Tag: pubmed

J Integr Neurosci. 2026 Mar 31;25(4):49400. doi: 10.31083/JIN49400.

ABSTRACT

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that bilingual experience shapes the intrinsic functional organization of the brain. However, the findings from different studies remain fragmented. This review synthesizes resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies examining how distinct dimensions of bilingual experience, including the age of L2 acquisition (AoA-L2), L2 proficiency (PL-L2), and usage of L2 (Usage-L2), modulate the resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) and the intrinsic organization of the functional network. Earlier AoA-L2 is associated with stronger RSFC involving the language, attentional, and subcortical systems, whereas later acquisition is linked to compensatory increases in control and cerebellar-subcortical circuits. The evidence for PL-L2 indicates that bilinguals with higher proficiency exhibit increased RSFC within attentional, subcortical, and cerebellar networks, along with a more efficient and integrated organization of the whole-brain functional network. The frequency and contextual diversity of real-world Usage-L2 dynamically reshape intrinsic connectivity, with socially diverse language engagement enhancing cross-network integration in control, subcortical, and cerebello-cortical circuits, whereas routine home use is linked to more reduced or localized connectivity patterns. The current evidence reveals meaningful but fragmented patterns linking bilingual experience to intrinsic functional connectivity, largely due to conceptual inconsistencies, limited linguistic diversity, small samples, methodological heterogeneity, and the scarcity of longitudinal or multimodal designs. This review identifies seven priorities for future research to address these constraints and move toward a more unified account of bilingual neuroplasticity: establishing standardized and multidimensional measures of bilingual experience; expanding linguistic and sociocultural diversity; increasing statistical power and reproducibility; implementing longitudinal, training-based, and experience-sampling designs; harmonizing resting-state preprocessing and analytical pipelines; modeling nonlinear and interactive brain-experience relationships; and integrating multimodal neuroimaging to elucidate mechanistic pathways. Advances in these directions will enable the field to move beyond descriptive findings toward explanatory models that illuminate how different dimensions of bilingual experience dynamically reorganize the intrinsic functional architecture of the brain.

PMID:42052771 | DOI:10.31083/JIN49400

J Integr Neurosci. 2026 Apr 21;25(4):47468. doi: 10.31083/JIN47468.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Depression affects 28.4% of middle-aged and older adults globally, exacerbating functional decline, mortality, and healthcare burdens. Physical activity mitigates depression through neurobiological and psychosocial pathways, although efficacy varies significantly by gender. Current evidence lacks clarity regarding optimal physical activity intensity and interventions. This study aimed to identify the physical activity patterns most strongly associated with depression and to derive potential intervention targets for middle-aged and older Chinese adults.

METHODS: The data from 3739 participants in the 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were analyzed. Gaussian graphical models were adopted to recognize core and bridge symptoms within physical activity-depression networks across genders. Subsequently, computer-simulated interventions were conducted to determine the optimal targets for reducing depressive symptoms by gender.

RESULTS: Both male and female networks identified “depressed” as the central symptom. However, the bridge symptoms differed: males exhibited a bridge role for “days with moderate physical activity per week”, whereas females showed this for “duration of moderate physical activity per day”. Network comparison test revealed significant gender differences in edge weights (p = 0.007), with 14 edges being statistically significant. Simulation interventions consistently pinpointed “depressed” and “stuck” as effective targets for intervention across genders.

CONCLUSIONS: Moderate physical activity most strongly correlated with depression. For men, interventions might prioritize increasing the regularity per week with moderate physical activity to prevent depression, whereas for women, focusing on the duration per day of such activity could be a promising target.

PMID:42052763 | DOI:10.31083/JIN47468

Water Environ Res. 2026 May;98(5):e70394. doi: 10.1002/wer.70394.

ABSTRACT

In this study, a total of 103 groundwater samples were collected from four subareas in the Xingtai Se-enriched area, central North China to explore controlling factors of hydrochemical components and suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes. The results indicate that the groundwater exhibits neutral to slightly alkaline properties. Piper diagram classifies the major groundwater types as SO₄-Ca and Cl-Ca·Mg. Integrated hydrochemical analyses (Gibbs and Gaillardet diagrams, ionic ratios, Chloro-Alkali Index, and Saturation Index) together with statistical approaches (Pearson’s correlation analysis and principal component analysis) reveal that hydrogeochemical evolution is governed by water-rock interactions (dissolution of calcite, dolomite, fluorite, gypsum, pyrite, and halite), cation exchange, and anthropogenic influences. Nonpoint sources (fertilizers, manure, and sewage) contribute to the elevations of NO₃ ^– and Cl^– concentrations. Water Quality Index (WQI) assessments indicate 80.58% of samples are suitable for drinking. SO₄ ^2- and NO₃ ^–are identified as key triggers of water quality deterioration, which are linked to carbonate rock dissolution, cation exchange, sulfur-containing minerals dissolution (gypsum and pyrite), and anthropogenic pollution (fertilizers and sewage). USSL classifications indicate 44.67% of samples are suitable for irrigation, contrasting with 1.94% deemed unsuitable, whereas Wilcox diagram categorizations show 43.68% as excellent-to-good and 2.91% as unsuitable. The findings can provide scientific guidance for rationally utilizing the valuable local Se-enriched groundwater resource on the premise of balancing exploitation with protection against hydrogeochemical and anthropogenic contamination.

PMID:42052753 | DOI:10.1002/wer.70394

Neuropsychopharmacol Rep. 2026 Jun;46(2):e70127. doi: 10.1002/npr2.70127.

ABSTRACT

AIM: A history of suicide attempts is a well-established predictor of future suicidal behavior; however, longitudinal evidence from real-world emergency settings remains limited. Because age and self-poisoning/overdose are readily available at emergency presentation and may inform post-discharge care, we examined whether age and overdose at the index suicide attempt predict medically attended suicide reattempts after emergency admission.

METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study of 1038 patients admitted to emergency departments after suicide attempts between 2020 and 2025 at three tertiary hospitals in Japan (Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Jichi Medical University Hospital, and Hachinohe City Hospital). Patients were followed longitudinally to identify suicide reattempts requiring medical attention. Time-to-event analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards models. Age (< 40 vs. ≥ 40 years) and sex were included as baseline covariates, and overdose at the index attempt was examined as an explanatory variable. Sensitivity analyses were performed using a stricter definition of overdose (overdose alone).

RESULTS: During follow-up, 58 medically attended suicide reattempts were identified. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed higher cumulative reattempt risk in females and in patients aged 39 years or younger. In Cox proportional hazards models, age ≥ 40 years was associated with a lower risk of suicide reattempt, whereas overdose at the index attempt was associated with a significantly increased risk of suicide reattempt. These findings were consistent in sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION: Younger age and overdose at the index suicide attempt were independently associated with an increased risk of medically attended suicide reattempt. Assessment of the initial suicide method may help identify patients requiring intensive post-discharge monitoring.

PMID:42052750 | DOI:10.1002/npr2.70127

J Comp Eff Res. 2026 Apr 29:e260006. doi: 10.57264/cer-2026-0006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Aim: Single-arm trial data is frequently used during the reimbursement of new oncology interventions. Evaluating treatment effects relative to multiple relevant comparators via network meta-analysis (NMA) using data from single-arm trials; however, remains a challenge. This work introduces a two-stage approach to incorporate single-arm trial data into an NMA and applies this to the LIBRETTO-001 (NCT03157128) trial where selpercatinib (a selective rearranged during transfection [RET] inhibitor) was trialed as a treatment for RET-fusion positive, nonsquamous non-small-cell lung cancer in the first line setting. Materials & methods: Using data from KEYNOTE-189 (NCT02578680) and a real-world database, a pseudo comparator arm was constructed by propensity score matching and adjusted via an acceleration factor to account for the prognostic effect of RET status. NMAs were conducted using a Bayesian random-effects model. Results: The hazard ratios of selpercatinib relative to pemetrexed + platinum-based chemotherapy (the most common comparator in the network used) were found to be 0.304 (95% credible interval [CrI] 0.165, 0.553) and 0.368 (95% CrI 0.178, 0.757) for progression-free survival and overall survival, respectively. The validation of the NMA results could be assessed for progression-free survival of selpercatinib versus pembrolizumab + pemetrexed + platinum-based chemotherapy. A good agreement with published results from the Phase III LIBRETTO-431 trial (NCT04194944) was found (0.586 [95% CrI 0.302,1.123] from the NMA vs 0.46 [95% CI 0.31, 0.70] from LIBRETTO-431 the intention to treat [pembrolizumab] population). Conclusion: The two-stage approach to incorporate single-arm trial data within NMAs is readily applicable within health technology assessment. Enabling the earlier assessment of single-arm trials, via pseudo comparator arms, will provide payers with greater confidence in anticipated treatment effects. In light of the joint clinical assessment, incorporation of single-arm trials within NMA facilitates the reporting of predicted treatment effects relative to multiple relevant comparators, which is important when considering the use of interventions for the global market.

PMID:42052748 | DOI:10.57264/cer-2026-0006

Vasc Endovascular Surg. 2026 Apr 28:15385744261447457. doi: 10.1177/15385744261447457. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveContrast-induced nephropathy remains a significant concern in patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), particularly those with pre-existing renal impairment. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of using a one-quarter diluted contrast agent during EVAR to reduce contrast volume without compromising imaging quality or clinical outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed EVAR procedures performed between July 2022 and September 2024. A total of 96 patients were included, with 50 receiving undiluted contrast and 46 receiving a one-quarter diluted solution. All procedures were conducted using the same angiographic system and protocol. Pixel values and signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) were measured from digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images. Subjective image quality was independently evaluated by three vascular surgeons using a standardized 5-point scale. Postoperative type I/III endoleaks were identified on contrast-enhanced CT or ultrasound within 30 days. Statistical comparisons were performed using Welch’s t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate.ResultsProcedural success was achieved in all cases. The diluted group achieved a 70% reduction in contrast volume (19.8 ± 11.5 mL vs 67.7 ± 30.5 mL; P < .001). Pixel values (2.87 ± 8.75 vs 2.99 ± 5.59; P = .936), SNRs, and surgeon-rated image quality were comparable between groups. The incidence of type I/III endoleaks (2.0% vs 4.3%; P = .606) and radiation parameters did not differ significantly.ConclusionsUse of a one-quarter diluted contrast agent during EVAR provided image quality and safety comparable to undiluted contrast while significantly reducing contrast volume. This technique may represent a practical strategy to mitigate renal risk in patients with impaired kidney function.

PMID:42050389 | DOI:10.1177/15385744261447457

J Am Coll Health. 2026 Apr 28:1-12. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2026.2663303. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study estimated the prevalence of psychological disabilities among university students, characterized associations between symptom severity and functional limitations, explored self-identification and service registration across mental health diagnoses, and examined mental health stigma’s effect on service access.

PARTICIPANTS: 104,729 post-secondary students from the 2023-2024 Healthy Minds Study.

METHODS: Descriptive statistics addressed the first three aims; multivariable logistic regression addressed the fourth.

RESULTS: Self-reported psychological disabilities comprised 13.1% of all disabilities. Self-reported functional limitations increased sigmoidally with PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores. Students with anxiety and depression were least likely to self-identify as having a psychological disability despite reporting functional limitations. Personal and perceived stigma were not associated with DSO registration, but were negatively associated with mental health treatment access; help-seeking stigma was negatively associated with both.

DISCUSSION: Novel self-identification, self-disclosure and stigma data are provided to support improved reporting and service access for students with psychological disabilities.

PMID:42050382 | DOI:10.1080/07448481.2026.2663303

Eur J Sport Sci. 2026 May;26(5):e70181. doi: 10.1002/ejsc.70181.

ABSTRACT

This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a 10-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on physiological and hematological outcomes in 28 adolescent girls with overweight or obesity. Participants were randomly assigned to a HIIT group or a control group. The HIIT protocol comprised 4 sets of 6 × 15-s bouts at 90%-105% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS), interspersed with 15-s active recovery at 50% MAS, performed three times per week. Significant group×time interactions were observed for body composition, aerobic capacity, maximal heart rate (HRmax), erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Between-group comparisons showed greater improvements in body mass, body fat, waist circumference, MAS, estimated VO₂max, and plasma volume in the HIIT group compared with controls, though not all differences reached statistical significance. Within-group analysis in the HIIT group revealed reductions in body mass (p < 0.001, d = 0.37), body fat (p = 0.001, d = 0.78), waist circumference (p < 0.001, d = 0.54), HRmax (p = 0.020, d = 0.88), erythrocytes (p = 0.007, d = 0.46), hemoglobin (p = 0.019, d = 0.84), hematocrit (p = 0.004, d = 0.34), CK (p = 0.049, d = 0.29), and LDH (p = 0.032, d = 0.41), alongside increases in MAS (p = 0.007, d = 0.64) and estimated VO₂max (p = 0.007, d = 0.64). Plasma volume variation was also higher in the HIIT group. Overall, a 10-week HIIT intervention enhanced body composition, plasma volume, and cardiorespiratory fitness, while reducing markers of muscular and metabolic stress. These results indicate that HIIT is a feasible and effective approach for improving physiological and metabolic health in adolescent girls with overweight or obesity, supporting its potential as a targeted exercise strategy in this population.

PMID:42050353 | DOI:10.1002/ejsc.70181

Sci Rep. 2026 Apr 28. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-50614-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Africa bears the highest global burden of HIV/AIDS, with young people disproportionately affected. University students are at increased risk of HIV infection due to campus-related lifestyle factors. HIV self-testing (HIV-ST) represents a promising strategy to enhance HIV diagnosis rates and support progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. This study evaluated the proportion of undergraduate students in Imo State, Nigeria, who underwent HIV counseling and testing (HCT) in the past year. A secondary objective was to assess the effect of health education on HIV-ST uptake among participants. The study employed a cross-sectional design with embedded intervention and included all government-owned universities and polytechnics in Imo State: Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Imo State University (IMSU), Federal Polytechnic Nekede (FEP), and University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (UAES). Simple random sampling and systematic random sampling were used to select the participants. A total of 317, 316, 421 and 359 were sampled from FEP, IMSU, FUTO and UAES respectively. A health education intervention was administered to increase HIV testing uptake; particularly HIV-ST. Data were collected from participants aged 16-25 years between October and December 2025 using an adapted structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis, using the chi-square test, was used to examine associations between participants’ socio-demographic characteristics and HIV testing uptake. Results indicated that HIV testing uptake among participants in the past year was 178 (42.3%) at FUTO, 174 (48.5%) at UAES, 77 (24.4%) at IMSU, and 95 (30%) at FEP. Prior to the health education intervention, none of the students had previously used HIV-ST. Following the health education intervention, HIV-ST uptake increased to 53 (29.8%), 48 (27.6%), 30 (38.9%), and 34 (35.8%) at FUTO, UAES, IMSU, and FEP, respectively. The overall HIV testing uptake and HIV-ST of the participants was 37.1%, and 11.7% respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that marital status and gender influenced HIV testing uptake, with married participants and females more likely to be tested. HIV testing uptake among undergraduates in Imo State remains low, with all institutions reporting rates below 50%, which is significantly lower than the UNAIDS 95% target. This raises concerns about Nigeria’s ability to achieve the UNAIDS 2030 target. Health education was shown to be an effective strategy for increasing HIV-ST among the participants. It is recommended that health education be integrated into national strategies to enhance HIV testing uptake, with particular attention to young adults, especially males, in the design and implementation of voluntary counseling and testing services.

PMID:42050333 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-50614-y

J Clin Sleep Med. 2025 Jun;21(6):1007-1021. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.11610. Epub 2025 Jun 1.

ABSTRACT

STUDY OBJECTIVES: We aimed to describe the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a pilot randomized controlled trial of a sleep health intervention (SLEEPSMART) for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and their parents.

METHODS: Fifty children, 8-13 years of age, with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and sleep deficiency and their parents participated in the study. Participants were randomized to either the SLEEPSMART intervention or the control group (usual care). The SLEEPSMART intervention lasted 7 weeks and included weekly educational modules, quizzes, assignments, goal setting, and an online sleep coach. Children wore actigraphy and completed sleep diaries and surveys at baseline, immediately postintervention, and 1 month postintervention. Feasibility was measured by the percentage of eligible, enrolled, and retained child-parent dyads; engagement was measured when dyads completed the modules; and usefulness and acceptability were measured with the Treatment Evaluation Inventory and qualitative exit interviews.

RESULTS: Of the 50 child-parent dyads enrolled, 88% completed the baseline assessment. Seventy-five percent of children and 89% of parents reported high acceptance; 89% of parents and 80% of children recommend SLEEPSMART. Compared to children in the control group, those who received the SLEEPSMART intervention had significant improvements in actigraphy total sleep time and sleep efficiency and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System sleep disturbance scores immediately postintervention and at 1-month follow-up and in their dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep and sleep efficacy scores 1 month postintervention. Parents in the SLEEPSMART group had significant improvements in the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System sleep-related impairment and dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep scores immediately postintervention and at 1-month follow-up and in their self-efficacy scores 1 month postintervention in comparison to parents in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: SLEEPSMART was feasible, acceptable, and improved objective and self-report sleep and self-efficacy outcomes in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and their parents.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Sleep Shared-Management Intervention for Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04066205 ; Identifier: NCT04066205 CITATION: Zhai S, Palermo TM, Shenoi S, et al. A shared-management web-based intervention for sleep deficiency in school-age children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and their parents: feasibility and acceptability study. J Clin Sleep Med. 2025;21(6):1007-1021.

PMID:42050319 | DOI:10.5664/jcsm.11610