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PubMed2026

Effectiveness of tobacco cessation interventions delivered in clinical settings in South Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the burden of tobacco use, access to cessation support in South Asia remains scarce. OBJECTIVE: This review evaluates the effectiveness of tobacco cessation interventions delivered in clinical settings in South Asia. METHODS: Five relevant databases were searched from inception to February 2025. Eligibility criteria included randomized and non-randomized studies evaluating behavioral, pharmacotherapy, and multicomponent interventions delivered in clinical settings in South Asia. Data on study setting and design, participant information, intervention, comparator, and outcomes were extracted. Meta-analyses using random-effect models were conducted where possible. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies were included (22 randomized and 15 non-randomized). Interventions involved pharmacotherapy (n = 6; 16.2%), nicotine replacement therapy (n = 7; 18.9%), behavioral counseling (n = 12; 32.4%), or combined/multicomponent interventions (n = 12; 32.4%). Most studies were conducted in India (n = 26; 70.3%), followed by Pakistan (n = 6; 16.2%), Nepal (n = 3; 8.1%), and two studies (5.4%) were multi-country in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Pooled analyses demonstrated higher quit rates among intervention versus control for continuous abstinence at 0-3 months (RR: 1.21, 95%CI: 1.06 to 1.37) and >3 months (RR: 1.68, 95%CI: 1.1.4 to 2.47), and for point abstinence at >3 months post-intervention (RR: 2.03, 95%CI:1.35 to 3.08). Heterogeneity was high for all analyses (I2 range: 94% to 97%). Combined behavioral and pharmacotherapy interventions were most effective (RR: 1.70, 95%CI: 0.98 to 2.92), although not statistically significant (p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Tobacco cessation interventions delivered in clinical settings in South Asia are effective, particularly when combining behavioral support with pharmacotherapy. However, evidence is limited by methodological weaknesses.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Major cardiovascular event risk of advanced therapies in inflammatory bowel diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic immune-mediated disorders (IMIDs), including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. While advanced therapies show cardioprotective effects in other IMIDs, their impact on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in IBD remains unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies evaluating MACE risk with advanced therapies in IBD. METHODS: Systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials identified 43 studies (36 RCTs, including 9 long-term follow-up (LTF) studies, and 7 observational studies) published between 2002 and 2024. Primary analyses estimated odds ratios (OR) for MACE comparing advanced therapy to placebo, with secondary analyses stratifying studies by drug class and length of follow-up. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using alternative methods to account for zero-event data. RESULTS: Placebo-controlled RCTs showed a nonsignificant trend toward reduced MACE risk (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.24-1.51), with similar findings across sensitivity analyses accounting for sparse and zero-event data. Class-specific trends suggested lower MACE risk with IL-12/IL-23 inhibitors (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.05-2.21), JAK inhibitors (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.16-2.06), and a potential increase with Anti-TNF agents (OR: 3.04; 95% CI 0.31-29.47), though none reached statistical significance. LTF studies showed consistent findings. Observational studies suggested lower MACE risk with Anti-TNF therapies (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.21-0.40), but not with IL-12/IL-23 (OR 4.41; 95% CI 0.49-39.28) or JAK inhibitors (OR 1.57; 95% CI 0.86-2.84). CONCLUSION: Advanced therapies did not demonstrate a clear increase or decrease in cardiovascular risk in IBD. The discrepancies between RCTs and observational studies underscore the urgent need for rigorous-designed observational research with long-term follow-up to evaluate the real-world impact of advanced therapies on MACE risk.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Evaluating a culturally adapted question prompt list to improve end-of-life communication among indonesian migrant caregivers: A randomized controlled trial with qualitative insights.

OBJECTIVE: Indonesian caregivers serve as essential providers of end-of-life (EOL) care in Taiwan. But often face communication challenges due to language, cultural, and hierarchical barriers. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a culturally adapted Question Prompt List (QPL). METHODS: This study employed a two-arm randomized controlled trial design supplemented with qualitative interviews. The study was conducted in a hospice ward and home care setting within a medical center in Taiwan. A total of sixty Indonesian caregivers were recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30). The intervention group received routine end-of-life (EOL) education along with a culturally adapted Question Prompt List (QPL), which consisted of 37 items covering domains including the dying process, emotional support, communication, symptom management, and care decision-making. The control group received routine EOL education. Outcome measures included caregiving preparedness, communication self-efficacy, satisfaction, and question-asking behavior. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants, and the data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Analysis of covariance revealed no statistically significant between-group differences in caregiving preparedness (F = 1.58, p = .215 [-0.41, 0.44]) or communication selfefficacy (F = 0.83, p = .366 [-0.44, 0.79]). However, communication satisfaction was significantly higher in the intervention group (F = 4.19, p < .05 [0.04, 0.44]). The number of questions asked was also significantly higher in the intervention group (t = -4.35, p < .001 [-5.41, -1.98]). Thematic analysis of qualitative data identified 4 themes and 14 subthemes, illustrating how the QPL reduced anxiety, clarified care needs, and improved confidence. CONCLUSIONS: A culturally adapted QPL can enhance communication engagement and satisfaction among migrant caregivers. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Integrating culturally tailored QPLs into caregiver education and palliative care practice may promote more inclusive and effective communication.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Prevalence and pattern of psychological symptoms in form of dental fear and anxiety in children and adolescents with traumatic dental injuries: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the level and pattern of dental fear and anxiety (DFA) amongst children and adolescents with traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and, where available, to compare these outcomes with non-traumatised controls. METHODS: An a priori protocol was developed and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261329946). A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus on 3 March 2026, with additional grey literature, citation, and reference searching. No language or time restrictions were applied. Observational clinical studies assessing DFA in individuals with TDI using validated tools were included. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: A total of 2885 records were identified, of which 4 cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria after screening. Studies were conducted in Croatia and Kosovo and included paediatric populations. Sample sizes ranged from 147 to 505 participants. Different validated scales (CFSS-DS, CDAS, S-DAI) were used to assess DFA. Overall, children with TDI demonstrated predominantly low levels of dental fear and anxiety across assessment tools. However, findings were inconsistent, with some studies reporting lower or similar anxiety levels in TDI patients compared to controls. Risk of bias was moderate or high in three of the four studies, and the overall certainty of evidence was rated as low to very low due to methodological limitations, heterogeneity, and imprecision. CONCLUSION: The limited available evidence suggests that children and adolescents with TDI do not consistently present with higher levels of dental fear and anxiety than non-traumatised controls. These findings indicate that TDI does not inherently cause DFA, underscoring the critical role of empathetic behaviour support in mitigating post-traumatic dental fear. However, the evidence is based on a small number of regionally concentrated cross-sectional studies with low to very low certainty. Future prospective studies using standardised TDI classifications, validated DFA instruments, and clearly defined assessment time points are needed.

Dental anxiety↗

PubMed2026

Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Intimate Partner Violence Training Intervention on Healthcare Providers' Preparedness, Knowledge, and Experiences: A Mixed-Methods Study From Nepal.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) places a considerable burden on health systems globally due to its profound effects on women's health, and women who experience violence often seek care from healthcare providers (HCPs). However, HCPs often lack the preparedness and confidence to respond effectively, resulting in missed opportunities for support and care. This study, conducted in Nepal, evaluated the impact of structured training intervention on HCPs' perceived preparedness, knowledge, and attitudes toward managing IPV and its mental health consequences, including self-harm and suicidal tendencies. The study was nested within a larger cluster randomized trial. A convergent mixed-methods design with a comparison group was conducted among 46 female HCPs in all public hospitals (except one) and 17 primary healthcare centers in Madhesh Province, Nepal. The intervention group (n = 24) received a 10-day intensive IPV and mental health training, while the control group (n = 22) completed 3-day training. Quantitative data were collected using a validated self-administered Physician's Readiness to Manage IPV questionnaire and IPV consequences scale. Paired and independent t-tests were applied to assess changes. Insights from key informant interviews were thematically analyzed to explore participant experiences and perceived impacts. At baseline, over 80% of participants had not received IPV management training. Post-intervention, significant improvements were observed in HCPs perceived preparedness (median change 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1- 2.9), knowledge (median change 2.7; 95% CI: 2.0-3.1), and awareness of IPV consequences (mean difference 1.2; 95% CI: 0.5-2.0), with greater gains in the intervention group. Qualitative findings revealed enhanced confidence in identifying IPV, addressing psychological impacts, and supporting survivors through safety planning and referral. The training significantly improved HCPs' knowledge, preparedness, and confidence to manage IPV and related mental health issues, underscoring the need to scale similar programs to frontline providers, particularly in rural and underserved settings, to strengthen health system's response to IPV.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Delphi study robot consenso: Strategies for the implementation of robotic surgery in general surgery in the Spanish hospital network.

INTRODUCTION: The implementation of robotic surgery in public hospitals presents multiple logistical, educational, and organizational challenges. In the absence of unified guidelines, a national consensus is required to optimize its safe and efficient adoption. This study aimed to establish a set of consensus-based and measurable recommendations for the implementation of robotic surgery programs in hospitals within the Spanish National Health System, based on the experience of centres with established robotic programs and intended to serve as guidance for hospitals that are initiating or planning their implementation. METHODS: A national Delphi study was conducted with the participation of robotic surgery experts from 26 public hospitals. The expert panel was composed exclusively of digestive surgeons with experience in robotic surgery. Three iterative rounds of expert panel evaluation were conducted between March 2024 and March 2025. The questions were grouped into five thematic blocks. Consensus was defined as an agreement level of ≥66.7%. Kendall's W coefficient was used to assess concordance. RESULTS: High levels of consensus were achieved on key aspects related to infrastructure, structured training, cost evaluation, and quality assurance mechanisms. Areas of disagreement were also identified, such as the need for a dedicated anaesthesiologist, purchase of accessory instruments during the initial phase, and official accreditation pathways. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a guideline for developing a national robotic surgery strategy focused on patient safety, program sustainability, and standardized training of surgical teams. These recommendations can guide hospitals at different stages of robotic technology adoption. Given that the consensus was reached from an exclusively surgical perspective, the recommendations focus on patient safety, program sustainability, and standardized training of the surgical team, and should be interpreted in an adaptable manner according to each centre's context, case volume, and available resources.

Cirugía Asistida por Robot↗

PubMed2026

Views and Experiences of People With Dementia, Informal Caregivers and Professionals on Eating and Drinking Difficulties: A Qualitative Systematic Review.

AIM: This study aims to explore the views and experiences of people with dementia, informal caregivers and professionals regarding eating and drinking difficulties. DESIGN: A qualitative systematic review was conducted. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines were used to conduct this systematic review. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research, and the data were thematically synthesised using Thomas and Harden's three-stage method. DATA SOURCES: Six electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL and PsycINFO) were searched from their respective inception dates to August 2025 to identify relevant studies. RESULTS: Thematic analysis of the 16 included studies identified four key themes: (1) Physiological and psychological changes in people with dementia and caregivers; (2) factors influencing eating and drinking in people with dementia; (3) needs and recommendations for people with dementia, informal caregivers and professionals; (4) selection of eating methods for end-stage people with dementia. CONCLUSIONS: Eating and drinking difficulties affect the well-being of both patients and caregivers. A good dining environment improves mealtime pleasure but demands caregivers' time and energy. All parties emphasised the importance of effective communication. In end-stage dementia, professional assistance is crucial for enteral nutrition decisions. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Collaboration among patients, caregivers and professionals is vital for creating tailored nutritional plans and improving mealtime environments, thereby enhancing nutritional intake. In advanced dementia, providers must provide balanced information on comfort feeding versus enteral nutrition to aid decision-making. IMPACT: What problems were addressed in this study? This study addressed the lack of a consolidated, tri-perspective understanding of eating and drinking difficulties in dementia care settings. What are the main findings? Four key themes were identified: physiological and psychological changes, influencing factors, stakeholder needs and end-of-life decision-making. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This will impact care practices for people with dementia and inform the training and support of informal caregivers and healthcare professionals.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effectiveness and implementation of task-sharing cognitive-behavioral interventions for perinatal mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral interventions (CBIs) delivered by nonspecialist providers (NSPs) on perinatal depressive (PND) and anxiety symptoms, and to narratively synthesize their implementation processes and reported implementation outcomes, including acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, cost, and sustainability. METHODS: We systematically searched eight databases from inception to April 8, 2025. Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing CBIs delivered by NSPs for PND and/or anxiety. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted, and assessed trials. Meta-analyses employed random-effects models, with subgroup, sensitivity, meta-regression, and publication bias analyses conducted in Stata 18.0. Implementation processes and outcomes were reported as frequencies or percentages across trials. RESULTS: A total of 47 trials (11, 357 participants) were included in the systematic review, of which 37 trials (8,709 participants) were included for meta-analyses. CBIs were conducted in 12 countries. Nurses and midwives delivered 45% of CBIs. CBIs were associated with reduced PND post-intervention compared with control conditions (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.49, 95% CI -0.63 to -0.35; I² = 86.8%). Limited evidence from four trials suggested a small sustained effect at 12 months (SMD -0.14, 95% CI -0.27 to -0.02; I² = 26.4%). Reductions in anxiety symptoms were observed immediately post-intervention (SMD, -0.45, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.25; I²=81%), but evidence for longer-term effects was limited. Subgroup analyses confirmed consistent effects across diverse settings, populations, and intervention characteristics. Reporting of implementation processes (e.g., training, supervision, fidelity) was limited, with only 23.4% of trials assessing fidelity and 10.6% evaluating costs. CONCLUSIONS: NSP-delivered CBIs showed beneficial effects on PND and anxiety, with generally encouraging evidence for acceptability and feasibility. However, evidence for sustained effects beyond the immediate post-intervention period remains limited. Future studies should strengthen long-term follow-up and improve reporting of implementation processes and outcomes, particularly in rural and adolescent perinatal populations, to inform scalable and equitable task-sharing models.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Influence of Concave Versus Convex Emergence Profiles on Midfacial Mucosal Stability-A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically evaluate the influence of concave versus convex emergence profiles on midfacial mucosal stability in partially edentulous patients restored with implant-supported single restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251139042). An electronic search in MEDLINE (PubMed) and Embase was performed up to May 7, 2026. Eligible studies included RCTs comparing concave (test group) and convex (control group) transmucosal prosthetic designs and reporting midfacial mucosal level changes (mm). Data extraction and risk of bias assessment (RoB 2) were performed independently. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted using weighted mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic and sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the findings. RESULTS: Four RCTs including 144 implants with a 12-month follow-up were included. Of these, 128 implants contributed to the quantitative synthesis, with 66 implants allocated to the concave/modified emergence profile group and 62 implants allocated to the convex/non-concave emergence profile group. The pooled analysis demonstrated a mean difference of -0.31 mm (95% CI -0.63 to 0.02; p = 0.064), indicating a trend toward greater midfacial mucosal recession with convex emergence profiles compared with concave designs. Between-study heterogeneity was low to moderate (I2 = 28%), suggesting consistent findings across studies. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the direction of the effect, with pooled estimates ranging from -0.12 to -0.43 mm. Exclusion of one study resulted in a statistically significant difference favoring concave emergence profiles (-0.43 mm; 95% CI -0.70 to -0.16; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Convex emergence profiles are associated with a tendency toward increased midfacial mucosal recession. Concave profiles are preferable to support peri-implant soft-tissue stability. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Emergence profile design should be considered an integral component of prosthetic and surgical planning. The use of concave transmucosal contours during provisionalization and definitive restoration may contribute to improved peri-implant soft tissue stability and enhanced esthetic outcomes.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Role of External Vibratory Lithoclast (Lithecbole) in Improving Lower Pole Stone Clearance After Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL).

Background and Objective: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a widely used non-invasive treatment for renal stones. However, its effectiveness in clearing stones located in the lower pole of the kidney is often limited due to the anatomical challenges that impede the spontaneous passage of fragmented stones. This study evaluate the efficacy and safety of External Physical Vibration Lithecbole (EPVL) when used as an adjunctive therapy following ESWL in patients with lower pole renal stones, with a focus on improving stone clearance rates. Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted at Al Yarmouk Teaching Hospital over two years and included 100 patients with 10-15 mm lower pole renal stones. Patients were randomized into two groups: The ESWL alone and ESWL plus EPVL. All patients received two ESWL sessions (3000 shocks/session). The treatment group additionally received EPVL therapy using a flank-applied vibration device. Follow-up was performed using ultrasound and KUB radiography. Statistical analysis was conducted using appropriate tests with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Baseline characteristics, including age, gender, weight, stone size and location, were statistically comparable between groups. The mean stone size was 12.4±1.7 mm. A significantly higher stone-free rate was observed in the ESWL+EPVL group compared to the ESWL-only group (66% vs. 48%, p = 0.027). Although the residual stone size showed a numerical difference favoring EPVL, it was not statistically significant (p = 0.11). Complication rates were low, mild and similar in both groups (p = 0.3). Logistic regression analysis revealed that smaller stone size (p<0.001) and lower patient weight (p = 0.030) were significantly associated with successful stone clearance. Subgroup analysis further confirmed that patients with stones <11 mm or a weight <70 kg had the highest stone-free rates. Conclusion: In this initial evaluation, EPVL demonstrated a safe and effective adjunct to ESWL in enhancing stone clearance for lower-pole renal stones. Its application was associated with improved treatment outcomes without increasing complication rates. Further studies with extended EPVL sessions and longer follow-up are warranted.

Humans↗

PubMed2024

Promoters and Barriers of Vaccine Hesitancy.

This systematic review explores the psychological antecedents of Vaccine Hesitancy, a significant determinant of vaccination behavior. Following PRISMA guidelines, an extensive search was conducted starting from 1673 papers and resulting in 48 publications from various databases. The review identifies psychological factors, specifically cognitive, personality, experiential, and social factors contributing to hesitancy. Cognitive factors include health literacy, conspiracy beliefs, trust, and perceived risk. Personality traits such as extraversion, openness, and psychological capital impact hesitancy, while psychopathy increases it. Personal experiences, like perceived stress and racial discrimination, indirectly affect hesitancy. Social factors, including social relationships and norms, play a significant role in reducing hesitancy. Tailored interventions addressing these factors can enhance vaccine acceptance.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Prevalence and risk factors of red blood cell alloimmunization among sickle cell disease patients in resource-limited countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hemoglobinopathy characterized by hemoglobin S production, in which homozygous individuals (HbSS) develop a broad range of acute and chronic complications. While disease-modifying and curative therapies are increasingly available in high-income settings, red blood cell (RBC) transfusion remains the mainstay of treatment in resource-limited countries and is associated with high rates of alloimmunization. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of alloimmunization and identify associated risk factors among patients with SCD living in resource-limited settings. METHODS: Africa Journals Online (AJOL), Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for original studies published from inception to December 15, 2025. Only studies conducted in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) were included. Eligible studies evaluated the prevalence of alloimmunization in patients with SCD receiving RBC transfusions. A random-effects meta-analysis of proportions was performed to pool quantitative data, while qualitative findings were systematically summarized in tabular form. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic and further explored using Baujat plots, leave-one-out analyses, and meta-regression. RESULTS: Our analysis included 27 studies conducted in Africa (n = 23) and Asia (n = 4), predominantly from lower-middle-income countries (n = 19) and mainly employing a cross-sectional design (n = 20), comprising 3128 previously transfused patients with SCD. The pooled prevalence of RBC alloimmunization was 8.76% (95% CI: 6.71-11.37%; I² = 75%). Higher alloimmunization rates were observed in West and North Africa, particularly in Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, and Nigeria, whereas lower rates were reported in Asia and East Africa. The most frequently identified antibodies belonged to the Rh blood group system (n = 153), followed by the Kell system (n = 65). CONCLUSION: In resource-limited settings, RBC alloimmunization is a frequent and clinically significant complication in patients with SCD, contributing to increased morbidity and potential mortality. Targeted and economically viable antigen matching may reduce alloimmunization rates and improve transfusion safety in LMICs.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy and safety of Janus kinase inhibitors in Behçet's disease: A systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Behçet's disease e (BD) is a chronic, relapsing, multisystem inflammatory disorder that if not successfully treated can lead to severe, organ or life-threatening complications. Despite treatment with glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, some patients still have refractory disease that mandates additional therapeutic options. The pathogenesis of BD involves dysregulated innate and adaptive immune responses with multiple cytokines signaling through the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway. By targeting multiple inflammatory pathways, JAK inhibitors have emerged as a promising therapeutic option. However, current evidence remains limited and heterogeneous. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review to evaluate their efficacy and safety in BD. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature review in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO registration: CRD420261381955). PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 2026. Original clinical studies evaluating Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in BD were included. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Due to heterogeneity, results were synthesized narratively, focusing on efficacy and safety outcomes. RESULTS: Seventeen studies (99 patients) were included, predominantly case reports and small observational cohorts with overall high methodological quality. All evaluated tofacitinib, baricitinib, or upadacitinib, with no data on other JAK inhibitors. Patients were highly treatment-refractory, with prior failure of conventional and biologic therapies. Upadacitinib was the most frequently studied agent and demonstrated an overall response rate of 85.2% and complete remission in 59.3% in a multi-center study. Efficacy was observed across multiple domains, with the most consistent responses in intestinal disease, including clinical and endoscopic remission, alongside frequent glucocorticoid-sparing effects. Safety findings were consistent with known JAK inhibitor safety profiles, with mainly mild to moderate infections and manageable laboratory abnormalities, and no clear signal for increased thrombotic events, although follow-up was limited. CONCLUSION: JAK inhibitors demonstrate promising efficacy in BD, particularly in refractory and multisystem disease. The most consistent evidence of efficacy was observed in gastrointestinal involvement, whereas data for other disease domains remain limited. Their safety profile appears consistent with existing data, although further follow up and validation is required. High-quality randomized controlled studies are an imminent need to study the potential role of JAK inhibitors in BD.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Navigating Social Media: Balancing Connectivity With Media Literacy to Combat Misinformation and Protect Mental Well-Being.

BACKGROUND: The pervasive use of social media has created a complex digital ecosystem where high connectivity coexists with significant challenges, including the rapid spread of misinformation, particularly regarding mental health, and documented negative impacts on psychological well-being. Platform architectures designed for engagement maximization have been identified as central factors in both issues. OBJECTIVE: This paper critically analyzes the interconnected relationships between social media use, misinformation dissemination, and mental health impacts, with particular attention to psychiatric misinformation across diagnostic categories (e.g., depression, anxiety, ADHD). A primary objective is to evaluate the potential of advanced critical digital literacy frameworks to serve as protective mechanisms against these dual threats. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines across APA PsycInfo, PubMed, JSTOR, and Google Scholar for literature published between January 2018 and March 2026 (updated from the original 2023 search). The search yielded 2672 records. After removing 624 duplicates, 2048 records underwent title and abstract screening, with 1802 excluded. The remaining 246 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, resulting in 86 studies included in the final qualitative synthesis. Inter-rater reliability was established (Cohen's κ = 0.82). Quality assessment was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist, AXIS, and CASP tools, with findings weighted by methodological quality. A thematic analysis was undertaken to synthesize findings. RESULTS: The analysis reveals that core architectural features of social media platforms, algorithmic curation and engagement-based metrics, simultaneously foster environments ripe for misinformation spread and contribute to psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and harmful social comparison. Psychiatric misinformation specifically (e.g., inaccurate claims about treatment effectiveness, diagnostic criteria, and medication side effects) represents a growing concern, particularly on image- and video-based platforms. The findings indicate that conventional media literacy approaches focused solely on fact-checking are insufficient. Instead, a critical digital literacy framework encompassing algorithmic awareness, data literacy, and emotional awareness is essential for building user resilience, with evidence from high-quality systematic reviews supporting this approach. CONCLUSIONS: Navigating the complexities of modern social media requires an integrated approach combining "pedagogies of play" for experiential skill development with advocacy for structural change (e.g., algorithmic transparency, well being by design principles). This dual strategy empowers individual users to critically engage with digital content while advocating for ethical platform design, thereby safeguarding both mental well-being and democratic discourse. Implications for educators, mental health professionals (including competencies for addressing patient encounters with psychiatric misinformation), policymakers, and platform designers are discussed.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Desmodium styracifolium Total Flavone Capsules for Urolithiasis: A Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial.

IMPORTANCE: No oral medication is currently approved for the management of urolithiasis. Guang Jing Qian Cao (Desmodium styracifolium total flavone capsules; hereinafter, Guang Jing), a traditional Chinese herbal extract, has shown clinical benefits for urolithiasis, but randomized clinical trials are needed to assess its effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether Guang Jing improves stone passage rates (SPRs) compared with placebo in adults with urolithiasis. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 randomized clinical trial was conducted at 34 sites in China from December 2017 to April 2020. Participants included adults (aged 18-70 years) with diagnosed ureteral stones. Data analysis was conducted on November 4, 2020. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized 3:1 to receive oral Guang Jing (0.6 g) or matching placebo 3 times daily for 28 days, in addition to investigator-prescribed background medication. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was SPR by day 28, confirmed by computed tomography. Secondary outcomes included SPR by day 14, stone migration rate, and stone migration distance. Between-group comparisons were performed using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test for categorical outcomes and t tests for continuous outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 606 participants were randomly assigned to receive Guang Jing (n = 458) or placebo (n = 148). Their mean (SD) age was 43.0 (12.0) years, 474 (78.2%) were male, and the mean (SD) stone size was 0.6 (0.1) cm. The SPR by day 28 was significantly higher for the Guang Jing group compared with the placebo group (204 of 457 [44.6%] vs 50 of 148 [33.8%]; relative risk, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.03-1.69]; P = .03), with an absolute risk difference of 10.9 (95% CI, 2.0-19.7) percentage points. No significant between-group differences in SPR by day 14 (Guang Jing vs placebo: 133 [29.1%] vs 33 [22.3%]; P = .14) or stone migration distance (mean [SD], 29.5 [51.8] mm vs 29.7 [43.8] mm; P = .11) were observed. Adverse event rates were similar for the Guang Jing and placebo groups (88 [19.3%] vs 27 [18.2%]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this randomized clinical trial, treatment with Guang Jing significantly increased the expulsion of 5- to 10-mm ureteral stones by day 28, with a favorable safety profile. These findings suggest that Guang Jing may be an additional medical expulsive therapy option for appropriately selected patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR-IIR-17013275.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Health-Related quality of life (HRQoL) and health state utility values (HSUV) in patients with head and neck Cancer: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatment can substantially impair speech, swallowing, eating, appearance, and social functioning, resulting in persistent reductions in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Although the EuroQol 5-Dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) is widely used to assess generic HRQoL and derive health state utility values (HSUVs), EQ-5D-based evidence in HNC has not been comprehensively synthesized. This study aimed to summarize EQ-5D-based HRQoL and HSUVs in HNC, estimate pooled utility and EQ-VAS scores, explore subgroup differences, and identify predictors of poorer HRQoL. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261307907). PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched from inception to February 10, 2026. Studies reporting baseline EQ-5D utility values and/or EQ-VAS scores in patients with HNC were included. Random-effects meta-analyses using the DerSimonian-Laird (DL) estimator with the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman (HKSJ) adjustment were performed to pool mean scores. Between-study variance (τ2) and 95 % prediction intervals (PI) were calculated to capture parameter dispersion. Subgroup analyses were conducted across clinical and methodological vectors. RESULTS: Twenty studies involving 7,403 patients were included. The pooled mean EQ-5D utility score was 0.79 (95 % CI: 0.75-0.83; τ2 = 0.0011; 95 % PI: 0.72-0.86). The pooled mean EQ-VAS score was 69.36 (95 % CI: 65.71-73.01; τ2 = 38.4586; 95 % PI: 55.11-83.61). Extreme heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 96.4 % and 97.1 %, respectively). Utility values were significantly higher in studies utilizing the EQ-5D-5 L than the EQ-5D-3 L version (0.82 vs. 0.76). By tumor subsite, nasopharyngeal cancer showed the highest utility value (0.85, exploratory), whereas oral cancer demonstrated the lowest (0.73). Adjusted multivariable models revealed that advanced stage, high treatment intensity, severe pharyngolaryngeal pain, dysphagia, malnutrition, and older age were robust predictors of poorer HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HNC experience substantial and persistent HRQoL impairment, with meaningful variations driven by tumor subsites and instrument versions. In light of the extreme heterogeneity, these pooled findings establish a macro-level, broad reference estimate rather than a fixed target. These parameters directly inform localized survivorship care planning, health technology evaluations, and cost-utility decision-making modeling in head and neck oncology.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Comparative Effectiveness of Exercise Interventions for Hamstring Injury Prevention in Football Players: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hamstring strain injury is a leading time-loss injury in football, yet trials have evaluated diverse exercise-based prevention programs with limited direct head-to-head evidence. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to compare the effectiveness of exercise-based interventions for preventing hamstring injuries in football players using exposure-adjusted incidence rate ratios. METHODS: We conducted a PRISMA-aligned systematic review and random-effects network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in football players comparing exercise-based interventions to prevent hamstring injuries. Searches covered PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science from inception to January 5, 2026. Interventions were modeled as separate nodes (Nordic hamstring exercise [NHE], FIFA 11, FIFA 11 + , FIFA 11 + Kids, bounding exercise program [BEP], usual training). The primary effect measure was incidence rate ratio (IRR) versus usual training, with ranking by P-scores; exploratory subgroup analyses were conducted by sex-restricted male-only evidence and age group. RESULTS: Eleven randomized controlled trials involving 9,282 participants were included. The network was connected but largely star-shaped, with most evidence comparing active interventions against usual training and no direct active-active comparisons. FIFA 11 + showed the most consistent exposure-adjusted association with reduced hamstring injury incidence versus usual training (IRR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.31-0.98; P-score = 0.84). FIFA 11 + Kids showed a favorable but imprecise estimate, whereas NHE showed a modest non-significant reduction and FIFA 11 and BEP showed no clear benefit. Male-only findings were broadly consistent with the primary analysis. Age-stratified analyses suggested that the apparent hierarchy was not fully identical across age strata, but subgroup networks were sparse and exploratory. RoB 2 judged three studies as high risk and eight as having some concerns; no trial was judged as overall low risk. Between-study heterogeneity was substantial, and treatment rankings were, therefore, interpreted cautiously. CONCLUSIONS: In this IRR-based network meta-analysis, FIFA 11 + showed the most consistent exposure-adjusted association with reduced hamstring injury incidence compared with usual training. However, certainty across the primary comparisons ranged from low to very low because of clinical and methodological heterogeneity, sparse direct evidence for several nodes, reliance on indirect active-active comparisons, substantial between-study heterogeneity, and moderate-to-high risk of bias across the included studies. The treatment hierarchy should, therefore, be interpreted as a low-to-very-low-certainty, population-level summary rather than as a basis for firm recommendations. Further well-reported, age- and population-specific head-to-head trials with consistent exposure, injury-definition, adherence, and intervention-dose reporting are needed. Registration Systematic review registration PROSPERO (CRD420251243576).

FIFA 11 + ↗

PubMed2026

Effectiveness of a Web-Based Educational eHealth Platform on Women's Health Literacy About Phthalate Exposure: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Phthalates are environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals widely used in plastics, cosmetics, food packaging, and personal care products. Women may experience frequent exposure through everyday consumer and household products. Improving phthalate-related health literacy may support informed exposure-reduction decisions; however, conventional health education provides limited opportunities for repeated, interactive, and individually tailored learning. OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of an eHealth educational intervention (Phthalates Free) in improving women's overall and domain-specific phthalate-related health literacy and examined the association between platform engagement and health literacy outcomes. METHODS: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in the outpatient department of a regional teaching hospital in Taipei, Taiwan. A total of 114 women were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=58) receiving a 6-month eHealth platform-based education program and a control group (n=56) receiving conventional paper-based education. Assessments were conducted at baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2). The Phthalate Health Literacy Scale (10 items; α=.90, content validity index=0.93) measured overall and domain-specific literacy (health care, disease prevention, and health promotion). Longitudinal outcomes were analyzed using generalized estimating equations based on all available observations according to participants' original randomized assignments, with adjustment for waist circumference and pregnancy history. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare 6-month outcomes after adjustment for baseline scores. Platform engagement and perceived usability were assessed using back-end analytics and the System Usability Scale (SUS). RESULTS: At 6 months, the intervention group showed a significantly greater increase in total health literacy than the control group (+9.93 points, Wald χ²1=17.74; P<.001). Domain analyses revealed significant improvements in health care (+1.52; P=.001), disease prevention (+1.32; P=.001), and health promotion (+1.12; P=.001) domains. ANCOVA confirmed the between-group difference at T2 after adjusting for baseline scores (F1,109=11.43; P=.001; adjusted mean difference=7.15, 95% CI 2.96-11.34). Engagement analysis showed that high-engagement users (n=10) scored significantly higher in overall health literacy (t55=-3.00; P=.004) and all domains than general users. The SUS results (mean 84.7, SD 5.2; n=46, 79.3%) indicated high perceived usability. CONCLUSIONS: The Phthalates Free eHealth educational intervention significantly improved women's overall and domain-specific health literacy over 6 months. Higher platform engagement was associated with better health literacy outcomes. The intervention may serve as a practical adjunct to nurse-led education in outpatient and community settings by providing accessible, continuous, and evidence-based guidance on reducing phthalate exposure.

Humans↗