Search PubMedSearch

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Practice Patterns, Physicians'”

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.

455 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Webcam-Based Real-Time Visual Feedback During Baduanjin Practice in Older Adults: 6-Week Pilot Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: Baduanjin qigong is a traditional mind-body exercise used to support balance and physical health in older adults. Age-related changes in proprioception may make accurate self-directed performance difficult without external guidance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explore whether webcam-based real-time visual feedback delivered during supervised laboratory sessions was associated with differences in webcam-derived 2D pose discrepancy and movement consistency during Baduanjin practice in older adults. METHODS: A total of 31 older adults were enrolled, and 28 participants with complete analyzable records were included in this complete-case dataset (feedback group, n=14; nonfeedback group, n=14). All sessions were conducted face-to-face in a supervised motion-analysis laboratory. Weekly 2D pose-discrepancy values were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model with fixed effects for group, categorical week, and the group-by-week interaction and a participant-specific random intercept. Joint- and movement-specific participant-level 6-week means were analyzed exploratorily using Welch independent-samples t tests. Holm correction was applied across 24 exploratory contrasts (6 week-specific, 8 joint-specific, and 10 movement-specific comparisons), and Hedges g and 95% CIs were reported. Participant-specific weekly slopes and within-participant variability were additionally examined to directly assess longitudinal error drift. RESULTS: The linear mixed-effects model showed no significant group-by-week interaction (Wald χ25=1.09; P=.96) and no significant overall week effect (Wald χ25=6.40; P=.27). Averaged across 6 weeks, the feedback group had an estimated mean 2D pose discrepancy 1.20° lower than the nonfeedback group (95% CI -2.38° to -0.02°; P=.046), although this marginal pilot finding was sensitive to an analytic approach. No week-specific contrast remained significant after Holm adjustment. Nominal right elbow, right shoulder, and right knee differences did not survive global Holm correction. Form 3 showed a lower mean discrepancy in the feedback group (mean difference -3.70°, 95% CI -5.86° to -1.54°; Hedges g=-1.30; unadjusted P=.002; Holm-adjusted P=.04). Direct analyses of participant-specific slopes and within-participant SDs did not support a significant between-group difference in longitudinal error drift. CONCLUSIONS: In this small exploratory pilot study conducted under supervised laboratory conditions, the 6-week trajectories did not differ significantly between groups. A marginally lower average 2D pose discrepancy was observed in the feedback group across the 6 weeks, but no individual week- or joint-specific comparison remained significant after multiplicity adjustment. Form 3 was the only exploratory contrast that remained significant after global Holm correction. Direct longitudinal analyses did not demonstrate prevention of error drift. Larger studies using validated reference measurements, prespecified outcomes, and adequately powered longitudinal designs are required.

Humans

A comparative systematic review of pharmacist education systems and pharmacy service quality in ASEAN-5: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore.

BACKGROUND: The global transition toward patient-centered pharmaceutical care has exposed structural disparities in ASEAN pharmacy workforce training and deployment. This review examines four research questions: how pharmacy education systems and accreditation standards differ across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore (collectively, the ASEAN-5); the extent to which pre-registration education influences clinical service scope and professional confidence; how education reform and regulatory change have shaped pharmacist clinical roles; and what barriers and enablers exist for regional qualification harmonization. METHODS: A systematic literature review following PRISMA 2020 was conducted. Searches of PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus, supplemented by grey literature, were completed in May 2026. Of 78 unique records screened, 46 studies published between 2005 and 2026 met inclusion criteria. Quality appraisal used an adapted Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool; synthesis employed narrative thematic analysis. RESULTS: The five countries represent four structurally distinct pharmacy education architectures: Thailand's standardized six-year Doctor of Pharmacy with dual specialization tracks; four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy programmes in Malaysia and the Philippines with institutional variation; Indonesia's clinically underdeveloped system despite rapid expansion; and Singapore's four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy followed by a nationally mandated one-year pre-registration pathway. Evidence links deeper clinical training to broader practice scope, higher confidence, and improved patient outcomes. Reform produced uneven results: Thailand's PharmD transition improved clinical recognition but exposed deployment paradoxes; Singapore achieved the strongest training-to-practice alignment; Indonesia's health insurance reforms were not absorbed by an underprepared workforce; the Philippines lacks a national competency framework. No binding mutual recognition arrangement was identified; divergent qualification structures, incompatible accreditation systems, and an asymmetric evidence base remain the primary barriers. DISCUSSION: These findings indicate that clinical service scope is bounded less by national policy ambition than by the depth and clinical orientation of the pre-registration education that precedes it, and that credentialing reforms which outpace a health system's capacity to absorb new clinical roles, or the reverse, do not by themselves translate into expanded practice. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacy education across the ASEAN-5 remains nationally distinct and clinically uneven. Clinical service scope is directly bounded by pre-registration education quality. No country has fully closed the education-practice gap. Regional harmonization requires national-level educational reform as a prerequisite.

Humans

Exploring determinants of vaccine hesitancy among healthcare professionals: a systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review aims to assess determinants of vaccine hesitancy (VH) among healthcare professionals, to identify knowledge gaps and inform targeted training programs. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus was conducted in February 2024. PRISMA criteria were applied, and methodological quality was assessed using a cross-sectional study evaluation tool. Studies addressing HCWs' VH determinants, including knowledge, attitudes, communication, and organizational factors, were included. RESULTS: Out of 1394 records, 221 articles were included. Reported prevalence of VH among HCWs varied across studies, reflecting differences in professional roles, settings, and vaccines studied. Key determinants included gaps in knowledge, personal beliefs, organizational barriers, and communication skills. The review highlights the importance of evidence-based information, continuing education, and effective communication in addressing VH among HCWs. CONCLUSIONS: Educational and organizational interventions are essential to improve HCWs' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding vaccination. Strengthening vaccine education, fostering effective communication, and addressing organizational challenges can reduce hesitancy and support HCWs in promoting vaccination among patients. Future initiatives should consider the diversity of educational settings, professional roles, and training requirements across healthcare systems.

Humans

Ketoacidosis with SGLT2 inhibitors in routine clinical practice of type 2 diabetes: Scandinavian cohort and nested case-control study.

BACKGROUND: SGLT2 inhibitors increase the risk of ketoacidosis, but data from routine clinical practice are scarce. We used nationwide registers with the aim of assessing the incidence, risk factors, and prognosis of ketoacidosis during SGLT2 inhibitor treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In this cohort and nested case-control study we used data from three Scandinavian countries. In a cohort of SGLT2 inhibitor-treatment episodes among patients with type 2 diabetes aged at least 18 years in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, we estimated ketoacidosis incidence. Using a nested case-control design (matched on age, sex, region of birth, calendar time, and time since treatment initiation), we assessed risk factors and precipitating or co-occurring events. Changes in diabetes medications were evaluated. FINDINGS: The study period was Jan 1, 2013, to Dec 31, 2021, in Denmark and Sweden, and Jan 1, 2013, to Dec 31, 2022, in Norway. We included 322&#x2008;597 treatment episodes among 282&#x2008;282 patients with type 2 diabetes (mean age 63 years, 116&#x2008;521 [36&#xb7;1%] of 322&#x2008;597 women). During a median (IQR) follow-up of 1&#xb7;3 (0&#xb7;7-2&#xb7;8) years, 1452 ketoacidosis events occurred (incidence 2&#xb7;43 per 1000 person-years). Although highest shortly after initiation, risk persisted throughout follow-up. Strong risk factors included high HbA1c (&#x2265;83 vs &#x2264;52 mmol/mol: odds ratio [OR] 15&#xb7;37 [95% CI 11&#xb7;50-20&#xb7;53]), malnutrition (OR 10&#xb7;54 [7&#xb7;32-15&#xb7;18]), previous ketoacidosis (OR 10&#xb7;40 [7&#xb7;09-15&#xb7;24]), low BMI (<20 kg/m2vs 20 to <25 kg/m2: OR 9&#xb7;98 [5&#xb7;68-17&#xb7;53]), and recent hypoglycaemia (OR 5&#xb7;22 [2&#xb7;60-10&#xb7;49]). Infection was the most common precipitating or co-occurring event (454 [31&#xb7;8%] of 1428 vs 862 [6&#xb7;1%] of 14&#x2008;233 for ketoacidosis cases vs controls; OR 7&#xb7;60 [6&#xb7;62-8&#xb7;71]). The strongest associations were observed for alcohol intoxication, acute renal events, acute abdomen, stroke, and major surgery, although associations for some transient exposures, particularly milder conditions, might have been overestimated because of under-registration among controls. Exploratory analyses suggested that the observed associations were largely general to patients with type 2 diabetes rather than specific to SGLT2 inhibitor use. At 1 year after ketoacidosis, 211 (25&#xb7;1%) of 842 remained on SGLT2 inhibitors and insulin use increased from 269 (31&#xb7;9%) of 842 to 615 (73&#xb7;0%) of 842. INTERPRETATION: Ketoacidosis risk with SGLT2 inhibitors varies greatly by patient characteristics and is not confined to early in treatment. Risk should be assessed throughout treatment, and patients should be instructed to pause treatment during acute illness and stress. FUNDING: Region Stockholm, Swedish Society of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet.

Journal Article

Determinants of Meal Satisfaction and Their Association With Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Review.

Meal satisfaction is considered a multidimensional concept that includes sensory enjoyment, cognitive, emotional, and physiological components and relates to contentment with the meal experience as a whole. However, its relevance to eating behavior and body weight remains unclear, especially in children. The present review investigated the potential relationship between meal satisfaction-related constructs and childhood obesity, and whether this relation is shaped by individual factors and the external environment. Seventeen eligible studies from 350 records published between 2008 and 2024 were included. No study directly assessed meal satisfaction; instead, proxy measures were used. Food enjoyment emerged as the proxy most consistently associated with BMI, often clustering with higher food responsiveness, lower satiety responsiveness, and emotional overeating. Parental feeding practices, especially pressure to eat, significantly contributed to variation in children's eating behavior and were associated with lower food enjoyment. Overall, meal satisfaction could be a key aspect to consider in childhood obesity prevention programs. However, to date, the available evidence is heterogeneous and predominantly observational. Future longitudinal and intervention studies are needed, alongside child-appropriate instruments to objectively quantify food satisfaction in children. Research that helps understand the role of contextual eating factors on children's meal satisfaction and eating behavior is also warranted.

Humans

Behind the Curtain of Care. Nurses' Experiences Providing Care to Consumers With Alcohol and Other Drug Issues: A Qualitative Scoping Review.

AIM: To scope and synthesise qualitative literature relating to nurses' experiences of providing care to consumers with alcohol and other drug issues and explore how meaning is constructed in practice. DESIGN: Scoping review. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O'Malley's framework. Findings were analysed using thematic analysis. DATA SOURCES: Systematic searches were conducted between September and November 2025 across Medline, Emcare, CINAHL and Google Scholar, using controlled vocabulary and keywords relevant to nurses' experiences of providing care to consumers with alcohol and other drug issues. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies from 12 countries were included. Seven themes were identified: emotional aspects of care, education, training and skills in practice, the spectrum of stigma, ethical issues in professional practice, navigating pain management, limited support, and how meaning is constructed in practice. CONCLUSION: Nurses' experiences of providing care to consumers with alcohol and other drug issues are shaped by multiple intersecting factors influencing care delivery and professional practice. Further research is needed to examine how workplace culture, language and interpersonal interactions influence healthcare experiences, and inform education, service development and support needs. REPORTING METHOD: Reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

alcohol and other drugs

Accelerated Diagnostic Pathways for Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome in Practice: A Randomized Trial of 0/1-Hour vs 0/3-Hour Troponin Testing.

BACKGROUND: For suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS), guidelines recommend using high-sensitivity troponins (hs-cTn) in accelerated diagnostic pathways (ADPs) with 0/1-hour recommended over 0/3-hour ADP. However, implementation of these ADPs, with universal use of hs-cTns, has not been directly compared in randomized trials OBJECTIVES: This study sought to compare the efficiency and safety of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 0/1-hour and a 0/3-hour ADP when implemented in real-world clinical practice. METHODS: This pragmatic, randomized, noninferiority implementation trial compared the safety and efficiency of clinician decision making using these 2 pathways. To prevent incorporation bias, an independent hs-cTnI was used for formal adjudication using the fourth universal definition of myocardial infarction (MI). Efficiency was judged by the proportion of patients discharged within 4 hours. The safety endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) within 30 days (adjudicated index or representation type 1 MI, cardiovascular death, and urgent coronary revascularization) for those who were considered not to have ACS and discharged. The noninferiority margin, for absolute difference in sensitivity, between the ESC 0/1-hour and the 0/3-hour ADP was set at 3%, assessed with a 1-sided 97.5% CI. RESULTS: From December 2021 to July 2024, of 13,983 screened 3,543 individual patients with suspected ACS were recruited and consented from 2 major emergency departments in North-West England, with 100% follow-up achieved for all representations to any national hospital. The median age was 60 years (IQR: 49.5-70.5 years), 53% were men, 6.7%, and 7.6% had adjudicated index type 1 MI and MACE within 30 days, respectively. The turnaround time from sample to result for central laboratory hs-cTnT was 81 minutes (IQR: 69-101 minutes). The proportion of patients discharged within 4 hours was relatively low and did not differ substantially (21.8% vs 19.2%, P = 0.07). In addition, the 0/1-hour pathway was noninferior for safety, in patients discharged, compared with the 0/3-hour pathway, absolute difference in sensitivity was +4.2% (1-sided 97.5% CI: -2.5) in favor of the 0/1-hour pathway. The calculated sensitivities were 93.7% (95% CI: 88.4%-97.1%) vs 89.5% (95% CI: 82.7%-94.3%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the ESC 0/1-hour pathway failed to discharge significantly more patients within 4 hours of presentation compared with the 0/3-hour ADP. In addition, The ESC 0/1-hour was noninferior to the 0/3-hour hs-cTn pathway for safety of discharge, although safety for both pathways was less than that imputed by observational studies. This trial demonstrates that perceived benefits to emergency department efficiency of a reduced sampling interval are mitigated by central laboratory turnaround times as well as system constraints. (Pragmatic Randomised Trial of the ESC 0/&#x200b;1 Versus 0/&#x200b;3 Hour Troponin Pathway [MACROS2]; NCT05322395).

Acute Coronary Syndrome

Histoplasmosis in children: emerging insights and evolving guidelines.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review provides an update on the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management recommendations incorporating recommendations from recent publications including the Infectious Disease Society of America guidelines for the management of pulmonary and disseminated histoplasmosis. RECENT FINDINGS: Updates to the epidemiology of histoplasmosis indicate a broader geographic range than historically defined. Updated guidelines do not recommend routine treatment for asymptomatic, mild and moderate pulmonary histoplasmosis although itraconazole can be offered for immunocompromised children or for prolonged or worsening symptoms. Liposomal amphotericin B is recommended as initial treatment for severe histoplasmosis syndromes (severe pulmonary and disseminated histoplasmosis). Fibrosing mediastinitis, a late complication of histoplasmosis is treated with stenting of vessels and bronchi. Recent studies demonstrate that rituximab (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody) may stop progression or lead to regression of progressive fibrosis. SUMMARY: Histoplasmosis has manifold manifestations, many of which are self-limited and do not require treatment. Severe histoplasmosis and its complications should be treated with liposomal amphotericin B followed by itraconazole. Clinical trials are needed to assess the efficacy of rituximab for the treatment of fibrosing mediastinitis.

Humans

Activity shapes large herbivores' ecological influences.

The ecological effects of large herbivores are shaped by their spatial and temporal patterns of activity (i.e. where, when and how intensely they use specific locations). When large herbivores' ecological influences are perceived to be undesirable, the traditional approach has been to reduce their population size. This numbers-first logic assumes that ecological effects scale primarily with abundance. We argue that this framing provides an incomplete understanding of large herbivores' ecological impacts. Using African elephants (Loxodonta africana) as a well-documented case study, we show that ecological effects on plants, animals and ecosystem processes correlate more with spatio-temporal patterns of activity than with population size. In large, open systems characterized by strong gradients of water availability, forage quality, shade and risk, elephants concentrate into predictable hotspots while relaxing activity elsewhere, generating localized impacts and opportunities for recovery. By contrast, in small, fenced or fragmented landscapes, where movements are constrained, and gradients are weak, spatial self-regulation breaks down, producing homogenized use and widespread ecological effects. We contend that understanding where, when and under what constraints herbivores use space provides a more general and mechanistic basis for interpreting ecological influence than abundance alone, with implications that extend beyond elephants to large herbivores globally.

Animals

AI Health message intervention: The role of message customization and message source in breast cancer screening among women of color.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effectiveness of breast cancer screening messages with varying levels of customization (generic, targeted, and tailored) and to compare AI-generated versus human-generated messages. METHODS: A between-subjects experimental design with a control condition was employed. Message content followed a standardized structure and varied by level of customization: generic, targeted (demographic-based), and tailored (perceived susceptibility- and barrier-based). Messages were developed by either the authors or GenAI (ChatGPT-4o). A total of 391 participants recruited via Prolific were randomly assigned to five groups (generic, targeted-human, targeted-AI, tailored-human, and tailored-AI). Self-efficacy, behavioral intentions, attitudes, and message believability were measured using different scales. RESULTS: Customized (tailoring and targeting) health messages performed comparably to generic messages in shaping positive health outcomes. GenAI-generated messages also produced outcomes comparable to those of human-generated messages under standardized conditions. Significant negative indirect effects through message believability for the human-tailored condition was found relative to the generic condition. CONCLUSIONS: GenAI may be a useful tool for developing and customizing scalable health messages. Its effectiveness depends not only on customization but also on maintaining message quality, including readability, clarity, coherence, naturalness, and credibility. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: GenAI may support health practitioners in developing customized and scalable breast cancer messages. However, professional review remains necessary to ensure that the message is culturally appropriate, responsive to patient concerns, and suitable for use alongside patient-provider communication.

Humans

Interventions with a significant mortality difference in acute respiratory distress syndrome: A systematic review and comparison with Guidelines.

INTRODUCTION: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has a high mortality rate. European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) and American Thoracic Society (ATS) Guidelines are the worldwide reference for clinicians in management of ARDS. Mortality represents one of the most important outcomes in intensive care practice and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) the highest level of evidence. We compared Guidelines recommendations with RCT results to highlight differences and find potential new therapeutic opportunities. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of all RCTs reporting a statistically significant mortality difference in ARDS and a subsequent comparison with ESICM and ATS Guidelines recommendations. RESULTS: We identified 33 RCTs and 23 interventions with mortality difference in ARDS patients. Seven interventions relate to invasive ventilation strategies, two to noninvasive ventilation strategies, one to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), 12 to drugs and one to nutritional support. In 25/33 (76%) RCTs the intervention was associated with mortality reduction and in 8/33 with mortality increase (24%). Multicenter studies were 24/33 (73%) while blinding was adopted in 19/33 (58%) studies. Guidelines recommendations supported by RCTs with mortality impact include: the use of low tidal volume ventilation, prone positioning, venovenous ECMO, steroids and the avoidance of high frequency oscillatory ventilation. Eight of the interventions identified were not mentioned by Guidelines but demonstrated reduced mortality, and five further interventions demonstrated increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review highlights potential gaps between RCTs results and Guidelines that could be used to plan future research or highlight topics to be discussed in future Guidelines.

Humans

An exploratory analysis of decision-making in population affinity estimation among forensic anthropology practitioners in the United States.

Population affinity estimation in forensic anthropology often involves the integration of multiple pieces of information, including visual (nonmetric) and metric data. This study examines how practitioners interpret and synthesize visual and metric information and their decision-making processes. A Qualtrics survey was developed using two cases: Case 1 presented clear nonmetric signal but ambiguous metric signal, while Case 2 showed more ambiguous nonmetric signal but clear metric signal. Practitioners were asked to estimate population affinity based on visual assessment, Fordisc data, and provide a final, integrated assessment. A total of 22 valid survey responses were received, with the majority of survey respondents reporting more than 10&#xa0;years of forensic anthropology experience and holding a PhD degree. Results showed that there is substantial variability in Fordisc use and interpretation. Across both cases, participants synthesized conflicting visual and metric information, converged toward the stronger signal, and came to more consistent final estimates relative to the more ambiguous input. These findings highlight variability in practitioner decision-making but suggest that integration of nonmetric and metric information in population affinity estimation can moderate decision-making uncertainty. The results have implications for forensic anthropology education, training, and proficiency testing.

Humans

Structured Visualization for Laparoscopic Skill Acquisition:A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether structured visualization can support acquisition of basic laparoscopic skills during simulation training and whether this approach can achieve outcomes comparable to repeated physical practice. DESIGN: Prospective randomized comparative study. SETTING: Simulation-based laparoscopic skills training at a university-affiliated teaching center. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty laparoscopy-naive medical students were randomly assigned to a laparoscopic practice group or a visualization group. The laparoscopic practice group performed a validated Gynecological Endoscopic Surgical Education and Assessment (GESEA) Laparoscopic Skills Training and Testing (LASTT) hand-eye coordination task 7 consecutive times. The visualization group performed the same task physically on attempts 1, 4, and 7, while attempts 2, 3, 5, and 6 consisted of guided visualization. Each attempt lasted up to 2 minutes, and performance was scored as the number of correctly placed rings (range 0-12). RESULTS: Baseline performance was comparable between groups (2.92&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;2.14&#x202f;vs 2.88&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;1.72; p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.94). Both groups improved significantly over time (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001). No statistically significant between-group differences were found on the 4th attempt (6.52&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;3.25&#x202f;vs 5.76&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;2.57; p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.48) or 7th attempt (8.24&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;2.86&#x202f;vs 7.44&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;2.99; p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.39). The final physical performance of the visualization group was significantly better than the 3rd physical attempt of the laparoscopic practice group (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Structured visualization may support early laparoscopic skill acquisition and achieve short-term outcomes comparable to repeated hands-on simulator training. Visualization should be considered an adjunct, rather than a replacement, for physical practice in simulation-based laparoscopic education.

Laparoscopy

The effect of nutrition education interventions on dialysis patients' outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Non-adherence to dietary and fluid restrictions among dialysis patients is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Quantifying the effectiveness of nutrition education interventions can inform practice and policy. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus up to 15 July 2025, supplemented by trial registries and Google Scholar, with an updated search through 8 April 2026. Eligible studies included randomized and non-randomized trials evaluating nutritional education interventions in adult dialysis populations. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB-2 and ROBINS-I, certainty graded using GRADE, and random-effects meta-analyses conducted alongside subgroup, sensitivity, and meta-regression analyses. Publication bias was assessed with Egger and Begg tests and trim-and-fill where applicable. RESULTS: Forty-four studies comprising 4,106 participants were included. Nutrition education significantly improved knowledge (SMD = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.67-1.51) and health-related quality of life (SMD = 1.43; 95% CI: 0.86-2.00; I&#xb2; = 0%), and reduced serum potassium (SMD = -0.52; 95% CI: -0.91 to -0.14; I&#xb2; = 92%) and serum phosphate (SMD = -0.35; 95% CI: -0.56 to -0.15; I&#xb2; = 81%). Results for albumin, creatinine, sodium, calcium, and BUN were inconsistent and non-significant. Most outcomes were rated low or very low certainty by GRADE, reflecting inconsistency, indirectness, and imprecision. Potential publication bias was identified for certain outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Nutrition education consistently improves knowledge and quality of life and may modestly reduce serum phosphate and potassium in dialysis patients. High-quality registered trials with standardized outcomes and longer follow-up are needed to establish effectiveness and sustainability. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD420251119567.

Humans

School-based sexual violence prevention: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Sexual violence profoundly affects the health and development of children, adolescents, and young adults, representing a persistent challenge to public policy. This systematic review examined the effectiveness of school-based interventions aimed at prevention. METHODS: Eighteen randomized controlled trials published between 2012 and 2024 were retrieved from four major databases. The programs were implemented in primary, secondary, and higher education settings and targeted children, adolescents, and young adults. RESULTS: The results revealed improvements in knowledge and attitude, particularly regarding consent and awareness, whereas evidence supporting behavioral changes was less frequent and often limited. Methodological limitations, such as short follow-up periods and participant attrition, restricted the assessment of long-term outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the importance of multicomponent, participatory, and culturally sensitive approaches, along with the integration of digital tools and continuous evaluation systems, to strengthen the role of schools as safe and transformative spaces in the prevention of sexual violence. IMPLICATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS: This systematic review suggests that school-based interventions hold significant potential for the prevention of sexual violence. It identifies promising strategies and reinforces the importance of culturally sensitive, sustained, evidence-based approaches to ensure learning environments that are safe, protective, and promotive of gender equity.

Humans

Systematic Review of Pharmacologic Treatment for Migraine Prevention in Adults: Report of the AAN Guidelines Subcommittee and the American Headache Society.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This systematic review (SR) provides updated evidence-based conclusions regarding the use of pharmacologic migraine prevention in adults to inform a new joint American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and American Headache Society practice guideline. METHODS: A multidisciplinary panel conducted an SR following the 2017 AAN Clinical Practice Guideline Process Manual. Randomized controlled trials evaluating pharmacologic preventive treatments for adults with episodic or chronic migraine were included. Searches encompassed MEDLINE, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception through June 6, 2024. Studies were screened in duplicate, with dual independent risk-of-bias assessment. Outcomes included change in monthly headache days, &#x2265;50% responder rate, and validated patient-reported quality of life (QOL) measures. Raw mean differences, standardized mean differences, and risk ratios were calculated. A modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation process was used to classify certainty of evidence. RESULTS: A total of 217 studies met inclusion criteria. For episodic migraine, high-confidence evidence showed that galcanezumab and erenumab are more effective than placebo in reducing headache frequency. Moderate-confidence evidence supported benefit from atogepant, eptinezumab, fremanezumab, propranolol, topiramate, and valproate. Several additional oral agents including amitriptyline, bisoprolol, flunarizine, fluoxetine, levetiracetam, metoprolol, nifedipine, pizotifen, and telmisartan had low-confidence evidence suggesting possible benefit. For chronic migraine, high-confidence evidence supported reductions in headache frequency with fremanezumab, galcanezumab, and onabotulinumtoxinA. Moderate-confidence evidence supported benefit from atogepant, eptinezumab, erenumab, topiramate and valproate. Across both episodic and chronic migraine populations, erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab, eptinezumab, rimegepant, atogepant, topiramate and onabotulinumtoxinA demonstrated improvements in patient-reported QOL outcomes on validated instruments. Evidence comparing active treatments was limited and generally of low or very low confidence, restricting conclusions about comparative effectiveness. DISCUSSION: This SR provides a comprehensive synthesis of evidence on pharmacologic migraine prevention in adults. High- and moderate-confidence findings confirm the efficacy of several established and newer preventive therapies and demonstrate improvements in patient-reported outcomes across multiple validated measures. These conclusions informed the development of evidence-based recommendations, presented in a companion publication, to guide clinicians in selecting preventive medications for adults with episodic and chronic migraine.

Humans

Nondominant Hand Training in Laparoscopy for Surgical Interns: Feasibility and Impact.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopy requires bimanual proficiency, yet early trainees demonstrate underdeveloped nondominant hand (NDH) performance. Although deliberate practice of NDH skill contributes to overall performance, NDH training is rarely incorporated into residency simulation curricula and has not been formally evaluated in surgical trainees. We assessed feasibility and impact of integrating structured NDH training with established laparoscopic curriculum for surgery interns. DESIGN: Prospective, single-institution randomized pilot study. Interns were assigned the standard 4-week curriculum of laparoscopic dominant hand and bimanual tasks (Control) or completed assigned NDH tasks in addition to the standard curriculum (Intervention). Feasibility was determined by assigned task completion, daily standard and NDH-specific self-reported practice time, and improvement in bimanual task performance. Performance was video recorded weekly and assessed by blinded evaluators using MISTELS and GOALS scoring. Cognitive workload during laparoscopic tasks was measured via NASA-TLX. Exploratory analyses were conducted within a Bayesian framework. SETTING: A single academic institution with a surgical simulation training program. PARTICIPANTS: General surgery interns on their 4-week simulation rotation. RESULTS: Eleven general surgery interns (6 intervention, 5 controls; all right-hand dominant) completed the study with 100% task completion and practice log compliance. Both groups improved in bimanual performance and perceived cognitive load. Reduction in cognitive workload during bimanual task performance was greater in the NDH group. Time spent on NDH practice over 4 weeks was associated with improved bimanual performance, independent of time spent on standard curriculum tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Structured NDH training is feasible to implement within an existing curriculum and reduces perceived cognitive workload during bimanual laparoscopic tasks. NDH practice demonstrates a beneficial dose-response relationship with performance, supporting its integration into early laparoscopic training.

Laparoscopy

Evolutionary architecture and lineage-specific diversification of Forkhead box transcription factors in Perna viridis.

The Forkhead box (Fox) transcription factors are evolutionarily conserved regulators of development, cell cycle, and apoptosis across metazoans. This study provides the first comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the Fox gene family in the Asian green mussel (Perna viridis). We identified 28 Fox genes distributed across 10 chromosomes. Comparative analysis reveals the absence of the FoxI, FoxQ1, FoxR and FoxS subfamily, consistent with other bivalves and indicative of lineage-specific gene loss during molluscan evolution. Notably, gene duplications in the FoxAB, FoxD, FoxH, FoxN1-4, FoxQ2 and FoxQD subfamilies may reflect functional diversification associated with environmental adaptation. Exon-intron structural variability, including intron loss in several paralogues, suggests structural diversification and potential regulatory variation. Phylogenetic reconstruction confirmed the monophyly of core Fox classes while highlighting divergent expansion patterns in lophotrochozoans. Selection analyses showed strong purifying selection across duplicated Fox paralogs, supporting functional conservation after lineage-specific expansion. Gene Ontology enrichment linked Fox genes to stress response, apoptosis, and transcriptional regulation. By integrating phylogenetic, structural, and transcriptomic analyses, this study provides a genomic framework for understanding Fox gene organisation, evolution, and tissue-associated expression patterns in Perna viridis and establishes a comparative resource for future functional studies in bivalves.

Animals