ObjectiveTo identify the latent heterogeneous subtypes of burnout and emotional eating among Chinese clinical nurses, and to examine the predictive effects of monthly night shift frequency and years of work experience on subtype membership.MethodsA convenience and snowball sampling method was used to survey 360 practicing nurses in China from August 2025 to January 2026. Burnout and emotional eating/emotional undereating were measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) and the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ), respectively. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to identify subtypes, and multinomial logistic regression was used to examine predictors.ResultsLPA identified three distinct profiles: “Low Burnout-Adaptive Eating” (36.1%), “Moderate Burnout-Emotional Reactive” (47.8%), and “Severe Burnout-Maladaptive Coping” (16.1%). Multinomial logistic regression showed that each one-level increase in monthly night shift frequency was associated with a 72.6% higher risk of belonging to the severe burnout profile (OR = 1.726, p = 0.014). Each one-level increase in work experience significantly reduced the odds of being classified into the severe burnout profile by 28.2% (OR = 0.718, p = 0.026). Body Mass Index (BMI) was not a significant predictor.ConclusionThere is a substantial co-occurrence of burnout and emotional eating among Chinese nurses. Frequent night shifts serve as a key driver of resource depletion, while professional experience provides a stepwise protective effect. Nursing administrators should implement refined scheduling to cap monthly night shifts and deploy precision-targeted interventions (e.g., mindful eating support) toward novice nurses with high night shift loads to interrupt early-career loss spirals.

ObjectiveExcessive consumption of sugar-rich foods is associated with adverse metabolic and health outcomes. Beyond the amount of sugar consumed, growing evidence suggests that some individuals experience maladaptive patterns of sugar-rich food consumption characterized by craving, loss of control, and persistence despite negative consequences. However, existing instruments primarily assess general food addiction or eating disorders and may not adequately capture behavioral patterns specifically related to sugar-rich products.MethodThe sugar misuse questionnaire (SuMQ) was developed using a mixed-methods approach. First, a qualitative study was conducted with individuals reporting severe difficulties related to sugar-rich food consumption to identify salient experiential dimensions of sugar misuse (SuM). Key themes were extracted through thematic analysis and used to generate questionnaire items. Second, the psychometric properties of the SuMQ were evaluated in a general population sample. Item functioning and scale structure were examined using Rasch modeling, followed by dimensionality analyses. ROC analyses were conducted to explore preliminary severity thresholds.ResultsQualitative analyses identified 25 recurrent concepts related to maladaptive sugar-rich food consumption, which informed the initial version of the questionnaire. Rasch analysis supported a reduced 11-item version with strong internal consistency and a unidimensional structure. Exploratory threshold analyses identified score ranges associated with higher self-reported severity of SuM.DiscussionThe SuMQ provides a behaviorally grounded, preliminary psychometrically validated instrument for assessing sugar-focused maladaptive eating patterns within a dimensional framework. It may support research exploring the boundaries between addictive-like eating and established eating disorder constructs.

BackgroundPatients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery are at risk of postoperative nutritional deterioration due to perioperative metabolic stress, inflammation, and transient gastrointestinal dysfunction. Evidence-based, nursing-led nutritional pathways may improve perioperative nutritional surveillance and timely nutrition support.MethodsThis retrospective study included 214 adults who underwent elective curative-intent colorectal cancer resection between January 2023 and December 2024. Patients receiving routine perioperative nursing care in 2023 were assigned to the control group (n = 106), whereas those receiving the nutrition-focused evidence-based nursing protocol in 2024 were assigned to the observation group (n = 108). The primary outcomes were change in Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) score and postoperative nutritional risk, defined as NRS-2002 ≥ 3 at postoperative day 7 or immediately before discharge.ResultsBaseline characteristics were comparable between groups. The observation group had lower postoperative NRS-2002 scores and smaller ΔNRS-2002 than the control group (both P < 0.001). Postoperative nutritional risk was also lower in the observation group (44.4% vs. 67.0%, P = 0.001). After multivariable adjustment, the observation group remained associated with lower odds of postoperative nutritional risk (adjusted odds ratio = 0.17, 95% confidence interval: 0.08–0.36; P < 0.001). Secondary findings showed less weight loss, smaller declines in albumin and prealbumin, lower discharge C-reactive protein, earlier feeding recovery, shorter postoperative hospital stay, fewer overall complications, and fewer nutrition-support–related safety events.ConclusionsA nutrition-focused evidence-based nursing protocol was associated with more favorable postoperative nutritional risk status assessed by NRS-2002, as well as selected short-term recovery- and safety-related outcomes after colorectal cancer surgery. These findings should be interpreted as associative and require confirmation in prospective studies.

Iron deficiency remains the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency globally, driven in large part by the limited bioavailability of non-heme iron and compounded by dietary inhibitors, inflammation-mediated hepcidin regulation, and challenges associated with conventional iron supplementation. Health effects of prolonged iron deficiency include heart irregularities, weakened immunity, and cognitive impairment. Growing evidence highlights the gut microbiome as a key modulator of nutrient absorption, with probiotics emerging as a promising adjunctive strategy. Among these, the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain Lp299v (LP299V®, proprietary strain of Probi®) has demonstrated consistent efficacy in enhancing non-heme iron bioavailability through multiple complementary mechanisms, including luminal acidification via organic acid production, stabilization and chelation of soluble iron complexes, facilitation of ferric-to-ferrous reduction, and potential mitigation of inhibitors such as phytates. Additional effects on host physiology, such as improved intestinal barrier function, increased short-chain fatty acid production, and attenuation of inflammation, further support its role in optimizing iron uptake. The present review gives an overview of how probiotic strains may modulate iron absorption, and more specifically focuses on describing effects obtained with the Lp299v strain. Ten peer-reviewed clinical studies have described the effects of Lp299v for increasing iron absorption. Human isotope studies show that Lp299v increases fractional iron absorption by approximately 20–50% across diverse dietary contexts, while randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses indicate meaningful improvements in iron status, particularly in populations with elevated requirements such as women of reproductive age, pregnant women, and athletes. From the mechanistic studies combined with clinical evidence, results suggest that Lp299v functions as a bioavailability enhancer rather than a substitute for iron intake. Given its versatility in delivery formats, favorable safety profile, and applicability across a range of dietary patterns and socioeconomic settings, Lp299v represents a microbiome-informed approach to addressing the persistent global burden of iron deficiency that has great potential for widespread adoption. This review aims to describe the gut microbiome as an important determinant of micronutrient bioavailability, and, more specifically, to summarize the data supporting Lp299v as a key modulator of iron absorption.

Diet represents one of the most clinically accessible modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD), with potential to influence disease onset and progression through multiple biological pathways. Emerging evidence from observational studies suggests that adherence to specific dietary patterns, including the Mediterranean (MedDiet) and Mediterranean-DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay (MIND) diets, is associated with reduced AD risk and slower cognitive decline. However, the mechanistic pathways underpinning these associations remain incompletely understood, and evidence from randomized controlled trials has been less consistent. A critical but frequently overlooked distinction lies between mediators, defined as the biological mechanisms linking diet to AD outcomes, and moderators, which are individual or contextual factors that influence the magnitude and direction of these associations. Integrating mediators and moderators within a unified analytical framework is increasingly recognized as essential for advancing precision nutrition approaches to AD prevention (with multiple recent publications explicitly calling for this approach and providing empirical examples of its implementation). This mini-review, developed as the conceptual foundation for a planned meta-analysis, synthesizes current evidence on key mediating pathways, including neuroinflammation, brain insulin resistance, oxidative stress, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, hyperhomocysteinaemia, and gut-brain axis dysregulation. We further examine major moderating factors such as apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 genotype, biological sex, age, disease stage, and socioeconomic context that may determine who benefits from dietary interventions and under what conditions.

Chronic lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity are increasing globally, now accounting for more than two-thirds of deaths worldwide. In this context, millets are regaining attention as nutrient-dense, climate-resilient grains from traditional diets. They are rich in protein, dietary fiber, essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that contribute to improved metabolic health and overall well-being. This review compiles and synthesizes current scientific evidence on the nutritional composition, bioactive profile, and disease-modulating mechanisms of millets. It also explores the role of millets in gut microbiome modulation, particularly their prebiotic potential in stimulating the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and enhancing gut barrier integrity. Furthermore, the review highlights innovative food applications, including the incorporation of millets into modern food products such as fortified flours, breakfast cereals, snack bars, and beverages. Millets have demonstrated the ability to blunt postprandial blood glucose spikes by up to 15%, reduce cholesterol levels by nearly 10%, and promote natural calorie regulation, thereby supporting weight management and metabolic balance. Their prebiotic fibers nourish beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to improved gut health and immune defense. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern nutritional science, millets emerge as promising functional foods for preventing and managing chronic lifestyle disorders. Promoting millet-based diets offers a sustainable and health-promoting approach to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.

BackgroundNumerous epidemiological studies have suggested a potential association between the antioxidant capacity of the diet and the risk of breast cancer. Yet, these studies have yielded inconclusive results. We therefore conducted a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies to ascertain the association between dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and breast cancer risk.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ISI Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) from database inception to May 2026, using predefined keywords to identify the relevant articles. Random-effects or fixed-effects models were used to pool relative risks (RRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs), as appropriate. Heterogeneity across studies was estimated using Cochran's Q test and the I2 statistics.ResultsNine observational studies (seven case-control and two cohort studies), encompassing 33,981 participants, were included in the meta-analysis. Higher dietary TAC intake was significantly associated with a lower risk of breast cancer (RR = 0.86; 95%CI: 0.76–0.98; P = 0.022). Conversely, each standard deviation increment in dietary TAC intake was not associated with the risk of breast cancer (RR = 0.98; 95%CI: 0.94–1.02, P = 0.295). Also, the dose-response analysis showed a linear inverse association between dietary TAC and risk of breast cancer (RR = 0.988; 95%CI: 0.981–0.995, Pdose−response=0.001, Pnonlinearity = 0.546). The results of subgroup analyses showed a significant inverse association between dietary TAC and breast cancer in cohort studies, with low heterogeneity (P = 0.174; I2 = 18.9%).ConclusionsThis study indicates that higher dietary TAC intake is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Further well-designed longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

BackgroundIn the general population, abnormal serum magnesium levels are associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. However, whether this association extends to patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), a population with distinct neurobiological vulnerabilities, remains unknown.MethodsUsing the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network, we identified adults aged ≥50 years with a history of intracranial injury (ICD-10-CM: S06). Patients with repeatedly low serum magnesium levels (< 1.7 mg/dL, two measurements within 1 year) were compared with those with normal levels (1.70–2.20 mg/dL) using 1:1 propensity score matching. A 1-year landmark period was applied to reduce the reverse causation. The primary outcome was incident dementia over 10 years of follow-up. The secondary outcomes included dementia subtypes, cognitive dysfunction, and all-cause mortality. To explore a potential U-shaped relationship, a parallel analysis was conducted comparing patients with repeatedly high magnesium levels (>2.20 mg/dL) with the same reference cohort. Sensitivity analyses, subgroup analyses by sex and TBI severity, and multivariable Cox regression were performed.ResultsAfter matching, 11,716 patients were retained in each cohort. Low magnesium levels were associated with a higher 10-year risk of incident dementia [2.53% vs. 1.78%; hazard ratio (HR) 1.62, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.36–1.94; p < 0.001]. Among the secondary outcomes, associations were observed for vascular dementia (HR 1.97, p = 0.001), other dementia types (HR 1.63, p < 0.001), cognitive dysfunction (HR 1.43, p = 0.009), and all-cause mortality (HR 1.29, p < 0.001), whereas Alzheimer's disease did not reach significance (HR 1.43, p = 0.075). High magnesium levels were similarly associated with an increased risk of dementia (HR 1.57, p < 0.001). The findings were consistent across sensitivity and subgroup analyses and after multivariable adjustment (adjusted HR 1.50, p < 0.001).ConclusionIn adults with prior TBI, both low and high serum magnesium levels were associated with a greater long-term risk of dementia, suggesting a U-shaped relationship. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether monitoring or modifying magnesium status can alter the post-traumatic dementia trajectory.

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of seizures and epilepsy; however, clinically measurable factors contributing to this risk remain unclear. Given the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in T2DM and its potential effects on neuronal excitability, this study aimed to investigate the association between VDD and the long-term risk of incident epilepsy or seizure in adults with T2DM.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective propensity score–matched cohort study using the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network. Adults with T2DM and a recorded 25-hydroxyvitamin D measurement between 2013 and 2023 were classified as having VDD (<20 ng/mL) or normal vitamin D levels (≥30 ng/mL). The primary outcome was incident epilepsy or seizure during an analytic window extending up to 12 years after the index date. The secondary outcomes included epilepsy subtypes, antiepileptic medication use, and all-cause mortality.ResultsAfter matching, 135,329 patients were included in each cohort. VDD was associated with a higher risk of incident epilepsy or seizure than normal vitamin D status (1.10% vs. 0.78%; HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.26–1.48; p < 0.001). Similar associations were observed for focal (HR, 1.40; p < 0.001), generalized (HR, 1.42; p = 0.003), and intractable epilepsy (HR, 1.92; p < 0.001). VDD was also associated with greater antiepileptic medication use (HR, 1.25; p < 0.001) and higher all-cause mortality (HR, 1.47; p < 0.001). The association with the primary outcome remained stable across the sensitivity analyses and was generally consistent in the subgroup analyses stratified by sex and age. Exploratory exposure-gradient analyses showed progressively higher risk estimates with worsening vitamin D status.ConclusionAmong adults with T2DM, VDD was associated with a higher long-term risk of incident epilepsy or seizure, particularly intractable epilepsy. These findings suggest that VDD may serve as a clinically relevant risk marker; however, they do not establish causality or demonstrate that vitamin D supplementation prevents epilepsy or seizure.