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PubMed2026

Ceftriaxone for methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections is associated with increased short-term mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, traditionally treated with antistaphylococcal penicillins (ASPs) or cefazolin. Ceftriaxone has emerged as an alternative due to its once-daily dosing regimen and favourable safety profile; however, its efficacy compared to the standard of care (SoC) remains controversial. This evidence synthesis aimed to assess the role of ceftriaxone in treating MSSA-BSIs. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus up to December 31, 2025 (PROSPERO protocol CRD42024595748). Studies comparing ceftriaxone to ASPs or cefazolin for MSSA-BSIs were included. Primary outcomes were 30-day and 90-day all-cause mortality . Pooled effect sizes with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated using random-effects models, odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs) according to the type of outcome. RESULTS: Eleven studies totalling 2,568 patients were included. Ceftriaxone was associated with significantly increased 30-day mortality (OR 3.33; 95% CI: 2.17-5.10), although differences at 90 days were not significant (OR 1.71; 95% CI: 0.75-3.90). No significant differences were noted for clinical success (OR 0.49; 95% CI: 0.19-1.26), microbiological clearance (OR 1.66; 95% CI: 0.73-3.82). Adverse event rates were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Given the availability of various alternatives and the consistent short-term mortality signal observed, routine use of ceftriaxone for MSSA-BSIs, especially as initial therapy, is not supported by current evidence. Only novel findings from randomized studies may change the place in therapy of the drug in this context.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Risk factors for bleeding after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: ERCP is associated with adverse events, including bleeding, which occurs in up to 1.3% of cases. This meta-analysis aims to identify and quantify risk factors associated with post-ERCP bleeding. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of electronic databases was conducted from inception to January 10, 2025. Studies were eligible if they used multivariate analysis to identify predictors of post-ERCP bleeding. Risk factors reported in at least 2 studies were pooled using a random-effects model to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs. A further subgroup analysis was performed, including risk factors for postsphincterotomy bleeding and postendoscopic papillectomy bleeding. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies (4 prospective and 23 retrospective studies) comprising 149,870 patients were included, of whom 1865 experienced post-ERCP bleeding. Twenty potential risk factors were analyzed. The meta-analysis identified several factors significantly associated with increased odds of post-ERCP bleeding in the pooled adjusted analysis, including male gender (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.05-1.46), anticoagulation therapy (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.66-4.56), cirrhosis (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.76-3.65), hemodialysis (OR, 5.82; 95% CI, 3.32-10.18), coagulopathy (OR, 11.01; 95% CI, 2.50-48.40), endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) (OR, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.69-6.01), precut sphincterotomy (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.52-3.30), and intraoperative bleeding (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.80-3.66). Several factors in the pooled adjusted analysis were not found to be significantly associated with higher odds of post-ERCP bleeding, including high body mass index (BMI), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, antiplatelet therapy, thrombocytopenia, common bile duct stones, cholangitis, endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation, and covered self-expandable metal stent insertion. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis identified that the anticoagulation therapy, cirrhosis, hemodialysis, coagulation disorder, EST, precut sphincterotomy, and male gender are associated with increased odds of post-ERCP bleeding in the pooled adjusted analysis. Conversely, age, high BMI, cholangitis, choledocholithiasis, pancreatic duct stones, needle-knife sphincterotomy, NSAID use, and antiplatelet therapy were not significantly associated with higher odds of post-ERCP bleeding in the pooled adjusted analysis. Incorporating our results into a prediction model may assist in identifying patients at increased risk, optimizing informed consent, and guiding prevention and management strategies for post-ERCP bleeding.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Genetic evidence for a causal relationship between melatonin metabolism and depression.

To investigate the causal relevance of melatonin metabolism, which provides the biological basis for circulating melatonin levels, to specific depression symptom subtypes, we performed a targeted systematic review of melatonin metabolism pathways in the human brain and liver. Using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR), we assessed the causal effects of metabolism pathways and/or individual genes on major depressive disorder (MDD) and nine symptom subtypes derived from Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Instrumental variables (IVs) were expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) for eight individual genes, one synthesis route, and three degradation routes. Results were assessed using Bayesian colocalization and phenome-wide association analyses. At the pathway-level, the genetically proxied synthesis-route signal was associated with PHQ-9 Assessment 5 (PHQ9A5, OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.85-0.93), but sensitivity analyses suggested this association was primarily driven by TPH1 and may reflect serotonin-related biology. In contrast, higher brain melatonin degradation raised the risk of both PHQ9A1 (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.04) and PHQ9A7 (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.03). Within degradation, up-regulation of the kynurenine sub-pathway increased the odds of PHQ9A3 (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.07), PHQ9A4 (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.06) and PHQ9A7 (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.07). Gene-level analyses were largely concordant, except for SULT1A1, whose higher expression was genetically protective for PHQ9A3 but risk-increased for PHQ9A1 and PHQ9A4. Overall, these results demonstrate that melatonin metabolism exerts symptom-specific and pathway-specific causal effects on depression. A stratified view of melatonin's role may help optimize the application of exogenous melatonin supplementation.

Melatonin↗

PubMed2025

Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Against Politically Active Women: A Systematic Review of Psychological and Political Consequences and Women's Coping Behaviors.

Technology-facilitated gender-based violence presents critical challenges for politically active women, whose professional roles often expose them to elevated levels of online abuse with far-reaching impacts on their emotional well-being, professional engagement, and participation in public life. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 48 studies employing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research to examine the psychological and political consequences and coping mechanisms associated with online harassment. Eighty-one percent of the included studies (39/48) report psychological distress, anxiety, and fear among targeted women, with 31% of the studies (15/48) identifying online harassment as a trigger for (re-) traumatization. The political consequences are equally significant, with 62% of the studies (30/48) documenting modifications in political messaging, 39% (19/48) noting reduced engagement with online platforms, and 29% (14/48) showing that women abandon their online presence altogether. Additionally, 20% (10/48) of the studies report cases of women withdrawing from their political roles. In terms of coping strategies, 66% (32/48) report women blocking or muting harassers, while 37% (18/48) document women reporting abuse to authorities or platforms. This study highlights the pervasive impact of technology-facilitated violence on women's emotional well-being, and their political participation and underscores its broader implications for democratic discourse and social equity.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Maternal prior pregnancy outcome subtype and offspring cryptorchidism: A retrospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether maternal prior pregnancy outcome subtype and frequency are associated with cryptorchidism in male offspring, and whether first-trimester exogenous progesterone exposure mediates any observed association. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a hospital-based retrospective case-control study of 1220 mother-son pairs (610 cryptorchidism cases; 610 controls). Maternal prior pregnancy outcome subtype was defined using a prespecified proximal-event approach based on the most recent qualifying pregnancy event before the index pregnancy: no prior pregnancy loss or termination, miscarriage, or pregnancy termination. Subtype-specific frequency was categorized as 0, 1, or ≥2. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression; robustness was examined using 1:1 propensity score matching with conditional logistic regression. Exploratory mediation analysis estimated indirect effects through first-trimester exogenous progesterone exposure. RESULTS: In fully adjusted models, miscarriage was associated with higher odds of cryptorchidism compared with no prior pregnancy loss or termination (aOR 1.97; 95% CI 1.26-3.09), whereas pregnancy termination was not (aOR 1.14; 95% CI 0.86-1.52). In joint subtype-frequency analyses, odds increased with the number of miscarriages (one: aOR 1.74; 95% CI 1.07-2.83; two or more: aOR 3.77; 95% CI 1.22-11.66) and were higher for two or more pregnancy terminations (aOR 1.77; 95% CI 1.10-2.84). Matched analyses were directionally consistent. Mediation analyses suggested a modest indirect effect through first-trimester progesterone exposure for the miscarriage association. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal prior miscarriage was associated with cryptorchidism in male offspring, whereas pregnancy termination showed higher odds only among women with two or more prior procedures. First-trimester exogenous progesterone exposure may account for a modest proportion of the miscarriage-cryptorchidism association.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Factors Impacting Overall Survival Post-Relapse in High-Risk Neuroblastoma: Children's Oncology Group Outcomes From 2000 to 2019.

PURPOSE: Prior studies of features impacting post-relapse survival in high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB) evaluated patient cohorts that did not receive contemporary high-risk or relapse therapies. We describe overall survival (OS) after first progression or first relapse of HRNB in a modern cohort. METHODS: Patients with HRNB enrolled on COG ANBL00B1(NCT00904241) between 2000 and 2019, who had relapsed or progressive disease were eligible. Clinical and molecular risk factors at diagnosis, therapy era, clinical trial enrollment, and clinical features at relapse, including site of and time to relapse, were evaluated. OS post-relapse was compared between groups using log-rank tests and Cox models. RESULTS: Among 4253 eligible HRNB patients, 1616 had relapse or progression as a first event. Five-year OS post-relapse was 19.1 ± 1.1%. The risk group with the lowest post-relapse survival was observed in patients with INSS Stage 4 or 4S disease < 18 months of age at diagnosis with MYCN amplified (MYCN-A) tumors. The other significant most unfavorable factors at diagnosis included diagnosis 2000-2004, tumor MYCN-A, 1p loss of heterozygosity (LOH), and elevated LDH or ferritin. Unfavorable factors at relapse included the time to relapse < 36 months from diagnosis, and combined local and metastatic disease at relapse. Multivariable analysis indicated that those with tumors harboring 1p LOH, age ≤ 5 years at diagnosis, or earlier treatment therapy era (2000-2004) had a higher risk of post-relapse death. CONCLUSIONS: While the 5-year OS rate was low in this cohort, there are subsets of patients with relapsed HRNB who demonstrate long-term survival. TRIALS REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00904241.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Fourteen-Day Amoxicillin- or Tetracycline-Containing Bismuth Quadruple Therapy versus 14-Day Metronidazole-Based Triple Therapy as the Treatment for Clarithromycin-Resistant Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Combination therapy comprising a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), amoxicillin, and metronidazole (PAM) is used to treat clarithromycin-resistant Helicobacter pylori in the Republic of Korea, but eradication rates are decreasing due to an increasing incidence of clarithromycin resistance. We compared PAM, bismuth compounds plus PAM (PAM-B), and the combination of PPI, bismuth compounds, metronidazole, and tetracycline (PBMT) to determine whether PAM-B can achieve an eradication rate higher than that of PAM and comparable to that of PBMT. METHODS: This prospective multicenter study enrolled patients with clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori infections in the Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do of the Republic of Korea between December 2022 and February 2024. RESULTS: In the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, the eradication rate was significantly lower in the PAM group (68.2%) than in the PAM-B group (84.8%, p=0.024), whereas the difference from the PBMT group (81.8%) was not significant (p=0.070). The rate remained lowest in the PAM group (75.4%) in the per-protocol (PP) analysis (PAM-B, 96.5%, p=0.001; PBMT, 94.6%, p=0.004). Eradication rates were comparable between the PAM-B and PBMT groups in both the ITT (p=0.640) and PP analyses (p=0.633). Nausea and vomiting were significantly less frequent in the PAM-B group than in the PBMT group (6.8% vs 25.0%; p=0.007). Severe adverse events were rare, and all symptoms resolved after treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: PAM-B yielded eradication rates higher than those of PAM and comparable to those of PBMT, with no significant increase in the incidence of adverse events, suggesting the potential of PAM-B as a first-line treatment for clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori infection. Further large-scale studies are needed to validate these results. Registered retrospectively with the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS; KCT0012265).

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Durvalumab and tremelimumab, with or without lenvatinib, combined with transarterial chemoembolisation in participants with embolisation-eligible hepatocellular carcinoma (EMERALD-3): a global, randomised, open-label, sponsor-blinded, phase 3 study.

BACKGROUND: Transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE), a standard treatment for embolisation-eligible hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), induces tumour immune responses. Single tremelimumab regular interval durvalumab (STRIDE) is a standard treatment in advanced HCC. In this phase 3 trial, we assessed the efficacy and safety of STRIDE, with or without lenvatinib, plus TACE, in participants with embolisation-eligible HCC. METHODS: EMERALD-3 is a phase 3, randomised, open-label, sponsor-blinded study, conducted at 177 medical sites in 21 countries. Eligible participants were 18 years or older (aged ≥21 years in Egypt or Singapore) at screening and had confirmed HCC (by imaging or histopathologically from biopsy specimen, surgery, or both) not amenable to curative surgery, curative ablation, or transplantation but amenable to TACE. Participants had Child-Pugh class A liver function, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1, and at least one measurable target intrahepatic lesion per modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours. Participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive STRIDE plus lenvatinib plus TACE, STRIDE plus TACE, or TACE until each group reached its preplanned enrolment target of 175 participants. After the STRIDE plus TACE group reached its enrolment target, randomisation was adjusted to continue in a 1:1 ratio between the STRIDE plus lenvatinib plus TACE group and TACE group until approximately 275 participants were enrolled in each of these two groups. Randomisation used a centrally assigned interactive response technology system, stratified by region, baseline tumour burden, and previous palliative embolisation. In the STRIDE plus lenvatinib plus TACE group, on the first day, participants were given 300 mg tremelimumab intravenously, followed by 1500 mg durvalumab plus oral lenvatinib (8 mg for <60 kg bodyweight or 12 mg for ≥60 kg bodyweight); participants then received 1500 mg durvalumab every 4 weeks plus once-daily lenvatinib for up to 36 cycles. In the STRIDE plus TACE group, participants were given 300 mg tremelimumab and 1500 mg durvalumab intravenously on the first day, followed by 1500 mg durvalumab every 4 weeks. The technique and number of TACE procedures were at the investigators' discretion, with the first procedure administered at least 7 days after the first dose of durvalumab in the two investigation treatment groups and within 7 days of random allocation in the TACE group. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival for STRIDE plus lenvatinib plus TACE versus TACE. Key secondary endpoints were overall survival for STRIDE plus lenvatinib plus TACE versus TACE and progression-free survival and overall survival for STRIDE plus TACE versus TACE. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05301842), with enrolment completed. FINDINGS: From March 28, 2022, to Nov 20, 2024, 1124 participants were screened. The full analysis set comprised 760 participants, who were randomly allocated to STRIDE plus lenvatinib plus TACE (n=293), STRIDE plus TACE (n=175), or TACE (n=292). 633 (83%) participants were male and 127 (17%) were female; 548 (72%) were Asian. At the first data cutoff (Sept 2, 2025); the overall median follow-up for progression-free survival was 10·0 months (IQR 4·6-17·2); median follow-up for progression-free survival was 11·0 months (IQR 4·8-18·4) for STRIDE plus lenvatinib plus TACE and 8·3 months (4·1-15·5) for TACE. Median progression-free survival was 13·0 months (95% CI 12·2-16·7) for STRIDE plus lenvatinib plus TACE versus 9·8 months (8·0-11·4) for TACE (HR 0·70 [95% CI 0·57-0·86]; p=0·0007). At the second data cutoff (Feb 23, 2026) and a median follow-up for overall survival of 24·6 months (IQR 16·5-31·5) for STRIDE plus lenvatinib plus TACE and 22·9 months (14·9-30·2) for TACE, median overall survival was 39·5 months (95% CI 34·1-not reached) for STRIDE plus lenvatinib plus TACE and 34·7 months (28·8-not reached) for TACE (HR 0·84 [95% CI 0·65-1·09]; p=0·18). At this data cutoff, median progression-free survival was 12·9 months (95% CI 10·2-15·9) for STRIDE plus TACE and 8·1 months (6·5-10·2) for the first 175 participants randomised to TACE (HR 0·71 [95% CI 0·56-0·91]), with median follow-up of 10·3 months (IQR 4·6-23·7) for STRIDE plus TACE and 7·7 months (3·0-18·5) for the first 175 participants randomly allocated to TACE. The most common adverse events of maximum grade 3 or 4 were hypertension (34 [12%] of 287) for STRIDE plus lenvatinib plus TACE, post-embolisation syndrome and anaemia (ten [6%] of 175 each) for STRIDE plus TACE, and post-embolisation (17 [6%] of 290) for TACE. 184 (64%) participants receiving STRIDE plus lenvatinib plus TACE, 89 (51%) receiving STRIDE plus TACE, and 68 (23%) receiving TACE had serious adverse events. Treatment-related adverse events with an outcome of death during the treatment-emergent period occurred in seven (2%) of 287 participants who received STRIDE plus lenvatinib plus TACE (two for myocarditis; and one each for hepatic failure, haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, septic shock, cardiac failure, and unknown cause), none of 175 participants who received STRIDE plus TACE, and two (1%) of 290 participants who received TACE (one each for acute myocardial infarction and unknown cause). INTERPRETATION: STRIDE plus lenvatinib plus TACE showed a statistically significant progression-free survival improvement versus TACE. These findings support a STRIDE-based regimen as a potential new treatment option for people with embolisation-eligible HCC; additional follow-up is being conducted for final analysis of overall survival across treatment groups. FUNDING: AstraZeneca.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Matching-adjusted indirect comparison of fruquintinib versus ramucirumab in advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.

Aim: Fruquintinib (Fruq), a selective VEGFR 1/2/3 inhibitor, showed a significant progression-free survival (PFS) benefit in the Phase III FRUTIGA trial for advanced gastric/gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) adenocarcinoma. Ramucirumab (RAM), an anti-VEGFR2 antibody, demonstrated efficacy in the RAINBOW-Asia trial. This anchored matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) evaluated Fruq plus paclitaxel versus RAM plus paclitaxel as second-line therapy for G/GEJ adenocarcinoma in the absence of head-to-head trials. Materials & methods: Data from individual patients in the FRUTIGA study (N = 703) and aggregated data from the RAINBOW-Asia study (N = 440) were analyzed. Baseline characteristics were balanced using entropy balancing. The placebo plus paclitaxel (PBO + PTX) groups served as the common comparators. The primary outcome was PFS; secondary outcomes included overall survival, objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR). Rates of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were also compared as an exploratory outcome using an adjusted indirect risk difference. Sensitivity analyses included restricted mean survival time and simulated treatment comparison. Results: After weighting (effective sample size = 564), baseline covariates were balanced. The anchored MAIC demonstrated that Fruq + PTX significantly improved PFS compared with RAM + PTX (HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.51-0.96; p = 0.0280), corresponding to a 30% reduction in progression risk, with a significant restricted mean survival time benefit of 1.18 months at 20 months (95% CI: 0.08-2.27; p = 0.024). Fruq achieved significantly higher ORR (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.16-2.68; p = 0.008) and DCR (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.33-2.83; p < 0.001). Overall survival was similar (0.97; 95% CI: 0.73-1.30; p = 0.8640). Subgroup analyses showed PFS benefits with Fruq in patients with ECOG PS 1, peritoneal metastases and two or fewer metastatic sites. In sensitivity analysis, the simulated treatment comparison also suggested a PFS benefit for Fruq + PTX (HR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.32-0.50; p < 0.0001). For any-grade TEAEs, the indirect comparison showed higher adjusted relative incidences of increased bilirubin with Fruq + PTX than with RAM + PTX (RD: 12.3%; 95% CI: 2.3-22.4%, p < 0.05) and of hypokalemia (RD: 9.0%; 95% CI: 1.5-16.4%, p < 0.05). For grade ≥3 TEAEs, the adjusted relative incidence of decreased body weight was higher with Fruq + PTX than with RAM + PTX (RD: 2.9%; 95% CI: 0.6-5.2%, p < 0.05). The adjusted relative incidences of increased AST, ALT and hypocalcemia were numerically lower in the fruquintinib group than in the RAM group. Conclusion: This MAIC indicates that Fruq + PTX may be more effective than RAM + PTX in second-line advanced G/GEJ adenocarcinoma, with potentially improved PFS, ORR and DCR, and similar overall survival. Safety analyses suggested generally comparable safety profiles across the two regimens. Fruq + PTX remains a valuable treatment option, offering important comparative evidence for clinical and health technology assessment decisions. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifiers: NCT07144995.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy and Hypoglycaemia Outcomes With Once-Weekly IcoSema Versus Comparators in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes by Kidney and Liver Function: A Post Hoc Analysis of the COMBINE 1-3 Trials.

AIMS: This post hoc analysis of COMBINE 1-3 assessed efficacy and hypoglycaemia outcomes with IcoSema (once-weekly combination therapy of basal insulin icodec and semaglutide [a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue]) versus comparators in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) by kidney and liver function subgroups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Treatment outcomes were analysed by trial according to kidney (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 90; 60-< 90; 30-< 60; < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) and liver (total bilirubin ≤ 21 μmol/L or aspartate aminotransferase [AST] ≤ 31/≤ 37 [female/male] U/L; total bilirubin > 21 μmol/L or AST > 31/> 37 [female/male] U/L) function subgroups. RESULTS: In COMBINE 1-3, across kidney and liver function subgroups, there were no statistically significant treatment by subgroup interactions for change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (baseline to week 52), change in body weight (baseline to week 52) or rates of combined clinically significant or severe hypoglycaemia (not assessed by kidney function for COMBINE 2) (all p > 0.05). There were statistically significant treatment by kidney function subgroup interactions for the achievement of HbA1c < 7.0% without weight gain and without clinically significant or severe hypoglycaemia in COMBINE 3 (p < 0.05) but not COMBINE 1 or 2, and statistically significant treatment by liver function subgroup interactions in COMBINE 1 (p < 0.05) but not COMBINE 2 or 3. For COMBINE 1 and 3, there were statistically significant treatment by kidney function subgroup interactions for mean weekly total insulin dose, but not statistically significant treatment by liver function subgroup interactions. CONCLUSIONS: Efficacy and hypoglycaemia outcomes with IcoSema versus comparators were generally consistent among adults with T2D with mild to moderate kidney impairment or impaired liver function. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The COMBINE 1-3 trials were sponsored by Novo Nordisk and are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05352815; NCT05259033; NCT05013229).

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Medically Unexplained Symptoms: A Systematic Umbrella Review of Current Terminology and Reported Rationales.

OBJECTIVES: Toaddress current naming conventions for Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS) through a systematic umbrella review. The terminology used and the provided rationales were considered. METHODS: Registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024526020), this review searched 8 key databases, last on January 28, 2025. Reviews including medically unexplained symptoms (or synonym or subtype) in their systematic search terms were included (N=422). RESULTS: A total of 577 references to 111 terms were made across the reviews, with numerous reviews using the same overarching terms, including "functional" (n=233), "somatic" (or variants thereof, n=51), and "medically unexplained" (n=28). Thirty percent of terms (n=179) were to specific syndromes or terms that did not group together under an overarching term, suggesting substantial variability in terms, even though over 60% of authors were primarily associated with just 3 disciplines: medicine, allied health, and psychology. A subset of 23 reviews provided rationales, which were subjected to content analysis and a ROBIS (Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews) risk-of-bias assessment. This analysis showed that rationales tended to (1) highlight differences between psychological, psychiatric, and other medical fields (n=7); (2) focus on the patient perspective and patient-practitioner therapeutic relationship (n=10); or (3) follow broad and/or commonly used terms (n=7). DISCUSSION: The current landscape of terminology used for MUS remains varied, nuanced, and inconsistent between disciplines. Moving forward to a more universal language accepted and used by both patients and practitioners would aid in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of MUS.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Hypertension in a Randomized Trial of Dolutegravir- Versus Efavirenz-Based Antiretroviral Therapy in Pregnant and Postpartum Women with HIV.

INTRODUCTION: We performed an analysis of incident hypertension in a randomized trial comparing dolutegravir (DTG) + emtricitabine (F)/tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) versus DTG + F/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) versus efavirenz (EFV)/F/TDF in pregnant and postpartum women with HIV. METHODS: Women were randomized at 14-28 weeks gestational age (GA) to start DTG + F/TAF, DTG + F/TDF, or EFV/F/TDF and followed through 50 weeks postpartum. The composite incident hypertension outcome was defined as initiation of antihypertensive medication or ≥2 elevated blood pressures categorized as elevated (130-139 and/or 80-89 mmHg), mild (140-159 and/or 90-99 mmHg), moderate (≥160-179 and/or ≥100-109 mmHg), and severe (≥180 and/or ≥110 mmHg). Incident gestational hypertension was defined by initiation of antihypertensive medication or ≥2 blood pressures ≥ 140 and/or ≥90 mmHg at ≥20 weeks GA with resolution by 12 weeks postpartum. Cox proportional hazard models were used for by-arm comparisons of the composite outcome and to look for the effect of weight change within arm. RESULTS: Of 626 women without baseline hypertension (median age 26.6 years), the composite incident outcome occurred in 49% (n = 308), predominantly due to the incident elevated category of elevated blood pressure, with no significant differences by arm, although hypertension was numerically more likely in the DTG arms. Each additional 5 kg of weight was associated with an 8%-17% higher hazard of the composite hypertension outcome. Twenty-seven participants (4.3%) had gestational hypertension with no apparent differences between arms. CONCLUSIONS: Our data contribute information regarding the safety of DTG-based ART and TAF in pregnant and postpartum women and highlight the importance of monitoring weight and performing hypertension screening as part of maternal health care for young women with HIV.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Variants in the interferon regulatory factor 5 gene confer genetic risk for systemic lupus erythematosus in a Han Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5), integral to interferon signaling pathways, has been identified as a susceptibility locus for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Nevertheless, the relationship between IRF5 variants and SLE risk within the Han Chinese demographic remains inadequately characterized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genotyping of two functional single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in IRF5 was conducted in 167 individuals with SLE and 246 healthy controls utilizing sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP). Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were employed to assess associations. RESULTS: The rs10954213 variant demonstrated a significant association with SLE susceptibility under the recessive model (GG vs. AG+AA, OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.30-3.75, p = 0.003, adjusted p [pc] = 0.030) and homozygous model (GG vs. AA, OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.36-4.42, p = 0.003, pc = 0.032). Similarly, the rs2004640 variant was associated with an increased risk of SLE across allelic (T vs. G, OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.22-2.26, p = 0.001, pc = 0.011), dominant (TG+TT vs. GG, OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.19-2.63, p = 0.005, pc = 0.047), and homozygous models (TT vs. GG, OR = 3.72, 95% CI: 1.58-8.78, p = 0.002, pc = 0.016). Haplotype analysis identified protective haplotype HT1 (A/G, OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.41-0.73, p < 0.001) and risk haplotype HT4 (G/T, OR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.42-4.42, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that IRF5 gene variants substantially modulate susceptibility to SLE in the Han Chinese population. They hold potential as biomarkers for evaluating SLE risk and offer valuable perspectives into disease pathogenesis.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Safety and Tolerability of Single and Multiple Daily Oral Doses of Dried Kratom Leaf Powder in a Randomized Trial in Healthy Volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Kratom use is rising, increasing the need for safety and tolerability studies of high-quality and well-characterized kratom products in humans. Kratom's risk-benefit ratio, recommended dose, treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), abuse potential, and withdrawal require evaluation. Thus, the safety and tolerability of 4 escalating single and 15 daily dried kratom leaf powder doses in human volunteers were evaluated over 47 days in the largest controlled kratom-administration study to date. METHODS: A randomized, between-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation study of MitraLeaf kratom powder after single doses (SD), during 15 daily doses (multiple doses; MD), and a 23-day follow-up was conducted in 116 volunteers (49 MitraLeaf and 67 placebo). Twelve participants each received a SD of either 6.65, 13.3, 26.6, or 53.2 mg (n = 13) mitragynine in 500, 1000, 2000, or 4000 mg of MitraLeaf, respectively, with a 10-day follow-up. The same participants received 15 daily doses at the same concentration of SD mitragynine received, with a 27-day follow-up period. Inclusion criteria were nonsmoking healthy males and females who never used kratom or had not used kratom for ≥12 months, 18-55 years old, and BMI ≥18.5 and ≤29.9 kg/m 2 . Participants were excluded if they had known CYP3A4, CYP2D6, or CYP1A2 genetic polymorphisms. RESULTS: No serious adverse events or deaths were reported. TEAEs after SD or MD generally increased as the dose increased. Dizziness, nausea, and feeling of relaxation were the most commonly reported TEAEs after SD, and headache, feeling hot, increased alanine aminotransferase level, and nausea were most common after MD. CONCLUSIONS: This SD and first MD controlled study shows that Mitragyna speciosa -derived MitraLeaf kratom powder was safe and well tolerated at the dose ranges tested, with no evidence of meaningful abuse potential or withdrawal.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Interactive gaming during inhalational induction of anesthesia reduces pediatric patient anxiety and improves induction compliance: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative anxiety affects up to 75% of pediatric surgical patients and is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. Traditional anxiolytic strategies with premedication carry drawbacks including delayed recovery and paradoxical reactions, driving interest in non-pharmacologic alternatives. Audiovisual distraction represents one approach, encompassing passive methods (e.g. watching a video) and active modalities (e.g. interactive gaming). The Bedside Entertainment and Relaxation Theater (BERT) is a projection-based environment that enables audiovisual distraction during induction. Whether BERT-based interactive gaming reduces anxiety and improves induction compliance compared to standard perioperative care remains unknown. METHODS: This single-center RCT enrolled 74 pediatric patients aged 4 to 14 undergoing inhalational induction, randomized to standard care (SOC) or interactive gaming via BERT added to SOC during induction (BERT). The primary outcome was change in patient anxiety from baseline to induction, measured using the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS). Secondary outcomes included caregiver anxiety, induction compliance, OR efficiency, opioid administration, and OR staff perceptions. RESULTS: Patients in the BERT group experienced significantly smaller increases in anxiety from baseline to induction than SOC (median mYPAS increase [IQR]: 0 [0 to 0] vs 10 [0 to 38], p < 0.001). Induction compliance improved, with lower Induction Compliance Checklist (ICC) scores indicating fewer induction-related disruptive behaviors than SOC (median: 0 vs 1, shift -1 [95% CI: -2 to 0]; p = 0.004). Caregiver anxiety increased less in the BERT group than SOC (mean STAI increase: 0.18 vs 1.89, difference - 1.7, [95% CI: -3.2 to -0.26]; p = 0.022). OR staff reported high acceptability, with 97% supporting continued use. No differences were observed in OR efficiency or opioid administration between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Interactive gaming via BERT attenuated increases in patient anxiety, improved induction compliance, and reduced the rise in caregiver anxiety without prolonging OR time. These findings support BERT as an effective, workflow-compatible anxiolytic strategy for pediatric inhalational induction.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

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 ≥ 30 kg/m2, or ≥ 27 kg/m2 with ≥ 1 obesity-related complication, to once-weekly CagriSema 2.4 mg/2.4 mg, semaglutide 2.4 mg, cagrilintide 2.4 mg, or placebo, plus lifestyle intervention. This secondary, post hoc analysis assessed the proportions of participants achieving BMI < 27 kg/m2 and/or WHtR < 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 < 5.7% and fasting plasma glucose < 5.6 mmol/L); blood pressure (< 130/80 mmHg); triglycerides (< 1.7 mmol/L); lipids (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥ 1.3 mmol/L [female] or ≥ 1.0 mmol/L [male]) and reaching anthropometric targets or change in body weight (%) was also assessed. RESULTS: The proportion of participants achieving both BMI < 27 kg/m2 and WHtR < 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↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy of afoxolaner (NexGard®) for the treatment of myiasis caused by the zoonotic tumbu fly, Cordylobia anthropophaga, in domestic dogs under field conditions.

Cordylobia anthropophaga is a major cause of furuncular myiasis in dogs and humans in sub-Saharan Africa, yet evidence for pharmacological control remains limited. Current management relies mainly on mechanical larval removal, and no controlled studies have assessed the efficacy of modern antiparasitic agents. This study evaluated the curative and preventive efficacy of a single dose of afoxolaner (NexGard®) in dogs with naturally acquired C. anthropophaga infestation under field conditions and explored a possible indirect protective effect in puppies after maternal treatment. A randomized, blinded, negative-controlled field study was conducted in Samburu County, Kenya, and included 104 naturally infested dogs allocated to a treated group (n = 53) or an untreated control group (n = 51). Clinical evaluations were performed on Days 0, 15 (±2), 30 (±2), and 45 (±2). Efficacy was assessed based on the presence of active nodules and clinical scores. Additional observational data were collected from puppies born to or nursing from treated bitches. Compared to the control group, parasiticide efficacy was 94% on Day 15 and 100% on Day 30. The number of parasite-free dogs reached 86.3% on Day 15, 100% on Day 30, and 95.3% on Day 45. Treated dogs showed a significant clinical improvement from the first post-treatment assessment, whereas infestation persisted in controls (nodules: OR = 0.003, 95% CI 0.001-0.017; skin lesions: OR = 0.010, 95% CI 0.002-0.051; lymph node: OR = 0.013, 95% CI 0.002-0.074; body condition: OR = 0.073, 95% CI 0.027-0.195; all p < .001), with large effect sizes at the final visit for all outcomes (r = 0.521-0.793). No C. anthropophaga infestations were detected in examined puppies from treated dams, including puppies exposed during pregnancy or lactation, up to 4 weeks after birth and up to 11 weeks of age, respectively. Afoxolaner appears effective to control canine cordylobiosis and may offer indirect protection to puppies, warranting further investigation.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Non-smoked cannabis consumption formats and Cannabis Use Disorder severity in an illicit setting: Evidence from Chile, 2020-2024.

BACKGROUND: Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) has become an increasing public health burden, particularly in Chile. Non-smoked cannabis formats and products have been independently associated with CUD but remain understudied in the region. This study compares CUD severity among individuals aged 12 to 65 in Chile who consume cannabis via edibles, vaporization or both versus those who exclusively smoke it. METHODS: We obtained secondary data from three waves of the Chilean National Survey on Drugs in the General Population (ENPG), a three-stage stratified probabilistic sampling design study conducted in 2020, 2022, and 2024. Our pooled cross-sectional sample included individuals (n = 3543) who reported cannabis use in vaped, edible, both vaped and edible or exclusively smoked format in the past 12 months. We used a partial proportional odds model to estimate the association between CUD severity and consumption formats. RESULTS: Cannabis vaping group showed higher odds of presenting at least mild CUD (OR = 6.21 [95% CI: 3.75-10.3]), as did the edible group (OR = 1.73 [95% CI: 1.08-2.78]) and both group (OR = 5.92 [95% CI: 2.72-12.87]), compared to exclusive smokers. However, only the vaped group demonstrated higher odds for all severity levels. CONCLUSION: Compared with exclusive smokers, users of vaporizers and/or edibles showed a stronger association with CUD. This association may be explained by consumption patterns and total THC exposure. Further research is needed to characterize the average THC exposure by consumption format, acknowledging contextual confounders such as the legal framework.

Humans↗