Global trends and burden of age-related hearing loss: 32-year study

BACKGROUND

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a major cause of disability and diminished quality of life in older adults. This study uses data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study to assess global ARHL.

METHODS

We evaluated ARHL prevalence, DALYs (Disability-Adjusted Life Years), ASPR (Age-Standardized Prevalence Rate), and ASDR (Age-Standardized DALYs Rate). Trend analysis was conducted using Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC), with projections to 2050.

RESULT

From 1990 and 2021, global ARHL prevalence cases and DALYs increased by 109 %, reaching 1.55 billion and 44.45 million, respectively. The ASPR increased from 17,106.88 to 18,070.26, while the crude prevalence rate significantly from 13,890.66 to 19,587.14. Both ASPR and ASDR demonstrated significant age-related increases, particularly for moderate and moderately severe ARHL, with EAPC values of 1.39 and 1.49 for ASDR, respectively. Among individuals aged over 85 years, the ASPR of ARHL is expected to reach 80 %. Prevalence cases peaked in the 55-69 age group, with the highest number of cases (179.43 million) observed in the 55-59 subgroup. High-middle SDI regions and East Asia exhibited the most rapid growth. By 2050, ARHL cases are projected to reach 2.31 billion, with ASPR and ASDR expected to continue rising.

CONCLUSION

ARHL has increased globally over the past three decades, largely due to population aging. The burden is most severe in middle SDI regions, East Asia, and the 55-69 age group, primarily due to their substantial population bases. Addressing this escalating challenge requires enhanced public awareness, early screening initiatives, and targeted interventions.

A glycopeptide-based pH-responsive hydrogel promotes diabetic wound healing via antimicrobial and remodeling microenvironment

Treating bacterium-infected diabetic wounds remains a major medical challenge. Antimicrobial activity, remodeling of oxidative stress-heavy and angiogenesis-impaired microenvironments are critical factors for effective wound healing. Hydrogels can function as drug delivery systems that encompass all these capabilities to enhance wound healing. In this study, we developed a glycopeptide-based hydrogel (DA/bF@OD-PL) composed of oxidized dextran (OD), polylysine (PL), dopamine (DA), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bF). This hydrogel exhibits excellent structural integrity, injectability, adhesion properties, swelling capacity, and degradability. Notably, the hydrogel is responsive to acidic conditions due to the presence of Schiff base bonds, enabling it to respond to the acidic environment characteristic of bacterium-infected wounds and release its encapsulated drugs accordingly. Among these components, PL has a strong antibacterial effect and can easily kill S. aureus and E. coli. DA effectively scavenges multiple reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induces macrophage polarization to M2 macrophages to alleviate oxidative stress. bF upregulates the expression of CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to promote angiogenesis. Finally, we validated the ability of this hydrogel to promote rapid wound healing in an S. aureus-infected diabetic mouse wound model.

Phytochemical and biological studies on rare and endangered plants endemic to China. Part XLIV. Integrated NMR/EI-MS/LC-PDA-ESIMS approach for dereplication and targeted isolation of fortunefuroic acids from Keteleeria fortunei across diverse geographical origins

Secondary metabolites in plants of the same species, though originating from distinct geographical regions, frequently display both similarities and notable variations. A prior study on the vulnerable Chinese endemic conifer Keteleeria fortunei, collected from Yunnan province (KFYN), led to the isolation of fortunefuroic acids (FFAs) A-I. These compounds represent a unique class of triterpenoids characterized by a rare furoic acid moiety within the lateral chain. The distinct 23,27-epoxy-23,25(27)-dien-26-oic acid unit present in FFAs can be readily identified by characteristic proton NMR signals (δH-24: ca 6.36 ppm; δH-27: ca 7.97 ppm), a prominent ion fragment at m/z 125 in the EI-MS, and typical UV absorption peak around λmax 245 nm. In this study, an integrated approach was employed to dereplicate and isolate FFA-type compounds from K. fortunei collected from Fujian Province (KFFJ). This approach combined NMR, EI-MS, and LC-PDA-ESIMS data to detect and analyze compounds with molecular weights in the range of 464-468 Da, a distinguishing feature of FFA-type compounds. Consequently, six previously undescribed FFAs K-P (1-6) were obtained, alongside the re-isolation of FFAs A-D and H. Compound 1 exhibits a rare 17,14-friedo-cyclaorane type skeleton, while compound 2 is characterized as a 3,4-seco-cyclaorane-3,26-dioic acid. Compounds 3-6 are identified as derivatives of 9βH-lanost-26-oic FFAs. Additionally, a previously unreported lanost-26-oic acid derivative (7) was also identified, exhibiting an inhibitory effect on ATP-citrate lyase. Their chemical structures and absolute configurations were determined through spectroscopic analysis, GIAO NMR calculations combined with DP4+ probability analyses, and electronic circular dichroism calculations. The isolated FFAs have the potential to serve as chemotaxonomic markers for the genus Keteleeria within the Pinaceae family. This study marks the first application of integrated NMR/EI-MS/LC-PDA-ESIMS methods for both dereplication and the discovery of new natural products. Notably, the KFFJ samples were collected from a location approximately 1500 km away from that of KFYN. Understanding the impact of geographical origins on specialized metabolites may provide valuable insights into the sustainable utilization and conservation of endangered plant species.

Insomnia and its risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study

AIMS

Insomnia is notably prevalent among individuals with type 2 diabetes and adversely affects both glycemic control and overall quality-of-life. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible risk factors for insomnia in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and co-morbid insomnia.

METHODS

This is a baseline study analyzing cross-sectional data at baseline timepoint collected in a randomized controlled trial study. A total of 227 participants with type 2 diabetes and insomnia were recruited. The diagnosis of insomnia was based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition and the total score of Insomnia Severity Index. Multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the possible biomedical and mental health risk factors for insomnia severity, total sleep time, sleep efficiency and sleep onset latency.

RESULTS

Factors significantly associated with insomnia severity included fasting blood glucose and depression. Blood magnesium level was related to total sleep time. Sleep efficiency was associated with blood phosphorus. Factors related to sleep onset latency were depression and fatigue.

CONCLUSION

Factors related to high insomnia severity and poor sleep quality in type 2 diabetes patients with insomnia included fasting blood glucose, blood magnesium, blood phosphorus, depression and fatigue.

Advancing minimally invasive surgery for elderly colorectal cancer patients: Bridging evidence to practice

The recent study by Min et al provides evidence supporting laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer (LRRCC) as a superior surgical approach for elderly patients. Their retrospective analysis of 104 patients demonstrated that LRRCC offers higher therapeutic efficacy, reduced postoperative complications, faster recovery, and attenuated systemic inflammatory responses compared to open surgery. While the study underscores the clinical advantages of minimally invasive techniques, it also highlights critical gaps, such as single-center design and limited long-term follow-up. This editorial contextualizes these findings within the broader literature, emphasizing the role of LRRCC in enhancing postoperative quality of life for elderly patients. We further discuss the implications of inflammatory biomarker modulation, advocate for multidisciplinary care models, and call for prospective trials to validate long-term outcomes.

Changes Over 10 Years in Peripheral Nerve Function in People With Well-Controlled Type 2 Diabetes and Those With Normal Glucose Tolerance

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

There is a lack of knowledge on the changes in peripheral nerve function in people with well-controlled, recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes compared with those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). In this study, we aimed to investigate the natural course of the function of lower extremity small and large nerve fibers in people with NGT and its decline in those with well-controlled type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

This prospective observational study assessed changes in nerve function in participants of the German Diabetes Study with recently diagnosed (≤1 year) type 2 diabetes and age-matched and sex-matched individuals with NGT after 5 years and in a larger group of participants with type 2 diabetes after 5 and 10 years. Reference tests of lower extremity peripheral nerve function included peroneal motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and sural sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), sural sensory nerve action potential (SNAP), malleolar vibration perception threshold (VPT), and thermal detection thresholds (TDTs). Data were analyzed using multiple linear or logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

At baseline, all 5 nerve function measures showed impairment in the 52 individuals in the diabetes group (33% female, median age 51.7 years) compared with the 52 individuals in the matched NGT group (33% female, median age 51.4 years). After 5 years, 2 nerve indices declined in the diabetes group (peroneal MNCV and VPT) and 3 in the NGT group (peroneal MNCV, VPT, and TDT for cold), with similar 5-year declines observed in both groups after adjustment for baseline values and pairwise matching. In addition, the Neuropathy Disability Score increased in the NGT group but not in the diabetes group. Comparable patterns of decline after 5 and 10 years were found in the larger diabetes cohort of 141 individuals (39% female, median baseline age 53.6 years). The observed 10-year prevalence of abnormal NCVs closely matched estimates based on natural aging-related decline (14.2% vs 12.8% for peroneal MNCV and 30.2% vs 31.0% for sural SNCV).

DISCUSSION

These findings suggest that nerve function deterioration in well-controlled type 2 diabetes is primarily influenced by nerve function status at diagnosis and physiologic aging, rather than diabetes-related progression.

Beyond glycemic control: Roles for sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in diabetic kidney disease

The global prevalence of diabetes has surged in recent years, with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) emerging as a major complication. Traditional therapies have had limited success in slowing progression to end-stage kidney disease. However, novel therapies, particularly sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which were initially developed for hyperglycemia management, have transformed the treatment of obesity, heart failure, cardiovascular disease, and more recently, DKD. SGLT2 inhibitors have consistently and significantly reduced cardiovascular events, albuminuria, and glomerular filtration rate, highlighting their efficacy across diverse clinical presentations for patients with kidney impairment. Although fewer studies have specifically investigated GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with kidney disease, existing evidence underscores their potential to slow renal disease progression, reduce albuminuria, and improve clinically relevant outcomes. However, further research is needed to better identify patients most likely to benefit from treatment. Together, these therapies represent valuable advancements for DKD, offering significant reductions in morbidity and mortality and shifting the management of the disease by becoming essential pillars for the treatment of these patients.

Lipid metabolism of Acetobacter pasteurianus and its main components with hypoglycemic effects

BACKGROUND

Probiotic Acetobacter pasteurianus is used to treat diabetes, but its specific hypoglycemic substances and mechanisms remain unclear.

AIM

To investigate the components for lipid metabolism of A. pasteurianus and its hypoglycemic effects, providing a basis for its broader application.

METHODS

The lipid metabolism of A. pasteurianus under different growth conditions was analyzed using lipidomics. Neutral lipid staining in A. pasteurianus cells and the formation of lipid droplet-like structures were observed using a confocal laser scanning microscope. The neutral lipid components were also analyzed using thin layer chromatography. A diabetic mouse model was established to evaluate the hypoglycemic effects of the main lipid components of A. pasteurianus and their role in repairing tissues such as the pancreas.

RESULTS

After comparing the effects of three culture media, namely, brain heart infusion (BHI) medium with 2% glucose, chromium-rich and zinc-rich medium, and mineral salt medium, A. pasteurianus grew well in BHI containing 2% glucose and produced the most lipids. A total of 583 lipid metabolic products was identified, with higher levels of coenzyme Q9 (CoQ9), oleic acid (OA), and wax ester, but no triacylglycerol was observed. It was found that the components that affected lipid metabolism in A. pasteurianus were mainly CoQ9 and OA. They exhibited hypoglycemic effects comparable to metformin in diabetic mice, repaired damaged pancreatic tissues, and did not cause damage to the liver and spleen.

CONCLUSION

Under high-nutrient growth conditions, A. pasteurianus contains abundant lipid components, such as CoQ9 and OA, with good hypoglycemic effects.

The burden and trends of depressive disorders in adolescent and young adults aged 15-29 in China, 1990-2021 and its prediction to 2030: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

BACKGROUND

Depressive disorders (DDs) are the leading causes of disability among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in China. This study estimated the trends of DDs burden among AYAs in China over the last 32 years, and further predicted to 2030.

METHODS

Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, age-standardized incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) rates were used to describe the DDs burden among AYAs (aged 15-29 years) in China. Estimated annual percentage changes were used to describe the temporal trends from 1990 to 2021. Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict the future burden to 2030.

RESULTS

In 2021, the age-standardized incidence, prevalence, and YLDs rates (per 100,000) for DDs among AYAs in China were 1884.11 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1383.84, 2540.68), 1951.57 (95 % CI: 1527.28, 2459.70), and 323.36 (95 % CI: 208.27, 474.88), respectively. The burden was heavier in females and individuals aged 25-29. From 1990 to 2021, all groups showed a downward trend of DDs burden. Males showed an increase in DDs burden (mainly dysthymia) in most groups in 2019-2021, while the increases in DDs burden among females were mainly in 2010-2019. The main attributable risk factor was bullying victimization. Notably, although the DDs burden was predicted to decrease from 2022 to 2030, the dysthymia burden was predicted to increase.

CONCLUSIONS

The DDs burden among AYAs is a significant public health challenge in China. It is crucial to consider the disparities among different demographic characteristics, when formulating and implementing prevention strategies.

Long-term ambient ozone exposure and lung cancer mortality: A nested case-control study in Korea

The link between long-term exposure to tropospheric ozone (O3) and risk of lung cancer mortality remains uncertain. We aimed to provide new insights into the association between long-term O3 exposure and lung cancer mortality in Korea. A nested case-control study was conducted within a cancer-free cohort of 1,731,513 individuals who underwent health screenings provided by the National Health Insurance Service in 2006-2007. A total of 7133 lung cancer deaths that occurred from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2021, were matched to 28,532 controls at a 1:4 ratio based on propensity scores. Daily 24-h and 8-h maximum O3 concentrations, averaged year-round and during the warm season from 2006 to 2010, were estimated for participants based on their residential addresses using the Community Multiscale Air Quality model. O3 concentrations rise during the daytime, also exhibiting seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring in the warm season. Elevated risk of lung cancer mortality was observed among participants in the highest quartile of O3 exposure compared with those in the lowest quartile, yielding odds ratios ranging from 1.15 to 1.27. However, when exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) was further adjusted for, the adverse risk of long-term O3 exposure was attenuated, even tending to be protective. Notably, participants with both high O3 and high PM2.5 exposures had an increased risk of lung cancer mortality. Furthermore, regional differences were observed, with a significantly higher risk in rural areas. Findings of this study suggest that long-term exposure to O3, especially in combination with PM2.5 exposure, is associated with an excess risk of lung cancer mortality, underscoring the importance of addressing the O3 and PM2.5 interaction in lung cancer prevention.

Safety and Tolerability of Injectable Extended-Release Naltrexone for the Management of Alcohol Use Disorder in Advanced Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease

BACKGROUND

Pharmacologic treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in patients with advanced alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) remains underutilised due to concerns regarding hepatotoxicity. Injectable extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) may offer a safer alternative by avoiding first-pass hepatic metabolism, but data on its safety and effectiveness in patients with advanced ALD are limited.

AIM

To describe the clinical experience with XR-NTX in individuals with advanced ALD, evaluating its safety, tolerability and impact on liver function and alcohol use.

METHODS

Retrospective case series of adults with ALD who received at least one dose of XR-NTX 380 mg IM at a tertiary care centre between 2023 and March 2025. Clinical data and laboratory tests were extracted from electronic health records over a minimum follow-up of 12 weeks. Safety was assessed based on adverse events and liver biochemistry. Alcohol use was evaluated using phosphatidylethanol (PEth) levels.

RESULTS

Fourteen individuals with ALD were included (2 had F3 and 9 cirrhosis Child A-B). The median age was 51 [44-65] years, 64% were male, and median follow-up was 127 days. Four patients (29%) experienced mild adverse effects (injection site pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and sexual side effects); none had hepatotoxicity or hepatic decompensation. No significant changes in liver function tests or MELD/Child-Pugh scores were observed during the follow-up period. Eight participants (57%) had a decrease in alcohol consumption, with a non-significant decline in PEth levels.

CONCLUSION

In this case series, XR-NTX was well tolerated in patients with advanced ALD, without evidence of hepatotoxicity or liver decompensation.

From muscle quality to metabolic health: investigating the association between muscle quality index and metabolic syndrome in adults

OBJECTIVE

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has a high prevalence in the United States (US); however, limited research comprehensively evaluates the relationship between muscle quality index (MQI) and MetS. This study aims to investigate the association between MQI and MetS.

METHODS

Adults aged 20-60 years from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured using a dynamometer, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. MQI_total was calculated as the sum of HGS from both hands divided by ASM. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to explore the association between MQI_total and MetS, and subgroup, interaction, and sensitivity analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 4,503 US residents were included in the study, with 1,165 diagnosed with MetS, yielding a prevalence of 25.9% (1,165/4,503). The weighted multivariable logistic regression model indicated that after adjusting for multiple covariates, MQI was negatively associated with the risk of MetS (odds ratio [OR] = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.32-0.73). Among the different components of MetS, MQI was negatively associated with elevated waist circumference (OR = 0.19, 95%CI: 0.12-0.28), elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR = 0.66, 95%CI: 0.51-0.85), and elevated serum triglycerides (OR = 0.66, 95%CI: 0.51-0.85). RCS revealed a negative linear relationship between MQI and MetS (P < 0.001, Pnon-linear = 0.98).

CONCLUSION

Low MQI is associated with an increased risk of MetS, exhibiting a linear relationship. These findings suggest that improving muscle quality may be an effective strategy for the prevention of MetS.

Association of the Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass-to-Visceral Fat Area Ratio with Cause-Specific Mortality in Diabetes

The relationship between muscle mass and visceral fat with mortality risk in diabetes has been extensively studied. This study investigates the association between the appendicular skeletal muscle mass-to-visceral fat area ratio (SVR) and cardiovascular and cancer-related mortality in diabetic patients in the United States. A nationwide cohort study was conducted using NHANES data (2011-2018), including 1439 diabetic patients with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements. Weighted Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed to evaluate the association between SVR and cause-specific mortality rates. Weighted receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the diagnostic performance of SVR and other conventional indicators in predicting mortality. After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, SVR showed a linear negative association with cardiovascular and cancer-related mortality in diabetes. Each 0.01-unit increase in SVR was associated with a 3% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular death and a 2% reduction in cancer-related death. However, SVR demonstrated weak diagnostic performance for both cardiovascular and cancer mortality, with weighted AUCs of 0.520 and 0.527, respectively, compared to other metrics including BMI, WC, ASM, and VFA. Although SVR was significantly associated with cardiovascular and cancer mortality, its predictive performance was not superior to that of simpler or more established indicators, suggesting that it has limited clinical utility for predicting mortality in diabetic patients.

Losing and Regaining Sense of Control: A Cancer Patient's Interactions With Healthcare Professionals

By jointly telling the story of one of us, the authors, we highlight how supportive healthcare relationships can support a patient's sense of agency and open pathways for restoring a sense of control in the midst of serious illness. Drawing on personal experiences of living through cancer as a patient or a caregiver in Finland led us to explore how a sense of control can be lost and gradually regained. Drawing on our shared reflections and experiences as collaborating autoethnographers, we analyzed Satu's, the first author of this article, changing sense of agency and control, focusing on five key episodes over the 18 months following her diagnosis. As we revisited these episodes together, we identified how impersonal and one-sided communication within the healthcare system contributed to her loss of a sense of control. Over time, however, through more dialogic, respectful, and participatory interactions with healthcare professionals, she found ways to reclaim control and agency-not just in navigating illness but in shaping life beyond it. Our collaborative analysis offers new insights into the evolving dynamics of control, agency, and patient-professional interaction. We contribute to the literature on illness management by foregrounding relational, contextual, and socially constructed understandings of control. By illustrating the importance of patient-professional interactions, the study highlights the potential for rebuilding a sense of agency and control through supportive healthcare relationships.

Out-of-pocket expenditure and financial risks associated with treatment of chronic kidney disease in Ethiopia: a prospective cohort costing analysis

INTRODUCTION

In Ethiopia, most healthcare expenditures are paid out-of-pocket (OOP), while the burden of kidney disease (KD) is rapidly increasing, posing a major public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, along with a staggering economic burden. We aimed to quantify the extent of OOP health expenditures and the magnitude of associated catastrophic and impoverishing health expenditures (CHE and IHE) for chronic KD (CKD) care in Ethiopia.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective costing analysis for CKD care from the patient perspective. We collected data on OOP health expenditures (2023 US$) and household consumption expenditures from a cohort of 433 patients that were followed prospectively for 6 months. Patients were recruited from six health facilities from four constituencies in Ethiopia. We estimated the burden of OOP payments as the sum of direct medical expenditures (DMEs) and direct non-medical expenditures (DNMEs). DMEs were calculated by summing OOP payments for consultations, diagnostic workups, procedures, medications and hospital stays. DNMEs were computed by totalling OOP expenses for transportation, food and lodging. Additionally, we estimated the economic value of productivity losses incurred by patients and/or caregivers due to time spent seeking care. We used descriptive statistics to measure the extent of CHE and IHE. We ran a logistic regression model to assess the drivers of CHE.

RESULTS

The mean annual OOP expenditure was US$2337 (95% CI US$2014 to US$2659) and varied by type of care: US$677 (95% CI US$511 to US$825) for outpatient care, US$2759 (95% CI US$1171 to US$4347) for inpatient care and US$5312 (95% CI US$4644 to US$5919) for haemodialysis. DMEs (particularly haemodialysis) were the major drivers of cost, accounting for 76%-85% of the total OOP expenditure. Transportation expenditures were the major contributors among the DNMEs. Among those who sought outpatient, inpatient and haemodialysis care, 36%, 67% and 90% incurred CHE, respectively, at a 10% threshold of annual consumption expenditures. Among all patients, 25.6% of households were impoverished due to OOP medical expenditures, with the rate substantially higher among those requiring haemodialysis (43.4%). Facility type and the type of visit were significantly associated with the odds of incurring CHE (p<0.05), while adjusting for wealth quintile, disease stage, area of residence (urban/rural), family size, patient age and insurance membership status.

CONCLUSIONS

The household economic burden for CKD care is substantial, likely hindering access to necessary treatment and exacerbating the impoverishment, which is prevalent in Ethiopia. This would be an obstacle in achieving universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goals in Ethiopia.

Emerging Strategies of Cell and Gene Therapy Targeting Tumor Immune Microenvironment

Immunotherapy has profoundly transformed the landscape of cancer treatment and offered therapeutic opportunities to reverse the immunosuppressive microenvironment. However, intratumoral heterogeneity and the evolution toward immune evasion present significant challenges that demand innovative solutions beyond immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this context, cell and gene therapy (CGT) emerges as a promising frontier in the new immunotherapy era with its remarkable flexibility, diversity, and compatibility. In this review, we begin with a foundational overview of the classification of CGT in treating solid tumors and explore how it targets the cross-talk between cancer cells and the tumor immune microenvironment from cellular and molecular perspectives. CGT not only remodels the local tumor immune microenvironment but also has long-term effects on the systemic immune response. Furthermore, this review summarizes current challenges and strategic approaches, drawing on insights gained from clinical practice. By bridging mechanistic research with clinical insights, this review underscores the positive feedback from the research bench to clinical scenarios. More importantly, we propose that the development of CGT marks the evolution of the cancer treatment paradigm: from targeting tumor tissues alone to restoring the disrupted cancer-immune balance as a whole.

Does home-based screening improve hypertension diagnosis, treatment and control? A regression discontinuity analysis in urban India

As part of India's efforts to expand primary healthcare services, several state governments are implementing or considering home-based hypertension screening programmes to improve population-wide diagnosis and blood pressure (BP) control rates. However, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of home-based screening programmes in India. Using six waves of population-representative cohort data (N=15574), we estimate the causal effect of a home-based hypertension screening intervention on diagnosis, treatment, and BP using a novel application of the Regression Discontinuity Design. We find that measuring individuals' BP in their homes and providing health information and a referral to those with elevated BP did not meaningfully improve hypertension diagnosis (0.12 percentage points (pp), 95% CI -1.39 to 1.75), treatment (-0.16 pp, 95% CI -2.18 to 1.03), or change in BP (systolic: -0.96mm Hg, 95% CI -5.63 to 1.14; diastolic: 0.21, 95% CI -1.65 to 1.65). Our heterogeneity analyses suggest that home-based screening may reduce systolic BP for women with secondary education and women living in Chennai. However, we find null effects for diagnosis and treatment among these subpopulations and in all outcome variables across the other subpopulations and alternative specifications. Our findings suggest that a lack of knowledge of one's hypertension status might not be the primary reason for low diagnosis and treatment rates in India, where other structural and behavioural barriers may be more relevant. Adapting screening efforts to address these additional barriers will be essential for India's efforts to achieve universal health coverage.

Pro-inflammatory effects of road wear particles and diesel exhaust particles in bronchial epithelial cells and macrophages

Comparative studies on traffic-derived particulate matter (PM) from fuel combustion and non-exhaust sources are scarce. This study compares cytokine release (CXCL8, IL-1α, IL-1β, TNFα) and expression of genes linked to inflammation (CXCL8, IL1A, IL1B, COX2, IL6), xenobiotic metabolism (CYP1A1) and redox responses (HMOX1) in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC3-KT) and THP-1-derived macrophages after exposure to samples of tire and road wear particles (TRWP) and diesel exhaust particles (DEP). CH223191 was used to assess the involvement of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in the cytokine responses. The results show that TRWP and DEP induced pro-inflammatory responses in both cell types. Moreover, exposure to TRWP and DEP in combination enhanced the pro-inflammatory responses. While the relative potency of TRWP differed between the cell types and endpoints, pro-inflammatory responses of similar or greater magnitude than DEP were observed. The AhR inhibitor CH223191 attenuated the particle-induced cytokine release in HBEC3-KT, but not in the THP-1-derived macrophages. In conclusion, TRWP and DEP induced pro-inflammatory responses in human bronchial epithelial cells and macrophage-like cells, acting through different mechanisms. Responses of a similar magnitude as DEP were observed after exposure to TRWP, showing that TRWP constitutes a potential health hazard. Moreover, the enhanced responses following exposure to TRWP and DEP in combination suggest that the interplay between PM components could be a contributing factor in PM-induced health effects.

Long-Term Effectiveness Associated With Fecal Immunochemical Testing for Early-Age Screening

Importance

The rising incidence of young-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) has prompted health policymakers to consider lowering the recommended starting age for screening. However, population-based evidence supporting the long-term effectiveness of early-age screening remains limited.

Objective

To evaluate whether initiating fecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening at ages 40 to 49 years, rather than at the currently recommended age of 50 years, reduces CRC incidence and mortality.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This study analyzed a community-based screening cohort of Taiwanese residents aged 40 to 49 years, categorized into 4 subcohorts based on participation in early screening (age 40 to 49 years) and continuation of nationwide regular screening (50 years and older). The cohort was followed up until 2019 to compare CRC incidence and mortality across subcohorts. To mitigate self-selection bias, a delayed screening design and efficient propensity score matching was used, restricting analyses to participants attending regular screening. To validate the findings, an extended nonadherence adjustment was applied to all 4 subcohorts. Data were collected from January 2001 to December 2019, and data were analyzed from January 2021 to December 2024.

Exposures

Biennial FIT screening was initiated for the early screening group at ages 40 to 49 years and for the regular screening group at age 50 years, with follow-up continuing under Taiwan's national screening program.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcomes were CRC incidence and mortality rates, reported as cases per 100 000 person-years, with adjusted relative risks (aRRs) comparing early vs regular screening groups.

Results

Of 263 125 included participants, 146 796 (55.8%) were female. A total of 39 315 participated in early and regular screening, and 223 810 participated in regular screening only. The early screening group exhibited lower CRC incidence (26.1 [95% CI, 22.3-29.9] vs 42.6 [95% CI, 40.5-44.7] per 100 000 person-years) and mortality (3.2 [95% CI, 1.9-4.6] vs 7.4 [95% CI, 6.5-8.2] per 100 000 person-years). In propensity score-matched analyses, early screening significantly reduced CRC incidence (aRR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.67-0.94) and mortality (aRR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.38-0.98). Findings were consistent in the extended nonadherence adjustment model, showing a 25% reduction in incidence (aRR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.72-0.77) and a 34% reduction in mortality (aRR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.62-0.71).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that initiating FIT screening at age 40 to 49 years was associated with further reduction in CRC mortality and incidence compared with starting screening at age 50 years. These results provide strong empirical support for lowering the CRC screening age, with substantial public health implications.

Global, regional and national level burden of bulimia nervosa from 1990 to 2021 and their projections to 2030: analysis of the global burden of disease study

Background

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is increasingly recognized as a significant public health issue worldwide. This study aims to explore the effects of BN on global, regional, and national scales by analyzing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021.

Methods

We obtained the age-standardized rates (ASRs) of prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life years rates (DALYs), along with their 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) for BN from the GBD 2021 dataset, covering the period from 1990 to 2021. And estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) was used to represent the changing trend of BN burden. The Long-term trends of the burden of BN were quantified by Age-period-cohort (APC) analysis. Furthermore, an evaluation of inequality and a prospective prediction concerning the worldwide impact of BN is performed.

Results

From 1990 to 2021, the global burden of BN showed a continuous increase. In 2021, the highest burden of BN was observed in regions with a high socio-demographic index (SDI), particularly in Australasia (ASPR was 811.9 per 100,000 individuals; 95% UI: 629.68 to 1041.59). The most substantial increase in the burden of BN was observed in Asia. In the national level, Equatorial Guinea experienced the most significant increase in the burden of BN from 1990 to 2021 (EAPC of ASPR was 3.48; 2.86 to 4.11). In contrast, burden of BN in High-income North America recorded a substantial decrease from 1990 to 2021 (EAPC of ASPRs was − 0.26; -0.39 to -0.13). The growth rate of male BN burden was higher than that of female. The relative inequality of the BN burden decreased between 1990 and 2021. Further forecasts from the GBD indicated that the global burden of BN would continue to rise by 2030.

Conclusion

These results can help governments across the globe in developing suitable health and medical policies focused on the prevention and early intervention of BN. Moreover, the differences in BN burden should be analyzed based on region, nation, gender, and year when setting international health goals.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40337-025-01289-9.

Analyses of prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for bulimia nervosa (BN) revealed a sustained increase in BN’s global burden from the year of 1990 to 2021. Regionally and nationally, BN burden correlated positively with socioeconomic development levels, with Australia exhibiting the highest burden in 2021. The most pronounced growth occurred in East and South Asia, while high-income North America experienced a decline. Notably, although females bore a higher burden, males demonstrated faster growth rates in BN cases. Inequality analyses showed widening absolute disparities in BN burden between high- and low-income nations, whereas relative inequality decreased due to accelerated burden growth in lower-income regions. Projections indicate a continuing global rise in BN burden through 2030, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.

Health conditions among women in prisons: a systematic review

Despite rapidly rising incarceration rates, the health needs of women in custody are overlooked. This Review aims to summarise the current evidence on the health of women in prisons around the world. In this systematic review, we searched peer-reviewed and grey literature databases for quantitative studies published between Jan 1, 2003, and Jan 29, 2025. Our population of interest was people detained in carceral spaces designated for women as part of the criminal-legal system worldwide. We included studies that reported the prevalence of health conditions (based on the Global Burden of Disease Study, or in the International Classification of Disease 11th revision) among women in custody. We assessed risk of bias using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. We identified 18 008 unique records, 247 studies (including more than 452 261 women) were included for analysis. Nearly all studies had a high risk of bias in at least one domain. Communicable diseases and mental health conditions were the most frequently described topics. Prevalence of many conditions varied widely between studies and across geographical regions. We identified gaps in the literature, particularly around non-communicable conditions and in the geographical representation of data. Globally, women in custody experience a high burden of health conditions but there are substantial gaps in current evidence and a need for improved data collection and reporting. Additionally, limitations found in some studies included the exclusion of people with complex health-care needs and the use of measures such as self-reporting, which depend on previous access to health care, and it is likely that the true burden of health conditions among incarcerated women is even greater. The findings of this Review call the correctional, health, and research communities to act to reduce the health inequities faced by women in prison.

Immunogenicity and Safety of Influenza and COVID-19 Multicomponent Vaccine in Adults ≥50 Years: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Uptake of recommended seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccines remains suboptimal.

Objective

To assess the immunogenicity and safety of an investigational mRNA-1083 vaccine against seasonal influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in adults 50 years and older.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This phase 3, randomized, observer-blinded trial was conducted across 146 US sites in adults 50 years and older enrolled between October 19, 2023, and November 21, 2023. Data extraction was complete on April 9, 2024.

Interventions

Participants in 2 age cohorts (≥65 years and 50-64 years) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive mRNA-1083 plus placebo or coadministered licensed quadrivalent seasonal influenza (≥65 years: high-dose quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine [HD-IIV4]; 50-64 years: standard-dose IIV4 [SD-IIV4]) and COVID-19 (all ages: mRNA-1273) vaccines.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary objectives were to demonstrate the noninferiority of humoral immune responses following mRNA-1083 vs comparators against vaccine-matched strains at day 29 and to evaluate the reactogenicity and safety of mRNA-1083. Secondary objectives included demonstration of superiority of humoral immune responses elicited by mRNA-1083 relative to comparators at day 29.

Results

Overall, 8015 participants were enrolled and vaccinated (4017 aged ≥65 y and 3998 aged 50-64 y). Among adults 65 years and older and 50 to 64 years, the median age was 70 and 58 years, 54.2% and 58.8% were female, 18.4% and 26.7% were Black or African American, and 13.9% and 19.3% were Hispanic or Latino, respectively. Noninferior immunogenicity of mRNA-1083 was demonstrated against all vaccine-matched influenza and SARS-CoV-2 strains based on lower bound of the 97.5% CI of the geometric mean ratio greater than 0.667 and lower bound of the 97.5% CI of the seroconversion/seroresponse rate difference greater than -10%. mRNA-1083 elicited higher immune responses than SD-IIV4 (50-64 years) for all 4 influenza strains and HD-IIV4 (≥65 years) for 3 influenza strains (A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B/Victoria) and against SARS-CoV-2 (all ages). Solicited adverse reactions were numerically higher in frequency and severity after mRNA-1083 vaccination than comparators in both age cohorts (≥65 y: 83.5% and 78.1%; 50-64 y: 85.2% and 81.8%); most were grade 1 or 2 in severity and of short duration. No safety concerns were identified.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, mRNA-1083 met noninferiority criteria and induced higher immune responses than recommended standard care influenza (standard and high dose) and COVID-19 vaccines against all 4 influenza strains (among those ages 50-64 y), the 3 clinically relevant influenza strains (among those aged ≥65 y), and SARS-CoV-2 (all ages), with an acceptable tolerability and safety profile.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06097273.

Global Changes in Ischemic Stroke Burden Attributable to Ambient PM2.5: Trends From 1990 to 2020 and Projections to 2050

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, with ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure being a significant modifiable risk factor. While PM2.5 concentrations have declined in some regions, global assessments examining how these changes affect the IS burden remain limited. The aim of this study was to quantify changes in IS burden attributable to PM2.5 from 1990 to 2020 and project future trends to 2050.

METHODS

We used data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease study, including population estimates, IS incidence rates, and PM2.5 concentrations, for 204 countries and World Bank regions. The Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program algorithm was applied to estimate IS cases attributable to PM2.5. Future projections were calculated using an autoregressive integrated moving average model.

RESULTS

Between 1990 and 2020, global PM2.5 concentrations decreased by 8.18 μg/m3. This reduction was associated with approximately 920,245 avoided IS cases, equivalent to 12.11% of the global IS incidence in 2020. The East Asia and Pacific region experienced the greatest benefit, with 699,218 IS cases avoided (19.09% of the region's IS incidence in 2020). By 2050, PM2.5 concentrations are projected to decline by 33.64 μg/m3 relative to 1990, potentially preventing an additional 6,004,854 IS cases. However, significant disparities persist, particularly in low-income regions where PM2.5 exposure and limited health care infrastructure continue to pose challenges.

DISCUSSION

Our findings highlight the substantial public health benefits of PM2.5 reductions in mitigating the IS burden. While high-income regions have seen substantial gains due to stringent air quality regulations, low-income regions remain disproportionately affected. Addressing these disparities requires targeted pollution control policies and equitable health care resource allocation. Sustained efforts in air quality management are critical to reducing the global IS burden and improving health outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Effects of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers on Prognosis in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction Undergoing Regular Dialysis

PURPOSE

The utilization of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) following myocardial infarction (MI) is substantiated by evidence derived from trials conducted during the thrombolysis era. However, limited evidence suggests that ACEI/ARB confer benefits to patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Notably, these studies typically exclude patients undergoing regular dialysis. In this study, we examined the association between the use of ACEI/ARB and the 5-year outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who are on regular dialysis and possess preserved left ventricular function.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study enrolled a total of 1249 dialysis patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CAD). A total of 603 patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age of the cohort was 61.7 years, with 70.6% being male; 313 (51.9%) patients were treated with ACEI/ARB. Over a 5-year follow-up period, the use of ACEI/ARB had no benefit on the composite outcome of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (31.3% vs. 29.0%, p = 0.988). However, ACEI/ARBs reduced mortality across all causes (24.9% vs. 33.1%, p = 0.012) and cardiovascular deaths (14.7% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.015). Furthermore, ACEI/ARB demonstrated a more pronounced cardiovascular mortality benefit in patients with poorer left ventricular function (LVEF 50-60%).

CONCLUSION

In dialysis patients with ACS and preserved left ventricular function, ACEI/ARB reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Additionally, a more pronounced survival benefit is observed in patients with impaired LVEF (50-60%). However, no benefit was found regarding MACE.

Stimulus-responsive hydrogels for diabetic wound management via microenvironment modulation

Diabetic wounds, a major complication of diabetes mellitus, pose a significant clinical challenge. The treatment of diabetic wounds requires comprehensive interventions tailored to their pathophysiological characteristics, such as recurring bacterial infection, persistent inflammation, excessive oxidative stress, and impaired angiogenesis. The development of stimulus-responsive hydrogel dressings offers new strategies for diabetic wound treatment. By responding to various physical and biochemical signals, these smart hydrogels enable real-time monitoring and precise modulation of the wound microenvironment to accelerate diabetic wound healing. In this review, we provide an overview of the disease characteristics of chronic diabetic wounds and introduce the current clinical treatment approaches. We summarize the cutting-edge applications of physical and biochemical signal-responsive hydrogels for diabetic wound treatment by modulating the wound microenvironment.

The Association of Food Security Status with Transactional Sex Engagement Among Female Adolescents Aged 15-24: Evidence from Cameroon

Transactional sex has been identified as a risk factor for HIV acquisition. While studies have investigated the various factors associated with transactional sex among women, its association with food security status in sub-Saharan African countries remains largely unexplored. To address this gap, we utilized data from the 2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey and applied multivariate logit models to examine the relationship between food security status and engagement in transactional sex among unmarried adolescent girls and young women in Cameroon. Our results indicated that unmarried adolescent girls and young women (aged 15-24 years) experiencing moderate (OR = 3.00, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 1.66, 5.42) and severe (OR = 3.33, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 1.82, 6.11) food insecurity were more likely to engage in transactional sex in the previous 12 months before the DHS survey was conducted, compared to those without any experience of food insecurity. Based on these findings, we propose several implications for policymakers and offer directions for future research.

Dual-Active Nanoimmunomodulators for the Synergistic Enhancement of the Antitumor Efficacy of Photodynamic Immunotherapy

Photodynamic immunotherapy, which combines photodynamic therapy (PDT) with immunotherapy, has become an important and effective treatment for cancer. However, most photodynamic immunotherapy systems for cancer do not allow for the precise release of immunomodulators, leading to systemic side effects and poor patient prognosis. This study reports a dual-activatable nanoimmunomodulator (CPPM), whose photodynamic effect and agonist release are both activated in response to specific stimuli, which can be used for precise photodynamic immunotherapy of cancer. CPPM has a half-life of 119 min in circulation and accumulates in tumor tissue 4 h after injection (23.8%). In addition, CPPM is able to achieve tumor localization of nanomedicines through PD-L1-targeting peptides, blocking the specific binding of PD-L1 to PD-1, exposing tumor surface antigens, and reinvigorating the activity of T cells in combination with macitentan to promote T-cell proliferation. Meanwhile, under laser irradiation, CPPM was able to increase intracellular oxidative stress, inhibit cell proliferation through PDT, and trigger immunogenic cell death, further enhancing tumor immunogenicity through synergistic treatment. Ultimately, CPPM enhanced the immunotherapeutic efficiency against tumors by improving the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment, synergistically inhibiting the growth of primary and distant tumors while activating systemic antitumor immunity to eliminate lung metastases without obvious side effects. This study presents an uncomplicated and multifunctional strategy for the precise modulation of tumor photodynamic immunotherapy with a dual-activatable smart nanoimmunomodulator that can improve the efficacy of PDT, enhance systemic antitumor immunity, and potentially extend it to a wide range of cancers.

Clinical outcomes of patients with Polyvascular disease admitted with an acute diabetic foot ulcer

AIMS

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a common cause of admission in patients with diabetes. Diabetes increases the likelihood of inpatient Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE), and the presence of polyvascular disease (PD), defined by the presence of atherosclerosis in two or more arterial beds, further amplifies this risk. We assessed the impact of PD on outcomes in patients admitted due to a DFU.

METHODS

In this retrospective single-center study, we enrolled adult patients admitted to the diabetic foot unit between 2014 and 2019. The primary outcome was a composite of inpatient MACE or death. Secondary outcomes included amputations, leg revascularization, duration of admission and 1-year mortality. We additionally collected survival data till the end of 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 537 patients were enrolled in the study, 264 suffering of PD. The primary endpoint occurred in 12.5 % and 4.4 % of patients with vs. without PD (p = 0.001). Patients with PD had an increased incidence of vascular interventions (42 % vs. 19.4 %, p < 0.001), any amputation (67.4 % vs. 48.4 %, p < 0.001) and major amputation (35.6 % vs. 13.2 %, p < 0.001). They had longer admissions (median 19 vs. 17 days, p = 0.002) and higher 1-year mortality rates (33.0 % vs. 12.1 %, p < 0.001). During 10-year follow up (median 3.3 years) median survival was 2.0 vs. 5.9 years for patients with vs. without PD (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

PD in patients admitted with a DFU is associated with poor inpatient and long-term outcomes. This highlights the need for comprehensive risk assessment, optimization of in-patient management and long-term control of cardiovascular risk factors.

Assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of community-based voluntary counseling and testing for HIV in Turin: insights from the fast-track cities initiative - a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of Community-Based Voluntary Counseling and Testing (CBVCT) for HIV in Turin as part of the Fast-Track Cities initiative. It aimed to understand demographic characteristics and risk behaviors to identify factors associated with routine testing. The findings can help to better tailor interventions for reducing HIV transmission and improving public health outcomes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing anonymous questionnaires administered throughout 2022. Participants were individuals attending rapid serological testing sessions for HIV organized by third-sector associations in Turin, Northern Italy. The sample comprised 795 participants who attended HIV testing sessions. Data were collected via paper-based questionnaires (n = 495), later digitized for analysis. Descriptive statistics, univariate, and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine socio-demographic characteristics, risk behaviors, and testing outcomes. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated using a Markov model stratifying patients by CD4 + levels to assess QALYs and direct healthcare costs.

RESULTS

The study achieved a high HIV testing rate of 99.9%, with a positivity rate of 0.5%. All individuals with reactive tests were successfully linked to care. Syphilis testing had a lower uptake (76.7%) and identified a positivity rate of 0.7%. Significant demographic and behavioral differences were found: previously tested participants are more likely to be older (p < 0.001, OR = 1.15) than first-time testers, more likely to be MSM (Men who have Sex with Men) than MSF (Men who have Sex with Female) and FSM (Female who has Sex with Male) (p < 0.001, OR = 0.132; p < 0.001, OR = 0.183); and are more likely to have had a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)(p = 0.003, OR = 0.128). Immediate HIV diagnosis and access to antiviral therapy reduce healthcare costs by €3,841 per patient, with total savings of €23,808 due to lower treatment expenses before immunodeficiency onset.

CONCLUSIONS

CBVCT programs in Turin demonstrated high feasibility and effectiveness in engaging the target population and ensuring linkage to care. However, syphilis testing requires greater integration. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address disparities in testing behaviors and reinforce the economic sustainability of early HIV diagnosis and treatment.

Analysis of the mortality trends of laryngeal cancer attributable to smoking worldwide from 1990 to 2021 and projections up to 2036

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the global trends in the disease burden of laryngeal cancer (LC) attributable to smoking from 1990 to 2021, including mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and to predict trends for 2036.

METHODS

Data on LC attributable to smoking were obtained from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) online database. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to calculate the average annual percent change (AAPC) to evaluate trends in LC attributable to smoking. Additionally, an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model was applied to forecast future disease burden over the next 15 years.

RESULTS

From 1990 to 2021, the global age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of LC attributable to smoking decreased from 1.61 to 0.89 per 100,000 with an AAPC of -1.87%. The male mortality rate is significantly higher than that of females. In 2021, specific regions within the Balkans, the Middle East, and South Asia demonstrated notably higher compared to other global regions. According to the ARIMA model, the ASMR for LC attributable to smoking among males is projected to decline gradually from 2022 to 2036, while the decline in females is more gradual.

CONCLUSION

From 1990 to 2021, the global mortality rate of LC attributable to smoking has declined, indicating a relative reduction in disease burden. However, the burden remains disproportionately higher among older adults, with males at a greater risk of mortality than females. Although the disease burden from LC attributable to smoking is expected to decline gradually over the next 15 years, it remains imperative to enhance smoking cessation efforts to further alleviate the disease burden.

Small-area spatio-temporal analysis of cancer risk to support effective and equitable cancer prevention

Cancer is rapidly increasing worldwide and urgent global action towards cancer control is required. Consistent with global trends, Canada is expected to experience a near doubling in new cases and cancer deaths between 2020-2040; population growth and ageing being the primary drivers. The projected increased cancer incidence and its associated costs is expected to further exacerbate socioeconomic inequities. Focused actions to prevent cancer, to detect it earlier when more treatable, and, to lower the risk of recurrence, must be prioritized. Almost half of all cancers are preventable, caused by risk factors that are potentially avoidable and modifiable. Integrating cancer prevention with care-based models is necessary and represents the most cost-effective and sustainable approach to control cancer. To be effective, prevention efforts must consider the cancers impacting local populations and understand how community and individual factors interact within the spatial and temporal contexts in which people live. This study is part of the Nova Scotia Community Cancer Matrix project which profiles the cancers impacting communities over time; measuring associations between cancer and socioeconomic status (SES); and determining how the joint spatial distribution of cancers can be used to address inequities, identify priority populations and strengthen prevention efforts. Using Bayesian inference to model spatio-temporal variations in 58,206 cases diagnosed in 301 communities between 2001-2017, across 10 preventable cancer types, we report significant disparities in cancer risk across communities based on sex and community SES. The work highlights the utility of small-area mapping to identify at-risk communities and understand how community-SES impacts risk. It also uncovers significant inequities rooted in the differential distribution of material and social capacity, operating beyond the control of individuals. The approach is implementable to other regions to inform and strengthen prevention efforts aiming at reducing the burden of cancer or that of other diseases.

Characterizing trajectories of diabetes-related health parameters before diabetes diagnosis in diabetes subtypes: analysis of a 20-year long prospective cohort study in Sweden

BACKGROUND

Evidence is limited on whether alterations in diabetes-related health parameters are detectable before clinical diagnosis in novel diabetes subtypes. We investigated trajectories of diabetes-related health parameters in individuals with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

Using data from the Stockholm Diabetes Prevention Programme cohort (SDPP) participants (n = 215) with recent onset T2D were classified as having severe insulin-deficient diabetes (SIDD, 9%), severe insulin-resistant diabetes (SIRD, 15%), mild obesity-related diabetes (MOD, 14%) and mild age-related diabetes (MARD, 62%). Participants without a family history of diabetes who remained diabetes-free throughout the study served as the controls (n = 2531). Multilevel longitudinal mixed-effects models were used to analyse the trajectories of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and insulin, body mass index (BMI), homeostasis model assessment estimates of beta-cell function (HOMA2-B) and insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR), waist-to hip-ratio (WHR), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) up to 20 years before and 10 years after T2D diagnosis. Pairwise comparisons of the estimated marginal means were used to assess differences between all groups.

RESULTS

Individuals with SIDD consistently exhibited the highest FPG concentrations (P < 0.001) and the steepest decline in HOMA2-B levels among all subtypes. BMI was higher in MOD and SIRD than in SIDD and MARD throughout the study period (P < 0.01). Individuals with SIRD showed the highest fasting insulin concentrations and higher HOMA2-IR than those with MOD and MARD (P < 0.001). WHR and DBP were comparable between subgroups, while SIDD had higher SBP than MOD (P = 0.03). The control group exhibited the mildest trajectories across all parameters except for HOMA2-B. Notably, these changes were visible up to 20 years prior to diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In a Swedish population, trajectories of diabetes-related health parameters differed up to 20 years before diagnosis between the T2D-related subtypes and controls. This might support early prediction of subtype-specific risks for long-term complications, allowing early initiation of personalized treatment strategies.

Global and regional trends in the burden of surgically confirmed endometriosis from 1990 to 2021

BACKGROUND

endometriosis as a common gynecologic finding significantly affects the quality of life of many women. An accurate understanding of the epidemiological characteristics of endometriosis is essential for disease control and prevention. We aimed to use the latest data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 to comprehensively analyze the various epidemiological indicators of surgically confirmed endometriosis and their changing trends to better measure the disease burden and help improve health management.

METHODS

We delineated incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) of surgically confirmed endometriosis at the global, regional, and national levels. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to assess temporal trends in the age-standardized rate (ASR). In addition, we used joinpoint regression models to describe local trends in these indicators, assessed the correlation between disease burden and Socio-demographic index (SDI) levels, and used decomposition analysis to quantitatively analyze the driving factors leading to changes in disease burden.

RESULTS

Globally, the age-standardized rate of incidence, prevalence, and YLDs of surgically confirmed endometriosis all showed a decreasing trend from 1990 to 2021. The burden of surgically confirmed endometriosis is mainly concentrated in women aged 20-30 years and declines with increasing SDI levels. The results of the decomposition analysis indicated that population growth is the main driving factor for the upward in the number of incidence, prevalence, and YLDs cases of endometriosis worldwide.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall burden of endometriosis has decreased globally from 1990 to 2021, but there are regional disparities. Managing this condition remains a major challenge, and more refined policies and interventions are needed to effectively address the burden of endometriosis.

Quantitative image analysis of nailfold capillaries during an in-hospital education program for type 2 diabetes or obesity

Nailfold capillaries are small U-shaped vessels located beneath the skin at the proximal part of the fingernail, and their morphology changes owing to various diseases. This study quantitatively analyzed nailfold capillaries using microscopy in patients hospitalized for 2 weeks for education and treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) or obesity. Our results suggest that nailfold arterial diameter and smoking history are useful predictors of diabetic neuropathy. An elevated urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio correlated with decreased venous diameter during hospitalization, reflecting latent intravascular hypoalbuminemia in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Both body mass index and short-term weight reduction during hospitalization correlated with the color contrast between the capillaries and the perivascular zone, defined as delta E. These results suggest that the morphology of nailfold capillaries in T2D and obesity could be useful indicators of diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy, with delta E being a useful indicator of extracellular water volume in these populations. This is the first study to observe short-term changes in nailfold capillary morphology in relation to interventions for lifestyle-related diseases.

Efficacy and safety of Chinese medicine in treating risk window of AECOPD: A multicenter randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) significantly accelerate disease progression and substantially increase mortality risk. The risk window of AECOPD (AECOPDRW) represents a time between acute exacerbation and recovery to a stable stage. Chinese medicine (CM) has shown significant therapeutic efficacy in COPD but CM treatment for AECOPDRW has not been validated by high-quality clinical studies.

PURPOSE

To assess the clinical effect of CM syndrome differentiation treatment for patients with AECOPDRW.

STUDY DESIGN

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel trial.

METHODS

336 eligible participants were included to the study. Both groups were based on the conventional treatment as the baseline therapy. The experimental group was administered Chinese herbal medicine granules based on CM syndrome differentiation, whereas the control group received a placebo in the form of Chinese herbal medicine granules. The intervention course lasted for 8-week, while the follow-up for 26-week. Primary outcomes were incidences of acute exacerbation and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores recorded during AECOPDRW. Secondary outcomes were the timing of the first acute exacerbation, incidence of exacerbations, acute exacerbation readmission rate, severity of exacerbation, and CAT scores during follow-up, pulmonary function, mMRC scale, clinical symptom scale, and the quality of life assessment tools.

RESULTS

At 8-week, the risk of acute exacerbations and CAT score were significantly reduced in the experimental group between-group analysis with a risk ratio (RR) of 0.375(95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.150 to 0.935; p = 0.027), and a mean difference (MD) of -2.476 score (95 % CI: -3.281 to -1.671; p < 0.001). At 26-week, experimental group showed statistically lower risk of acute exacerbation between-group analysis (RR: 0.519; 95 % CI: 0.282 to 0.953; p = 0.030). The first exacerbation time in the experimental group (97.63 ± 35.90) was statistically longer than in the control group (66.11 ± 25.25) (MD: 31.517 (95 % CI: 14.720 to 48.314; p < 0.001). The rates of acute exacerbation readmission were similar for both the groups during the risk window and follow-up period. After 26 weeks of follow-up, experimental group CAT score was reduced by 2.046 between-group analysis (p < 0.001). Furthermore, during the whole study, the experimental group showed significantly reduced in mMRC score, as well as FEV1 and FVC values (all p < 0.05). During study period, the experimental group had a significant reduce in clinical symptom scores, including cough, expectoration, and fatigue, than the control group (p < 0.05). Regarding to SGRQ, mCOPD-PRO and mESQ-COPD, our results demonstrated that CM had better advantages in many aspects.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of AECOPDRW with CM showed high efficacy and safety in significantly reducing further incidences of acute exacerbation, prolonging the interval to the initial acute exacerbation, alleviating the clinical symptoms, and improving the quality of life.

Burden of ischemic stroke attributable to high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in China from the global burden of disease study 2021

High low-density lipoprotein cholesterol are a significant risk factor for ischemic stroke. This study aims to analyze the burden of disease and temporal trends of ischemic stroke attributable to high LDL-C (IS-hLDL-C) in China, thereby providing a scientific basis for the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies. This study extracted the age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rates (ASDRs) of IS-hLDL-C from the global burden of disease (GBD) 2021. Stratified analysis was performed by gender and age groups. Joinpoint regression models were used to calculate average annual percentage changes (AAPC) to assess trends in IS-hLDL-C burden between 1990 and 2021. Age-period-cohort (APC) model to estimate the independent effects of age, period, and cohort on IS-hLDL-C burden. In 2021, the total number of IS-hLDL-C deaths in China was 300,052 (95% UI 92,515-527,456), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) was 6,850,565 (95% UI 2,313,203 - 11,418,167). From 1990 to 2021, ASMRs changed from 18.23 (95% CI 5.52-33.43) to 15.93 (95% CI 4.83-28.08), and the AAPC was -0.47 (95% CI -0.83 to -0.10). The ASDRs decreased from 385.65 (95% CI 129.83 to 647.51) in 1990 to 335.59 (95% CI 112.75 to 566.25) in 2021, with an AAPC of -0.49 (95% CI -0.83 to -0.10). Sex-stratified analysis showed that male had greater ASMRs and ASDRs than female. Age-stratified analysis showed that the burden was greatest among the elderly. In the age-period-cohort analysis, the age effect of IS-hLDL-C showed a continuous increasing trend during the study period. The period effect generally showed a positive trend during the study period. From 1990 to 2021, while the ASMRs and ASDRs related to IS-hLDL-C have decreased in China, the absolute numbers of deaths and DALYs remain substantial. The burden of IS-hLDL-C disease is disproportionately higher among male and the elderly. Given large population and the ongoing trend of population aging, it is essential to consider various lipid-lowering strategies in the future to allocate healthcare resources effectively and reduce the disease burden associated with IS-hLDL-C.

Global, regional, and national burden of breast cancer in young women from 1990 to 2021: findings from the global burden of disease study 2021

AIM

The issue of breast cancer in young women (BCYW) has gained increasing attention over the past few decades. However, a notable gap exists in the literature concerning the comparison of the disease burden of BCYW with that of other age groups. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the disparities in global, regional, and national burden between BCYW and their middle-aged and elderly counterparts.

METHODS

The breast cancer data in this study were collected from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021 (GBD 2021). The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rate (ASDR), and the Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) were employed to assess the disease burden of BCYW. The Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort model was used to forecast disease burden from 2022 to 2030.

RESULTS

The AAPC of ASIR of BCYW from 1990 to 2021 was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.77 to 1.05), exceeding the global average (0.49, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.58) as well as both middle-aged (0.60, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.73) and elderly groups (0.30, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.39). The AAPC for ASMR of BCYW experienced a marginal increase of 0.02 (95%CI: -0.07 to 0.11) from 1990 to 2021, surpassing the rates observed in both the middle-aged group (-0.40, 95%CI: -0.47 to -0.32) and the elderly group (-0.50, 95%CI: -0.62 to -0.38). The ASIR in BCYW significantly increased in regions with low (AAPC = 1.87), low-middle (AAPC = 2.32), middle (AAPC = 1.84), and high-middle SDI (AAPC = 0.98), while it remained unchanged in regions with high SDI (AAPC = -0.02). This trend was also observed among middle-aged and older groups. The ASMR in BCYW significantly increased in regions with low (AAPC = 1.01) and low-middle SDI (AAPC = 1.25), but remained unchanged in regions with middle SDI (AAPC = 0.02), while it decreased in regions with high-middle (AAPC = -1.10) and high SDI (AAPC = -1.60). Among the middle-aged and elderly populations, there was an increase in ASMR rates observed in regions with low, low-middle, and middle SDI groups (all AAPC > 0), whereas a decrease was noted in the regions with high-middle and high SDI (all AAPC < 0). The BAPC predicts a consistent annual increase in ASIR, ASMR, ASPR, and ASDR of BCYW globally and in China from 2022 to 2030. Notably, China has higher ASIR and ASPR rates compared to the global average, while its ASMR and ASDR rates are lower.

CONCLUSION

The burden of BCYW was particularly significant in regions with low-SDI, low-middle SDI, and middle SDI. Despite the progress made, China still faces considerable challenges in effectively addressing this issue. The prevention and control of BCYW must remain a priority. Different countries and regions should develop personalized, targeted intervention strategies for this population and establish public health policies tailored to the specific needs of each region.

Burden of pulmonary arterial hypertension in Asia from 1990 to 2021: Findings from Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) presents a significant health burden in Asia and remains a critical challenge. This study aims to delineate the PAH burden in Asia from 1990 to 2021.

METHODS

Using the latest data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021, we evaluated and analyzed the distributions and patterns of PAH disease burden among various age groups, sexes, regions, and countries in Asia. Additionally, we examined the associations between PAH disease burden and key health system indicators, including the socio-demographic index (SDI) and the universal health coverage (UHC) index.

RESULTS

In 2021, there were 25,989 new PAH cases, 103,382 existing cases, 13,909 PAH-associated deaths, and 385,755 DALYs attributed to PAH in Asia, which accounted for approximately 60% of global PAH cases. The age-standardized rates (ASRs) for prevalence and deaths were 2.05 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 1.66-2.52) per 100,000 population and 0.31 (95% UI: 0.23-0.38) per 100,000 population, respectively. From 1990 to 2021, Asia reported the lowest ASRs for PAH prevalence but the highest ASRs for deaths compared to other continents. While the ASRs for prevalence increased slightly, ASRs for mortality and DALYs decreased over time. This increasing burden of PAH was primarily driven by population growth and aging. The burden was especially pronounced among individuals aged ≥60 years and <9 years, who collectively accounted for the majority of deaths and DALYs. Moreover, higher SDI and UHC levels were linked to reduced incidence, but higher prevalence rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Although progress has been made in reducing PAH-related mortality and DALYs, the disease continues to impose a substantial burden in Asia, particularly among older adults and young children. Region-specific health policies should focus on improving early diagnosis, expanding access to treatment, and effectively addressing the growing PAH burden in the region.

From the Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Disorders to the Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases: Their Prevalence Rates and Independent Associations in the SIMETAP Study

Background/Objectives: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) remain the leading cause of morbimortality worldwide. The objectives of this study were to update the prevalence rates of ASCVDs and to evaluate their relationship with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) disorders. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 6588 adults selected through a simple random population-based sample from the Health Service database of the Madrid Region (Spain). Adjusted prevalence rates were calculated by the direct method, according to Spanish population data from the National Institute of Statistics. The relationships of CKM disorders with coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and ASCVD were assessed by bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results: The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence rates among overall adults with CHD, stroke, PAD, and ASCVD were 3.8%, 3.0%, 1.8%, and 7.3%, respectively, and they reached 5.6%, 4.4%, 2.6%, and 10.8%, respectively, among people aged 40 years and older. The prevalence rates were higher in men than women aged over 40 years for CHD and ASCVD, between 50 and 69 years for stroke, and aged over 60 years for PAD. The mean ages of women and men with ASCVD were 74.9 and 70.2 years, respectively. Hypertension, heart failure (HF), hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes, low eGFR, atrial fibrillation (AF), prediabetes, and low HDL-c were independently associated with ASCVD, highlighting hypertension and HF for all of them, in addition to hypercholesterolaemia for CHD and stroke, and specifically, AF for stroke. Conclusions: More than one in ten people aged over 40 suffer from CHD, stroke, or PAD. Hypertension, HF, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes, and low eGFR are the major CKM disorders associated with ASCVD.

Comparison of triglyceride-glucose related indices in prediction of cardiometabolic disease incidence among US midlife women

The effects of triglyceride-glucose (TyG) related indices on cardiometabolic disease (CMD) are still unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between the TyG-related indices and CMD risk among midlife women. This retrospective observational cohort study utilized data from the 2020 SWAN participants. The TyG index was computed as Ln [fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Modified TyG indices were created by integrating TyG with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were conducted to assess the associations and predictive capacities of TyG and its related indices with CMD incidences. The mean age of participants was 45.7 years, comprising 420 (20.8%) Black, 184 (9.1%) Chinese, 225 (11.1%) Japanese, and 1191 (58.9%) Caucasian or Hispanic women. Over a 10-year follow-up, 837 women (41.4%) developed CMD. Compared to the lowest quartile, the adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for incident CMD in the highest quartile for TyG, TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, and TyG-WHtR were 1.78 (1.41-2.25), 3.26 (2.51-4.24), 3.13 (2.41-4.06), and 3.19 (2.47-4.12), respectively. The area under the ROC curve for modified TyG indices was significantly higher than that for the TyG index alone. Both the TyG and modified TyG indices were significantly associated with new-onset CMD, with modified TyG indices showing superior performance in identifying individuals at risk for CMD.

Now and the Future: Medications Changing the Landscape of Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Failure Management

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Epidemiological data demonstrate that the overlap between CVD, Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure (HF) is becoming increasingly apparent, with aging populations making these patient cohorts more difficult to treat. In the last decade, three standout drug classes have emerged with the potential to broaden the treatment options for patients with multi-morbid CVD and heart failure. These are sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), e.g., Finerenone, and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). These medications are now entering UK and European guidelines for the treatment of CVDs including HF whilst crucially providing associated prognostic benefits for patients with T2DM and CKD. The future of these agents for CVD risk stratification may involve primary care at the forefront, alongside tailored, patient-specific medication regimens. This review article aims to discuss these three main drug classes (SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1RAs and non-steroidal MRAs) in detail by exploring their current evidence base across heart failure (HF) and CVD management and future clinical implications of their usage as mainstream medical therapies.

Determination of the Stage of Periodontitis with 20 ng/mL Cut-Off aMMP-8 Mouth Rinse Test and Polynomial Functions in a Mobile Application

Background: We propose a framework for determining the stage of periodontitis in a personalized medicine context, building on our previously developed model for periodontitis detection. In this study, we improved the earlier model by incorporating additional components to form a comprehensive system for identifying both the presence and stage of periodontitis. Central to the home-use application is an active-matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) mouth rinse test (cut-off: 20 ng/mL), integrated with software delivered via a mobile application. Methods: First, using all the data, we modeled a single polynomial function to distinguish healthy and stage I periodontitis patients from stage II and III patients. Second, we used an already published periodontitis detection function to separate stage I patients from healthy patients. Third, one more function was created that divided stage II and III patients from each other. All functions were modeled by multiple logistic regression analysis from the patient data, which consisted of 149 adult patients visiting dental offices in Thessaloniki, Greece. Results: The complete model demonstrated a sensitivity of 95.8% (95% CI: 92.1-99.4%) and a specificity of 71.0% (95% CI: 55.0-86.9%) for detecting periodontitis. Among those identified with periodontitis, the correct stage was determined in 61.1% of cases, with stage-specific accuracies of 64.3% for stage I, 60.5% for stage II, and 60.9% for stage III. All testing was performed on patient data with which the complete model was formed. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that with sufficient data and using multiple logistic regression analysis, a model can be created to simultaneously identify the presence and stage of periodontitis. Overall, in the complete model generated, a mouth rinse aMMP-8 test result with a cut-off value of 20 ng/mL, Visible Plaque Index (VPI) and information of patient's teeth number present were found to be important factors to determine the stage of periodontitis in a personalized medicine manner for everyone to use.

High-Dose Semaglutide (Up to 16 mg) in People With Type 2 Diabetes and Overweight or Obesity: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2 Trial

OBJECTIVE

Studies have demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists for glycemic control and body weight. The aim of this trial was to characterize the dose-dependent effects of semaglutide (up to 16 mg/week) in people with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this parallel-group, participant- and investigator-blinded, phase 2 trial, 245 individuals with type 2 diabetes and BMI ≥27 kg/m2 on metformin were randomized to weekly semaglutide (2, 8, or 16 mg s.c.) or placebo for 40 weeks. Doses were escalated every 4 weeks, followed by a maintenance period. Dose modifications were not allowed. Primary and secondary efficacy end points included change from baseline to week 40 in HbA1c and body weight, respectively.

RESULTS

Estimated treatment difference between 16 and 2 mg was -0.3 percentage points (%-points) (95% CI -0.7 to 0.2; P = 0.245) for HbA1c change and -3.4 kg (-6.0 to -0.8; P = 0.011) for weight change for the treatment policy estimand and -0.5%-points (-1.0 to -0.1; P = 0.015) and -4.5 kg (-7.6 to -1.4; P = 0.004), respectively, for the hypothetical estimand. Dose-response modeling confirmed these findings. Treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) and treatment discontinuations due to AEs, primarily gastrointestinal, were more frequent in the semaglutide 8 and 16 mg groups than in the 2 mg group. No severe hypoglycemic episodes were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher semaglutide doses for type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity provide modest additional glucose-lowering effect, with additional weight loss, at the expense of more AEs and treatment discontinuations. A study for evaluating high-dose semaglutide in obesity is currently underway.

Estimation of the population atributable fraction due a to excess body fat in primary care patients: IBERICAN study

The burden of disease attributable to excess body fat (EBF) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may be underestimated due to problems correlating BMI with body fat. The aim of this study is to compare the population attributable fraction (PAF) of EBF in T2DM assessed with various parameters.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prevalence study based on the baseline visit of the IBERICAN study. Mixed unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk of T2DM for the various categories of BMI, of the estimation of EBF according to the CUN-BAE (Clínica Universidad de Navarra-Body Adiposity Estimator) and of waist circumference (WC), stratifying by sex. The PAF was calculated for each of the EBF estimates.

RESULTS

A total of 7752 patients from IBERICAN study were eligible, of them 1536 (19.8 %) achieved T2DM criterion, The prevalence of diabetes was higher in men, in those with a lower level of education, and in those who reported a low level of physical activity. Subjects with diabetes were older, had a higher BMI, a higher CUN-BAE-estimated body fat percentage (eBFP) and a higher waist circumference. One in three cases T2DM risk was attributed to elevated BMI, whereas in the CUN-BAE case it was attributed to 9 out of 10 men and 2 out of 3 women. One out of two cases of T2DM in women, and less in men, was attributed to an excess WC.

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of disease attributable to EBF in the case of T2DM may be underestimated. Therefore, EBF should be used, together with BMI, WC -especially in women-, and the CUN-BAE to better estimate the risk of T2DM and to adapt dietary or lifestyle recommendations in daily clinical practice.

Understanding behaviour change maintenance after attending a self-management education and support programme for type 2 diabetes: A longitudinal qualitative study

AIMS

This study aimed to explore behaviour change maintenance experiences of adults with type 2 diabetes over 15 months following attendance at a diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) programme and their needs for post-programme support.

METHODS

A longitudinal qualitative study using four interviews and experience sampling (written notes and photographs) was conducted. Data were analysed through a deductive analysis based on an existing framework combined with an inductive thematic analysis approach.

RESULTS

Twenty-one adults (67% women, aged 39-74) participated; seventeen completed all interviews. Analysis resulted in the refined Supporting Understanding and Strategies for Type 2 Diabetes Maintenance Self-Management (SUSTAIN) framework and three themes capturing key trends and changes over time: (1) integrating the changes amidst the constant ebb and flow of life; (2) consolidating the changes: moving towards independent maintenance; and (3) building bridges to self-maintenance: the role of support post-programme.

CONCLUSIONS

People may experience difficulties in maintaining behavioural changes post-DSMES programmes. Programmes should address the role of emotions, psychological and physical resources and environmental and social influences in behaviour change maintenance and promote the development of skills for longer-term management, including self-regulation, behavioural autonomy, intrinsic motivation and habit formation. As some people may also benefit from longer-term, ongoing support, digitally delivered with occasional sessions involving peers and educators beyond 12 months should be considered. Suggestions for ongoing support include progress monitoring, expert guidance, educational updates, troubleshooting opportunities and encouragement and motivational support.

Regulating islet stress responses through CD47 activation

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Diabetes is a global health burden characterised by incremental beta cell loss. Islet transplantation is a recognised treatment for individuals with type 1 diabetes and hypoglycaemia unawareness but broader application is constrained by limited islet survival and function post-transplantation. The underlying molecular mechanisms that induce beta cell dysfunction and demise remain unclear, and therapeutic agents that protect against cellular loss and maintain insulin secretion are in demand as potential treatment options. CD47 is a cell surface protein implicated in cellular stress responses but its role in beta cell function remains relatively unexplored. We hypothesised that modulating CD47 expression would demonstrate a cytoprotective effect in beta cells.

METHODS

We used primary murine islets with/without genetic deletion of CD47, as well as human islets and MIN6 cells subjected to pharmacological disruption of CD47 signalling (siRNA or blocking antibody). Metabolic stress was induced in cells by exposure to hypoxia, hyperglycaemia or thapsigargin, and markers of the unfolded protein response, cell survival and insulin secretory function were assessed. Human pancreases from individuals with and without diabetes were examined for evidence of CD47 signalling.

RESULTS

Expression of CD47 and its high affinity ligand thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) was robustly upregulated by exogenous stressors. Limiting CD47 signalling improved markers of senescence, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, unfolded protein response, self-renewal and autophagy, and maintained insulin secretory responses. We also found concurrent upregulated expression of CD47 and senescence markers in the endocrine pancreas of aged donors and those with type 2 diabetes. Both CD47 and TSP1 expression were increased in pancreases of humans with type 1 diabetes, as were plasma levels of TSP1.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our study provides key insights into the essential role of CD47 as a novel regulator of islet dysfunction, regulating cytoprotective responses to stress. CD47 may contribute to beta cell damage during the development of diabetes and failure of islet transplant function. Therefore, limiting CD47 activation may be a potential therapeutic tool in conditions where islet function is inadequate.

Global trends in endometrial cancer and metabolic syndrome research: A bibliometric and visualization analysis

BACKGROUND

Currently, many studies have shown that there is a link between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and endometrial cancer (EC). However, there has been no systematic bibliometric analysis of related publications, which limits the comprehensive understanding of research trends and priorities. Our study makes up for this problem.

OBJECTIVE

Through bibliometric analysis, this study aimed to reveal key research focus areas, developmental trends, and major contributors of EC and MetS.

METHODS

The literature for this study was obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) through August 31, 2024. We searched for EC and MetS using subject and free terms. Microsoft Office Excel 2016, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer software packages were used for bibliometric analysis, considering specific characteristics such as year of publication, country, institution, authorship, journal, references, and keywords.

RESULTS

A total of 367 publications were included. Annual publications exhibited exponential growth (R2 = 0.8282), indicatingsustained interest in the field. The United States (111 publications), China (80), and Italy (38) were the most productive countries. The University of California System led institutional contributions. Keyword co-occurrence and burst analysis revealed that obesity (occurrence: 113; link strength: 630), insulin resistance (112; 587), and polycystic ovary syndrome (83; 386) were the most frequent and interconnected research foci. Emerging trends, identified through keyword time-zone mapping (average citation year: 2015-2019), highlighted weight control and bariatric surgery as novel interventions. Journals with the highest impact included ∗Fertility and Sterility∗ (IF: 6.6) and ∗International Journal of Epidemiology (IF: 6.4).

CONCLUSIONS

This study conducted a preliminary bibliometric and visual analysis of the EC and MetS research literature, revealing trends, global cooperation models, fundamental knowledge, and emerging frontiers of EC and MetS. For over 30 years, research has mainly focused on the correlation between MetS and EC, disease factors, prognosis, prevention, and other aspects that have guiding significance for public health.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictive measures on overall mental and physical health and well-being, specific psychopathologies and emotional states in representative adult Greek population: Results from the largest multi-wave, online national survey in Greece (COH-FIT)

BACKGROUND

Greece faced particular COVID-19-pandemic-related challenges, due to specific socio-cultural-economic/public-health factors and drastic restrictive policies.

OBJECTIVES

To understand trajectories of overall mental and physical health, well-being, emotional states and individual psychopathology in response to pandemic-related restrictive measures within general adult Greek population across the first two pandemic waves.

METHODS

Using multiple time-point cross-sectional data from the "Collaborative Outcomes study on Health and Functioning during Infection Times" (COH-FIT), we examined changes in outcomes from retrospective pre-pandemic ratings (T0) to three distinct intra-pandemic time points (lockdown 1: T1, between lockdowns: T2, lockdown 2: T3). Primary outcomes included WHO-5 well-being scores and a composite overall psychopathology "P-score", followed by a wide range of secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

10,377 participant responses were evaluated, including 2737 representative-matched participants. Statistically significant differences in well-being and overall psychopathology before and after quarantine (T0 vs. T1-T3), as well as across the assessed time frames (T1, T2, and T3) emerged in both samples. Global mental and physical health, individual psychopathology scores (anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, panic, mania, mood swings, sleep and concentration problems), emotional states (anger, helplessness, fear of infection, boredom, frustration, loneliness and overall stress scores), BMI and pain scores also showed statistically significant time differences in both samples, with the exemption of self-injury and suicidal attempt scores, showing lower intra-pandemic scores.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest multi-wave report on well-being, mental and physical health across different pandemic restriction periods in Greece, suggesting a substantial negative effect of lockdowns on most outcomes at least during the acute pandemic waves.