Tag: pubmed

Front Physiol. 2026 May 11;17:1811438. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2026.1811438. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vascular dementia (VaD) is characterized by progressive cognitive impairment associated with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Monoaminergic neurotransmitter dysfunction has been implicated in its pathogenesis. Acupuncture has shown neuroprotective potential in experimental models; however, its regulatory effects on monoaminergic systems remain to be systematically clarified. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on monoaminergic neurotransmitters and cognitive function in animal models of VaD through a preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS: In accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search across eight English and Chinese databases was conducted from inception to October 2025 to identify randomized controlled animal studies investigating acupuncture in VaD models. Primary outcomes focused on the levels of monoaminergic neurotransmitters, including serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA). Secondary outcomes encompassed acetylcholine (ACh) levels, long-term potentiation (LTP), and behavioral performance. Risk of bias was systematically assessed using the SYRCLE tool, and statistical synthesis was performed using R software (version 4.3.1).

RESULTS: Nine studies involving 386 rodents were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated that acupuncture elevated the levels of 5-HT (SMD = 1.35), NE (SMD = 2.67), and DA (SMD = 1.43). Furthermore, acupuncture treatment was associated with increased ACh levels (SMD = 3.75) and enhanced synaptic plasticity, as evidenced by improved LTP (SMD = 4.75). Behavioral assessments revealed substantial cognitive improvements, indicated by a reduction in escape latency (SMD = -4.66) and an increased number of platform crossings (SMD = 3.00) in the Morris water maze test.

CONCLUSION: Acupuncture may ameliorate cognitive impairment in VaD by modulating monoaminergic systems and enhancing synaptic plasticity. However, substantial heterogeneity and small sample sizes underscore the exploratory nature of these findings. To avoid overgeneralization of mechanistic pathways, further rigorous studies are essential.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD420251179267.

PMID:42200180 | PMC:PMC13198999 | DOI:10.3389/fphys.2026.1811438

Front Physiol. 2026 May 11;17:1805547. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2026.1805547. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aims to examine the effects of moderate-to-low-intensity exercise snacks on glucose and lipid metabolism in sedentary adults and to identify the optimal exercise intervention protocol.

METHODS: We systematically searched five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Wan fang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) from their inception to July 28, 2025, to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating exercise-based snacking interventions. Meta-analyses were performed using Stata (version 12.0) and R (version 4.5.0), with additional subgroup analyses, meta-regression, sensitivity analyses, and assessments of publication bias.

RESULTS: A total of 15 studies comprising 334 participants were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated statistically significant effects of moderate-to-low intensity exercise on fasting plasma glucose [SMD=-0.52, 95%CI=(-0.93,-0.12), P = 0.012], total cholesterol [SMD=-0.33, 95%CI=(-0.62,-0.04), P = 0.026], triglycerides [SMD=-0.42, 95%CI=(-0.81,-0.02), P = 0.041] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [SMD=-0.51, 95%CI=(-0.84,-0.18), P = 0.003]. In contrast, no significant effects were observed for fasting insulin[SMD=-0.13, 95%CI=(-0.68,0.43), P = 0.652] or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [SMD = 0.31, 95% CI=(-0.15,0.78), P = 0.104]. Subgroup analyses showed that walking, exercising more than five times per day, and acute interventions lasting ≤3 weeks were associated with greater improvements in fasting plasma glucose and triglycerides levels. In addition, total cholesterol improved more markedly when interruptions of sedentary behavior lasted >30 minutes and exercise bouts lasted >3 minutes. Meta-regression analyses further identified sample size and body mass index as significant moderators of fasting plasma glucose and triglycerides levels.

CONCLUSION: Moderate-to-low-intensity exercise combined with exercise snacks significantly improved fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in sedentary adults, but had no significant effects on fasting insulin or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Moreover, walking, exercising more than five times per day, and maintaining the intervention for 1 to 3 weeks may be associated with greater improvements in glucose and lipid metabolism in this population.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD420251090803.

PMID:42200178 | PMC:PMC13199107 | DOI:10.3389/fphys.2026.1805547

Front Sociol. 2026 May 11;11:1743049. doi: 10.3389/fsoc.2026.1743049. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between dating violence and mental health issues in young university students in Ecuador examining differences between men and women.

METHODS: This investigation used a quantitative, descriptive and explanatory approach, cross-sectional design with a sample of 1,033 students. Two psychological scales were applied: Dating Violence Questionnaire-R (DVQ-R) and General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).

RESULTS: Revealed significant differences (p < 0.01) in the prevalence of dating violence, which was slightly higher in men, while women scored higher on mental health symptoms. In addition, it was observed that dating violence was significantly associated (p < 0.01) with poorer mental health, being associated of psychosomatic symptoms, anxiety, depression and social dysfunction, especially in woman.

CONCLUSION: This study found that dating violence represents a significant issue affecting both women and men. It is essential to adopt an inclusive and gender-sensitive approach to dating violence regardless of gender.

PMID:42200172 | PMC:PMC13199077 | DOI:10.3389/fsoc.2026.1743049

Front Allergy. 2026 May 11;7:1800197. doi: 10.3389/falgy.2026.1800197. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pollen-induced allergic rhinitis (PIAR) is a major public health burden in high-pollen regions of northern China (e.g., Ordos, southern Inner Mongolia Plateau). However, regional variations in PIAR across ecological zones (urban, agropastoral, desert, and mining zones), dominant allergens, and key risk factors remain understudied due to prior small-sample or narrow-scope research.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, major risk factors, and current treatment patterns for PIAR in Ordos.

METHODS: From March to July 2023, a multicenter, randomized, stratified cross-sectional survey was conducted across nine areas in Ordos. Participants were recruited to complete in-person questionnaires and undergo skin prick tests (SPTs) for 16 common allergens. Pollen was collected and counted to monitor exposure levels.

RESULTS: Among the 4,303 participants, the prevalence rates of self-reported allergic rhinitis (SRAR), physician-diagnosed allergic rhinitis (PDAR), and PIAR were 52.89% (2,276/4,303), 34.70% (1,493/4,303), and 31.51% (1,356/4,303), respectively. The prevalence rates of PIAR in urban, agropastoral, desert, and mining areas were 30.46%, 39.55%, 29.09%, and 19.72%, respectively. Among patients with PIAR, the incidence of symptom onset was highest among urban residents and lowest among mining area residents. Poplar pollen allergen dominated in spring, whereas in autumn, Artemisia pollen was predominant. Clinical symptoms were greatest in July, preceding the autumn pollen peak in September.

CONCLUSION: PIAR is highly prevalent in northern China’s grasslands, with marked zone-specific variations. Artemisia pollen exposure is the main sensitization driver, supporting targeted PIAR prevention/control.

PMID:42200171 | PMC:PMC13199316 | DOI:10.3389/falgy.2026.1800197

Patient Prefer Adherence. 2026 May 19;20:602433. doi: 10.2147/PPA.S602433. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Existing instruments for assessing medication nonadherence lack sufficient insights into the specific barriers to Low-Middle-Income-Countries (LMICs), thus limiting their utility in developing tailored intervention approaches. This cross-sectional scale development and validation study therefore aimed to develop and validate a patient-centered, self-reported scale to identify patients’ medication adherence and barriers relevant to LMICs contexts among people with chronic diseases.

METHODS: This study had three-phases: (i) item development, (ii) content and face validity, and (iii) psychometric analysis. After item development, the items were refined through Item Content Validity Index (I-CVI) assessment and patient pre-testing. The third phase evaluated psychometric properties along with an assessment of agreement with objective clinical indicators (blood pressure and fasting blood glucose) and comparison with the validated scales Medication Adherence Report Scale-5 (MARS-5) and VAS Adherence using 419 patients. Statistical analyses included confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to determine model fit. We also determined reliability and assessed test-retest reliability.

RESULTS: A final set of 15 items were selected, which were grouped into 4 dimensions: patient, medication, healthcare system, and socioeconomic related-barriers. The CFA showed that the data was fit for the model (χ²⁼179.477, P<0.001, RMSEA=0.052, CFI=0.961, GFI=0.947). The reliability test showed a good internal consistency (Cronbach’s-α=0.727 and McDonalds- Ω=0.812) and test-retest reliability (correlation coefficient 0.802). The new scale exhibited strong negative correlations with MARS-5 (r=-0.707) and VAS Adherence (r=-0.725), and a moderate negative correlation with clinical measurements (r=-0.632).

CONCLUSION: A psychometrically validated 15-item scale to assess medication adherence and its barriers in patients with chronic disease was developed, offering a reliable, contextually relevant tool that addresses information gaps and supports tailored interventions for improved patient outcomes in LMIC settings.

PMID:42200170 | PMC:PMC13199714 | DOI:10.2147/PPA.S602433

Patient Prefer Adherence. 2026 May 19;20:611334. doi: 10.2147/PPA.S611334. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Elderly chronic disease management is often complicated by multimorbidity and the need for lifelong polypharmacy, yet poor adherence severely impedes progress. Existing studies mainly focus on exploring influencing factors of medication adherence, while most predictive models lack model interpretability and rarely integrate psychological and social support factors for community elderly populations. Predictive models identifying risk of adherence could enable proactive intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an interpretable machine learning prediction model that fills the above research gap to predict the medication adherence of elderly patients with chronic diseases in China.

METHODS: From January to December 2024, data were collected from chronic disease patients aged 60 years and older receiving home-based medication therapy through face-to-face interviews conducted by pharmacists. Variables included demographic information, comorbidities, chronic diseases and medications information, medication adherence, self-efficacy in rational drug use, medication beliefs, social support, and medication literacy. The dataset was randomly divided into a training set and a test set at a 7:3 ratio. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on all data, and predictors were selected from the training set via the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO). Six machine learning algorithms were applied in R software to develop predictive models using the training set, and their performance was compared on the test set. The Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) approach was used to interpret the optimal model.

RESULTS: A total of 1722 patients were included in the statistical analysis. The gradient boosting machine (GBM) exhibited the best predictive performance among the six models (AUC = 0.811, 95% CI 0.774-0.840), with its core predictors being self-efficacy in rational drug use, medication practice, concern beliefs, and availability of social support. Through SHAP analysis, the interpretability of the model was significantly enhanced, providing a clear decision-making basis for clinicians.

CONCLUSION: We constructed a prediction model for home medication adherence in elderly patients with chronic diseases, which incorporates important social and psychological factors affecting patients’ adherence and provides robust evidence for developing targeted interventions.

PMID:42200167 | PMC:PMC13199717 | DOI:10.2147/PPA.S611334

Chin Med J (Engl). 2026 May 26. doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000004113. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diabetic wounds (DBW) are characterized by high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory factors; reducing inflammation is therefore a key strategy in the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds. X-box binding protein-1 (XBP1), a crucial transcription factor activated during endoplasmic reticulum stress, has been found to mediate mitochondrial damage, thereby activating the mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid/cyclic GMP-AMP synthase/stimulator of interferon genes (mtDNA/cGAS/STING) pathway and inducing Kupffer cell M1 polarization, which leads to excessive secretion of inflammatory cytokine. However, its role in regulating DBW healing remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore the underlying mechanism of XBP1 in diabetic wound healing.

METHODS: Human skin samples were collected from diabetic and non-diabetic patients at the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University between January 2021 and December 2023 to evaluate XBP1 expression. A wound model was constructed using macrophage-specific knockout and wild-type diabetic mice. Wound healing rate, inflammatory cytokine levels, macrophage polarization, mitochondrial integrity, and activation of the mtDNA/cGAS/STING/NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway were assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 10.0 software (GraphPad, La Jolla, USA), and a P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant difference.

RESULTS: We found that XBP1 was highly expressed in macrophages within DBW(P <0.0001). Specific deletion of XBP1 in macrophages significantly reduced inflammatory cytokine secretion, increased M2 macrophage polarization, and accelerated wound healing. Further investigation revealed that knocking out Xbp1 in macrophages restored mitochondrial integrity, promoted ROS and mtDNA clearance, and inhibited the cGAS/STING/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway. Additionally, treatment with the XBP1 inhibitor toyocamycin markedly accelerated DBW healing.

CONCLUSIONS: In summary, under hyperglycemic stress, XBP1-induced mitochondrial damage and activation of the mtDNA/cGAS/STING/NLRP3 pathway are a key mechanism underlying DBW healing impairment. Thus, XBP1 may serve as a promising therapeutic target for DBW treatment.

PMID:42192237 | DOI:10.1097/CM9.0000000000004113

J Appl Clin Med Phys. 2026 May;27(5):e70639. doi: 10.1002/acm2.70639.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Parametric mapping is a pivotal technique in diagnostic and prognostic cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). However, data pertinent to mapping parameters in healthy Asian populations, particularly with GE scanners, are limited.

PURPOSE: To establish normal reference values for T1, T2, and ECV using 1.5-T GE CMR in a healthy Thai population.

METHODS: Healthy volunteers undergoing orthopedic MRI with gadolinium injection were recruited. Health status was confirmed through medical history, ECG, laboratory investigations, and echocardiography. CMR scans included MOLLI for T1 mapping, MEFSE for T2 mapping, and ECV calculation. Inter- and intra-observer variation were assessed.

RESULTS: Fifty-one participants were included, 18 (35.29%) were males with a mean age of 41.49 ± 15.96 years. Mean global native T1, post-contrast T1, T2, and ECV were 1037.19 ± 51.84 ms, 456.76 ± 43.98 ms, 49.93 ± 4.67 ms, and 27.06 ± 4.50%, respectively. No significant differences were observed between sexes or age group (p > 0.05). Reproducibility was classed as good to excellent (ICC ≥ 0.75) CONCLUSIONS: Reference values for T1, T2, post-contrast T1, and ECV mapping in a healthy Thai population using a 1.5-T GE scanner, were established. These findings provide critical reference data for cardiac MR examinations.

PMID:42192234 | DOI:10.1002/acm2.70639

J Appl Clin Med Phys. 2026 May;27(5):e70633. doi: 10.1002/acm2.70633.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A super-resolution deep learning (DL) image reconstruction algorithm (Precise Image Quality Engine (PIQE)) was originally designed for cardiac CT, but is now available for abdominal CT.

PURPOSE: To examine objective and subjective image quality (IQ) improvements PIQE compared to Advanced Intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AiCE) in abdominal CT.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 69 adult patient routine contrast enhanced abdominopelvic CT exams on a single Aquilion ONE/INSIGHT CT system (Canon Medical Systems, Otawara Japan). Images were reconstructed using PIQE (strength level L1 and L2) and AiCE (L1- the institutional standard). Four blinded radiologists assessed image noise, image contrast, small structure visibility, image sharpness, artifacts, and overall image preference with Likert scales. Reader agreement was assessed with Krippendorff’s alpha. Circular regions of interest were placed on five slices on the left and right liver, portal vein, aorta, subcutaneous fat, and bilateral psoas muscles. CT number, noise, signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were determined. All significant differences between reconstructions were assessed via the Friedman test with post-hoc Dunn-Sidak corrections.

RESULTS: Reader agreement was fair ( $\overline{\alpha }=0.20$ ). PIQE L2 was preferred for image contrast and image noise and PIQE L1 was preferred for image sharpness (p < 0.05). CT numbers were significantly different between AiCE L1 and PIQE (p < 0.05) and noise was statistically lowest in PIQE L2 compared to AiCE L1 (p < 0.05). SNR and CNR differences were statistically significant (p < 0.003), with PIQE L2 demonstrating the highest SNR and CNR.

CONCLUSION: The best subjective IQ metrics for image contrast, image noise, and image sharpness were obtained with PIQE. The best objective IQ metrics (SNR and CNR) were obtained with PIQE L2. This work supports improved image contrast and decreased noise when using PIQE as compared to AiCE.

PMID:42192227 | DOI:10.1002/acm2.70633

Cancer Med. 2026 Jun;15(6):e71949. doi: 10.1002/cam4.71949.

ABSTRACT

Cervical cancer remains an important cause of cancer morbidity and mortality among women in Nigeria despite the availability of preventive screening such as the Pap smear. This study assessed knowledge, perceptions and uptake of cervical cancer screening among women attending antenatal clinics in Ogun State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage sampling approach. Selected antenatal care facilities were identified using predefined eligibility criteria, the sample was allocated proportionately by clinic attendance, and eligible women were recruited by systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analysed with descriptive and regression methods. Awareness of cervical cancer was reported by 61.3% of respondents, and 74.7% had heard of the Pap smear, yet only 18.2% had previously undergone screening. Frequently reported barriers included cost of screening (70.3%), embarrassment (69.4%), anticipated pain (47.5%), misconceptions such as perceived loss of virginity (83.0%) and partner disapproval (51.9%). Reduced uptake of screening was associated with higher service costs, longer waiting times and greater distance to the health facility. Although awareness of cervical cancer and Pap smear testing was relatively high, screening utilisation remained low. Improving affordability, reducing service-related barriers and strengthening education within routine antenatal care may help increase uptake.

PMID:42192225 | DOI:10.1002/cam4.71949