The transition from primary/elementary to high-school education is associated with increased mental health difficulties, especially anxiety. Previously, compassionate mind training (CMT) has been demonstrated to stem anxiety increases and improve prosocial behaviours in children aged 11-12. We extended this research by exploring CMT training effects via two further studies: (i) younger children aged 10-11, and (ii) a shortened/compacted delivery length with children aged 11-12.

We used a mixed methods convergent parallel approach, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data from 110 pupils (m = 56; female = 52; 2 = other) using randomised cluster-controlled designs. In Study 1 (S1), 60 primary pupils aged 10-11 took part in standard Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) lessons (control n = 30) or CMT lessons (experimental n = 30) over a 6-week period. In Study 2 (S2), 50 secondary pupils aged 11-12 took part in standard PSHE (control n = 25) or CMT (experimental n = 25) lessons over a 4-week period. Data collected included lesson implementation efficacy, standardized measures of anxiety, perfectionism, compassion, stress, wellbeing, and open-ended question data.

S1 Pupils reported positively on their experiences of the CMT lessons, content, and practices. Mixed-factorial ANOVAs demonstrated reductions in trait anxiety and increases in self-compassion and general wellbeing for the CMT group only. For the CMT lessons, thematic analyses further revealed that content and practices positively impacted emotion understanding and literacy, emotion regulation, and prosociality. S2 Implementation efficacy was considerably lower than in the previous research and S1. Mixed-factorial ANOVAs returned no significant interaction effects. Thematic analyses revealed that lesson content and practices positively impacted emotion understanding, regulation, and the classroom climate, but also highlighted challenges of compacted delivery.

This research demonstrated repeated efficacy of the CMT lessons with younger children, but reduced self-wellbeing effectiveness with same-age children when the number of delivery sessions was reduced. We argue that this is because social and emotional learning (SEL) requires time to embed, including repeated practice of the introduced knowledge, practices, and skills. Additionally, as a policy response to ongoing PSHE/SEL concerns in the UK, our research demonstrates an example of best practice methodology, balancing power, rigour, and mixed methods designs with ethical and moral requirements to minimise the potential for harm.

The Seven-Time Dimensions Scale (STDS) assesses daily life rhythms and perceived psychosocial resources, addressing the limitations of traditional symptom-focused tools and meeting the need for a comprehensive assessment for mental-health-related factors. However, as this scale has not been validated in Chinese nurses, the present study evaluates its application in this population.

Convenience sampling was used to recruit 1,301 Chinese nurses. Reliability was verified using internal consistency coefficient and split-half reliability. The sample was randomly divided into two independent subsamples for exploratory (Group 1, n = 650) and confirmatory (Group 2, n = 651) factor analyses. To further assess the structural stability and verify the unidimensional structure of STDS, a bifactor confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and an exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) were conducted. Additionally, multigroup confirmatory factor analyses (MG-CFA) were performed across demographic variables to test measurement invariance. Convergent and criterion-related validity were evaluated using Pearson correlations, and incremental variance beyond demographic covariates was assessed using hierarchical regression analyses.

The item-total correlation coefficients ranged from 0.764 to 0.890 (p < 0.001), indicating good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.900; split-half reliability = 0.893). Exploratory factor analysis extracted a single factor accounting for 61.049% of the variance; CFA supported the unidimensional structure (χ²/df = 2.214, RMSEA = 0.043, CFI = 0.993, TLI = 0.990, SRMR = 0.016). A 1-factor ESEM on the confirmatory subsample cross-validated this structure (χ²/df = 2.214, CFI = 0.993, TLI = 0.990, RMSEA = 0.043, SRMR = 0.014), providing further evidence for the stability of the single-factor solution. The bifactor model demonstrated excellent fit (χ²/df = 1.800, CFI = 0.996, TLI = 0.989, RMSEA = 0.035, SRMR = 0.011). The hierarchical ω coefficient (ωh) was 0.896, and the covariation variance explained (ECV) was 0.953, indicating that the general factor explained over 95% of the covariation variance. The MG-CFA results supported full scalar invariance across demographic variables (except for sex and ethnicity) across the full scale (ΔCFI ≤ 0.003, ΔRMSEA ≤ 0.007), suggesting that STDS has strong structural stability across different nurse subgroups. Criterion-related validity analyses revealed that STDS scores were positively correlated with WHO-5, PSSS, and CD-RISC-10 (r = 0.650, 0.492, and 0.555, respectively; p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with the PSS (r = - 0.526, p < 0.001). Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that the scale explained significant incremental variance in the criterion variables beyond demographic covariates.

STDS demonstrates acceptable reliability and validity as a preliminary measurement tool for assessing daily time experience quality associated with mental-health-related outcomes among Chinese nurses and can be used in future research and practice to develop mental health regulation strategies targeting this population.

Across Africa, rising mental health needs coincide with rapid advances in genomics, digital health and continental policy reform. Yet research into the genetic, environmental and social determinants of neuropsychiatric illness remains sparse and underfunded. This review argues that African leadership in neuropsychiatric genetics can strengthen discovery, guide prevention and care, and support equitable precision public health, provided that investment in cohorts, informatics, governance and workforce development is sustained and scaled. By linking the advancement of genomics to health systems, biobanking and translational innovation, Africa can define globally-relevant models of inclusive mental health research, care and sustainable development.

Cervical cancer is a major public health problem, but it can be prevented through screening and treatment of precancerous lesions. The aim of this study was to assess the association between cervical cancer-related stigma and prior cervical cancer screening uptake among women in the Dakar and Kédougou regions of Senegal. A quantitative descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in the Dakar and Kédougou regions. The study population consisted of women aged 25-69. Sampling was based on a two-stage cluster sampling methodology. Past participation in screening was self-reported, and an index of stigma was developed to quantify the level of cervical cancer related stigma in the study population. The items used to develop this index covered several domains that have been shown to be powerful predictors of stigma. Data were analyzed with R 4.5.0 software. Logistic regression was performed (5% alpha). A total of 287 women had data on their screening status, with only 15.7% reporting having undergone one or more screenings in the past. The mean age of participants was 36.23, and the majority (68.6%) were married and living in monogamous households. After adjustment for age, marital status and education level, higher stigma scores were associated with lower odds of screening (OR=0.58, 95% CI 0.38-0.83, p = 0.006). Cervical cancer stigma was significantly associated with lower odds of screening uptake. A better understanding of this barrier will enable us to better adapt strategies to combat this disease. Setting up a navigation program for this screening could help improve access to this service by removing the stigma barrier and any other major obstacle to screening. Our stigma index provides a comprehensive assessment of stigma and represents a novel tool that can be adapted for future research, including the evaluation of stigma reduction following implementation of our patient navigation intervention.

Climate change affects health conditions in different ways, depending on the geographical location in the world. In addition to the evident impact of heatwaves, peripheral countries, and vulnerable populations and territories within them, face aggravating conditions due to the low coverage and quality of services that should act as protection against climate crises. Environmental degradation and inequalities in access to services magnify the risks of disease transmission and the exacerbation of non-communicable diseases, creating a context of climate injustice. In this sense, Public Health in peripheral countries must work to identify and intervene in the social and environmental determinants of this multi-crisis, as well as a critical stance towards adaptation proposals that must include reducing inequalities.

To evaluate the feasibility and short-term outcomes of physician-modified Endurant limbs (PMEGs) for internal iliac artery (IIA) preservation in patients with narrow common iliac artery (CIA) anatomy, with descriptive comparison to commercially available iliac branch devices (IBDs).

This retrospective multicenter pilot study included 20 consecutive patients with a CIA bifurcation diameter ≤18 mm who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair with preservation of at least 1IIA between January 2023 and December 2025. Ten patients were treated with PMEG and 10 with commercially available IBDs. Primary outcomes were technical success and IIA branch patency. Secondary outcomes included operative time, back-table modification time, endoleaks, reinterventions, and perioperative outcomes.

Technical success was achieved in all patients. Internal iliac artery branch patency was 100% at 1 and 3 months in both groups and remained 100% in the PMEG group vs 90% in the IBD group at 12 months. No type I/III endoleaks or iliac-related reinterventions occurred. Operative time was similar between groups, while mean PMEG modification time was 61.5 ± 26.4 minutes. No modification-related complications or procedure-related mortality occurred.

The PMEG appears to be a feasible option for IIA preservation in patients with narrow iliac anatomy, demonstrating favorable early outcomes. Given the pilot design, small sample size, and limited follow-up, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and require validation in larger prospective studies.Clinical ImpactPMEGs may be a feasible option for IIA preservation in patients with narrow CIA anatomy when standard IBDs are limited by profile or availability. This approach may expand endovascular options in selected cases, emphasizing careful planning and technical flexibility. Given the small sample size, these findings warrant cautious interpretation and validation in larger studies.

Sexual minority men (SMM) of color face disproportionate risk for noncommunicable diseases (eg, hypertension) and associated risk factors (eg, substance use) due to intersecting ethnoracial and heterosexist stressors. Existing research often examines experiences of ethnoracial and heterosexist discrimination separately, thereby overlooking the distinct nature of intersectional discrimination.

We used 2 independent samples of SMM of color to examine (1) the impact of intersectional discrimination on noncommunicable disease outcomes and risk factors above and beyond experiences of ethnoracial and heterosexist discrimination, and (2) whether effects differ by type of intersectional discrimination (racism in LGBT communities; heterosexism in POC [people of color] communities).

Study 1. Participants were 414 SMM of color from a large cohort study (Mage = 26.37). Study 2. Participants were 767 gay/bisexual men of color from a web-based survey (Mage = 30.67). Regressions examined the effect of intersectional discrimination on noncommunicable disease outcomes (eg, chronic illness) and risk factors (eg, substance use), controlling for socio-demographics and ethnoracial and heterosexist discrimination.

Intersectional discrimination (Study 1), racism in LGBT communities (Study 2), and heterosexism in POC communities (Study 2) were uniquely associated with perceived stress and alcohol use. Racism in LGBT communities and heterosexism in POC communities were uniquely associated with self-reported body mass index (Study 2). Racism in LGBT communities was associated with illicit drug use (Study 2). Few significant findings emerged for disease outcomes.

Intersectional discrimination was associated with stress and health behaviors (eg, alcohol use), highlighting pathways that may increase chronic disease risk among SMM of color.

Non - Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of global mortality and disability. Hypertension leading to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes are major contributors to this burden. This study aims to assess the burden of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in rural Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in India. Secondary research was conducted through data extraction from National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) report and Rural Health Statistics 2021-22. This data was utilized to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes as well as number of PHCs in rural areas. Approximately 138 million individuals in rural areas of India are estimated to have hypertension, while around 85 million are expected to have diabetes. With 24,935 functioning PHCs in rural areas, each PHC is tasked with caring for 5,534 hypertensive patients and 3,408 individuals with diabetes among those aged 15 years and above. Analysis of the available secondary data shows a dearth of human resources and other logistics in rural PHCs. To effectively manage the substantial patient load of hypertension and diabetes mellitus at these centers, there is a critical need to ensure adequate infrastructure, diagnostic tools and trained staff. Such measures would aid in enhancing the overall healthcare delivery in NCDs, fostering better patient outcomes, and reducing the long-term complications associated with these conditions.

Prevalence of diabetes is on a rising trend worldwide as well as in India. Diabetes control remains suboptimal in India's noncommunicable diseases (NCD) clinics despite the implementation of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). This study assessed glycemic status and determinants among diabetics attending health and wellness center (HWCs)-urban primary health centers (UPHCs).

Cross-sectional study of 164 type 2 diabetics (≥6 months duration) consecutively recruited from NCD clinics of two UPHCs in the months of October and November 2025. Glycemic status was determined using hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) where available, or fasting and postprandial blood glucose values according to the American Diabetes Association criteria. Medication adherence was measured using the Hill-Bone Medication Adherence Scale and blood investigation compliance was measured objectively. Multivariable logistic regression identified determinants of uncontrolled glycemic status, and a sensitivity analysis restricted to participants with HbA1c measurements was performed.

The proportion of diabetics with uncontrolled glycemic status was 59.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 51.8-67.3). Significant predictors included male gender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.59; 95% CI: 1.11-6.05; P = 0.027), obesity (aOR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.13-0.74; P = 0.008), diabetes duration >5 years (aOR: 4.55; 95% CI: 2.02-10.21; P < 0.001), and blood investigation non-compliance (aOR: 8.47; 95% CI: 3.54-20.28; P < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis yielded findings consistent with the primary analysis. Major barriers to blood investigation non-compliance were inconvenience, waiting time, and forgetfulness.

High uncontrolled glycemia (59.8%) among NCD clinic attendees underscores implementation gaps. Male gender, long duration, and investigation non-compliance drive poor outcomes. Point-of-care testing and targeted interventions can optimize primary care diabetes management under the NP-NCD.

The management of advanced gastric cancer (GC) follows a binary paradigm: surgery for localized disease versus palliative care for metastatic disease. Oligometastatic gastric cancer (OMGC) represents an intermediate state in which the role of surgery remains uncertain. Because current definitions of OMGC are based primarily on anatomic criteria and do not capture underlying biological heterogeneity, we developed the Tumor-Induced Perturbation score (TIPscore) to quantify systemic tumor-host perturbation and support biology-informed risk stratification.

Patients with advanced GC were stratified into locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC), OMGC, and widely metastatic gastric cancer (WMGC) groups. Baseline serum samples from 107 patients were used to develop the TIPscore in the discovery cohort (LAGC=55, OMGC=22, WMGC=30), and post-treatment serum samples from 104 patients were used for longitudinal validation (LAGC=71, OMGC=30, WMGC=3). An independent temporal cohort of 147 patients with baseline serum samples was used for external validation (LAGC=105, OMGC=28, WMGC=14). Serum proteomic profiling was performed using the Olink platform, and the TIPscore was constructed by Elastic Net regression.

Three core proteins (IL-22RA1, HGF, and 4E-BP1) were incorporated into the TIPscore. The model positioned patients on a biological continuum of metastatic disease and showed consistent discriminatory performance across cohorts. The post-treatment TIPscore predicted 1-year overall survival in OMGC and may help stratify risk among patients with OMGC being considered for curative-intent surgery.

The TIPscore provides a serum-based, biologically grounded framework for refining OMGC stratification and informing surgical decision-making.

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2500096665.