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Stratified medicine with eplerenone for myocardial infarction or injury and no obstructive coronary arteries: A registry-based basket trial.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial Infarction with No Obstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA) or Nonischemic Myocardial Injury affects approximately 1 in 9 patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome, yet evidence-based therapies are lacking. Coronary microvascular dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of suspected MINOCA, but its prevalence, prognostic implications and treatment are uncertain. The objectives are, first, to assess the prevalence of coronary microvascular dysfunction in patients with suspected MINOCA and, second, to implement endotype-informed stratified medicine involving patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction to treatment with eplerenone, a cardio- and vasculo-protective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist. METHODS: This is a prospective, registry-based, multicenter, diagnostic study and nested, randomized, controlled, open-label, blinded-endpoint (PROBE) basket trial. Up to 400 patients with clinically suspected MINOCA and one or more cardiovascular risk factors will be enrolled into a registry-based diagnostic study. Coronary microvascular function will be assessed during invasive angiography using thermodilution. Patients with an index of coronary microvascular resistance (IMR) ≥ 25 will be randomized 1:1 to eplerenone (25-50 mg daily for 6 months) or standard care without eplerenone (control group) (n = 150 randomized). Final endotypes will be centrally adjudicated by a panel of blinded cardiologists. The primary outcome of the diagnostic study is the proportion of patients with IMR ≥ 25 during index coronary angiography. Secondary outcomes include coronary flow reserve, cardiovascular MRI parameters, patient-reported outcome measures, biomarkers of myocardial fibrosis and vascular inflammation, health outcomes and health economic assessments. The primary outcome of the randomized trial is the within-individual change in NT-proBNP at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months, based on intention-to-treat. Secondary outcomes include mechanistic blood biomarkers and patient-reported outcome measures. VALUE: This registry-based randomized trial will provide novel evidence on endotype-informed secondary prevention therapy with eplerenone for suspected MINOCA.

Humans

Retrosigmoid craniotomy surgical guide: The way forward for precise exposure of the transverse-sigmoid sinuses.

INTRODUCTION: The retrosigmoid craniotomy is the workhorse approach to the cerebellopontine angle. Accurate localisation of the transverse-sigmoid junction (TSJ) is key for optimised exposure and cerebellar retraction. Various methods, both anatomical and navigational, have been used but with suboptimal results. We utilised a 3D-printed retrosigmoid surgical guide in an attempt to overcome this and report our early outcomes and experiences in the design, production and utilisation of the guide. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of the patients with retrosigmoid craniotomies performed using the surgical guides. Patient demographics and diagnoses, along with the accuracy of the planned burrhole and craniotomy, need for craniotomy extension, presence of venous sinus injury, set-up time, and cost were reported. RESULTS: There were ten cerebellopontine angle cases in which the surgical guides were utilised, three petrous meningiomas, two trigeminal neuralgias, two metastasis, and three other tumours. The planned burrhole and craniotomy were precise in all cases with accurate exposure of the TSJ and no requirement for craniotomy extension. The mean set up time was 3.9 min, and the mean cost of the surgical guides was USD 470.90. One elderly patient had an intraoperative transverse sinus injury related to adherent dura that was planned for exposure. CONCLUSION: The 3D-printed surgical guide is a potential solution to the rapid, precise and consistent identification of the TSJ when performing a retrosigmoid craniotomy. We present our early experience and discuss nuances in the designing, production, and intraoperative phases to optimise the precision of this guide. We suggest two methods to avoid sinus injury in elderly patients: either to plan the craniotomy to the edge of the sinus, or to plan sinus exposure but to use burr drills rather than the osteotome, as in our case, to expose the sinus.

Humans

Could creatine supplementation combined with physical rehabilitation accelerate return to play in athletes with patellar tendinopathy?

BACKGROUND: Several dietary supplements have been proposed to positively influence the rehabilitation process following injury. However, to date, no studies have specifically examined the effects of scientifically supported ergogenic aids on recovery outcomes when combined with physical performance interventions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the ergogenic effects of creatine supplementation on neuromuscular performance, tendon thickness, pain, and body composition in athletes diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy (PT). METHODS: Using a triple-blind experimental design, 20 federated athletes (age: 33.7&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;9.84 years) with PT were randomly assigned to either a creatine supplementation group (CR; n&#x2009;=&#x2009;9) or a placebo group (PLA; n&#x2009;=&#x2009;11). All participants followed a physical rehabilitation intervention that included daily eccentric training combined with stretching exercises, along with one session every 10 days of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and manual therapy targeting the tendon and surrounding muscle tissue. At the end of each eccentric training session, the participants ingested 3 capsules of creatine monohydrate - Creapure&#xae; (CR) or sucrose (PLA). At the beginning (PRE), after 4 weeks (MID), and after 8 weeks (POST), the pain level (Victorian Institute for Sports Assessment-Patella, VISA-P), tendon thickness (echography), body composition (bioelectrical impedance system), and neuromuscular performance using a countermovement jump test (CMJ) and a strength test (5-RM) of knee extension in the injured leg. RESULTS: A significant main effect of time was observed for VISA-P scores (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001; &#x3b7;2 p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.626), indicating a reduction in pain over time in both the creatine (CR) and placebo (PLA) groups. At POST, both groups showed significant improvements compared to PRE (CR: 78.0 points [69.2-86.8] vs. 60.6 points [53.4-67.7]; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.002; PLA: 75.2 points [66.3-84.0] vs. 60.0 points [52.5-67.5]; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.003). However, only the CR group showed a statistically significant improvement in the MID compared to PRE (MID: 70.2 points [60.0-80.5]; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.027). A significant main effect of time was observed for both tendon thickness (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001; &#x3b7;2 p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.629) and the 5-RM leg extension test (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001; &#x3b7;2 p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.739), with both groups showing progressive improvements over time. Nevertheless, as trend toward a statistically significant time&#xb7;supplementation interaction was observed (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.099; &#x3b7;2p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.126), with an increase in performance only in CMJ in MID vs PRE (36.8&#x2009; cm (33.8-39.7) vs 34.3&#x2009; cm (30.8-37.7); p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.019) and POST vs MID (POST: 37.6&#x2009; cm (33.5-41.8); p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.015). CONCLUSIONS: A physical rehabilitation program involving eccentric training, stretching, and ESWT is effective in reducing tendon thickness and increasing muscle strength. However. It seems that the addition of CR induces an earlier reduction of pain and a positive effect on CMJ performance. Therefore, CR could be considered as an ergogenic recovery aid in athletes with PT.

Humans

Evaluation of Physical and Mental Workload and Transfusion Time in Trauma Resuscitation.

BACKGROUND: Trauma resuscitation is time sensitive and complex. Whole blood (WB) and blood components are standard treatments for trauma related hemorrhage, yet their nursing workload and transfusion time have not been well evaluated. PURPOSE: To assess feasibility of a simulation-based crossover trial and obtain preliminary estimates comparing nursing workload and transfusion completion time between WB and blood component administration. METHODS: A randomized crossover pilot study using in situ simulation was conducted with experienced trauma nurses. Time-motion analysis measured transfusion completion time, and the National Aeronautical and Space Administration Task Load Index assessed workload domains. RESULTS: Strong feasibility was demonstrated across recruitment, retention, adherence, and completion. WB was associated with significantly shorter transfusion time, lower overall workload and mental demand, less effort, and better perceived performance. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the feasibility and justify a fully powered trial. WB may improve resuscitation efficiency and reduce cognitive burden, with potential implications for patient outcomes and nursing workflow.

Humans

Complication rates of 16- and 18-gauge needles for native kidney biopsies: a systematic review and proportional meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated complication rates and diagnostic yield reported in studies of adult native kidney biopsy using 16-gauge (16&#x2009;G) or 18-gauge (18&#x2009;G) needles. We included randomized trials and cohort studies of real-time ultrasound-guided biopsies, including case series. MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched through October 2024. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Random-effects meta-analyses estimated pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and univariable random-effects meta-regression explored study-level associations with major complications, transfusion, or gross hematuria. We screened 4,499 titles and abstracts and reviewed 319 full-text articles; 62 studies comprising 68 biopsy series were included. The pooled major complication rate in studies using 16&#x2009;G needles was 1.83% (95% CI: 1.20-2.79) and 1.29% (95% CI: 0.78-2.13) in studies using 18&#x2009;G needles, with no statistically significant difference. Mean glomerular yield was 18.8 with 16&#x2009;G and 17.5 with 18&#x2009;G needles. In study-level meta-regression, studies with higher prevalence of acute kidney injury, lower mean estimated glomerular filtration rate, or lower mean hemoglobin reported higher pooled complication rates. Most studies were single-arm cohorts; between-needle differences therefore reflect indirect study-level contrasts. Interpretation is limited by retrospective design and heterogeneity across studies. Overall, studies using both needle sizes reported low complication rates and similar diagnostic yield, although definitions and reporting varied. Direct comparative studies are needed to determine whether meaningful differences exist.

Humans

The molecular mechanism of cuproptosis and research progress in pancreatic diseases.

PURPOSE: Cuproptosis has been proven to be a novel mode of cell death, distinct from other types of cell death such as necrosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and apoptosis. This study aims to systematically review the molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis in recent years and its research progress in pancreatic diseases. METHODS: By searching PubMed and Web of Science databases, 113&#x2009;key literatures were included for thematic analysis, covering the molecular mechanism of cuproptosis and its role in the occurrence and development of pancreatic cancer, acute and chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, pancreatic cyst, pancreatic injury and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. RESULTS: Cuproptosis refers to the accumulation of copper ions in cells, which leads to instability of ferritin and aggregation of acylated proteins, resulting in oxidative stress-related cell death. Recent studies have shown that cuproptosis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of various pancreatic diseases, such as pancreatic cancer, acute and chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, pancreatic cysts, pancreatic injuries and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. The inducers of cuproptosis, such as disulfiram, chloroquinolones, and perilla phenols, alleviate pancreatic cancer by promoting cell cuproptosis. Copper chelators such as tetraethylenepentamine and tetrathiomolybdate promote the recovery of pancreatic injury by inhibiting cell cuproptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Cuproptosis plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of pancreatic diseases. Further research on the cuproptosis pathway may become a potential target for the treatment of pancreatic diseases.

Animals

The prevalence of isthmic and degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis: an analysis of 1376 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Typically, spondylolisthesis is an asymptomatic spinal condition that is often captured accidently in radiographic studies. The limited studies reviewing incidence primarily used lateral radiographs, which lack the granularity of advanced imaging. In response, computed tomography (CT) has been recommended to enhance the accuracy of spondylolisthesis diagnosis (degenerative versus isthmic). In the present study, we sought to determine the prevalence of isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis using CT imaging. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 1,680 patients who underwent abdominal/pelvic CT scans at a single level-1 trauma center from January 1, 2017, to January 31, 2017. RESULTS: A total of 1,680 CT scans were screened, of which 1,376 patient scans met the inclusion criteria of having undergone complete imaging (axial and sagittal images). The average age of the study population was 57.1 (standard deviation, 18.7) years; 51.1% were female, and 83.2% were Caucasian. The prevalence of isthmic spondylolisthesis was 5.4% (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;71): 3.6% of cases were at the L5-S1 level, 2.1% were at the L4-L5 level, and 0.6% were at the L3-L4 level. The female-to-male ratio was 0.73:1. The prevalence of degenerative spondylolisthesis was higher at 21.5% (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;285), and the level most commonly affected was L4-L5 (11.8%), followed by L5-S1 (9.7%) and L3-L4 (4.6%). The female-to-male ratio was 1.3:1. There was a higher prevalence of degenerative spondylolisthesis in women at L4-L5 (51.2% vs. 35.6%; P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001). CONCLUSION: We found that degenerative spondylolisthesis was more prevalent, occurring primarily in older women, between the L4-L5 vertebrae. On the other hand, isthmic spondylolisthesis more commonly occurred within male patients between the L5-S1 vertebrae. Our study is one of the first to recognize a high rate of degenerative spondylolisthesis within the L5-S1 region, highlighting the utility of CT scan to visualize spinal translation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Humans

Assessment and CommuniCation ExcelLEnce foR sAfe paTient outcomEs (ACCELERATE): A stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial evaluating the effectiveness of a nurse-led assessment and handover communication intervention on patient adverse events.

BACKGROUND: Patients continue to experience harm from undetected deterioration, falls and pressure injuries. We aimed to implement and evaluate an organisational, ward-level nurse-led assessment and communication intervention to proactively reduce patient adverse events. METHODS: A stepped-wedge cluster randomised Trial over 12-months was conducted at three metropolitan hospitals. Our intervention comprised a comprehensive, systematic patient assessment at shift commencement; a structured patient-centred bedside nurse-to-nurse clinical handover; and multidisciplinary communication consisting of nurse participation in medical ward rounds. Evidence-based implementation strategies informed intervention delivery to nine clusters (20-35 bed-wards with &#x2265;70% permanent nurses) over three sequential 14-week steps. Routinely collected patient-level data were used to measure intervention effect. The primary outcome was a composite measure of medical emergency team calls, unplanned intensive care unit admissions, in-hospital falls; and stage 2-4 pressure injuries. Secondary outcomes were: individual measures of the primary outcome; nurse-reported perceptions of safety culture; organisational readiness to change; barriers to physical assessment; staff engagement; and patient-reported experience measures of safety and overall hospital experience. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, hospital, pre/post intervention, and Trial step (fortnight), with random effects for ward and patient. RESULTS: There were 13,753 eligible admissions. No change was observed in the primary composite outcome measure (odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.99 [0.77, 1.28]; p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.95). There was no significant difference in medical emergency team calls (OR [95% CI]: 1.02 [0.75, 1.39]; p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.91); unplanned intensive care unit admissions (OR [95% CI]: 1.35 [0.57, 3.20]; p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.50) and falls (OR [95% CI]: 1.53 [0.96, 2.45]; p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.07). However, stage 2-4 pressure injuries significantly decreased by 41% (OR [95% CI]: 0.59 [0.38, 0.93]; p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.02); a significant absolute effect improvement of 0.8% ([95% CI: 0.3%-1.3%], p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.01). There were statistically significant improvements in nurses' overall perceptions of Safety Attitudes (Pre: 74.6, Post: 79.7; p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.02), and the Organisational Readiness to Change subscales of, leader culture (Pre: 3.73, Post 3.91; p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.02), leadership behaviour (Pre: 3.85, Post: 4.11; p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.03), and general resources (Pre: 3.06, Post: 3.30; p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.03). A statistically significant decrease in Barriers to Physical Assessment (Pre: 2.48, Post: 2.24; p&#xa0;<0.001) and in six of seven sub-scales was observed. Patients' overall Measure of Safety remained high, but unchanged (Pre: 3.94 Post: 3.92; p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.07). CONCLUSION: The ACCELERATE Trial demonstrated that nurse-driven initiatives, emphasising structured physical assessments by nurses, patient-centred clinical handovers, and multidisciplinary communication, significantly: reduced pressure injuries; decreased nurses' perceived barriers to performing physical assessments; and improved leadership behaviour, communication, and ward safety culture perceptions. Results highlight the transformative potential of this approach, which now warrants testing at scale for broader implementation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ID: ACTRN12621000265875.

Humans

Glycerophospholipid remodeling under osmotic stress in grass carp gills.

Salinity fluctuations represent a pervasive environmental challenge for freshwater fishes, yet the cellular and metabolic programs governing early osmoregulatory responses remain understudied. Here, we investigated the time-dependent gill responses of juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) subjected to an acute, sublethal salinity increase 9 parts per thousand (ppt). Histological and biochemical analyses revealed progressive gill lesions accompanied by elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and lipid peroxidation, indicating rapid tissue injury under osmotic stress. Integrative metabolomic and transcriptomic profiling uncovered pronounced temporal reprogramming, consistently highlighting glycerophospholipid metabolism as a central axis of response. In particular, phosphatidylcholine (PC) species exhibited dynamic remodeling, coupled with transcriptional enrichment of lipid turnover, membrane transport, and innate immune pathways. Network-based integration identified a PC-centered remodeling module characterized by accelerated PC headgroup turnover, disruption of the PLA2-LPCAT2 lyso-PC reacylation cycle, and enhanced ABC transporter-associated lipid and sterol export, reflected by cholesteryl sulfate accumulation and a shifted n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid-derived oxylipin signature. Functional assays further demonstrated that PC and linoleic acid (LA) supplementation improved cell viability and alleviated oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory signaling in grass carp cells under salinity challenge. Collectively, these findings reveal phospholipid-centered membrane remodeling as an early, integrative mechanism linking osmotic stress to gill injury and immune activation in freshwater fish, providing insights into potential strategies of environmental stress adaptation.

Animals

Nimodipine in animal models of demyelination relevant to multiple sclerosis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common inflammatory neurodegenerative disease in which axonal injury, neuronal death, and demyelination occur. Treatment for MS relapses remains limited, which alleviates acute loss of function but has no impact on long-term disability. This study aimed to perform a systematic review of the effects of nimodipine on experimental demyelination models, including experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and Cuprizone models in rodents. METHODS: This study was conducted following the PRISMA statement. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The primary outcome was EAE clinical disease severity (peak clinical score and/or cumulative disease burden). Secondary outcomes included relapse activity (when reported), histological myelin outcomes, oligodendrocyte lineage markers, neuroaxonal injury markers, and inflammatory readouts. Risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE tool. RESULTS: Out of 4660 results, 5 studies were included in the systematic review (four EAE studies and one cuprizone model). Nimodipine was administered using heterogeneous regimens (oral, intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, or osmotic pump delivery; 1-30&#xa0;mg/kg/day). The included studies reported the variable effects of nimodipine on relapse-related outcomes, myelination, inflammatory processes, and neuroprotection in the EAE model of MS. Across EAE studies, nimodipine generally reduced clinical disease severity or cumulative burden, although relapse-related outcomes were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS: Preclinical evidence suggests that nimodipine may attenuate disease severity and demyelination and may promote repair-related processes in rodent models relevant to MS. However, to evaluate the clinical applicability of nimodipine in MS patients, well-powered, transparently reported preclinical replication and early-phase clinical studies are required before clinical translation.

Animals

A systematic review and meta-analysis of OCT-based ophthalmic changes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease marked by motor decline and respiratory failure. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), a non-invasive imaging technique, has been explored for detecting retinal structural changes that may reflect neurodegeneration in ALS. While some studies report thinning of retinal layers, findings remain inconsistent. Therefore, a meta-analysis is needed to clarify the extent of retinal involvement and the potential of OCT as a biomarker in ALS. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for studies published between 2010 and May 2025. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), and publication bias was evaluated through funnel plot asymmetry and Egger's test. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using random-effects models to account for between-study heterogeneity, and differences in OCT parameters between ALS patients and healthy controls were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical heterogeneity was quantified using the I2 statistic. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies were included in the present meta-analysis. The primary unadjusted global model demonstrated significant reduction of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness in ALS patients compared to controls (unadjusted SMD&#xa0;=&#xa0;-0.295, 95% CI: -0.522, -0.068). Upon applying a Design Effect variance inflation model to address fellow-eye non-independence, the pooled estimate remained robustly significant across a conservative range of intraclass correlations (SMD ranged from -0.256 to -0.249). Subgroup analyses revealed that RNFL thinning was particularly pronounced in spinal-onset ALS (SMD&#xa0;=&#xa0;-0.54, 95% CI: (-0.98, -0.10). When studies were stratified by the region of conduct, RNFL and macular thinning reached statistical significance only within the non-Asian subgroup, though the formal test for subgroup differences was not significant. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates significant bilateral RNFL thinning in ALS, with relative preservation of the Inner Nuclear Layer and Ganglion Cell Layer - Inner Plexiform Layer, supporting retinal neurodegeneration as a feature of this multisystem disorder. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO identifier CRD420251076035.

Humans

Protein sorting and proteostasis mechanisms in CFTR-related exocrine pancreas dysfunction: A systematic narrative review.

The pancreas consists of exocrine and endocrine compartments. In the exocrine pancreas, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) functions mainly in ductal epithelial cells as a chloride and bicarbonate channel. Its activity depends on proper protein folding, trafficking, and localization to the apical membrane. This systematic narrative review aims to synthesize the available evidence on the role of protein sorting machinery in CFTR channelopathies and its contribution to exocrine pancreatic dysfunction. A thorough search was conducted using PRISMA criteria on PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Scopus for studies published in English between January 2000 and November 2025. Twenty studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this review. Pathogenic CFTR variants impair protein folding, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit, and endosomal recycling, resulting in reduced apical membrane expression and stability. These defects disrupt the localization of associated transporters and secretory proteins, impair ductal bicarbonate secretion, alter zymogen handling, and promote acinar injury, although these claims are supported mainly by indirect experimental models and therefore require clinical confirmation. CFTR channelopathies in the exocrine pancreas encompass both ion transport defects and broader disruptions of protein sorting machinery. CFTR may contribute to the assembly, stabilization, or localization of selected apical transport complexes, and its loss can secondarily alter epithelial organization. Therapeutic approaches targeting both channel correction and intracellular trafficking may improve pancreatic function and mitigate disease progression.

Humans

A clinical study on the efficacy of rectal administration of Tongfu Qinghua decoction combined with external application of Ruyi Jinhuang powder in treating acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common acute abdominal disease with high mortality in moderate and severe cases. Integrated Chinese and Western medicine therapy has promising clinical application prospects. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the efficacy and safety of Tongfu Qinghua decoction enema combined with Ruyi Jinhuang powder external application for AP and its therapeutic effects across different age groups. METHODS: A total of 100 AP patients from October 2023 to August 2025 were randomly divided into observation and control groups (50 cases each). The control group received conventional Western medicine and the observation group received additional combined Chinese medicine therapy. Outcomes including hospital stay, symptom relief, inflammatory and pancreatic injury markers, clinical efficacy and adverse reactions were compared, with subgroup analysis of patients aged 18-40, 41-60 and 61-75 years. RESULTS: The observation group had significantly shorter hospital stay, faster symptom relief and gastrointestinal recovery (P<0.05). Post-treatment inflammatory and pancreatic markers improved significantly and the total effective rate was higher (P<0.05), with no significant difference in adverse reactions (P>0.05). Benefits were consistent across all age subgroups, with younger patients recovering faster and elderly patients still achieving significant improvement. CONCLUSION: This combined therapy is effective and safe for AP patients aged 18-75 years, significantly improving clinical outcomes and worthy of clinical promotion.

Humans

Seed-derived mucilage polysaccharides as biomaterials for in vivo tissue regeneration: A systematic review.

Chronic wounds, bone defects, and cartilage injuries represent persistent clinical challenges requiring biomaterial platforms that actively regulate inflammation, oxidative stress, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Conventional synthetic dressings often provide limited biological activity in these contexts. Seed-derived mucilages - polysaccharide-rich hydrocolloids obtained from chia (Salvia hispanica), flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), psyllium (Plantago ovata), guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), quince (Cydonia oblonga) etc. - have emerged as biocompatible, biodegradable, and chemically versatile platforms for tissue engineering. This systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, synthesized in vivo evidence on seed-derived mucilage-based biomaterials across wound healing, bone repair, cartilage regeneration, and related applications. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection were searched for original in vivo experimental studies published in English between 2020 and 2026. Eligible studies reported at least one measurable regenerative outcome. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers, and methodological quality was assessed using the SYRCLE Risk of Bias tool. Forty-three studies were included. Hydrogels were the dominant biomaterial format, followed by films, scaffolds, sponges, nanoparticle systems, and bilayer or Janus composites. Included systems generally improved wound closure, re-epithelialization, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, antioxidant defense, and inflammatory regulation. However, most studies used small animals with short follow-up periods, and many incorporated nanoparticles or bioactive agents, limiting attribution of efficacy to the mucilage matrix alone. Risk of bias was predominantly unclear due to insufficient reporting of randomization and blinding. Blank mucilage controls, standardized characterization, long-term biosafety data, and clinically relevant models are essential prerequisites for translational progress.

Humans

Integrated physiological and transcriptomic analyses reveal coordinated gill responses to heat stress in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca).

Climate change-driven warming of aquatic environments has made thermal stress an increasingly important factor influencing fish physiological homeostasis. Given their central roles in respiration and osmoregulation, gills are particularly responsive to variations in ambient temperature. Histological examination, physiological measurements, and transcriptome profiling were integrated to investigate the mechanisms associated with heat stress-induced gill injury in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca). Histological analysis revealed that exposure to 29&#xa0;&#xb0;C directly caused structural damage to the gills of pikeperch. Oxidative status was evaluated by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT). MDA accumulation was significantly enhanced under heat stress, while antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, and CAT) displayed a transient increase followed by a subsequent decline. Transcriptome profiling showed marked enrichment of the protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum pathway after heat stress, suggesting activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in pikeperch gills. With increasing stress duration, the unfolded protein response (UPR) appeared unable to re-establish ER homeostasis, shifting ire1 and atf6 toward a pro-apoptotic state. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis further highlighted hub genes potentially involved in heat stress-induced ER stress and apoptosis. TUNEL staining and western blotting collectively confirmed that heat stress triggered apoptosis in pikeperch gill tissue. Overall, this study provides new insights into the physiological and molecular responses of pikeperch gills to heat stress and enhances our understanding of thermal stress adaptation in cold-water aquaculture species under climate change.

Animals

Muscle Massage Adding Capacitive Resistive Electric Transfer Therapy in Active or Sham Condition for Post-Exercise Recovery in Athletes: A Crossover Clinical Trial.

The increasing demands of elite sports reduce recovery time, impair performance, and increase injury risk. Efficient lactate transport is essential for postexercise recovery. Capacitive resistive electric transfer (CRET) therapy enhances deep tissue heating, induces vasodilation, and promotes circulation. To evaluate whether adding active CRET to a standardized muscle recovery massage, compared with the same massage plus sham CRET, influences indicators of muscle recovery following a maximal anaerobic effort test. A randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled, and crossover clinical trial was conducted in 25 athletes. Participants completed four visits and, after the maximal power and anaerobic capacity test (Wingate test), received a standardized muscle recovery massage combined with either active CRET or sham CRET. Blood lactate levels, muscle oxygenation, muscle thickness, echogenicity, knee extension force, and muscle activity were assessed before and after the test, after treatment, and 24&#xa0;hours later. Compared with massage plus sham CRET, massage plus active CRET was associated with lower blood lactate concentration at 60&#xa0;min postexercise (p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.029). Ultrasound-derived muscle thickness and echogenicity also differed between conditions at several time points (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in Wingate test performance, force, muscle activity, and oxygenation between conditions. In athletes performing repeated Wingate exercise, adding active CRET to massage was associated with lower blood lactate concentration at 60&#xa0;min postexercise and with differences in ultrasound-derived muscle thickness and echogenicity compared with sham CRET plus massage. However, these between-condition differences were not accompanied by clear short-term functional recovery benefits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06906146.

Humans

Effects of blood flow restriction training combined with resistance training on lower-limb strength and sport-specific performance in athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In contemporary sports science, athletes and coaches continuously explore strategies to reduce training load and injury risk while increasing muscular strength and sport-specific performance. This meta-analysis evaluated the effects of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) combined with resistance training (RT) on lower-limb muscle strength and sport-specific performance in athletes. METHODS: Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were systematically searched across major databases (e.g. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and Embase) from inception until November 2024. Two independent reviewers carefully assessed the studies. Data analysis was carried out using RevMan 5.4 software, which included heterogeneity testing, meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and assessment of publication bias. RESULTS: Ten RCTs (181 athletes; 91 in the BFRT and RT group, 90 in the control group) were included. Outcomes determined BFRT combined with RT yielded notable enhancements in lower-limb muscle strength (SMD = 1.09, 95% CI [0.52, 1.66], p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05) and muscle hypertrophy (MD = 1.09, 95% CI [0.10, 2.09], p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05) compared to control training. However, no significant improvement in sport-specific performance was found (SMD = 0.11, 95% CI [-0.18, 0.40], p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.46). Substantial heterogeneity was observed for strength outcomes (I2 = 75%), whereas low heterogeneity was observed for sport-specific performance and hypertrophy outcomes (I2 = 0%). No evidence of significant publication bias was detected. CONCLUSION: BFRT combined with RT appears to provide effective augmentation of lower-limb muscle strength and hypertrophy in athletes compared to RT or conventional training alone. It may be prudent to integrate this approach systematically into training cycles to optimize physiological muscle stimulation and training outcomes, despite not directly improving sport-specific performance.

Humans

Association of time-averaged systemic immune-inflammation indices with in-hospital mortality after intracerebral hemorrhage: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammation plays a central role in secondary brain injury following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Although inflammatory indices such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) are linked to poor outcomes, their associations with mortality are commonly assumed to be linear, potentially overlooking nonlinear patterns where mortality risk rises steeply at higher levels. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study using the MIMIC-IV database, including 440 patients with non-traumatic ICH who were alive and remained in the ICU for at least 72&#xa0;h after admission. Mean NLR, SII, and SIRI were calculated from measurements obtained during this period. Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses were applied to assess their independent and nonlinear associations with in-hospital mortality. Model discrimination and calibration were internally validated using 1,000 bootstrap resamples. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate was 26.1%. After multivariable adjustment, NLR and SIRI remained independently associated with mortality. Patients in the highest SIRI quartile had the highest risk of death (aOR&#xa0;=&#xa0;5.12; 95% CI: 2.57-12.24; p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001). RCS analysis revealed a significant nonlinear association between SIRI and mortality (p-nonlinearity&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05), showing a steep risk increase at higher SIRI levels. Adding SIRI to the base model provided a modest improvement in discrimination (AUC 0.762 to 0.785, p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.045) and significantly improved risk reclassification (cNRI&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.4778, p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001; IDI&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.0240, p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.0151). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with ICH who met the 72-hour eligibility criterion, higher 72-hour average SIRI was independently associated with in-hospital mortality. As a time-averaged measure, SIRI should be interpreted as a dynamic marker integrating the initial inflammatory state and the early clinical course rather than as a purely baseline prognostic factor. Although adding SIRI to the base model modestly improved discrimination and risk reclassification, it should be considered a candidate prognostic marker requiring external validation before clinical application.

Humans