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Care Experience Disparities in Individuals With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Systematic Review and Content Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to characterize the landscape of the literature and describe lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) care experiences using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ's) patient experience framework, describe the characteristics of the studies, and identify critical knowledge gaps. METHODS: We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus of peer-reviewed publications from 1995 to 2024. The search terms were related to LUTSs, drivers of healthcare inequities, and the domains of the AHRQ. We then performed a content analysis of the included studies. RESULTS: Of the 4597 articles reviewed, we included 11 studies in the analysis. The most studied LUTS was urinary incontinence (10/11, 91%). Of the included studies, six were comparative, and most (4/6, 66.7%) found worse care experience in patients with limited English proficiency and low socioeconomic status. When examining the studies using the care experience framework of the AHRQ, the most frequently evaluated domains of care experience were communication with clinicians (8/11, 73%) and access to care (8/11, 73%). For communication with clinicians, language barriers (3/11, 27%) and symptom minimization by clinicians (3/11, 27%) were common, especially among patients with limited English proficiency and of older age, respectively. In regard to access to care, concerns about healthcare costs (5/11, 45%) and patients' fear or embarrassment about accessing LUTS care (4/11, 36%) were commonly occurring themes, especially among racially minoritized groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this systematic review demonstrated that patients with limited English proficiency, older age, low socioeconomic status, and racially minoritized backgrounds have poor LUTS care experiences.

Humans

Antagonistic regulation by mango MiSPL9a and MiSPL9b regulates flowering time, drought and salt stress in Arabidopsis.

SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) transcription factors, which are unique to plants, contain a highly conserved SBP domain that regulates gene expression by binding to downstream targets. They play critical roles in various biological processes, especially in the regulation of flowering in plants. In this study, two SPL-like genes (MiSPL9a and MiSPL9b) were identified from mango genomic and transcriptomic data, and their sequence, expression and function were further analyzed. Sequence analysis revealed that MiSPL9a and MiSPL9b have open reading frames of 1173 bp and 1158 bp, respectively, with slight differences in the number of cis-regulatory elements within their promoter regions. Expression analysis under stress conditions revealed distinct patterns: MiSPL9a expression significantly differed under drought stress but did not significantly differ under salt stress, whereas MiSPL9b expression responded significantly to salt stress but changed minimally under drought stress. Phenotypic analysis of the transgenic Arabidopsis lines revealed that MiSPL9a overexpression delayed flowering, whereas MiSPL9b overexpression promoted early flowering. Under stress conditions, compared with wild-type plants, MiSPL9a-overexpressing plants presented increased drought tolerance but did not significantly differ. In contrast, MiSPL9b-overexpressing plants were sensitive to salt stress, with no notable phenotypic differences observed under drought conditions. Physiological assays revealed that under drought stress, MiSPL9a transgenic plants presented significantly reduced levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and increased proline (Pro) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Under salt stress, MiSPL9b transgenic plants presented opposite trends in terms of these physiological markers. In summary, both MiSPL9a and MiSPL9b are involved in the regulation of plant flowering time and stress responses, but their functions differ.

Arabidopsis

An integrated multiscale air quality modelling framework for industrial park pollution: Linking local emissions to regional transport.

Capturing the spatiotemporal distribution of pollutants in industrial parks remains challenging for regional air quality models because of their coarse resolution (3 km), resulting in uncertainties in local emission quantification. To address this, we developed the Integrated Multiscale Air Quality Modelling System for Industry (IAQMS-Industry), coupling the regional Nested Air Quality Prediction Modelling System (NAQPMS) with a city-scale chemical transport model. This framework integrates point-source locations and Gaussian plume dispersion to simulate particulate matter with a diameter smaller than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5) at 100 m resolution. Applied to the Beijing Yi Zhuang and Tangshan industrial parks and evaluated against observations. The coupled model achieved a normalized mean bias (NMB) ranging from 3.1 % to 6.2 %, improving upon NAQPMS (-16.9 % to -7.7 %). Spatial analysis revealed that coarse regional grids underestimated the PM2.5​ concentrations at industrial sites by smoothing gradients, whereas IAQMS-Industry successfully resolved spatial patterns. Industrial point emissions accounted for 22.9 %-26.4 % of PM2.5 in the coupled model, which was significantly greater than the regional model estimates of 1.6 %-13.7 %. These findings indicate that regional models overestimate pollutant dispersion processes in industrial parks while underestimating local industrial impacts. By explicitly resolving point-source dynamics and linking them to regional transport, IAQMS-Industry provides a robust tool for designing targeted emission controls in industrial cities and balancing local air quality improvements with minimized regional pollution outflow. This study underscores the necessity of multiscale modelling for accurate source apportionment and informed environmental governance in industrial zones.

Air Pollution

Beyond multidimensionality: a systematic review of recurrent frailty archetypes in community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is a clinically heterogeneous geriatric syndrome commonly summarised using physical or multidomain severity scores. Whether person-centred analyses identify recurring within-frailty configurations has not been systematically examined in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and CINAHL (January 2000-November 2025) for cross-sectional studies using latent class, latent profile, or analogous clustering methods to derive frailty subgroups. Quality was assessed using the AHRQ checklist and a purpose-built appraisal of person-centred model reporting. Study-derived classes were mapped in duplicate to a structured archetype framework developed through comparison of class-defining features across studies. RESULTS: Fourteen reports representing 12 independent datasets from eight countries were included. Six configurations were identified: minimally impaired reference, mobility-physical, nutritional-metabolic, cognitive-predominant, combined cognitive-physical, and psychosocial/mood-predominant. Convergence was measurement-dependent. The reference and mobility-physical configurations recurred across physical-only and multidomain indicator sets, while the combined cognitive-physical configuration appeared across several multidomain frameworks but required cognition to be measured. The remaining configurations emerged only when their defining domains were included. Evidence of prognostic value beyond aggregate frailty severity came from one deficit-index study. Collapsing shared-provenance reports and excluding the boundary-eligible study did not alter recurrence; excluding the Croatian dataset left five configurations recurrent, with the cognitive-predominant configuration supported by one independent dataset. CONCLUSIONS: Person-centred analyses identify recurring within-frailty configurations, but their apparent stability is partly measurement-dependent. A five-configuration core persisted after exclusion of the Croatian dataset, whereas the cognitive-predominant configuration remained weakly replicated. Harmonised indicators and rigorous external validation are needed before clinical application.

Humans

The impact of absolute change in tibiofemoral morphology on patient reported outcome measures post total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Reconstructing knee morphology and alignment is important for outcomes post total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Personalised alignment strategies are proposed to improve outcomes by replicating native alignment. However, how change in morphology affects patient outcomes is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between absolute change in morphological measures post-TKA and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). METHOD: An observational analysis of a randomised clinical trial was conducted. Participants received preoperative and postoperative CT scans and completed PROMs at six-months post-TKA. Absolute change in hip-knee-ankle angle, medial proximal tibial angle, lateral distal femoral angle, non-weightbearing joint line convergence angle, tibial and femoral rotation, and posterior tibial slope (PTS) were calculated. PROMs included visual analogue scales of pain and satisfaction (0-100), Oxford Knee Score, Forgotten Joint Score, and the Kujala Score. Regression and principal component (PCA) analyses investigated relationships between PROMs and change in morphology. RESULTS: Sixty-one participants were included for analysis (61% women, age 66.9 ± 9.1 [mean ± SD] years, BMI 32.8 ± 6.8 kg/m2). The PCA demonstrated coronal, axial, and sagittal plane measures were interdependent, with over 65% of variability driven by change in tibial rotation (PC1) and the PTS (PC2). The regression analysis showed no relationships between morphological change and PROMs postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Tibiofemoral morphology was interrelated across coronal, axial, and sagittal planes. However, this study suggests absolute morphological change had minimal impact upon PROMs at six-months post-TKA. Future research should clearly distinguish between osteoarthritic versus prearthritic alignment and consider the influence of soft-tissue releases upon PROMs.

Humans

Effectiveness of high-power laser use in the removal of esthetic restorations: a systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of high-power lasers in the removal of esthetic restorations compared with conventional methods. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD420251055736). A comprehensive electronic search was performed in MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment were independently performed by four reviewers using QUIN tool for in vitro studies. A total of 2.384 records were identified, of which 19 in vitro studies conducted on extracted human permanent teeth met the eligibility criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. The included studies evaluated different high-power laser systems, predominantly Er: YAG and Er, Cr: YSGG lasers, as well as CO₂ lasers. Five studies were classified as high quality, whereas the remaining fourteen studies were classified as moderate quality. Available laboratory evidence suggests that laser-assisted techniques may represent a potential alternative approach for removing esthetic restorations, with advantages including conservative tissue removal, reduced damage to underlying tooth structures, and intrapulpal temperature increases within acceptable limits. The Er: YAG laser was the most frequently investigated system, with power settings ranging from 1.5 to 5.9 W, showing particularly favorable laboratorial performance in the removal of lithium disilicate restorations, especially in thinner substrates. Within the limitations of the available evidence, high-power lasers appear to be a promising and minimally invasive alternative to conventional methods for the removal of esthetic restorations. However, the predominance of in vitro studies highlights the need for well-designed clinical trials to confirm these findings and support their clinical application.

Humans

Physical reconfiguration of limb electrodes for Precordial Bipolar Lead acquisition: Morphological validation against digital subtraction.

BACKGROUND: The V2 - V1 Precordial Bipolar Lead (PBL) selectively evaluates the right-to-left retrosternal axis and has shown diagnostic value beyond the standard 12‑lead electrocardiogram. However, its use has been limited by the need for raw electrocardiographic data and post-processing software. This study evaluated whether a simple physical reconfiguration of limb electrodes could reproduce the digitally derived V2 - V1 morphology with sufficient accuracy for clinical application. METHODS: Thirty-seven subjects underwent two sequential 10-s 12‑lead recordings using a Cardiovit FT-1 electrocardiograph sampled at 1000 Hz. In the standard recording, the digital PBL was calculated as V2 - V1. In the second recording, the right-arm and left-arm electrodes were repositioned to the V1 and V2 sites so that Lead I directly recorded the retrosternal dipole. Signals were filtered, synchronized, and analyzed using median beats. Morphological agreement was assessed with Pearson correlation on Z-normalized signals, while absolute agreement was evaluated using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC (Lewis, 1931; Nehb, 1938 [1,2])), root mean square error (RMSE), and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: Mean Pearson correlation between digital and physical PBL was 0.955 (SD 0.043), with segment-specific correlations of 0.953 (SD 0.054) for QRS and 0.967 (SD 0.052) for ST-T. Lin's CCC and ICC(2,1) were both 0.871 (SD 0.110), and RMSE was 0.091 (SD 0.049) mV. Bland-Altman analysis showed minimal bias (-0.008 mV). CONCLUSIONS: Physical acquisition of the V2 - V1 PBL achieved high agreement with the digitally derived signal, supporting a simplified analog method for broader clinical implementation.

Humans

Incidence and risk factors for malignancy in patients with incidental solitary pulmonary nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The increasing use of chest imaging has led to a higher detection rate of incidental solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs), often causing patient anxiety. Determining the malignancy rate and associated risk factors is crucial for developing appropriate follow-up strategies to prevent overdiagnosis, overtreatment, or missed diagnoses. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the malignancy rate and risk factors in patients with incidental SPNs. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was conducted up to June 30, 2025. Data on malignancy rates and potential risk factors were extracted from eligible studies. All pooled analyses were performed using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Fifty-four studies involving 19,985 patients were included. The pooled malignancy rate for incidental SPNs was 56.7% (95% CI: 51.5-62.0), with significant between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 98.5%, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). The pooled effect size showed a minimal change after adjustment for potential publication bias using the non-parametric Trim-and-Fill method (54.7%; 95%CI: 50.9-58.8). Risk factor analysis identified that older age, history of cancer, cigarette smoker, larger nodule diameter, spiculation, upper lobe location, lobulation, pleural indentation, vascular convergence, solid nodules, family history of cancer, and irregular or ill-defined margins were significantly associated with an increased risk of malignancy. Conversely, male sex, presence of calcification, and clear borders were significantly associated with a reduced risk of malignancy. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of malignancy rates and risk factors in incidental SPNs. The high pooled malignancy rate should be interpreted considering the significant heterogeneity and the inclusion of a high proportion of retrospective studies and populations from high-risk regions. Nonetheless, these findings offer essential evidence for clinical risk stratification, supporting optimized follow-up and informed decision-making.

Humans

Exercise with motor cortex high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation enhances cardiovascular efficiency and lower-limb function in multiple sclerosis: A crossover, double-blind, and proof-of-principle study.

Combining exercise with high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) could offer a strategy to help people with Multiple Sclerosis improve outcomes. In this crossover study, participants with MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale &#x2265;3.0, n&#x202f;=&#x202f;12) and controls (n&#x202f;=&#x202f;10) completed baseline testing, followed by three randomized experimental conditions: 1) exercise+active HD-tDCS; 2) exercise+sham HD-tDCS; and 3) HD-tDCS alone. Exercise performance metrics [heart rate, work rate, heart rate-to-work rate (HR/WR) ratio, and perceived exertion] were compared across the exercise conditions. Secondary outcomes included the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25F), Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), and acute symptom ratings (fatigue and pain), assessed pre-, immediately post-, and 1h-Post. Cardiovascular efficiency (HR/WR ratio) significantly improved during exercise+HD-tDCS compared to exercise alone, particularly in older MS participants (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.010). SDMT declined immediately post HD-tDCS alone, 1h-post-exercise alone, and at both time points during exercise+active HD-tDCS (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05). Both groups increased walking speed only post-exercise+active HD-tDCS, while no condition affected upper-limb function (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05). These results are in line with the tDCS literature in the general population, suggesting that tDCS improves exercise performance and selectively improves engaged motor function. The trade-off between physical and cognitive outcomes underscores the importance of personalized neuromodulation strategies in neurorehabilitation to maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing adverse effects, and warrants further large-scale, long-term investigations of this approach in MS.

Humans

A retrospective population-based cohort study to assess outcomes, time to complications and cost of follow-up care following pediatric pyeloplasty in Ontario, Canada (2002-2016).

PURPOSE: Pediatric dismembered pyeloplasty (PP) is the gold standard surgery for uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in children. However, there is no consensus regarding the duration and methods of providing follow-up care after PP. This study aims to assess the rate of redo-interventions following PP and to define the ideal follow-up care following PP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective population-based cohort study including all PP patients in Ontario between April 2002 and March 2016 using routinely collected data, with a minimum 5-year follow-up. Baseline variables included demographics, surgical approach, laterality and surgeon experience. The primary outcome was time to secondary surgical intervention, including redo PP. Secondary outcomes included costs of follow-up care and rates of early ER visits. Regression analyses were preformed to predict need for secondary intervention 2-years post PP, including independent variables: age, sex, surgical approach and early complication. RESULTS: The study included 1049 patients with a median age of 2 (IQR 0-7) years. Of the 13.6% of patients who had at least one secondary intervention following PP (including 3.8% who underwent a redo PP), 90.2% occurred within 3-years of PP. The median cost/patient of follow up care was $1472 CAD (IQR $292-$31,133). Regression analysis did not reveal any predictors of delayed secondary intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that over 86% of PP are completed successfully, with a 3.8% rate of redo-PP. The majority of secondary interventions for post-PP complications occur within 3 years post-PP. Variability in duration and cost of follow-up care post- PP should be addressed to minimize costs, and a minimum 3-years follow-up after PP is recommended.

Humans

Zinc status following different bariatric procedures: systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated perioperative changes in serum zinc levels following different bariatric procedures and provided evidence-based recommendations for postoperative monitoring and supplementation. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and CNKI were systematically searched from inception to July 2025. Eligible studies compared pre- and postoperative serum zinc levels in individuals with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), and the certainty of evidence was graded using the GRADE approach. Pooled analyses were conducted with StataSE 17.0. RESULTS: Twelve studies including 2,529 participants were analysed, with overall quality rated as high. Compared with baseline, pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) in serum zinc at 3&#x2009;months, 6&#x2009;months, 1&#x2009;year, and 2&#x2009;years postoperatively were -0.12 (95% CI: -0.27 to 0.04, I2&#xa0;= 57.9%, &#x3c4;2 = 0.0265, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.149), -0.36 (95% CI: -0.58 to -0.14, I2&#xa0;= 82.2%, &#x3c4;2 = 0.1043, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.001), -0.35 (95% CI: -0.53 to -0.16, I2&#xa0;= 81.9%, &#x3c4;2 = 0.0769, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.001), and -0.36 (95% CI: -0.95 to 0.24, I2&#xa0;= 97.2%, &#x3c4;2 = 0.3515, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.240), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed no significant changes at 3&#x2009;months across procedures. However, zinc levels significantly decreased at 6 and 12&#x2009;months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and mini-gastric bypass (MGB), but not after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). At 2&#x2009;years, no significant reduction was observed in any group. The certainty of evidence for zinc changes was rated as moderate. CONCLUSION: Serum zinc levels decline significantly during the first postoperative year, particularly after RYGB and MGB, while SG shows minimal impact. Routine zinc monitoring and individualized supplementation are recommended within the first year after surgery to prevent deficiency-related complications. REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251138846.

Humans

Single-center experience with isolated male epispadias: Outcomes of Thiersch-Duplay and modified Cantwell-Ransley repairs by anatomical subtype.

BACKGROUND: Isolated male epispadias (IME) is a rare congenital malformation. Surgical repair aims to improve urinary function, correct penile curvature, reconstruct the urethra and glans, and preserve future sexual function. Because available series are small, the influence of anatomical subtype and operative technique on outcome remains incompletely defined. OBJECTIVE: To report single-center outcomes of Thiersch-Duplay and modified Cantwell-Ransley repairs for IME, with attention to anatomical subtype, complications, and age-appropriate continence outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed boys with IME who underwent primary urethral reconstruction in my hospital, Capital Medical University, from May 2005 to June 2024. Data were locked on 30 June 2024. Primary outcomes were postoperative complications graded by the Clavien-Dindo system and urinary continence at last follow-up in patients aged 5 years or older. Secondary outcomes included improvement of preoperative incontinence, ICIQ score, subsequent bladder neck reconstruction, penile appearance/residual curvature when documented, and patient/parent-reported sexual function. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients were included: 35 underwent modified Cantwell-Ransley repair and 32 underwent Thiersch-Duplay repair. The cohort included 26 glanular (38.8%), 23 penile (34.3%), and 18 penopubic (26.9%) cases. Median age at surgery was 28 months in both groups. Median age at last follow-up was 92.8 months (IQR 63.9-108.4) after modified Cantwell-Ransley repair and 137.9 months (IQR 77.9-172.6) after Thiersch-Duplay repair (P = 0.011). Procedure distribution differed by meatal location (P = 0.036), although penopubic cases were treated with both procedures. Total complications occurred in 5/35 and 5/32 patients, respectively. Formal continence analysis included 26 modified Cantwell-Ransley patients and 27 Thiersch-Duplay patients aged 5 years or older. Postoperative urinary incontinence persisted in 14/26 (53.8%) and 12/27 (44.4%), respectively. Among age-eligible patients with preoperative incontinence, any improvement was documented in 13/20 (65.0%) and 14/17 (82.4%), and complete remission occurred in 6/20 (30.0%) and 5/17 (29.4%), respectively. Three patients, all with penopubic epispadias treated with Thiersch-Duplay repair, subsequently underwent bladder neck reconstruction for persistent incontinence. Erectile function data were available in 37/67 patients (55.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In this large single-center retrospective cohort, Thiersch-Duplay and modified Cantwell-Ransley repairs had comparable overall complication rates. Continence and reoperation patterns were strongly influenced by anatomical subtype, with penopubic epispadias representing the highest-risk group. These findings support individualized, anatomy-conscious operative planning and prospective evaluation of standardized selection criteria, rather than a single prescriptive algorithm. CLINICAL/TRANSLATIONAL IMPLICATION: This series supports standardized reporting of anatomical subtype, age-appropriate continence outcomes, and graded complications when counseling families and comparing outcomes across centers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Humans

Clinical Trial: Effectiveness and Safety of a Novel Anal Insert Device for Treatment of Faecal Incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Treatment options for medically-refractory faecal incontinence (FI)-including anorectal biofeedback, dextranomer injection, and sacral nerve stimulation-are limited and outcomes are often suboptimal. Anal or vaginal insert devices are infrequently used. AIMS: We evaluated the safety and effectiveness of a new anal insert device (StaySure) in patients with FI. METHODS: Patients with FI for&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;6&#x2009;months and&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;4 moderate or large FI episodes during a 4-week baseline entered a 2-4&#x2009;week fitting/run-in period to individualise device size (10 or 13&#x2009;mm) followed by a 4-week treatment period. Outcomes included effectiveness, safety, and quality of life (QoL). The primary outcome was the proportion achieving a&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;50% reduction in FI frequency. RESULTS: Of 124 enrolled patients, 98, 71, and 61 progressed through the baseline, fitting/run-in, and treatment phases respectively, with few exclusions due to device intolerance. In the intent-to-treat cohort of 59 participants (93% women), mean (SD) number of days with FI declined from 13.2 (7.0) to 6.3 (6.9), and FI weekly episodes declined from 5.4 (6.9) to 2.1 (5.1) (69% reduction; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) with similar results for both device sizes. The primary endpoint was achieved in 76.3% of participants; 54.2% achieved&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;75% reduction. The FIQoL overall score increased from a mean (SD) of 1.9 (0.6) to 2.3 (0.6) (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), indicating improved QoL. Improvements in FI frequency, FIQoL exceeded minimal clinically important difference thresholds, confirming clear clinical benefit. No treatment-related serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The StaySure anal insert device is safe, well tolerated, and effective in reducing FI in patients with moderate to severe symptoms refractory to conservative therapies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03898778.

Adult

A framework for delivering real-time, instrument-relative navigation in transoral robotic surgery.

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a minimally invasive, inside-out technique that, compared with traditional open approaches, provides fewer post-operative complications, shorter hospital stays, and improved survival for early-stage head and neck cancer. However, TORS is limited by its steep learning curve and poor visualization of deep tumor margins. This randomized crossover study evaluated a surgical navigation system's potential to enhance accuracy and user experience with real-time, instrument-relative feedback. Seven Teflon beads (d&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.381&#xa0;mm) were embedded at the tongue base of a porcine pharynx-and-larynx model. Tongue blade compression and retraction were applied to the model to mimic intraoperative tissue deformation, reproducing the anatomical shifts that occur relative to preoperative imaging. Eight participants used the da Vinci Surgical system to localize the beads by placing pins under two conditions: (a) preoperative computed tomography with no navigation; (b) model-based visual navigation with quantitative instrument-to-target metrics. Surgical accuracy was determined by calculating the target localization error (TLE, pin-to-bead Euclidean distance) and the angular error (AE, pin axis trajectory to bead). Accounting for training level and bead depth, surgical navigation reduced TLE by 5.44&#xa0;mm (95% CI, 4.02-6.86&#xa0;mm; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.00e-11) and AE by 8.47 degrees (95% CI, 6.21-10.72 degrees; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;5.17e-11). Impressions of the system were generally favorable using a 5-point Likert survey and task duration (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.26) or cognitive workload via the NASA-Task Load Index (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.22) were not significantly affected. The navigation system demonstrated translational promise, offering improved target localization accuracy and more consistent performance across experience levels, two critical determinants of surgical quality in TORS.

Robotic Surgical Procedures

Comparison between measured and synthesized posterior lead electrocardiograms during percutaneous coronary intervention-induced myocardial ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Posterior/inferolateral myocardial ischemia is frequently underrecognized on standard 12&#x2011;lead electrocardiography (ECG). Synthesized posterior leads derived from the standard 12&#x2011;lead ECG have been proposed as an alternative to directly measured posterior leads; however, their accuracy under controlled ischemic conditions has not been fully validated. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 26 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in whom simultaneously recorded measured and synthesized posterior lead ECGs (V7-V9) were obtained during balloon-induced myocardial ischemia. ST-segment deviation was measured at the ST junction (STJ), 40&#xa0;ms (ST1), and 80&#xa0;ms (ST2) thereafter. Agreement between measured and synthesized posterior leads was assessed using Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman analyses. As an exploratory patient-level analysis, diagnostic performance was compared with reciprocal anterior ST-segment depression (V1-V4). RESULTS: Strong correlations were observed between measured and synthesized posterior lead ST-segment deviations (V7: r&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.89; V8: r&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.86; V9: r&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.83; all P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001). Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated minimal systematic bias (within &#xb1;0.004&#xa0;mV) and narrow limits of agreement. Synthesized posterior leads showed higher diagnostic performance than reciprocal anterior ST-segment depression (AUC 0.917 vs. 0.708), although the difference was not statistically significant (DeLong test, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.197). Using a 0.05&#xa0;mV threshold, synthesized posterior leads demonstrated 83.3% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 96.2% overall accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Synthesized posterior leads closely reproduced measured posterior lead ST-segment deviations during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-induced myocardial ischemia, supporting the technical validity of posterior lead reconstruction. Larger prospective studies are warranted to determine whether synthesized posterior leads provide incremental diagnostic value beyond careful interpretation of the standard 12&#x2011;lead ECG.

Humans

Multilevel Revision Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in Elderly Patients With Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Fractures: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are common complications of osteoporosis in elderly patients. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) provides pain relief and functional improvement, but some patients require revision due to refracture, cement failure, or new symptomatic levels. While outcomes of primary and multilevel augmentation have been described, systematic data on multilevel revision PVP remain rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate pain relief, functional improvement, and perioperative safety after three- and four-level revision PVP in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center cohort included patients aged 75-85&#x2009;years who underwent revision PVP between August 2019 and November 2023. Eligible cases had a history of prior PVP and required repeat augmentation of three or four vertebral levels in a single session. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores for pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional disability were recorded preoperatively and at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: Nine patients were analyzed. Revision involved three levels in five patients and four levels in four patients, with a mean interval of 14.1&#x2009;months after the index procedure. Mean VAS improved from 8.3&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;0.7 preoperatively to 3.2&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;0.6 at 12&#x2009;months (61% reduction, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01). ODI improved from 75.2%&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;3.4% to 26.9%&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;2.7% (64% reduction, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01). All patients exceeded the minimal clinically important difference thresholds. No perioperative complications such as cement leakage, neurological deficits, or pulmonary events were observed. CONCLUSION: Three- and four-level revision PVP provided significant pain relief and functional improvement in elderly patients with osteoporotic fractures, without increased complication rates. To our knowledge, this represents one of the first reports addressing this topic, suggesting it is an effective option in carefully selected patients.

Humans

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

Lower urinary tract evaluation in children with cerebral palsy: A crossectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a chronic, non-progressive motor disorder affecting voluntary movement and posture. Lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction is highly prevalent in children with CP. This study aims to evaluate LUT function in children with CP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Patients aged 5-18 years with established CP diagnosis were included. Evaluation included clinical history, physical examination, urinary ultrasonography with post-void residual (PVR) measurement, and urodynamic studies when indicated. Patients were categorized into three groups; group-1 (LUT dysfunction), group-2 (symptomatic), and group-3 (asymptomatic) for analysis. RESULTS: The study included 97 children with CP (41 girls, 56 boys; median age 8 years). Of the patients, 61.8% were ambulatory (GMFCS I-III) and 38.2% were non-ambulatory (GMFCS IV-V). At least one LUT symptom was detected in 75.3% of patients. Incontinence was the most common symptom at 69.1%. Incontinence prevalence was significantly higher in non-ambulatory patients (81.1% vs 61.7%, p = 0.044). Invasive urodynamics was performed in 19 patients, and LUT dysfunction was diagnosed in 89.5% of them (19.3% of the entire population). Prematurity rate was significantly higher in patients with LUT dysfunction (94.1% vs 64.8%, p = 0.017). Binary logistic regression analysis identified elevated PVR as the strongest independent risk factor for LUT dysfunction (OR = 108, p < 0.001). Abnormal urinary frequency (OR = 14.9, p = 0.022) and quadriplegia (OR = 10.3, p = 0.016) were other independent risk factors. ROC analysis determined the optimal cut-off value for PVR as 19 mL (sensitivity 58.82%, specificity 94.92%). In the intergroup analysis, multinomial logistic regression identified elevated PVR as the strongest predictor (Group-1 vs Group-2: OR = 101; Group-1 vs Group-3: OR = 24, both p < 0.003). Lower gestational age was also an independent risk factor in both comparisons (OR = 1.25-1.26, p < 0.020). DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates LUT dysfunction affects 19.3% of children with CP, strongly correlating with motor impairment severity. Elevated PVR emerged as the strongest independent predictor (OR = 108), offering a practical non-invasive screening tool. Our proposed urodynamic criteria achieved 94.7% diagnostic yield, enabling selective evaluation. Limitations include single-center design and cross-sectional methodology without longitudinal follow-up. These findings support integrating systematic urological assessment into standard CP care for early intervention. CONCLUSION: LUT dysfunction prevalence is high in children with CP, and symptom frequency increases with higher GMFCS levels. Elevated PVR is the strongest predictor, with a clinically applicable cut-off value of 19 mL. Particularly in quadriplegic, non-ambulatory, and premature patients, close follow-up and urodynamic evaluation when necessary should be performed with a multidisciplinary approach.

Humans