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From premature adrenarche to adult metabolic risk and hyperandrogenism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Idiopathic premature adrenarche (IPA) has been associated with a higher risk of metabolic and reproductive dysfunction, but long-term/adult outcomes remain incompletely known. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between IPA and metabolic syndrome, as well as polycystic ovarian syndrome, in premenarcheal adolescent and adult women. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies reporting outcomes in females with IPA after menarche. Databases were searched through February 2025. Primary outcomes included body mass index (BMI), insulin resistance markers, and clinical and biochemical markers of hyperandrogenism. Data were pooled using random-effects models. The GRADE approach was applied to assess the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies comprising 635 females with IPA and 307 age-matched controls were included. Compared to controls, IPA individuals showed significantly higher BMI (mean difference: 1.4; CI: 1.0-1.9), fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, indicating persistent insulin resistance. Markers of hyperandrogenism, including Ferriman-Gallwey score, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and Free androgenic index, were also elevated. Secondary analyses revealed higher triglycerides, lower high-density lipoprotein, increased leptin, and greater carotid intima-media thickness, supporting an early pattern of cardiometabolic risk. GRADE assessment rated most outcomes as low certainty. CONCLUSION: Women with a history of IPA are at increased risk of long-term insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism, with early signs of adverse cardiometabolic profiles. These findings support the need for long-term monitoring in this population.

Humans

SBUF-SMUF: On the path to the optimum hemofiltration technique in pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Hemofiltration during pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is essential to mitigate hemodilution, inflammatory responses, and postoperative complications. Conventional ultrafiltration (CUF) is widely practiced, but novel methods such as subzero balanced ultrafiltration combined with simple modified ultrafiltration (SBUF-SMUF) may offer superior outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of CUF versus SBUF-SMUF in pediatric patients undergoing open-heart surgery. METHODS: In this prospective randomized, outcome-assessor-blinded clinical trial, 80 pediatric patients with congenital heart disease were allocated to either CUF (n = 40) or SBUF-SMUF (n = 40) during CPB. Baseline demographics, intraoperative characteristics, fluid balance, blood product utilization, and postoperative outcomes were assessed. Statistical analysis was conducted using independent t-tests, Chi-square tests, and Fisher's exact tests. Statistical significance was defined as a two-tailed p-Value of less than 0.05. RESULTS: Demographic and preoperative variables were comparable between groups. Mean fluid balance was significantly positive in the CUF group (+192.1 &#xb1; 178.8 mL) but negative in the SBUF-SMUF group (-105.0 &#xb1; 78.9 mL, p < 0.001). The SBUF-SMUF group required significantly less intraoperative PRBC (141.7 &#xb1; 70.2 vs. 261.0 &#xb1; 68.8 mL, p < 0.001) and postoperative FFP transfusion (2% vs. 10%, p = 0.020). Post-bypass hematocrit levels were higher (31.2% vs. 27.3%, p = 0.001) and extubation occurred earlier in the SBUF-SMUF group (1.05 &#xb1; 1.03 vs. 2.27 &#xb1; 2.37 days, p = 0.006). No significant differences were observed in potassium levels or incidence of acute kidney injury. CONCLUSION: The SBUF-SMUF technique is safe, effective, and superior to CUF in optimizing fluid balance, reducing blood product utilization, and facilitating earlier extubation in pediatric cardiac surgery. No additional risk of oliguria or electrolyte imbalance was observed compared to CUF. Its simplicity and reproducibility support its consideration as a standard approach in pediatric CPB.

Humans

Navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for post-stroke recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a subcategory of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), used to modulate brain plasticity and improve post-stroke recovery. Neuronavigation is used to improve the accuracy of stimulation with the aim of achieving a superior clinical outcome than with conventional targeting. The objective of this review is to evaluate the efficacy of navigated rTMS in subacute and chronic stroke patients in comparison to sham stimulation. We conducted a systematic-review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) identified from Pubmed, Scopus and Cochrane CENTRAL. Trials employing neuronavigated rTMS were included of these five types; high and low frequency rTMS, intermittent and continuous theta-burst stimulation (TBS) and Hebbian-type stimulation. 13 RCTs were included after a screening of 1900 studies. 606 patients receiving either active (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;360) or sham stimulation (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;246) were assessed. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) favored rTMS over sham SMD&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.4 (95&#xa0;%CI: 0.11-0.69), with moderate heterogeneity I2&#xa0;=&#xa0;55&#xa0;%. Among stimulation modalities, continuous TBS showed the largest pooled effect. rTMS was also associated with significant improvements in disability-related outcomes, SMD&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.61 (95&#xa0;% CI 0.14-1.08). Navigated rTMS is associated with modest but significant improvements in motor and disability outcomes in subacute and chronic stroke. Large comparative trials are required to clarify the potential added value over conventional targeting approaches.

Humans

Satisfaction with clinical practice environments among early-career health professionals in South Africa: Findings from the WiSDOM cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The work or practice environments of health professionals play a central role in their retention in the healthcare system and their ability to provide quality patient care. The aim of the study was to examine and compare the satisfaction of early-career health professionals in the WiSDOM (Wits longitudinal Study to Determine the Operation of the labour Market among its health professional graduates) study with their clinical practice environments (CPEs) in South Africa, and the factors influencing their satisfaction. METHODS: WiSDOM, a prospective longitudinal cohort study, consists of eight health professions: clinical associates, dentists, doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, oral hygienists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists. Every year we collect information on the cohort's involvement in direct patient care, their perceived workload, availability of medicines and equipment for patients in their care, and their satisfaction with the clinical practice environment (CPE).We used Stata&#xae;19 for analysis. We used panel linear regression to investigate factors associated with the cohort's satisfaction with their clinical practice environments from 2018 to 2024, and logistic regression to evaluate the association between CPE and intention to leave in 2024. RESULTS: In 2024, the mean age of the cohort was 30.9 (&#xb1; 2.0), the majority were female (74.4%) and working in urban areas (92.7%). In 2024, 59.7% of the overall cohort reported a heavy workload compared to 69.2% in 2018. Over the follow-up period, reported problems with the availability of medicines or equipment were worse in the public sector and in rural areas, compared to the private sector and urban areas respectively.The cohort's satisfaction score with the CPE was 6.7 out of 10 in 2018 and 6.9 in 2024. The predictors of CPE were year of follow-up, health profession, employment sector, and geographic location. Nurses (&#x3b2;=-1.2; 95% CI -1.7, -0.7; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), and pharmacists (&#x3b2;=-0.7; 95% CI -1.1, -0.4; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) scored their CPE significantly lower compared to the other professional groups. Health professionals in the public sector (&#x3b2;=-1.1; 95% CI -1.3, -0.9; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) and in rural areas (&#x3b2;=-0.6; 95% CI -0.9, -0.3; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) were less satisfied with their CPE compared to those in the private sector and urban areas respectively. Dissatisfaction with the CPE was significantly associated with intention to leave the workplace and the profession. CONCLUSION: The study findings underscore the need for positive clinical practice environments for early-career health professionals in South Africa both as a health workforce and patient safety imperative.

South Africa

Comparison of immunogenicity, safety, and efficacy of EVA71 vaccine in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) is a principal cause of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), potentially leading to severe neurological complications in children. Inactivated EV-A71 vaccines have been introduced. This study compares the immunogenicity, safety, and efficacy of EV-A71 vaccines versus placebo in pediatric populations. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Following a PROSPERO-registered protocol, RCTs involving EV-A71 in children were identified via PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Two independent reviewers performed screening, extraction, and RoB assessments (RoB 2.0). RESULTS: Five phase III RCTs involving 36,659 children were included. EV-A71 vaccination significantly increased seropositivity across follow-up periods, including early (RR 5.8), medium-term (RR 3.09), and long-term (RR 2.95) response. Seroconversion was significantly higher in the vaccinated group (pooled RR 13.04, 95% CI 2.80-60.61; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). Geometric mean titers, analyzed using the ratio of means approach, were significantly higher in the vaccinated group during early and medium-term follow-up. Vaccine efficacy against EV-A71-associated HFMD exceeded 98% (pooled RR 0.02, 95% CI 0.01-0.09; p = 0.0028; I2&#x2009;=&#x2009;50%). Solicited local and systemic adverse events were mild and comparable between groups. CONCLUSION: Inactivated EV-A71 vaccines robust immunogenicity, high clinical efficacy, and an acceptable safety profile in children. Future studies should explore long-term protection, booster schedules, and multivalent formulations against non-EV-A71 serotypes.

Humans

Effect of self-activating phthalocyanine gel on palatal donor site healing, inflammatory biomarkers, somatosensory and patient-centered outcomes: a randomized split-mouth clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate effects of self-activating phthalocyanine (PHY) gel on palatal donor site after subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) harvesting, considering clinical outcomes, inflammatory biomarkers, patient-centered outcomes, and quantitative somatosensory changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty participants were included in this randomized, crossover, split-mouth clinical trial. Donor sites received topical PHY gel (PHY group-PHYG) and placebo gel (control group-CG). Clinical parameters (residual wound area-RWA, wound epithelialization-WE, residual remodeling area-RRA and tissue thickness-TM) were assessed at baseline, 7, 14, 30, and 60 days. Patient-centered outcomes were recorded during 14 postoperative days and inflammatory biomarkers at 3 and 7 days postoperatively. Mechanical detection threshold (MDT) and mechanical pain threshold (MPT) were evaluated at baseline, 2 months, and 6 months. RESULTS: PHYG and CG exhibited similar clinical outcomes, but PHYG demonstrated superior performance in reducing RRA. Both groups presented positive postoperative progression of patient-centered outcomes. IL-10 levels showed a significant increase in PHYG, suggesting a more favorable anti-inflammatory response. MDT remained stable but, donor sites exhibited transient hypersensitivity (MPT) at 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: PHYG and CG protocols promoted satisfactory healing of palatal donor sites. Most clinical parameters and patient-centered outcomes were similar between groups. The PHYG presented reduced RRA and increased IL-10 levels. Donor sites exhibited transient hypersensitivity, which tended to resolve over time. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both postoperative protocols resulted in favorable healing of palatal donor sites following SCTG harvesting, with comparable clinical and patient-centered outcomes. Quantitative sensory testing indicates that hypersensitivity may occur during healing, but sensory function tends to recover progressively.

Humans

Distal versus proximal radial access for diagnostic cerebral angiography: comparative outcomes and learning curve analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Distal transradial access (dTRA) is an alternative to proximal transradial access (pTRA) for neuroangiography, but comparative real-world data and evidence on its early learning curve remain limited. We compared procedural performance and access-site complications between dTRA and pTRA and evaluated the early learning curve of dTRA. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 470 diagnostic cerebral angiography procedures, representing 421 unique patients, performed via radial access at a single center between January 2025 and February 2026, including 237 dTRA and 233 pTRA procedures. Baseline characteristics, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI) category, aortic arch type, and antiplatelet/anticoagulant use, procedural performance, and clinically assessed access-site events were compared between groups. Radial artery occlusion (RAO) was assessed by postoperative bedside pulse examination and confirmed with Doppler ultrasound when clinical findings were uncertain. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of RAO, persistent bleeding or repeated compression, hand edema, and a composite access-site event endpoint. Because repeated procedures occurred in a subset of patients and event counts were limited, first-procedure sensitivity analysis and analyses of infrequent outcomes were interpreted cautiously. The dTRA learning process was assessed in the first 100 dTRA cases performed by a single operator using multivariable regression, cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis, segmented trend analysis, and phase-based comparisons. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups, including age, male sex, BMI category, aortic arch type, and antiplatelet/anticoagulant use. Compared with pTRA, dTRA was associated with more puncture attempts (3.0 [2.0-4.0] vs 2.0 [1.0-3.0], P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), longer puncture time (2.0 [1.0-5.0] vs 2.0 [1.0-3.0] min, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.003), lower first-pass success (19.4% vs 35.2%, P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), and a higher crossover rate (11.4% vs 6.0%, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.037). However, dTRA was associated with a lower clinically assessed RAO rate (2.5% vs 7.7%, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.011). On multivariable analysis, pTRA was independently associated with higher odds of RAO (OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.26-8.49, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.015) and the composite access-site event endpoint (OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.55-6.28, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.001). Similar findings were observed in a sensitivity analysis restricted to the first procedure per patient. In the first 100 dTRA cases, cumulative dTRA experience was independently associated with shorter total procedure time (beta&#xa0;=&#xa0;-0.074&#xa0;min/case, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.009), while CUSUM and moving-average analyses suggested that the major learning effect occurred within approximately the first 10-15 cases. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective single-operator cohort, dTRA was associated with lower clinically assessed RAO than pTRA despite greater access difficulty. The early learning effect was mainly reflected in shorter total procedure time. These findings support the feasibility of dTRA but should be interpreted cautiously given the study's observational design and limited anatomical data.

Humans

Closed-loop vasopressor systems for hemodynamic control in perioperative and critical care settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Maintaining mean arterial pressure (MAP) within a predefined target is central to haemodynamic management in surgical and critically ill adults receiving vasopressors. Closed-loop vasopressor (CLV) systems automate titration to optimise blood pressure control, but their clinical effectiveness remains uncertain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing CLV with manual titration. This PRISMA 2020-compliant review was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420250655697). MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and the Cochrane Library were searched (January 2000-June 2025). Randomised controlled trials enrolling adults receiving vasopressors in perioperative or intensive care settings were included. Primary outcomes were time within the MAP target range and time spent in hypotension or hypertension. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2.0 and certainty of evidence using GRADE. Random- or fixed-effects models were selected according to heterogeneity. Six randomized controlled trials (215 patients) were included in the systematic review, whereas five perioperative trials contributed to the meta-analysis of haemodynamic control outcomes, and one ICU-based study was summarized narratively because it did not report comparable MAP control endpoints. CLV increased time within the MAP target range (mean difference [MD] 33.94%, 95% CI 20.41-47.46; I2&#x2009;=&#x2009;77%) and reduced time in hypotension (MD&#x2009;-&#x2009;18.24%, 95% CI&#x2009;-&#x2009;28.95 to&#x2009;-&#x2009;7.53; I2&#x2009;=&#x2009;73%). There was no significant difference in time in hypertension, cumulative norepinephrine dose, or major/minor adverse events. ICU length of stay was not pooled because of clinical and methodological heterogeneity. Certainty of evidence ranged from low to high (moderate for haemodynamic control outcomes). CLV systems improved haemodynamic control, primarily in perioperative settings,&#xa0;but heterogeneity and small samples limit confidence in effect size and generalisability.&#xa0;Evidence in critically ill populations remains limited, and larger trials are needed to determine whether improvements in these physiological surrogate endpoints translate into meaningful patient-centred outcomes.

Humans

Novel Germline ELP1 Splice-Acceptor Variant in NF1-Negative Optic Pathway Glioma: Expanding the Clinical Spectrum Associated With ELP1 Variation.

We report a 7-year-old boy with NF1-negative optic pathway glioma harboring a novel germline ELP1 splice-acceptor variant (NM_003640.5:c.2205-2A>G) identified by whole-exome sequencing. The variant was likely pathogenic (ACMG/AMP: PVS1, PM2) and inherited from an asymptomatic father, consistent with incomplete penetrance, expanding the limited evidence linking germline ELP1 variation to gliomas.

Humans

Efficacy of CagriSema for Reaching Anthropometric Treatment Targets and Cardiometabolic Outcomes: A Secondary, Post hoc Analysis of REDEFINE 1.

AIMS: To assess the added value of absolute anthropometric targets alongside percentage weight loss in the clinical management of obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The phase 3a, 68-week REDEFINE 1 trial randomised adults without diabetes with BMI &#x2265;&#x2009;30&#x2009;kg/m2, or&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;27&#x2009;kg/m2 with &#x2265;&#x2009;1 obesity-related complication, to once-weekly CagriSema 2.4&#x2009;mg/2.4&#x2009;mg, semaglutide 2.4&#x2009;mg, cagrilintide 2.4&#x2009;mg, or placebo, plus lifestyle intervention. This secondary, post hoc analysis assessed the proportions of participants achieving BMI <&#x2009;27&#x2009;kg/m2 and/or WHtR <&#x2009;0.53 targets, and percentage weight loss by anthropometric target. The association between the proportion of participants maintaining or achieving normalisation of four cardiometabolic outcomes: normoglycemia (glycated haemoglobin <&#x2009;5.7% and fasting plasma glucose <&#x2009;5.6&#x2009;mmol/L); blood pressure (<&#x2009;130/80&#x2009;mmHg); triglycerides (<&#x2009;1.7&#x2009;mmol/L); lipids (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol &#x2265;&#x2009;1.3&#x2009;mmol/L [female] or &#x2265;&#x2009;1.0&#x2009;mmol/L [male]) and reaching anthropometric targets or change in body weight (%) was also assessed. RESULTS: The proportion of participants achieving both BMI <&#x2009;27&#x2009;kg/m2 and WHtR <&#x2009;0.53 targets at week 68 was 30.3%, 19.1%, 9.0%, and 3.3% in participants who received CagriSema, semaglutide, cagrilintide, or placebo respectively. Both BMI and WHtR performed similarly as indicators for all four cardiometabolic outcomes. At more stringent cut-off values, anthropometric targets were better measures than percentage weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of participants achieving anthropometric targets was greater with CagriSema Versus other treatments. These findings support further validation of BMI and WHtR anthropometric treatment targets and indicate a potential for indicating amelioration of clinical outcomes in obesity and a greater emphasis on target-based treatment strategies.

Humans

Clinical efficacy and brain mechanism characteristics of guide chi and regulate spirit tuina therapy in the treatment of post-stroke walking dysfunction: A randomized controlled trial based on fNIRS.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to preliminarily evaluate the role of Guide Chi and Regulate Spirit(GCRS) Tuina in enhancing walking function in post-stroke patients with walking dysfunction; secondly, by using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), it investigates the effect of GCRS Tuina on the restoration of brain function in this patient population. METHODS: Participants in the control group received 4-week rehabilitation treatment, while those in the Combined Tuina Group (CTG) additionally received GCRS Tuina therapy for another 4 weeks on this basis. Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), Fugl - Meyer Assessment Scale for Lower Extremity Motor Function (FMA - LE), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were evaluated at the baseline and after 4 treatment weeks. A gait and motion analysis system was used to measure step length, stride, walking speed, and step frequency. FNIRS was used to measure the resting-state functional connectivity(FC) strength, as well as the &#x3b2; - value and HbO2 concentration mean during the walking task. RESULTS: A total of 60 participants completed the randomized, and 53 completed the trial and entered the statistical analysis. Compared with the Single Rehabilitation Group(SRG), the CTG group had higher FAC, FMA-LE, and MBI scores after 4 weeks. After the treatment course, the standardized step length, stride, walking speed, and step frequency of the CTG were higher than SRG. At the Region of Interest(ROI) level, the CTG exhibited 13 inter-ROI FC strengths that were higher than SRG, and the differences could survive the FDR correction (PFDR<0.05). Under the walking task, the CTG group had higher &#x3b2; values in 18 channels and higher Oxyhemoglobin(HbO2) concentrations in 19 channels than the SRG (PFDR <0.05). CONCLUSION: GCRS Tuina therapy can significantly improve patients' walking function, enhance lower limb motor ability and daily living ability. It can improve walking efficiency. Tuina can significantly increase the FC and enhance the activation levels and HbO2 concentrations. The stimulation of Tuina may help reconstruct the brain's motor control network, restore impaired motor function, promote the occurrence of neural plasticity, strengthen the neural circuits in the cognitive-motor-sensory cortex to improve walking function. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been registered with the International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry (ITMCTR2024000654).

Humans

Risk-Benefit of Phase 2 Monotherapy Trials in Adult Solid Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Phase 2 (and phase 1 dose expansion, which we label phase 2 for the purposes of this study) cancer trials are the first direct tests of a new drug's efficacy. Because efficacy evidence is lacking, the therapeutic status of drug administration during ethical review is uncertain. We compared the efficacy and safety of cancer monotherapies in phase 2&#xa0;with phase 3, where clinical equipoise underwrites a therapeutic status for drug administration. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Clinicaltrials.gov for phase 2 and 3 investigational monotherapy drug trials in six solid malignancies, with primary completion dates 2015-2020, inclusive. Two independent reviewers completed data extraction. Effects were estimated using an inverse-variance weighted random-effects model meta-analysis of proportions using the R package meta. We analyzed 130 phase 2 and 52 phase 3 trial arms, enrolling 6665 and 18,694 patients. The pooled objective response rate was 7% (95% CI 5%-11%) in phase 2 versus 24% in phase 3 (95% CI 17%-31%; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001). The median PFS and OS were shorter in phase 2 compared to phase 3 (3.23 vs. 5.43&#x2009;months, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001; 9.46 vs. 14.44&#x2009;months, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.0001). The pooled rate of drug-related grade 3-4 adverse events was 30% (95% CI 23%-37%) in phase 2 and 25% (95% CI 19%-32%) in phase 3. Monotherapies delivered in phase 2 cancer trials present diminished risk-benefit compared with phase 3 and align with historic estimates for phase 1. Though there may be exceptions, risks for drug administration in phase 2 should generally be justified by appeals to research rather than therapeutic value.

Humans

Serum Copeptin Rises After Tolvaptan for Hyponatraemia, but Does Not Predict Risk of Rapid Sodium Rise: Pre-Specified Secondary Analysis of the TVFR Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Hyponatraemia is a common electrolyte disorder often driven by excess arginine vasopressin (AVP). Copeptin is a stable surrogate marker co-secreted with AVP. It is unclear whether treatment of hyponatraemia with tolvaptan, an AVP-V2 receptor antagonist, impacts copeptin. We aimed to assess the effects of tolvaptan on serum copeptin, compared to fluid restriction. DESIGN: Pre-specified secondary analysis of an open-label randomised trial comparing tolvaptan or fluid restriction for 3 days. PATIENTS: Hospitalised patients with plasma sodium (pNa) 115-130&#x2009;mmol/L at a single-centre tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Australia. MEASUREMENTS: Copeptin measured at baseline and completion (Day 4, or discharge if sooner). RESULTS: Copeptin results were available in 45/54 participants, randomised to tolvaptan (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;25) or FR (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;20). Mean baseline copeptin was 10.4&#x2009;pmol/L. pNa increased in both groups, significantly more with tolvaptan as previously reported. Copeptin remained stable after FR, but significantly increased after tolvaptan (mean adjusted difference between groups over 3 days 8.4&#x2009;pmol/L, 95% CI 2.1-14.6, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.01). Baseline copeptin did not predict rapid sodium rise. The rise in copeptin after tolvaptan may represent an exaggerated response to osmolality rise in these patients ('reset osmostat'), or feedback mechanisms from AVP blockade. CONCLUSION: Tolvaptan increased serum copeptin compared to fluid restriction. Further research is required to determine if there is clinical utility for measuring copeptin in hyponatraemia before it is adopted into practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12619001683123.

Humans

Multi-omic biomarkers in cardiovascular disease: Discovery to clinical translation.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating improved risk stratification and early detection strategies. Multiomics approaches that integrate genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics offer unprecedented opportunities for biomarker discovery and precision medicine in cardiovascular care. This narrative review examines the current landscape of multiomics biomarkers for CVD, tracing their evolution from discovery to clinical translation. We synthesize evidence from recent studies evaluating the clinical utility of integrated omics approaches across diverse cardiovascular conditions, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. High-throughput proteomics has identified novel protein signatures that enhance cardiovascular risk prediction beyond traditional risk factors. Metabolomics has revealed pathway-specific biomarkers, including trimethylamine N-oxide and lipid species, associated with atherogenesis. Polygenic risk scores derived from genomic data demonstrate incremental value when combined with clinical risk scores. Multiomics biomarkers represent a transformative approach to cardiovascular risk assessment and disease management.

Humans

Pedagogical Efficacy of LLM-Generated Synthetic Data Versus Real-World Clinical Records: A Randomized Controlled Non-Inferiority Trial.

BACKGROUND: Expert-reviewed clinical cases generated by large language models (LLMs) may supplement case resources in medical education, but their short-term educational performance relative to real-case-derived teaching materials remains uncertain. We compared immediate post-training test performance after teaching with the two types of case materials and assessed non-inferiority against a prespecified margin. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, parallel-group, randomized non-inferiority trial. Through the Wenjuanxing online platform, participants were randomized 1:1 to learn with either real-case-derived teaching cases compiled by clinicians and reviewed by experts or AI-generated clinical cases produced by Gemini 3.0 Pro from fully de-identified matched real cases and reviewed by three senior general surgery specialists with full-professor rank. The primary outcome was the total score on an independent 10-item immediate post-training test (0-10 points), with a prespecified non-inferiority margin of -0.5 points. Secondary outcomes included the training-phase performance score, learning efficiency index, single-item mental effort rating, case realism, and case-source judgment. RESULTS: A total of 403 participants were randomized, of whom 386 were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis: 192 in the real-case group and 194 in the AI-generated case group. The mean post-training test score was 4.95 (SD, 3.35) in the real-case group and 4.61 (SD, 3.35) in the AI-generated case group. The mean difference (AI-generated minus real-case group) was -0.335 points (95% CI, -1.006 to 0.337). Because the lower bound of the confidence interval was below the prespecified non-inferiority margin of -0.5 points, non-inferiority was not demonstrated (one-sided P = 0.314). No significant between-group differences were observed in the training-phase performance score, learning efficiency index, or single-item mental effort rating. AI-generated cases received lower realism ratings for Level 3 cases. The proportion of participants with at least one high-confidence completely incorrect response was 1.6% in the real-case group and 2.1% in the AI-generated case group. CONCLUSIONS: In this short-term, text-based online case-learning setting, no statistically significant between-group difference was observed in immediate post-training test performance; however, non-inferiority of AI-generated clinical cases relative to real-case-derived teaching materials was not demonstrated.

Humans

Congenital Laryngomalacia: Pathophysiology, Clinical Spectrum, and Holistic Management.

Congenital laryngomalacia is the most common cause of infant stridor and arises from interacting structural, neuromuscular, and inflammatory mechanisms that produce dynamic supraglottic collapse. Disease severity spans mild stridor to significant obstruction, aspiration, and failure to thrive, often influenced by comorbid medical conditions. Diagnosis relies on flexible laryngoscopy supported by instrumental swallowing studies and microdirect laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy when indicated. Most infants respond to conservative management, particularly targeted feeding modifications, while acid suppression offers benefit in selective cases. Supraglottoplasty provides effective, durable improvement for severe disease and significantly enhances infant outcomes and family quality of life.

Humans