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Middle Aged

Middle Aged: explore 786 source-linked works published from 2024 to 2026, with original documents and citations.

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Includes records with this source-supplied label or an explicit phrase match in their metadata. Matches indicate a mention, not proof that a paper uses a method or tests a material. Source versions are consolidated by DOI.

Sources: pubmed. Collection updated 2026-09-15. Counts describe this index, not the complete source archives.

PubMed2026

Association of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 with recurrence risk and its predictive value in large artery atherosclerotic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) with large artery atherosclerotic (LAA) stroke and its predictive value for recurrence. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled 412 acute LAA stroke patients. Using a cutoff of 200 ng/mL, patients were divided into high and low Lp-PLA2 groups, and into recurrence and non‑recurrence groups based on 1‑year follow‑up. Baseline characteristics, lipid profiles, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, and vascular stenosis degree were compared. Binary logistic regression and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis were used to identify independent risk factors and evaluate predictive value. RESULTS: The high Lp-PLA2 group had significantly higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C), prevalence of severe stenosis (≥70%), and proportion of NIHSS > 15 (all P < 0.05). The recurrence group showed elevated Lp-PLA2, higher LDL‑C and sdLDL-C, more severe neurological deficits, and more severe stenosis (all P < 0.001). Multivariable regression identified elevated Lp-PLA2 (per 10 ng/mL: OR = 1.139, 95% CI: 1.089-1.191), moderate (OR = 3.145) and severe (OR = 11.663) neurological deficits, and severe stenosis (OR = 9.390) as independent risk factors for recurrence (all P < 0.05). The Area Under the Curve (AUC) of Lp-PLA2 was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.69-0.82), with an optimal cutoff of 208.95 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: Elevated Lp-PLA2 is associated with adverse lipid profiles, more severe neurological deficits, and greater vascular stenosis in LAA stroke patients, and independently predicts 1‑year recurrence. Lp-PLA2 shows moderate predictive value, supporting its potential for risk stratification.

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PubMed2026

Perspectives of participating neurologists and study nurses - Mixed-methods process evaluation of a web-based program for relapse management in multiple sclerosis (POWER@M2).

BACKGROUND: Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system and the leading cause of disability in young adults. In Germany, 90% of relapses are treated with high-dose intravenous glucocorticoids, despite limited evidence for long-term benefit and international preference for oral administration. Time constraints often hinder informed decision-making. The multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) POWER@MS2 (N = 160, 2020-2023), conducted at 18 German MS-centres, aimed to promote self-determined relapse management through a complex intervention (dialogue-based decision aid, nurse-led webinar, online-chat). OBJECTIVE: While RCTs demonstrate effectiveness, process evaluations are essential to understand implementation, mechanisms of impact and contextual factors. This study explored healthcare professionals' experiences and attitudes toward implementing relapse self-management and self-medication in clinical practice. METHODS: A mixed-methods process evaluation followed the UK Medical Research Council- framework. Quantitative data were collected via validated questionnaires at up to three time points and analysed descriptively. Interview guides were developed based on these results. Qualitative data from neurologist and study nurse interviews were thematically analysed. Results were triangulated using a joint display. RESULTS: Data were collected from 55 neurologists and 17 study nurses (quantitative) and from 7 neurologists and 4 nurses (qualitative) (2020-2024). Most neurologists opposed routine steroid use, reserving it for severe relapses. Some voiced concerns about self-management, but informed patients were generally viewed as capable of safe self-medication. Study nurses gave mixed feedback on the intervention, citing overload and improved guidance. CONCLUSION: Clinicians showed openness toward implementing the intervention. Enhancing accessibility and addressing specific concerns may support broader adoption.

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PubMed2026

Respiratory effects of recruitment maneuvers according to lung recruitability assessed by electrical impedance tomography in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Recruitment maneuvers (RM) can improve oxygenation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but their physiological effects depend on lung recruitability. This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated oxygenation, respiratory mechanics, regional ventilation, and cardiorespiratory adverse events responses to a RM followed by electrical impedance tomography (EIT)-guided PEEP titration, using EIT to assess lung recruitability. In this study, fifty patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS underwent a stepwise RM followed by individualized PEEP titration guided by EIT. Lung recruitability was determined using the collapse index at PEEP 6 cmH₂O (CLPEEP6), defined as the proportion of collapsed lung at this PEEP level. Patients were classified into high- and low-recruitability groups based on median CLPEEP6 values. Oxygenation (PaO₂/FiO₂), static compliance (Cstat), driving pressure (Pdriv), regional ventilation distribution, and cardiorespiratory adverse events were compared before and after RM, during subsequent individualized EIT-guided PEEP titration. In patients with high recruitability (CLPEEP6 > 12.5), the PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio and Cstat increased significantly after RM (PaO₂/FiO₂: 100.8 ± 30.3 vs. 125.4 ± 38.3 mmHg, p < 0.05; Cstat: 21.5 ± 5.8 vs. 28.0 ± 7.0 mL/cmH₂O, p < 0.001), Pdriv decreased (19.1 ± 3.5 vs. 15.6 ± 3.2 cmH₂O, p < 0.001). EIT demonstrated a posterior redistribution of ventilation after RM. In contrast, patients with low recruitability (CLPEEP6 ≤ 12.5) showed no significant mechanical or oxygenation improvement and transient hypotension, arrhythmia, and desaturation appeared numerically more common in this group. No barotrauma or cardiac arrest occurred, and ICU mortality was similar between groups. A strategy combining a RM with subsequent individualized EIT-guided PEEP titration was associated with improved oxygenation and lung mechanics in patients with high lung recruitability, whereas patients with low recruitability showed limited physiological benefit, with cardiorespiratory adverse events appearing numerically more frequent. The EIT-derived CLPEEP6 index represents a feasible and clinically applicable https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06733168.

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PubMed2026

Cerebrovascular involvement in Erdheim-Chester disease: a case report and systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial perivascular/vascular infiltrations and stenoses related to Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD), often associated with ischemic events, are rarely documented. This study aims to characterize intracranial perivascular/vascular infiltrations and stenoses. METHODS: We first report a new case of strokes revealing ECD with intracranial arterial involvement. We then searched all English- and French-language publications from database inception to November 2025 across 12 different search interfaces, including grey literature sources. Vascular involvement was defined by the presence of intracranial perivascular/vascular infiltrations and stenosis on imaging and/or histopathological evidence of small-vessel involvement. Cases with intracranial nodules or masses abutting vessels but without clear longitudinal perivascular infiltration were excluded. RESULTS: We present a case of recurrent strokes with intracranial vertebral and basilar artery wall stenosis, and aortitis. Initially diagnosed as giant cell arteritis, the patient was treated with corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide followed by methotrexate, but relapsed. The identification of tibial osteosclerosis led to the diagnosis of ECD, with a favorable response to anakinra. Twelve relevant articles were retrieved, in addition to our own case. Most patients exhibited focal cerebrovascular signs (11/13) and associated parenchymal involvement (11/13). Intracranial perivascular/vascular infiltrations and stenoses involved the carotid arteries (7/13), the vertebrobasilar arteries (1/13), or both territories (4/13). Aorta was involved in 8/12 cases. Among the nine patients with available follow-up data, five had poor overall or neurovascular outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial perivascular/vascular infiltrations and stenoses, which leads to recurrent focal ischemic events, represents a likely underdiagnosed CNS pattern in ECD, referred to as "cerebrovascular ECD", which worsens overall prognosis. Vascular imaging should be included in brain MRI protocols for patients with ECD, given the overlap with parenchymal involvement.

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PubMed2026

Muscle mechanical and architectural adaptations in response to different endurance training modalities in older adults.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined the effects of various cycling endurance training modalities, matched for total workload, on muscle mechanical and architectural characteristics in older adults. METHODS: Fifty healthy participants (25 females, 59-79 yrs) were randomly assigned to five age and sex matched groups: one control and four workload-matched training groups (moderate-intensity continuous, heavy-intensity continuous, high-intensity interval, and heavy-intensity continuous in eccentric cycling). Training consisted of three weekly sessions over 8 weeks, with evaluations conducted at the beginning and end of the intervention with maximal voluntary isometric contractions at five different knee angles (90, 75, 60, 45, 30°) and maximal concentric and eccentric isokinetic contractions at five different knee angular velocities (45, 90, 150, 210, 250°/s). Maximum voluntary isometric torque (Tmax) and optimal knee angle (KAopt) were obtained from the isometric contractions; eccentric torque (Tecc) and maximum concentric knee angular velocity (Vmax) were obtained from the isokinetic contractions. The muscle architecture of vastus lateralis (VL) at rest (muscle thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length) was investigated as well. RESULTS: No statistical differences were detected between groups or time points in VL architecture, in KAopt and in Vmax. A main effect of time was observed for Tmax (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.458) and Tecc (p = 0.002, η2p = 0.191) in all the investigated training groups. The within-group comparisons indicate significant increases in Tmax in the training groups, but not in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Commonly applied endurance exercises improve muscle mechanical capacity (Tmax and Tecc) in older adults, with no structural (architectural) muscle remodelling, when matched for workload.

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PubMed2026

Effects of adjunctive memantine on executive function and global cognition in bipolar disorder (BD): A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment contributes substantially to disability in bipolar disorder (BD), but effective pharmacologic options remain limited. This trial evaluated whether adjunctive memantine improves global cognition and executive function in BD. METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial, patients with bipolar I disorder (B1D) receiving lithium and olanzapine were assigned to memantine or placebo. Memantine was titrated to 20 mg/day over 6 weeks. Cognitive outcomes were assessed at baseline, week 6, and week 18. Global cognition was measured with the Neurocognitive Assessment Battery (NuCog), and executive function with the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations and Bonferroni-adjusted post-hoc tests. RESULTS: Sixty-three participants were randomized (memantine, n = 31; placebo, n = 32), and all completed follow-up. Groups were comparable at baseline for demographic and clinical variables and for most cognitive measures. Both groups improved over time (P < 0.001), but improvement was greater with memantine for global cognition at week 6 (MD = 9.32; 95% CI, 4.84-13.81; P < 0.001) and week 18 (MD = 12.69; 95% CI, 8.67-16.71; P < 0.001). FAB total scores favored memantine at week 18 (MD = 2.68; 95% CI, 1.76-3.61; P < 0.001), but not at week 6. Domain analyses showed significant benefits for NuCog attention, visuoconstructional ability, memory, and executive function, and for several FAB subscales by week 18. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive memantine improved global cognition and, over longer follow-up, executive function in BD. These findings support NMDA receptor modulation as a potential strategy for cognitive dysfunction in BD.

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PubMed2026

The role of psychological resilience in the relationship between complex post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity and functioning impairment in mental health support-seeking Australian defence force veterans: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Military veterans have high rates of mental health conditions; complex post-traumatic stress disorder may be the most functionally impaired trauma diagnosis in this patient group. Psychological resilience acts as a protective factor for mental health. Still, it is unclear how this may influence relationships between the two main symptom clusters of complex post-traumatic stress disorder and functioning impairment in veterans. Therefore, we investigated the relationships between psychological resilience, trauma symptom severity, trauma exposure and work/social functional impairment among Australian Defence Force veterans. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey including 148 mental health support-seeking former-serving Australian Defence Force veterans in primary care. Relationships between variables were explored using correlations, mean difference tests and mediation analysis to examine the role of resilience in the relationship between complex post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and functional impairment. RESULTS: Resilience showed significant negative correlations with functioning impairment. The number of traumas showed weak positive correlations with disturbances in self-organisation symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and functional impairment. The complex post-traumatic stress disorder group had significantly lower resilience and functioning than those with no diagnosis. After controlling for the number of trauma exposures, resilience partially mediated the association between post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and functioning (indirect effect = 0.141, p < 0.05), and partially mediated the association between disturbances in self-organisation symptoms and functioning (indirect effect = 0.157, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Psychological resilience was associated with better functioning in veterans regardless of trauma diagnosis. Resilience also partially mediates the relationship between disturbances in self-organisation/post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and functioning in those with International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, indicating it is an important intervention target in Australian Defence Force veterans with polytrauma.

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PubMed2026

Safety of early discharge and abbreviated nimodipine course in patients with good-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remains a devastating cerebrovascular emergency associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Current guidelines recommend 14-21 days of inpatient monitoring and a 21-day course of nimodipine following aSAH. This retrospective study evaluates early outcomes early discharge (≤14 days post-ictus) and an abbreviated nimodipine course in highly selected patients with good-grade aSAH managed under a standardized institutional protocol. Consecutive patients enrolled in the Vancouver Ruptured Aneurysm Database (VRAD) at Vancouver General Hospital between 2022 and 2025 were included. Inclusion criteria were good-grade aSAH (WFNS Grade I-III) and discharge home within 14 days of ictus. The primary outcome was re-presentation to emergency care within 30 days of discharge; secondary outcomes included hospital readmission and need for additional treatment. Of 333 total patients in VRAD, 49 patients met inclusion criteria. All patients received ≤ 14 days of nimodipine therapy. Forty-two patients (85.7%) were WFNS Grade I on presentation, 3 (6.1%) were WFNS Grade II, and 4 (8.2%) were WFNS Grade III. Radiographic vasospasm was reported in 18 cases (36.7%). No patients developed DCI or clinical vasospasm. Four patients (8.2%) re-presented to emergency care within 30 days of discharge, and only one patient (2%) required hospital re-admission within 30 days. While radiographic vasospasm was seen in over one third of patients, none developed clinical sequelae, supporting the premise that radiographic vasospasm alone may be insufficient to preclude early discharge in select good-grade patients.

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PubMed2026

Safety and efficacy of recombinant botulinum toxin type A (Eveotox®) in patients with post-stroke upper limb spasticity: Results from a Phase Ib/II clinical trial.

Upper limb spasticity is a common and disabling complication of stroke. Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is widely used for focal spasticity treatment, but naturally derived products may present limitations related to immunogenicity and manufacturing variability. Recombinant botulinum toxin type A, produced by genetic engineering without complexing proteins, may provide improved product consistency. This Ib/II study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of recombinant botulinum toxin type A in adults with post-stroke upper limb spasticity. This multicenter, seamless Ib/II clinical study included an open-label dose-escalation Ib phase and a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled II phase. Adult patients with post-stroke upper limb spasticity received a single intramuscular injection of recombinant botulinum toxin type A or placebo. The primary endpoint in Phase II was the change from baseline in the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score of the primary target muscle group at Week 4. Secondary endpoints included MAS and Tardieu scale changes in individual muscle groups, Disability Assessment Scale (DAS), Physician's Global Assessment (PGA), and immunogenicity. The Ib phase showed improvements in MAS, DAS, and PGA, indicating an early efficacy signal. In Phase II, recombinant botulinum toxin type A produced a significant reduction in MAS score of the primary target muscle group at Week 4 compared with placebo, with effects sustained through Week 12. At Week 4, the PGA score in the Eveotox® group showed a statistically significant improvement compared with the placebo group. While MAS and PGA scores showed significant improvement, DAS functional scores did not differ statistically from the placebo group at week 4. The treatment was generally well tolerated, and low incidence of antibodies were observed. Recombinant botulinum toxin type A was safe and effective in reducing post-stroke upper limb spasticity after a single administration. These results support further Phase III clinical evaluation.

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PubMed2026

One in three patients with positional obstructive sleep apnea does not benefit from positional therapy: Insights from a home-based trial.

PURPOSE: Positional obstructive sleep apnea (POSA) is the most common phenotype of obstructive sleep apnea, yet patient selection for positional therapy (PT) remains suboptimal. With this analysis we aimed to clarify how many patients with POSA may not require PT because they do not habitually sleep supine at home, and how many fail vibrotactile PT despite appropriate indication. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study of consecutive adults with POSA evaluated at a tertiary sleep center between 2021 and 2024. All patients underwent a home-based trial with a neck-based vibrotactile positional therapy device (Night Shift™), consisting of monitoring mode followed by therapy mode. Outcomes included the proportion of non-supine sleepers at home, failure rate of vibrotactile PT, device compliance and differences in supine sleep time between diagnostic testing and home monitoring. RESULTS: Of 92 screened patients, 74 met inclusion criteria (mean age 60.3 ± 13.2 years; mean AHI 22.9 ± 13.3 events/h). Fifteen percent (11/74) did not habitually sleep supine at home, indicating no clinical need for PT, and an additional 14.8% (11/74) failed vibrotactile PT. Overall, 30% of patients were either unlikely to benefit from PT or failed therapy. Non-response was frequently associated with psychotropic or sedative medication use and neurological or sleep-related comorbidities. CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of patients diagnosed with POSA either do not require or fail vibrotactile treatment in real-world conditions. Incorporating a brief home monitoring and therapy trial into routine clinical practice may optimize patient selection, reduce unnecessary costs, and improve personalized management of POSA.

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PubMed2026

[Clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness evaluation of acupoint thread-embedding for knee osteoarthritis of early to middle stage].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of acupoint thread-embedding and electroacupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) of early to middle stage, and to evaluate their economic benefits based on cost-effectiveness analysis. METHODS: A total of 66 patients with KOA of early to middle stage were randomized into an acupoint thread-embedding group (33 cases, 1 case dropped out) and an electroacupuncture group (33 cases, 2 cases dropped out). In the acupoint thread-embedding group, acupoint thread-embedding was applied at Xuehai (SP10), Liangqiu (ST34), Weizhong (BL40), etc.on the affected side, once a week. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was applied at Xuehai (SP10),Liangqiu (ST34), Zusanli (SP36), etc. on the affected side, with disperse-dense wave, in frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz, once every other day, 3 times a week. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities arthritis index(WOMAC) score was observed before and after treatment, as well as at the follow-up of 4 weeks after treatment completion,the visual analogue scale (VAS) score of pain and the Lysholm score were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. The clinical efficacy was evaluated between the two groups, and the cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted based on WOMAC score. RESULTS: After treatment, the WOMAC and pain VAS scores were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.001), and the Lysholm scores were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.001) in both groups. At follow-up, the WOMAC score in the acupoint thread-embedding group was decreased compared with that before treatment (P<0.001), and was lower than that in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05). The total effective rates were 93.8% (30/32) in the acupoint thread-embedding group and 87.1% (27/31) in the electroacupuncture group, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) and the total cost of the acupoint thread-embedding group were lower than those in the electroacupuncture group. CONCLUSION: Both acupoint thread-embedding and electroacupuncture can improve knee joint function, pain and stability in patients with KOA of early to middle stage, with comparable efficacy, and the acupoint thread-embedding group shows better long-term efficacy, lower cost and higher economic benefit.

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PubMed2026

Effects of low-dose esketamine on early quality of recovery following minimally invasive esophagectomy: a multicenter, randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) frequently experience moderate-to-severe postoperative pain and anxiety-depressive symptoms, compromising postoperative quality of recovery (QoR). Esketamine is a promising adjunct for analgesia and anxiolysis; however, the effect of low-dose esketamine on patient-centered recovery outcomes in MIE remains unclear. METHODS: In this double-blinded, multicenter randomized controlled trial, patients scheduled for elective McKeown esophagectomy were allocated to esketamine (0.25 mg/kg loading dose and 0.125 mg/kg/h continuous infusion during surgery) or placebo (equivalent volume and rate of saline). The primary outcome was the QoR-15 score on postoperative day (POD) 2. Secondary outcomes included QoR-15 scores on POD 1, 3, 7 and 30. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Anxiety Subscale (HADS-A) and Depression Subscale (HADS-D) scores, numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores, and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) scores on POD 1 to 3, and safety evaluations. RESULTS: A total of 198 patients were analyzed (esketamine, n = 98; placebo, n = 100). Intraoperative esketamine significantly improved QoR-15 scores on POD 2 (116.9 ± 9.4 vs. 110.2 ± 9.8, p < 0.001) and POD 3 (123.6 ± 7.2 vs. 116.8 ± 8.4, p < 0.001) compared with placebo. HADS-A and HADS-D scores were lower in the esketamine group on POD 1 to 3 (all p < 0.001). Additionally, esketamine recipients reported significantly lower NRS scores at rest and during movement and BPI scores for pain severity and pain interference items (all p < 0.001). There were no significant between-group differences in safety outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative low-dose esketamine improved early, patient-reported recovery after MIE by enhancing analgesia and reducing postoperative anxiety and depression without increasing adverse events. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Register (identifier: ChiCTR2400088916).

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PubMed2026

Extreme Temperature and Incident Diabetes Risk Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China: A National Longitudinal Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The metabolic consequences of extreme temperature exposure in nondiabetic populations remain poorly understood. This study aimed to examine associations between heatwave and coldwave exposure and incident diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in middle-aged and older Chinese adults. METHODS: A total of 1803 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study participants aged ≥45 years with normoglycemia at baseline were followed from Wave 1 (2011) to Wave 3 (2015). Eighteen extreme-temperature indicators were derived from city-level fifth-generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts atmospheric reanalysis data. Outcomes were classified according to American Diabetes Association criteria. Generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMMs) were pooled across five imputed datasets, with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons (α = 0.0028) and sensitivity analysis adjusting for individual follow-up duration. RESULTS: All nine heatwave indicators showed odds ratios (ORs) < 1.0 for DM and IGT. HT9 (≥97.5th percentile, ≥4 consecutive days) was the sole Bonferroni-significant result: OR = 0.845 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.802-0.890). Coldwave indicators showed no consistent associations. Age significantly modified the HT9 effect (P-interaction = 0.004): adults aged 65-84 showed a stronger inverse association (OR = 0.616) than those aged < 65 (OR = 0.921). CONCLUSION: Prolonged heatwave exposure was consistently associated with reduced diabetes risk, with pronounced age heterogeneity. Replication in larger prospective studies is warranted.

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PubMed2026

Patient and hospital factors associated with disparities in acute stroke treatment in community and academic hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Systemic barriers may affect identification, emergency transportation (EMS), and care coordination for people with stroke. We assessed patient- and hospital-level factors for associations with pre-hospital and emergency department care. We compared trends for patients presenting to an academic medical center (AMC) versus community hospitals (CHs). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at an AMC (Tufts Medical Center) with 542 patients aged ≥18 years hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack between 1/1/2018-12/31/2020 who presented directly to AMC or presented to AMC as a transfer from initial contact CHs. Primary outcomes were EMS use, stroke code activation, door-to-CT time, and door-to-needle time. RESULTS: AMC patients identifying as non-Hispanic Asian (odds ratio (OR) = 0.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.13-0.47) and Hispanic (OR = 0.19; 95% CI = 0.05-0.72) and CH non-Hispanic Black/African-American patients (OR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.05-0.62) were less likely to use EMS compared to non-Hispanic white patients. Patients with non-English primary language were less likely to use EMS (OR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.23-0.63) compared to English-speaking patients in both hospital settings. CH Hispanic patients were less likely to have stroke code activation (OR = 0.24; 95% CI = 0.05-0.86) compared to non-Hispanic white patients. CH patients were less likely to have stroke code activation (OR = 0.12; 95% CI = 0.07-0.19), had 31% shorter door-to-CT time (95% CI = 15-43% shorter), and had 29% longer door-to-needle time (95% CI = 5-58% longer). CONCLUSION: Patient-level factors and hospital setting were associated with differences in acute care suggesting opportunities for community outreach on EMS use, interventions to alleviate language barriers, and a need to address systemic biases.

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PubMed2026

Effect of ketofol versus Fentanyl-Midazolam sedation on neurological recovery in traumatic brain Injury: A randomised study.

Neurological recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is multifactorial, and sedation is a cornerstone of neurocritical care because of its neuroprotective role. Although ketofol is widely used for anaesthesia, its effectiveness as a sedative regimen in the intensive care unit (ICU) has not been well studied. This preliminary exploratory double-blind, randomised study compared ketofol (KP) with fentanyl-midazolam (FM) sedation in adults with moderate-to-severe TBI. Sedation was administered for 72 h and titrated to a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score ≤  - 3. The primary outcome was the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) at 30 days. Secondary outcomes included GOSE at 90 days, incidence of propofol infusion syndrome (PRIS), duration of mechanical ventilation, haemodynamic stability, and ICU and hospital length of stay. Of 120 enrolled patients, 111 were included in the final analysis (57 FM, 54 KP). Baseline characteristics, including injury severity and Marshall CT scores, were comparable. At 30 days, good neurological recovery (GOSE 7-8) was more frequent in the KP group than the FM group (26% vs. 10.5%, p = 0.03). At 90 days, recovery remained higher with KP (44.4% vs. 33.3%), though the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.16). Multivariate analysis confirmed ketofol as an independent predictor of good recovery at 30 days (adjusted OR 3.63, 95% CI 1.11-11.85, p = 0.033). No PRIS occurred, and secondary outcomes were similar. Ketofol-based sedation was safe and may be associated with improved early neurological recovery compared with fentanyl-midazolam, with a favourable trend toward improved long-term neurological recovery.

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PubMed2026

Effects of free-weight resistance training based on hexagonal barbell deadlift in older women: A 24-week randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This randomized controlled trial examined effects of a 24-week hexagonal barbell deadlift (HBDL)-based free-weight resistance training program on body composition, trunk muscle function, and functional performance in older women. METHODS: Thirty-two women (67.6 ± 6.3 years) were randomly assigned to an HBDL group (DG, n = 16) or control group (CG, n = 16). DG trained twice weekly for 24 weeks under supervision. Primary outcomes were body composition and isokinetic trunk peak torque and average power at 60°/s and 120°/s. Secondary outcomes were isokinetic knee function, mobility, and maximal isotonic strength. Between-group differences after the intervention were examined by analysis of covariance (α = 0.05). RESULTS: After intervention, DG showed greater trunk lean mass (+0.4 kg vs. -0.2 kg, p = 0.006) than CG, and reductions in body fat percentage (-1.4% vs. +0.3%, p = 0.003), total fat mass (-1.1 kg vs. +0.3 kg, p = 0.013), and regional fat mass (trunk, gluteal, thigh; all p < 0.05). Trunk extensor peak torque at 60°/s (+26.0% vs. -6.3%, p < 0.001) and average power at 60°/s (+38.1% vs. -7.6%, p < 0.001) and 120°/s (+33.2% vs. +0.1%, p = 0.002) improved significantly. DG also showed better eyes-closed static balance and 6-min walk performance (both p < 0.05). Whole-body lean mass and lower-limb isokinetic strength did not differ between groups. Attendance was 89.6% with no adverse events. CONCLUSION: HBDL-based free-weight resistance training is a safe, feasible, and effective strategy to improve body composition, trunk extensor function, and mobility in older women.

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PubMed2026

Effect of SGLT2 inhibitor drugs on triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance is a serious public health concern. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a simple, cheap, and reproducible surrogate of insulin resistance, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have reshaped cardio-metabolic care beyond glycemic control. METHODS: We followed PRISMA and registered the protocol in PROSPERO (CRD420251056341). We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane from inception to May 31st, 2026, including observational studies and clinical trials reporting baseline and follow-up TyG in adults. Two reviewers screened records, a third resolved disagreements, data were extracted with a standardized form, and quality was assessed with Cochrane RoB 2.0, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and the JBI checklists. The primary outcome was within-group change in TyG pooled with random-effects (Hartung-Knapp); tests were two-sided with a significance threshold of 0.05. RESULTS: Twelve studies comprising thirteen study arms were included, with a total of 1845 participants. Follow-up ranged from 12 weeks to 5 years. Across studies, SGLT2 inhibitor therapy was associated with a significant reduction in TyG index (mean difference = -0.28, 95% confidence interval [-0.41; -0.14], I2 = 99.5%). Egger's test suggested possible small-study effects, whereas Begg's test and trim-and-fill analysis did not show clear evidence of publication bias; leave-one-out analyses showed that no single study materially influenced the pooled estimate. CONCLUSION: Despite heterogeneity in populations, drug choice, and follow-up duration, SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a significant decrease in TyG, although small-study effects cannot be excluded.

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PubMed2026

Ultrasound-Guided Microwave Ablation Versus Open Surgery for Benign Breast Disease: Impact on Postoperative Lactation.

BACKGROUND: Benign breast disease (BBD) is common in adult women. While ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) is an established minimally invasive treatment, its comparative impact on postoperative lactation, particularly mastitis, remains understudied. This study aimed to evaluate mastitis outcomes following MWA versus open surgery for BBD. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 79 patients (105 nodules) treated between January 2018 and August 2023 were included 41 patients (62 nodules) underwent MWA and 38 patients (43 nodules) underwent open surgery. All patients lactated within 5 years post-procedure. The primary outcome was the incidence of lactational mastitis without systemic symptoms (MWoSS) and mastitis with systemic symptoms (MSS). Patient satisfaction was also assessed. RESULTS: The incidence of MWoSS was significantly lower in the MWA group (19.5%) than in the open surgery group (50.0%). Similarly, MSS occurred in 4.9% of the MWA group versus 34.2% of the open surgery group. Multivariate analysis identified open surgery as an independent risk factor, associated with a 4.13-fold increased risk of MWoSS (OR = 4.125, 95% CI: 1.517-11.218) and a 10.14-fold increased risk of MSS (OR = 10.140, 95% CI: 2.107-48.793). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the MWA group (9.29 ± 0.72 vs. 8.15 ± 1.13, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared to open surgery, ultrasound-guided MWA for BBD is associated with a significantly lower risk of postoperative mastitis and higher patient satisfaction, supporting its use for women of reproductive age, particularly when future breastfeeding is planned.

Humans↗

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