Conectar
by Xuying Zhang, Johanna Mainzer, Isabella Giambra, Tong Yin, Petra Engel, Hannah Hümmelchen, Henrik Wagner, Axel Wehrend, Christiane Egerer, Katharina Gerhards, Gerald Reiner, Sven König
Long tails trigger tail biting in pigs and increase the risk of flystrike infections in sheep. Tail docking has been a common management practice in both species for decades, but increasingly conflicts with legal animal welfare guidelines. Sustainable solutions require breeding strategies targeting shorter tails. In consequence, the aims were to conduct whole-genome sequencing (WGS)-based genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and comparative genomic analyses (CGA) to explore functional elements influencing tail traits. Phenotypically divergent experimental populations of pigs and sheep were established through unified selection and mating experiments. Tail traits included tail length (TL) measured at birth, and tail abnormalities (TA) assessed radiographically at 14 weeks of age. WGS-based GWAS identified a significant locus on SSC18 in pigs and suggestive loci for TL in both species, which, together with previously reported loci for TA, were further analyzed by CGA. The genomic windows of the significant locus on SSC18 in pigs and the TL GWAS locus on OAR4 in sheep were found to be conserved, harboring six common genes with predicted functional variants. These variants were jointly associated with TL (Plm ) in both species in linear regression models adjusted for sex, age of the dam, body length, and body weight. In other GWAS locus windows (±1 Mb), species-specific TL candidate genes were identified in sheep (HOXB13, MUC5B, EPB41L3, MTCL1, PIEZO2, MPPE1, and LOXHD1) and in pigs (KNL1, DISP2, SPRED1, TGFB2, and HAND1), each harboring associated putative functional variants. For TA, sheep-specific candidates (PGM2, LRRC66, CRACD, LOC105601916, and SH2D4B) and pig-specific candidates (MYOT, TMCO6, and PCDHAC2) were revealed using logistic regression models (Pglm ). GO analyses of candidate genes predicted shared biological processes between sheep and pigs, whereas pathway analyses indicated that common carbohydrate metabolism pathways, along with species-specific immune and inflammatory signaling, and pig-specific TGF-β signaling and endochondral ossification, may contribute to tail length variation and abnormalities. These findings provided deeper insights into the genetic basis of differential embryonic tail morphogenesis and perinatal tail development across species.by Xiangxiang Kong, Lujie Karen Chen, Sancharee Hom Chowdhurry, Ryan B. Felix, Shiming Yang, Peter Hu, Neeraj Badjatia, Jamie Erin Podell
Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) is a syndrome that occurs in a large subset of critically ill traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and is associated with complications and poor recovery. PSH is defined by recurrent episodic vital sign elevations in the appropriate clinical context. However, standard diagnostic criteria rely heavily on subjective judgment, leading to challenges and delays in recognition, monitoring, and management. The objective of this study was to develop automated PSH detection and quantification tools that exclusively utilize objective bedside continuous vital sign data. Using a cohort of 221 critically ill acute TBI patients with at least 14 days of continuous physiologic data (of which 107 were clinically diagnosed with PSH) we developed a high-resolution clinical feature scale based on established PSH-Assessment Measure criteria and two artificial intelligence-based episode detection models including an expert system approach and a machine learning model approach, using a clinician-annotated case example as ground truth. For the episode detection methods, PSH was quantified as the number, duration, and overall temporal burden of detected episodes. To evaluate performance, we compared quantifications across PSH cases and controls and explored precision and recall. All three methods demonstrated initial face validity to delineate PSH cases from non-PSH TBI controls. Future optimization and implementation of the described computational frameworks with real-time patient data could improve the standard monitoring and management of this challenging clinical syndrome.Keloids are chronic fibroproliferative skin disorders with high recurrence rates and limited treatment options, yet reliable diagnostic biomarkers are lacking. Current classification systems rely heavily on clinical observation, underscoring the need for objective, noninvasive tools. In this exploratory study, serum-based 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurement combined with short-time Fourier transform (STFT) for time-frequency analysis was performed, followed by principal component analysis (PCA), to investigate potential patient subgroups. Serum samples from 29 patients were analysed and PC1 scores suggested two potential patient subgroups. Retrospective analysis showed that these subgroups differed primarily in keloid aetiology: one group predominantly included cases arising from unclear or minimal causes (e.g., acne, folliculitis), whereas the other comprised cases following clear traumatic events (e.g., surgery). Although most clinical variables showed no significant differences, significant differences in aetiology and Japan Scar Workshop Scar Scale (JSS) scores support the biological relevance of this separation of subgroups. These findings suggest that the time-frequency features of NMR signals from serum samples capture systemic characteristics associated with keloid pathophysiology. If validated in larger cohorts, this approach may serve as a noninvasive adjunct to clinical assessment and lay the foundation for objective patient stratification and precision-guided treatment strategies.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, offering an expanding suite of capabilities that go beyond the traditional focus on prediction and classification. Generative AI (GenAI) and agentic AI could create transformative practices to support real-world evidence (RWE) generation for health research by streamlining studies, accelerating insights and improving decision-making. However, there is no published overview available describing the range of applications in RWE generation. This review aims to describe where and how genAI and agentic AI are applied across the domains of healthcare research tasks for RWE generation. Additionally, to map applications by tasks and methods across the product lifecycle continuum, and to identify emerging gaps and opportunities.
This Living Scoping Review (LSR) will include studies reporting an application and/or evaluation of genAI or agentic AI applied to one or more RWE generation research tasks. Searches will be conducted in Embase, MEDLINE and additional sources (eg, grey literature). Citations will be independently screened by two human senior reviewers for a substantive training dataset and a commercially available screening algorithm (Robot Screener) will complete screening with a human reviewer. The LSR will include reports of studies (primary or reviews) describing and/or evaluating the application of any genAI model for RWE generation in healthcare, in English, published from 1 January 2025 to the date of search. Data will be extracted from all studies included in the LSR by one independent senior reviewer using a piloted template, with 10% quality check by a second senior reviewer. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarise the applications of genAI per RWE research task, and the results of genAI evaluations. Thematic analysis will be used to describe genAI application patterns, trends, gaps and opportunities. The LSR protocol and reports will be updated annually, and findings will be published on a publicly available website (eg, ISPE—the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology).
Ethical approval is not required due to use of previously published data. Planned dissemination includes peer-reviewed publication, presentation and short summaries.
The mental health impacts of COVID-19 on frontline healthcare workers have been reported globally; however, there is limited evidence from low-income countries such as Ethiopia. We reviewed the literature to understand how COVID-19 impacted the mental health of frontline healthcare workers, including the associated risk and protective factors.
A scoping review of peer-reviewed research was conducted between 2020–2025 to explore the mental health and well-being of frontline healthcare workers in Ethiopia during COVID-19. The process adhered to the guidelines for data extraction outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Our search identified 35 studies, of which 29 studies were included in the final synthesis.
Three online databases, PubMed, Web of Science and PsycInfo, were systematically searched for data.
Studies were considered for inclusion in the review if they focused on mental health conditions and psychosocial well-being among healthcare workers during COVID-19 in Ethiopia. Studies were only included if published in English and excluded if they were conference abstracts, case studies, reviews, commentaries, contained incomplete data or lacked variables of interest.
Data extraction was conducted manually by two reviewers by using a data extraction sheet created in Excel.
Most frontline healthcare workers experienced symptoms of insomnia, psychological distress, stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression during COVID-19. Female frontline healthcare workers, nurses, midwives and laboratory technicians reported higher rates of adverse mental health outcomes. Our results found that being married, living together with a spouse and having a high educational level were risk factors for adverse mental health outcomes.
The mental health and well-being of frontline healthcare workers is at risk during a global health crisis; however, there is a limited understanding of how to protect the mental health of frontline healthcare workers in low-income countries, such as Ethiopia, at such a critical time. Additional research is needed to better inform mental health preparedness interventions for frontline healthcare workers in these contexts, particularly given predictions of another pandemic occurring within the next decade.
The second phase of the Chiba Study of Mother and Child Health (C-MACH) was initiated to investigate how environmental exposures from the fetal period to early childhood influence maternal and child health outcomes. The sub-cohort focuses specifically on detailed assessments of indoor environmental factors and neighbourhood-built and social environments. By integrating environmental metrics with biological, behavioural and sociodemographic data, the study aims to elucidate their role in the development of allergies, neurodevelopmental disorders and other non-communicable diseases in early life.
Between June 2021 and April 2023, 505 pregnant women were enrolled in the second phase of the C-MACH main study. Of these, 298 participants consented to join the sub-cohort study, including 258 in the sleep and physical activity monitoring option (Option 1) and 148 in the indoor allergen exposure sub-study (Option 2). The study includes biological sampling, environmental monitoring and repeated questionnaire surveys. At baseline, 253 live births were recorded from 251 pregnancies.
Of the 298 women, 272 completed early pregnancy questionnaires. The mean maternal age was 33.1 years (SD 4.6); 97.8% were married. University-level education was reported by 51.0% of mothers and 53.7% of fathers. Most households had an annual income of 6 to
Longitudinal follow-up will continue until the children reach age 15. Future analyses will examine associations between environmental exposures and allergic, developmental, endocrine/metabolic and obesity-related outcomes.
Non-communicable diseases are the leading causes of premature mortality worldwide. Both genetic predispositions and environmental exposures affect disease risk. While biobanks have increased understanding of genetic predictors of these diseases, environmental influences are expected to have a greater impact on disease development. Individuals also create their own environments and lifestyles based on genetically regulated preferences, leading to gene–environment interactions that require large datasets to study. Finnish biobanks typically lack sufficient lifestyle and environmental data, which limits their use. We present a protocol for a biobank-recall study (BioRecall) to collect data on lifestyle and environmental exposures and combine these findings with genotypes, biological samples and clinical outcomes.
All previously genotyped donors from the Central Finland Biobank who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and have consented to recall will be invited to participate in the pilot study. The preliminary feasibility assessment reveals that there are 1580 suitable candidates. Participants will complete an electronic questionnaire on a secure online platform. The questionnaire includes validated questions on lifestyles, anthropometrics, weight loss history, health, symptoms, work characteristics, emotional states and residential environments. Postcode information will facilitate the addition of spatial environmental data. Genotype and related clinical data will be provided in the study in accordance with the Finnish Biobank Act and combined with questionnaire data.
The Human Sciences Ethics Committee of the University of Jyväskylä delivered a favourable statement regarding the study protocol (1671/13.00.04.00/2023). Central Finland Biobank approved the research plan (no: BB24-0333-A01). The data collected will be returned to the Central Finland Biobank for research purposes with the participants’ consent. Permission for data usage can then be applied through standard protocols of the Fingenious service (https://site.fingenious.fi/en/). If successful, the study will be expanded to other donors and Finnish biobanks.
Atrial fibrillation (AF), with a prevalence of 1–2%, is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. AF is associated with a fivefold increased risk of cardioembolic events; approximately 20% of all strokes are caused by AF. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has become the first-line treatment for AF. However, PVI cannot eliminate the residual stroke risk. Current guidelines recommend that anticoagulation be continued in this specific group of patients, regardless of the presence or absence of AF. In this large AF population post-PVI, who are considered to be in an earlier stage of AF, it is unknown whether left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) offers an alternative to direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy.
The trial will be a prospective, randomised, multicentre non-inferiority study comparing two treatment strategies in AF patients after atrial ablation. Patients will be randomly assigned to either percutaneous LAAC (group A) or DOAC treatment (group B) in a 1:1 ratio; both sequential and concomitant planned ablation with or without LAAC are accepted. Randomisation will be conducted using web-based randomisation software. A total of 1012 participants (506 patients per group) will be enrolled. The primary effectiveness measure will be the occurrence of any of the specified events within 24 months after randomisation: stroke/transient ischaemic attack/systemic thromboembolism, cerebral haemorrhage, other major haemorrhages (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium ≥2), cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality.
The study was approved by the Ethical Review Board of Shanghai Chest Hospital, China (KS(Y)20287). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The trial will follow the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice. Confidentiality will be maintained with anonymised, securely stored data. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conferences.
ChiCTR2000036538.
To assess the prevalence and determinants of essential newborn care (ENC) practices among Ethiopian mothers using the 2023 Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) dataset.
A cross-sectional analysis of the nationally representative 2023 PMA Ethiopia survey.
A total of 1933 mothers with complete data on ENC practices were included.
Ethiopia, using a multi-stage stratified cluster sample.
ENC, defined as the adoption of at least four of five WHO-recommended practices: immediate drying, delayed bathing, skin-to-skin contact, clean cord care and early initiation of breastfeeding.
Overall, 32.1% (95% CI 28.1% to 36.0%) of mothers practised at least four ENC components. Coverage was highest for immediate drying (95.4%) and delayed bathing (87.3%), but lower for skin-to-skin contact (53.6%) and clean cord care (64.5%). Health facility delivery showed a strong association with higher ENC practice (adjusted OR (AOR)=106.00; 95% CI 46.14 to 243.54). Mothers who were spouses, rather than household heads, had higher odds of practising ENC (AOR=2.88; 95% CI 1.20 to 6.89) and those mothers with parity two or three had higher odds of practising ENC compared with first-time mothers (AOR=2.00; 95% CI 1.33 to 3.02 and AOR=3.39; 95% CI 1.76 to 6.53, respectively). Lack of postnatal care attendance was negatively associated with ENC (AOR=0.56; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.85). Regional disparities were observed, with mothers in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ region being significantly less likely to practise ENC compared with those in Addis Ababa (AOR=0.31; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.64). All results are based on weighted data to ensure national representativeness.
The prevalence of ENC practices remains low in Ethiopia. Health facility delivery, maternal role in the household, parity and region of residence were significant predictors of ENC practice. Strengthening facility-based delivery, promoting maternal empowerment and addressing regional disparities are essential to improving newborn health outcomes in the country and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.
Studies of determinants of adverse birth outcomes (ABOs) were conducted in Ethiopia; however, there is a lack of a single study considering the factors operating at multiple levels (individual, interpersonal, organisational, environmental and policy levels). Therefore, this study identified combined determinants of ABOs at all levels in Ethiopia by analysing the Demographic and Health Survey data guided by the Ecological model, considering that birth outcomes are shaped by the interaction between a mother’s environment and her biological and psychological health.
This study aims to identify combined determinants of ABOs at all levels in Ethiopia by analysing the Demographic and Health Survey data guided by the Ecological model.
A cross-sectional study design based on interviewer-administered questionnaires was used for the respective Demographic and Health Surveys.
We used data from the 2016 Ethiopian and Demographic Health Survey, a stochastically national representative study with inclusive information on ABOs, to examine how various levels of influence from individual behaviours to environmental-level factors are affecting birth outcomes.
An effective number of 11 023 live births within the 5 years preceding the survey.
ABOs, including low birth weight and preterm birth. Multivariable multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was used to identify determinants of ABOs through five hierarchical models in Stata V.14. Model I was the null model; models II, III, IV and V sequentially included intrapersonal, interpersonal, organisational and environmental variables, respectively. Statistical significance was determined using ORs with 95% CIs at p
The weighted prevalence of ABOs in Ethiopia is 27.0% (95% CI 25.7% to 28.3%). The final model of the multivariable multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression identified several predictors of ABOs at the intrapersonal or individual level, including maternal age of 15–24 completed years (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.24, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.51); poorest (AOR=1.41, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.00), poorer (AOR=1.42, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.01) and middle wealth quintiles (AOR=1.45, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.06); first-born twin (AOR=2.61, 95% CI 1.31 to 5.21) and second-born twin (AOR=4.05, 95% CI 2.16 to 7.61); and female childbirth (AOR=1.41, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.63). On the other hand, intimate partner physical violence (AOR=1.19, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.34) was the only factor associated with ABOs at the interpersonal level; cluster altitudes of 180–1500 m (AOR=1.28, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.55) and 2501–3455 m (AOR=1.51, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.99) were found to be an exposure of ABOs at the environmental level.
The prevalence of ABOs in Ethiopia is high. Factors associated with ABOs at the individual level include maternal age, wealth quintile, twin birth and female birth. In contrast, exposure variables at the interpersonal level comprise intimate partner violence, and those at the environmental level include cluster altitude. To improve ABOs and consequently reduce neonatal mortality, maternal and child health investment and future studies should act at all levels.
To determine the safety and efficacy of ruxolitinib (RUX) and fostamatinib (FOS) compared with standard of care (SOC) in patients requiring hospital admission for the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia.
Adaptive multiarm, multistage, randomised, open-label trial (three arm, two stage).
Five hospitals in England between October 2020 and September 2022.
Hospitalised patients (≥18 years) with COVID-19 pneumonia defined by a modified WHO COVID-19 severity grade of 3 or 4.
Participants were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to receive RUX (10 mg two times per day for 7 days then 5 mg two times per day for 7 days), FOS (150 mg two times per day for 7 days then 100 mg two times per day for 7 days) or SOC.
Primary outcome was development of severe COVID-19 pneumonia (modified WHO severity grade≥5) within 14 days of randomisation. Secondary outcomes included mortality, invasive and non-invasive ventilation, venous thromboembolism, duration of hospital stay, readmissions, inflammatory markers and serious adverse events (SAEs).
At stage 1, 181 patients were randomised, with 4 assessed as ineligible post randomisation. FOS was stopped early for futility with 16 participants (27.6%, n=58) developing severe COVID-19 pneumonia compared with 15 (25.0%, n=60) in the SOC arm (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) compared with SOC: 1.12; 95% CI 0.49 to 2.58; p=0.608). RUX progressed to stage 2 but the trial was stopped early due to slow recruitment. At the final analysis, 10 participants (16.1%, n=62) developed severe COVID-19 pneumonia in the RUX arm compared with 15 (24.6%, n=61) in the SOC arm (aOR: 0.63; 95% CI 0.25 to 1.57; p=0.161). Four (7.4%) participants in the FOS arm, none in the RUX arm and three (5.5%) in the SOC arm died within 14 days of randomisation. Infections were the most frequently reported SAE and were numerically higher in the FOS (10, 17.2%) and RUX (10, 16.1%) arms compared with SOC (7, 11.5%). Two unexpected serious adverse reactions occurred in the RUX arm only.
We found no evidence that FOS was superior to SOC for the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia in patients requiring hospital admission. Due to early stopping, the trial was underpowered to establish RUX’s effect in this population. Further study is needed.
NCT04581954; EUDRA-CT:
Digital technology in primary healthcare service delivery can enhance accessibility, service delivery and health outcomes in rural populations. The objective of this systematic review is to review and synthesise the scope and impact of digital health technology innovations within rural primary healthcare settings.
Systematic review.
Articles published on PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central, SCOPUS, Web of Science, EMBASE and CINAHL between January 2013 and October 2025 were searched using key search terms.
Patient, intervention, context, outcome model criteria guided article eligibility. Included articles were undertaken in rural populations, used digital health technology for treatment or management, explored the impact of digital health technology on rural primary healthcare and reported on healthcare outcomes. Included articles were in the English language and presented peer-reviewed primary research.
Extraction was performed using a bespoke standardised template by multiple reviewers. Quality assessment was undertaken using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Descriptive analysis and conventional inductive content analysis were applied to quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. The review is written in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols statement guidelines.
66 studies were included in the review. Most studies were conducted in the USA (n=26). Most studies focused on adult patient populations, with limited representation of Indigenous (In=3) and paediatric populations (n=2). Telemedicine/telehealth interventions using audio, video or both were the most common (n=36). Remote patient monitoring or point-of-care testing was integrated into 21 studies. Physical health conditions, particularly diabetes (n=17), cardiovascular diseases (n=11) and general primary healthcare concerns (n=13) were commonly reported. Others reported on areas including mental health, hypertension, obesity and pregnancy care.
Conventional inductive content analysis identified key themes: cost and time effectiveness, quality healthcare provision, consumer acceptance from both patients and practitioners, and healthcare service provider perspectives. Uptake barriers included staff workload and patient non-compliance, while facilitators encompassed process standardisation and practitioner acceptance and endorsement. Consumer acceptance was linked to satisfaction, willingness to engage and improved health outcomes and well-being.
Digital health interventions in rural primary healthcare offer significant potential to improve healthcare delivery, reduce costs and enhance patient access, satisfaction and health outcomes. However, careful consideration of factors such as feasibility, consumer and practitioner acceptance, and recognition of limitations is crucial for successful implementation. The review underscores the importance of flexible policies to support emerging digital healthcare solutions, including the integration of artificial intelligence. Overall, digital health interventions offer a promising avenue to improve healthcare outcomes in rural areas and should be prioritised for government funding and investment.
CRD42023477233.
With the rapid increase in the ageing population, the use of procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) for diagnostic procedures such as prostate biopsy in older adults is increasing. However, elderly patients are particularly susceptible to respiratory depression during PSA testing and have a significantly higher risk of hypoxaemia during procedures requiring deep sedation. Although propofol combined with fentanyl is commonly used, it frequently causes hypoxaemia and apnoea. Remimazolam, a novel ultrashort-acting benzodiazepine, may be a safer alternative with less respiratory compromise; however, the supporting evidence remains limited. This study aims to assess whether remimazolam combined with fentanyl reduces the incidence of respiratory depression compared with propofol combined with fentanyl in elderly patients undergoing prostate biopsy under deep sedation requiring immobility.
This is a single-centre, participant and assessor-blinded (with pragmatic blinding of participants), parallel-group, superiority randomised controlled trial conducted at the Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Centre, Japan. Eligible participants are men aged ≥70 years who are scheduled to undergo prostate biopsy under intravenous sedation. Participants will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive either remimazolam or propofol, each administered in combination with fentanyl at a fixed effect-site concentration. The primary outcome is the incidence of severe apnoea (≥1 min). The primary analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle, implemented practically as a full analysis set analysed using a complete case approach. Sensitivity analyses will include a per-protocol analysis and multiple imputations of missing data. A subgroup analysis of patients aged ≥75 years was performed.
This study was approved by the Jichi Medical University Central Clinical Research Ethics Committee (approval number: 24JMU001S-2) and was registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials on 11 November 2024. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants before enrolment. These findings will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
jRCTs031240478.
Older adults with cancer have ageing-related vulnerabilities that influence their treatment tolerance and decision-making. In our previous randomised controlled trial (MAPLE), integrating geriatric assessment (GA) with communication support using a question prompt list (QPL), delivered by trained intervention providers, facilitated patient–oncologist communication, increased implementation of GA-guided management (GAM) and improved patient outcomes. However, its widespread adoption has been limited by the need for trained personnel and dedicated time. To enhance scalability and sustainability, we developed a mobile application-based intervention to deliver GAM and communication support. This MAPLE2 study aims to evaluate the feasibility of the intervention using this mobile application-based GA and QPL among older adults with cancer.
This multicentre, open-label, pilot randomised controlled trial will be conducted at two academic hospitals in Japan. Patients aged≥70 years with solid cancer or lymphoma initiating or changing systemic therapy will undergo baseline GA. Patients with any GA impairment will be randomised to receive either (1) a mobile application-based intervention providing feedback of GA summary with tailored GAM recommendations and QPL or (2) usual care. The primary endpoint is the proportion of participants who complete all of the following interventions using the mobile application: (1) self-administered GA, (2) receipt of the tailored GAM recommendations and QPL and (3) confirmation that their oncologists review the tailored GAM recommendations and QPL at subsequent visits. Forty participants are planned to be enrolled.
The study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of the National Cancer Center, Japan (approval number: 2025-089). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Results will be presented at academic conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.
Recruitment has been initiated from 8 September 2025 and is planned to be completed by 31 August 2026, with a follow-up period by 31 August 2027.
UMIN000058887
by Ploy Khongrungjarat, Chonnikan Tothong, Chanyanut Pankaew, Suchada Phimsen, Nopawit Khamto, Nutthamon Kijchalao, Warissara Wongkham, Piyathida Wongkham, Wipaporn Chuaymaung, Adsadayu Thonnondang, Apinun Limmongkon
Prenylated stilbenoids, particularly trans-arachidin-1 (Ara-1) and trans-arachidin-3 (Ara-3), have gained attention for their notable bioactivities and potential health-promoting properties. This study presents the first comprehensive investigation into the stability and biological efficacy of these compounds in both peanut hairy root culture crude extracts (PCE) and partially purified fractions derived from elicited peanut hairy root cultures. PCE stored at –20 °C and 4 °C maintained higher antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content compared to samples stored at room temperature. In cytotoxicity assays using SW480 colon cancer cells, the extract stored at –20 °C retained bioactivity with only minor changes in IC₅₀ values over three months, demonstrating superior stability under frozen conditions. Over a six-month period, partially purified fractions of Ara-1 and Ara-3 showed a time-dependent decline in compound content. However, Ara-3 maintained strong cytotoxicity against KKU-100 cholangiocarcinoma cells, while Ara-1 exhibited a significant loss in activity. These findings demonstrate that low-temperature storage, particularly at –20 °C, is crucial for preserving the chemical integrity and bioactivity of stilbenoid-rich extracts. The study underscores the importance of optimizing storage conditions to ensure consistent bioactivity, supporting the potential application of these compounds in the development of stable and effective pharmaceutical or nutraceutical products.Treatment failure remains a major challenge in tuberculosis (TB) management. Rapid and objective assessment of treatment response is essential, as existing tools have limited accuracy and slow turnaround times. The PATHFAST TB LAM Ag assay (PATHFAST-LAM), an automated chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay, was developed to quantify lipoarabinomannan (LAM) in sputum within 1 hour. Previous studies have shown a strong correlation between sputum LAM concentration and culture-based bacterial load. However, its clinical utility for predicting poor outcomes during treatment has not been prospectively evaluated.
We will conduct a prospective longitudinal study enrolling newly diagnosed, bacteriologically confirmed patients with pulmonary TB at Rhodes Chest Clinic and Mbagathi County Referral Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. We will follow participants throughout the 6-month treatment course, attempting to collect sputum weekly during weeks 1–4, biweekly during weeks 5–12 and monthly during months 3–6. We will measure LAM concentrations at these time points using the PATHFAST-LAM assay. The primary outcome is to assess whether changes in sputum LAM concentration during the intensive phase (baseline to week 4 and/or week 8) predict a composite poor outcome, defined as positive sputum culture at month 6, treatment failure, death during treatment or relapse within 3 months after treatment completion. The primary endpoint is the area under the curve from the receiver operating characteristic analysis, representing the predictive performance of changes in sputum LAM concentration for the composite poor outcome. We will identify the optimal cut-off value for LAM change and estimate sensitivity and specificity with 95% CIs using 2x2 tables. We will apply an adaptive design that allows sample-size re-estimation after interim analysis.
The study was approved by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI/SERU/CRDR/124/5241) and Nagasaki University (250619327). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific meetings.
Women experiencing infertility employed various coping strategies to overcome the diverse stressors encountered. These coping strategies had their peculiar consequences or outcomes. This study aimed to explore the outcomes deduced from the coping strategies employed by women with infertility.
The study employed a qualitative descriptive research design to gain an in-depth understanding of the outcomes of coping strategies used by women with infertility. In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide.
The study was carried out at a private fertility and specialist hospital within the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, where 15 women diagnosed with primary infertility were interviewed for 45 min to 1 hour each. With all participants completing the study, interviews were audiotaped with consent, transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis.
The findings revealed that women with infertility used various coping strategies to mitigate the psychosocial stressors encountered. The coping strategies employed had a varying impact on the well-being of women with infertility, from long-term (physical health, mental health and life satisfaction) to short-term (composure and reduced state anxiety) coping outcomes. The result of the coping strategy employed had a varying impact on the well-being of women with infertility.
Women with infertility shared how they experienced good physical health, mental health and life satisfaction after employing adaptive coping strategies like seeking social support. They also shared how they exercised composure and had reduced state anxiety after using some maladaptive coping strategies, such as self-control and avoidance.
by Mario Alejandro Mercado Mendoza, Armando Sánchez Vargas, Pierre Mokondoko
Landslides threaten sustainable development through economic and human losses. This study integrates machine learning methods to construct susceptibility maps, including topographic-hydrological indicators, to improve the inclusion of earthflow landslides. Furthermore, we aim to find relationships between landslide susceptibility and social lag using Copula models and SHAP values. Results reveal differentiated dependence across different partitions. Specifically, we found regime-specific co-occurrences of high social lag and high landslide susceptibility areas in steep, deprived areas, contrasting resilient affluent zones. Educational deprivation emerges as the top vulnerability factor, followed by healthcare access, overcrowding, and housing deficits. Highlighting spatial inequities, the analysis advocates targeted interventions blending slope stabilization and social policies.Investigate the epidemiological characteristics of outpatients initially diagnosed with skin ulcers who were ultimately confirmed to have cutaneous malignant tumours, and provide a diagnostic and therapeutic basis for the occurrence of secondary diseases in chronic wounds. We conducted a retrospective study analysing clinical data from patients initially diagnosed with skin ulcers at our hospital between July 2021 and February 2025, and analysed the epidemiological characteristics of malignant transformation in these ulcer cases. Among 128 patients initially diagnosed with skin ulcers, 16 cases (12.5%) were confirmed with cutaneous malignancies. The malignant group had a significantly higher mean age (69.44 ± 11.30 years) compared to the non-malignant group (58.39 ± 17.88 years; t = 5.752, p = 0.01). The distribution of lesion sites differed significantly between the malignant and non-malignant groups (χ2 = 30.498, p < 0.01). In the malignant group, the head and neck (41.2%) and trunk & extremities (41.2%) were the predominant sites. The most common malignancy was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The trunk & extremities was the most frequent site (62.5%). The second was basal cell carcinoma, which mainly occurs in the head and neck (80.0%). The mean duration of ulceration was 4.5 years. The primary treatment modality was surgical excision (11 cases, 68.8%). Approximately one-seventh of skin ulcer cases were confirmed as cutaneous malignancies. This finding underscores the significance of skin ulcers as potential malignant lesions, highlighting the need for clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion and promptly perform histopathological examinations to improve early detection rates of skin cancers.
Strengthening research capacity in Africa is vital for tackling pressing health, educational and socioeconomic challenges facing the continent. At the core of this effort is the cultivation of innovative research leaders through postgraduate training programmes that incorporate mentorship-infused supervision. Such models have demonstrated potential in improving research skills, boosting academic productivity and fostering leadership development among emerging scholars. This systematic review and meta-synthesis protocol aims to examine existing mentorship-infused supervision practices across African higher education institutions. The review seeks to identify effective models, uncover common challenges and barriers, and generate evidence-based recommendations to develop sustainable, contextually relevant strategies. Insights from this work will inform policies and practices to enhance postgraduate research training, advance research leadership and contribute to the broader goal of strengthening research ecosystems across Africa.
A systematic review and thematic meta-synthesis will be undertaken, focusing on qualitative research studies as well as the qualitative components of mixed-methods studies. Relevant studies published in English will be identified through a comprehensive search strategy. The electronic databases, including Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, African Journals Online, EMBASE and CINAHL, will be searched to capture a wide range of peer-reviewed articles and grey literature. Databases will be searched from March 2026. Two reviewers will independently perform study selection, data extraction, quality assessment and evaluation of risk of bias, using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist.
This systematic review and meta-synthesis will analyse publicly available literature and does not require ethical approval, as it involves no primary data collection. It will adhere to established ethical and methodological standards, including proper citation and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The findings will be widely disseminated through open-access journal publication, conference presentations and targeted reports for universities, research institutions and policymakers to inform and support mentorship-based postgraduate research supervision across Africa.
CDR420251049878. Available from https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251049878.
FreshRSS 