SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Early-life development”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

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

1,086 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

PubMed2026

Plant species identification by genome skimming across the vascular plant tree of life.

Accurate species identification is essential for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, yet standard plant DNA barcoding often fails to achieve species-level resolution. We present a large-scale empirical evaluation of genome skimming as a tool to improve plant species discrimination. Using standardised data from 1969 individuals representing 475 species from 32 genera across major lineages of the vascular plant tree of life, we compare conventional plastid + internal transcribed spacer (ITS) barcodes with genome skimming approaches. Standard barcoding using rbcL, matK, trnH-psbA and ITS resolved about half of species (49.3%), with six genera showing < 25% species discrimination. By contrast, genome skimming enabled the recovery of complete plastid genomes, yielding 57.6% species discrimination. It also generated sufficient nuclear genomic data for additional resolution from k-mer analysis, achieving 66.8% species discrimination - an average gain of 17.5% over standard barcodes - while eliminating cases of extreme failure (< 25% resolution). The recovery of complete plastomes and ribosomal DNAs from genome skims also ensures backward compatibility with existing barcode datasets. Our results demonstrate that genome skimming provides data that substantially improves species-level resolution across diverse plant lineages and offers a scalable, high-throughput approach for building comprehensive reference resources to support global biodiversity initiatives.

DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic↗

PubMed2026

Integrated Telehealth Rehabilitation and Quality of Life in Mechanically Ventilated Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

IMPORTANCE: Whether integrated rehabilitation strategies spanning intensive care unit (ICU), hospital, and postdischarge phases improve quality of life after acute respiratory failure is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of an integrated multicomponent telehealth-based rehabilitation intervention on health-related quality of life at 90 days after hospital discharge among adults with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This stepped-wedge cluster randomized clinical trial in ICUs of 20 public hospitals in Brazil enrolled adults with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation between June 2024 and May 2025, with follow-up through September 2025. INTERVENTIONS: A multicomponent telehealth-based rehabilitation program integrating an ICU telehealth-based rehabilitation intervention focused on ventilator liberation; a ward telehealth-based rehabilitation intervention targeting risk stratification and initiation of individualized rehabilitation plans; and a postdischarge telehealth-based rehabilitation intervention consisting of a 2-month personalized centralized telerehabilitation program. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Health-related quality of life at 90 days after hospital discharge, measured using the EuroQol 5-Dimension 3-Level (EQ-5D-3L) utility score (range, -0.17 [worse than death] to 1 [best health state], with 0 representing death). RESULTS: Among 1916 enrolled patients (mean [SD] age, 60.6 [17.3] years; 43.6% female), 1063 were assigned to the intervention and 853 to usual care per local protocols. At 90 days after hospital discharge, mean (SD) EQ-5D-3L utility scores were higher in the intervention group than in the usual care group (0.16 [0.31] vs 0.12 [0.28]; adjusted difference, 0.049; 95% CI, 0.0002 to 0.098; P = .04) but did not differ among survivors (0.60 [0.32] vs 0.59 [0.32]; adjusted difference, -0.045; 95% CI, -0.138 to 0.045; P = .34). Compared with usual care, the intervention resulted in lower 90-day all-cause mortality (71.8% [676 of 941] vs 78.3% [584 of 746]; adjusted difference, -7.6%; 95% CI, -14.7% to -0.6%; P = .03) and shorter mean (SD) mechanical ventilation duration (9.9 [10.3] vs 15.5 [15.9] days; adjusted difference, -6.2 days; 95% CI, -8.5 to -3.9; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this study, an integrated telehealth-based rehabilitation strategy delivered across ICU, hospital, and postdischarge phases improved 90-day health-related quality of life, potentially influenced by reduced mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06343545.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

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; I² = 0%), and reduced serum potassium (SMD = -0.52; 95% CI: -0.91 to -0.14; I² = 92%) and serum phosphate (SMD = -0.35; 95% CI: -0.56 to -0.15; I² = 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↗

PubMed2026

Measuring Coping Strategies in Daily Life: A Systematic Review of Experience Sampling Methodology and Daily Diary Studies.

Advances in daily diary methods and experience sampling method (ESM) have improved the study of coping strategies in daily life and their role in shaping health and well-being. In this review, we examine study designs, measurement approaches, and analytical practices used to investigate coping in natural contexts. We performed a systematic review of studies published before 5 December 2025 that used daily diary or ESM to measure coping strategies over multiple days or moments. Studies were examined with regard to sampling schemes, assessment frequency and duration, measurement of coping strategies, incorporation of stressor appraisals, and analytic techniques used to model coping processes. Fifty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. Results indicated that 80% employed end-of-day diary designs, generally lasting 1-3 weeks, whereas higher-frequency ESM protocols were less common and ranged 2-14 days. Coping strategies were often assessed using abbreviated or single-item measures, frequently adapted from established questionnaires. Many studies incorporated appraisals such as perceived stressor intensity or controllability, enabling tests of coping flexibility. Multilevel modelling was the dominant analytic approach, allowing researchers to distinguish within-person dynamics from between-person differences. However, analyses were predominantly concurrent, and temporally ordered models remained comparatively rare. Overall, the literature demonstrates substantial progress in capturing coping in everyday contexts, yet heterogeneity in measurement and limited use of temporal modelling constrain cumulative knowledge about the temporal links between coping and psychological and physiological health outcomes. Future research would benefit from greater alignment between theoretical assumptions, assessment strategies, and analytic methods.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Integrated genomic and biochemical diagnosis of a novel homozygous start-loss variant in AKR1D1 associated with neonatal cholestasis.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital bile acid synthesis defects are rare autosomal recessive disorders that typically present in early infancy with cholestasis, progressive liver dysfunction, and, in severe cases, acute liver failure. These conditions may mimic other metabolic diseases detected in newborn screening, complicating early diagnosis. The AKR1D1 gene encodes Δ4-3-oxosteroid 5β-reductase, a key enzyme in primary bile acid synthesis, and pathogenic variants cause bile acid synthesis defect type 2 (OMIM #235555). CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a 3-month-old male infant with severe neonatal cholestasis and a history of elevated tyrosine levels in newborn screening. Pregnancy was high risk and unmonitored, with birth outside a hospital. Parental consanguinity was first-degree. Early metabolic evaluation showed transient normalization of tyrosine levels, but subsequent analyses revealed recurrent hyper-tyrosinemia. Urinary organic acids showed increased 4-hydroxyphenyl metabolites, with absent succinylacetone, excluding tyrosinemia type I. Progressive cholestasis developed, accompanied by coagulopathy, hyperbilirubinemia, hyperammonemia, and markedly elevated alpha-fetoprotein. Imaging revealed no structural liver abnormalities. Clinical exome sequencing identified a novel homozygous start-loss variant in AKR1D1, likely abolishing functional enzyme production. Metabolic studies confirmed increased urinary excretion of 3-oxocholenoic acids consistent with abnormal bile acid synthesis and supporting a diagnosis of bile acid synthesis defect type 2. Oral cholic acid therapy led to stabilization and improvement in clinical and biochemical parameters. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the diagnostic complexity of neonatal cholestasis, particularly when initial metabolic findings suggest alternative etiologies. It highlights the importance of newborn screening as a tool for broader diagnostic suspicion and the critical role of early molecular diagnosis and multidisciplinary care. Timely recognition and targeted therapy can improve outcomes, prevent liver transplantation, and enable accurate genetic counseling, especially in consanguineous families.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Physical therapy for urinary incontinence in older women: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence is highly prevalent among older women, affecting more than one-third of this population and significantly impairing quality of life, independence, and healthcare utilization. Older women often present with complex needs that may require broader rehabilitation strategies. METHODS: This systematic review evaluated randomized controlled trials of physical therapy interventions for urinary incontinence in older women. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched to October 2025. Eligible studies included women ≥60 years and assessed interventions such as Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), bladder training, Yoga, Pilates, general resistance training, electrical stimulation, or multimodal programs. Methodological quality was appraised using the PEDro scale, and random-effects meta-analysis was performed where appropriate. RESULTS: Twenty studies involving 2002 women across 13 countries were included. Eleven trials were rated as good quality and nine as fair. Meta-analysis demonstrated that PFMT significantly reduced urinary incontinence severity compared with usual care (SMD = -1.27, 95% CI: -2.18 to -0.36, p = 0.006). Multimodal programs combining PFMT with mobility, strength, or fall-prevention training also showed significant benefits (SMD = -0.98, 95% CI: -1.60 to -0.36, p = 0.002). Comparative studies indicated that PFMT was similarly effective to Yoga and Pilates, while adjuncts such as general resistance training or tibial nerve stimulation provided additional improvements. CONCLUSION: Physical therapy interventions, particularly PFMT and multimodal programs, are effective in reducing urinary incontinence severity and improving functional outcomes among older women. These findings support prioritizing physical therapy as an important management strategy, with multimodal approaches offering added value for enhancing functional independence and fall prevention.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

EffectS of Lifestyle Interventions in Older PEople With Obesity (Effective SLOPE): a Systematic Review With Network Meta-Analyses.

BACKGROUND/AIM: We conducted a systematic review with network meta-analyses (NMA) summarizing the effects and safety of lifestyle interventions containing nutrition (NUT; e.g., calorie restriction), exercise (EX; e.g., aerobic/resistance exercise) and behavior change interventions (BCI; e.g., behavioral therapy) on physical function, body composition, quality of life, psychosocial outcomes, health and adverse events in community-dwelling older adults with obesity. METHODS: We used the methodology proposed by Cochrane and searched six databases and one trial registry for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs; intervention duration ≥ 12 weeks) up to May 2022 with a full new search in MEDLINE and a re-assessment of previously identified eligible trial registry entries in October 2025. Random-effects NMA ((standardized) mean difference ((S)MD), 95% confidence intervals) were conducted if possible. RESULTS: We included 72 RCTs (n = 6716) for descriptive summaries and 54 RCTs (n = 4249) for NMA. NUT+EX+BCI improved physical function (performance batteries) compared to control (SMD 3.37 [1.76;4.97]; high certainty of evidence). NUT+EX+BCI may reduce body (MD -8.69 [-13.14;-4.25]) and fat mass (MD -6.58 [-10.44;-2.73]) while not negatively affecting fat-free mass (MD -1.38 [-3.52;0.76]) or bone mineral density (MD -0.01 [-0.05;0.02]) (evidence very uncertain). Other interventions (single/combined) may also be effective; however, effects were often imprecise. For psychosocial outcomes, quality of life, and health events, data were insufficient or too heterogeneous to derive clear results. CONCLUSION: The evidence suggests that NUT+EX+BCI interventions are most suitable for the management of obesity in older adults. Nevertheless, further RCTs-especially in frail populations and on patient-relevant outcomes-are needed.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Congenital Laryngomalacia: Pathophysiology, Clinical Spectrum, and Holistic Management.

Congenital laryngomalacia is the most common cause of infant stridor and arises from interacting structural, neuromuscular, and inflammatory mechanisms that produce dynamic supraglottic collapse. Disease severity spans mild stridor to significant obstruction, aspiration, and failure to thrive, often influenced by comorbid medical conditions. Diagnosis relies on flexible laryngoscopy supported by instrumental swallowing studies and microdirect laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy when indicated. Most infants respond to conservative management, particularly targeted feeding modifications, while acid suppression offers benefit in selective cases. Supraglottoplasty provides effective, durable improvement for severe disease and significantly enhances infant outcomes and family quality of life.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Total ankle replacement versus nonoperative management for end-stage ankle osteoarthritis: A comparative analysis.

BACKGROUND: The optimal management of end-stage ankle osteoarthritis remains debated. This study compared short-term outcomes between non-operative treatment, total ankle replacement (TAR), and cases in which indicated surgery was delayed. METHODS: In this secondary analysis of prospectively collected data, treatment survival, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and patient satisfaction were assessed at baseline and at 1- and 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: In a total of 316 patients one-year treatment survival was highest for TAR (99.3%), followed by NOM (94.4%) and delayed surgery (80.9%). TAR demonstrated significantly superior FAOS pain and quality-of-life scores compared with NOM and delayed surgery. Delayed surgery was associated with significantly worse pain and quality-of-life outcomes. Patient satisfaction was highest in the TAR group and lowest in the delayed surgery group. CONCLUSIONS: TAR provides superior pain relief, quality of life, and satisfaction compared with non-operative management in end-stage ankle OA. While NOM remains a valid option for selected patients, delaying indicated surgery results in inferior outcomes, underscoring the importance of timely, shared decision-making.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Improved quality of life and prolonged survival with add-on homeopathic treatment in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, three-arm, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Alongside conventional anticancer treatment, add-on homeopathy might help to alleviate adverse effects of conventional therapy. AIM: The aim of this study was to replicate previous studies on the effect of adjunctive homeopathy on quality of life (QoL) and survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. METHOD: In this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, three-arm multicenter phase III study with quadruple-checked data analysis, we investigated the potential effects of an add-on homeopathic treatment compared to placebo in patients with stage IV NSCLC in terms of QoL. Ninety-eight received either individualized homeopathic medicinal products (HMPs; n = 51) or placebo (n = 47) in a double-blinded fashion. Fifty-two control patients without homeopathic treatment were only observed in terms of their survival rate. The ingredients of the various HMPs were mainly prepared of plant, mineral, or animal origin. The data entry and statistical analysis were subject to an exceptional quadruple-checked data analysis process. The analysis presented in this article was inspired by our earlier report of this trial published in The Oncologist in 2020, which was retracted by that journal in November 2025 after two corrections; a majority of the co-authors disagreed with this decision. The present article is based on the same trial dataset but was deliberately designed to highlight the unique research methodology: design and preparation by a lead statistician, data entry, data clearing and independent statistical evaluation were performed in four mutually independent steps, reporting follows the CONSORT statement, and the interpretation of the findings has been reframed conservatively. RESULTS: Global health status (QoL) was higher in the homeopathy group than in the placebo group after 9 weeks and after 18 weeks (p < 0.001). With the exception of cognitive functioning at 9 weeks and of pain, diarrhea and financial difficulties at 9 weeks, all functional and symptom scales of the EORTC QLQ-C30 favored the homeopathy group (p < 0.001 for the multivariate comparisons), with between-group differences exceeding the threshold of 10 points that is generally regarded as clinically meaningful. Median survival time over the 730-day observation period was 435 days in the homeopathy group, 257 days in the placebo group (p = 0.010), and 228 days in the non-randomized control group (p < 0.001); the corresponding 2-year survival rates were 45.1%, 23.4%, and 13.5% (homeopathy vs. placebo p = 0.020; homeopathy vs. control p < 0.001). The difference between the placebo group and the non-randomized control group was not statistically significant (p = 0.154). CONCLUSION: In this trial, add-on homeopathy was associated with better quality of life across most functional and symptom domains, with clinically meaningful effect sizes congruently to a previous open study. Survival time was significantly longer in the homeopathy group compared to both the placebo and control groups. Independent replication, ideally within contemporary immuno-oncological treatment regimens is required. TRIALS REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT01509612; January 7, 2012.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Patient-reported outcome measures within European cohorts of severely injured patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Severe injury affects multiple health-related domains, yet comprehensive European data on patient-reported outcomes remain limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) use and outcomes in severely injured European cohorts. METHODS: A systematic search of four databases up to October 14, 2025, identified European studies from 2000 onward reporting PROMs in severely injured patients. Severe injury was defined as an Injury Severity Score ≥ 16, Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8, intensive care unit admission, spinal cord injury, traumatic amputations, or pelvic fractures. Two reviewers independently screened records, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. Meta-analysis was performed when ≥ 3 studies reported comparable PROMs at similar follow-up timepoints. RESULTS: Of 2,479 studies, 119 were included. Most cohorts originated from the Netherlands (26%), Norway (18%), and Germany (16%). General severely injured cohorts were most frequently studied (61%), followed by traumatic brain injury (17%), and spinal cord injury (15%). In total, 94 PROMs were used across 277 follow-up timepoints. Health-related quality of life was assessed most frequently (63%), after that anxiety/depression (14%), post-traumatic stress (9%), and social functioning (6%). At one year follow-up, the pooled EuroQol-5D-3 L index score was 0.70 (95% CI 0.62-0.77) and VAS score was 68 (95% CI 60-75), indicating persistent impairment compared to population norms. CONCLUSION: Severely injured patients show persistent impairments with incomplete restoration of pre-injury functioning. Despite increased PROMs use, heterogeneity in selection and outcome reporting limits comparability, underscoring the need for standardised PROM assessment to improve outcome evaluation after severe injury.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Wearable Sleep Monitoring in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Associations With Subjective Sleep Ratings and Neurocognitive Functioning.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are associated with increased fatigue, reduced quality of life, and neurocognitive dysfunction and have emerged as a common complication among pediatric cancer survivors. Sleep disturbances are particularly concerning given their potential to exacerbate existing neurocognitive impacts of cancer treatments. This pilot study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a home-wearable EEG-based sleep device (Sleep ProfilerTM) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors as well as associations between specific sleep parameters and neurocognitive functioning. PROCEDURE: Children (ages 8-12; M = 10 years, SD = 1.6; N = 23) >6 months post-treatment for ALL were enrolled at clinical visits and wore the Sleep ProfilerTM for two consecutive nights at home, followed by neurocognitive testing of attention, inhibitory control, working memory, and processing speed. Parents completed subjective measures of child sleep, anxiety, depression, and acceptability. Feasibility reflected the percentage of children wearing the device at least one night and the percentage of nights with good EEG quality data. RESULTS: All participants wore the device both nights, with 84% meeting the threshold for good quality measurement. Few children met recommended quantity and quality sleep thresholds based on objective measurement, including 5 patients with elevated snoring levels; 43.5% of subjective ratings fell above the threshold for sleep disturbance. Greater sleep latency was associated with worse inhibitory control (r = -0.42, p = 0.046), and total sleep time was positively associated with inhibitory control and attention. CONCLUSIONS: Findings confirm the feasibility and acceptability of home EEG sleep monitoring in school-age survivors, and associations of sleep latency and snoring with reduced neurocognitive functioning may offer modifiable risk factors for aspects of neuropsychological dysfunction common in pediatric survivorship. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: At the time this study was conducted, we were not required to register the study on ClinicalTrials.gov. It was a single-institution feasibility study without intervention, which was not considered a clinical trial.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Clinical Trial: Effectiveness and Safety of a Novel Anal Insert Device for Treatment of Faecal Incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Treatment options for medically-refractory faecal incontinence (FI)-including anorectal biofeedback, dextranomer injection, and sacral nerve stimulation-are limited and outcomes are often suboptimal. Anal or vaginal insert devices are infrequently used. AIMS: We evaluated the safety and effectiveness of a new anal insert device (StaySure) in patients with FI. METHODS: Patients with FI for ≥ 6 months and ≥ 4 moderate or large FI episodes during a 4-week baseline entered a 2-4 week fitting/run-in period to individualise device size (10 or 13 mm) followed by a 4-week treatment period. Outcomes included effectiveness, safety, and quality of life (QoL). The primary outcome was the proportion achieving a ≥ 50% reduction in FI frequency. RESULTS: Of 124 enrolled patients, 98, 71, and 61 progressed through the baseline, fitting/run-in, and treatment phases respectively, with few exclusions due to device intolerance. In the intent-to-treat cohort of 59 participants (93% women), mean (SD) number of days with FI declined from 13.2 (7.0) to 6.3 (6.9), and FI weekly episodes declined from 5.4 (6.9) to 2.1 (5.1) (69% reduction; p < 0.001) with similar results for both device sizes. The primary endpoint was achieved in 76.3% of participants; 54.2% achieved ≥ 75% reduction. The FIQoL overall score increased from a mean (SD) of 1.9 (0.6) to 2.3 (0.6) (p < 0.001), indicating improved QoL. Improvements in FI frequency, FIQoL exceeded minimal clinically important difference thresholds, confirming clear clinical benefit. No treatment-related serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The StaySure anal insert device is safe, well tolerated, and effective in reducing FI in patients with moderate to severe symptoms refractory to conservative therapies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03898778.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Patient-reported outcomes with tarlatamab in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer after platinum-based chemotherapy: results from the phase 3 DeLLphi-304 trial.

BACKGROUND: Extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) is associated with a high symptom burden and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This prespecified analysis from the phase 3 DeLLphi-304 trial evaluated patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for tarlatamab versus standard-of-care (SoC) chemotherapy following first-line platinum-based therapy. METHODS: DeLLphi-304 is a multicenter, open-label, randomized phase 3 study in adults with ES-SCLC. PROs were assessed using validated instruments, including the EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-LC13, FACT-G GP5, BPI-SF, and the EQ-5D-5L visual analogue scale. Change from baseline, response rates, and time to deterioration in these PROs were analyzed. RESULTS: PRO data from all 509 patients enrolled were evaluated. Compliance with QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC13 assessments remained above 69% through 19 weeks. A higher proportion of patients receiving tarlatamab achieved symptom or functional improvement at 19 weeks compared with SoC in chest pain (19% vs 10%), cough (35% vs 26%), dyspnea (22% vs 7%), physical functioning (13% vs 8%), and global health status (23% vs 15%), respectively. Tarlatamab also delayed deterioration in symptoms, physical functioning, and pain at worst relative to SoC. FACT-G GP5 results indicated that patients receiving tarlatamab were less bothered by treatment side effects over time. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to its previously reported antitumor activity, tarlatamab demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in symptoms and HRQoL compared with SoC. These findings support a favorable benefit-risk profile of tarlatamab in patients previously treated for ES-SCLC.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Height variation independent of known genetic variants and health in later life: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Adult-attained height is associated with later-life health, but it reflects both genetic and nongenetic influences. The health implications of height variation not explained by known common height-associated genetic variants remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine associations of residual height (height variation independent of known genetic variants) with multiple disease incidence and all-cause mortality in later life. METHODS: In this cohort study of 407,366 adults of European ancestry (aged 40-70 y) in the United Kingdom Biobank (2006-2010), sex- and age-specific genetically predicted height was estimated from 9863 height-associated variants, adjusted for 30 principal components of ancestry. Residual height was calculated as the difference between observed and genetically predicted height. Plasma proteomics (2054 proteins; Olink Explore) were profiled. Deaths and 49 incident diseases were ascertained through national registries. Multivariable Cox models estimated associations of residual height and related proteins with disease incidence and mortality. RESULTS: Higher residual height [mean (standard deviation, SD), 0.0 (4.8)] was associated with more favorable self-reported preadulthood exposures (e.g., later birth years, no maternal smoking around birth, being breastfed as an infant, no adoption experience, and lower childhood adversity scores) and lower hazard ratios (HRs) of 32 out of 49 diseases (median follow-up = ∼12.5 y). Using participants with residual height within ±0.5 SDs from the mean as reference, those with residual height < -2 SDs had higher adjusted HRs of mortality [1.61; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.50, 1.72], multimorbidity (1.28; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.46), cardiovascular disease (1.45; 95% CI: 1.32, 1.60), psychiatric/neurological disease (1.38; 95% CI: 1.28, 1.48), and other disease categories (e.g., diabetes, digestive, and musculoskeletal diseases). In contrast, higher genetically predicted height was associated with a higher incidence of 19 diseases, including subtypes of cancer, non-atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal diseases, as well as higher all-cause mortality. We identified 806 plasma proteins related to inflammation, immune response, and autophagy via tumor necrosis factor, Nuclear factor-kappa B, phosphoinositide-3 kinase/protein kinase B, and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways, which were associated with residual height and multiple diseases and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Higher residual height is associated with lower disease incidence and mortality, with associations that are distinct from those for genetically predicted height.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Ameliorating Effects and Autonomic Mechanisms of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Abdominal Pain in Patients With Functional Dyspepsia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often experience abdominal pain and reduced quality of life and need effective treatments. This exploratory study aimed to evaluate whether transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) could improve abdominal pain and quality of life in patients with FD and IBS, and whether the effects were mediated via the autonomic mechanisms. METHODS: A total of 64 patients with abdominal pain (43 FD and 21 IBS) with a pain score of 3 out of 10 or higher were randomized to receive 2 weeks of taVNS or sham-taVNS treatment. The primary outcome was numeric rating scale (NRS) for abdominal pain. The dyspeptic symptom scales (DSS), IBS symptom severity scale score (IBS-SSS), anxiety and depression scores, and the SF36 quality of life scale were assessed before and after the treatment. The electrocardiogram was also recorded for the assessment of autonomic function at baseline and after the treatment. KEY RESULTS: (1) taVNS reduced the abdominal pain score (p < 0.001 for both FD and IBS), the frequency of abdominal pain (p < 0.001 for both FD and IBS), and overall symptom scores in both FD patients and IBS patients (p < 0.001 for FD and IBS). There was no significant difference in the effect of taVNS on abdominal pain between FD and IBS patients. (2) taVNS improved quality of life compared with baseline in both FD and IBS patients. (3) taVNS decreased anxiety (p < 0.001) and depression (p < 0.001). (4) taVNS increased vagal activity. At the end of the taVNS treatment, the vagal activity was negatively correlated with the pain score (r = -0.491, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Non-invasive taVNS improves abdominal pain, quality of life, and anxiety and depression in patients with FD and patients with IBS, possibly attributed to the enhancement of vagal activity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2400085697.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Evidence of genome-wide relaxed selection on mildly deleterious mutations in an ancient subterranean catfish.

About one hundred subterranean catfish species have been described, resulting from repeated colonization of cave environments by multiple surface lineages. Most cave-dwelling species are found in the Americas, in particular in South America, but a few species also live in Central and North America. Despite the availability of high-quality genome assemblies for two cave species, the Mexican blind catfish Prietella phreatophila and the Colombian blind catfish Trichomycterus rosablanca, genomic approaches to investigate genetic changes associated with subterranean life or to estimate cave colonization times remain largely unexplored. To fill this gap, we additionally sequenced the genomes of four blind and depigmented subterranean catfishes from Peru (three Trichomycterus and one Astroblepus), as well as the genomes of four close surface relatives. We first extracted a large set of light-related genes, such as phototransduction and crystallin genes, and found contrasting decays of these sequences in different cave species, from 1% of pseudogenes in T. rosablanca to 48% in P. phreatophila. Two independent molecular dating methods gave congruent ages, indicating that these catfishes colonized subterranean habitats at different times, ranging from Early Pliocene to Late Pleistocene, supporting the hypothesis that surface catfishes repeatedly and rapidly adapted to subterranean habitats. The oldest cave species, P. phreatophila, appears to have been thriving in the dark for over 3.5 million years. Moreover, a genome-wide analysis of protein-coding genes suggests weaker purifying selection on mildly deleterious mutations in this cavefish than in other catfish lineages, likely reflecting a long-term small effective population size.

cavefishes↗

PubMed2026

The Soundtrack of Everyday Life: Real-world Music Listening Habits of Adult Cochlear Implant Users.

OBJECTIVE: Characterize real-world patterns of music listening and reward sensitivity among adult cochlear implant (CI) users compared with normal-hearing (NH) listeners. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: Online. PATIENTS: Adults (≥18 y) with a CI or NH who used a music-streaming platform as their primary listening method. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Objective measures included platform-derived audio features (acousticness, danceability, energy, tempo, and valence), listening volume, unique-song ratio, and decade preferences. Self-reported measures included listening habits and the Barcelona Music Reward Questionnaire (BMRQ). Group comparisons used ANCOVAs and mixed-effect models adjusting for age and gender; within-CI analyses compared prelingual versus postlingual deafness. RESULTS: Among 16 CI users (69% male, 39.0±15.6 y) and 29 NH listeners (38% male, 32.2±11.3 y), CI users demonstrated a higher unique-song ratio (β=-0.157, CI as reference; 95%CI [-0.281, -0.034]; P =0.014) and stronger preference for older music (Pillai trace=0.537; F8,35 =5.07; P <0.001), adjusting for age. No significant group differences were observed in weekly listening time, listening volume, audio features, or BMRQ scores (total and subscores). Equivalence was confirmed for Emotion Evocation and Sensory-Motor subscales. There were no statistically significant differences in listening environments after Holm correction. No statistically detectable differences were observed between pre- and postlingually deafened CI users. CONCLUSIONS: Musically active CI users showed no significant differences in listening volume or overall music-reward sensitivity compared with NH peers, but demonstrated higher unique-song ratios and a bias toward older music. Findings highlight the value of ecologically valid data in understanding real-world music experiences among CI users.

Adult↗