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PubMed2026

Extended Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis After One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass: A Three-Arm Randomized Trial of Enoxaparin Duration and Rivaroxaban.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious but preventable complication after bariatric surgery, most of them after hospital discharge. The optimal regimen and duration of post-discharge prophylaxis, particularly the role of direct oral anticoagulants, remain uncertain. OBJECTIVES: To estimate 30-day VTE and bleeding event rates in high-risk patients undergoing one-anastomosis gastric bypass who received 15-day enoxaparin, 30-day enoxaparin, or 30-day rivaroxaban prophylaxis, and to perform exploratory comparisons among the regimens. METHODS: In this randomized, open-label, three-arm clinical trial, high-risk adults undergoing laparoscopic OAGB were randomized before discharge (1:1:1) to enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously twice daily for 15 days, enoxaparin 40 mg twice daily for 30 days, or rivaroxaban 10 mg orally once daily for 30 days, after standardized in-hospital enoxaparin and early ambulation. Participants underwent clinical assessment and duplex ultrasonography of the lower-limb and porto-mesenteric veins on postoperative days 15 and 30. The primary outcome was objectively confirmed VTE within 30 days. Bleeding was classified as International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) major bleeding or clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB). Because the expected event rate was low and no non-inferiority or equivalence margin was prespecified, comparisons were interpreted as exploratory. RESULTS: A total of 288 patients were randomized to 15-day enoxaparin (n = 97), 30-day enoxaparin (n = 97), or 30-day rivaroxaban (n = 94). One symptomatic lower-limb deep vein thrombosis occurred in the 15-day enoxaparin group (1.0%; 95% CI, 0.03%-5.6%); no VTE events occurred in the 30-day enoxaparin group (0%; 95% CI, 0%-3.7%) or the rivaroxaban group (0%; 95% CI, 0%-3.8%). Total bleeding occurred in 4/97 patients (4.1%) in each enoxaparin group and 8/94 patients (8.5%) in the rivaroxaban group. The absolute difference in total bleeding between rivaroxaban and 30-day enoxaparin was 4.4% points (95% CI, - 2.9 to 12.2), indicating substantial imprecision. No porto-mesenteric venous thrombosis was detected. CONCLUSION: Only one VTE event occurred, precluding reliable conclusions regarding comparative efficacy or prophylaxis duration. Bleeding estimates were also imprecise and do not establish comparative safety or equivalence between rivaroxaban and enoxaparin. The trial adds descriptive event-rate data from a standardized OAGB pathway, but larger multicenter studies with prespecified comparative hypotheses and assessment of adherence, oral tolerance, and drug exposure are required. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Characteristics of children with ureteroceles presenting for urological evaluation in the modern medical era.

INTRODUCTION: Historically, children with ureteroceles presented symptomatically and were managed surgically. It is unclear if this changed in the modern medical era of prenatal imaging and shared decision making. We aimed to describe the presentation and management of ureteroceles during initial urological evaluation of children in the era of widespread prenatal ultrasonography. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of children (<18 years old [yo]) initially evaluated at our center with a ureterocele (2011-2020). We analyzed demographics, renal anatomy, initial presentation for evaluation, and initial management with non-parametric statistics. Febrile urinary tract infections (fUTIs, ≥ 38 °C) were classified as 1) urosepsis (positive urine culture admitted to pediatric intensive care), 2) documented (positive urine culture) or 3) family-reported. RESULTS: We identified 188 children (65% female). Median age at presentation was 1.2 months old (mo) (IQR 18 days-4.4 mo). Antenatally-detected congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (aCAKUT) were noted in 143 (76%) children with a confirmed postnatal diagnosis of ureterocele. Overall, 129/188 (69%) children presented without symptoms and 59 (31%) presented with symptoms. fUTI was the most common symptomatic presentation (46/188, 24%): urosepsis (6 children), documented (30), and family-reported (10). Children with aCAKUT presented earlier than those without aCAKUT (27 days vs. 1.6 yo, p < 0.0001). They were also less likely to present with symptoms (11% vs. 96%, p < 0.0001), including fUTIs (7% vs. 78%, p < 0.0001). In total, 108 children (57%) were initially managed with transurethral incision, 73 (39%) were observed, and 7 (4%) had reconstructive surgery. Asymptomatic children with aCAKUT (42%) and symptomatic children without aCAKUT (37%) were more likely to be observed than symptomatic children with aCAKUT (7%, p = 0.02). Among 143 children with aCAKUT, those on antibiotic prophylaxis were less likely to present with a history of a fUTI compared to those not on prophylaxis (4/106 vs. 6/37, 4% vs. 16%, p = 0.02). COMMENT: We present a large observational study describing clinical and anatomical characteristics of children presenting with ureteroceles in a medical era of ubiquitous prenatal ultrasonography. Our retrospective study was limited by incomplete documentation of all antenatal ultrasonography and adherence with antibiotic prophylaxis. Long-term clinical outcomes will be the focus of future work. CONCLUSION: In contrast to historical cohorts, most children presented to urologists with asymptomatic ureteroceles diagnosed with aCAKUT. Most children without aCAKUT presented with a fUTI. Overall, 39% of children were initially observed, indicating an increased use of observation in the modern medical era.

Humans↗

PubMed2024

Emotional and Cognitive Processes Underlying Persuasion, Moderating Factors, and Physiological Reactions: A Systematic Review.

Persuasion is a type of social influence aiming to produce changes in others' attitudes or behaviors. This study explores the relationship between emotions and persuasion, principal moderating factors, and physiological reactions during persuasive attempts. Following PRISMA guidelines, 28 empirical articles were analyzed, addressing emotions, affective/cognitive orientations, framing effects, and psychophysiological reactions. Mixed findings emerged regarding emotions, with fear appeals being effective in health education, while more recent studies favor the use of positive persuasive messages to increase behavior intention. Principal moderating factors included personal relevance, need for cognition (NFC) and need for affect (NFA), thought confidence, vulnerability, and efficacy beliefs. Psychophysiological studies revealed distinct physiological arousal during persuasion processing compared to a rest state. In addition, a greater misalignment between current behavior and the persuasive attempt led to perceived freedom threat and psychological reactance. These insights enhance persuasive effectiveness and deepen understanding of persuasion processes, guiding future research directions.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

[Pathogenicity analysis and prenatal genetic counseling for five Chinese pedigrees harboring a hemizygous c.-32C>G variant of FGF13 gene].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the pathogenicity and prenatal counseling strategies for five Chinese pedigrees harboring a hemizygous c.-32C>G (NM_001139500.2) variant of fibroblast growth factor 13 (FGF13) gene. METHODS: Five Chinese pedigrees found to carry a hemizygous c.-32C>G variant of the FGF13 gene at the Prenatal Diagnosis Center of Henan Provincial People's Hospital between January 2024 and January 2025 were selected as study subjects. The pedigrees had undergone prenatal diagnosis for a family history of genetic disorders, abnormal fetal ultrasound findings, or advanced maternal age. A retrospective analysis was carried out, wherein clinical data for all members of the pedigrees were obtained through the medical records system and outpatient visit system. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all pedigree members, and amniotic fluid samples were obtained from the probands. Following extraction of genomic DNA, prenatal diagnosis was performed using chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and trio whole-exome sequencing (trio-WES). Sanger sequencing was used to determine the carrier status for the candidate variant, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to assess the cognitive function of hemizygous individuals carrying the FGF13 gene c.-32C>G variant. Pathogenicity of candidate variant was assessed based on guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the hospital (Ethics No.: 2021-171). RESULTS: CMA and trio-WES revealed no pathogenic variants in all probands, whilst trio-WES and Sanger sequencing had identified 11 male individuals carrying a hemizygous c.-32C>G variant of the FGF13 gene from the five pedigrees, which included six adult males, a young boy, and four fetuses. One fetus had undergone termination of pregnancy due to hydrocephalus, one was born pre-term at 34+1 weeks of gestation owing to maternal hypertension, and other two were delivered at full term. Follow-up of the survived males revealed no phenotypic manifestations related to language or intellectual impairment. Among these, three adult males underwent the MMSE assessment, all of whom showed normal cognitive function. Search of the gnomAD database suggested the carrier frequency of FGF13 c.-32C>G variant in the East Asian population to be 0.125%, with 11 hemizygous males documented. Three male patients harboring the variant showed severe intellectual disability. Both in vitro and in vivo studies suggested that it could reduce the translation levels of FGF13 protein. Based on the ACMG guidelines, it was classified as variant of uncertain significance (BS4+PS3_Supporting). CONCLUSION: There is insufficient evidence to classify the FGF13 c.-32C>G as a pathogenic variant in clinical practice, and its presence should not be considered an indication for pregnancy termination due to major birth defects.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

High-frequency contralesional dorsal premotor cortex and low-frequency contralesional primary motor cortex rTMS in subacute stroke with severe upper limb impairment: comparable motor outcomes and differential regional degree centrality changes.

BACKGROUND: The contralesional dorsal premotor cortex has been proposed as a potential neuromodulatory target for patients with severe upper limb impairment due to subacute ischemic stroke. This proof-of-concept study aimed to compare behavioral outcomes and resting-state neuroimaging findings between high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the contralesional dorsal premotor cortex and guideline-supported low-frequency stimulation over the contralesional primary motor cortex. METHODS: In this randomized trial, 46 patients with severe upper limb impairment in the subacute stage after ischemic stroke were randomly assigned to receive either high-frequency rTMS over the contralesional dorsal premotor cortex or low-frequency rTMS over the contralesional primary motor cortex. Low-frequency stimulation over the contralesional primary motor cortex served as an evidence-supported active comparator for poststroke upper limb motor recovery. Stimulation was administered five times per week for two weeks using magnetic resonance imaging-guided neuronavigation. All participants received concurrent standard rehabilitation therapy. The primary outcome was the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity. Secondary outcomes included the Arm Subscore of the Motricity Index, the Hong Kong version of the Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity, the Modified Barthel Index, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging-derived degree centrality. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements in the primary and secondary behavioral measures (p < 0.01), with no significant between-group differences in the magnitude of change (p > 0.05). In neuroimaging analyses, patients receiving high-frequency rTMS over the contralesional dorsal premotor cortex showed significantly greater degree centrality changes in the ipsilesional middle occipital gyrus, contralesional medial superior frontal gyrus, and contralesional middle frontal gyrus than those receiving low-frequency rTMS over the contralesional primary motor cortex (p < 0.05). Within the high-frequency stimulation group, degree centrality changes in the ipsilesional middle occipital gyrus were positively correlated with improvements in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (r = 0.619, false discovery rate-corrected p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: High-frequency rTMS over the contralesional dorsal premotor cortex produced behavioral improvements comparable to guideline-supported low-frequency rTMS over the contralesional primary motor cortex, without establishing superiority or formal non-inferiority. Exploratory neuroimaging analyses showed greater degree centrality changes in the ipsilesional middle occipital gyrus after high-frequency premotor stimulation, and these changes correlated with upper-limb motor improvement. These findings support further investigation of contralesional dorsal premotor cortex-targeted high-frequency rTMS for severe subacute post-stroke upper limb impairment. REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn; Unique identifier: ChiCTR2000038049.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The value of international collaborations for supporting neuroanesthesia practice, education, and research in resource-constrained settings.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Neuroanesthesia practice in low- and middle-income countries is constrained by workforce shortages, limited infrastructure, and variability in clinical practice. Growing global interest in collaboration makes it timely to evaluate how international partnerships can address these gaps and improve equity in care, education, and research. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent literature highlights substantial variability in neuroanesthesia practice and limited access to context-appropriate guidelines and advanced technologies. International collaborations, including training partnerships, scholarship programs, and research networks, have improved knowledge exchange, workforce development, and the adoption of standardized practices. Evidence suggests that specialized training is associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, persistent inequities in research participation, authorship, and leadership, as well as concerns regarding sustainability and 'parachute research', remain. SUMMARY: International collaboration is a key strategy for advancing neuroanesthesia in resource-constrained settings. Sustainable, equitable partnerships that prioritize local ownership, capacity building, and contextual adaptation are essential to improving clinical practice, strengthening education, and enhancing global research representation.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Musculoskeletal Outcomes: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are increasingly used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, but their effects on musculoskeletal health remain completely misunderstood. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review/meta-analysis aims to synthesise clinical data on the effects of GLP-1 RAs on key relevant bone, muscle, and joint outcomes. METHODS: MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (both via Ovid® platform) and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or real-world evidence (RWE) studies to be included. This bibliographic search was completed manually. A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed for any outcome reported in at least 2 studies. Subgroup analyses were performed on the type of GLP-1 RAs, type of comparator used and study design. Sensitivity analyses (i.e., leave-out sensitivity analyses and analyses restricted to the most adjusted effect estimate) were performed to test the robustness of the data. The strength of evidence was assessed using GRADE. This work has been performed in adherence with PRISMA statement. (PROSPERO Record ID: CRD420251024082). RESULTS: From 1148 potentially relevant references, 60 articles (46 RCTs, 13 RWE studies and 1 pharmacovigilance study, comprising 1,250,717 individuals) met our inclusion criteria. Different GLP-1 RAs were represented across the panel of studies, i.e., semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide (dual agonist gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]/GLP-1) and others. No effect on bone outcomes (i.e., bone mineral density [all sites] and fractures [all sites]) were observed when the meta-analytical models included the most adjusted effect size. Regarding muscle outcomes, a significant decrease of lean body mass/fat-free mass was consistently observed with GLP-1 RAs in the global model (k = 28, standardised mean difference [SMD] 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.8; -0.23, I2 88%, p-value for heterogeneity <0.0001), which remained robust in all sensitivity analyses. Subgroup analyses showed that the effect was mainly driven by liraglutide and semaglutide, with a decrease in lean body mass/fat-free mass observed when GLP-1 RAs were compared with placebo. No publication bias was found. Regarding joint outcome, models revealed no significant change in The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, physical function and stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis is the first to investigate the effects of GLP-1 RAs on a large panel of musculoskeletal health outcomes. While no significant effects were observed on bone- or joint-related outcomes, GLP-1 RAs were associated with reductions in lean body mass/fat-free mass, although the certainty of evidence was low and these changes appeared largely related to weight loss. Whether these changes translate into clinically meaningful impairments in muscle function or physical performance remains uncertain. Further studies in this field, including those looking at muscle function, strength or performance and using multivariate models considering confounding are needed to better reinforce the models and final findings.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

Urban Design Quality and Clinical Mental Health: A Systematic Review.

ObjectivesThis systematic review synthesizes empirical evidence on core urban design dimensions that affect clinical mental health outcomes and examines how environmental exposures mediate or moderate these relationships.BackgroundUrban design has increasingly been recognized as a determinant of psychological well-being, yet a standardized framework to evaluate its mental health impact remains underdeveloped.MethodsFollowing PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we systematically reviewed 19 quantitative empirical studies published through January 2025, examining relationships between outdoor urban design features and validated clinical mental health indicators across four major databases.ResultsFindings reveal that urban design influences clinical mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, stress, cognitive decline) through two objective spatial scales: street-level features (imageability, enclosure, human scale, complexity) and neighborhood environments (land use mix, density, green infrastructure). Environmental exposures (traffic, noise, air pollution) operate as perceptual and experiential mechanisms that mediate or moderate the mental health effects of these spatial design features.ConclusionsWe propose an integrated three-domain conceptual framework distinguishing objective spatial design scales from subjective exposure mechanisms. This framework provides evidence-based guidance for urban planners and policymakers toward creating mentally healthier urban environments.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

A review into the recent advances in the world of amoebiasis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Amoebiasis is a parasitic infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica , affecting 10% of the global population. It is a well recognized cause of morbidity and mortality in low-middle-income countries where it is endemic. However, with increased migration and global travel, amoebiasis is now more common in high-income countries, although diagnosis is often delayed or even missed due to lack of awareness of the latest epidemiology and optimal diagnostic testing. This review discusses the evolving prevalence, and the current international guidelines for the investigation and treatment of amoebiasis, focusing on recent advances. RECENT FINDINGS: The recent literature shows that the primary investigations for amoebiasis remain the same, though newer modalities such as artificial intelligence-powered microscopy and metagenomics have been developed recently, which aids the accuracy and speed of diagnosis. Treatment remains the same, though current research has found potential new drugs and drug targets which show promise. SUMMARY: This review reinforces the importance of early clinical suspicion, diagnosis and treatment for amoebiasis. What was once a disease only seen in endemic countries or travel-associated imported cases is now more common and must not be missed.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Stroke risk following BNT162b2 vaccination: a systematic review and meta-analysis of self-controlled case series studies.

INTRODUCTION: Whether BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccination increases stroke risk remains a public health concern. This is the first meta-analysis to synthesize self-controlled case series (SCCS)-derived stroke risk estimates specifically for BNT162b2 vaccination. METHODS: PubMed and Embase were searched from inception through 9 May 2026, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Eight eligible SCCS studies were pooled using a random-effects model with restricted maximum likelihood (REML) estimation and the Knapp-Hartung adjustment. RESULTS: Eight studies across six countries encompassing several million vaccinated individuals were included. The pooled incidence rate ratio (IRR) was 0.967 (95% CI 0.892-1.049; I2 = 69.2%), indicating no statistically significant increase in stroke risk. Subgroup analyses showed no evidence of effect modification across continent, risk-window length, dose category, SCCS variant, or age group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide no evidence of increased short-term stroke risk following BNT162b2 vaccination at the population level. The observed heterogeneity appeared to be partly driven by methodological differences rather than true biological variation in vaccine effect.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs Media Literacy for Prevention of Gaming Disorder and Unspecified Internet Use Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

IMPORTANCE: Mitigating the harmful effects of digitalization on youth mental health is essential. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) compared with a media literacy-based intervention for gaming disorder and unspecified internet use disorder and to determine whether universal or indicated prevention yields stronger benefits. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: PROTECTconfirm was a randomized clinical trial conducted from July 1, 2020, to August 31, 2024, across 44 secondary schools in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, with 1-, 4-, and 12-month follow-up. All students were included in universal prevention analyses, whereas indicated prevention analyses included a subgroup of adolescents at high risk meeting 2 or more Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) criteria for gaming disorder or unspecified internet use disorder at baseline. INTERVENTIONS: Students were individually randomized within 90 classes to PROTECTtraining, a CBT-based program; or PROTECTinfo, a structurally parallel media literacy program. Both consisted of four 90-minute sessions delivered weekly during school hours by trained local prevention professionals under live supervision and adherence protocols. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was gaming disorder symptom severity and unspecified internet use disorder symptom severity, assessed at 12 months with a modified version of the Video Game Dependency Scale. Secondary outcomes included internalizing, externalizing, and transdiagnostic symptoms. Primary and secondary outcomes were analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: A total of 1793 students were randomized to PROTECTtraining (n = 896; mean [SD] age, 13.1 [1.5] years; 498 male students [56.1%]) or PROTECTinfo (n = 897; mean [SD] age, 13.1 [1.5] years; 484 male students [54.8%]). Participants in the subsample of 205 adolescents at high risk showed significantly lower 12-month severity of gaming disorder and unspecified internet use disorder symptoms with PROTECTtraining than with PROTECTinfo (mean [SD] Modified Video Game Dependency Scale score: 14.7 [9.7] vs 17.7 [10.3]; within-group Cohen d = -0.91 [95% CI, -1.10 to -0.72] vs Cohen d = -0.61 [95% CI, -0.80 to -0.42]; between-group Cohen d = -0.30 [95% CI, -0.55 to -0.05]), but not in the total sample (mean [SD] Modified Video Game Dependency Scale score: PROTECTtraining, 8.8 [8.3] vs PROTECTinfo, 9.4 [8.4]; within-group Cohen d = -0.11 [95% CI, -0.18 to -0.05] vs Cohen d = -0.04 [95% CI, -0.11 to 0.02]; between-group Cohen d = -0.07 [95% CI, -0.16 to 0.01]). Secondary outcomes did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this randomized clinical trial of 1793 adolescents, the CBT-based intervention reduced gaming disorder symptoms and unspecified internet use disorder symptoms more effectively than the media literacy-based intervention among adolescents at high risk. These findings support the use of CBT-based approaches primarily within indicated, rather than universal, prevention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) trial registration: DRKS00033989.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Thermal analysis techniques for microplastic mass quantification: Methodological challenges and standardization needs.

Microplastics (MPs, 1 μm-5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs, <1 μm) are ubiquitous contaminants requiring standardized quantification methods. This systematic review evaluates thermal analysis techniques for mass-based MP detection, including pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), thermogravimetry-MS (TGA-MS), thermal extraction desorption-GC-MS (TED-GC-MS), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Database searches (Web of Science, from inception to December 1, 2025) following PRISMA guidelines identified studies across seven environmental matrices (water, soil/sediment, atmosphere, biota, human tissues). We identify critical standardization gaps: inconsistent marker ion selection, unvalidated conversion factors for tire and road wear particles (TRWPs), and the absence of certified reference materials for complex matrices. Py-GC-MS demonstrates versatility but suffers from lipid interference in biological samples; TED-GC-MS offers superior sensitivity (sample capacity ∼200× Py-GC-MS) but lacks real-time chromatographic monitoring. To advance data comparability, we propose: (i) harmonized ion selection hierarchies based on specificity-sensitivity balance, (ii) matrix-specific TRWP quantification protocols, and (iii) inter-laboratory validation using environmental reference materials. This review provides a methodological roadmap for standardizing thermal analysis in MP research.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Sitosterolemia: evolving strategies for earlier diagnosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sitosterolemia is a rare autosomal recessive lipid disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in ABCG5 or ABCG8 , resulting in excessive intestinal absorption and impaired biliary excretion of plant sterols. Although historically considered exceptionally rare, recent genetic studies suggest the disorder is substantially underdiagnosed, with marked phenotypic heterogeneity ranging from xanthomas and premature atherosclerosis to hematologic abnormalities, and frequently mimics familial hypercholesterolemia. This review summarizes recent advances in the clinical, biological, and genetic diagnosis of sitosterolemia, with a focus on strategies that may facilitate earlier detection. RECENT FINDINGS: Phytosterol quantification, particularly sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol, remains indispensable for accurate diagnosis. Hematologic abnormalities, including hemolytic anemia, stomatocytosis, and macrothrombocytopenia, are increasingly recognized as valuable diagnostic clues complementing the biochemical approach. Expanded variant catalogs for ABCG5/ABCG8 and genome-wide association studies have revealed potentially polygenic contributions to phytosterol metabolism extending beyond these two genes. However, no specific guidelines have yet been established for cascade screening. SUMMARY: Earlier diagnosis requires integration of clinical, biochemical, hematologic, and genetic data. Plasma phytosterol measurement remains the diagnostic cornerstone. Improved disease awareness, broader access to sterol testing, and expanded genetic screening may reduce diagnostic delays and enable timely management, including ezetimibe and dietary phytosterol restriction.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Nursing students' perspective of dignity: A systematic review.

AIM: This review synthesizes research on nursing students' perceptions of dignity shaped by education and clinical experiences. BACKGROUND: Respect for human dignity is central to nursing ethics. While dignity is well studied in patient care, less focus has been given to how nursing students perceive and experience dignity during their education. DESIGN: A systematic review of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across the Medline, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for English-language studies published from 2000 to 2025. Quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist and the Mixed Methods Appraisal. Tool. Data were synthesized thematically. Reporting followed PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 24 articles were included. Students viewed patient dignity as linked to respect, privacy, and autonomy. Although students had solid theoretical knowledge, they encountered institutional and professional barriers in delivering dignified care. Supportive environments and participation in decision-making enhanced their sense of dignity. Finally, educational strategies such as role-playing, simulations, and empathy exercises enhanced emotional and psychosocial awareness. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that dignity is crucial in shaping nursing students' professional identity and ethical awareness throughout their education. Reinforcing ethical values and dignity in nursing education is essential for high-quality care.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Socket motility assessment of anophthalmic sockets: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Systematically review and categorize the methods used to assess socket and prosthetic motility in anophthalmic patients following enucleation or evisceration. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception through September 2024. Studies reporting qualitative or quantitative assessments of motility in anophthalmic sockets or ocular prostheses were included. Motility assessment methods were categorized as qualitative (descriptive or graded clinical evaluation) or quantitative (numerical measurements in millimeters, degrees, or objective tracking systems). RESULTS: Thirty-five studies encompassing 1,819 patients met inclusion criteria. Nineteen studies used qualitative assessment methods, including subjective observation, graded scales based on cardinal gaze positions, or comparison with the contralateral eye. Sixteen studies employed quantitative techniques, such as the Kestenbaum limbus test, Lister perimeter measurements, conjunctival or limbal markings, photographic image analysis, infrared eye-tracking systems, and magnetic search-coil technology. Considerable heterogeneity was observed in measurement techniques, reporting standards, timing of assessment, and distinction between socket and prosthetic motility. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial variability exists in the methods used to assess motility in anophthalmic sockets, limiting comparability across studies. Establishing standardized, feasible, and reproducible assessment approaches may improve outcome reporting and facilitate meaningful comparisons in future oculoplastic research.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Influencer-driven lifestyle and wellness framing of intoxicating hemp products may normalize youth cannabis use.

Hemp-derived intoxicating cannabis products (DICPs) have rapidly expanded across the U.S. marketplace and are increasingly promoted on social media platforms popular among youth. This commentary highlights emerging concerns about influencer-driven DICP promotion on Instagram, where intoxicating hemp and cannabis products are embedded within lifestyle, wellness, fitness, sobriety, harm-reduction, and entertainment narratives. In ongoing monitoring of Instagram posts from leading DICP brands, we observed influencer posts that featured young-looking creators, aspirational wellness imagery, humor, slang, fast-cut editing, mocktail-making scenes, and claims positioning DICPs as "hangover-free," safer, or substitutes for alcohol or other drug use. Such content may reduce perceived risk, increase product appeal, and normalize cannabis use, particularly when promotional posts resemble organic (non-promotional) peer-culture content rather than advertising. Existing platform guidelines and regulatory approaches may inadequately address this form of influencer marketing. Enforcement is more actionable when sponsorship is clearly disclosed; however, influencers often omit brand sponsorship disclosures entirely or use vague disclosures. The absence of a disclosure does not necessarily mean that a post is non-promotional. Platforms should develop policies and algorithm-assisted surveillance approaches that identify DICP influencer content using youth-oriented cues, lifestyle and wellness framing, brand tags or links, and unverified reduced-risk or therapeutic claims.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Hormonal contraceptives and women's sleep health: A systematic review.

Sex hormones and hormonal contraceptives influence the regulation of sleep-wake behavior. However, there are very few large-scale studies to date that have comprehensively evaluated how hormonal contraceptives influence women's sleep health. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the existing research on hormonal contraceptive use and sleep in women ages 18-50. The systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement checklist. Nineteen studies were included in this review. Data were extracted and evaluated for risk of bias and heterogeneity. The included studies demonstrated high heterogeneity in terms of objective and/or subjective sleep-related measures and non-sleep primary study outcomes and demonstrated significant risks of bias, underscoring the need for methodological consistency in assessing women's sleep health. Several clinical considerations may be gleaned from this existing research in terms of the behavioral assessment and treatment of sleep difficulties in women using hormonal contraceptives. Additional investigation is needed to identify standardized research and clinical methodology guidelines for assessing and treating women's sleep health.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Endovascular intervention for acute stroke in the very late window: A meta-analysis of 90-day mRS and procedural outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the effectiveness of Endovascular Therapy (EVT) in very late windows (beyond 24 h) for patients with ischemic stroke, focusing on 90-day mortality, functional outcomes, and procedural success. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines to evaluate the effectiveness of endovascular therapy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke patients. Literature from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus was reviewed using specific keywords. Studies included those after 2000 with outcomes such as functional independence (mRS 0-2), mortality, TICI scores, and neurological improvements. RESULTS: The data findings reveal mixed outcomes across studies on EVT beyond 24 h. Sarraj et al. (2023) found a significant improvement in functional independence with EVT (38% vs. 10%, p < 0.05), despite an increased risk of sICH. The forest plots for mRS and procedural outcomes show some significant results, such as Sarraj (2023) for mortality (p < 0.05), but most other studies indicated no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study has concluded that Endovascular Therapy (EVT) beyond 24 h can improve functional outcomes and reduce mortality in selected ischemic stroke patients, though patient selection remains crucial.

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