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ESC quality indicators for post-myocardial infarction care: transition and chronic coronary syndrome phases.

AIMS: We aimed to develop the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) quality indicators (QIs) for myocardial infarction (MI), from 1 year after hospital discharge, corresponding to transition to the chronic coronary syndrome phases. METHODS AND RESULTS: We collaborated with the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) and developed QIs for the long-term management of patients following MI. We applied the ESC methodology for QI development by (i) determining key domains of post-MI care; (ii) developing candidate QIs by performing a systematic review of the literature, and (iii) selecting the final set of QIs using a modified Delphi approach. In total, 18 QIs were identified across seven domains of care including (i) structural framework, (ii) risk assessment and follow-up, (iii) pharmacological management, (iv) rehabilitation, behavioural, and preventive interventions, (v) coronary revascularization, (vi) clinical outcomes, and (vii) patient-reported outcomes. CONCLUSION: We present the ESC QIs from 1 year after hospitalization for MI, to standardize and address gaps in care for this high-risk group. These QIs are supported by evidence from contemporary literature, endorsed by expert consensus, and aligned with the 2024 ESC guidelines on the management of chronic coronary syndromes. LAY SUMMARY: Measures to evaluate and improve the long-term management of patients following a heart attack are needed. In this paper, we identified key aspects of care that can help clinicians, decision-makers and patients improve the quality of care, from one year after a heart attack onwards, and help address inequalities and variations in clinical practice.

Humans

A systematic review and meta-analysis of radiation-induced oral complications in head and neck cancer: Prevalence and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Radiation-induced oral complications, notably xerostomia and oral mucositis (OM), are common and debilitating in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), adversely affecting swallowing, nutritional intake, and overall quality of life (QoL). OBJECTIVES: This review aimed to quantify the prevalence of radiation-induced xerostomia and OM and synthesize their impact on dysphagia and nutritional status among HNC patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive searches were performed in MEDLINE, Scopus, SciFinder, Embase, and PubMed for studies published between January 2019 and December 2025. Data from 51 studies were extracted and synthesized. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence was 85% (95% CI: 81.6-87.9%) for xerostomia and 88.3% (95% CI: 73.9-95.3%) for any-grade OM. Severe OM (Grade 3-4) had a prevalence of 39.5% (95% CI: 23.1-58.8%). These complications were strongly interrelated and significantly associated with dysphagia (69.8%; 95% CI: 53.1-83.7%), malnutrition (66.6%; 95% CI: 37.3-95.9%), and poor QoL (pooled mean QoL score: 64.13/100). Studies employing advanced radiation techniques (e.g., IMRT) demonstrated a lower prevalence of xerostomia (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.42-0.80) compared to conventional RT. CONCLUSION: Radiation-induced oral complications (xerostomia & OM) remain prevalent and clinically significant burden in HNC patients, contributing to a cascade of functional impairments and diminished QoL. These findings highlight the need for preventive strategies, symptom management interventions, and the broader adoption of advanced RT techniques. Longitudinal research is warranted to further evaluate long-term outcomes and guide patient-centered care models.

Humans

Clustering patterns of behavioral and metabolic risk factors for noncommunicable diseases in Iran: findings from a national STEPS survey.

BACKGROUND: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality in Iran, driven by behavioral and metabolic risk factors that frequently co-occur. OBJECTIVE: To identify patterns of co-occurring behavioral and metabolic NCD risk factors among Iranian adults and characterize their demographic and socioeconomic correlates. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 16,618 adults aged ≥25 years who participated in Iran's 2021 nationally representative STEPS survey. Thirteen behavioral and metabolic variables, including physical activity, nutrition score, smoking frequency, alcohol intake, salt intake, body mass index, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and lipid markers, were entered into a K-means clustering analysis. Clusters were characterized by their risk profiles and demographic/socioeconomic attributes. Multinomial logistic regression examined associations between cluster membership and sociodemographic factors. RESULTS: Five distinct behavioral-metabolic clusters emerged. The smokers-drinkers (SD) cluster (3.1%) comprised mostly older, less-educated men with high smoking and alcohol use. The healthy-low-risk (HLR) cluster (40.3%) showed favorable profiles and included younger, more educated individuals. The physically active (PA) cluster (6.6%) was characterized mainly by younger men with markedly high physical activity levels. The dyslipidemic (DLP) cluster (26.0%) exhibited high dyslipidemia and overweight prevalence, while the hypertensive-diabetic (HTD) cluster (24.0%) had the highest obesity, hypertension, and diabetes rates, common among older urban adults. CONCLUSION: Behavioral and metabolic NCD risk factors in Iran formed five distinct co-occurrence patterns. Nearly half of adults belonged to metabolically high-risk clusters, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies that combine lifestyle interventions with screening and management of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

Humans

Ventriculostomy-Related Infections by Country-Income Level: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Hierarchical Meta-analysis.

Our objective was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature on ventriculostomy-related infection (VRI) and evaluate temporal and global trends. We conducted a systematic review and Bayesian hierarchical random-effects meta-analysis of VRI rates in adults, stratified by country-income level (high-income countries [HIC]; low- or middle-income countries [LMIC]), study design, sample size, enrollment period, VRI intervention, and VRI definition. We identified 159 articles published between 1989 and 2025 that included 523,704 patients with 7293 VRIs. The pooled VRI rate was 8.64% [95% CI: 7.44-9.97], with moderate heterogeneity and good model fit. The leave-one-out sensitivity analysis showed a mean absolute change of 0.06% and a maximum change of 0.2%, indicating robust analysis. Five of the 33 represented countries had VRI rates below the global pooled rate of 8.64%. Four were HICs: Singapore (VRI rate 3.3% [0.8-7]), the United States (VRI rate 4.6% [3.4-5.9]), Germany (VRI rate 6.1% [1.1-18.9]), Norway (8.3% [0.3-68.4]), with 1 LMIC: China (8.5% [5.4-12.4]). VRI was significantly higher in studies using definitions beyond CSF culture alone for VRI (+3.16% [0.11- 6.52]) and in those from Europe (+7.29% [4.62-10.10]) and the Western Pacific (+4.09% [1.55-6.98]). No other subgroup demonstrated significant differences. This Bayesian meta-analysis provides global estimates and factors associated with VRI. Standardization of VRI definitions is critical for future benchmarking of VRI rates.

Humans

"Everybody thinks that it won't happen to them": A mixed-methods study of HIV prevention strategies among people experiencing homelessness who use drugs.

BACKGROUND: HIV disproportionately affects people experiencing homelessness, particularly those who use drugs. Although effective prevention strategies exist, uptake remains suboptimal in high-risk populations. Limited research has examined how this population engages with HIV prevention strategies and the contextual factors shaping behaviors. METHODS: We conducted a mixed-methods study of adults (≥18 years) experiencing homelessness with recent drug use, recruited from three Boston sites (Feb 2024-Jan 2025). Participants completed a survey assessing HIV prevention strategy uptake. A subsample completed in-depth interviews on factors influencing behavior. Guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework, we coded qualitative data and identified themes to help contextualize uptake. RESULTS: Among 196 participants, mean age was 48; 61% identified as male and 44% as non-Hispanic White. Forty-two percent reported condomless sex, and among those who had ever injected drugs (n = 123), 24% reported syringe sharing in the prior three months. Only 9% reported current PrEP use, and 12% had ever used HIV self-tests. Qualitative findings highlighted perceived control as a key facilitator, while low perceived HIV risk hindered uptake across strategies. Additional barriers varied by strategy and included partner dynamics and substance use affecting condom use, structural constraints affecting syringe use, and knowledge, stigma, and cost concerns affecting PrEP and self-testing. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of people experiencing homelessness who use drugs, HIV prevention strategy uptake was suboptimal, with particularly low PrEP and HIV self-testing use. Qualitative findings suggest that interventions to promote HIV prevention strategy uptake in this population should leverage perceived control, address perceived risk, and target strategy-specific interpersonal and structural barriers.

Humans

Effects of Dynamic Neck Sensorimotor Biofeedback Training in Individuals With Mechanical Neck Pain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Mechanical neck pain (MNP) is commonly accompanied by pain-related functional limitations, sensorimotor disturbances, and fear of movement, which together may contribute to persistent disability. This preliminary randomized controlled trial study investigated the short-term effects of dynamic neck sensorimotor-based biofeedback training in individuals with MNP. 20 MNP patients from outpatient clinics were assigned to a biofeedback training group or a control group. The training group underwent dynamic biofeedback exercises twice weekly for 2&#xa0;weeks, whereas the control group performed repeated cervical movements without biofeedback. Outcomes included cervical kinematics as repositioning errors (RPE), movement units (MU), maximal range of motion (ROM), and subjective measures, including pain intensity, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ). All participants completed post-intervention assessments; adherence in the training group was 100%, with no missing data and no adverse events reported. Within the biofeedback training group, participants receiving biofeedback training demonstrated greater improvements in cervical repositioning accuracy during flexion (51.95%, p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.04) and extension (46.67%, p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.02), along with reductions in fear-avoidance beliefs related to physical activity and work (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05); these changes were less apparent in the active control group. Exploratory regression analyses suggested associations between improvements in repositioning accuracy and pain reduction, and between increased cervical range of motion and improvements in fear-avoidance beliefs related to physical activity. These pilot findings suggest that dynamic sensorimotor biofeedback training may improve proprioceptive acuity and fear-avoidance beliefs in individuals with MNP, supporting further evaluation in an adequately powered randomized trial.

Humans

Effects of aromatherapy on menopausal symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The postmenopausal period presents a significant challenge to women's health, characterised by vasomotor, psychological, and sleep disturbances. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesised evidence on aromatherapy for menopausal symptoms. METHODS: We searched Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, SID, and Google Scholar until January 2, 2026. The protocol was registered (PROSPERO: CRD420261303084). Randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and GRADE approach were used for quality assessment and certainty of evidence. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: Of 4435 records, 21 articles from 17 studies (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;1347) were included. Aromatherapy significantly improved sexual function (MD: 7.05, 95% CI: 3.64-10.45), sleep quality (MD: -3.95, 95% CI: -5.94 to -1.97), overall menopausal symptoms (SMD: -1.00, 95% CI: -1.43 to -0.58), vasomotor symptoms (SMD: -0.79, 95% CI: -1.11 to -0.47), physical symptoms (SMD: -0.78, 95% CI: -1.10 to -0.46), somatic symptoms (MD: -1.34, 95% CI: -2.46 to -0.23), psychological symptoms (SMD: -0.59, 95% CI: -0.96 to -0.23), anxiety (SMD: -0.63, 95% CI: -1.10 to -0.16), and depression (SMD: -0.57, 95% CI: -0.85 to -0.28). No significant effect was found for urogenital symptoms. GRADE certainty was 'Very Low' for sexual function and sleep quality, and 'Low' for other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary evidence suggests that aromatherapy may be a beneficial complementary therapy for alleviating some menopausal symptoms. However, given the substantial heterogeneity, methodological limitations, and limited number of studies for subgroup analyses, firm clinical recommendations cannot be made at this time. More rigorous, large-scale, multi-centre randomised controlled trials with standardised interventions and consistent adverse event reporting are required before definitive clinical recommendations can be made.

Humans

Trends in the Prevalence of Foods High in Saturated Fats, Sodium, and Added Sugars among U.S. adults, NHANES 2007-2018.

BACKGROUND: Foods and beverages high in saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars (HFSS) are often ultra-processed and linked to poor health outcomes, but few studies have investigated their intake. OBJECTIVE: To describe the trends in the intake of HFSS foods and beverages between 2007 and 2018 in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, by sociodemographic characteristics and What We Eat in America food groups. DESIGN: This is a secondary, cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2018. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: The final sample included 27,984 adults 19 years of age or older from NHANES with at least one complete dietary recall. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes are the percentage of total energy intake from foods classified as HFSS according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Nutrient Profile Model. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: To estimate the percentage of energy intake from foods and beverages HFSS, linear regression models with interaction terms between cycles and covariates were used. RESULTS: The overall intake of foods and beverages HFSS did not change, representing over 60% of the total energy intake between 2007-2010 and 2015-2018. The intake of foods and beverages high in sodium increased by 2.0 percentage points (95% CI: 0.5, 3.5) and 3.5 percentage points (95% CI: 1.1, 5.8), respectively. The intake of foods and beverages high in saturated fats increased by 6.1 percentage points (95% CI: 4.5, 7.6) and 6.1 percentage points (95% CI: 3.9, 8.2), respectively. The intake of foods and beverages high in added sugars did not change. CONCLUSION: In the U.S., intake of HFSS foods and beverages is high. Future research should focus on whether public health interventions and policies might reduce the intake of foods high in nutrients of concern.

Added sugars

What's the meta now? More updates on the problems with systematic reviews.

BACKGROUND: Systematic reviews are intended to provide trustworthy evidence synthesis, yet previous iterations of this living review have identified numerous recurring problems in their conduct and reporting. This article presents the third version and second update of the living systematic review examining issues raised across the academic literature. METHODS: Using consistent eligibility criteria and methods from earlier versions, literature searches were updated to May 2025. Eligible meta-research and editorial articles describing problems with systematic reviews were analyzed to identify emerging themes. Additionally, four basic indicators of methodological quality of the included meta-research were presented across review versions. RESULTS: The update included 209 additional articles. Critically low methodological quality and absence of protocols remained among the most frequently reported issues in systematic reviews across disciplines and journals but notably in evidence underpinning clinical practice guidelines. Spin in abstracts and conflicts of interest continued to be common. Apparent improvements in reporting quality were inconsistent, with modest gains in some full-text reporting but persistent deficiencies in abstracts. Authorship diversity of systematic reviews improved in gender representation but remained geographically concentrated in high-income countries, and primary research included in reviews similarly lacked global representativeness. The issue of misalignment between systematic review evidence bases and global burden of disease bring the total number of problems with systematic reviews to 69. Emerging use of automation and artificial intelligence was variably reported. Descriptive comparison of meta-research articles over the three versions of this living review suggests a greater proportion meeting basic quality indicators in more recent updates. CONCLUSION: Across successive updates, problems with systematic reviews remain widespread and consistent rather than isolated. Incremental reporting improvements coexist with persistent concerns about transparency, bias, and representativeness. Future efforts should prioritize evaluating interventions and aligning research incentives to support genuinely trustworthy evidence synthesis.

Humans

Cross-kingdom dynamics of the subgingival bacteriome and mycobiome: A pilot study on the effects of a novel HA-H&#x2082;O&#x2082;-Glycine formulation to treat periodontitis.

OBJECTIVES: Traditional periodontal therapy primarily focuses on bacterial biofilm control; however, recent evidence also suggests a critical role for the oral mycobiome. This study evaluated the clinical and ecological impact of a novel mouthwash formulation containing hyaluronic acid (HA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and glycine on periodontal patients METHODS: This prospective, randomized split-mouth trial included 13 adult participants with periodontitis treated with HA-H2O2-glycine formula (BMG0703A) used twice a day for seven days. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from periodontal pocket and healthy control sites at baseline (T0) and one-week post-treatment (T1). Microbial and fungal communities were characterized using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rRNA and ITS2 regions. Linear Mixed Models (LMM) and Spearman correlation were used to assess taxonomic shifts and cross-kingdom relationships. RESULTS: Sequencing revealed a promising ecological shift: the bacteriome shifted from anaerobic dominance (Olsenella, Peptostreptococcus) toward a health-associated aerobic profile, with Rothia near-doubling (11.91% to 22.68%). The mycobiome underwent a "normalization" effect: Candida abundance decreased significantly (22.8% to 9.1%), while fungal Shannon diversity in pockets returned to healthy-site levels. Inter-kingdom analysis identified antagonistic relationships between expanding commensal bacteria and opportunistic fungi, suggesting that the intervention may help re-establish a protective bacterial niche. CONCLUSIONS: The HA-H2O2-glycine formulation seems to facilitate a rapid, cross-kingdom modulation of the subgingival niche. By reducing anaerobic pathogens and normalizing the mycobiome it appear to induce short-term changes, suggesting potential as adjunctive strategy in periodontal management. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The present work underlines the possible cross-Kingdom effects of a novel compound.

Humans

Cerebellar iTBS enhances gait adaptation by modulating cortical sensorimotor network dynamics: a randomized controlled trial.

Gait adaptation enables individuals to maintain locomotor stability under persistent perturbations. Although the cerebellum is critical for sensory prediction error-based (SPE) adaptation, how cerebellar neuromodulation reshapes cortical sensorimotor networks to enhance gait adaptation remains unclear. This study investigated the behavioral effects and underlying cortical neurodynamic mechanisms of cerebellar intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) on gait adaptation. Thirty-two healthy adults received either active or sham cerebellar iTBS. Participants performed a split-belt treadmill adaptation task before and after intervention. Cortical responsiveness was evaluated using TMS-evoked EEG over primary motor cortex (M1), while resting-state EEG was analyzed to assess spectral power and directional functional connectivity. Compared to sham, cerebellar iTBS significantly enhanced gait adaptation, evidenced by a faster adaptation rate (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.035) and enhanced Early Adaptation SLS (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.011), without altering initial perturbation responses or post-adaptation outcomes. The iTBS increased TMS-evoked &#x3b1; (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.031) and &#x3b3; (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.022) power in M1, while the &#x3b1; power was correlated with faster adaptation (r&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.526, p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.002). Furthermore, iTBS strengthened PPC-to-M1 directed connectivity in the &#x3b2; (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.025) and &#x3b3; (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.013) bands. Enhanced parieto-motor directionality were positively associated with adaptation rate (&#x3b2;: r&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.515, p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.003; &#x3b3;: r&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.463, p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.009). These findings suggest that cerebellar iTBS facilitates gait adaptation by modulating cortical responsiveness and directional sensorimotor network connectivity, providing multi-level neurodynamic evidence for the cerebello-cortical modulation during gait adaptation and offering a strong physiological rationale for targeted neuromodulation in gait rehabilitation strategies.

Humans

Online Social Anxiety in the Digital Age: Transitions, Predictors, and Mental Health Associations in Emerging Adulthood.

BACKGROUND: Online social anxiety (OSA), a multidimensional form of social evaluative anxiety in online social contexts, disproportionately affects emerging adults who constitute the largest active group of media users and face heightened psychological sensitivity due to growing pressures and immature sociocognitive regulation during the transition to adulthood. However, its heterogeneity, transitions, and longitudinal associations with mental health outcomes remain underexplored. METHODS: This study utilized data from two waves of a three-wave longitudinal survey, with 849 Chinese participants (Meanage = 21.6 years; 50.4 percent female) assessed at 4-month intervals. Individuals were classified using latent profile analysis and the stability and changes of profiles were assessed via latent transition analysis (LTA). Multinomial logistic regressions were conducted separately at baseline and follow-up to identify correlates of profile membership. Predictors of profile transitions were examined using manual three-step LTA models, and associations between latent transition patterns and follow-up mental health outcomes were examined using BCH-LTA distal outcome analyses controlling for the corresponding baseline symptom level. RESULTS: Four profiles of OSA were identified: low, privacy-sensitive, moderate-high, and high OSA. Extreme profiles (low/high OSA) showed high stability (80.4 percent and 79.1 percent), while privacy-sensitive OSA exhibited the lowest stability (55.1 percent). Profile memberships were influenced by social-cognitive biases and digital interaction, particularly fear of negative evaluation and online interpersonal trust, whereas profile transitions were mainly associated with anxiety. Transitions toward less severe OSA profiles were generally associated with better subsequent mental health, whereas transitions toward more severe profiles corresponded to poorer outcomes, particularly for offline social anxiety. CONCLUSION: OSA was heterogeneous in its manifestation, severity and transitions. Personalized and early interventions targeting profile-specific vulnerabilities are critical to prevent the worsening of OSA and mitigate its psychological burden.

Humans

A narrative review of what cohorts have taught us and how they have laid the foundation for much of our understanding of type 2 diabetes.

This narrative review provides a historical perspective on how observational research on type 2 diabetes has been developed and consolidated over the last 50 years and how well-designed cohort studies will provide us with knowledge for research and practice in the future and aid guideline development. We have included data from a large number of cohorts from every continent that have been used to study the development and/or progression of type 2 diabetes, including cohorts that are general population-based, disease-based, intervention-based and registry-based. We have structured the results from the past 50 years based on the following themes: diagnosis and screening, complications, risk factors and pathophysiology. We also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of observational research when compared with other research designs. Finally, we discuss the emerging and future directions for type 2 diabetes research using cohorts, which include novel developments, such as artificial intelligence, precision health and the exposome. We conclude that cohort research has significantly advanced our understanding of type 2 diabetes and aided guideline development, and complements experimental work, such as human randomised controlled trials and animal studies. Both approaches are essential and complementary in our pursuit to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the development and progression of type 2 diabetes, and to change dogma, practice and policies for better outcomes.

Humans

The effect of antiretroviral therapy adherence on viral load suppression rate among people living with HIV in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is a key determinant of viral load suppression among people living with HIV (PLHIV). In Ethiopia, evidence on the magnitude of ART adherence and its effect on virological outcomes remains fragmented. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of ART adherence and viral load suppression, and to measure the association between adherence and viral suppression among PLHIV in Ethiopia. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis used the PRISMA checklist for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The review protocol has been registered onPROSPERO:(CRD420251125899). PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Epistemonikos, and Google Scholar were searched. The quality of included articles has been evaluated with a Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), adapted for observational studies. A random-effects model using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) with Knapp-Hartung adjustment was used to estimate pooled prevalence and odds ratio. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2, &#x3c4;2, and Cochran's Q test. RESULTS: A total of 39 studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of good ART adherence was 79.4% (95% CI: 74.8%-83.4%), while the pooled viral load suppression rate was 77.5% (95% CI: 72.5%-81.8%). The pooled odds ratio showed that good ART adherence was strongly associated with viral load suppression (OR = 6.30, 95% CI: 4.84-8.19). Substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies for both adherence and viral suppression outcomes (I2&#x2009;>&#x2009;90%). CONCLUSIONS: ART adherence and viral load suppression among PLHIV in Ethiopia are relatively high but remain below global targets. Good adherence was significantly associated with virologic suppression, highlighting adherence as a critical modifiable factor for achieving optimal treatment outcomes. Strengthening adherence support interventions is essential to improve virological success and advance progress toward HIV epidemic control.

Humans

Effects of Moderate-Frequency Resistance Training on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Resistance training (RT) effectively manages cardiometabolic risk factors in adults, but the specific effects of moderate-frequency RT (2-3 sessions/week) in adults with overweight or obesity are understudied. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate moderate-frequency RT's effects on cardiometabolic risk factors in this population and quantify effect sizes. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library searched up to July 2025. ELIGIBILITY: English randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing RT (&#x2265;&#x2009;7&#x2009;weeks) to nonexercise control; nonathletic adults &#x2265;&#x2009;18&#x2009;years with BMI&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;25&#x2009;kg/m2. PARTICIPANTS: 454 participants across 12 RCTs (mean age 58.93&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;12.87&#x2009;years; mean BMI 31.2&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;3.5&#x2009;kg/m2; ~50% female). RESULTS: RT significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure (MD&#x2009;=&#x2009;-1.53&#x2009;mmHg; 95% CI: -2.16 to -0.91; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01), LDL-C (MD&#x2009;=&#x2009;-0.25&#x2009;mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.41 to -0.08; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01), and triglycerides (MD&#x2009;=&#x2009;-0.17&#x2009;mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.30 to -0.04; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.01). No significant effects on systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, waist circumference, glycemic markers, total cholesterol, or HDL-C. Subgroup analyses showed larger LDL-C/triglyceride improvements with concurrent dietary control. CONCLUSION: Moderate-frequency RT inconsistently improves cardiometabolic risk factors, benefiting diastolic blood pressure, LDL-C, and triglycerides but not glycemic or other parameters. Combining with dietary control may enhance benefits, supporting RT as a complementary strategy in multimodal lifestyle interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO: CRD42022343167.

Humans

Transcriptomics reveals species-specific adaptive strategies to calorie restriction in two Argopecten scallops with distinct lifespans.

Calorie restriction (CR) is a well-established non-genetic intervention for lifespan extension in multiple model organisms. Seasonal food shortage in cold and temperate seas may mimic CR, inducing in bivalves a response similar to that in vertebrates and thereby prolonging life expectancy. However, the relationship and the mechanism underlying the food availability and lifespan in bivalves remain largely unexplored. Two closely related scallop species the short-lived warm-water Argopecten irradians (lifespan <2&#xa0;years) and the longer-lived cold-water Argopecten purpuratus (7-10&#xa0;years) provide an ideal comparative system to investigate species-specific adaptive strategies. In this study, we subjected both species to CR for 30 and 56&#xa0;days and performed comparative transcriptomic profiling, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and physiological assays to elucidate their distinct molecular responses. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that A. purpuratus exhibited substantially more DEGs than A. irradians at both time points under CR, with both species showing downregulation of metabolic pathways but to different extents. A. irradians mounted an early nutrient-sensing response at 30&#xa0;days (IGF1R, PIK3R3, INSR suppression), indicating acute sensitivity to limitation; by contrast, A. purpuratus displayed delayed FoxO activation at 56&#xa0;days, along with its downstream effectors NFKBIA, CREB3L4, and SMAD4, suggesting a gradual adaptive program may link to its extended lifespan. WGCNA identified three negatively correlated modules in each species, with coral2 being the most prominent in A. irradians and darkolivegreen in A. purpuratus. The former was dominated by ciliary motility genes, whereas the latter featured coordinated repression of oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, both species exhibited conserved suppression of mTOR/S6K growth signaling and activation of cellular maintenance programs. Collectively, these findings expand the understanding of CR-mediated longevity regulation in bivalves and provide candidate gene resources for future functional studies and breeding programs.

Pectinidae

Efficacy and Safety of Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation in Invasively Ventilated Critically Ill Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) is increasingly used in invasively ventilated adults in the intensive care unit (ICU), yet its therapeutic efficacy and safety remain uncertain due to inconsistent evidence. AIM: To synthesize evidence on the clinical efficacy and safety of MI-E in this population and to examine methodological and clinical heterogeneity underlying reported outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized studies (including RCTs and randomized crossover trials), conducted following PRISMA guidelines, with risk of bias assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials involving 310 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) significantly increased sputum clearance (SMD&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.63, 95% CI, 0.32-0.93; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.00011; I2&#x2009;=&#x2009;38%) without affecting oxygenation (MD&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.28, 95% CI, -0.53 to 1.09; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.50; I2&#x2009;=&#x2009;9%). Data on respiratory mechanics, ventilation duration and ICU stay could not be pooled. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: MI-E significantly improves sputum clearance in invasively ventilated critically ill adults, with no severe adverse events reported in the included studies. Its effects on other outcomes remain inconclusive due to limited data and heterogeneity. Standardized protocols and larger trials are needed. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Clinicians may consider MI-E as an adjunct for respiratory secretion management. Application should be guided by structured patient assessment and individualized parameter adjustment. Future research should standardize interventions and target well-defined patient subgroups to inform clear practice guidelines. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, with registration number CRD42023403299.

Humans

Genomic epidemiology of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli across humans, poultry and wastewater sectors in Douala, Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: The global health threat of antimicrobial resistance involves the human, animal and environmental sectors. Data from Cameroon are scarce. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to define extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) rates and associated risk factors across the three sectors in Douala, Cameroon, and to define molecular characteristics of isolates. METHODS: From June 2022 to May 2023, we collected blood cultures from hospitalized patients, rectal swabs from healthy pregnant women, caeca from broiler chickens and environmental wastewater. Samples were screened for ESBL-Ec using CHROMAgar&#x2122; ESBL and cefotaxime-supplemented Tryptone Bile X-glucuronide agar. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion following EUCAST guidelines. Whole-genome sequencing was carried out using Illumina technology. RESULTS: Of 628 samples, 374 yielded ESBL-Ec. Prevalence was 54.6% (131/240) in pregnant women, 70.4% (169/240) in chickens and 93.1% (67/72) in wastewater. The proportion of ESBL-Ec among E. coli-positive-blood cultures was 9.2% (7/76). Multi-family household living was independently associated with ESBL-Ec carriage among pregnant women (adjusted odds ratio&#x200a;=&#x200a;1.7, 95% CI 1.0-3.1, P&#x200a;=&#x200a;0.03). High co-resistance (>70%) was observed for tetracycline, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Sequencing of 32 isolates revealed 45 distinct resistance genes, including blaCTX-M-15 (n&#x200a;=&#x200a;13, 40.6%), blaCTX-M-55 (n&#x200a;=&#x200a;11, 34.4%) and last-resort antibiotic resistance genes mcr-1 and bla OXA-181. High-risk sequence types included ST131 (pregnant women) and ST10 (chickens). Notably, ST48 was shared between pregnant women and chickens, and ST155 between pregnant women and wastewater. CONCLUSION: Cross-sectoral ESBL-Ec in Douala exhibits high genomic diversity and alarming resistance. The occurrence of last-resort genes requires immediate One Health surveillance and coordinated interventions.

Journal Article