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PubMed2026

Comprehensive assessment of vasospastic angina using coronary computed tomography angiography: synergistic value of the presence of myocardial bridge, perivascular inflammation, and myocardial extracellular volume fraction.

AIMS: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has evolved beyond anatomical assessment to include sophisticated tissue characterization. While an elevated perivascular fat attenuation index around the right coronary artery (FAI-RCA) is known to reflect coronary inflammation in vasospastic angina (VSA), recurrent vasospasms may also induce chronic subclinical myocardial injury and subsequent remodelling, potentially associated with an increased myocardial extracellular volume fraction (ECV). However, the diagnostic integration of ECV and FAI-RCA for identifying VSA in patients with angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA) remains to be elucidated. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study included consecutive ANOCA patients who underwent CCTA with a dedicated ECV protocol, followed by an invasive spasm provocation test. Comprehensive CCTA analysis quantified both FAI-RCA and the transmural ECV gradient (the difference between endocardial and epicardial ECV: ECVEndo - ECVEpi). Of the 100 patients analysed (mean age: 65.3 ± 11.8 years; 55% male), 27 were diagnosed with VSA. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified transmural ECV gradient [odds ratio (OR): 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.25], presence of myocardial bridging (MB) (OR: 3.49, 95% CI: 1.25-9.74), and high FAI-RCA (> -70.95 Hounsfield units [HU]) (OR: 5.79, 95% CI: 2.06-16.30) as significant independent predictors of VSA (all P < 0.05). Notably, the integration of transmural ECV gradient provided incremental diagnostic value beyond FAI-RCA and MB, as assessed by the Net Reclassification Improvement and Integrated Discrimination Improvement. CONCLUSION: A multi-parametric CCTA approach potentially identifies patients at high risk for VSA. The significant association of the transmural ECV gradient with VSA suggests that myocardial remodelling imaging provides a novel diagnostic window into the cumulative myocardial impact of vasospasm, independent of active adipose tissue inflammation and the presence of MB.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Pre-clinical evaluation of the anticaries effect of an experimental Malva sylvestris extract mouthwash using a cariogenic model in situ.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and anticariogenic potential of Malva sylvestris extract on enamel and dentin in situ. METHODS: A double-blind crossover in situ study was conducted with 12 participants wearing palatal appliances containing two bovine enamel and two dentin specimens per 3 phases, a total of 72 enamel and dentin specimens. Biofilm formation and daily sucrose exposure were allowed. Treatments were applied twice daily in three phases: Malva sylvestris (2.5%, MS); fluoride (225 ppm, F); and placebo (P). After seven days, biofilm was collected from the bovine specimens for analysis of Lactobacillus spp. and mutans streptococci by Colony Forming Unit counts (CFU log₁₀/mL). Dental demineralization of the bovine specimens was assessed by transverse microradiography (TMR). RESULTS: MS did not reduce Lactobacillus spp. counts (CFU log₁₀/mL: enamel 6.63±0.81; dentin 6.68±0.92) compared to P (6.63±0.70; 6.62±0.51). F also did not differ (6.29±0.75; 6.32±0.41; ANOVA/Tukey, p>0.38). Mutans streptococci data were inconclusive. In enamel, both MS (2320.8±768.2 %vol·µm; 101.6±27.0 µm) and F (1777.3±733.3 %vol·µm; 95.8±23.5 µm) significantly reduced integrated mineral loss and lesion depth compared to P (3517.2±1119.9 %vol·µm; 138.6±19.5 µm; ANOVA/Tukey, p≤0.0003). In dentin, MS significantly reduced integrated mineral loss (322.5 [250-580] %vol·µm) and lesion depth (30.1 [15-42.2] µm) compared to P (880 [580-1705]; 58.3 [32.2-88.6] µm; Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn, p≤0.001), while F (587.5 [305-720]; 25.2 [16.5-38.8] µm) did not differ significantly (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Malva sylvestris extract had no antimicrobial effect on Lactobacillus spp. counts, but significantly reduced enamel and dentin demineralization, showing anticaries effect comparable to fluoride. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Malva sylvestris has demonstrated promising biological activity. This study investigates the antimicrobial efficacy of Malva sylvestris against cariogenic microorganisms in situ. Our findings provide relevant evidence that M. sylvestris exert significant anticaries effects using an in situ model.

Biofilms↗

PubMed2026

Does Timing Matter? Age of First Mobile Phone Acquisition and Psychological Outcomes in Middle and Late Adolescence.

The age at which adolescents acquire their first smartphone has decreased markedly in recent years; however, evidence on its long-term effects on psychosocial adjustment remains limited. This study investigated whether age at first mobile phone acquisition is associated with psychosocial functioning in middle and late adolescence, including social integration and competence, emotion regulation difficulties, disordered eating behaviors and problematic social media use (PSMU). The sample comprised 1179 adolescents aged 15-17 years (53.8% female). Linear regression and generalized additive mixed models were used to examine both linear and nonlinear associations, adjusting for age, gender and school clustering. Earlier smartphone acquisition was linearly but weakly associated with greater emotion regulation difficulties, disordered eating and PSMU, even after adjustment for covariates. In contrast, associations with social integration and competence were nonlinear: acquiring a first smartphone between ages 6 and 10 or after age 13 was associated with lower social integration in adolescence, whereas acquisition between ages 11 and 13 was linked to higher social functioning. These findings suggest that the developmental timing of first smartphone access shows a modest association with subsequent psychosocial functioning during middle and late adolescence. Focusing on the timing of access, alongside other demographic and contextual factors, may contribute to a better understanding of digital influences on adolescent well-being.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) uses in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS): diagnosis with brain metastasis (BM) - A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Brain metastases (BM) are the most common intracranial tumors in adults, and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has become a mainstay of management. However, several diagnostic challenges persist in the SRS pathway, particularly the differentiation of radiation necrosis (RN) from true tumor progression, which conventional MRI and even advanced imaging techniques often cannot reliably resolve. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) offer the potential to address these diagnostic limitations. This systematic review synthesizes current literature on AI applications for MRI-based diagnostic decision support in BM patients undergoing SRS, with a focus on radiomics and deep learning tools for distinguishing RN from progression, classifying molecular and histologic subtypes, and predicting treatment response. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched using a targeted query combining terms related to AI, brain metastasis, diagnosis or imaging, and SRS. After screening 483 records and applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, 18 studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included. Data were extracted on study design, cohort characteristics, imaging modality, AI methodology, validation strategy, and reported diagnostic performance. RESULTS: Among the 18 included studies, AI models demonstrated strong performance across diagnostic tasks in the BM-SRS pathway. The differentiation of RN from true tumor progression was the most extensively studied application, addressed by 14 of 18 studies, with reported AUCs ranging from 0.71 to 0.94. Support vector machines, random-forest ensembles, convolutional neural networks, and transformer-based multimodal architectures were widely used. The literature evolved from single-sequence radiomic classifiers in 2018 to multimodal deep learning frameworks fusing imaging with clinical and genomic data in 2025. Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRI was the dominant imaging input, and texture-based radiomic features (GLCM, GLSZM, GLDM, and wavelet-derived features) were the most consistently predictive. The highest-performing models reached AUCs of 0.85-0.91 through multimodal integration of imaging with clinical and genomic features, and consistently outperformed expert neuroradiologist read on matched cases. Remaining studies addressed longitudinal segmentation-based detection of local failure and adverse radiation effects, BRAF mutation status in melanoma BM, early Gamma Knife treatment response, and primary tumor histology classification, with more variable performance. CONCLUSION: AI models, particularly those integrating MRI-derived radiomic features with clinical and genomic data, show high accuracy in supporting diagnostic decisions for BM patients treated with SRS. The post-SRS differentiation of radiation necrosis from true tumor progression has reached the greatest level of maturity and is closest to clinical translation, with potential to reduce unnecessary biopsies, personalize surveillance intervals, and rationalize treatment-pathway decisions. Other diagnostic applications, including molecular subtyping and primary tumor histology classification, remain exploratory and require further multicenter validation. Integration of AI tools into multidisciplinary tumor-board workflows, combined with prospective validation and standardized reporting, will be essential to realize the full clinical benefits of AI in SRS for brain metastases.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Treatment of OSA using mandibular advancement versus CPAP in improving cardiovascular health.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea is a significant risk factor for hypertension. We assessed the relative effectiveness of mandibular advancement device (MAD) versus continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in reducing 24 h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and other health-related outcomes over 12 months. METHODS: In a randomized, non-inferiority trial, 321 participants with hypertension and increased cardiovascular risk were recruited for polysomnography. Of these, 220 with moderate-to-severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥15 events/hour) were randomized to MAD or CPAP (1:1). We report the final outcomes at the 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 180 participants (MAD: 89; CPAP: 91) completed the 12-month follow-up. Median usage for MAD and CPAP was 5.5 and 4.9 h per night, respectively. Compared to baseline, the 24 h mean arterial BP at 12 months decreased by 2.3 mmHg (P = 0.200) in the MAD group and by 1.0 mmHg (P = 0.999) in the CPAP group. The difference between-groups was -0.6 mmHg (95% confidence interval: -2.53 to 1.39, non-inferiority P < 0.019). The MAD group demonstrated a larger reduction in asleep BP compared to the CPAP group. The prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness in the MAD group decreased from 30.3% at baseline to 10.1% at 12-month follow-up (P = 0.001), and from 38.5% to 7.7% in the CPAP group (P < 0.001). The between-group difference was 10.6% (P = 0.097). No significant within-group or between-group differences were observed in the prevalence of arrhythmias and plasma levels of cardiac biomarkers. CONCLUSION: At 12-month, MAD is non-inferior to CPAP for reducing 24 h mean arterial BP in participants with hypertension and increased cardiovascular risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04119999.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Three-Dimensional Fracture Mapping of the Terrible Triad of the Elbow: Morphological Characteristics and Clinical Implications.

BACKGROUND: The morphology of fractures in the terrible triad of the elbow (TTE) is complex, and precise management relies on a profound understanding of this morphology. This study aims to systematically analyze, for the first time, the distribution and morphological characteristics of TTE fracture lines using three-dimensional (3D) imaging technology. METHODS: Clinical data and thin-slice CT scans of 112 patients with TTE from January 2021 to December 2024 were retrospectively included. 3D fracture models were reconstructed using Mimics software. Virtual reduction and standardized alignment were performed using 3-matic software. Fracture lines were mapped onto standard ulnar and radial templates, and 3D fracture heat maps were generated using the E-3D software to demonstrate the high-frequency distribution zones of the fracture lines visually. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 21.0, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Continuous variables were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test (χ2 test). A two-tailed p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study revealed distinct patterns in the distribution of TTE fracture lines. In the coronoid process, the fracture "hot zone" presented as an annular high-density band extending from the lateral middle aspect to the tip. In the radial head, an oblique high-density band was observed in the anterolateral quadrant of the articular surface. The radial neck exhibited a circumferential high-density zone, which was most prominent in the anterolateral aspect. Statistical analysis indicated a significant correlation between age and fracture complexity; the proportion of Regan-Morrey type III coronoid fractures and Mason type III radial head fractures was significantly higher in elderly patients (> 60 years) (p < 0.05), suggesting that advanced age is a significant risk factor for complex fractures. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to visually reveal the Collaborative Distribution Patterns of TTE fracture lines using 3D fracture mapping technology. This model provides morphological evidence for understanding the injury mechanism of TTE and offers an anatomical framework that may assist surgeons in individualizing surgical approaches and fixation strategies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Natural deep eutectic solvent in situ formation-based extraction method coupled to high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection for multiclass carbohydrates in hot pot bases.

A novel method was developed for the simultaneous extraction of fourteen multiclass carbohydrates from high-fat foods via the in situ formation of deep eutectic adducts from analytes and acetate ions. Different natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) composed of fructose and organic acids were tested as extraction solvents. A model NADES formulated with sodium acetate and fructose was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy. The critical extraction parameters were systematically optimized using multi-response surface methodology (MRSM) with a central composite design (CCD). The extract was analyzed using high-performance anion-exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) using a sodium hydroxide-sodium acetate eluent, which did not require organic solvents. This approach exhibited good linearity over the concentration range of 0.02-10 mg L-1, with correlation coefficients (r) ranging from 0.9994 to 0.9999. The limits of detection and quantification were in the ranges of 0.06-0.42 mg kg-1 and 0.19-1.3 mg kg-1, respectively, which were significantly lower than those of liquid chromatography (LC). The protocol was successfully applied to the determination of fourteen carbohydrates in forty-five hotpot seasoning samples. The recoveries ranged from 86.3% to 104.1%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.9-7.1%. By integrating multiple techniques, this strategy simplifies operations, shortens extraction time, and achieves baseline separation of three carbohydrate classes that exhibit poor resolution using a conventional LC method. This study describes an efficient procedure for the simultaneous determination of multiple trace-level carbohydrates in complex samples using HPAEC-PAD.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

A 20-Y Analysis of Motorcycle Trauma After Helmet Law Repeal.

INTRODUCTION: After Arkansas repealed its universal motorcycle helmet law in 1997, helmet use decreased and motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities increased. Long-term clinical and population-level impacts of this policy change remain incompletely characterized. This study integrates statewide crash and fatality data with trauma center data to evaluate trends in helmet use, injury severity, and mortality at scene and hospitalization. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed motorcycle-related admissions and emergency department deaths at the state's only adult level I trauma center from 2004 to 2023 across three periods: 2004-2006, 2013-2015, and 2021-2023. Demographics, helmet use, injury severity, and outcomes were assessed. Logistic regression evaluated associations between helmet use, severe head injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥3), and inhospital mortality. Fatality data were obtained from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and crash-level data (2015-2023) were obtained from the State Department of Transportation. RESULTS: Among 1104 trauma admissions, annual admissions nearly tripled over time, with nonhelmeted riders representing 64%-72%. Helmet use was independently associated with lower odds of severe head injury (odds ratio 0.48, P < 0.001). Nonhelmeted riders had higher on-scene fatality risk (relative risk 1.21). Severe head injuries increased and were strong predictors of inhospital mortality. Population-adjusted motorcycle fatality rates rose from 2.34 to 3.18 per 100,000 residents by 2021-2023. CONCLUSIONS: Motorcycle fatalities and severe head injuries increased during the postrepeal period and were associated with helmet nonuse and severe head trauma. Clinical and statewide data show consistent associations among helmet nonuse, severe head injury, and prehospital and in-hospital mortality, highlighting helmet use as a target for injury prevention policy.

Acute brain injury↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy versus ultrasound therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and ultrasound (US) are widely used for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), but comparative efficacy data remain scarce. This study compared HILT and US as exercise adjuncts in patients with KOA. METHODS: In this single-center, assessor-blinded RCT, 66 adults with KOA were randomized 1:1 to HILT or US twice weekly for 6 weeks as exercise adjuncts. The primary outcome was WOMAC total score change from baseline to 12 weeks post-treatment (minimum important change [MIC] = 10 points, applied as an approximation). Secondary outcomes included VAS, OKS, KOOS, and EQ-5D-5L. RESULTS: In ITT analysis (N = 66), the HILT group achieved a mean WOMAC reduction of 40.0 vs 8.2 points (adjusted between-group difference: -27.7 points, 95% CI: - 39.0 to - 16.5; p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.277). At 12 weeks post-treatment, greater improvements across all secondary outcomes were observed in exploratory analyses (p ≤ 0.012). Furthermore, HILT maintained therapeutic effects up to 12 weeks post-treatment, whereas the US group experienced a gradual loss of post-treatment gains. CONCLUSION: HILT combined with exercise produced greater short-term improvements in WOMAC total score than US in patients with KOA, with exploratory findings suggesting consistent benefits in pain, function, and quality of life, and with benefits maintained up to 12 weeks after the last treatment session.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

How the Social Context and Peer Helping Contribute to Better Alcohol Outcomes Among Sober Living House Residents: Mediation Analyses.

BACKGROUND: Sober Living Houses (SLHs) adopt a social model approach, which emphasizes peer helping. Although SLHs appear to be effective, little is known regarding why. This longitudinal study examined whether higher SLH social model adherence produces better resident outcomes by increasing resident helping. METHODS: Baselines were conducted with 205 residents entering 28 SLHs, with follow-ups through 6 months. Measures included 1-month perceived SLH social model adherence; 2-month help given to and received from SLH residents; and 6-month alcohol use and severity. Analyses were lagged, multivariate mediation models accounting for clustering within SLH. Separate models examined help given and received for each outcome, yielding four model tests. RESULTS: The hypothesized model was unsupported, with all four tests showing nonsignificant indirect effects. However, exploratory post-hoc tests showed significant indirect effects between higher 1-month resident helping and better 6-month alcohol outcomes via higher 1-month SLH social model adherence. Effects held across three of four model tests. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that residences adhering to social model principles do not achieve better outcomes by stimulating helping, but rather that more resident helping may foster a supportive SLH social environment, which itself drives better outcomes. Thus, residences might emphasize both resident helping and social model principles.

Sober living↗

PubMed2026

Adverse Experiences in Brief Meditation Practices: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Meditation has become increasingly popular in recent decades. However, relatively little remains known about the prevalence of and risk factors for adverse experiences related to a single meditation practice. OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to examine adverse experiences associated with 3 brief, digitally delivered meditation practices (mindfulness, self-compassion, and gratitude) relative to using the internet as usual, as well as to investigate whether preintervention characteristics could predict such outcomes. METHODS: In a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial using samples that were representative of the US and UK adult populations with regard to ethnicity, sex, and age, we examined adverse experiences associated with 3 brief (ie, 5 or 10 minutes) meditation practices (ie, mindfulness, self-compassion, and gratitude) relative to using the internet as usual. We also investigated the potential of using preintervention characteristics to predict such outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 5049 participants completed all preintervention measures and were randomly assigned to meditation or control conditions. Across the sample, 4.1% (204/4925) of participants reported having a distressing experience during the intervention, and 7.1% (348/4908) of participants experienced an increase in negative affect from before to after the intervention. The results showed that participants who were randomized to a brief meditation intervention were no more likely to report a distressing experience than those who were randomized to use the internet as usual (odds ratio [OR] 1.05, 95% CI 0.76-1.47; P=.76). The results also showed that participants who were randomized to a brief meditation intervention were less likely to report clinically relevant increases in negative affect relative to using the internet as usual (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.50-0.80; P<.001). Notably, participants in the 10-minute condition had a significantly higher likelihood of reporting a distressing experience than those in the 5-minute condition (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.07-1.89; P=.02). Preintervention characteristics showed acceptable discrimination ability to predict a distressing experience (area under the curve=0.73) and slightly lower ability to predict increased negative affect (area under the curve=0.67). CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, we found that the brief, digitally delivered meditation practices tested in this study carry risks of adverse experiences that are comparable to or lower than those of typical activities on the internet; 10-minute condition was more likely to result in distressing experiences than 5-minute condition; and adverse responses to a brief meditation practice can, at least to a certain degree, be predicted using preintervention characteristics. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework 94HKS; https://osf.io/94hks/overview.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Symptom Burden After Dialysis Initiation and Its Association With Hospitalization.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Symptom burden is distressing for patients living with kidney failure, but there is limited information about the combination of symptoms and individual symptoms that most strongly predict health care use in this group. We classified and summarized patients' symptom burden levels and changes over time and estimated associations with hospitalizations among patients receiving incident hemodialysis. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal, observational. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Individuals initiating dialysis in the United States. EXPOSURE: Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 (KDQOL-36) measure. OUTCOME: First hospitalization after dialysis initiation. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Latent transition analysis was used to identify symptom burden classes using the KDQOL-36. Cox regression models were used to assess whether individual KDQOL-36 symptoms and symptom burden groups were associated with hospitalization risk after dialysis initiation, independent of demographics and comorbid conditions. RESULTS: 1,818 participants were Black (29%), were aged >65 years (59%), were women (42%), had diabetes (49%), and had hypertension (74%). Latent transition analysis identified the following 3 symptom burden groups: (1) low (low severity of all symptoms and kidney disease impacts), (2) moderate (high physical health impact and overall burden of kidney disease), and (3) high (high levels of all symptoms and kidney disease impact). After adjusting for patient characteristics, all KDQOL-36 scales except the Effects of Kidney Disease scale were associated with a higher hazard of hospitalization. Using the symptom burden groups, a high symptom burden was associated with a 20% increase in the hazard of hospitalization. A 1-category worsening in pain interference and in fatigue was associated with a 12% and an 8% increased hazard of hospitalization, respectively. LIMITATIONS: Findings may not generalize outside the United States. CONCLUSIONS: Pain interference and fatigue, as well as an overall symptom burden, are useful prognostic indicators in patients receiving in-center hemodialysis. Symptom burden should remain a treatment target in hemodialysis.

Hemodialysis↗

PubMed2026

Retention strategies and participant retention rates among prospective longitudinal pregnancy cohorts: a systematic mapping review.

Prospective longitudinal pregnancy cohorts can answer questions about fetal and early life exposures and later health outcomes; however, there are challenges to retaining participants in longitudinal studies, particularly over life transitions like the birth of a child. Optimal methods for retaining participants in longitudinal research are unclear. A systematic mapping review was conducted to identify prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials that enrolled pregnant participants and their infants. Data on retention rates and 17 retention strategies was extracted. A random effects meta-analysis generated pooled annual retention rates inversely weighted to the number of baseline participants. Spearman rank coefficients were used to assess correlation between strategy use and retention. A random-effects meta-regression was used to determine if select retention strategies were associated with participant retention. We identified 130 studies, involving 472 022 pregnancies. A downward trend in pooled mean retention rates were observed. Studies utilized an average of 6.8 (SD 3.9) retention strategies. Statistically significant associations were not observed between strategy use and retention rates at follow-up (p > 0.05). Prospective studies of pregnant people and their infants used multiple retention strategies. Participant retention rates declined over time, suggesting that additional factors may influence study participation in the postpartum period.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Bio-Similarity of ADL-018 to Innovator Omalizumab: A Randomized Study in Healthy Adults.

Bioequivalence and safety of ADL-018, an omalizumab biosimilar, were compared with United States-licensed omalizumab (US-OMA) and European Union-approved omalizumab (EU-OMA), both approved for allergies. Healthy adults were randomized (1:1:1) to receive a dose of ADL-018, US-OMA, or EU-OMA (150 mg/mL). Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters, including AUC(0-last), AUC(0-∞), and Cmax, were considered equivalent if 90% CIs of geometric mean ratios (GMRs) were within predefined equivalence margin (0.80-1.25) using ANCOVA model. Other PK parameters, pharmacodynamics (PD) (free/total immunoglobulin E [IgE]), immunogenicity, and safety were compared. Overall, 306 participants (n = 102 per arm) were dosed; 287 completed the study. Equivalence of primary PK parameters was confirmed for pairwise comparisons, with 90% CIs within the predefined margin (GMRs of ADL-018 vs US-OMA: AUC(0-last)-1.08, AUC(0-∞)-1.07, Cmax-1.05; GMRs of ADL-018 vs EU-OMA: AUC(0-last)-1.06, AUC(0-∞)-1.06, Cmax - 1.05; and GMRs of US-OMA vs EU-OMA: AUC(0-last)-0.99, AUC(0-∞)-0.99, Cmax-1.00). PK/PD parameters were comparable across arms. Increase in total IgE (AUEC ∼30,000 to 35,000 h IU/mL) and decrease in free IgE (AUEC ∼29,000 to 35,000 h IU/mL) were comparable across arms. Similar incidence of adverse events across arms (treatment-emergent adverse events: ADL-018, n = 6; US-OMA, n = 5; EU-OMA, n = 4) was observed. ADL-018 demonstrated PK/PD equivalence and comparable safety profile to reference omalizumab.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Bedtime tetrahydrocannabinol ingestion reduces morning orthostatic cardiovascular reactivity in adults: An exploratory study.

Acute cannabis use and its primary psychoactive constituent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can induce postural dizziness, indicating increased risk of orthostatic instability. However, it is unknown if vulnerabilities persist the morning after bedtime THC consumption. This study investigated the influence of bedtime THC consumption on cardiovascular variables during an orthostatic challenge. Nine individuals with no cannabis use and eight individuals who regularly use cannabis participated in a tilt table test associated with a 3-day in-laboratory stay. Participants underwent an acclimatization day, followed by a placebo dosing day, and a 10 mg THC dosing day. Placebo and THC pills were given 1 h before a participant's habitual bedtime, and the tilt table test was performed ~1 h upon awakening. Participants were instrumented with an electrocardiogram and an automated sphygmomanometer. Fluid intake and output were measured throughout the study. The morning after THC administration, individuals with no cannabis use reported a higher frequency of dizziness and exhibited a significant reduction in both diastolic blood pressure and heart rate reactivity to tilt (reactivity = tilt - baseline) compared to the morning after placebo. Our results indicate a potential increased risk for orthostatic instability the morning after cannabis consumption in individuals with no cannabis use history.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effect of urinary catheter securement band on meatal pressure injury in male intensive care patients: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effectiveness of a urinary catheter securement band in preventing meatal pressure injury (meatal-PI) in male ICU patients, and to identify associated risk factors and the timing of injury development. METHODS: A total of 248 adult male ICU patients were randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 124) or a control group (n = 124) between December 2024 and April 2025. The intervention group received a catheter securement band in addition to standard care, while the control group received standard care alone. Meatal-PI was evaluated daily using a structured monitoring form and a validated staging system. RESULTS: The incidence of meatal-PI was significantly lower in the intervention group (6.5%) compared with the control group (16.1%) (p = 0.016). Multivariate analysis identified catheter securement, use of silicone catheters, higher Braden Scale scores, and shorter ICU length of stay as independent protective factors, while advanced age was associated with increased risk. Additional factors significantly associated with meatal-PI included comorbidities, higher device burden, latex catheter use, dry skin, lower Glasgow Coma Scale and Braden scores, sedation, and perineal oedema (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of a catheter securement band significantly reduces the incidence of meatal-PI in male ICU patients. Incorporating catheter securement devices into routine nursing care, prioritising silicone catheter use, and performing regular meatal assessments may enhance patient safety by reducing the risk of device-related pressure injuries. Further research comparing different catheter securement methods across diverse patient populations is warranted. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: The use of catheter securement bands may reduce the incidence of meatal-PI in male ICU patients. Incorporating standardized catheter stabilization strategies into routine intensive care nursing practice may enhance patient safety and support pressure injury prevention efforts.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Cost-effectiveness analysis of a virtually administered pain coping skills training intervention in women with breast cancer in underserved areas.

OBJECTIVES: Women with cancer who live in medically underserved areas could benefit from behavioral pain interventions, but access is limited. A randomized trial reported that a 4-session virtual program incorporating pain coping skills training (mPCST) was effective in improving pain outcomes compared to an attention-control condition. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis of mPCST vs. control. METHODS: Data on medical resource use, therapist time, and participants' attendance at intervention sessions and time associated with travel and using a mobile app were collected. The 5-level EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D-5L), a preference-weighted measure of health-related quality of life (HRQOL), was administered at baseline, after the intervention period, and 3 and 6 months later. Medicare payments were used to value medical resource use and therapist time to deliver mPCST. Patient time was valued using the average US wage. RESULTS: Medical resource utilization was similar for both groups, but hospitalizations trended higher in the mPCST group. EQ-5D-5L preference weights were higher by an average of 0.066 (p = 0.04) with mPCST across the follow-up period, representing an incremental gain of 0.04 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) (95% CI: 0.00-0.08). When including the base-case cost of mPCST of \$500 vs. \$0 for the control group, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was \$12,725 per QALY (95% CI: 5,566-69,343). Including the value of patient time added \$303 to mPCST costs resulting in an ICER of \$20,438 per QALY (95% CI: 9,051-111,403). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: mPCST is a cost-effective program that improves HRQOL for women with cancer living in medically underserved areas.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Changes in sexual behavior among women in studies evaluating the dapivirine vaginal ring for HIV prevention.

BACKGROUND: Access to novel HIV prevention technologies often raise concerns of risk compensation. This analysis examined changes in the sexual behaviors of MTN 020/ASPIRE participants, a placebo controlled randomized control trial, who subsequently enrolled in MTN-025/HOPE, an open-label extension using the dapivirine vaginal ring. METHODS: Both studies enrolled healthy, sexually active, HIV-negative women from Malawi, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Longitudinal data on participants' sexual behaviors, specifically sex with a nonprimary partner (past 3 months), and use of male or female condoms at the last vaginal sex act were compared between ASPIRE and HOPE. Conditional and mixed ordinal logistic regression models evaluated associations between study and sexual behaviors at enrollment, and quarterly over the first 12 months. RESULTS: Of the 2629 individuals enrolled in ASPIRE, 1456 (55%) participated in HOPE. At enrollment, the proportion of participants who reported sex with a nonprimary partner and condom use at last vaginal sex act did not differ by study. Across all quarterly follow-up visits, sex with a nonprimary partner was more common in HOPE (13.9-18.7%) than ASPIRE (10.7-12.6%); adjusted OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.24-1.75, P < 0.001. There was no difference in condom use at the last vaginal act across all quarterly follow-up visits between ASPIRE (36.5-42.7%) and HOPE (43.6-46.7%); adjusted OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.94-1.18. CONCLUSION: More women reported sex with nonprimary partners in HOPE, with little change in condom use over time between the two studies. Understanding behavior changes during PrEP use allows for tailored, holistic reproductive health programming.

Humans↗