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PubMed2026

Effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen in traumatic brain injury patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common neurological disorder and a leading cause of global mortality and disability. Although growing evidence suggests potential benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for TBI, its efficacy remains controversial. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception to March 2026. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating HBOT versus any comparator including sham, standard care and no treatment in adults with TBI were included. Two independent reviewers screened records, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. Effect sizes were pooled using random/fixed-effects models per heterogeneity results. RESULTS: 8 studies involving 570 participants were included. HBOT significantly improved computerized cognitive performance (SMD = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.07-0.40, p = 0.004, I² = 0%), executive function and processing speed (SMD = -0.59, 95% CI: -0.93 to -0.26, p = 0.0005, I² = 30%), memory function (SMD = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.03-0.63, p = 0.03, I² = 0%), and sleep quality (MD = 1.98, 95% CI: 0.07-3.88, p = 0.04, I² = 65%). No significant benefits were observed for Glasgow Outcome Scale (RR = 1.57, 95% CI: 0.55-4.44, I² = 87%), PTSD symptoms (MD = -3.05, 95% CI: -7.05-0.95, I² = 67%), neurobehavioral symptoms (MD = -9.06, 95% CI: -32.13-14.00, I² = 97%), and emotional distress (SMD = 0.25, 95% CI: -0.32-0.81, I² = 85%). Most adverse events were mild and transient. CONCLUSION: HBOT demonstrates domain‑specific benefits for cognitive function and sleep quality in TBI patients, predominantly those with mild TBI. However, evidence for PTSD, neurobehavioral symptoms, and emotional distress remains uncertain. Furthermore, the applicability of current evidence to moderate-to-severe TBI populations is restricted.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Isometric Exercises for Tendinopathies: A Systematic Literature Review.

PURPOSE: Musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common reasons for medical consultation, with tendinopathies accounting for up to 30% of such presentations. Although exercise remains the cornerstone of management, the most effective modality continues to be debated. Eccentric exercise has long been the mainstay, but the role of isometric exercise in pain modulation and functional recovery remains unclear. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current evidence on the efficacy of isometric exercises in the management of tendinopathies across various anatomic sites. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to August 1, 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and prospective or retrospective cohort studies assessing isometric exercise interventions for tendinopathy, with or without comparator groups. Case series and case reports were excluded. Data extracted included participant demographic characteristics, site of tendinopathy, symptom duration, treatment duration, adherence, and outcome measures such as Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment (A, P, or G), visual analog scale, Patient-Specific Functional Scale, 36 item short form health survey (SF-36), and EuroQol 5-Dimension questionnaires. Imaging outcomes (ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging) were recorded where available. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. FINDINGS: The search identified 304 articles, of which 13 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 336 participants (40% female). Tendinopathy sites included the patellar (n = 4), Achilles (n = 3), lateral elbow (n = 2), rotator cuff (n = 2), wrist extensor (n = 1), and gluteal (n = 1) tendons. Median symptom duration was 23 months (interquartile range, 3-51 months). Intervention periods ranged from a single 45-minute session to 4-month exercise programs. Treatment adherence was high initially (nearly 100%) but declined over time, with 70% of participants in the isometric and 58% in the control (isotonic) groups completing ≥80% of sessions. Pain reduction and functional improvement were statistically significant in only 3 studies. Imaging-based outcomes were inconsistently reported, and study heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. Overall methodological quality was rated as good in 3 studies and poor in 10. IMPLICATIONS: Current evidence provides limited support for the superiority of isometric exercise in tendinopathy management. Although isometric regimens appear tolerable and may confer short-term analgesic benefits, their long-term efficacy relative to eccentric or isotonic protocols remains uncertain. Future research should prioritize standardized outcome measures, longer follow-up, and uniform diagnostic criteria to strengthen the evidence base for exercise prescription in tendinopathies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy and Safety of the Dual Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 and Glucagon Receptor Agonist Mazdutide in Predominantly Chinese Adults With Obesity and/or Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AIM: To assess the effects of mazdutide on body weight, HbA1c, metabolic outcomes, and adverse events in adults with overweight/obesity and/or type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing mazdutide with placebo or active comparators in adults with overweight/obesity and/or T2D, identified through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov to 20 February 2026. Co-primary outcomes were percent change in body weight and change in HbA1c. Secondary outcomes included other weight-related and metabolic outcomes, as well as safety. Random-effects models were used to generate pooled mean differences (MDs) or risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals, and the certainty of the evidence (COE) was assessed using GRADE. RESULTS: Nine RCTs (N = 2292; most with low risk of bias) were included. In overweight/obesity without diabetes, mazdutide 3, 4, and 6 mg reduced body weight more than placebo (MDs -6.56%, -9.92%, and -11.1%, respectively; very low COE due to substantial heterogeneity and few trials). In T2D, mazdutide 4 and 6 mg reduced body weight and HbA1c versus placebo (moderate COE) and also outperformed dulaglutide for both outcomes. Mazdutide also improved waist circumference, lipids, liver enzymes, and uric acid levels. Gastrointestinal adverse events were more frequent, but serious adverse events and treatment discontinuation rates were comparable with those of the comparators. CONCLUSIONS: Mazdutide was associated with dose-dependent reductions in body weight and HbA1c, with broader metabolic benefits in predominantly Chinese adults with obesity and/or T2D. Longer-term, multi-ethnic studies are needed to confirm durability, generalizability, and cardiovascular safety.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Mediators of Change in Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfulness-Based Online-Interventions for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction in Women.

Low sexual desire is a common sexual problem among women. When it is accompanied by significant personal distress, it may be diagnosed as hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction (HSDD). Both cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) are effective treatments for HSDD when delivered in person or online. In this randomized controlled treatment study, CBT and MBT consisted of eight guided self-help modules delivered online, and participants completed measures at pretreatment and after 3, 6, and 12 months. Nine variables were examined as potential mediators of treatment outcomes (i.e., sexual desire and sexual distress), namely mindfulness, self-compassion, rumination, body connection, self-consciousness, relationship satisfaction, sexual communication, depression, and anxiety. In total, 212 women diagnosed with HSDD were randomized to either CBT or MBT (Mage = 36.3, SD = 10.2). Improvements in self-compassion, rumination, body connection, and self-consciousness partially mediated treatment outcomes in at least one of the treatment groups. Mediation effects were mostly small, explaining up to 15% of the total effects. No systematic differences in mediation pathways between CBT and MBT were found. These findings emphasize the importance of emotion regulation, metacognitive processes, and embodiment for the effective treatment of HSDD. Future research should refine treatment components to enhance efficacy and ensure that psychological interventions adequately address common concerns among women with HSDD.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Improving Patient Comfort of Vibratory Anesthetic Devices With a Dampener: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Vibratory anesthetic devices (VADs) reduce dermatologic injection pain, but their vibration can feel harsh at sensitive anatomical sites. Simple modifications improving patient comfort may enhance VAD adoption. OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluated whether dampening VAD vibration with a cotton buffer improves patient comfort and characterized tactile features influencing preferences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a single-site, participant-blinded pilot study (N = 53), adults received a dampened VAD (D-VAD) and standard VAD (S-VAD) at 5 sites-lateral nasal wall, submalar cheek, ear helix, lateral neck, and dorsal forearm-in randomized, contralateral application. Site-specific preference was analyzed with binomial and Cochran Q tests; demographic associations with univariate analyses. Word2vec and hierarchical clustering analyzed qualitative reasons behind patient preference. RESULTS: D-VAD was preferred at all sites across demographics-lateral nasal wall (88.7%), submalar cheek (84.9%), ear helix (88.7%), lateral neck (77.4%), and dorsal forearm (75.5%) (all p < .001), with strongest preference at face and head/neck (p = .018). Computational semantics analysis of qualitative responses identified 6 themes driving preference: Smoothness, Gentleness, Controlled, Low Frequency, Low Intensity, and Less Bothersome. CONCLUSION: Dampening VAD vibration with a cotton buffer enhances comfort across sensitive sites, with reduced harshness and smoother sensation underlying preference. This simple modification may improve patient experience, encouraging broader VAD adoption.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy of an Adhesive Hydrocolloid Bandage on Wound Healing: Findings of a 28-Day, Single-Centre, Randomised, Controlled Study.

This single-centre, randomised, controlled study assessed the wound healing efficacy of adhesive bandages in eligible healthy adults (N = 36) aged 25-55 with Fitzpatrick skin types II and III using a model of laser-induced wounds. Here, we report data for wounds that were randomised to treatment with either a hydrocolloid bandage for multi-day use (BAND-AID Adhesive Bandage Hydroseal), standard of care (SoC) (BAND-AID Adhesive Bandage Tru-Stay Sheer) or an uncovered control. Primary endpoints included the time to complete healing and a composite wound healing score. Hydrocolloid bandage-treated wounds healed twice as fast as the uncovered control or SoC-treated wounds. Median time (days) to complete healing was significantly faster for the hydrocolloid bandage-treated wounds (6.9) versus SoC (11.9) and uncovered control (11.8). Hydrocolloid bandage-treated wounds had significantly better composite wound healing scores versus SoC and versus uncovered control over 2 weeks. At Day 28, cosmesis was better with hydrocolloid bandage treatment (0.3) versus SoC (0.6) and uncovered control (2.1) (change from baseline in a composite scar score; higher score = worse outcome). Multi-day wound occlusion with a hydrocolloid bandage promoted faster healing and improved cosmesis compared with daily SoC dressings or uncovered control.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Executive function in alcohol use disorder with low psychiatric comorbidity: Comparison with a non-clinical sample and predictive value for treatment outcome.

BACKGROUND: Executive functions (EF) encompass abilities such as planning, decision-making, and inhibitory control, critical for learning, establishing and maintaining behavioral change. The association between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and impairments in EF are well established. However, prior research is dominated by studies on convenience samples including individuals with severe AUD with high levels of psychiatric comorbidity, which limits generalizability. The present study therefore aimed to investigate the degree of impairment and predictive ability of EF, on alcohol consumption, among individuals with moderate AUD with low levels of psychiatric comorbidity. METHODS: Adults with moderate AUD (n = 147) were recruited at three specialized addiction outpatient clinics in Stockholm, to a randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy of two psychological treatments. Participants underwent neuropsychological testing before treatment. Eight tests from the CANTAB® battery were administered at baseline, assessing mental flexibility, sustained attention, visuospatial working memory, response inhibition, and delay discounting. Assessments of alcohol use and related symptoms were conducted at baseline, the 12- and 26-weeks follow-up. A non-clinical reference sample (n = 72) completed corresponding CANTAB® tests. The two groups were compared regarding EF using descriptive statistics and t-tests, and the predictive value of EF for reduction in alcohol consumption, was investigated using multiple regression models. RESULTS: Individuals with AUD did not perform worse on any of the tests on executive function (CANTAB®) as compared to the non-clinical reference sample. Measures of EF were not significant predictors for reduction in alcohol use for the 12-week, or the 26-week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: EFs were not impaired and were not a clinically relevant predictor of treatment outcomes in this population with AUD. Future research on EF as a predictor in AUD treatment, needs to corroborate the present findings, and include other populations, e.g., with different socio-economic backgrounds and by including other methodologies for measuring EF.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

List randomization for prevalence estimation of sensitive behavioral data among women with HIV of reproductive age in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Self-reported data are subject to reporting biases, including social desirability bias. List randomization is one method that can help mitigate the impact of such biases. Here, we examined the utility of list randomization among women of reproductive age living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. In the Family Planning and Antiretroviral Therapy study, participants were randomized to answer 5 blocks of true/false statements via either direct or list response. Each block contained 3 nonsensitive statements and 1 sensitive statement related to either condom use or HIV disclosure. For each sensitive statement, we calculated the prevalence difference (PD) comparing list response to direct response overall and stratified by socioeconomic status. The PD for 4 of the sensitive statements was negligible. However, we found that self-report of always using a condom was reported by 53.1% at list response visits vs 34.7% at direct response visits (PD, 18.5%; 95% CI, 6.2%-30.7%), a difference that was attenuated among those with higher socioeconomic status. In this setting, list randomization did not meaningfully change the estimated prevalence for most questions, except for one question, which unexpectedly produced a higher estimate for a positive behavior. Examining this method in other settings and populations is warranted.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Closed-loop insulin delivery for glycaemic control in hospitalised and perioperative adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

We evaluated whether closed-loop insulin delivery improves glycaemic control in hospitalised and perioperative adults. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to 29 June 2026 for randomised controlled trials comparing closed-loop or automated insulin delivery with usual care or conventional insulin therapy. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted; risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 and certainty of evidence using GRADE. Seven trials involving 375 analysed participants were included. Closed-loop insulin delivery increased time in target glucose range by 23.91 percentage points (95% CI 19.40 to 28.43; I2 = 0%) and reduced mean glucose by 1.79 mmol/L (95% CI 1.06 to 2.53 lower; I2 = 36.3%); certainty was moderate for both outcomes. Two trials involving 69 participants reported compatible participant-level data for clinically significant hyperglycaemia, and both estimates favoured closed-loop insulin delivery, although the evidence was exploratory and imprecise. No severe hypoglycaemic events occurred in either group, precluding reliable estimation of comparative safety. Closed-loop insulin delivery may improve glycaemic process measures, but larger pragmatic trials are needed to establish clinical benefits, safety, and implementation feasibility.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Transabdominal lumbar approach (TALA) versus retroperitoneal approach for robot-assisted renal surgery: a prospective randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Common robotic nephrectomy approaches access the kidney via transperitoneal (TP) or retroperitoneal (RP) routes, each with distinct trade-offs. We developed the transabdominal lumbar approach (TALA), combining advantages of both accesses with improved visualisation and strategic trocar placement, and compared it with conventional RP in a prospective randomised controlled trial using technique-oriented intraoperative endpoints. METHODS: In this single-centre, prospective, open-label RCT, 40 patients were randomised to TALA (n = 18) or conventional RP (n = 22). Eligible patients were ≥ 18 years with a renal tumour or non-functional kidney requiring robot-assisted total or partial nephrectomy. Exclusions included prior surgery on the affected kidney, renal vein tumour thrombus, and pregnancy. Both groups were followed for 30 days. The primary endpoint was time from first skin incision to renal artery identification. RESULTS: TALA achieved a median time saving of 16 min compared to conventional RP (38 vs. 54 min, p = 0.001). Perioperative safety was comparable between groups, with three patients (7.5%) experiencing Clavien-Dindo grade III-IV complications. CONCLUSIONS: TALA met its primary endpoint with a significantly shorter time to renal artery identification than conventional RP access, and improving perceived surgical exposure and instrument handling.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Skin barrier repairing and anti-aging effects evaluation of a comprehensive topical regimen incorporating niacinamide, Pro-Xylane, and panthenol after PicoWay laser: a randomized controlled study.

Pro-Xylane is a potent anti-aging ingredient; however, there is limited knowledge regarding whether a comprehensive post-procedure regimen incorporating a combination of Pro-Xylane, niacinamide, and panthenol alongside other active agents can deliver synergistic benefits for both skin barrier repair and anti-aging. This study assesses the effectiveness of the REGENMEDIC cream (anti-aging cream) and REGENMEDIC serum (anti-aging serum) in promoting skin barrier recovery and enhancing anti-aging effects following PicoWay laser treatment. A 112-day randomized controlled trial was conducted with 88 Chinese females, who were divided into two groups: the test group, using REGENMEDIC cream and Serum following PicoWay laser treatment, and the control group, using standard care regimen consisting of a standard cream. Skin barrier-repairing effects were assessed during the initial 14 days following a single use of REGENMEDIC cream, while skin elasticity, firmness, wrinkles and skin tone were evaluated over the 112-day study period after the combined use of REGENMEDIC cream and Serum. The test group exhibited lower transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and higher hydration after 14 days compared to the control group, along with a more significant reduction in skin redness. After 112-day use of REGENMEDIC cream and serum, test group showed increased skin elasticity and firmness, reduced wrinkles, and an overall improvement in skin tone and texture. Dermatologists reported excellent tolerability, with minimal adverse events. Initial application of the REGENMEDIC cream facilitated rapid skin barrier repair, while the subsequent sequential regimen incorporating the serum yielded significant long-term anti-aging benefits following PicoWay laser treatment. This study demonstrates that targeting multiple physiological pathways-specifically hydration, barrier integrity, and cellular senescence-provides a robust therapeutic option for amplifying the anti-aging outcomes of aesthetic procedures.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Financial incentives and health coaching to improve glycemic outcomes among young adults with type 1 diabetes: A factorial randomized trial (SweetGoals).

AIM: This study aimed to improve glycemic control among young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D), an at-risk and understudied population. METHOD: N = 300 young adults with T1D recruited nationally were randomized to the factorial combination of (1) financial incentives targeting glucose checking and mealtime behaviors and (2) web health coaching focused on increasing motivation and goal setting for self-management behaviors. All received a smartphone app that accessed device data and provided weekly goal feedback. The intervention lasted 6 months. HbA1c (A1c) was assessed at baseline, +6 months, and +12 months. The mean number of glucose checking and mealtime goals met per week during the intervention were tested as mediators of intervention effects on A1c at 12 months. RESULTS: A1c was significantly reduced from baseline to +12 months across all participants. Indirect effects of both incentives and coaching on A1c reductions were significant and partially mediated by mealtime but not glucose checking goal achievement. There was no synergistic (interaction) effect of incentives and coaching. CONCLUSION: Incentives and coaching both improved critical mealtime behavior but through different strategies. These results suggest that either intervention would be suitable for future testing and dissemination, and that lower cost of incentives may favor their prioritization.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2026

Same-day initiation of tenofovir alafenamide-based pre-exposure prophylaxis with drug-level feedback for transgender women in Uganda.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of same-day initiation of emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (F/TAF) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and test the impact of drug-level feedback on PrEP adherence among transgender women (TGW) in Uganda. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: HIV-negative TGW were randomly assigned 1 : 1 to intervention (drug-level feedback with tailored adherence counseling) or standard-of-care (SOC), and followed quarterly for 12 months (November 2021-July 2023; NCT04491422). Quarterly clinic visits included demographic and socio-behavioral data collection, PrEP refills, STI testing, and quarterly PrEP adherence assessment using tenofovir levels in dried blood spots (DBS; long-term) and urine (short-term). RESULTS: We enrolled 200 TGW (100 per arm), median age 21 years. Same-day F/TAF PrEP initiation was 100%. Tenofovir detection in urine (intervention arm) was 79, 80, 85, and 70% at the 3, 6, 9, and 12-month visits, respectively. Tenofovir detection in DBS was 46, 40, 35, and 31% at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively. Median tenofovir DBS concentrations were 40.6 and 47.0 fmol/punch in intervention and SOC arms, respectively. There was no intervention effect on PrEP adherence (DBS tenofovir levels) [adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 1.06; 95% CI: 0.82-1.37]. Never being harassed by police for being transgender (aIRR 1.66; 95% CI: 1.24-2.23), history of taking daily medication for more than 7 days (aIRR 1.51; 95% CI: 1.18-1.93) and higher monthly income (aIRR 1.44; 95% CI: 1.10-2.04) were associated with PrEP adherence. CONCLUSION: Oral F/TAF PrEP adherence among TGW in Uganda was low and not affected by drug-level feedback or tailored adherence counseling. Long-acting injectable PrEP formulations should be considered for this population.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Implementation of Mobile Health Intervention Targeting Belongingness and Burdensomeness: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study of Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors in LGBTQ+ Individuals.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this paper was to test a mobile health intervention designed to reduce self-injurious thoughts and behaviors in LGBTQ+ individuals. The intervention consisted of brief messages aimed at increasing feelings of belongingness and meaning. METHOD: We recruited LGBTQ+ individuals (N = 55) with past-month self-injurious thoughts and/or behaviors. Participants completed 14 days of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of minority stress, thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors. Then, participants were randomly assigned to receive brief messages designed to instill belongingness and meaning/purpose, or no intervention for 14 days. Then, participants completed an additional 14 days of EMA. RESULTS: Our results showed that participants in the control condition had significant increases in self-injurious thoughts and planning over time, whereas those in the intervention condition showed no significant change. For self-injurious behavior, thwarted belongingness, and perceived burdensomeness, there were significant decreases in the intervention condition, but no changes in the control condition. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide support for the interpersonal theory of suicide and indicate a potentially scalable mobile health intervention. PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE: This paper found evidence that a brief mobile health intervention reduced suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious thoughts and behaviors among LGBTQ+ individuals.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Secretory Phospholipase A2 in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease Hospitalized for Vaso-Occlusive Pain Episodes.

BACKGROUND: Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is an inflammatory mediator linked to acute chest syndrome (ACS) in sickle cell disease (SCD), a serious complication that can develop during an acute vaso-occlusive pain episode (VOE). Plasma sPLA2 levels have been proposed as a potential biomarker for predicting ACS onset. OBJECTIVE: To assess serial plasma sPLA2 levels in 105 pediatric patients hospitalized for SCD-VOE and determine the effects of arginine therapy compared to placebo. PROCEDURES: This is a pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and randomized controlled trial of intravenous arginine therapy. Statistical methods included t-tests, chi-square, and correlation analyses. RESULTS: Mean age was 12.7 ± 3.7 years, 48% were male, 67% had Hb-SS, and 70% were prescribed hydroxyurea. Using a previously established SCD-specific cutoff of 48 ng/mL, presenting sPLA2 levels were elevated in 33% of patients (mean sPLA2 level 85.7 ± 32.9 ng/mL). SPLA2 elevation in the emergency department was more common in patients with ACS compared to those without ACS (64% vs. 30%; p = 0.02; negative predictive value of 94%). Peak sPLA2 levels were significantly higher in febrile (n = 34) versus afebrile patients (n = 71;101.0 ± 45.3 vs. 48.7 ± 35.4 ng/mL; p < 0.0001). Among subjects with elevated baseline sPLA2, arginine therapy resulted in a significant reduction in sPLA2 levels by discharge compared to placebo (-27.8 ± 38.1 ng/mL; p = 0.002; n = 23 vs. -15.0 ± 41.2 ng/mL; p = 0.23; n = 12). CONCLUSIONS: SPLA2 is an underutilized biomarker of ACS given accumulating evidence of its role. In particular, low levels may identify patients at low risk for ACS. Arginine therapy may modulate inflammation in patients with SCD during VOE and/or ACS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT02447874; NCT02536170.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Long-term efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) on depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Depressive symptoms are common in individuals with persistent insomnia. Previous meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) showed that cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can reduce depressive symptoms at post-treatment. However, the long-term maintenance of these improvements has never been systematically examined. To fill-in this gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the long-term (≥3 months) effects of CBT-I on depressive symptoms. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251146061). Only RCTs in adults with insomnia were considered. Pubmed, Scopus, Psycinfo, CINAHL, and Medline were searched up to 12 September 2025 with no predefined time constraints. From 5359 records initially retrieved, we included 53 articles reporting on 13,608 individuals. After outliers removal, random effects meta-analysis showed that CBT-I was superior to control conditions in reducing depressive symptoms at 3 [k = 29, d = -.35, [95% CI: -.49 to -.21], p < .001], 6 [k = 29, d = -.32, [95% CI: -.59 to -.05], p = .018], and 12 [k = 10, d = -.25, [95% CI: -.39 to -.12], p < .001] months follow-ups. Results demonstrate that the effects of CBT-I on depressive symptoms are sustained throughout the year following treatment, although effects may decline over time.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of Vacuum Compression Therapy on Healing of Chronic Lower Limb Ulcers: A Randomised Controlled Study.

Chronic lower limb ulcers remain difficult to manage when unresponsive to conventional treatment. This study evaluated the clinical and physiological effects of vacuum compression therapy on wound healing and quality of life. Fifty patients with chronic lower limb ulcers were randomised to receive 12 sessions of vacuum compression therapy plus standard care or standard care alone over 4 weeks. Wound dimensions, exudate, pain intensity and quality of life were assessed at baseline and post-treatment. Estimated wound volume was calculated as length × width × depth. Tissue oxygenation was measured at the dorsum of the foot in the experimental group. The vacuum compression therapy group showed greater improvements in wound width, depth, volume and quality of life. Estimated wound volume decreased by 61% in the intervention group, whereas no statistically significant volume reduction was observed in controls. Local tissue oxygenation in the experimental group increased by 43%. Baseline wound size was associated with poorer quality of life. Vacuum compression therapy may enhance wound healing and quality of life in patients with chronic lower limb ulcers. Observed increases in local tissue oxygenation represent exploratory physiological findings within the treated cohort that warrant controlled comparative evaluation. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT07737184.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Pregnancy diet based on ancestral patterns increases growth in subcortical fetal brain regions.

Evidence on the biological basis for maternal nutrition effects on fetal and newborn neurodevelopment remains limited. This randomized controlled trial in Ecuador tested a maternal dietary pattern-derived from empirical studies of nutrition in human evolution and adapted locally-on offspring growth and brain development. Pregnant women (n = 215) in their first trimester were randomized to: 1) control (n = 104); or 2) Mikhuna ("nourish" in Kichwa) intervention (n = 111). The intervention, from 12 wk gestation to birth, consisted of a weekly food delivery (8 eggs, 500 g fish, and a variety of sustainably sourced fruits and vegetables) and a behavior change communication strategy encouraging diet diversity and limiting highly processed foods. Longitudinal data collection occurred at 12 wk, 21 wk, 35 wk gestation, and 2 wk postpartum, and included ultrasound imaging of fetal bone and brain parameters, maternal dietary intakes, anthropometry, socioeconomic and demographic variables, and other biomarkers. At close of intervention, a significantly higher percentage of women met the minimum dietary diversity threshold in Mikhuna (74.5%) vs. control groups (55.8%) (P = 0.004). Generalized linear regression models showed significant differences in Mikhuna compared to control for: corpus callosum length 0.19 cm (95% CI [0.02, 0.35]), gangliothalamic ovoid height 0.15 cm (95% CI [0.03 to 0.26]), and femur length -0.10 cm (95% CI [-0.19, -0.02]) from 21 wk to 35 wk; and corpus callosum Z 0.56 (95% CI [0.03, 1.09]) and femur length Z -0.21 (95% CI [-0.42, 0.00]) at 35 wk. The Mikhuna intervention increased the growth of subcortical fetal brain structures, which have established roles in motor control, cognition, and signal transmission.

Female↗