The Childhood Cancer and Leukemia International Consortium (CLIC): Expanding global collaboration in pediatric cancer etiology research.

Childhood cancers are rare, but incidence has risen modestly in countries with robust registration, partly reflecting improved diagnosis. In high-income countries, cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death in children. Marked inequities in incidence, survival, and research capacity underscore the need for large-scale collaboration to identify environmental, genetic, and contextual determinants of risk. The Childhood Cancer and Leukemia International Consortium (CLIC) was established in 2007 to study the etiology of childhood leukemia and later expanded in 2019 to include other childhood cancers, principally solid tumors. CLIC pools harmonized, individual-level data from case-control and cohort studies, obtained through interviews, record linkage (insurance claims, registries), or geographic information systems, and integrates germline genomic data where available. Membership has grown from 13 studies in 9 countries to 57 studies in 21 countries; recruitment spans the early 1960s to the present and encompasses approximately 150,000 cases across all tumor types and 300,000 controls with clinical, demographic, and exposure data, centralized via harmonized data dictionaries at the Data Coordination Center, established in 2014 at the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and supported by a secure analysis platform. Pooled analyses across diverse populations have implicated parental age, prenatal vitamin or folic acid use, mode of delivery, fetal growth, selected congenital anomalies, occupational or household exposures (e.g., pesticides), paternal smoking, and markers of early-life immune modulation (e.g., breastfeeding, daycare attendance) in leukemia risk, informing carcinogen evaluation and prevention. The integration of genetic ancestry and germline susceptibility data is clarifying ancestry-related differences in leukemia biology and outcomes, while confirming risk loci with population-specific effects. CLIC is now adding polygenic risk scores and exposomic data to refine etiologic subtyping and identify modifiable pathways, while broadening representation from underserved regions through partnership-building and capacity-strengthening.

Humans

Toward personalized interventions for preventing depression in primary care: Qualitative and quantitative findings from the e-predictD pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The predictD intervention, delivered by family physicians (FPs), has demonstrated effectiveness and cost-efficiency in preventing depression and anxiety. The e-predictD study aims to design, develop, and evaluate a novel personalized intervention for depression prevention by integrating information and communication technologies (ICTs), risk prediction algorithms, and decision support systems (DSS) for both patients and FPs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the satisfaction, usability, and acceptability, of a beta version of the e-predictD intervention in primary care settings. METHODS: The e-predictD intervention follows a biopsychosocial approach, including an initial patient-FP interview, specific FP training, and an app. A &#x3b2;-version was tested in a pilot study without a control group over three months. The app integrates a validated depression risk prediction algorithm, decision algorithms, and a monitoring system supporting the DSS. The DSS generates a personalized prevention plan (PPP) from eight intervention modules: physical exercise, social relationships, problem-solving, communication skills, decision-making, assertiveness, sleep improvement, and cognitive restructuring. Patients and FPs discussed the PPP in a 15-minute baseline interview, selecting modules for implementation over three months. Semi-structured interviews gathered feedback. Assessments included depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), quality of life (SF-12), and major depression risk (predictD algorithm). RESULTS: Six FPs from six Spanish cities enrolled 56 non-depressed patients at moderate-to-high risk of depression; 47 (84%) completed follow-up. The app was used for a median of six days (interquartile range: 1-30). Both FPs and patients expressed satisfaction, leading to incorporated improvements. After three months, significant reductions in major depression risk and anxiety symptoms were observed, alongside improved mental quality of life. However, no significant changes were found in depressive symptoms or physical quality of life. CONCLUSION: This pilot study supports the feasibility and acceptability of the e-predictD &#x3b2;-version, despite lower-than-expected app usability. Health improvements were observed, warranting confirmation in a randomized controlled trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03990792.

Adult

Suicidality risk of cancer caregivers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: The increase in the number of global cancer cases is expected to lead to a greater caregiving burden. However, few studies have investigated the risk of suicidality among cancer caregivers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to explore the risk of suicidality among cancer caregivers. METHODS: For this systematic review, a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science databases, PsycINFO and Scopus databases was conducted from inception to 16 July 2025. A meta-analysis was performed to determine the odds ratios (ORs) for case-control and cross-sectional studies and the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for cohort studies. RESULTS: Seven studies were included (four cohort studies, one case-control study and two cross-sectional studies), and 638,188 study subjects and 4,203,957 nonexposed subjects. The meta-analyses revealed that the ORs was 1.91 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46-2.49) in the case-control study, cross-sectional studies, and one cohort study which reported ORs, and the aHRs was 1.32 (95% CI: 1.16-1.50) in the three cohort studies. Caregivers of patients with highly aggressive cancers had a greater risk of suicidality (aHR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.48-1.86). Within the first 7&#x2009;years following a patient's cancer diagnosis, the risk of suicidality among caregivers remained elevated (aHR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.04-1.94). CONCLUSION: The results indicate the need for both clinical and societal awareness to reduce the risk of suicidality among cancer caregivers, especially those with highly aggressive cancers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered prospectively in PROSPERO (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/) with the registration number (PROSPERO CRD420251011926) and date of registration(15/03/2025).

Humans

Microplastic contamination in South Asian commercially important seafood: A comprehensive assessment of occurrence, source, and human health risk.

Seafood is a cornerstone of global food security and human nutrition, serving as the primary source of animal protein for more than one-fourth of the global population, with South Asia representing one of the world's fastest-growing seafood-consuming regions. However, escalating microplastic (MP) pollution in marine ecosystems poses an emerging threat to seafood safety and human health, yet a comprehensive regional assessment of MP contamination in South Asian seafood remains lacking. This study presents the first region-wide systematic synthesis of the literature on MP contamination in commercially important seafood across South Asia, integrating occurrence patterns, human exposure assessment, polymer-specific hazard evaluation, and bibliometric analysis to address this critical knowledge gap. The meta-analysis estimated an average microplastic exposure of 145&#xa0;particles/person/day through seafood consumption in South Asia, with fish contributing the highest intake (121 particles/person/day). The detected polymers were classified into PHI hazard levels I-IV, with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), and polyacrylamide (PAM) representing the highest hazard categories. The mean pollution load index (PLI) was 7.71 (Category I), with crustaceans exhibiting the highest contamination (PLI&#xa0;=&#xa0;10.07). Polypropylene was the predominant polymer, whereas fragments and blue particles were the most frequently reported microplastic characteristics. These findings provide the first regional baseline for assessing microplastic contamination, polymer-associated hazards, and human exposure through seafood consumption in South Asia, underscoring the need for standardized monitoring and targeted mitigation strategies to safeguard seafood safety and public health.

Animals

The Impact of Hemoglobin Concentration on Prognosis in Patients With Diabetic Foot: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Risk Factors for Adverse Outcomes and Clinical Management.

BackgroundDiabetic foot (DF) complications, including diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), lead to significant morbidity, disability, and economic burden. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels may influence the prognosis of DF patients, but their relationship with adverse clinical outcomes remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between hemoglobin concentration and the risk of adverse outcomes in diabetic foot patients, including amputation and mortality.MethodsWe followed PRISMA guidelines to conduct a systematic literature review. A meta-analysis was performed on observational studies assessing the impact of hemoglobin levels on amputation, mortality, and ulcer incidence. A random-effects model was applied, and risk bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.ResultsA total of 22 observational studies involving 10,984 patients were included. Our meta-analysis revealed that lower hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with a higher risk of amputation (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94-0.99, P < .001), and lower hemoglobin concentrations were found in amputation cases compared to non-amputation cases (SMD = -0.14, 95% CI: -0.24 to -0.04, P < .01). However, no significant association was found between hemoglobin levels and mortality (OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.33-2.89, P > .05). Sensitivity and publication bias analyses indicated robust results.ConclusionLower hemoglobin levels were associated with higher odds of amputation in patients with diabetic foot. However, pooled effects were small and heterogeneity was substantial across studies; therefore, hemoglobin likely functions primarily as a marker of overall disease burden and perioperative risk rather than a proven modifiable target. Prospective interventional studies are needed to determine whether correcting anemia improves limb outcomes and survival.

Humans

Enhanced risk stratification in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy through the integration of extracellular volume fraction on cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

AIMS: This study investigated the incremental prognostic value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived extracellular volume fraction (ECV), a marker of diffuse interstitial fibrosis, beyond late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). METHODS AND RESULTS: We analysed 990 consecutive HCM patients (median age 58 years, male 68.3%) who underwent CMR between 2012 and 2024. LGE and global ECV were quantified, and their associations with the primary endpoint of HCM-related events-a composite of sudden cardiac death (SCD) events, heart failure (HF) events, and HCM-related death-were assessed. During a median follow-up of 3.2 years, 64 (6.5%) patients experienced the primary endpoint. While LGE (median 7.1%, IQR 2.3-16.9%) and ECV (median 29.0%, IQR 26.6-32.0%) were moderately correlated (R = 0.604, P < 0.001), both were significantly associated with increased risk of the primary endpoint and individual outcomes of SCD and HF events, and optimal cutoffs were determined as LGE &#x2265; 27% and ECV &#x2265; 35%. Patients with ECV &#x2265; 35% had more symptoms, a more severe phenotype with greater systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and more pathogenic gene variants. Notably, ECV remained a significant predictor of the primary endpoint (adjusted HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.15, per 1%) after adjustment for key disease variables, including left ventricular ejection fraction and LGE. Elevated ECV effectively identified high-risk individuals even among lower-risk subgroups, including those with low LGE burden. CONCLUSION: Increased ECV is an independent predictor of HCM-related outcomes. ECV may serve as a novel imaging biomarker to refine risk stratification in HCM patients who do not meet traditional LGE-based high-risk criteria.

Humans

Beyond risk factors: A capacity framework for cancer survivorship research.

Cancer survivorship research has identified numerous biological, behavioral, psychosocial, health care, and structural factors that influence recovery. However, these factors are typically studied as separate determinants rather than interacting influences. This commentary proposes available survivorship capacity as a unifying framework that explains how these diverse determinants collectively shape recovery and survivorship outcomes. Concepts from geroscience, health care delivery, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and human factors science were synthesized to develop a conceptual framework of available survivorship capacity. The framework conceptualizes recovery as a function of the capacity remaining after competing health care and life demands draw upon survivors' finite physical, cognitive, emotional, social, financial, temporal, and health care resources. It generates testable propositions for measurement, intervention research, health care delivery, and implementation science while positioning available survivorship capacity as a common mechanism linking diverse determinants of recovery and identifying actionable targets for intervention. Available capacity offers a unifying conceptual framework for understanding heterogeneity in survivorship outcomes and intervention effectiveness while generating a research agenda for future survivorship science. Measuring and strengthening survivors' available capacity, while reducing unnecessary demands, may improve engagement in care, health behaviors, and long-term recovery.

Humans