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Background/Objectives: Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent in young individuals with eating disorders (EDs) and are associated with increased psychopathology and poorer clinical outcomes. However, sleep alterations in ED populations are heterogeneous and may reflect distinct underlying clinical profiles. The study aimed to identify sleep quality profiles and examine their clinical correlates in youth with EDs. Methods: A total of 288 youth outpatients with EDs completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), along with measures of eating and general psychopathology. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was conducted using PSQI scores to identify distinct sleep profiles. Multinomial logistic regression models were performed to assess clinical variables of profile membership. Results: A four-profile solution was identified: (1) less impaired sleepers, (2) medication-using sleepers, (3) global poor sleepers, and (4) sleep-initiation-difficulty sleepers. Profiles differed significantly in ED severity, affective symptoms, emotion regulation difficulties, and sleep-related eating behaviors. Profiles characterized by greater sleep impairment exhibited higher levels of binge eating, night eating, and psychological distress. Multinomial logistic regression analyses indicated that night eating was the largest contributor to latent profile membership across all comparisons, significantly increasing the likelihood of belonging to more impaired sleep profiles. Conclusions: Sleep in individuals with EDs is characterized by distinct and clinically meaningful profiles rather than a uniform pattern of impairment. These findings support the clinical utility of person-centered approaches to better characterize sleep disturbances in ED populations.

Background The construct of Food Addiction (FA) has generated growing interest in the context of Anorexia Nervosa (AN), especially for its potential clinical implications. While AN is traditionally associated with restrictive eating patterns, recent findings suggest that FA symptoms may also be present in this population, complicating the clinical picture. This study aimed to explore FA symptomatology in individuals with AN using a person-centered approach and to identify psychological variables associated with different FA profiles. Methods A sample of 202 individuals with a diagnosis of AN (including AN-R, AN-BP, and Atypical AN) completed the YFAS 2.0. A Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was performed to identify subgroups based on FA symptoms. Chi-square tests assessed associations between latent classes and AN subtypes. Binary logistic regressions explored psychological predictors of class membership, including eating psychopathology (EDE-Q), depressive symptoms (BDI-II), emotion dysregulation (DERS), and metacognitive abilities (MSAS). Results LCA identified three latent classes: Class 1 (Addicted, 11.4%), characterized by high endorsement of FA symptoms; Class 2 (High-Risk, 33.7%), displaying moderate FA symptom severity; and Class 3 (Non-Addicted, 54.9%), showing minimal FA symptomatology. No significant association emerged between class membership and AN diagnostic subtype (χ²(4) = 3.085, p =.544). Logistic regressions revealed that impulsivity significantly predicted membership in the Addicted class (OR = 4.119, p <.05), while membership in the Non-Addicted class was associated with lower eating psychopathology, better metacognitive skills, and reduced impulsivity. Belonging to the High-Risk class was predicted by higher eating concern (OR = 2.618, p <.05), lower metacognition (OR=0.566, p <.05) and greater difficulties with emotional awareness (OR = 1.62; p <.01). Conclusions These findings highlight the presence of distinct FA profiles within AN, independent of traditional diagnostic categories. The Addicted and High-Risk classes showed greater psychopathology and dysregulation. Notably, the High-Risk group also exhibited impaired metacognition, suggesting potential vulnerability despite moderate symptom expression. In contrast, the Non-Addicted class showed a more adaptive profile. LCA may support the development of personalized treatment strategies by targeting FA-related features, including interventions to improve emotion regulation and metacognitive functioning. Plain English summary This study explored whether people with anorexia nervosa (AN) can also show signs of “food addiction,” a pattern of feeling driven to eat in an addictive way—such as craving food, feeling out of control, or experiencing distress about eating. Although AN is usually thought of as a disorder of food restriction, recent evidence shows that some people with AN may still struggle with thoughts and behaviours similar to addiction. We studied over 200 people with different types of AN and found three groups. One group clearly showed food addiction, another group showed some warning signs (“high-risk”), and the third group did not show signs of food addiction. These groups were not linked to a specific AN subtype, meaning that addictive-like eating thoughts can appear in any form of AN, even when there is no obvious binge eating. People in the food-addicted or high-risk groups had more severe eating disorder symptoms, more difficulties managing their emotions, and more problems with recognising their own and others’ thoughts and feelings (a skill called metacognition). Our findings suggest that helping people with AN strengthen these emotional and thinking skills may reduce the risk of food addiction and support recovery.

Mobile applications for eating disorders (EDs) offer flexible, cost-effective delivery of evidence-based interventions. Nevertheless, challenges persist in terms of user engagement and compliance. The INTERconNEcT-EDs program was developed as a guided self-help (GSH) intervention integrating multimedia content, peer-led support, and group therapy via the aChiral Content app. The present study evaluated the usability and user experience of the aChiral Content mobile application, which was utilized to deliver the INTERconNEcT-EDs program to individuals diagnosed with EDs or disordered eating symptoms. A mixed methods design was employed. A total of sixteen participants, comprising eleven outpatients and five members of the community, utilized the application for a period of four days. Quantitative data were collected using the System Usability Scale (SUS), while qualitative feedback was obtained using \"think aloud\" tasks and a semi-structured interview. The interview-based data was subjected to thematic analysis. The application attained a mean SUS score of 73.3 (SD = 8.16), denoting satisfactory usability. The analysis of the qualitative feedback indicated that the self-help video-clips and workbook were perceived as being useful, emotionally resonant, and motivating, thus indicating high levels of engagement. The integration of content creators with personal experience of the condition was met with appreciation by users, who characterized this as fostering empathy and perceived support. The forum group and online interpersonal group sessions promoted a sense of community, emotional sharing, and peer support, helping users to feel less isolated. Moreover, certain usability issues were identified and addressed with a view to implementation. The aChiral Content application exhibited satisfactory levels of usability and acceptability among individuals diagnosed with ED. The integration of user-centred design methodologies, multimedia resources, and the facilitation of peer involvement has been demonstrated to enhance engagement levels. These findings lend support to the potential of the app for wider implementation and scalable use in digital interventions for ED.

Background Food addiction (FA) has gained more scientific attention but needs deeper understanding. Data indicates that the central melanocortin (MC) system through the MC4 receptor (MC4R) and its polymorphisms play a crucial role in the regulation of eating behaviour and in the motivation for the rewarding properties of food potentially leading to obesity. This may also contribute to the emergence of altered reward-related behaviors such as FA. The study aims to evaluate the genetic contribution of rs17782313, rs12970134, rs10871777, rs6567160, rs17700144 MC4R polymorphisms to the development of FA and to assess the association between these MC4R variations and clinical features. Methods Eating (EDE-Q, BES, NEQ, GQ) and general psychopathology (BDI-II, STAI-S, DERS) were evaluated in patients with obesity with and without FA. Y-FAS 2.0 was used to assess FA. A blood sample was collected from all patients for the genotyping of MC4R polymorphisms. Results All the polymorphisms were equally distributed between groups except for rs17782313. A direct association between rs17782313 with FA was evident. Patients with FA and with C allele showed higher risk of FA compared to group without FA. There was a significant effect of rs17782313 on psychopathological variables in patients with FA. Allele C carriers exhibited higher anxiety and depression than T carriers. Conclusions The rs17782313 of the MC4R showed an association with FA. A significant direct influence of C allele on anxiety and depression emerged in the group with FA but not in patients without FA. Plain English summary This study looked at whether certain genetic differences in theMC4R gene, which helps control eating behavior and food reward, are linked to food addiction (FA) in people with obesity. Researchers compared several genetic variations, focusing on one in particular: rs17782313. As a result, those who were carriers of the C allele of this gene variant were more likely to have FA compared to those without it. Among patients with FA, thosecarrying the C allele also had higher levels of anxiety and depression than those with the T allele. In short: a specific MC4R gene variant (rs17782313, C allele) is linked to food addiction and to worse mental health symptoms in people with obesity.

Background: Altered eating behaviors (AEBs) are not only associated with eating disorders but also play a role in obesity. This study assessed AEBs in individuals with obesity and their association with general and eating psychopathology, using the “Eating Behaviors Assessment for Obesity” (EBA-O). The hypothesis posited that a higher frequency of pathological eating behaviors would correlate with more severe psychopathology. Methods: Participants seeking weight loss treatment answered the EBA-O and other measures of eating and general psychopathology. The analysis employed MANOVA to estimate psychopathological variance based on AEBs and a cluster analysis to identify patient clusters by AEB type and number. Results: Out of the 244 participants, approximately two-thirds reported clinically relevant AEBs, with almost half exhibiting more than two AEBs. Predominant AEBs included sweet eating, binge eating, and hyperphagia. A significant impact of the numbers of AEBs on both eating and general psychopathology severity (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.167) was evident. Three clusters emerged, with Cluster 3 showing the highest AEB frequency and greater psychopathological impairment. Conclusions: The present findings confirm the correlation between the frequency of AEBs and the severity of general and eating psychopathology in individuals with obesity. AEBs deserve clinical attention, and their screening might aid their clinical characterization and foster more tailored treatments.

Human T-lymphotropic viruses (HTLVs) are deltaretroviruses infecting millions of individuals worldwide, with HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 being the most widespread and clinically relevant types. HTLV-1 is associated with severe diseases such as adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), while HTLV-2 shows a lower pathogenic potential, with occasional links to neurological disorders. HTLV-3 and HTLV-4, identified in Central Africa, remain poorly characterized but are genetically close to their simian counterparts, indicating recent zoonotic transmission events. HTLVs replicate through a complex cycle involving cell-to-cell transmission and clonal expansion of infected lymphocytes. Viral persistence is mediated by regulatory and accessory proteins, notably Tax and HBZ in HTLV-1, which alter host cell signaling, immune responses, and genomic stability. Integration of proviral DNA into transcriptionally active regions of the host genome may contribute to oncogenesis and long-term viral latency. Differences in viral protein function and intracellular localization contribute to the distinct pathogenesis observed between HTLV-1 and HTLV-2. Geographically, HTLV-1 shows endemic clusters in southwestern Japan, sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and parts of the Middle East and Oceania. HTLV-2 is concentrated among Indigenous populations in the Americas and people who inject drugs in Europe and North America. Transmission occurs primarily via breastfeeding, sexual contact, contaminated blood products, and, in some regions, zoonotic spillover. Diagnostic approaches include serological screening (ELISA, Western blot, LIA) and molecular assays (PCR, qPCR), with novel biosensor and AI-based methods under development. Despite advances in understanding viral biology, therapeutic options remain limited, and preventive strategies focus on transmission control. The long latency period, lack of effective treatments, and global neglect complicate public health responses, underscoring the need for increased awareness, research investment, and targeted interventions.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical importance of vaccination to global health security and highlighted the potential of digital health solutions to improve immunization strategies. This article explores integrating digital health technologies with immunization programs to improve coverage, monitoring, and public health outcomes. It examines the current landscape of digital tools used in immunization initiatives, such as mobile health apps, electronic health records, and data analytics platforms. Case studies from different regions demonstrate the effectiveness of these technologies in addressing challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, logistics, and real-time monitoring of vaccine distribution and adverse events. The paper also examines ethical considerations, data privacy issues, and the need for a robust digital infrastructure to support these innovations. By analyzing the successes and limitations of digital health interventions in immunization campaigns during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, we provide recommendations for future integration strategies to ensure resilient and responsive immunization systems. This research aims to guide policymakers, health professionals, and technologists in leveraging digital health to strengthen immunization efforts and prepare for future public health emergencies.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread viral pathogen, responsible for a significant burden of cervical and other cancers worldwide. Over the past decades, the development and widespread adoption of prophylactic HPV vaccines have dramatically reduced the incidence of HPV-related diseases. However, despite the efficacy of these vaccines, global immunization efforts still face several obstacles, including low vaccination coverage in low- and middle-income countries, vaccine hesitancy, and disparities in access to healthcare. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of HPV vaccines, including their mechanisms of action, safety profiles, and real-world efficacy. We will explore the impact of HPV vaccines on cancer prevention, examine the challenges related to vaccine distribution and uptake, and assess the role of public health policies in improving global vaccination rates. Additionally, the review will highlight the latest advancements in therapeutic HPV vaccines, ongoing research into next-generation vaccines, and the potential of HPV vaccination strategies in the context of personalized medicine. By examining these factors, we aim to provide insights into the future directions of HPV vaccination and its role in global public health.

The journal retracts the article \"Zoonotic Paramyxoviruses: Evolution, Ecology, and Public Health Strategies in a Changing World\" [...].The journal retracts the article \"Zoonotic Paramyxoviruses: Evolution, Ecology, and Public Health Strategies in a Changing World\" [...].

The family includes a number of negative RNA viruses known for their wide host range and significant zoonotic potential. In recent years, there has been a surge in the identification of emerging zoonotic paramyxoviruses, particularly those hosted by bat species, which serve as key reservoirs. Among these, the genera Henipavirus and Pararubulavirus are of particular concern. Henipaviruses, including the highly pathogenic Hendra and Nipah viruses, have caused severe outbreaks with high mortality rates in both humans and animals. In contrast, zoonotic pararubulaviruses such as the Menangle virus typically induce mild symptoms or remain asymptomatic in human hosts. This review summarizes current knowledge on the evolution, ecology, and epidemiology of emerging zoonotic paramyxoviruses, focusing on recently discovered viruses and their potential to cause future epidemics. We explore the molecular mechanisms underlying host-switching events, viral replication strategies, and immune evasion tactics that facilitate interspecies transmission. In addition, we discuss ecological factors influencing virus emergence, including changes in bat populations and habitats and the role of wildlife-human interfaces. We also examine the public health impact of these emerging viruses, underlining the importance of enhanced surveillance, developing improved diagnostic tools, and implementing proactive strategies to prevent potential outbreaks. By providing a comprehensive overview of recent advances and gaps in knowledge, this review aims to inform future research directions and public health policies related to zoonotic paramyxoviruses.