The COVID-19 pandemic established mRNA vaccines as a clinically validated platform for rapid vaccine development and deployment. This review summarizes recent progress in COVID-19 mRNA vaccine technology, clinical performance, immunological mechanisms, and translational applications. First-generation nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccines formulated in lipid nanoparticles demonstrated strong protection against symptomatic disease and, more durably, against severe outcomes, while variant-driven immune escape, waning protection against infection, limited mucosal immunity, and heterogeneous responses in special populations revealed important constraints. The review compares mRNA vaccines with other COVID-19 vaccine platforms and clarifies endpoint-specific correlates of protection, emphasizing the distinct roles of neutralizing antibodies, memory B cells, T-cell responses, and non-neutralizing antibody functions. It further examines unresolved issues associated with repeated vaccination, including immune imprinting and IgG4 class switching, and evaluates technological strategies designed to improve durability, breadth, delivery, and immune programming. Key innovations include optimized RNA chemistry, structure-guided antigen design, advanced lipid nanoparticle formulations, alternative delivery systems, immune-shaping adjuvant approaches, and next-generation RNA formats such as self-amplifying RNA and circular RNA. Finally, the review discusses vaccination strategies for immunocompromised individuals, pregnant and lactating women, older adults, and children, as well as the expansion of mRNA technology into respiratory virus vaccines, cancer immunotherapy, and therapeutic protein expression. These developments define mRNA technology as a modular platform whose clinical impact depends on aligning RNA architecture, delivery system, antigen design, and target population.
Diabetes is associated with oxidative stress, systemic immune dysregulation and chronic low-grade inflammation, which contributes to a wide spectrum of microvascular and macrovascular complications. Efferocytosis, the phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages and dendritic cells, is essential for inflammation resolution and tissue repair. Defective efferocytosis has been increasingly implicated in the progression of diabetes and several of its major complications, including atherosclerosis, nephropathy, retinopathy, impaired wound healing, and osteoporosis. This narrative review is prepared through a focused literature search of studies investigating efferocytosis in diabetes, elucidates how its disruption contributes to the progression of diabetic complications, and further highlight emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at regulating efferocytosis. This paper is expected to provide direction and outlook for the research on efferocytosis and diabetes. Efferocytosis regulation involves a coordinated cascade of find-me signals, engulfment receptors, intracellular cytoskeletal remodeling, and metabolic reprogramming. This review summarizes the key molecular changes of defective efferocytosis and pathological changes in diabetic complications. Importantly, emerging preclinical studies have demonstrated that restoring efferocytosis ameliorate inflammation, promote tissue regeneration, and interrupt the progression of diabetic complications. Efferocytosis not only illuminates fundamental aspects of immune regulation but also opens up new therapeutic possibilities. As the field continues to evolve, integrating efferocytosis-based interventions into the broader therapeutic landscape of diabetes may represent a paradigm shift in the management of its chronic complications.
GPR84 is a pro‑inflammatory, metabolite‑sensing Class A GPCR implicated in a range of inflammatory, fibrotic, metabolic, and neuropathic processes. Its inducible expression and role in amplifying innate immune responses have driven sustained interest in GPR84 antagonists as potential therapeutic agents. This review summarizes recent advances in GPR84 antagonist discovery, focusing on patent applications and research articles retrieved from SciFinder covering 2020 to January 2026. Recent work and patent filings reflect continued diversification of GPR84 antagonist chemotypes, but the translational outlook remains constrained by biological uncertainty and limited clinical validation. With only a small number of candidates - such as BAY‑3178275 and BGT‑004-currently in active development, further progress will require deeper mechanistic understanding and clearer definition of disease contexts in which GPR84 modulation may offer therapeutic benefit.
This study evaluated and compared the perceptions of general dentists, pediatric dentists, and orthodontists regarding the need for transverse maxillary expansion for Class I malocclusions with posterior crossbite. An electronic survey consisting of digitally manipulated intraoral images depicting 8 clinical scenarios was distributed to 10,000 general dentists, 8734 pediatric dentists, and 2400 orthodontists. A total of 566 practitioners responded (2.7% response rate): 85 general dentists, 339 pediatric dentists, and 142 orthodontists. For each case, participants assessed the need for expansion, type of expansion, and referral preferences. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression, which were adjusted for specialty, years of experience, and geographic region. Significant differences in perception were observed in 6 of the 8 cases (P < 0.05), primarily influenced by specialty training. Orthodontists demonstrated significantly higher odds of recommending expansion than general dentists, particularly in more complex presentations. Pediatric dentists more frequently opted for referral rather than treatment. Neither years of practice nor geographic region significantly influenced diagnostic decisions. Survey reliability demonstrated moderate to substantial agreement across repeated cases (κ = 0.424 to 0.677), and power analysis indicated sufficient sample size and effect sizes for most scenarios. These findings suggest that specialty training strongly influences the perceived need for transverse maxillary expansion, highlighting a potential need for enhanced orthodontic diagnostic education in dental and pediatric residency programs to promote consistency in the diagnosis and management of transverse discrepancies across dental specialties.
This study aims to assess the latent profile characteristics of Chinese nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding excessive oxygen therapy and explore the influencing factors of different profile types. From November to December 2025, convenience sampling was used to select nurses from secondary and tertiary general hospitals in Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, as the study participants. A self-designed demographic characteristics questionnaire and the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice Scale of Healthcare Professionals on Excessive Oxygen Therapy (KAP-HPEOT) were used as survey tools. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed on the nurses' KAP regarding excessive oxygen therapy. Univariate analysis of factors influencing different profiles was performed using the chi-square test and ANOVA, and multivariate analysis was conducted using logistic regression. A total of 743 questionnaires were collected, with 687 valid responses, yielding an effective response rate of 92.46%. Latent profile analysis revealed that nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding excessive oxygen therapy could be categorized into three profile types: "Low Knowledge-Moderately Attitude-Moderate Practice" (19.65%), "Moderate Knowledge-Moderately Attitude-Moderate Practice" (20.23%), and "High Knowledge-Positive Attitude-High Practice" (60.12%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that age, work experience, professional title, education level, hospital level, participation in oxygen therapy training, and department were significant influencing factors of nurses' KAP regarding excessive oxygen therapy (P < 0.005). This study confirms that nurses' KAP regarding excessive oxygen therapy can be categorized into three profiles, and demographic-related characteristics significantly influence their KAP. The findings provide an important theoretical basis for nursing managers and educators to develop relevant training programs.
This study aimed to develop and validate a pulmonary rehabilitation information needs scale for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using both classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT). Guided by Alderfer's ERG theory and Kochen's information needs theory, the initial item pool was developed through a literature review and semi-structured interviews with 12 COPD patients undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation. Using the Delphi method, 35 experts were consulted to refine the questionnaire into its first draft. A pilot test with 20 COPD patients was then conducted to revise item wording. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 300 COPD patients from February to December 2024 at five hospitals in Changsha, China. Participants had a mean age of 71.01±9.38 years, and 85.3% were male. Validity and reliability were evaluated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency, and item analysis based on CTT and IRT. The final questionnaire contains a total of 6 dimensions and 39 items. EFA identified six factors, with all items having factor loadings greater than 0.40 within their respective factors. CFA supported the proposed six-factor structure, with all standardized factor loadings at acceptable levels and the model demonstrating an acceptable fit to the data (χ2/df = 1.804, CFI = 0.984, TLI = 0.983, RMSEA = 0.052, SRMR = 0.065). The content validity index (S-CVI) was 0.935 and the Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.936. IRT analysis showed that all items had good discrimination parameters (a > 1.0) and threshold parameters within an appropriate range (b = -4 to 4). To our knowledge, the scale is the first tool designed to assess pulmonary rehabilitation-specific information needs in COPD. It demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability for assessing the information needs of patients with COPD who are preparing to participate in or are undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation. The instrument may provide a useful and feasible instrument for supporting clinical assessment and the planning of individualized pulmonary rehabilitation education and support.
Community-based mobile health (mHealth) services are increasingly used to support chronic disease management in underserved rural populations facing workforce shortages, geographic isolation, and rapid aging. South Korea entered a super-aged society in December 2024, intensifying pressures in rural regions where multiple mHealth programs are embedded within primary care and public health systems. However, evidence on sustained use in real-world settings remains limited. This study aimed to explore user experiences and acceptance of community-based mHealth services in an underserved rural area of South Korea and identify facilitators and barriers to sustained engagement, using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2). A convergent mixed methods design was used, with qualitative and quantitative data collected in parallel, analyzed separately, and integrated at the interpretation stage. Overall, 24 participants with ≥6 months of experience using 1 of 4 publicly funded mHealth services in Pyeongchang County, Gangwon State, were purposively recruited. Semistructured interviews guided by the UTAUT2 were analyzed using directed content analysis, combining deductive and inductive coding. Structured questionnaires assessing usability and behavioral intention were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings were integrated through joint interpretation. Participants had a mean age of 71.3 (SD 9.2) years, and 70.8% (17/24) were female; hypertension (18/24, 75%) and hyperlipidemia (15/24, 58.3%) were the most common. Perceived difficulty was low (mean 2.54, SD 2.06, on a 0-10 scale), intention for continued use was high (23/24, 95.8%), and recommendation intention was unanimous (24/24, 100%). Willingness to pay was reported by 79.2% (19/24), most commonly KRW 1000-5000 (US $1-3) per month. Qualitative findings identified performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and habit as the most salient determinants of sustained use. Real-time monitoring enhanced health awareness, motivated dietary modification, and increased physical activity. Public health center nurses served as human-in-the-loop facilitators, providing continuous training, troubleshooting, and emotional support, while family and peers reinforced engagement. Habit formation emerged as a central mechanism, with 91.7% (22/24) integrating mHealth use into routines anchored to waking, exercise, and bedtime. Effort expectancy barriers among older participants were mitigated through nurse-led training, and hedonic motivation was driven by intrinsic satisfaction and peer interaction. Integrated analysis showed convergence for ease of use and behavioral intention, and partial divergence for willingness to pay. Community-based mHealth services were successfully integrated into daily life and supported chronic disease self-management among older adults in an underserved rural setting. Sustained engagement was driven by perceived health benefits, continuous human support, and habit formation rather than technology features alone, underscoring the importance of relationship-centered, human-in-the-loop implementation models. Strengthening intuitive design, hands-on onboarding, multidisciplinary primary care teams, and stable financing will be essential for equitable digital health adoption in rural and aging communities.
The high prevalence of vaping among young adults is a public health crisis. Both narratives and social norms are commonly used communication strategies for health promotion and disease prevention, providing potential means to discourage vaping. This study examined the effects of narrative and social norm messages to communicate vaping to young adults. Participants (N = 528) were randomly assigned to one of five conditions in a 2 (narrative: narrative, non-narrative) X 2 (social norm: dynamic norm, static norm) + 1 no-message control between-subjects experiment. Participants in the narrative (vs. non-narrative) condition reported lower freedom threat, fewer negative cognitions, and lower message believability. There was a favorable indirect effect of narrative on attitude as mediated by freedom threat and reactance. No significant main effect of dynamic (vs. static) norm was found; however, results showed some additive effects when combining narrative and dynamic norms. Narratives reduced resistance to anti-vaping messages and impacted vaping attitude indirectly, suggesting their effectiveness in anti-vaping communication. Narrative persuasiveness was further strengthened when used together with dynamic norms. Findings provide implications for efforts aimed at discouraging vaping and suggest several possibilities for future work in the domain of narrative persuasion and social norm messaging.
Despite the increasing use of dietary supplements in Saudi Arabia, accurate information on their consumption patterns and predictors is essential for effective policy planning. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dietary supplement consumption, assess perceptions regarding their health effects, and identify demographic, health-related, and knowledge- and practice-based factors influencing their use among active individuals in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study identified predictors of dietary supplement consumption using a Likert-scale questionnaire adapted from validated local and international tools with minor modifications. Structural equation modeling was conducted by defining multiple sets of regression equations. The analyses were performed using R software (Version 4.1.2) with the lavaan and semPlot packages. A two-tailed p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 3,800 active individuals from 13 Saudi Arabian regions participated in this study. The prevalence of dietary supplement use among active individuals was 63.82%. Health characteristics and knowledge and practice domains showed a highly significant influence on supplement consumption, whereas the demographic domain did not show a significant association in the structural equation model, although several demographic variables were significantly associated with supplement use in bivariate analysis. The prevalence of dietary supplement use among physically active individuals in Saudi Arabia exceeded the prevalence rates reported in several international populations, with more than three out of every five participants indicating use of dietary supplements.
Even in the absence of active inflammation, patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) frequently report symptoms consistent with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which may lead to restrictive dietary patterns and ultimately increase the risk of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of patients at risk of ARFID among individuals with quiescent IBD and IBS-type symptoms, and to evaluate its association with the FODMAP intake. A cross-sectional study was conducted on adult IBD patients followed in a tertiary Belgian center whose recent work-up showed endoscopic and biological remission as per STRIDE II criteria. Self-administered questionnaires (NIAS-Fr, SCOFF-F, FFQ-FODMAP-BE, GAD-7, PHQ-9, IBS SSS, PRO-2, HBI) were completed remotely via REDCap. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed, with the significant threshold fixed at 5%. Sixty-two patients were enrolled (65% female, 66% Crohn's disease, mean age 39 ± 14 years). Overall, 16 patients (26%) were screened positive for ARFID risk. Among these 16 patients, the distribution across subscales (picky eater, small appetite, fear of eating) was as follows: 63% (10/16) fulfilled one subscale, 31% (5/16) fulfilled two subscales, 6% (1/16) fulfilled all three. Higher IBS symptom severity was associated with a higher risk of positive screening for ARFID. In a multivariate logistic regression model, positive screening for risk of ARFID was associated with mild FODMAP consumption (FFQ-FODMAP-BE < 1.80) and anxiety. One in four patients with quiescent IBD has a positive screening for ARFID. Anxiety and low FODMAP intakes are associated with positive screening.
Ableism is biased covert behavior or overtly discriminatory actions against people who are disabled. Ableism often involves words and actions that convey an attitude or belief that disabled people are inferior to nondisabled people, irrespective of whether the person holding these views (i.e., private events) is aware that their thoughts are biased or actions are discriminatory. All people have biases that have grown out of their exposure to harmful social norms, models, and observational learning as well as experiences and contingencies. As practitioners, administrators, instructors, and scientists, we are responsible for recognizing our own biases and actively working to alter our words and behavior so that our biases do not manifest in discrimination. This paper describes ableism and its impact on applied behavior analytic (ABA) practices, services, and supports and on the Autistic people we serve. The authors provide a brief discussion of the current efforts to reform ABA services and where they view anti-ableism is situated in the reform ABA movement. Then the bulk of the paper features examples of ableist practices and suggestions for dismantling ableism in ABA practice. Although these suggestions largely have not yet been submitted to empirical investigation, the general paucity of research in this area combined with the ethical directive to avoid discrimination requires practitioners to begin this work while empirical research is in its infancy. The companion article "Ableism in Applied Behavior Analysis: Historical Context of Services for Autistic People" (McComas et al., in press) provides a more in-depth exploration of the historical context of ableism in ABA.
To determine whether women in the medical field have different reproductive plans compared to women in other areas of higher education. Also, to assess their knowledge of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and their interest in oocyte cryopreservation. This cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted using an anonymous online questionnaire administered between November and December 2024. The study included Brazilian women who were nulliparous, had higher education, and were divided into two groups: the study group (medical students and physicians) and the comparison group (women from other higher education fields). The questionnaire covered sociodemographic data, lifestyle habits, professional trajectories, affective relationships, reproductive intentions, and knowledge about ART. A total of 905 women were included. The groups they were divided into had a similar age distribution. Most participants were aged between 18 and 29 years. The study group (n=490) reported higher income, greater levels of physical activity, and less smoking (p<0.0001). The impact of workload on relationship quality, academic plans, partner preferences, and perceived professional impact was more significant in the study group compared with controls (p<0.0001). They more frequently cited the demands of the medical profession as detrimental to their relationships. A higher proportion of women in this group planned to conceive later in life (61.8% vs. 34.1%; p<0.0001). Knowledge and acceptance of ART, especially oocyte cryopreservation, were significantly higher, with over 58% considering future use. A medical career greatly affects women's reproductive choices, resulting in delayed motherhood despite strong reproductive desires. Providing early access to fertility education and ART options could be a strategy to promote reproductive autonomy among women in medicine.
Injuries that occur on the road are greatly affecting young children across the globe. Learning about the myths future parents may have and the barriers they may face is important. This study aimed to assess parental awareness, trust, cultural factors, and barriers related to the use and correct use of child car seats among parents of young children in Iran. This cross-sectional study included approximately 750 parents of children aged 1-3 years in Tabriz, Iran. The data were collected via a structured questionnaire conducted at 19 public health centers. An expert panel confirmed content validity (CVI = 0.89; CVR range: 0.71-1.00), and internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.82). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential methods, including chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, and regression models. Although 92% of participants owned a car, only 47% owned a child car seat, and 55% reported rarely or never using one. Awareness of age and weight recommendations was high (85%), but knowledge of correct installation was lower (62%). Car seat use was significantly lower during city trips (45%) compared to out-of-city trips (82%) (d = 1.25). Consistent fastening of the child's seatbelt during city trips was 28%. Significant predictors of fastening the seatbelt include Trust (β = 0.45), Education (β = 0.30), and Risk Perception. Major barriers included high cost (62%), lack of awareness (55%), and cultural practices such as holding children on laps (50%). High vehicle ownership alone does not ensure child safety. Multilevel interventions combining skills-based education, affordability, product quality assurance, social norm change, and policy enforcement are needed to improve both the use and correct use of child car seats.
To investigate the risk factors, reasons, and survival outcomes associated with refusal of surgery for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Surgery is the only curative treatment for CRLM, however, some patients refuse. The risk factors and reasons for refusal remain uninvestigated in patients with CRLM. Patients with resectable and operable CRLM referred for treatment at Copenhagen University Hospital (2013-2023), were identified through the Danish Liver Cancer Group registry. Those who refused surgery were matched 1:4 by WHO performance status with patients who accepted surgery. Data were retrieved from medical records. Risk factors were evaluated using Conditional Logistic Regression. Reasons for refusal were described by frequencies. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox Regression. Among 2,727 patients referred for treatment, 1,478 were resectable and operable. Twenty-one patients (1.4%) refused surgery. Lower BMI and longer time since the primary tumor diagnosis increased the odds of refusing surgery by 15% per kg/m2 (95% CI 0.76-0.99) and 3% per month (95% CI 1.01-1.06), respectively. Reasons for refusal included declining further surgery, logistical priorities, preference for chemotherapy and self-assessed unfitness. Patients who refused surgery had significantly lower overall survival (p < 0.003) and higher mortality risk (HR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.02-3.43). This study is the first to identify risk factors and reasons for refusal of surgery in CRLM. The findings provide insight into motivational and prognostic considerations that may support shared decision-making. Further research across cancer types is needed to optimize patient care.
Hyperaccumulators have made significant strides in the field of phytoremediation due to their high capacity for heavy metal accumulation, but the safe disposal and resource utilization of metal-rich biomass after harvest remain major challenges. Although significant progress has been made in the past five years in the preparation of single-atom catalysts (SACs) using hyperaccumulators as precursors, there is still a lack of a comprehensive summary of the intrinsic relationship between heavy metal migration and speciation within plants and the structural properties of SACs. In this review, we present the design, preparation, and application of hyperaccumulator-derived SACs in environmental catalysis. We first summarize the biochemical mechanisms underlying the rhizosphere activation, trans-membrane transport, and long-distance transport of heavy metals (HMs) by hyperaccumulator. Subsequently, we focus on the distribution patterns, chemical speciation, and natural coordination environments of HMs and other elements at the subcellular level. Through representative case studies, we elucidate the critical regulatory roles of the speciation and spatial distribution of HMs within hyperaccumulators in defect formation and active site formation, as well as the evolution of pore structures during pyrolysis. Finally, we discuss the key challenges and future opportunities in this field and offer prospects for the resource utilization of hyperaccumulators and the green synthesis of high-performance SACs.
Hospital-at-home (HaH) models may alleviate bed capacity constraints and reduce hospital-associated risks. Evidence on patient physical activity and patient experience in hybrid HaH for adults with acute conditions remains limited. To estimate whether a hybrid HaH model increases early physical activity and patient satisfaction without compromising safety or clinical outcomes compared with standard brick-and-mortar (BAM) care. This single-center, investigator-initiated nonblinded randomized clinical trial was conducted at 2 internal medical wards at a regional public hospital providing acute and emergency care in Denmark. Enrollment was from June 1, 2023, to January 31, 2025; follow-up continued to May 20, 2025. Adults (aged ≥18 years) admitted for acute illness were screened for eligibility. Key exclusions included unstable clinical condition, major physical or cognitive impairment, limited Danish proficiency, and pregnancy. The hybrid HaH program (Influenzer) included remote patient monitoring via a patient-facing app and clinical dashboard with oversight 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; weekday virtual ward rounds; and home-based clinical tasks. BAM patients received standard inpatient care. Coprimary outcomes were physical activity during the first 24 hours after randomization and patient-reported satisfaction and perceived safety shortly after discharge. Secondary outcomes included mortality (7, 30, and 90 days), readmissions (30 and 90 days), and adverse events of special interest during admission. Of 230 participants assessed for eligibility, 111 were randomized. The HaH model included 58 participants (median age, 64 [IQR, 50-75] years; 30 males [52%]); BAM included 53 participants (median age, 65 [IQR, 57-73] years; 28 males [53%]). HaH participants were significantly more physically active than BAM participants (adjusted mean difference, 1763 steps [95% CI, 153 to 3373 steps]; P = .03). Satisfaction was higher in HaH vs BAM (mean [SD] score, 4.41 [0.79] vs 4.10 [0.81]; mean difference, 0.31 [95% CI, -0.03 to 0.65]; P = .04), while perceived safety was similarly high across groups (mean [SD] score, HaH: 4.37 [0.88] vs BAM 4.23 [0.83]; mean difference, 0.14 [95% CI, -0.22 to 0.50]; P = .24). No significant differences were observed in any of the recorded safety events. In this randomized clinical trial of adults receiving medical care for acute conditions at home, hybrid HaH was associated with greater early physical activity and patient satisfaction, with no signal of excess harm compared with BAM care. Future multicenter studies should incorporate frailty measures and assess durability and linkage to clinical end points. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05920304.
caregiver-led training programmes aim to address gaps in rehabilitation services for children with cerebral palsy (CP) in rural Malawi. This qualitative study explored the benefits of implementing such a programme in a rural setting in Malawi. a qualitative study was conducted in August 2023, involving in-depth interviews with 11 caregivers, four expert caregivers, and two physiotherapists who participated in the Malamulele Onward Carer-2-Carer Training Programme. Data were analyzed thematically using four constructs of the RE-AIM framework: reach, effectiveness, adoption, and maintenance. caregivers reported improved knowledge of CP, enhanced caregiving skills, and positive shifts in attitudes, contributing to better well-being for themselves and their children. The programme fostered family engagement, dispelled myths about CP, and increased community awareness. Notably, caregivers trained by fellow caregivers described a stronger sense of empowerment, increased confidence in their caregiving abilities, and greater willingness to share knowledge within their communities. Physiotherapists observed that caregiver-led facilitation encouraged peer support and collective problem-solving. Additionally, physiotherapists gained confidence in managing CP and experienced reduced workloads as caregivers took on more responsibilities. Potential for maintenance of caregiving practices and community engagement was evident; however, long-term sustainability and scalability will require structured policy-level support. this qualitative study demonstrates caregivers´ and physiotherapists´ perceived improvements in knowledge, skills, attitudes, and well-being, alongside enhanced social inclusion and reduced stigma associated with participation in the caregiver-led training programme. These findings suggest that caregiver-led approaches may hold potential for scalability and sustainability in low-resource settings, offering an accessible strategy for addressing rehabilitation gaps.
Global population aging has precipitated an increased demand for professional geriatric care while facing a shortage of nursing personnel and inconsistent attitudes toward older adults care among nursing students. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to examine nursing student's attitudes toward older adults care and the factors that influence these attitudes in order to optimize the education of geriatric nurses. This meta-analysis was reported following the PRISMA 2020 Checklist. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang data, VIP, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System were systematically searched from inception to July 4, 2024, to identify cross-sectional surveys reporting nursing student's attitudes toward older adults. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software after two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted information, and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to address heterogeneity. Funnel plots and Egger's test were used to assess the publication bias. Sixty-four studies of nursing student's attitudes toward geriatric care from 11 countries, 47 using KAOP 34-238 and 17 using KAOP 34-204, involved 19,933 and 4,399 nursing students, respectively. Fifty-six studies were assessed as being of high or moderate quality, while eight studies were classified as low quality. Regarding nursing students' attitudes toward older adults, the results of the meta-analysis showed that the KAOP 34-238 score was 146.41 (95% CI: 141.16-151.66, I 2 = 99.8%), and the KAOP 34-204 score was 130.95 (95% CI: 125.53-136.39, I 2 = 99.5%). Subgroup analyses of these predictor variables revealed that nursing students showed statistically significant differences in the following factors (p < 0.05): gender, having lived with and caring for an older person, having taken a course in geriatric care, selecting nursing as their first choice, and student grade level. The attitude of nursing students toward older adults is generally positive. Future studies should be designed with higher quality to explore the relationship between attitudes toward older people and nursing students' willingness to work in geriatric care. CRD42022348244.
Management of children's behavior at dental offices remains an ongoing challenge. Encouraging a sense of control in children is an effective noninvasive behavior management technique recognized for reducing disruptive behavior in the dental clinic. Allowing child to choose the color of their restoration might give them a sense of autonomy, which may improve their attitude toward oral hygiene practices. Assessment of the motivational effect of colored compomer on children's oral hygiene and to evaluate parental acceptance of the same. A cohort study was conducted with 40 children aged 5-8 years. Parents' consent was obtained prior to the procedure. Based on their preferred compomer, group I selected colored compomer (Twinky Star), while group II selected conventional compomer. Oral hygiene was evaluated using the oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S) and plaque at baseline, at 3 weeks, and 3 months postrestoration. Parental acceptance of the colored compomer was assessed using a validated questionnaire. At a 3-week interval, the OHI-S score shows no statistically significant difference between the study group (1.27 ± 0.38) and the control group (1.45 ± 0.44; p > 0.05). However, plaque scores were statistically significant in the study group (0.83 ± 0.33) when compared to the control (1.09 ± 0.29; p < 0.01). After 3 months, a statistically significant difference was seen in OHI-S (0.81 ± 0.26) and plaque scores (0.53 ± 0.17) than the control group (1.13 ± 0.44 and 0.83 ± 0.22, respectively; p < 0.05). Colored compomer might act as a motivating tool, improving children's oral hygiene, and was well accepted by parents. Ratnaparkhi I, Winnier J, Naik SS, et al. Evaluating the Impact of Colored Compomer on Oral Hygiene in 5-8-year-old Children and Assessment of Parental Acceptance: A Cohort Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(3):292-295.
Exercise is a safe, effective intervention for improving health-related outcomes in people living with chronic conditions and multimorbidity. ExWell Medical is a community-based, medically designed group exercise programme for people living with chronic conditions in Ireland. We aimed to evaluate the longitudinal association of ExWell with health-related outcomes and to explore the association of these outcomes with programme adherence. We employed a prospective cohort study design. All participants attending an ExWell Medical induction in the Dublin/Kildare regions January-September 2023 were invited to participate. At baseline, 12 and 24 weeks we collected data on socio-demographics; health status, health behaviours; measures of physical function, patient-reported outcomes. Of the 2219 patients referred to ExWell, 1364 attended an induction and 1289 agreed to participate, mean age 69 years (SD: 10.90 CI: 68.84-70.06), 60% female, living with a mean of 3.29 (SD: 2.17 CI: 3.17-3.40) chronic conditions. 725 (56%) completed assessments at the primary endpoint (24 weeks). There were significant improvements in body mass index, gait speed, a range of timed tests, health related quality of life, self-efficacy, stages of adopting exercise, a modest reduction in alcohol consumption, no significant change in smoking, an increase in physical activity but not sufficient to meet current guidelines, with programme adherence significantly associated with better outcomes. There were no improvements in grip strength, fear of falling, pain, smoking prevalence. Participation in the ExWell programme was associated with significant improvements in some health-related outcomes in community-dwelling adults living with one or more chronic conditions.