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Postoperative Curvature Loss in Three-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion With Zero-Profile Device.

PURPOSE: Cervical curvature loss is a frequent complication following 3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using a Zero-Profile device. Consequently, the capacity of this device to maintain cervical sagittal alignment in 3-level ACDF remains highly controversial. This study aimed to identify potential predictors for postoperative curvature loss (PCL) and evaluate its impact on clinical outcomes. METHODS: A total of 113 patients who underwent ACDF for 3-level cervical degenerative disc disease (CDDD) between January 2021 and December 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, radiological parameters, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Radiographic measures included cervical curvature, T1 slope, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis, and titanium plate and endplate (TPE) distance. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores. Statistical analyses were performed using paired and independent t-tests, as well as Pearson correlation coefficients. RESULTS: The average curvature loss was 6.82&#xb0; from 1&#x2009;week postoperatively to the final follow-up (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). However, the final curvature (11.65&#xb0;) was maintained, representing a 4.33&#xb0; improvement compared to preoperative values. Significant correlations were observed between PCL and preoperative curvature (r&#x2009;=&#x2009;-0.368, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.013), preoperative T1 slope (r&#x2009;=&#x2009;-0.546, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), &#x2206;T1 slope (r&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.443, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.002), and &#x2206;TPE distance (r&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.417, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.004). PCL did not correlate with Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores or arm VAS scores at the final follow-up. Nevertheless, patients with a PCL&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;6&#xb0; exhibited significantly higher neck VAS (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.028) and NDI scores (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.041). CONCLUSION: Although contiguous 3-level ACDF with a Zero-Profile device may result in PCL, it preserves an improved cervical lordosis compared to the preoperative baseline. Low preoperative curvature and a low preoperative T1 slope are potentially predictive factors for PCL. Postoperative changes in TPE distance and T1 slope are significantly associated with PCL, suggesting a potential biomechanical link that requires direct validation. Furthermore, PCL may lead to higher neck VAS and NDI scores. Consequently, the Zero-Profile device may require careful consideration in 3-level CDDD patients presenting with low preoperative curvature and a low T1 slope. Importantly, the 6&#xb0; PCL threshold identified is preliminary and requires prospective validation before clinical application.

Humans

Marginal fit and five-year outcomes of posterior monolithic zirconia restorations: A randomized paired and observational clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the marginal fit and five-year clinical performance of posterior 5 mol% yttria-partially stabilized zirconia restorations. A randomized paired comparison with lithium disilicate crowns was performed for marginal fit. METHODS: A total of 65 posterior restorations were placed in 38 patients, including 32 zirconia crowns, 17 lithium disilicate crowns, and 16 zirconia partial coverage restorations. In the randomized paired comparison, 17 patients received one lithium disilicate crown and one zirconia crown. Additional zirconia crowns (n=15) and zirconia partial coverage restorations (n=16) were included in a prospective observational cohort. The primary outcome was marginal fit within the randomized cohort. Marginal and internal fit were assessed using the replica technique. Marginal and internal gap values were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test; clinical outcomes were analyzed descriptively, and Kaplan-Meier estimates were calculated for survival and complication-free survival. Clinical performance was assessed using CDA criteria, periodontal parameters, complication recording, and patient-reported outcomes. Clinical examinations were performed at baseline and at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. RESULTS: Mean marginal gap values at the crown margin were 46 &#xb1;33 &#xb5;m for lithium disilicate crowns and 50 &#xb1;32 &#xb5;m for zirconia crowns (p>0.05). No restoration required replacement, resulting in 100% restoration survival after a median follow-up of 60 months (range: 57-64 months). Most complications were biological or functional, including endodontic, periodontal, occlusal, and proximal-contact-related events. One zirconia partial coverage restoration exhibited a small ceramic fracture managed by polishing. The Kaplan-Meier probability of complication-free survival was 76.4% for zirconia crowns, 66.7% for lithium disilicate crowns, and 87.5% for zirconia partial coverage restorations. CONCLUSIONS: In the randomized paired comparison, 5 mol% yttria-partially stabilized zirconia crowns showed marginal gap values similar to lithium disilicate crowns. All restorations remained in situ during the observation period. Lower complication-free survival was mainly related to biological and functional events and should be interpreted separately from restoration survival. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinical evidence for posterior 5 mol% yttria-partially stabilized zirconia restorations remains limited. This study provides mid-term clinical data on crowns and partial coverage restorations. In the randomized full-crown comparison, marginal fit was similar to that of lithium disilicate crowns, supporting the clinical consideration of monolithic zirconia restorations for posterior teeth.

Humans

Selective monitoring of trace-level catechin and myricetin in herbal and aqueous matrices using magnetic MIP-DSPME: Optimization via design of experiments.

A novel dispersive solid-phase microextraction approach utilizing a magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MMIP) integrated with HPLC-UV detection was developed for the concurrent quantification of catechin and myricetin in herbal extracts and aqueous samples. The sorbent was engineered as a core-shell nanocomposite, consisting of a selective polymer layer deposited onto Fe3O4@SiO2-APTMS magnetic nanoparticles. Dual-template imprinting using catechin and myricetin generated complementary binding cavities within the polymer framework. Experimental variables influencing extraction were systematically screened and subsequently optimized. A Plackett-Burman design was first applied to identify the most influential factors, with pH and sorption time identified as the dominant variables. These parameters were subsequently fine-tuned using a central composite design, and the optimization process was completed in only 30 experimental runs. The sorption characteristics of the imprinted sorbent (MMIP) were compared with those of its non-imprinted counterpart (MNIP). The MMIP demonstrated markedly higher maximum binding capacities (Qmax), reaching 119.3&#xa0;mg&#xa0;g-1 for myricetin and 112.1&#xa0;mg&#xa0;g-1 for catechin, whereas the corresponding values for the MNIP were 32.55 and 32.08&#xa0;mg&#xa0;g-1, respectively. Moreover, the affinity constants (KL&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.760-0.950&#xa0;L&#xa0;mg-1) were approximately 2.3-fold higher for the MMIP, confirming its stronger and more selective interactions with the target analytes. The selectivity coefficients for the targeted flavonoids relative to structurally related compounds, including ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, melatonin, and curcumin, exceeded 3.5 for the MMIP, whereas the corresponding values for the MNIP were close to 1.1, demonstrating the high molecular recognition capability of the imprinted sorbent. Method validation demonstrated limits of detection (LODs) of 0.33-0.59&#xa0;ng&#xa0;mL-1 and limits of quantification (LOQs) of 1.10-1.96&#xa0;ng&#xa0;mL-1, and excellent linearity over the concentration range of 5.0-5500&#xa0;ng&#xa0;mL-1 (R2&#xa0;>&#xa0;0.998). The method achieved recoveries of 93.96% to 105.69% with RSDs below 5.5%, while the preconcentration factors ranged from 209 to 229. Furthermore, the sorbent retained more than 95% of its extraction efficiency after four consecutive reuse cycles and more than 80% after six cycles, demonstrating excellent stability and reusability. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of six medicinal plant extracts and water samples, showing negligible matrix interference and superior sensitivity, selectivity, and operational simplicity compared with conventional solid-phase extraction methods.

Flavonoids

Development and validation of a comprehensive prognostic model for 28-day ICU mortality in non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage: an analysis based on the MIMIC-IV database.

BACKGROUND: Due to the complex pathophysiology of non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), accurate risk prediction remains a challenge. Our aim is to develop and validate a comprehensive prognostic model that integrates demographic characteristics, vital signs, laboratory parameters, and more, to provide clinical decision-making support in real-world practice. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 785 Non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. The cohort was randomly divided into a training set (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;549) and a validation set (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;236). Feature selection was performed using LASSO regression, followed by backward stepwise Cox regression for optimization. A nomogram was constructed based on independent predictive factors, and model performance was assessed using discrimination, calibration, and decision curve analysis. To prevent immortal-time bias, all predictors were anchored to a fixed early (first-24-hour) measurement window, treatment variables were modelled as binary indicators rather than cumulative exposures, and a five-model sensitivity analysis with baseline-severity adjustment was performed. RESULTS: The development of our model followed a systematic approach: first, 15 potential predictive factors were selected via LASSO regression, which were then refined to 12 independent predictors using backward stepwise Cox regression. The final predictive factors included: Ventilation, AHT, Nimodipine 60&#xa0;mg, Age, SAPS.II, Input amount, Calcium total, Platelet count, White blood cells, Anion gap, pH, and Chloride. The integrated model demonstrated excellent predictive ability for 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day mortality in both the training set (AUC: 0.972, 0.934, 0.898) and the validation set (AUC: 0.968, 0.948, 0.911). Calibration curves and decision curve analysis confirmed the model's reliability and clinical utility across different time points. We constructed a nomogram for individualized risk prediction. Univariate Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated significant stratification of survival outcomes by each predictor, while restricted cubic spline analysis revealed non-linear relationships between continuous variables and mortality risk. Random survival forest analysis identified the top three predictive factors (Nimodipine 60&#xa0;mg, Ventilation, AHT) and compared them with our full 12-variable model, confirming superior performance of the integrated model at all time points. At the 28-day primary endpoint, the model achieved a time-dependent AUC of 0.898 (training) and 0.904 (validation); after restricting predictors to the early baseline window, the leakage-controlled model retained good discrimination (validation C-index 0.803). CONCLUSIONS: Our ICU 28-day mortality prognosis model demonstrated robust performance in predicting ICU 28-day mortality in non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. The model, through the nomogram, provides individualized risk assessment, aiding clinical decision-making and patient stratification.

Humans

Multi-omics integrative analysis provides insight into potential molecular responses to sustained high water flow in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) cultured in recirculating aquaculture.

To investigate the potential molecular responses by which water flow intensity affects the growth of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), a control group (CG, actual water velocity 0.3&#xa0;cm/s) and three sustained flow treatment groups were established, including a low-flow group (LF, 1 body length per second, bl/s), a medium-flow group (MF, 2 bl/s), and a high-flow group (HF, 3 bl/s). After 12&#xa0;weeks of culture in the RAS, growth performance was compared among groups under different flow intensities. The best-performing group and the control group were then selected for the determination of intestinal digestive enzyme activities, as well as transcriptomic and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing analyses of muscle tissue. The results showed that the specific growth rate and feed intake of the HF group were significantly higher than those of the other groups (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05), whereas no significant difference in feed conversion ratio was observed among groups. Compared with the CG group, lipase activity was significantly higher in the HF group (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05), while &#x3b1;-amylase and trypsin activities showed increasing trends without significant differences. RNA-seq identified a total of 273 differentially expressed genes, including 72 upregulated genes and 201 downregulated genes in the HF group relative to the CG group. These genes were mainly enriched in glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, ATP metabolism, the pentose phosphate pathway, the insulin signaling pathway, the PPAR signaling pathway, and the adipocytokine signaling pathway, indicating that sustained high water flow induced a muscle transcriptional response characterized by remodeling of energy metabolism and substrate utilization. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing analysis showed that DNA methylation in common carp muscle occurred predominantly in the CpG context. Differentially methylated regions between the HF and CG groups were mainly distributed in transcription-related regulatory regions, including promoters, CpG islands, and CpG island shores. In promoter regions, the number of hypermethylated regions in the HF group relative to the CG group was markedly higher than that of hypomethylated regions. Integrated analysis further identified two candidate genes showing both promoter differential methylation and differential expression, namely LOC109094644 and bcorl1, suggesting that adaptation to high water flow may involve IGF-related growth regulation and remodeling of upstream transcriptional programs. The qPCR results were consistent with the transcriptomic data. Taken together, within the tested range, a sustained water flow of 3 bl/s was more conducive to the growth of common carp in the RAS, which may be associated with enhanced lipid digestion and utilization, remodeling of the muscle energy metabolic network, changes in promoter methylation, and the coordinated regulation of key candidate genes. This study provides a theoretical basis for clarifying the exercise adaptation mechanism of common carp in recirculating aquaculture and for optimizing flow velocity parameters.

Animals

Aflibercept With Versus Without Reduced-Fluence Photodynamic Therapy for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy: Optical Coherence Tomography Angiographic Changes From a Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To report the longitudinal optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) changes in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) treated with intravitreal aflibercept monotherapy or in combination with reduced-fluence PDT. DESIGN: Image analysis of a double-masked, sham-controlled, randomized clinical trial. SUBJECTS: 55 eyes of 55 treatment-na&#xef;ve participants with symptomatic macular PCV completing 52 weeks of follow-up. METHODS: Participants underwent protocolized, multimodal imaging, including OCT, OCTA, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography at baseline, week 12, and week 52. Quantitative OCTA parameters included total lesion area, branching neovascular network (BNN) area, and BNN vessel density (VD). Qualitative features included trunk vessel presence and OCTA signal within the polypoidal lesion (PL). Eyes were categorized by treatment arm and PL closure at week 52. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Longitudinal OCTA changes and predictors of PL closure at week 52. RESULTS: We included 55 eyes (28 combination therapy and 27 monotherapy). Total lesion area decreased at week 12 but returned toward baseline at week 52 (combination: 3.72 &#xb1; 3.01mm2 at baseline, 2.86 &#xb1; 2.50mm2 at week 12, 3.59 &#xb1; 3.26mm2 at week 52; monotherapy: 3.77 &#xb1; 2.23mm2 at baseline, 3.27 &#xb1; 2.36mm2 at week 12, and 3.47 &#xb1; 2.58mm2 at week 52). BNN area decreased at week 12 and remained reduced at week 52 in both treatment arms (combination: 2.29 &#xb1; 2.08 mm2 at baseline, 1.46 &#xb1; 1.36mm2 at week 12, and 1.53 &#xb1; 1.32mm2 at week 52; monotherapy: 2.39 &#xb1; 1.85mm2 at baseline, 1.87 &#xb1; 1.68mm2 at week 12, and 1.82 &#xb1; 1.38mm2 at week 52). BNN VD reduction was greater in the combination arm at week 12 (-10 &#xb1; 15% vs - 3 &#xb1; 12%, P = .02). The proportion of eyes with trunk vessels increased over time in both arms (combination: 35.7% at baseline, 59.3% at week 12, and 67.8% at week 52; monotherapy: 25.9% at baseline, 44.4% at week 12, and 71.4% at week 52). In multivariable analysis, baseline BCVA predicted BCVA change at week 52 (&#x3b2;=-0.96 [-1.21 to -0.72], P < .01), and baseline CST predicted CST change (&#x3b2;=0.93 [0.75 to 1.10], P < .01). Greater reduction in BNN VD at week 12 was independently associated with PL closure at week 52 (OR 0.62 [0.39 to 0.97], P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Early reduction in BNN vessel density, rather than reduction in lesion size, was associated with subsequent PL closure. OCTA-derived vascular changes may serve as noninvasive biomarkers for predicting treatment response in PCV.

Humans

Effectiveness of Wearable Digital Therapeutics in Improving Sleep Outcomes Among Individuals With Insomnia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Wearable devices are increasingly used for sleep monitoring and as adjunctive treatment. Existing meta-analyses mostly pool composite digital therapies and rarely isolate stand-alone wearables or distinguish between objective and subjective end points. Whether stand-alone wearable interventions improve sleep outcomes in adults with insomnia, and which factors moderate treatment heterogeneity, remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of wearable digital interventions on sleep outcomes in adults with insomnia versus control strategies and explore moderators of effectiveness, including device-wearing position, intervention duration, and control type, using meta-regression. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta&#x2011;Analyses) 2020 statement and the PRISMA-S (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta&#x2011;Analyses Literature Search Extension) guideline. Five electronic databases and clinical trial registries were searched from inception to May 18, 2026. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating wearable digital interventions in adults with insomnia compared with sham, waitlist, usual care, or active control conditions and had an intervention duration of at least 1 week. Study screening, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment were carried out independently by 2 reviewers. Pooled estimates were calculated using a restricted maximum likelihood random-effects model with the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman correction. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I&#xb2; statistic, and 95% prediction intervals (PIs) were calculated for the primary analyses. The certainty of evidence was rated using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. RESULTS: Sixteen RCTs (N=910) were included. Wearable digital interventions were associated with a significant reduction in objective sleep-onset latency (SOL; mean difference [MD] -4.52, 95% CI -8.38 to -0.67, PI -9.52 to 0.47 min) and a significant improvement in subjective sleep efficiency (SE; MD 2.00%, 95% CI 1.90%-2.11%, PI 1.85%-2.15%). Subjective total sleep time (TST) also showed a significant increase (MD 19.11, 95% CI 2.98-35.24, PI -16.20 to 54.43 minutes). Meta-regression showed that control type, intervention duration, and device location did not explain the heterogeneity of the insomnia severity index (ISI) (R&#xb2;=0). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of pooled ISI estimates, and an Egger test indicated no small-study effects (P=.07). Certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to high. CONCLUSIONS: Wearable digital interventions provide selective benefits for objective SOL, subjective SE, and subjective TST in adults with insomnia, with no improvement in overall ISI. Despite statistically significant effects on several sleep parameters, wide PIs, substantial heterogeneity, and limited study numbers indicate preliminary, nonconclusive findings. Wearables should be viewed as affordable adjunctive tools requiring further validation, not substitutes for first-line cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. Large-scale, long-term RCTs with standardized protocols and patient-level external validation are required to consolidate the evidence base.

Humans

The Impact of Baseline Negative Emotions on Postoperative Quality of Life in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients: A 2-Year Follow-Up Study.

OBJECTIVE: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that develops during puberty without a clear etiology. Beyond physical manifestations, AIS severely impacts adolescents' psychological and social well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. While advancements in surgical techniques have enhanced objective outcomes, existing studies on AIS have primarily focused on objective indices, with limited attention to the long-term impact of preoperative negative emotions on patient-reported subjective quality of life. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 112 eligible AIS patients who underwent posterior spinal correction surgery between April and August 2023 were enrolled. Inclusion criteria included confirmed AIS, completion of 2-year follow-up, and informed consent; exclusion criteria included missing imaging/questionnaire data, comorbid psychiatric/neurological diseases, or prior spinal surgery. Patients were grouped using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) administered on admission. Quality of life was assessed preoperatively and 2&#x2009;years postoperatively using the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22, evaluating self-image, mental health, pain, function, treatment satisfaction) and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36, assessing 8 physical and mental health dimensions). Statistical analysis was performed via SPSS, using independent t-tests, paired t-tests, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square test. p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics (age, gender, BMI, surgical parameters, scoliosis type, preoperative/postoperative Cobb angles) between the two groups (all p&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.05). Preoperatively, SRS-22 and SF-36 scores showed no inter-group differences (all p&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.05). Postoperatively, the Negative Emotion Group had significantly lower scores in SRS-22 mental health (3.9&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;0.3 vs. 4.5&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;0.2) and treatment satisfaction (4.0&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;0.3 vs. 4.6&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;0.7), as well as SF-36 general health (68.6&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;6.4 vs. 79.7&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;13.3), role-emotional (61.3&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;9.3 vs. 70.8&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;9.7), and mental health (61.8&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;14.3 vs. 68.9&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;10.7) (all p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05); no inter-group differences were observed in physical function-related dimensions. Both groups showed significant improvements in physical function-related dimensions postoperatively. The Non-Negative Emotion Group also exhibited significant improvements in SRS-22 self-image/pain and SF-36 bodily pain (all p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05), while the Negative Emotion Group showed no significant improvements in these dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative anxiety and depression do not affect the recovery of physical function in AIS patients after spinal correction surgery but significantly impede improvements in subjective quality of life dimensions, including mental health and treatment satisfaction. These findings highlight the need to integrate psychological assessment and targeted interventions into the perioperative management of AIS. Such a patient-centered approach will help optimize both physical and psychological outcomes, ultimately achieving comprehensive rehabilitation for AIS adolescents.

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

Neurological effects of encapsulated dexamethasone sodium phosphate in children aged 6-9 years with ataxia telangiectasia (NEAT): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Ataxia telangiectasia is a rare, multisystem disorder with progressive cerebellar neurodegeneration and no approved treatments. The efficacy of corticosteroids, including erythrocyte encapsulated dexamethasone sodium phosphate (eDSP), which have been studied for two decades in this disease, has not yet been proven in randomised trials. We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of eDSP in children aged 6-9 years with ataxia telangiectasia. METHODS: NEAT was a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study, conducted at 20 sites across nine countries (Denmark, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, UK, and USA). Eligible participants were children aged 6 years or older weighing at least 15 kg, with a genetic diagnosis of ataxia telangiectasia and presence of neurological symptoms. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to the eDSP or placebo group via an independent interactive web response system and were stratified by age (6-9 years or &#x2265;10 years), sex, and region (USA vs other countries). All participants, investigators, sponsors, and raters were masked to treatment assignments. eDSP was given intravenously every 21-30 days for six doses. All randomly assigned participants were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) and safety populations; the primary and secondary efficacy analyses were conducted in participants aged 6-9 years in the ITT population. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in Rescored Modified International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (RmICARS) score between baseline and month 6, and a mixed-model-repeated-measures analysis was used. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06193200, and is completed. FINDINGS: Between June 24, 2024, and Dec 17, 2025, we screened 125 participants for eligibility, of whom 105 (84%) were randomly assigned to the eDSP group (n=51 [49%]) or the placebo group (n=54 [51%]) and received at least one dose of treatment. The mean age was 8&#xb7;5 years (SD 1&#xb7;9) in the eDSP group and 8&#xb7;6 years (2&#xb7;3) in the placebo group (overall age range 6-17 years). In the eDSP group, 24 (47%) of 51 participants were girls and 27 (53%) were boys and, in the placebo group, 26 (48%) of 54 were girls and 28 (52%) were boys. Of ITT participants aged 6-9 years, 38 (95%) of 40 in the eDSP group and 41 (95%) of 43 in the placebo group completed the study. Compared with the placebo group, no significant differences were identified in change in RmICARS score from baseline to 6 months in participants aged 6-9 years: least squares mean difference -1&#xb7;30 (95% CI -2&#xb7;77 to 0&#xb7;18; p=0&#xb7;085). Adverse events were reported in 47 (92%) of 51 participants in the eDSP group and in 50 (93%) of 54 participants in the placebo group. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were vomiting, pyrexia, pruritus, nasopharyngitis, cough, headache, and fatigue. There were no reports of treatment-related serious adverse events or deaths. Safety laboratory parameters did not identify adverse effects on growth, metabolism, bone mineral density, or endocrine function in any of the treatment groups. INTERPRETATION: The primary efficacy endpoint was not achieved, because the effect of eDSP on neurological symptoms did not reach statistical significance. The favourable safety profile of eDSP, previously described in a large study of children with ataxia telangiectasia, was confirmed in this trial. The eDSP programme, comprising two randomised studies and treating the largest cohort of patients with ataxia telangiectasia to date, underscores the need for rigorously designed trials of sufficient duration to detect sustained clinical benefit. FUNDING: Quince Therapeutics.

Humans