• Longitudinal Outcomes of Dolutegravir-Based Antiretroviral Therapy in a Large Nigerian Programmatic HIV-1 Cohort, 2017-2019.
    3 days ago
    In a retrospective Nigerian cohort of 33 982 people with HIV-1 initiating or switching to tenofovir, lamivudine, and dolutegravir, virological suppression reached 80%-82% among participants with available viral load data and 63%-65% by intention-to-treat analysis. Suppression was higher among switchers, while age and gender predicted suppression.
    Non-Communicable Diseases
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  • Integrating Siddha dietary principles with alternative protein systems: A pathway toward sustainable and functional nutrition.
    3 days ago
    The world food systems are facing the fundamental challenges that are being necessitated by climatic changes, increasing population count, protein demand and the escalating non-communicable diseases. Ecological nutrition approaches should therefore be concerned with ecological stability and functional health outcomes. The South Indian traditional medicine is Siddha medicine, an ancient system that provides a constitution-based dietary system that focuses on the three humours, i.e., Vatham, Pitham and Kabam, and the concept of food as medicine. In line with this, other proteins, such as plant-based, microbial and insect-derived proteins and cultivated proteins, have also become viable options to minimise the environmental impact of traditional livestock production and satisfy the human protein needs. This review explains how the bridging of Siddha nutrition philosophy and current alternative-protein innovation can be affected to suggest a unified and sustainable mix of food. It also critically reviews the Siddha dietary categories, methods of digestive improvement, fermentation and detoxification methods, and how they correlate to the bioavailability, digestibility, and activity of other proteins. The sustainability of the environment is determined in terms of Siddha ecological ethics and the life-cycle assessment of alternative protein systems. The issues of safety, allergenicity, cultural acceptance, and the regulatory viewpoints are also considered in favour of the support of translational applicability. Lastly, the review provides future research directions such as personalized nutrition based on constitutions, integrative clinical validation models, and the innovation strategies of functional foods. Applying the Siddha wisdom to the other protein science provides a culturally based, ecologically sustainable and functional-driven concept that can be used to achieve sustainable food transitions and enhance global health outcomes.
    Non-Communicable Diseases
    Care/Management
  • Achievement of Guideline-Recommended Targets in Stroke Survivors in Guangdong Province, China.
    3 days ago
    The achievement of guideline-recommended care targets for stroke survivors in China has remained inadequately understood.

    This study aimed to assess the proportions of stroke survivors who achieved the 7 main risk factors according to the Chinese stroke prevention and control guidelines.

    Using the data from the China national stroke screening survey in Guangdong Province, we assessed the control status of 7 modifiable risk factors in 3,305 stroke patients, including blood pressure, blood lipids, blood glucose, smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity, and obesity. Estimates were compared by sex, age, income level, and education level. We also investigated the factors associated with the achievement of risk factor control targets.

    The proportion of stroke patients who achieved joint control of all 3 metabolic risk factors (blood pressure, lipids, and glucose) was extremely low at 2.9% (95% CI: 2.4%-3.6%), and that of patients who achieved behavioral and lifestyle risk factors (smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity, and obesity) was 21.1% (95% CI: 19.7%-22.5%). Only 0.4% (95% CI: 0.2%-0.7%) of all stroke patients achieved guideline-recommended targets for all 7 modifiable risk factors. Sex, education level, and income were potential influencing factors of risk factor control.

    Stroke remains a significant public health challenge in China. The multifactorial control of risk factors among community-dwelling stroke patients in China remains suboptimal, with substantial gaps in achieving guideline-recommended targets, particularly for metabolic risk factors. Future efforts should strengthen secondary stroke prevention management and health education initiatives to mitigate the poor prognosis associated with inadequate control of risk factors.
    Non-Communicable Diseases
    Cardiovascular diseases
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  • Association between dietary folic acid intake and diabetic retinopathy among patients with diabetes: An analysis of 2005-2008 NHANES data.
    3 days ago
    Dietary folic acid (FA) intake may reduce homocysteine levels and alleviate oxidative stress, both of which are closely associated with the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study aims to investigate the association between dietary FA intake and DR among patients with diabetes aged ≥40 years in the United States.

    Data from the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used. The study population comprised 3 220 patients previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, after excluding patients with diabetes who had missing data on dietary FA intake or DR. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between dietary FA intake and the prevalence of DR, with subgroup analyses and interaction tests performed. Smooth curve fitting was used to explore the potential nonlinear relationship between dietary FA intake and DR.

    After adjustment for potential confounders, higher dietary FA intake was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of DR (OR=0.394, 95% CI 0.193 to 0.804, P=0.011). Smooth curve fitting revealed a predominantly linear, inverse dose-response relationship between dietary FA intake and the odds of DR, with no significant non-linearity detected (P value for non-linearity=0.6535). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that the inverse association remained consistent across subgroups stratified by sex, age, body mass index (BMI), education level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia (all P values for interaction >0.05).

    Among adults with diabetes aged ≥40 years in the United States who were diagnosed clinically or based on biochemical testing, higher dietary FA intake is significantly associated with a lower prevalence of DR. Future prospective studies are needed to clarify the causal relationship and underlying mechanisms.
    Diabetes
    Cardiovascular diseases
    Diabetes type 2
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  • [Analysis of influencing factors and construction of a predictive model for cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus].
    3 days ago
    Objective: To investigate the influencing factors for cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to develop a predictive model. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data of 831 patients with T2DM hospitalized in the Suqian Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University from September 2024 to December 2025. Patients were divided into a training set (n=581) and a validation set (n=250) at a 7∶3 ratio using a random number table method. According to the presence of CAN, patients in the training set were further classified into the non-CAN group (n=307) and the CAN group (n=274). Compare the differences in various indicators between the two groups. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze influencing factors for CAN in patients with T2DM, and a nomogram prediction model was constructed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis were adopted to evaluate the predictive performance, accuracy and clinical applicability of the model. Results: In the training set, patients in the CAN group presented higher age, diabetes duration, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), neutrophil count, platelet count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and systemic inflammatory response index compared with the non-CAN group. By contrast, height, body weight, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, fasting C-peptide and fasting insulin were lower in the CAN group (all P<0.05). The proportions of diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic peripheral neuropathy, history of hypertension, history of cardiovascular disease, history of stroke, anti-platelet agent use and insulin use were higher in the CAN group than in the non-CAN group (all P<0.05). Seven variables were screened out via LASSO regression analysis, including DR, age, diabetes duration, HbA1c, NLR, PLR and SII. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that DR (OR=2.29, 95%CI: 1.48-3.56), longer diabetes duration (OR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.01-1.08), advancing age (OR=1.06, 95%CI: 1.04-1.09), elevated HbA1c (OR=1.23, 95%CI: 1.13-1.36), increased NLR (OR=2.23, 95%CI: 1.36-3.69) and elevated PLR (OR=1.01, 95%CI: 1.00-1.02) were influencing factors for CAN in patients with T2DM. The nomogram prediction model constructed with the above 6 variables yielded AUC values of 0.839 (95%CI: 0.807-0.871) and 0.787 (95%CI: 0.732-0.843) for predicting CAN among T2DM patients in the training set and validation set, respectively. The corresponding sensitivity was 81.4% and 71.3%, and the specificity was 71.7% and 73.3%. Calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between predicted and observed CAN outcomes in both the training and validation sets. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed satisfactory calibration for the training set (χ²=6.701, P=0.461) and validation set (χ²=12.139, P=0.096). The decision curve analysis demonstrated that the model exhibits favorable clinical applicability when the threshold probability of the training set ranges from 1% to 88%, and that of the validation set ranges from 3% to 80%. Conclusions: DR, longer diabetes duration, advanced age, elevated HbA1c, increased NLR and elevated PLR are risk factors for CAN in patients with T2DM. The nomogram prediction model established based on these variables can intuitively and individually assess the risk of CAN in patients with T2DM.
    Diabetes
    Cardiovascular diseases
    Diabetes type 2
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  • [Progress in research of association between bone mineral density and fracture in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus].
    3 days ago
    Although type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients have normal or even elevated bone mineral density, they still face increased risk for fracture, a phenomenon known as the "Diabetes-bone mineral density paradox". This paper summarizes current domestic and international evidences regarding changes in bone mineral density, fracture risk, and the potential underlying mechanisms in patients with T2DM. Existing studies indicate that bone mineral density changes in T2DM patients are heterogeneous. In contrast, evidence for an increased fracture risk is relatively consistent, especially for hip fractures. Potential mechanisms might involve enhanced bone formation associated with hyperinsulinemia, as well as the combined effects of advanced glycation end products accumulation, low bone turnover, microarchitectural deterioration, and impaired bone quality. The "diabetes-bone mineral density paradox" suggests that the assessment of diabetes-related bone fragility should not rely solely on bone mineral density, but also consider bone quality and bone microstructure parameters. Multidimensional prospective studies are needed in the future to further improve fracture risk assessment for patients with T2DM.
    Diabetes
    Diabetes type 2
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  • Cord blood 25(OH)D in high-risk pregnancies: An ANCOVA-based analysis in hypertensive disorders, severe anaemia, and gestational diabetes.
    3 days ago
    Cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] at birth reflects maternal vitamin D availability and maternal-fetal handling. We compared cord 25(OH)D across hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), severe anaemia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and healthy controls using ANCOVA to determine whether group differences persisted after accounting for maternal substrate availability.

    This cross-sectional comparative study enrolled 400 primigravida women presenting in active labour at ≥34 weeks gestation: HDP (n = 75), severe anaemia (haemoglobin <7 g/dL; n = 75), GDM (n = 50), and uncomplicated controls (n = 200). The primary ANCOVA adjusted for maternal 25(OH)D and clinical group; a pre-specified sensitivity analysis additionally adjusted for gestational age and birthweight.

    In the primary ANCOVA, HDP was associated with a cord blood deficit (B = -6.14, p < 0.001) and severe anaemia with a smaller deficit (B = -2.93, p < 0.001); GDM was not significantly different from controls. After additional adjustment for gestational age and birthweight, deficits remained significant for HDP (B = -4.85, p < 0.001) and anaemia (B = -1.95, p = 0.002). No HDP neonate met the pre-specified sufficiency threshold of ≥20 ng/mL (0/75, 0.0%; 95% CI 0.0-4.8%).

    HDP remained associated with substantially lower cord 25(OH)D after adjustment for maternal levels, gestational age, and birthweight. This residual association is compatible with altered maternal-fetal vitamin D handling but, given cross-sectional sampling at delivery and absence of direct placental measurements, does not establish impaired placental transport. Severe anaemia showed a smaller residual deficit; GDM showed no significant deficit.
    Diabetes
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  • Association of Oral Health Assessment Tool Findings With Periodontal Screening Outcomes in Adults With Diabetes.
    3 days ago
    Periodontal disease is common among adults with diabetes, yet periodontal screening is rarely incorporated into routine outpatient diabetes care. The Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) is a structured observational tool designed for non-dental healthcare professionals; however, its relationship with periodontal screening findings remains unclear.

    To examine the association between OHAT findings and periodontal screening outcomes in adults attending diabetes outpatient clinics.

    This cross-sectional study included adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes at a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia. Periodontal screening was performed using the Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) system, and oral health was assessed using OHAT. Periodontal status was dichotomized as no/mild (PSR 0-2) versus moderate-to-severe (PSR ≥ 3). Logistic regression examined associations of OHAT domains and total OHAT burden with periodontal status. Covariate-adjusted models assessed robustness. Screening performance was evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values.

    Among 120 participants (mean age 61.5 years, 64.2% with type 2 diabetes), 71.4% demonstrated moderate-to-severe periodontal findings. Mean OHAT score was 4.99 (SD 2.02). Change/unhealthy ratings for tongue (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.30-8.02), gums and oral tissues (OR 4.59, 95% CI 1.78-11.85), and increasing categories of decayed teeth (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.05-4.05) were associated with moderate-to-severe findings. Higher total OHAT score (> 5 vs. ≤ 5) was strongly associated with moderate-to-severe periodontal findings (OR 7.00, 95% CI 2.25-21.76), with consistent results. This threshold showed high specificity (87.5%) and positive predictive value (90.9%), but moderate sensitivity (50.0%).

    OHAT findings were associated with moderate-to-severe periodontal screening findings among adults with diabetes, supporting further evaluation of OHAT as a pragmatic screening and referral aid in settings where formal periodontal assessment is not routinely available. Its performance when administered by non-dental clinicians requires further investigation.
    Diabetes
    Diabetes type 1
    Diabetes type 2
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  • Frequency of Key Type 1 Diabetes Self-Care Behaviours Are Associated With Psychological Flexibility, Distress and Glycaemic Outcome.
    3 days ago
    Living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) requires multiple daily self-care behaviours. Identifying important self-care behaviours associated with health and wellbeing has the potential to support a goal-focussed and person-centred consultation. We describe diabetes self-care behaviours and their associations with clinical outcomes including glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) and diabetes distress, and characterise key behavioural measures associated with poorer outcomes that could be targeted via behavioural intervention.

    Cross-sectional study involving 105 adults with T1D attending a tertiary diabetes outpatient clinic. Self-report questionnaires administered during routine appointments assessed diabetes self-care behaviours, measures of distress and psychological flexibility. Associations between behaviours, HbA1C and distress were examined. Cluster analysis identified subgroups of participants with similar profiles, providing insights into frequency of self-care behaviours, HbA1C and distress.

    Half the participants reported lower frequencies of some key behaviours than generally considered necessary to manage day-to-day glucose variations. HbA1C less than 64 mmol/mol (< 8%) was associated with higher frequency of glucose checks, frequency of insulin administration, less prandial insulin omission, and days having hypoglycaemia treatment food available. Clinically significant distress was associated with less frequent insulin administration and less frequent glucose checks before administering insulin. Higher perceived attainment of diabetes self-care goals and psychological flexibility were associated with lower HbA1C and distress.

    A point of care self-reported questionnaire can identify the frequency of clinically meaningful self-care behaviours, particularly those most strongly associated with glycaemia and/or distress. This could inform targeted strategies to enhance health outcomes. A prospective study is necessary to test whether routine collection of behavioural information would enhance personalised approaches to diabetes care.
    Diabetes
    Diabetes type 1
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  • Incidence and Time to Onset of Pseudophakic Cystoid Macular Edema (Irvine-Gass Syndrome) After 1,325 Consecutive Cataract Surgeries Performed by a Single Surgeon Over Four Years.
    3 days ago
    Objectives Macular edema after cataract surgery is known as pseudophakic cystoid macular edema or Irvine-Gass syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and time to onset of cystoid macular edema after uncomplicated cataract surgery. Methods  A retrospective review was conducted of 1,325 consecutive cataract surgeries performed by a single surgeon at a single institution over four years, from January 2022 to December 2025. Results Among 1,325 eyes, one or more macular cysts were detected by optical coherence tomography in 27 eyes (2.0%) of 22 patients who complained of blurred vision or decreased visual acuity after having no symptoms immediately after surgery. The 22 patients (27 eyes: 12 right and 15 left) comprised 12 men and 10 women. Their ages at the time of surgery ranged from 57 to 82 years, with a median of 75.5 years. Of the 27 eyes that developed macular cysts, 13 eyes with no preoperative or intraoperative risk factors for inflammation received topical 0.1% bromfenac twice daily as the only postoperative anti-inflammatory treatment, together with topical antibacterial 0.5% moxifloxacin four times daily. In contrast, the remaining 14 eyes, which had risk factors for inflammation, such as exfoliation, floppy iris, poor mydriasis, extracapsular cataract extraction, or diabetes mellitus, received topical bromfenac twice daily and 0.1% betamethasone (or 0.1% fluorometholone in two eyes) four times daily, as well as topical moxifloxacin. The time from surgery to the diagnosis of macular cysts ranged from one week to eight months, with a median of two weeks, in the 13 eyes treated with topical bromfenac only. In the 14 eyes treated with the combination of topical bromfenac and betamethasone, the time to diagnosis ranged from two weeks to 13 months, with a median of two months. In 26 of the 27 eyes, the macular cysts disappeared and visual acuity returned to normal without residual symptoms within two weeks to seven months, with a median of one month, after topical betamethasone four times daily was initiated or resumed. Conclusions  Pseudophakic macular cysts developed during the postoperative course in eyes with no preoperative or intraoperative risk factors that received topical bromfenac alone. They also developed later in the postoperative course after the combination of topical bromfenac and betamethasone was discontinued in eyes with risk factors for inflammation. The macular cysts disappeared following the initiation or resumption of topical betamethasone, accompanied by recovery of visual acuity and resolution of symptoms.
    Diabetes
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