Search PubMedSearch

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Moderator analyses”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

939 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Efficacy and Safety of Autologous Versus Prosthetic Grafts in the Repair of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) present a severe risk of progression to acute limb ischemia. Open surgery (OS) is the gold standard treatment; however, prosthetic grafts are acceptable in highly selected cases, especially when the great saphenous vein is not available. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing autologous versus prosthetic grafts for patency and limb preservation outcomes in patients with PAAs. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central were systematically searched from inception through October 2024. Outcomes were pooled using a frequentist random-effects model as odds ratios, mean differences, and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) on RStudio (Version 4.5.0). Risk-of-bias assessments were performed using ROBINS-I and MINORS. RESULTS: Twenty-two observational studies were pooled comprising 9,145 PAAs in 8,370 patients, of whom 6,434 (74.51%) were treated with autologous grafts and 2,200 (25.49%) with prosthetic grafts. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 86 months. Repair with autologous conduits significantly improved long-term primary patency (HR 3.93; P < 0.001), secondary patency (HR 6.02; P < 0.001), and long-term limb salvage (HR 2.69; P = 0.044) compared with prosthetic conduits. There were no significant differences in in-hospital amputation (P = 0.36), myocardial infarction (P = 0.61), mortality (P = 0.50), 2-year primary patency (P = 0.25), 5-year secondary patency (P = 0.06), or length of hospital stay (P = 0.95). Risk of bias was classified as moderate-to-high, reflecting confounding factors inherent to observational studies and moderate methodological quality by MINORS. Despite these limitations, treatment effects consistently favored autologous grafts in both short- and long-term analyses; however, caution is warranted given the limited number of available studies. CONCLUSION: The use of autologous conduits significantly favors both short-term and long-term efficacy and safety in the OS repair of PAAs. Given the limitations of the existing evidence, further comparative studies are needed.

Humans

Reliability, Device Agreement and Validity of Load-Velocity Profiles: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: For a valid one-repetition maximum (1RM) prediction via load-velocity (LV) relationships, high reliability and accuracy must be assumed. OBJECTIVE: Since individual study results indicate ambivalent prediction, this systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to provide a updated and comprehensive overview, extending knowledge about the validity and reliability of commercially available velocity sensors in Part I and the validity and reliability of velocity-based 1RM prediction models in Part II. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus. Validity and/or reliability studies or velocity-based 1RM prediction evaluations were included. Methodological quality was assessed using adapted COSMIN. The analysis was performed for intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). The review was preregistered in PROSPERO (CRD42025634595). RESULTS: Sixty-three studies were included for sensor validity and reliability and 38 for 1RM prediction models. Part I: Velocity sensors demonstrated good-to-excellent pooled validity and device agreement (ICC&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.91-0.92 [0.83-0.97]; k&#x2009;=&#x2009;55 and 439, respectively); intra- and inter-day reliability were classified as good to excellent with ICC&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.90-0.91 [0.85-0.95] (k&#x2009;=&#x2009;228 and 608, respectively), with sensor technology moderating the results. However, substantial heterogeneity and wide ranges of study-level estimates indicated considerable variability across moderators, linear position transducer (LPT) generally showing more consistent performance than inertial measurement units (IMU). Part II: Velocity-based 1RM prediction showed ICCs&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.90 [0.83-0.94] (k&#x2009;=&#x2009;124) and ICC&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.91 [0.72-0.98] (k&#x2009;=&#x2009;9); for reliability and validity, respectively. DISCUSSION: Commercial velocity sensors generally provide high relative validity and reliability. Results varied depending on exercise complexity, intensity, sensor technology, and modeling approach. While velocity-based 1RM prediction demonstrated high average validity, large heterogeneity in lower body exercises significantly biased the results. Furthermore, the dearth of measurement error and agreement analyses prohibits final conclusions. CONCLUSION: Therefore, velocity-based monitoring and 1RM prediction require cautious interpretation, as sensor- and exercise-specific evidence remains limited.

Load&#x2013;velocity relationship

Evaluating the Efficacy of Electronic Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (e-SBIRT) for Gambling: An Online Pilot Randomised Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of electronic screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (e-SBIRT) at improving gambling outcomes and increasing help-seeking. METHODS: We conducted a two-arm, randomised online pilot trial (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;83) comparing an e-SBIRT intervention with an active control over 12 weeks. The brief intervention was informed by motivational interviewing and incorporated personalised normative feedback, information provision, and relapse-prevention components. Eligible participants were aged 18 or older, resided in the UK and had scores indicating at least moderate severity gambling. RESULTS: Participants (54 [65.1%] male; mean [SD] age&#x2009;=&#x2009;40.58 [12.75] years, mean [SD] PGSI&#x2009;=&#x2009;7.16 [5.58]) in the e-SBIRT and control conditions showed improvements in gambling harms (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.033) and perceived ability to control gambling (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.029). No significant effects of condition assignment or condition x time interactions were observed. However, exploratory analyses of individual model coefficients suggested greater improvement in perceived ability to control gambling among participants receiving e-SBIRT at 12 weeks (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.043). Exploratory analyses also suggested higher rates of help-seeking at 12-week follow-up among participants receiving e-SBIRT. CONCLUSION: Overall, e-SBIRT did not demonstrate clear advantages over assessment and information provision alone. Further research should prioritise refining intervention components and evaluating SBIRT approaches in settings that better reflect its opportunistic delivery model.

Humans

Postoperative hypotony after retinectomy in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

We estimate the incidence of postoperative hypotony after retinectomy performed during rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery and explore clinical, surgical, and methodological factors associated with hypotony risk. We include human clinical studies reporting postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) outcomes after retinectomy or retinotomy for retinal detachment. Postoperative hypotony was defined as IOP &#x2264;&#x202f;6&#x202f;mmHg, with alternative thresholds (&#x2264;5 or &#x2264;3&#x202f;mmHg) retained for sensitivity analyses. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool hypotony incidence, with prespecified subgroup and sensitivity analyses according to retinectomy extent, tamponade strategy, hypotony definition, assessment timepoint, and vitrectomy gauge size. Study-level associations with visual outcomes and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) severity were also explored. Thirty-three studies comprising 2673 eyes were included. The pooled incidence of postoperative hypotony was 13.71% (95% CI, 10.40-17.40), with substantial heterogeneity (I&#xb2; = 83.2%). Hypotony incidence did not increase linearly with retinectomy extent, and similar rates were observed for extents of 180&#xb0;-269&#xb0; and &#x2265;&#x202f;270&#xb0;. Stricter hypotony definitions and later postoperative assessment timepoints were associated with a higher reported incidence. A significant negative association was observed between hypotony incidence and visual improvement rates (Spearman &#x3c1; = -0.47, p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.03). In contrast, no significant study-level difference in hypotony incidence was observed according to PVR severity grouping or vitrectomy gauge size. Postoperative hypotony after retinectomy is a frequent and clinically relevant complication, moderately associated with poorer visual outcomes and influenced by methodological factors rather than retinectomy extent alone.

Humans

All eyes on gas exchange: impact of controlled arterial hypertension on cardiopulmonary function and the effects of high-intensity interval training.

INTRODUCTION: Arterial hypertension (AH) impairs vascular function which, in turn, may reduce cardiopulmonary function. However, the impact of AH on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and its potential mechanisms remains insufficiently investigated. We compared cardiopulmonary function during exercise testing (CPET) between adults with and without AH (part 1) and evaluated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in adults with AH on submaximal cardiopulmonary CPET parameters (part 2). METHODS: Thirty-eight adults with AH and 19 controls without AH partook in the study. Adults with AH were randomized into either HIIT or a control group. CPET assessed CRF and submaximal exercise parameters, including the oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), V&#x307;E/V&#x307;CO 2 slope, PETCO 2 , V&#x307;O 2 /work rate (WR) slope, and O 2 pulse. The HIIT intervention consisted of triweekly sessions over 8 weeks. RESULTS: Adults with AH had a 6.5&#x200a;ml&#x200a;kg -1 &#x200a;min -1 (95% confidence interval: 1.7-11.3) lower CRF, a steeper V&#x307;E/V&#x307;CO 2 slope (moderate-large effect size), lower PETCO 2 (large effect size), flatter V&#x307;O 2 /WR slope (moderate effect size), and lower O 2 pulse (small-moderate effect size) than adults without AH. HIIT improved CRF and altered certain cardio-circulatory parameters in AH, including OUES (small-large effect size), V&#x307;O 2 /WR slope (small-moderate effect size, low precision) and O 2 pulse (small-moderate effect size). However, effects of HIIT on pulmonary-vascular parameters were inconclusive, with large variability observed in the V&#x307;E/V&#x307;CO 2 slope and PETCO 2 . CONCLUSION: Adults with controlled AH might have lower CRF, indicating limitations in pulmonary-vascular and cardio-circulatory organ systems. A short-term 8-week HIIT enhances CRF and cardio-circulatory function, however, evidence is limited for improvements in pulmonary-vascular function.

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

Prevalence of psychosis in South Asia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Psychotic disorders are a major contributor to global disability, yet prevalence data from South Asia which inhabits a quarter of the world's population, remain limited. Reliable estimates are essential for health service planning, policy, and closing the substantial treatment gap. This review provides the first comprehensive synthesis of psychosis prevalence across South Asia. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Global Health, and Medline to 18 December 2024 for DSM- or ICD-based prevalence studies in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies in community or clinical populations were included. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Random-effects meta-analyses estimated pooled prevalence using the logit transformation. Heterogeneity was explored with meta-regression of key methodological variables (publication year, diagnostic system, residential setting). FINDINGS: Thirty-one studies from five countries were included. Among community-dwelling adults, pooled point prevalence was 0.85% and lifetime prevalence was 1.40%, with inter-country differences (India 1.18%, Pakistan 2.13%, Nepal 2.90%). Clinical samples showed substantially higher proportions of individuals with psychosis in service settings (11.44%), reflecting concentration of cases in treatment-seeking samples. Data for children and adolescents were limited and summarised narratively. Heterogeneity was high across meta-analyses, and exploratory meta-regression did not identify any significant moderators. INTERPRETATION: Psychosis prevalence estimates in South Asia appear higher than global averages but should be interpreted cautiously due to substantial heterogeneity and methodological variation; nevertheless, they highlight the need for culturally sensitive screening, improved detection, and strengthened mental health services.

Humans

Symptoms of Anxiety in Adults with ADHD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies.

OBJECTIVE: Research suggests there is a higher prevalence of anxiety in individuals with ADHD compared to those without ADHD. However, estimated prevalence rates vary greatly due to differences in methodologies used across studies. This study is the first meta-analysis investigating differences in anxiety measure scores between adults with and without ADHD, and possible moderators of this effect. METHOD: Our analysis included 58 studies that compared anxiety scores in adults with/without ADHD (N = 18,821; k = 112). RESULTS: The average effect size (Hedges's g) of anxiety scores in those with ADHD relative to controls was 0.77 (SE = 0.066); a medium effect. The only significant moderator was the type of comparison group used, with comparisons to non-clinical control groups (g = 0.954, SE = 0.08) yielding significantly larger effects than comparisons to clinical control groups (g = 0.437, SE = 0.09). None of the other moderator variables examined (Method of characterising ADHD, Anxiety Measure Type, Anxiety Measure Focus, Age or Gender) moderated the effect. There was some evidence of publication bias, therefore results should be interpreted with this in mind. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study indicates that ADHD is associated with higher levels of anxiety symptomology. This has important implications in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals presenting with ADHD or anxiety, including the consideration and screening of each of these conditions as potentially co-occurring with the other. Adaptions made to clinical practice in line with this would better support this population, improve symptom management and overall quality of life. Suggestions for future research are discussed.

Humans

Genome-wide insights into the evolutionary and demographic history of the red alga Mazzaella laminarioides: Evidence for speciation with ancient migration along the southeast Pacific coast.

The mechanisms driving lineage divergence in red algae remain unexplored, despite the group's remarkable diversity and ancient evolutionary history. The red alga Mazzaella laminarioides, a Chilean intertidal species complex composed of three parapatric cryptic lineages (North, Center, South), offers a valuable system to evaluate these processes, as its life history combines severe dispersal limitation with a haploid-diploid cycle that may influence the emergence of reproductive barriers. We reconstructed its evolutionary history using whole-genome sequencing and nuclear genome assembly of representative individuals from each lineage. Phylogenomic analyses based on 1,507 single-copy orthologs recovered three deeply divergent lineages with limited nuclear discordance consistent with incomplete lineage sorting. For both splits, demographic modelling was most consistent with an Ancient Migration scenario, although support over strict isolation was moderate, suggesting that divergence may have begun with low asymmetric ancestral gene flow followed by subsequent loss of connectivity, demographic bottlenecks, and later population expansion. Coding sequence analyses revealed lineage-specific dN/dS heterogeneity; only one South-lineage locus passed FDR correction (metaxin-1, mitochondrial protein import), with two further South-lineage candidates in chlorophyll and heme biosynthesis falling below the FDR threshold. Together, these signals suggest that divergent selective pressures on energy acquisition may have contributed to divergence at the southern end of the distribution. These results add to the small but growing body of whole-genome data for red algae and, alongside recent macroalgal studies, suggest that ancestral connectivity could be a recurrent feature of lineage divergence even in marine organisms with extremely restricted dispersal.

Rhodophyta

Arthroscopic Correction of Pincer-Type FAI in the Presence of Acetabular Retroversion Results in Excellent Patient-Reported Outcomes With Low Risk of Reoperation or Conversion to Arthroplasty at Minimum 5 Years.

BACKGROUND: Acetabular retroversion is a distinct morphologic variation that may result in pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The role of arthroscopic management within this cohort is not fully understood. PURPOSE: To assess patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and survivorship at 5-year follow-up in a series of cases undergoing arthroscopic correction of pincer-type FAI with acetabular retroversion. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A single-center, prospective hip preservation registry was reviewed for all cases undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for symptomatic FAI between January 2014 and July 2020, with documented radiographic assessment of acetabular retroversion (ie, presence or absence of crossover sign, ischial spine sign, and/or posterior wall sign on a standing, standardized anteroposterior radiograph). Exclusion criteria were T&#xf6;nnis grade >1, concomitant pathologies (protrusio, Perthes disease, avascular necrosis), excessive pelvic rotation or tilt on radiographs, and/or no crossover sign. Cases were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: moderate-global retroversion group (study group: crossover sign plus either or both ischial spine sign and posterior wall sign) or control group (crossover sign only). Case-control (1:1) fuzzy matching was performed based on age (&#xb1;2 years), sex, and T&#xf6;nnis grade (exact). Clinical outcome evaluation included assessment of PROMs (modified Harris Hip Score [mHHS], 36-item Short Form [SF36], University of California-Los Angeles Activity Scale [UCLA], Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]), achievement of Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), satisfaction, rates of revision arthroscopy, and arthroplasty-free survivorship, both preoperatively and 5 years postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v29. RESULTS: A total of 201 cases (120 global, 81 moderate) in the moderate-global retroversion group were matched with 201 control cases. Mean age was 30.6 &#xb1; 10.2 years; the sample was 90% male. The rate of revision arthroscopy was similar: n = 11 (6%) in both groups (P = .974). No conversion to periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) occurred in either group. Arthroplasty-free survivorship was 98.2% (retroversion group) and 98.8% (control group) (&#x3c7;2 = 0.189; df = 1; P = .664). Significant improvements in PROMs from baseline were noted (P < .001 for all, in both groups). In total, 81% (moderate-global retroversion group) and 73% (control group) were satisfied at 5 years (P = .103). No significant difference was seen in PASS achievement rates for any of the PROMs between groups: mHHS, 62.1% versus 65.9% (P = .498); UCLA, 60.0% versus 52.2% (P = .192); SF36, 59.8% versus 64.7% (P = .458); WOMAC, 63.5% versus 67.3% (P = .553), for moderate-global retroversion and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Hip arthroscopy for moderate and global acetabular retroversion resulted in significant improvement in clinical outcomes, with high satisfaction and arthroplasty-free survivorship at 5 years, consistent with a case-control matched group without acetabular retroversion (focal retroversion, pincer FAI). Arthroscopy alone, without anteverting PAO, was an effective surgical management approach for symptomatic FAI in the presence of acetabular retroversion.

Humans

Cognitive behavioural therapy-based interventions on stress outcomes in pregnant women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Stress symptoms were the most common psychological problem in pregnancy. Cognitive behavioural therapy-based interventions are effective for antenatal depression and anxiety symptoms; but there are fewer studies for stress symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The review aims to (1) examine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy-based interventions in reducing stress outcomes (pregnancy-specific stress symptoms, generic symptoms, and objective stress) in pregnant women, and (2) identify significant moderators affecting the effectiveness of the intervention. DESIGN: Systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression analysis of randomised controlled trials. METHODS: We conducted a three-step search (12 databases, 4 clinical registries, and citation searches) in English and Chinese up to July 24, 2025, by two independent reviewers. Meta-analysis, subgroup, and meta-regression analyses were performed using the R software. Quality assessment and certainty of the evidence were assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool version 2 and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger's test. RESULTS: We included 20 randomised controlled trials involving a total of 6966 pregnant women from nine countries. Random-effects meta-analyses found that interventions significantly alleviated pregnancy-specific stress symptoms (Hedges' g&#xa0;=&#xa0;-0.84, 95% Confidence Interval, CI -1.42, -0.26, p&#xa0;<&#xa0;.01, I2&#xa0;=&#xa0;92.3%), reduced generic stress symptoms (g&#xa0;=&#xa0;-0.64, 95% CI -1.09, -0.20, p&#xa0;<&#xa0;.01, I2&#xa0;=&#xa0;87.4%) with median and large effect sizes at post-intervention. No effect was found in lowering cortisol levels (g&#xa0;=&#xa0;-0.99, 95% CI -2.58, -0.60, p&#xa0;=&#xa0;.12, I2&#xa0;=&#xa0;84%) at post-intervention. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses indicated that region, age of participants, use of intention-to-treat, missing data management analyses, frequency, modalities, and approaches of interventions, use of different comparators, and attrition rate were significant factors affecting the effectiveness of interventions. Subgroup analyses suggested that the intensity of intervention should be more than once per week using a blended mode among Asian populations. Multivariate meta-regression analyses indicated that both younger age (&#x3b2;&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.13, p&#xa0;=&#xa0;.02) and a lower attrition rate (&#x3b2;&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.03, p&#xa0;=&#xa0;.03) significantly improved the effectiveness of interventions. The overall certainty of the evidence was rated as either very low or low. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive behavioural therapy-based interventions can supplement antenatal care to alleviate pregnancy-specific stress symptoms and generic stress symptoms, particularly in young Asian women. However, the evidence has some uncertainties. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to substantial heterogeneity. Well-designed trials on a large-scale with long-term follow-ups were needed. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration ID: CRD420251115913.

Humans

Assessing the Concurrent Validity of the Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile in a Methamphetamine Dependent Treatment-Seeking Population.

INTRODUCTION: The Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile (ATOP) is a brief clinical tool assessing substance use, health and well-being used in Australian alcohol and other drug treatment services. It is validated for use with clients using alcohol, opioids and cannabis, but not yet for clients who primarily use methamphetamine. METHODS: An embedded validation study was undertaken in treatment-seeking adults enrolled in a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of lisdexamfetamine for methamphetamine dependence with sites in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. Participant demographics were collected during study screening. The ATOP and comparators (Time Line Follow Back, Opiate Treatment Index, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, WHOQOL-BREF and Personal Wellbeing Index) were collected at baseline. Continuous ATOP items were analysed using Pearson's correlation coefficient, and dichotomous items were analysed using Fleiss's &#x3ba;. Agreement was rated as strong where measures were &#x2265;&#x2009;0.50, moderate where agreement was 0.30-0.49, and weak where <&#x2009;0.30. RESULTS: One hundred and eighteen study participants (2018-2020) had data for concurrent validity analysis. Strong validity was demonstrated for physical health, psychological health, quality of life, injecting drug use and crime items, and for days of use for amphetamines, alcohol, cannabis and cocaine. There was weak validity for days of use for benzodiazepines. Heroin use days and other opioid use days were endorsed by fewer than five participants and were therefore unable to be assessed. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The ATOP is valid for use in a treatment-seeking methamphetamine-dependent population, expanding the range of tools for assessment and standardised outcome monitoring across different settings and services.

Humans

Ultrashort vs Standard-Duration Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Undergoing PCI: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of ultrashort (&#x2264;1-month) dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) followed by antiplatelet monotherapy remain uncertain in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to compare ultrashort vs standard-duration DAPT in patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials until February 15, 2026. Primary outcomes were major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), major bleeding, and net adverse clinical event (NACE). Prespecified subgroup analyses examined by ethnicity (East Asian vs non-East Asian) and abbreviation strategy (intensive: &#x2264;1-week DAPT or clopidogrel/aspirin monotherapy vs moderate: &#x2265;2-week DAPT, followed by ticagrelor/prasugrel monotherapy). RESULTS: Across 10 trials (n = 29,232), ultrashort DAPT did not increase MACCE risk (HR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.93-1.20; P = 0.38; I2 = 24%), with higher MACCE risk observed in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) but not non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS), and significantly reduced major bleeding (HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.35-0.64; P < 0.00001; I2 = 44%), resulting in a net clinical benefit (HR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.72-0.97; P = 0.02; I2 = 61%). Bleeding reduction was more pronounced in East Asians (HR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.25-0.49; P < 0.00001; I2 = 0%) than non-East Asians (HR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.43-0.93; P = 0.02; I2 = 44%), with a significant interaction (P = 0.02). The abbreviation strategy significantly modified outcomes (P for interaction = 0.003): intensive abbreviation raised MACCE risk (HR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.11-1.69; P = 0.003; I2 = 0%), while moderate abbreviation had no statistically significant difference (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.85-1.08; P = 0.47; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ACS undergoing PCI, ultrashort DAPT reduced bleeding without increasing ischemic events overall, although a signal of increased MACCE was observed in STEMI but not in NSTE-ACS. Bleeding reduction was greater in East Asians, while &#x2264;1-week DAPT or clopidogrel/aspirin monotherapy may increase ischemic risk.

Humans

Uce-based phylogeny and classification of Megachilini.

The generic-level classification of the bee tribe Megachilini (Megachilidae) has remained controversial due to poor phylogenetic resolution at the base of the group, particularly among the brood parasitic genera and the numerous dauber ("Chalicodoma s. l.") lineages. We present a phylogenomic analysis of Megachilini based on ultraconserved elements (UCEs), sampling 52 ingroup taxa with emphasis on the dauber lineages. We also present a combined UCE&#xa0;+&#xa0;six-gene analysis to improve taxon coverage, resulting in a dataset with 127 ingroup taxa. Maximum likelihood, coalescent, and Bayesian analyses of multiple UCE matrices recover largely congruent topologies with substantially improved support relative to previous studies. Our results strongly support the monophyly of Megachilini, the early divergence of Noteriades and Gronoceras, and a single origin of brood parasitism. All remaining non-parasitic Megachilini form a moderately supported clade sister to the brood parasitic lineage. The leafcutter bees are monophyletic and nested within dauber lineages. Several major dauber clades are consistently recovered, including an exclusively Australian clade corresponding to the Hackeriapis group of subgenera, while several recognized subgenera are paraphyletic. The lineage known as Morphella, previously placed in synonymy with the subgenus Callomegachile, was not closely related to that subgenus and is here treated as a valid subgenus. Divergence-time analyses place the crown age of Megachilini in the late Eocene to early Oligocene, with major extant lineages diversifying during the Miocene. Limited morphological diagnosability of several clades indicates that splitting non-parasitic lineages into numerous genera would result in an impractical classification that would widen the gap between taxonomists and non-specialists and exacerbate the taxonomic impediment in bees. We therefore advocate retaining a single genus Megachile for non-parasitic Megachilini (excluding Noteriades and Gronoceras), as the classification best supported by phylogenomic evidence and most robust to future taxon sampling.

Animals

Spatially resolved multi-omics analysis of indigenous Bacillus-fortified high-temperature Daqu.

Layer-dependent patterns associated with indigenous Bacillus fortification on high-temperature Daqu remain unclear. Here, six indigenous functional Bacillus strains were combined to fortify Daqu at three inoculation levels (QH4, QH5, QH6), with non-fortified as the control (CK). Upper, middle, and lower shelf-layer samples were profiled by physicochemical measurements, volatilomics, organic acid analysis, untargeted metabolomics, 16S/ITS amplicon sequencing, and metagenomics. PERMANOVA showed significant effects of treatment, spatial layer, and their interaction on physicochemical, volatile, bacterial, and fungal profiles (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.001). Among the three inoculation levels, QH5 showed the most balanced performance: QH5_M exhibited the highest observed mean peak temperature (63.3&#xa0;&#xb0;C; +4.5&#xa0;&#xb0;C relative to CK_M), and its group-mean temperature remained &#x2265; 60&#xa0;&#xb0;C for seven consecutive days. Multi-omics analyses indicated coordinated, non-linear, and layer-dependent differences associated with indigenous Bacillus fortification, with QH5_M showing the most pronounced combined thermal, pyrazine, substrate, microbial, and predicted functional profile. These findings indicate that moderate indigenous Bacillus fortification was associated with distinct layer-dependent thermal and flavor profiles and coordinated microbial, metabolic, and predicted functional differences.

Bacillus

Dispositional optimism and open-label placebo responses in hair cortisol concentrations and psychological distress-A randomized controlled trial.

Open-label placebo (OLP) treatments show beneficial effects on various health-related outcomes, but studies investigating OLP effects on physiological measures remain scarce. This randomized controlled trial examined the effect of a 4-week OLP intervention on psychological distress and hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) in 202 healthy university students preparing for mandatory oral exams and whether dispositional optimism moderates the OLP effects. Participants were randomly assigned to an OLP or control group. Psychological distress was repeatedly assessed via negative affect, test anxiety, and subjective stress. HCC was measured before and within the intervention. Treatment expectations were additionally examined in interaction with optimism. Results show that OLPs significantly reduced psychological distress and HCC compared to the controls. Optimism moderated the OLP effect on HCC, with less optimistic individuals demonstrating the strongest reduction, independent of expectation. Optimism did not moderate OLP effects in psychological distress. However, the OLP effect on psychological distress depended on the three-way interaction of group, optimism, and expectation. The results suggest that OLPs alleviate the psychophysiological impact of a real-life stressor and indicate that optimism and expectation differently shape psychological and physiological OLP responses. These findings are discussed within the framework of the interactionist perspective.

Humans

Blinding integrity in psychedelic research: Evidence from a comparative randomized controlled trial of psilocybin, MDMA, and methylphenidate in healthy volunteers.

Maintaining effective blinding is a major methodological challenge in psychedelic research. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of blinding integrity in 120 healthy volunteers who received either psilocybin, MDMA, or methylphenidate (active placebo) in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Using a multi-level assessment incorporating forced-choice substance guesses, certainty ratings, decision factors, and subjective substance effects, the analyses characterize blinding integrity and its relation to the substance experience. Results indicate that overall blinding was insufficient, with psilocybin showing the highest rates of functional unblinding, MDMA moderate levels, and methylphenidate the lowest. As an active placebo, methylphenidate provided more effective blinding for MDMA than for psilocybin. Incorporating certainty levels of substance guesses revealed a more differentiated pattern, with lower functional unblinding rates. Decision factors and subjective substance experiences were associated with phenomenological substance effects. Prior substance experiences did not influence accuracy of forced-choice substance guesses. These findings provide empirical guidance for the design and reporting of blinding procedures in psychedelic trials and underscore the value of systematic, multi-level assessment of blinding integrity.

Humans

Access to maternity services for women asylum seekers and refugees: A transnational document analysis of international, European regional, and United Kingdom governance.

Women asylum seekers and refugees face persistent barriers to maternity care (antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care) across high-income countries, yet the upstream governance shaping access remains under-examined. Although legally distinct, both groups share protection-seeking experiences and are addressed jointly in governance documents. This study examined and synthesised how international (macro), European regional (meso), and United Kingdom (UK, micro) governance documents frame and operationalise maternity service access. Sixty-four documents were analysed using the READ framework. Inductive analysis of macro and meso documents identified six access dimensions: universal coverage; cultural and linguistic adaptation; rights-based approaches; multi-agency collaboration; data, monitoring and accountability; and quality of care. These dimensions structured assessment of UK governance, with jurisdictions rated strong, moderate or weak. Alignment was fragmented: Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland exempted asylum seekers from charging, whereas England retained charging provisions. Multi-agency collaboration was consistently articulated, yet none of the 35 UK government documents focused on maternity access for this population, and none required outcome monitoring disaggregated by asylum or refugee status. UK governance appears coordinated in form but fragmented in substance. UK-wide minimum standards and routine recording of these data, with safeguards against immigration-related use, could strengthen coherence and accountability and improve visibility of inequities.

Refugees