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Nature-based meaning-focused photography intervention enhances subjective well-being: A three-arm randomized controlled study.

Gaining meaning from nature contact can promote subjective well-being. However, few studies have validated the effectiveness of nature-based meaning interventions in enhancing subjective well-being. This study consisted of a 7-day online intervention to examine the effects of nature-based meaning-focused photography on well-being by comparing a photo-only group, a photo + writing group, and a waiting list control group and how meaning in life mediates the relationship between nature contact and well-being. A pre-registered three-arm randomized controlled trial (groups: photo + writing group vs. photo-only group vs. control group) * (time: pre-test vs. post-test vs. 1-month follow-up) was conducted with 219 college students. In the photo + writing group, participants captured nature scenes and wrote 100-word reflections. The photo-only group only took nature photos. The primary outcomes were meaning in life and well-being, and the secondary outcome was life satisfaction. A conservative Bayesian causal forest analysis based on machine learning was used to detect both treatment and heterogeneous intervention effects. Compared with the control group, the photo + writing group showed positive effects on meaning in life, subjective well-being, and life satisfaction, with average treatment effects of 0.36, 0.27, and 0.66 standard deviations (SD), respectively. The photo-only group also showed generally positive effects on these outcomes, with average treatment effects of 0.27, 0.24, and 0.54 SD, respectively. However, these effects were not sustained after 1 month. The intervention was especially beneficial for participants from lower subjective socioeconomic status, with limited prior nature exposure, or lower baseline psychological well-being. Importantly, enhanced meaning in life helped explain how the intervention improved well-being and life satisfaction. This study also demonstrated that combining nature-based photography and reflective writing can improve well-being.

Humans

Umbilical Cord-Derived Cell-Based Interventions for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia and Related Complications in Preterm Infants: A Bayesian Sparse-Data Meta-Analysis.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a major complication of prematurity with limited disease-modifying therapies. We evaluated umbilical cord-derived cell-based interventions for BPD and related complications in preterm infants. This Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020-based systematic review and meta-analysis were registered in PROSPERO. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang were searched from inception to June 14, 2026. Comparative clinical studies of umbilical cord-derived cell-based interventions in preterm infants at risk of or diagnosed with BPD were included. Outcomes included BPD, BPD severity, death, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), late-onset sepsis (LOS), and adverse events (AEs). Bayesian random-effects meta-analysis used a binomial-normal hierarchical model to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs), 95% credible intervals (CrIs), prediction intervals, and heterogeneity. Twelve studies were included. Umbilical cord-derived cell-based interventions showed a possible protective effect on overall BPD (OR, 0.48; 95% CrI, 0.14-1.20). Stronger associations were observed for severe BPD (OR, 0.17; 95% CrI, 0.01-0.85), moderate or severe BPD (OR, 0.28; 95% CrI, 0.09-0.70), and ROP stage ≥3 (OR, 0.17; 95% CrI, 0.02-0.65). No conclusive benefit or harm was observed for death, PPHN, PDA, IVH, NEC, or LOS. No treatment-related serious AEs were identified. However, prediction intervals were generally wide, and the certainty of evidence was low to very low for most outcomes. Umbilical cord-derived cell-based interventions may reduce the risk of moderate or severe BPD in preterm infants, with an additional potential benefit for ROP stage ≥3. Current evidence remains limited, and larger randomized trials with standardized outcomes and long-term follow-up are needed.

Humans

Sustained effects of auricular point acupressure on chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: a randomized controlled trial follow-up study.

PURPOSE: Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN) is a persistent condition that impairs function and quality of life. Auricular point acupressure (APA) has shown short-term benefit for CIN, but the durability of these effects after treatment completion is unknown. This study evaluated the sustainability of symptom improvements for 3&#xa0;months following a 4-week APA intervention. METHODS: This prespecified secondary analysis of a randomized wait-list controlled trial compared mobile-supported APA (mAPA) and virtual APA (vAPA) in adults with moderate or greater CIN who received APA during the initial treatment phase (mAPA, n&#x2009;=&#x2009;80; vAPA, n&#x2009;=&#x2009;75). Outcomes at 1, 2, and 3&#xa0;months post-intervention were analyzed using generalized estimating equations with multiple imputation. The primary outcome was CIN severity, measured with an individualized composite outcome (ICO); the secondary outcome was CIN interference. RESULTS: Reductions in CIN severity and interference were maintained throughout follow-up in both groups (all p&#x2009;<&#x2009;.001). ICO scores decreased by 3.10, 3.36, and 3.61 points in mAPA and by 2.88, 2.90, and 3.21 points in vAPA at 1, 2, and 3&#xa0;months, respectively. Benefits were maintained post-treatment, with higher retention in the mAPA group. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in CIN severity and interference after APA were sustained for up to 3&#xa0;months post-treatment, suggesting a durable benefit as a self-management strategy. Larger studies with longer follow-up and untreated comparison groups are needed. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: APA may offer survivors a durable, self-administered, nonpharmacologic option for managing CIN well beyond active treatment, without requiring ongoing clinical visits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID NCT04920097 registered on 3 June 2021.

Acupressure

Intervention components, training dose, and adherence in exercise-based prevention of hamstring strain injury in football: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify associations between exercise-based prevention programmes and hamstring strain injury (HSI) risk in football participants, and whether training dose and adherence modify effects. METHODS: Six databases were searched to 1 October 2025. Randomised and cluster-randomised trials comparing HSI prevention programmes with usual practice or warm-up in football participants were included. Random-effects meta-analysis pooled risk ratios (RRs); subgroup analyses and meta-regression assessed effect modification. RESULTS: Fifteen trials (n = 7,465) were analysed. Programmes reduced HSI risk (RR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.36-0.71), with I&#xb2;=57% and a prediction interval crossing the null (0.18-1.40). Based on a control event rate of 7.8%, absolute risk reduction was 3.8% (38 fewer HSIs per 1000 participants; 95% CI 23-50 fewer). Effects were stronger for shorter interventions (1-6 months; RR = 0.43) than longer interventions (7-10 months; RR = 0.77; P for interaction=0.04), and for elite/semi-professional players (RR = 0.38) than amateur players (RR = 0.77; P for interaction = 0.02). Training frequency and weekly volume did not modify effects, whereas adherence did. High adherence (&#x2265;75%) was associated with lower HSI risk (RR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.28-0.48), whereas low adherence (<75%) showed no clear benefit (RR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.68-1.23; P for interaction <0.00001). Each 10% increase in adherence corresponded to an RR multiplier of 0.83 (approximately 17% lower RR). Certainty of evidence was low. CONCLUSION: Exercise-based programmes reduce HSI risk in football when implementation supports sustained adherence. Effects may be stronger in shorter interventions and elite populations, but evidence remains insufficient to differentiate programme types or components.

Humans

Game-Based Intervention for Bullying: Assessing the Efficacy of the REThink Therapeutic Game in Primary School Children.

Children's mental health issues can have a lasting effect into adulthood, including enhanced risks for their social and emotional development, as well as their academic performance and overall behavior. Worldwide nearly 1 billion children are affected by the bullying phenomenon, with social, emotional, and economic consequences. In this vein, our study aimed to analyze the effect of the therapeutic game REThink on the improvement of emotion regulation abilities and the reduction of both bullying behavior and victimization in primary school children. Our sample consisted of 75 children who were voluntarily enrolled by their parents, and randomly assigned to the intervention group (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;38) or to the control group (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;37). They completed the baseline assessment consisting of emotion regulation, irrationality, bullying and victimization behavior measurements, then the children from the intervention group played the therapeutic game REThink. Four&#x2009;weeks later, after completing each level twice, every participant had completed the same questionnaires at the post-test assessment. The results indicated significant changes across victimization for children who were exposed to verbal, physical or social bullying, increased emotional control and lower levels of irrationality, low frustration tolerance to work and demandingness, with small to medium effect size improvements for the REThink game group compared to the control group. The REThink therapeutic game proved to be a promising intervention tool for reducing victimization effects and irrationality, and improving emotion regulation abilities in primary school children. Future research could improve on these results by addressing the timeline stability limit.

Humans

Efficacy and safety of Ruxolitinib-based combination therapy in the patients with Myelofibrosis (MF): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Myelofibrosis (MF) is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm. Although Ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor, remains the cornerstone of MF treatment, it does not reverse disease progression, and resistance frequently emerges. These limitations have prompted investigation into combination therapies targeting pathways beyond the JAK-STAT axis. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ruxolitinib-based combination therapies in patients with MF. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of databases for studies published through August 1, 2025. Thirteen distinct Ruxolitinib-based combination regimens were included. Primary efficacy endpoints were &#x2265;35% spleen volume reduction at 24&#x2009;weeks (SVR35) and &#x2265;50% reduction in total symptom score (TSS50). Safety endpoints focused on the incidence of grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia and anemia. Subgroup analyses were performed based on prior JAK inhibitor exposure and therapeutic mechanism of action. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies comprising 1,088 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Among JAK inhibitor-na&#xef;ve patients, the combination of Ruxolitinib with Selinexor demonstrated the highest efficacy (SVR35: 92%; TSS50: 78%), followed by Ruxolitinib plus BMS-986158 (SVR35: 90%). For patients with prior JAK inhibitor exposure, Ruxolitinib plus Siremadlin (SVR35: 45%) showed notable activity. CONCLUSION: For JAK inhibitor-na&#xef;ve patients, Ruxolitinib-based combination regimens demonstrated satisfactory clinical responses and the potential for meaningful disease control. For patients with prior JAK inhibitor exposure, the addition of combination therapy drugs may further enhance the efficacy. Personalized treatment selection remains essential, as therapeutic efficacy is significantly influenced by prior JAK inhibitor exposure.

Humans

Efficacy and safety of human albumin combined with furosemide in acute decompensated heart failure with hepatic dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Congestion is the most common clinical presentation on admission of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Finding effective ways to alleviate congestion has become a pivotal management step. This study sought to investigate the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) albumin use in conjunction with furosemide in patients hospitalized for ADHF with hepatic dysfunction in terms of subjective regression of congestion symptoms and worsening renal function. METHODS: This prospective, open-label, randomized-pragmatic trial recruited 241 patients with hepatic dysfunction hospitalized for ADHF. Patients (78 years, 54% female) were assigned to receive IV albumin with furosemide or IV furosemide alone. The coprimary study endpoints were patients' global assessment of symptoms score, quantified as the area under the curve (AUC) of the score on a visual analog scale, and the change in creatinine levels over 72 hours from admission. RESULTS: The experimental treatment group demonstrated a greater improvement in patients' global assessment of symptoms scores (AUCbaseline-72 h 3,767 vs 3,457 points; P < .001) and a milder increase in creatinine levels (0.07 vs 0.18 mg/dL; P = .045) than the IV furosemide group. The length of stay was 1 day shorter (4 vs 5 days; P < .001) and the incidence of worsening renal function was lower (25% vs 38%; P = .037) in the experimental treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: In this hypothesis generating study, among patients with ADHF and hepatic dysfunction, concomitant use of IV albumin and furosemide for the first 72 hours resulted in a significant improvement in subjective perception symptoms of decongestion and a milder increase in creatinine levels than IV furosemide alone.

Aged

Internet-based acceptance and commitment therapy (iACT) improves professional psychological help-seeking attitudes: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Professional psychological help-seeking attitudes are crucial for addressing mental health challenges, yet the mechanisms underlying their improvement through internet-based interventions remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled trial aimed to (1) evaluate the efficacy of Internet-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (iACT) in enhancing professional help-seeking attitudes, and (2) elucidate the longitudinal mediating roles of psychological rigidity and self-stigma. METHODS: A total of 91 male participants (Mean Age&#xa0;=&#xa0;21.09) were randomly assigned to either a 12-day iACT intervention group (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;46) using a self-developed mobile application or a waitlist control group (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;45). Psychological flexibility, rigidity, self-stigma, and help-seeking attitudes were measured at four time points: baseline, mid-intervention (Day 6), post-intervention (Day 12), and 1-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and latent growth modeling. RESULTS: Intention-to-treat analysis revealed the iACT group showed greater improvements in help-seeking attitudes than controls (F (3,87)&#xa0;=&#xa0;5.95, p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), with medium-to-large between-group effects at post-test for reducing psychological rigidity (d&#xa0;=&#xa0;-0.77, 95% CI [-1.19, -0.34]) and self-stigma (d&#xa0;=&#xa0;-0.88, 95% CI [-1.31, -0.45]). Latent growth modeling revealed a sequential mediation effect: the iACT intervention reduced psychological rigidity (&#x3b2;&#xa0;=&#xa0;-0.53, SE&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.12), which in turn reduced self-stigma (&#x3b2;&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.61, SE&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.09) and improved help-seeking attitudes (&#x3b2;&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.47, SE&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.08). CONCLUSION: This study provides the first evidence that a self-guided iACT mobile intervention can effectively enhance professional help-seeking attitudes by reducing psychological rigidity, which in turn alleviates self-stigma. The developed app offers a scalable solution to overcoming stigma-related barriers to mental health care.

Humans

The Effect of Pain Catastrophizing on Acupuncture Treatment for Chronic Pain in Cancer Survivors.

CONTEXT: Pain catastrophizing (PC) predicts worse pain outcomes in cancer survivors. However, little is known whether PC influences pain outcomes of nonpharmacological treatments such as acupuncture. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the impact of PC on acupuncture efficacy for chronic pain in cancer survivors. METHODS: This secondary analysis of PEACE trial used two-sample t-test and Pearson's chi-squared test to analyze the pain outcomes of cancer survivors who received electroacupuncture (EA) or battlefield acupuncture (BFA). PC was measured using Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) was used to measure pain severity and interference at the primary endpoint (week 12). RESULTS: Among 266 participants, 41 (15.41%) had a high baseline PC. Among those receiving EA, high PC patients had greater reductions in pain severity (-3.9 vs. -2.1, P = 0.006) and pain interference (-3.8 vs. -2.6, P = 0.04) than low PC. PC was not associated with pain outcomes in BFA group (P > 0.05 for both severity and interference). Among patients with high PC, a greater proportion were responders in the EA group than those in BFA group (83.3% vs. 43.5%, P = 0.009). Among low PC patients, there was no significant difference in the proportion of responders between the EA and BFA groups (66.1% vs. 64.5%, P = 0.8). CONCLUSION: We found that cancer survivors with high baseline PC had greater pain reductions with EA than BFA and compared to low PC patients. These findings suggest that EA may serve as a targeted treatment option for vulnerable patients with high PC and further support precision pain management.

Humans

Glucocorticoid receptor antagonism in major depressive disorder with childhood trauma: a randomized controlled trial.

Childhood trauma (CT) is a key risk factor for major depressive disorder (MDD) onset and persistence. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation may underlie this link, and preclinical studies suggest glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonism can reverse early life stress effects. This study tested whether the GR antagonist mifepristone reduces depressive symptoms in adults with MDD and CT. The RESET-medication study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating a 7-day course of mifepristone (1200 mg/day) or placebo in 158 adults with MDD and CT, assessed at baseline, 1 week, 6 weeks (primary endpoint), 3 months, and 6 months. The primary outcome was depressive symptom severity (IDS-SR) at week 6; secondary outcomes included symptom severity at other timepoints, clinical response, remission, anxiety, sleep, stress, disability, and salivary cortisol. At week 6, depressive symptoms declined in both groups, with no significant difference between mifepristone and placebo (b=-0.25, d=-0.03, 95% CI [-0.42, 0.36], pnom=0.887), and no group differences were found for secondary outcomes. Morning and evening cortisol were significantly higher with mifepristone at week 1, consistent with GR antagonism, but not at week 6. Adverse events were more frequent with mifepristone; mild and severe events occurred significantly more often, while the proportion reporting at least one adverse event was numerically higher but not statistically significant (93.6%vs. 82.5%, &#x3c7;&#xb2;(1)=3.60, p=0.058). Mifepristone produced the expected endocrine response but did not lead to clinical improvements in individuals with MDD and CT compared to placebo.

Humans

Effects of digital health-based exercise interventions on older adults with sarcopenia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia, the progressive loss of muscle mass and function, impairs independence in older adults. Digital health exercise interventions are scalable solutions for older adults with sarcopenia. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the evidence on their efficacy in populations with clinically diagnosed sarcopenia and identify influential intervention characteristics associated with treatment outcomes. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, CNKI, and Wanfang on May 20, 2026, with no date restrictions. We included randomized controlled trials involving adults aged &#x2265;60 with sarcopenia receiving digital exercise interventions. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias; analyses were performed using R and Review Manager. RESULTS: Fourteen trials (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;927) were included. Digital interventions showed potential improvements in muscle mass (MD&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.25, 95%CI:0.03-0.46, 95% PI:-0.36 to 0.85), muscle strength (MD&#xa0;=&#xa0;2.14, 95% CI:1.18-3.11, P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), balance ability (SMD&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.31, 95% CI:0.12-0.51, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.001), walking performance (SMD&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.55, 95% CI:0.21-0.89, 95% PI:-0.70 to 1.79), and physical function (SMD&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.89, 95% CI:0.08-1.71, 95% PI:-2.33 to 4.12), but not quality of life (SMD&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.08, 95% CI:-0.19 to 0.35, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.53). Exploratory subgroup analyses suggested that factors such as supervision, program duration, and measurement tools may influence outcomes; however, formal tests for subgroup differences were generally non-significant, and consistent patterns across all metrics were not observed. CONCLUSION: Digital exercise interventions show potential for managing sarcopenia in older adults, though the very low to moderate certainty of evidence indicates that true effects may differ substantially from observed estimates. This review explores potential roles of intervention design, supervision, and multimodal delivery. Future research should adopt rigorous designs and longer follow-up to validate results and enhance clinical application. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD420251135174.

Humans

Putting Globus Into Context: Prevalence, Characteristics, and Overlap With Other Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction.

OBJECTIVE: Globus is characterized by the sensation of a lump in the throat without dysphagia or underlying structural abnormality or major motility disorder. Reported prevalences vary considerably across studies. Globus has been linked to both heartburn and affective disorders. This study aims to determine the global prevalence of globus, its association with heartburn, overlap with disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) and psychosocial disorders, and its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). METHODS: Internet surveys from the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology study were used (N&#xa0;=&#xa0;54,127). Rome IV criteria were used to identify globus and concurrent DGBI. Heartburn was defined as symptoms &#x2265; 2-3&#xa0;days/week. Psychosocial co-morbidity and somatic symptom severity were assessed with PHQ-4 and PHQ-15, and HRQOL by PROMIS-10. RESULTS: The global prevalence of globus according to Rome IV criteria was 0.75%, representing 12.8% of esophageal DGBI and 1.86% of all DGBI. Prevalence was highest in Western Europe (0.94%) and Asia (0.90%), and lowest in the Middle East (0.31%). Globus was slightly more common in females (55.4%), and most affected individuals were aged between 40 and 64&#xa0;years (46.6%). Coexisting heartburn was reported in 17.4% of cases, esophageal DGBI in 9.1%, and non-esophageal DGBI in 49.0%. Anxiety and/or depression was present in 60.5%. CONCLUSION: Global prevalence of globus is 0.75%, with a slight female predominance, and is most prevalent below 65&#xa0;years. Overlap with non-esophageal DGBI was greater than with heartburn symptoms or esophageal DGBI, and most patients had anxiety and/or depressive symptoms.

Humans

Efficacy and Safety of Psychedelic Microdosing on Psychological Outcomes in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Psychedelic microdosing has gained increasing popularity for enhancing mood and cognition, yet its effects on psychological outcomes in healthy adults remain unclear. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of psychedelic microdosing on psychological outcomes in healthy/non-clinical adult&#xa0;population. METHODS: This review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD420251035294). We searched Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO from inception to February 2026 for original studies in healthy adults using sub-hallucinogenic psychedelic doses on separate days. We included randomized studies, nonrandomized prospective studies, cross-sectional studies, and observational longitudinal designs and stratified meta-analyses by design. Random-effects models were used; safety in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was pooled as risk differences (RDs). Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools appropriate for each study design. RESULTS: 24 studies (3,681 participants) met inclusion criteria, 6 contributed to meta-analyses. RCTs of psilocybin and LSD microdosing showed subjective and neurophysiological effects but minimal impact on cognition, creativity, or sustained mood. Psilocybin altered EEG and speech with little behavioral change, while LSD caused transient mood and minor physiological effects without lasting cognitive or personality benefits. Observational studies indicated mood and personality improvements, likely influenced by expectancy or lifestyle factors. Meta-analyses included two parallel RCTs (3 comparisons; n = 117) and three non-RCT studies (n = 1,013). Adverse event analyses included two RCTs (4 comparisons; n = 109). RCTs showed no clear evidence of immediate symptom reduction: depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.19; 95% CI -0.56, 0.19; I2 = 0%), anxiety (SMD = -0.20; 95% CI -1.11, 0.71; I2 = 82.3%),and stress (SMD = 0.02; 95% CI -0.39, 0.43; I2 = 0%). Non-RCT within-arm estimates were imprecise and heterogeneous for depressive symptoms (SMCC -0.33; 95% CI -0.75, 0.08) and anxiety (SMCC -0.29; 95% CI-0.84, 0.26). Exploratory pooling across all designs suggested decreases in depressive symptoms and stress, while anxiety remained uncertain. Adverse event risks were similar between treatment and control. CONCLUSIONS: Microdosing does not show consistent immediate benefits for depressive, anxiety, or stress symptoms in healthy adults, and evidence from RCTs remains inconclusive. Although improvements were observed in some studies, these effects were not significantly different from placebo. Larger, well-designed RCTs are needed to clarify the efficacy and safety of psychedelic microdosing beyond placebo.

Humans

School-based sexual violence prevention: A systematic review.

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

Humans

Adolescents' Growing Sensitivity to Psychosocial Stressors: Evidence From Two Decades of Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Data in the Nordic Countries.

PURPOSE: We tested a perception-based explanation for rising psychosomatic complaints among adolescents in the Nordic countries. Specifically, we examined whether adolescents have become more sensitive to psychosocial stressors, reflected in stronger associations between stressors and psychosomatic complaints in 2022 than in 2002. METHODS: Data were drawn from the 2002 to 2022 waves of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey among 15-year-olds in five Nordic countries (N = 7,263 in 2002 and 6,739 in 2022). Psychosomatic complaints were examined in relation to stressors in the following three domains: interpersonal relationships, school-related strain, and body- and activity-related factors. Moderated regression analyses tested whether associations between stressors and complaints differed between survey years. Sex and perceived family finances were included as covariates. RESULTS: Four of five psychosocial stressors showed stronger associations with psychosomatic complaints in 2022 than in 2002. Perceived poor family finances, although less prevalent in 2022, were more strongly related to complaints. Girls consistently reported higher levels of psychosomatic complaints, and the association between school pressure and complaints was stronger among girls. DISCUSSION: Although several psychosocial stressors declined in prevalence, their associations with psychosomatic complaints strengthened over time. These findings suggest that rising complaints may reflect changes in how psychosocial stressors are linked to adolescents' psychosomatic symptoms, rather than increases in exposure to those stressors. This shift highlights the importance of considering how adolescents interpret and respond to everyday stress when addressing population trends in mental health.

Humans

A randomized trial of omega-3 fatty acids plus inositol versus N-acetylcysteine for the treatment of depression and mania in emotionally dysregulated youth age 5-17 with and without autism traits.

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the nutraceutical treatments combined omega-3 fatty acid plus inositol (O3I) versus N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in children and adolescents with emotional dysregulation and the impact of the co-occurrence of autism traits (AT). Participants were male and female children (5-17) with emotional dysregulation and the presence/absence of AT, as defined by Child Behavior Checklist score, randomized to receive open-label O3I (1020&#xa0;mg EPA and 1000-2000&#xa0;mg Inositol) or NAC (1800-2700&#xa0;mg) daily for 6&#xa0;weeks. Clinicians measured severity and improvement of depression and mania with the NIMH Clinical Global Improvement Scale (CGI). Parents completed Parent-Youth Mania Rating Scale (P-YMRS) and Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). Both O3I and NAC resulted in modest improvements in mania and depression and did not differ significantly in between group comparison in their effectiveness. Participants taking O3I, but not NAC, demonstrated statistically significant within group improvement in depression per CDI. Participants taking NAC had a greater decrease in P-YMRS scores versus O3I, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. In the presence of AT, NAC was more effective than O3I for mania but not for depression. Further, participants taking NAC, but not O3I, demonstrated significant within group improvement in SRS and BRIEF scores. These results suggest that O3I and NAC may be beneficial for mania and depression in youth, with trends towards O3I more effective for depression and NAC more effective for mania. The presence of AT in youth with emotional dysregulation may moderate the impact of NAC.

Humans

Perspectives of participating neurologists and study nurses - Mixed-methods process evaluation of a web-based program for relapse management in multiple sclerosis (POWER@M2).

BACKGROUND: Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system and the leading cause of disability in young adults. In Germany, 90% of relapses are treated with high-dose intravenous glucocorticoids, despite limited evidence for long-term benefit and international preference for oral administration. Time constraints often hinder informed decision-making. The multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) POWER@MS2 (N&#x202f;=&#x202f;160, 2020-2023), conducted at 18 German MS-centres, aimed to promote self-determined relapse management through a complex intervention (dialogue-based decision aid, nurse-led webinar, online-chat). OBJECTIVE: While RCTs demonstrate effectiveness, process evaluations are essential to understand implementation, mechanisms of impact and contextual factors. This study explored healthcare professionals' experiences and attitudes toward implementing relapse self-management and self-medication in clinical practice. METHODS: A mixed-methods process evaluation followed the UK Medical Research Council- framework. Quantitative data were collected via validated questionnaires at up to three time points and analysed descriptively. Interview guides were developed based on these results. Qualitative data from neurologist and study nurse interviews were thematically analysed. Results were triangulated using a joint display. RESULTS: Data were collected from 55 neurologists and 17 study nurses (quantitative) and from 7 neurologists and 4 nurses (qualitative) (2020-2024). Most neurologists opposed routine steroid use, reserving it for severe relapses. Some voiced concerns about self-management, but informed patients were generally viewed as capable of safe self-medication. Study nurses gave mixed feedback on the intervention, citing overload and improved guidance. CONCLUSION: Clinicians showed openness toward implementing the intervention. Enhancing accessibility and addressing specific concerns may support broader adoption.

Humans

Do adherence-focused interventions in low back pain have an impact on rehabilitation outcomes? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Exercise-based interventions are effective, but adherence remains suboptimal. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of strategies designed to enhance adherence to exercise-based interventions in individuals with LBP in terms of adherence as well as pain and functionality. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials including adults with non-specific LBP were eligible if they compared exercise-based interventions incorporating adherence-enhancing strategies versus exercise alone or usual care. Primary outcome was adherence; secondary outcomes were pain and functionality. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus, and PEDro up to May 2026. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed using standardized mean differences. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Fourteen randomized controlled trials including 1233 participants were included. Risk of bias was low in six studies, with the remainder showing some concerns or high risk. For adherence outcomes, evidence showed no clear effect of adherence-enhancing strategies on either device-measured physical activity (SMD&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.21, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.43; 3 trials, 320 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) or questionnaire-based adherence (SMD&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.33, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.89; 4 trials, 377 participants; very low-certainty evidence). For pain and functionality, moderate certainty of evidence indicated small improvements favoring intervention groups in the medium term. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies to enhance adherence to exercise in LBP show uncertain effects on adherence but may provide small improvements in clinical outcomes in the medium term. Higher-quality trials are needed to strengthen the evidence base.

Adult