New research and findings from open-access journals and the U.S. research agencies.
This cross-sectional study collects and analyzes clinician and parent perspectives on pediatric oncology clinical trial participation among children from historically marginalized groups.
This cohort study evaluates the association of diagnostic stewardship of endotracheal aspirate cultures using clinical decision support with culture rates, antibiotic use, and patient outcomes across a multicenter collaborative of pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).
This nonrandomized clinical trial evaluates the association of neighborhood environmental interventions with opioid overdose rates in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This cohort study evaluates changes in global and domain-specific cognitive function after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.
by Alice Rhiannon Lee, Daniel B. Hawcutt, Jennifer K. Quint, Ian P. Sinha Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) research has long emphasized maternal pregnancy behaviors as key determinants of child health. New evidence recently published in PLOS Medicine suggests the greatest opportunities to improve child health may lie in tackling socioeconomic disadvantage rather than maternal behavior alone. Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) research has long emphasized maternal pregnancy behaviors as key determinants of child health. In this Perspective, Alice Rhiannon Lee…
Objectives To explore the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of poverty, assessed by deprivation index (DI) and income, with anxiety and stress among adults Design Longitudinal cohort observational study Setting A cohort of adults established in 2014–2015 (T1) in Hong Kong. Participants 493 participants (177 men, median age 56 years) were followed up in the third wave of household survey in 2021–2022 (T3). Main outcome measures Self-reported equivalised household income and DI, measured as material and social deprivation, were recorded. Anxiety and stress were assessed using the…
Introduction Despite increased awareness of its multi-dimensional nature, pain remains often underestimated, and its management across different therapeutic areas remains complex. A patient-centred approach is needed to bridge the gap between clinical assessment and individual experience. This project aimed to explore the pain experience across different therapeutic areas through narrative medicine (NM). DIAMOND, the project name, is not an acronym but a symbol meant to shed light on physical and mental pain. Methods DIAMOND involved 19 Italian centres and collected narratives from patients…
Objectives To investigate the association between exposure to specific endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), air pollutants and the risk of localised prostate cancer (PCa) and to evaluate the combined effect of mixed EDC exposures. Design A case–control study. Setting Secondary care; a single tertiary hospital in Western China. Participants A total of 580 patients with histologically confirmed localised PCa who underwent radical prostatectomy between May 2021 and June 2023 were included as cases. They were matched 1:2 with 1160 cancer-free controls from the same cohort on age (±5…
Introduction People living with rare diseases in Africa face substantial barriers to accessing healthcare services, including delayed diagnoses, limited treatment options and fragmented care systems. The main objective of the scoping review is to explore and map existing interventions designed to improve access to healthcare services for individuals living with rare diseases across the African continent. Methods Design: The scoping review will be conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley framework, further refined by the enhancements proposed by Levac and colleagues. The process will follow six…
Background Self-management behaviours are crucial for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) but adherence is often poor. Most studies treat diabetes self-management (DSM) behaviours as a single construct, ignoring variations in behavioural patterns and their metabolic impacts. Objectives This study aims to identify distinct DSM behaviour profiles in T2DM patients, explore associated factors, and compare their metabolic outcomes. Design A multicentre cross-sectional study. Setting The study was conducted from March to September 2024 at four tertiary care hospitals. Participants A…
Introduction Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in childhood. Although an estimated 60 000 children live with CP in Vietnam, there is no national register to systematically collect data on the prevalence, risk factors or clinical profile of CP or service access. This paper outlines the protocol for establishing the Vietnam Cerebral Palsy Register (VCPR), a national register which will be co-designed by researchers and clinicians in collaboration with the Cerebral Palsy Family Association of Vietnam (CPFAV). The VCPR aims to inform service planning, policy and research…
Introduction Recurrent stroke prevention is important for people who have suffered a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA), as they are at increased risk of having another stroke. Nevertheless, treatment adherence is often low. Therefore, the StrokeCompass project was initiated to enhance medication adherence by empowering individuals who have had a stroke to take an active role in recurrent stroke prevention and medication management. In accordance with the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) guidelines, a complex intervention was developed that integrated evidence-based decision aids and…
Objective To map the current evidence on components of fitness, physical activity and health-related quality of life, in addition to common fitness and health-related quality of life outcomes and assessment tools, explore existing evidence on the design and effects of muscle-strengthening activities on health-related quality of life, and map the research on the barriers and facilitators to engagement in physical activities, specifically muscle-strengthening activities, in adults living with fibromyalgia. Design Scoping review of published articles. Data sources Electronic databases (PubMed…
Background Osteopathic education is typically delivered through accredited higher education institutions with curricula not only varying widely but also inconsistently aligned with contemporary evidence. This lack of standardisation creates challenges in accreditation, workforce mobility and public understanding of the osteopathic role. Objective The objective of this study aims to develop international expert consensus on core osteopathic capabilities through a structured Delphi process. Methods and analysis This protocol describes a three-round modified Delphi study involving international…
Objectives This paper constitutes an intervention development paper, illustrating the application of the person-based approach to planning and developing a digital transdiagnostic intervention to support Portuguese adults in managing their stress and emotions, thereby enhancing their mental health. Design A multi-method intervention development study following the person-based approach (Phase I: collating and analysing evidence; Phase II: creating the intervention plan). Evidence from three quantitative studies, examining emotional schemas, psychological flexibility, and mental health in the…
Introduction Medical advancements have led to increased survival for critically ill children, many of whom require tracheostomy. Standardised protocols in paediatric tracheostomy have been associated with reduced hospital length of stay, lower readmission rates and reduced acute healthcare costs, without compromising safety. DECIDE-T (Digital hEalth pathway for ChIldren with meDical complExity requiring Tracheostomy) is a novel initiative that moves beyond single-site quality-improvement efforts to deliver a provincially coordinated, multicentre digital care pathway integrated into the…
Objectives To explore barriers and facilitators to implementing the ROWTATE vocational rehabilitation intervention and identify lessons for future service delivery. Design Qualitative interview implementation study embedded within the development and evaluation of a complex health intervention, guided by the UK Medical Research Council framework. Setting National Health Service (NHS) major trauma services in England. The ROWTATE intervention included early vocational assessment lasting up to 12 months, case management, employer engagement and coordinated multidisciplinary support between…
Background Completing continuous maternity care (COCMC) is crucial for preventing morbidity and mortality, but a low proportion of mothers use it. There is a paucity of evidence about the level of COCMC and the associated factors in agro-pastoralist communities. Objective To identify and compare the level of COCMC and associated factors among pastoralist and agrarian communities in Ari and South Omo zones. Design A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2024. Setting A comparative study on COCMC was conducted in Ari and South Omo zones of South…
Objectives To analyse the association between organisational patient safety practices, including training in patient safety and clinical simulation, and safety culture and adverse event (AE) reporting in paediatric emergency departments. Design Observational analytical multicentre cross-sectional study. Setting 19 paediatric emergency departments at different levels of healthcare. Participants Healthcare professionals working in paediatric emergency departments. Interventions Not applicable Primary and secondary outcomes Safety culture was analysed using the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety…
Objectives Tuberculosis (TB) remains underdiagnosed in many high-burden countries due to high costs and limited availability of rapid molecular tests. Globally, only half of people with TB receive a molecular test as their initial diagnostic test. Pooled testing combines sputum samples from multiple individuals into a single molecular assay, offering cost savings by optimising existing resources, particularly in resource-constrained health systems. Although pooled sputum testing has now been recommended by the World Health Organization in 2026, evidence on real-world feasibility and…
Introduction Acute radiation dermatitis is a common adverse reaction in radiotherapy, especially in patients with rectal cancer undergoing radiotherapy. At present, acute radiation dermatitis of the perianal skin has received widespread attention; however, acute radiation skin injury of the anal canal skin has not received sufficient attention. These patients mainly complain of anal pain, which seriously affects their quality of life. Mepilex Lite dressings have been recommended for the treatment of acute radiation dermatitis and have a definite effect. However, there is limited research on…
Takeda has dropped another celiac disease therapy from its phase 2 pipeline, leaving the company with just one shot at treating the condition.
Public Health
Oncology