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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

Lipid-mediated activation of BLT2 promotes membrane repair to prevent cell death.

Various pathogenic microorganisms produce toxins that create pores in cell membranes, causing cell damage and disrupting the host epithelial barrier. Recently, we reported that mice lacking the G protein-coupled receptor leukotriene B4 receptor 2 (BLT2), which is expressed in vascular endothelial and alveolar epithelial cells, are highly susceptible to pneumolysin (PLY), a pneumococci-generated toxin. Although we clarified the protective roles of BLT2 in vascular endothelial cells, those in alveolar epithelial cells have not been elucidated. Here, we report that lipid mediator 12-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid (12-HHT), which is produced by membrane-damaged epithelial cells, prevents cell death by promoting membrane repair through BLT2. BLT2 promoted the release of PLY-bound plasma membranes as extracellular vesicles in a sphingomyelinase-dependent manner. Additionally, BLT2 activated Rac1 and subsequent actin polymerization, leading to resistance to cell death. Furthermore, inhibition of 12-HHT production by aspirin and treatment with a BLT2 antagonist abolished the protective effect of BLT2. These findings provide a new therapeutic strategy for bacterial infection.

Receptors, Leukotriene B4

HSK21542 for Postoperative Analgesia in Gynecological Surgery: A Pooled Post-Hoc Analysis of Two Phase III Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Effective postoperative pain management in gynecological surgery is challenging because of complex visceral-somatic pain interactions and the adverse effects of conventional analgesics. HSK21542, a novel peripherally restricted kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) agonist that selectively targets visceral pain pathways enriched with KORs, may provide adequate analgesia without systemic adverse events. METHODS: We conducted a pooled post-hoc analysis of data from two phase III, multicenter, triple-blinded, randomized controlled trials (Study 301, HSK21542 vs placebo; Study 303, HSK21542 vs tramadol vs placebo). Eligible patients undergoing elective gynecological surgery were included. The primary outcome was the summed pain-intensity difference over 12 and 24 hours (SPID 12h and SPID 24h ). Secondary outcomes were pain-relief quality (proportion of patients relieved from severe pain with a pain numerical rating score &#x2264; 3 between 0 and 24 hours) and rescue-analgesic requirements (number of doses and time to first rescue analgesic). Adverse events were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 370 patients were analyzed: 150 received HSK21542, 139 received a placebo, and 81 received tramadol. After inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) adjustment, baseline characteristics were well-balanced across treatment groups (all standardized mean differences [SMD] <0.1; see Table 1 for 95% CIs). HSK21542 produced greater reductions in pain intensity over 12 and 24 hours than placebo (least-squares mean differences -8.1 and -16.3 for SPID 12h and SPID 24h , respectively. Both P < .001) and no statistically significant difference was observed between HSK21542 and tramadol ( P > .05). Significantly more patients in the HSK21542 group were relieved from severe pain at 0 to 12 hours (92.7% vs 82.7%, P < .001) and required fewer rescue doses at 0 to 12 hours (0.00 [IQR 0.00-1.00] vs 1.00 [IQR 0.00-2.00], P < .001) and 0 to 24 hours (0.00 [IQR 0.00-1.00] vs 1.00 [IQR 0.00-2.00], P < .001) than those in the placebo group, whereas no significant differences with tramadol both in 0 to 12 and 0 to 24 hours. HSK21542 was also associated with significantly lower incidences of nausea (24.7% vs 66.7%) and vomiting (21.3% vs 60.5%) than tramadol. Only one case of dizziness occurred in the tramadol group. CONCLUSIONS: HSK21542 could provide adequate postoperative analgesia with few adverse events in patients undergoing gynecological surgery.

Humans

Coordinated use of three homocysteine methyltransferases supports l-methionine biosynthesis and environmental adaptation among plant-associated bacteria.

Plant pathogens colonize multiple plant-associated habitats throughout their life cycle, encountering distinct nutrient conditions and microbial communities. l-methionine is required for bacterial growth and environmental adaptation. However, how plant pathogens coordinate l-methionine biosynthetic pathways to adapt to different plant-associated environments remains poorly understood. Here, using the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris strain XC1 as a model, we show that three homocysteine methyltransferase pathways allow XC1 to catalyze the final step of l-methionine biosynthesis using different methyl donors and cofactors under different environmental conditions. Bioinformatic and transcriptional analyses identified three homocysteine methyltransferase-associated operons in XC1, mesMXD, mmuPM, and metHRHaHb, corresponding to the MesD-, MmuM-, and MetHaHb-dependent pathways, respectively. MesD uses an endogenously synthesized methyl donor and functions as the dominant homocysteine methyltransferase under l-methionine-limiting conditions, supporting bacterial growth, intracellular l-methionine accumulation, and full virulence. Furthermore, MmuM enables XC1 to use plant-derived S-methylmethionine for l-methionine biosynthesis, whereas MetHaHb enables XC1 to use vitamin B12 supplied by a neighboring bacterium for l-methionine biosynthesis in co-culture. Expression analyses showed that mesMXD was the only homocysteine methyltransferase-associated operon that responded to l-methionine availability, and its expression also decreased when S-methylmethionine- or vitamin B12-dependent pathways supported l-methionine biosynthesis. Comparative genomic analysis further showed that the three-homocysteine methyltransferase configuration is conserved in Xanthomonas and is also present in other plant-associated bacteria. Together, these findings show that a plant pathogen can coordinate endogenous, plant-derived, and microbially supported homocysteine methyltransferase pathways to maintain l-methionine biosynthesis, providing a metabolic strategy for adaptation to plant-associated environments.

Methionine

Descemet Stripping Only in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial of Topical Ripasudil and Directions for Future Innovation.

PURPOSE: To review history of Descemet stripping only (DSO) in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, describe the results of a clinical trial of topical ripasudil after DSO (K-321-201 study), and discuss future directions. METHODS: A 1-year, phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled multicenter clinical trial of two doses of K-321 (ripasudil) administered for 12 weeks after DSO surgery in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy was performed. The primary endpoint, central corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) at 12 weeks after surgery, was determined by an independent reading center that was masked to study group assignment. Duration of corneal edema, need for medical or surgical rescue therapy, corneal thickness, and central ECD throughout the entire study period were also examined. Adverse events and exploratory endpoints were collected. RESULTS: Sixty-five subjects were enrolled (21 in the QID group, 22 in the BID, and in the placebo group). Over 95% of subjects completed the trial. The QID group had a higher central ECD 12 weeks after DSO than the placebo group (531 &#xb1; 312 cells/mm2 vs 228 &#xb1; 298 cells/mm2, P = .0065). Corneal edema cleared in 17/21 (81.0%) of the QID group at 12 weeks, compared with 2/22 (9.1%) of the placebo group (P < .0001). Rescue was required in 2/21 (9.5%) subjects in the QID group and 6/22 (27.3%) subjects in the placebo group (P = .0092). Adverse events were mild and did not lead to discontinuation of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Topical K-321 given QID improves DSO outcomes, as demonstrated by a higher ECD, more rapid resolution of corneal edema, and reduced failure rate. The medication was well-tolerated.

Humans

The effect of combining visuo-vestibular exercises with manual therapy and exercise on sensorimotor function in chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether adding visuo-vestibular exercises to standard manual therapy and exercise produces superior improvements in sensorimotor function, pain, balance, and functional disability in adults with chronic neck pain. METHODS: This prospective, randomized controlled trial enrolled 58 adults with chronic neck pain (&#x2265;3 months) allocated to a manual therapy and exercise group (MtE; n&#x202f;=&#x202f;29) or MtE plus visuo-vestibular exercises (MtE-VVE; n&#x202f;=&#x202f;29). Both groups completed 12 supervised sessions over six weeks with a daily home exercise programme. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks, and included pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]), upper extremity reaction time, computerized posturography, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and cervical muscle endurance. RESULTS: Fifty-four participants (27 per group) completed the study. Both groups improved significantly across all outcomes (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001). At 12-week follow-up, the MtE-VVE group demonstrated superior outcomes: activity-related pain was reduced by an additional 2.00&#x202f;cm (95% CI: 0.75-3.25; p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.005), bilateral reaction time improved by 1.70&#x202f;s (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.001), eyes-open mediolateral sway decreased by 0.50&#x202f;mm (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001), NDI score was 6.30 points lower (95% CI: 3.42-9.18; p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001), and cervical flexion and extension endurance improved by 12.00&#x202f;s and 27.70&#x202f;s, respectively (p&#x202f;&#x2264;&#x202f;0.020). CONCLUSION: Adding visuo-vestibular exercises to standard manual therapy and exercise produces clinically meaningful and sustained improvements in activity-related pain, sensorimotor function, postural control, and functional disability in adults with chronic neck pain, and may be recommended as an effective adjunctive intervention.

Humans

One-carbon metabolism and chemotherapy-induced toxicities in patients with stage II-III colorectal cancer: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: One-carbon metabolism (OCM) is a target of the chemotherapeutic agent capecitabine. OBJECTIVES: We investigated OCM biomarker concentrations in relation to capecitabine-induced toxicities in patients with stage II-III colorectal cancer. METHODS: Within a prospective cohort, 297 patients receiving adjuvant capecitabine-based chemotherapy were included. Pretreatment plasma concentrations of the OCM biomarkers folate, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, total homocysteine, methionine, serine, and glycine were determined. We also investigated whether associations differed according to methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T genotypes. Chemotherapy-induced toxicities were defined as toxicity-induced modifications of capecitabine treatment. To allow for inspection of shapes of the associations, restricted cubic splines and Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS: In total, 156 (53%) patients experienced toxicity-induced modifications of capecitabine treatment. Folate was not associated with toxicities in the overall population. Higher folate concentrations were associated with a lower risk of toxicities in patients with MTHFR C677T CT/TT genotype (HRperdoubling: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.98) but not in patients with CC genotype (HRperdoubling: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.84, 1.63). Higher concentrations of vitamin B2 were associated with a lower risk of toxicities (HRperdoubling: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.99), whereas higher glycine concentrations were associated with a higher risk of toxicities (HRperdoubling: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.94). The association between vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 and toxicities appeared nonlinear. Homocysteine, methionine, and serine were not associated with toxicities. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies investigating whether nutrition-guided optimization of OCM biomarkers will result in improved treatment tolerance are warranted.

Humans

Finerenone and quality of life in heart failure: component-level analyses and clinical relevance of the Kansas City cardiomyopathy questionnaire.

AIMS: Finerenone was shown to improve overall health status, as measured by the aggregate 23-item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) score, in heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction (HFmrEF/HFpEF). This study aimed to contextualize KCCQ changes in a manner that is relevant to patients and clinicians, thereby improving understanding of this metric in HFmrEF/HFpEF. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this prespecified analysis of FINEARTS-HF, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of finerenone in HFmrEF/HFpEF, we performed exploratory assessments of treatment effects on mean score changes from baseline to 12 months for each of the 23 KCCQ components (scaled from 0 [worst] to 100 [best]) using multivariable linear regression. We further compared the impact of finerenone on the KCCQ-overall summary score (KCCQ-OSS) at 12 months with the expected decline per year. Of 6001 participants in FINEARTS-HF, 5006 completed the KCCQ both at baseline and 12 months (age: 72 &#xb1; 10 years, women: 45%, baseline KCCQ-OSS: 63.9 &#xb1; 22.0). Finerenone, compared with placebo, numerically improved all but one KCCQ component, with the greatest nominal improvement observed in lower limb oedema frequency (+2.5, 95% CI: 0.9-4.1), fatigue burden (+2.2, 95% CI: 0.9-3.5), fatigue frequency (+2.1, 95% CI: 0.7-3.6), and lower limb oedema burden (+1.8, 95% CI: 0.6-2.9). KCCQ-OSS at 12 months was inversely related to age, with finerenone shifting the age-KCCQ-OSS relationship by 4.7 (95% CI: 0.4-9.1) years. CONCLUSIONS: In FINEARTS-HF, finerenone was associated with modest improvements in health status-most notably lower limb oedema and fatigue-in patients with HFmrEF/HFpEF.

Humans

"Out of sync and overlooked" - Relationship between social jetlag and anxiety in adolescents: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Anxiety is the most prevalent mental health difficulty in adolescence, a period characterised by a shift towards an eveningness chronotype that is not aligned with societal demands (i.e., school start times). Experiencing "social jetlag" (SJL), a discrepancy in weekday-weekend sleep timing, is proposed to be associated with increased anxiety. A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between SJL and anxiety in adolescents (age range: 12-18 years). Systematic searches were conducted in PsycINFO, Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global on 14th November 2024 to retrieve empirical studies analysing the relationship between SJL and anxiety in 12-18-year-olds. A multi-level random-effect meta-analysis was conducted in R to estimate the magnitude of the association between SJL and anxiety. After screening 2,138 records, 18 studies were included in the systematic review, with 12 included in the meta-analysis (235,526 participants in total) and six in a narrative review. A small association was found between increased SJL and more severe anxiety (Fisher's z&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.0614, 95% CI [0.0268, 0.0961], p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.0011). These findings highlight the importance of addressing behavioural strategies targeting healthy regular sleep as a tool to improve mental health in adolescence.

Adolescent

Effects of multistrain probiotic supplementation on hepatic function and anthropometric parameters in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly prevalent on a global scale. The gut microbiota is integral to its pathogenesis, prompting extensive research into microbiota modulation as a potential adjunctive therapeutic strategy. AIM: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of multistrain probiotics supplementation on hepatic function in patients with MASLD in a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. The primary outcomes were changes in Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) and fatty liver index (FLI). Secondary outcomes included changes in anthropometric parameters, selected biochemical markers, and other liver-related indices. METHODS: A total of 64 patients with MASLD were randomly assigned to two groups receiving either placebo (C) or a probiotic mixture (PRO) containing the following bacterial strains: 50% Lactococcus lactis Rosell-1058, 25% Lacticaseibacillus casei Rosell-215, 12.5% Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52, 12.5% Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-71 for 12 wk. RESULTS: Significant group &#xd7; time interactions were observed for FIB-4 (Q = 0.007), with reduction in the PRO group and increase in the C group (-0.05 vs. 0.10; P = 0.002). No significant interaction was found for FLI (Q = 0.942). Significant group &#xd7; time interactions were also observed for aspartate aminotransferase (-2.87 vs. 1.87 U/L; Q = 0.003) and APRI (-0.03 vs. 0.02; Q = 0.001), favoring the PRO group (P < 0.001 for both). No significant changes were observed in anthropometric parameters, glucose levels, or lipid profile. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with MASLD, the 12-wk probiotic supplementation had a modest but statistically significant effect on FIB-4, aspartate aminotransferase, and APRI, with no significant effect on FLI or anthropometric and metabolic parameters. These findings suggest that this probiotic formulation may have potential benefits for liver function in MASLD. However, long-term studies incorporating imaging-based and histological endpoints are required to determine the clinical significance of these findings.

Humans

PGR expression as a pharmacogenomic companion biomarker to GENE70-derived genomic risk in ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The biology of the estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancers is heterogeneous even when they are categorized by their risk via genomics. Transcriptomic PGR expression reflects endocrine pathway activity and may provide complementary biological information within established GENE70-derived genomic-risk categories. Whether this molecular marker improves the biological interpretation of genomic-risk stratification beyond conventional clinicopathological assessment remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether transcriptomic PGR expression provides complementary biological and prognostic information within reconstructed GENE70-derived genomic-risk categories and refines the characterization of endocrine-related tumour biology in ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer. METHODS: This study analysed publicly available transcriptomic and clinical data from three cohorts: METABRIC (discovery cohort), GSE96058/SCAN-B cohort (validation cohort) and TCGA-BRCA cohort (molecular validation cohort). The GENE70-derived genomic-risk score was reconstructed for each cohort using matched genes. Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis and subgroup comparisons were used to assess relationships between PGR expression, clinicopathologic variables, molecular features and survival outcomes. RESULTS: Across the three independent cohorts, low transcriptomic PGR expression was consistently associated with higher GENE70-derived genomic risk, increased MKI67 expression, reduced ESR1 expression and enrichment of the Luminal B subtype. Survival findings differed between cohorts. In the discovery METABRIC cohort, transcriptomic PGR expression showed heterogeneous associations with survival, particularly within GENE70-derived high-risk subgroups, whereas the external GSE96058/SCAN-B validation cohort demonstrated consistent associations between low PGR expression and poorer overall survival in both the overall ER-positive/HER2-negative population and GENE70-derived high-risk subgroups. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that transcriptomic PGR provides complementary biological and prognostic information within GENE70-derived genomic-risk categories. However, because treatment response was not evaluated in the present study, the findings should not be interpreted as evidence of predictive or pharmacogenomic utility and prospective studies incorporating treatment-response analyses are required before such applications can be established.

Humans

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

AIM: This study aimed to improve glycemic control among young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D), an at-risk and understudied population. METHOD: N&#xa0;=&#xa0;300 young adults with T1D recruited nationally were randomized to the factorial combination of (1) financial incentives targeting glucose checking and mealtime behaviors and (2) web health coaching focused on increasing motivation and goal setting for self-management behaviors. All received a smartphone app that accessed device data and provided weekly goal feedback. The intervention lasted 6&#xa0;months. HbA1c (A1c) was assessed at baseline, +6 months, and +12&#xa0;months. The mean number of glucose checking and mealtime goals met per week during the intervention were tested as mediators of intervention effects on A1c at 12&#xa0;months. RESULTS: A1c was significantly reduced from baseline to +12&#xa0;months across all participants. Indirect effects of both incentives and coaching on A1c reductions were significant and partially mediated by mealtime but not glucose checking goal achievement. There was no synergistic (interaction) effect of incentives and coaching. CONCLUSION: Incentives and coaching both improved critical mealtime behavior but through different strategies. These results suggest that either intervention would be suitable for future testing and dissemination, and that lower cost of incentives may favor their prioritization.

Adolescent

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

Depressive symptoms are common in individuals with persistent insomnia. Previous meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) showed that cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can reduce depressive symptoms at post-treatment. However, the long-term maintenance of these improvements has never been systematically examined. To fill-in this gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the long-term (&#x2265;3 months) effects of CBT-I on depressive symptoms. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251146061). Only RCTs in adults with insomnia were considered. Pubmed, Scopus, Psycinfo, CINAHL, and Medline were searched up to 12 September 2025 with no predefined time constraints. From 5359 records initially retrieved, we included 53 articles reporting on 13,608 individuals. After outliers removal, random effects meta-analysis showed that CBT-I was superior to control conditions in reducing depressive symptoms at 3 [k&#x202f;=&#x202f;29, d&#x202f;=&#x202f;-.35, [95% CI: -.49 to -.21], p&#x202f;<&#x202f;.001], 6 [k&#x202f;=&#x202f;29, d&#x202f;=&#x202f;-.32, [95% CI: -.59 to -.05], p&#x202f;=&#x202f;.018], and 12 [k&#x202f;=&#x202f;10, d&#x202f;=&#x202f;-.25, [95% CI: -.39 to -.12], p&#x202f;<&#x202f;.001] months follow-ups. Results demonstrate that the effects of CBT-I on depressive symptoms are sustained throughout the year following treatment, although effects may decline over time.

Humans

Assessment of the safety and efficacy of sodium pentaborate pentahydrate in individuals with overweight and obesity: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1/2 dose-finding trial.

The present study aimed to examine the short-term safety and tolerability of sodium pentaborate pentahydrate (NaB) and to explore preliminary efficacy and dose selection as secondary objectives in individuals with overweight or obesity. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1/2 trial, conducted from July 2024 to January 2025, 177 adults with overweight or obesity were randomized, of whom 116 completed the 12-week trial. Participants received placebo or NaB at doses of 200, 400, 600, 800, or 1,000&#x2009;mg for 12&#x2009;weeks, alongside a standardized diet and exercise programme. The primary safety objective was to investigate short-term safety and tolerability through adverse events, hypoglycaemic episodes, gastrointestinal adverse events, and changes in haematological and biochemical parameters. The primary exploratory efficacy outcome was percentage change in body weight from baseline to week 12. Secondary and exploratory efficacy outcomes included body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio, glycaemic markers, lipid parameters, and blood pressure. Baseline characteristics were broadly similar across groups (all p&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;0.05), and no major short-term safety signal was observed. Mean body weight decreased in the 400&#x2009;mg (-2.6&#x2009;kg), 600&#x2009;mg (-1.2&#x2009;kg), and 1,000&#x2009;mg groups (-3.1&#x2009;kg). Compared with placebo, the 1,000&#x2009;mg dose resulted in the largest reductions in body weight (mean difference, -2.30&#x2009;kg; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.01) and BMI (mean difference, -0.85&#x2009;kg/m2; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.02). The 1,000&#x2009;mg dose showed preliminary efficacy for reducing body weight and BMI over 12&#x2009;weeks compared with placebo, with no major short-term safety signal and no clinically meaningful changes in renal, hepatic, or haematological markers. All reported adverse events were mild. These short-term findings are exploratory and require confirmation in future phase 3 trials with extended follow-up to investigate long-term safety and efficacy.

Humans

Resistance versus concurrent training with three assigned protein targets in middle-aged and older women: a randomized 2 &#xd7; 3 factorial trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence is limited regarding whether assigned protein targets modify responses to resistance training (RT) alone or to the same RT program plus cycling (concurrent training [CT]) in middle-aged and older women. This randomized 2&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;3 factorial trial examined bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)-derived skeletal muscle mass (SMM; primary outcome), other body composition outcomes, muscular and functional performance, and cycle-derived estimated VO&#x2082;max. METHODS: In this randomized 2&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;3 factorial trial, 108 women aged 40-77 years were assigned to 12 weeks of supervised RT or CT (identical RT followed by cycling) and protein targets of 0.8, 1.6, or 2.2 g&#xb7;kg-1&#xb7;d-1. Baseline-adjusted ANCOVA tested training&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;protein interactions and marginal training and protein effects. Complete-case analyses included 83 participants. RESULTS: For SMM, no training-condition&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;protein-target interaction (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.856), marginal protein-target effect (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.726), or marginal training-condition effect (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.273) was detected. CT had a lower baseline-adjusted week-12 BFP than RT (adjusted difference, -2.04 percentage points; 95% CI, -2.94 to -1.14; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). RT had a higher baseline-adjusted week-12 leg-press estimated 1-RM than CT (CT - RT: -6.68 kg; 95% CI, -8.32 to -5.04; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), whereas CT had a higher baseline-adjusted week-12 cycle-derived estimated VO&#x2082;max (adjusted difference, 4.53 mL&#xb7;kg-1&#xb7;min-1; 95% CI, 3.80 to 5.25; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). No detectable marginal protein-target effects or training-condition&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;protein-target interactions were observed for the key secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: No detectable differences in SMM or key secondary outcomes were attributable to assigned protein target. Compared with RT, CT favored estimated aerobic fitness and BFP, whereas RT favored leg-press strength. Because CT included additional cycling and greater exercise exposure, these differences cannot be attributed solely to training modality. Null protein findings do not establish equivalence among doses.

Humans

Ultrasound-guided high-voltage vs conventional pulsed radiofrequency in elderly cervical radiculopathy: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients with cervical radiculopathy present therapeutic challenges owing to comorbidities and medication-related risks. Long-term pharmacotherapy and surgical interventions are often suboptimal, necessitating evaluation of optimized pulsed radiofrequency strategies under image guidance. OBJECTIVES: This superiority trial compared the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided cervical nerve root high-voltage pulsed radiofrequency (HVP-PRF) versus conventional pulsed radiofrequency (C-PRF) for pain management in elderly patients with cervical radiculopathy. METHODS: This single-center, parallel-group, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial enrolled patients aged 60-85 years with cervical radiculopathy, randomly assigned (1:1) to HVP-PRF (70 V) or C-PRF (45 V). Procedures were performed under ultrasound guidance with sensory/motor stimulation confirmation and temperature &#x2264;42&#xb0;C. The primary outcome was change in upper-limb radiating pain on the Numeric Rating Scale (&#x394;NRS) from baseline to 3 months. Secondary outcomes included Neck Disability Index (NDI), neck pain NRS, Patient Global Impression of Change, responder rates, rescue analgesia use, and adverse events. Follow-up occurred at 1 week, 1, and 3 months. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were randomized and 101 received treatment. At 3 months, HVP-PRF demonstrated significantly greater radiating pain improvement versus C-PRF (adjusted mean difference 1.24, 95% CI 0.46-2.02, P=0.002). Functional improvement (NDI) was superior in the HVP-PRF group at 3 months (AMD 6.47, 95% CI 2.11-10.83, P=0.004). Responder rates (&#x2265;50% pain reduction) were higher with HVP-PRF at 3 months (68.75% vs. 42.22%, OR 3.01, P=0.011) and 6 months (65.22% vs. 43.18%, OR 2.52, P=0.035). Rescue analgesic use was lower in the HVP-PRF group during 1-3 months intervals (both P<0.05). Adverse event rates were comparable (27.45% vs. 32.00%). CONCLUSION: Under ultrasound visualization and electrical stimulation-based target confirmation with temperature control &#x2264;42&#xb0;C, HVP-PRF provided greater and more durable relief of upper limb radiating pain compared with C-PRF in elderly patients with cervical radiculopathy, with a comparable safety profile.

Humans

Intravenous Nicorandil in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary PCI: The CLEAN Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Nicorandil, an adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium-channel opener with nitrate-like properties, may reduce reperfusion injury and microvascular obstruction in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but large-scale randomized evidence on long-term clinical outcomes is inconclusive. OBJECTIVES: The CLEAN trial aimed to assess whether adjunctive intravenous nicorandil improves 12-month clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted at 49 hospitals in China, patients aged 18 to 80 years with STEMI within 12 hours of symptom onset were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive intravenous nicorandil (6 mg bolus before reperfusion followed by 6 mg/h infusion for 48 h) or matching placebo. Oral nicorandil was prohibited during follow-up. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, or unplanned hospitalization for heart failure within 12 months. RESULTS: Between January 2021 and December 2023, 1,503 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to nicorandil (n = 748) or placebo (n = 755). The primary composite outcome occurred in 98 patients (13.1%) in the nicorandil group (113 events over 717.2 person-years) and 99 (13.1%) in the placebo group (136 events over 710.3 person-years), with no significant difference between groups (rate ratio: 0.869; 95% CI: 0.650-1.162; P = 0.3429). Among secondary outcomes, nominal reductions were observed in cardiovascular death (1.9% vs 3.6%; HR: 0.515; 95% CI: 0.269-0.983) and target-vessel revascularization (1.1% vs 3.0%; HR: 0.322; 95% CI: 0.143-0.727), whereas rates of nonfatal myocardial infarction and unplanned hospitalization for heart failure were similar between groups. Adverse events did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention, adjunctive intravenous nicorandil did not significantly reduce the 12-month primary composite outcome. These findings do not support routine use of intravenous nicorandil in unselected patients with STEMI. (Clinical Efficacy and sAfety of Intravenous Nicorandil; NCT04665648).

Humans

Astigmatic vector outcomes after FS-LASIK versus SMILE for high myopic astigmatism: a single-center retrospective comparative cohort study without cyclotorsion compensation.

PURPOSE: To compare astigmatic correction vector outcomes between femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) and small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE, also termed Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction, KLEx) without intraoperative cyclotorsion compensation in patients with high myopic astigmatism (-&#x2009;2.00 to&#x2009;-&#x2009;3.75 D), and to clarify procedure-specific correction tendencies under this non-standardized alignment protocol. METHODS: This single-center retrospective comparative cohort study enrolled 155 eyes (one eye randomly selected per patient) that underwent FS-LASIK (80 eyes) or SMILE/KLEx (75 eyes) for high myopic astigmatism correction from January 2023 to July 2024 in Beijing Fenglian Jiayue Lige Clinic. Intraoperative cyclotorsion compensation was intentionally disabled to isolate inherent procedural astigmatism correction characteristics. Standardized Alpins vectorial analysis was performed at 3&#xa0;months and 12&#xa0;months postoperatively. PRIMARY ENDPOINT: 12-month Alpins correction index (CI). Multivariable propensity score adjustment was applied to mitigate confounding by clinical treatment selection bias. Statistical multiplicity control was implemented for secondary vector and visual outcomes. RESULTS: Baseline demographic, refractive, corneal and ocular biometric parameters were balanced between groups after propensity matching. No statistically significant intergroup differences were detected in uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), residual cylinder, safety index or efficacy index at 3 and 12&#xa0;months (all P&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.05). Under the non-cyclotorsion-compensated protocol, significant intergroup differences were identified in the magnitude of surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), correction index (CI), and magnitude error (ME) at both follow-up timepoints (all P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001). Target induced astigmatism (TIA), difference vector (DV), index of success (IOS), and angle error (AE) magnitudes were comparable between groups (all P&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.05). The vector mean axis of DV differed significantly between groups at 3 and 12&#xa0;months (Watson-Williams circular test, all P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001). No reoperations were documented in clinic medical records for either cohort. No standardized dry eye questionnaires, tear film testing or corneal nerve density metrics were collected to quantify dry eye adverse events; only unstructured clinical notes were reviewed for complication screening. CONCLUSIONS: Under surgical alignment without cyclotorsion compensation, FS-LASIK and SMILE/KLEx both yielded acceptable visual and refractive safety/efficacy for high myopic astigmatism (-&#x2009;2.00 to&#x2009;-&#x2009;3.75 D) at 1-year follow-up, but demonstrated divergent astigmatism correction tendencies: FS-LASIK exhibited relative astigmatism overcorrection (vector mean DV:&#x2009;-&#x2009;0.35&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;0.43 D&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;91&#xb0;, CI&#x2009;>&#x2009;1), while SMILE/KLEx showed relative undercorrection (vector mean DV:&#x2009;-&#x2009;0.21&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;0.53 D&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;12&#xb0;, CI&#x2009;<&#x2009;1). These correction biases are specific to the study's manual limbal alignment protocol without cyclotorsion tracking and cannot be generalized to modern optimized surgical platforms equipped with automated cyclotorsion compensation. Residual refractive errors across both groups are likely multifactorial, including differential corneal stromal healing responses, divergent femtosecond/excimer laser tissue modification mechanisms, and uncorrected intraoperative ocular cyclotorsion.

Humans