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PubMed2026

Sex Differences in Postoperative Recovery and Mortality After High-Risk Cardiac Surgery: A Propensity Score-Matched Post Hoc Analysis of the SUSTAIN-CSX Trial.

BACKGROUND: Sex-related differences after cardiac surgery remain controversial because women often present with higher baseline risk and complexity than men. We performed a post hoc propensity score-matched analysis of the SUSTAIN-CSX (Sodium Selenite Administration in Cardiac Surgery) trial to evaluate sex differences in mortality, postoperative complications, and recovery after high-risk cardiac surgery. METHODS: Of 1394 trial participants, 1386 had complete data. Women were matched 1:1 to men using nearest-neighbor propensity score matching based on age and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II (EuroSCORE II), with exact matching on surgical category, yielding 327 female-male pairs. Prespecified sensitivity analyses adjusted for frailty, baseline hemoglobin, renal disease, left ventricular ejection fraction, previous myocardial infarction, preoperative medications, and baseline creatinine. RESULTS: In the primary matched analysis, 180-day survival did not differ between women and men (log-rank P=0.086; unadjusted hazard ratio, 1.80 [95% CI, 0.91-3.55]; P=0.091). In descriptive matched comparisons, women had numerically longer intensive care unit stay (median, 3 days [quartile 1, quartile 3 (Q1, Q3)=1, 6 days] versus 2 days [Q1, Q3=1, 5 days]) and hospital stay (median, 10 days [Q1, Q3=7, 18 days] versus 9 days [Q1, Q3=6, 16 days]; P=0.292), whereas major postoperative complications were similar. In adjusted sensitivity analyses accounting for the matched design and residual imbalance, female sex remained associated with longer intensive care unit stay (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.8 [95% CI, 1.2-2.9]; P=0.009) and hospital stay (adjusted IRR, 1.4 [95% CI, 1.0-1.9]; P=0.031). Mortality sensitivity analyses were model-dependent. CONCLUSIONS: In this propensity score-matched cohort of high-risk cardiac surgery patients, women showed a longer postoperative recovery trajectory in adjusted analyses, whereas mortality findings were sensitive to model specification and should be interpreted cautiously. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02002247.

Aged↗

PubMed2026

Failure modes and effects analysis for clinical implementation of online adaptive radiotherapy: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The accuracy of radiotherapy is limited by anatomical variations occurring over time scales ranging from sub-seconds to days. Online Adaptive Radiotherapy (OART) addresses this by enabling daily plan adaptation based on real-time imaging. While OART offers improved dose conformity, its dynamic, time-constrained workflow introduces novel failure modes that challenge traditional quality assurance protocols. PURPOSE: This study aims to synthesize the existing literature on Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) for OART to systematically catalog risks and identify mitigation strategies. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies applying FMEA to OART workflows. Eleven studies were included, covering MR-guided (ViewRay MRIdian, Elekta Unity), CBCT-guided (Varian Ethos), and MR-enhanced C-arm linac systems. To address heterogeneity in risk scoring methodologies (e.g., TG-100 10-point scales vs. 5-point rankings), extracted failure modes were harmonized into a standardized three-tier risk classification system (Class I: Low, Class II: Intermediate, Class III: High). RESULTS: A total of 300 unique failure modes were identified, with 49.6 percent classified as high-risk (Class III). Analysis revealed that the majority of high-risk failures were concentrated in the online treatment delivery phase, specifically within human-computer interactions and anatomical contouring steps. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the development of tailored, robust QA frameworks that prioritize human factors and process consistency to guide safe implementation in diverse clinical settings.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Mammotome Minimally Invasive Surgery and Traditional Open Surgery in the Therapy of Benign Breast Tumors.

ObjectiveTo systematically analyze the efficacy of ultrasound-guided mammotome minimally invasive surgery and traditional open surgery in the therapy of benign breast tumors.MethodsA computerized search retrieved original literature on the therapeutic effects of ultrasound-guided mammotome minimally invasive surgery and traditional open surgery for benign breast tumors from authoritative databases, including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Embase. The search covered from database inception to January 2024, using a strategy of subject terms combined with free terms. The retrieved literature was screened, data were extracted, and quality was evaluated. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.ResultsA total of 8 literatures were included in the study, and a total of 1909 patients with benign breast tumors were found from 2018 to 2023. The results of meta-analysis showed that the operation time [MD = -12.79, 95%CI (-14.04, -11.55), P < 0.00001], intraoperative blood loss [MD = -11.55, 95%CI (-14.74, -8.36), P < 0.00001], healing time [MD = -2.73, 95%CI (-4.03, -1.43), P < 0.00001] and complication rate [MD = 0.17, 95%CI (0.12, 0.26), P < 0.00001] was apparently different from traditional open surgery (P < 0.05).ConclusionUltrasound-guided mammotome minimally invasive surgery can effectively shorten the operation time of patients with benign breast tumors, reduce intraoperative blood loss, promote healing, and reduce the risk of complications. The effect is better than that of traditional open surgery.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Continuous Ultrasound-guided Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Thoracic Paravertebral Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Thoracotomy.

OBJECTIVES: To compare postoperative analgesia using continuous ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) versus thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB), with dynamic visual analog scale (VAS) during coughing as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included static VAS (at rest), hemodynamic changes, side effects, total opioid consumption, time of first rescue analgesia, length of hospitalization, anesthesia recovery time, postanesthesia care unit stay, time to first ambulation, and patient satisfaction. METHODS: The study included 40 cases scheduled for elective thoracotomy admitted to the cardiothoracic surgery unit of Menoufia University Hospital. Patients were equally randomized into 2 groups, 20 patients each receiving either ultrasound-guided ESPB or TPVB (control group). Both groups received 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine as a loading dose followed by continuous infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine at 5 mL/h, with patient-controlled boluses of 20 mL on demand. RESULTS: Dynamic visual analogue pain scale scores were significantly lower in the ESPB group at 6, 9, 12, and 24 hours ( P =0.008, 0.035, 0.001, 0.006). Morphine consumption was significantly reduced in the ESPB group ( P < 0.001). Hypotension was more frequent in TPVB (40% vs. 10%, P =0.028). No significant differences were observed in hospital stay or patient satisfaction. DISCUSSION: The utilization of continuous ultrasound-guided ESPB demonstrated better postoperative visual analogue pain scale scores and a significant decrease in opioid consumption, with fewer side effects than TPVB.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effect of Local Anesthetic Solution at Different Temperatures for Epidural Labor Analgesia on Intrapartum Fever: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Whether heating local anesthetic solutions to core body temperature (37°C) for epidural labor analgesia reduces intrapartum fever incidence remains undefined in the current literature. METHODS: This double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) enrolled 220 nulliparous parturients (18-35 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] physical status II, term singleton pregnancy). Participants were randomized to receive epidural labor analgesia with 0.075% ropivacaine + 0.5 µg/mL sufentanil at 37°C (warmed group) or 22°C (room-temperature group). Epidurals were placed at L3-L4 with a test dose of 3 mL of 1.5% lidocaine at room temperature, followed by programmed bolus epidural analgesia (initial 10 mL, 10 mL/h) and patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) 5 mL (30-minute lockout). Tympanic temperature was measured every 30 minutes from epidural initiation to delivery, defining intrapartum fever as ≥38°C. The primary outcome was fever incidence, on which the power analysis was based, and also maximum temperature and shivering. Secondary outcomes comprised analgesia onset, block level, labor durations, neonatal Apgar scores, umbilical cord blood pH and BE, and maternal adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 220 parturients were included (warmed group, n = 110; room-temperature group, n = 110). The warmed group had a lower intrapartum fever incidence (15.5% [17/110] vs 30.9% [34/110], relative risk [RR] 0.5 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.298-0.840]; P = .007); however, the reduction of 49.8% did not reach the preset clinically meaningful difference of 60% reduction proposed in the power analysis. The maximum body temperature was also lower in the warmed group: median (interquartile range [IQR]) 37.4 (IQR, 37.2-37.7) °C vs 37.6 (IQR, 37.3-38.0) °C, median difference -0.2 (95% CI, -0.3 to -0.1) °C ( P = .006). Shivering incidence was not different between groups (10.9% [12/110] vs 14.5% [16/110]; P = .418). No statistically significant differences were observed between groups in any of the secondary outcomes assessed, including block characteristics, local anesthetic consumption, labor duration, neonatal outcomes, and maternal adverse events. CONCLUSION: Although we found a 50% reduction in the incidence of temperature rise using warmed (37°C) local anesthetics for epidural labor analgesia, this did not reach our preset threshold of 60% reduction.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Latent profile analysis of pregnant exercise adherence and the relationship with demographic and socio-psychological factors: a multicentre cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy physical activity (PA) and exercise benefits both mothers and babies, but requires sustained adherence. Many pregnant women fail to meet recommended levels. The reasons for low adherence comprised fluctuating physiological and environmental factors. This study aims to identify discrete profiles of pregnant women based on exercise adherence and to examine differences in demographic and socio-psychological factors across these profiles. METHODS: A survey was conducted among 1,255 pregnant women in three hospitals in Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Shunde, China, using the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS), the Pregnancy Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (P-ESES), and the Pregnancy Physical Activity Social Support Scale (P-PASSS). In the analysis, EARS items were scored higher, indicating a healthier state (e.g., sufficient time and energy). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to classify adherence profiles, and multinomial logistic regression was used to examine differences in demographic, self-efficacy, and social support across four groups. RESULTS: Four profiles of exercise adherence were identified: (1) Profile 1 (16.97%), characterized by deficits in time and energy, (2) Profile 2 (15.22%), a group with sufficient time resources but the lowest self-efficacy, (3) Profile 3 (43.98%), characterized by high adherence despite moderate barriers, and (4) Profile 4 (23.83%), a group with optimal exercise adherence, confidence, and resources. Women with higher P-ESES (OR: 1.14-1.38) and P-PASSS (OR: 1.04-1.06) scores were more likely to be in Profiles 3 and 4. Additionally, women's partners who never or occasionally exercise were significantly more likely to be categorized into Profile 1 (OR = 0.18 for Profile 4 vs. Profile 1). Furthermore, the first trimester emerged as a significant risk period for lower exercise adherence, whereas overweight/obesity was independently associated with higher odds of membership in Profile 4. CONCLUSION: The study identified four distinct profiles of exercise adherence among pregnant women. 32.19% of participants were in the two lower exercise-adherence groups. Pregnant women in Profile 1 were characterized by challenges related to a lack of time and knowledge. Participants in Profile 2 showed the lowest exercise self-efficacy and social support among the four profiles. Furthermore, women in early pregnancy were more likely to have lower adherence profiles. Hence, targeted interventions addressing these specific groups are warranted to improve exercise adherence during pregnancy.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Ultrashort vs Standard-Duration Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Undergoing PCI: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of ultrashort (≤1-month) dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) followed by antiplatelet monotherapy remain uncertain in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to compare ultrashort vs standard-duration DAPT in patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials until February 15, 2026. Primary outcomes were major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), major bleeding, and net adverse clinical event (NACE). Prespecified subgroup analyses examined by ethnicity (East Asian vs non-East Asian) and abbreviation strategy (intensive: ≤1-week DAPT or clopidogrel/aspirin monotherapy vs moderate: ≥2-week DAPT, followed by ticagrelor/prasugrel monotherapy). RESULTS: Across 10 trials (n = 29,232), ultrashort DAPT did not increase MACCE risk (HR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.93-1.20; P = 0.38; I2 = 24%), with higher MACCE risk observed in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) but not non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS), and significantly reduced major bleeding (HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.35-0.64; P < 0.00001; I2 = 44%), resulting in a net clinical benefit (HR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.72-0.97; P = 0.02; I2 = 61%). Bleeding reduction was more pronounced in East Asians (HR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.25-0.49; P < 0.00001; I2 = 0%) than non-East Asians (HR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.43-0.93; P = 0.02; I2 = 44%), with a significant interaction (P = 0.02). The abbreviation strategy significantly modified outcomes (P for interaction = 0.003): intensive abbreviation raised MACCE risk (HR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.11-1.69; P = 0.003; I2 = 0%), while moderate abbreviation had no statistically significant difference (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.85-1.08; P = 0.47; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ACS undergoing PCI, ultrashort DAPT reduced bleeding without increasing ischemic events overall, although a signal of increased MACCE was observed in STEMI but not in NSTE-ACS. Bleeding reduction was greater in East Asians, while ≤1-week DAPT or clopidogrel/aspirin monotherapy may increase ischemic risk.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of 12 weeks of resistance and concurrent training with graded protein intakes on lipid profile, kidney and liver biomarkers in middle-aged to older women.

PURPOSE: To examine secondary lipid, kidney-related, and liver-enzyme responses to three protein intakes during resistance training (RT) alone or the same RT plus cycling (CT) in middle-aged to older women. METHODS: In this randomized 2×3 factorial trial, 108 women aged 40-77 years were assigned to RT or CT and 0.8, 1.6, or 2.2 g kg-1 d-1 protein for 12 weeks. This complete-case secondary analysis included 83 participants. Linear mixed-effects models tested Time × Training, Time × Protein, and Time × Training × Protein effects, with false-discovery-rate-adjusted omnibus tests and Holm-adjusted contrasts. RESULTS: Triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and apolipoprotein B decreased and HDL-C increased in all conditions. Lipid changes differed by protein condition, and several were more favorable with CT; however, CT comprised RT plus additional cycling and greater exercise exposure. Urea, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, the blood urea nitrogen-to-creatinine ratio, and cystatin C increased, whereas three eGFR estimates decreased. Responses differed mainly between 0.8 and the two higher protein conditions, with little evidence of differences between 1.6 and 2.2 g kg-1 d-1. ALT, AST, and GGT differed by protein condition; AST and GGT also showed training-dependent responses. CONCLUSIONS: The dietary and exercise interventions modified lipid and clinical-chemistry responses. Because energy and food composition were not fully matched and CT added cycling to RT, the findings do not isolate protein dose or exercise modality. Changes in eGFR estimates and liver enzymes do not establish organ injury or long-term safety.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Quality of life and gender identity in females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia after genital restoration surgery: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Legislation restricting surgical interventions in children with differences of sex development (DSD) has intensified debate about female genital restoration surgery (FGRS) in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Long-term patient-reported outcomes are needed regarding the optimal timing of surgery. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL), gender identity, and family satisfaction regarding surgical timing and outcome in females with CAH following genital restoration surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of CAH patients who underwent surgery between January 2007 to December 2016 at our institution. Validated instruments (KINDL questionnaire for HRQoL, Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale, UGDS) and structured telephone interviews were employed. RESULTS: Data on HRQoL was available for 25 patients (self- and/or parent-reported) out of 56 eligible patients (45% response rate). Median age at first surgery was 6 months (range: 3-137 months). Patients' age at time of participation ranged from 2 to 28 years. All had 21-hydroxylase deficiency (92% salt-wasting form) with Prader grades ranging from II-V. Wound dehiscence requiring secondary suturing occurred in 15% of patients with primary surgery at our center, while only one (4%) patient developed vaginal stenosis after early primary vaginoplasty. Two additional patients (8%) with prior outside surgery required vaginal revision after FGRS at age 12. HRQoL scores were comparable to healthy reference populations across most age groups. Children aged 3-6 and adolescents and young adults showed no significant difference from reference values, while children aged 7-13 showed a slight elevation. None of five patients ≥14 years demonstrated gender dysphoria (all UGDS scores <40, threshold ≥40). 14 patients and families were also interviewed by telephone. All preferred early surgical timing. No family expressed regret about the decision or preferred delayed surgery. DISCUSSION: This study provides validated intermediate-term patient- and parent-reported outcomes after FGRS in CAH. Key limitations include the small sample size, single-center design, and young age of most patients. Selection bias may exist, though participating families included those who underwent revision surgery. The absence of a non-operated comparison group reflects current clinical reality, as nearly all CAH patients with urogenital sinus underwent surgical correction. CONCLUSIONS: Females with CAH reported normal HRQoL and a comfortable female gender identity after early FGRS. The patients and their families expressed a preference for early surgery. However, there is need for longer-term follow-up to assess sexual function and reproductive outcomes as well comparison of outcomes with a non-operated group.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Variability and ozone formation potential of ambient non-methane hydrocarbons in a tropical semi-arid atmosphere of northwest India.

We present first-time measurements of twenty-six ambient non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs; C2-C8), including isoprene (C5H8), at a semi-arid site in northwest India (Ajmer; 26.45°N, 74.64°E), during January 2022-December 2023. Ambient samples were analyzed using a thermal desorption gas chromatography system equipped with dual flame ionization detectors. Daily total NMHC levels ranged from 6 ppbV to >100 ppbV. Most NMHCs, except isoprene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m-xylene and o-xylene, exhibited the highest levels in winter and the lowest in the monsoon. In contrast, others were highest in the pre-monsoon and toluene was highest during monsoon. These variations reflect the combined influence of emissions, chemistry and meteorology. Toluene and o-xylene were the dominant NMHCs (25 %-67 %). Correlation analyses indicated major contributions from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and vehicular emissions, with additional influence from urban and oil and natural gas activities. Compared with other Indian sites, NMHCs levels at Ajmer were 2-5 times lower than Ahmedabad and Udaipur and 10 times lower than Delhi. The total ozone formation potential was highest in the monsoon (about 175 ppbV) and lowest in the post-monsoon (about 55 ppbV), with dominance of o-xylene (24 %-33 %) and toluene (8 %-37 %). Propylene-equivalent concentrations were highest in the pre-monsoon (30.23 ppb C) and lowest in the post-monsoon (7.28 ppb C). Similarly, OH reactivity was highest in the pre-monsoon (19.58 s⁻¹) and lowest in the post-monsoon (4.71 s⁻¹), dominated by benzene and toluene. These findings emphasize the importance of NMHC chemistry in a climatically sensitive region and highlight the need for their continuous monitoring.

India↗

PubMed2026

Evaluating the persistence of semen under controlled environmental conditions.

When semen is deposited at a crime scene, it may be exposed to harmful environmental conditions. It is important to understand to what extent the different components of semen, specifically acid phosphatase (AP), prostate specific antigens (PSA), sperm and DNA, may become less detectable after exposure to high temperatures and varying levels of humidity. In this study, semen (50 μL) was deposited onto squares of black cotton and exposed to 45 °C and a relative humidity (RH) of 10 or 80% for 0, 7, 14, 21 or 28 days (n = 5 per day, per climate condition). Source testing included AP test reagent, ABAcard® p30 immunoassay kits, and hematoxylin and eosin staining. DNA was extracted using the DNA IQ™ System (Promega, Australia) and quantified using Quantfiler Trio™ (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Australia). Over the 28-day period under both RH conditions, the time taken for a positive AP test to develop increased significantly (p < 0.01) and the number of sperm observed decreased significantly (p < 0.01). All ABAcard® p30 tests were positive regardless of exposure time or conditions. No impact on the quantity of DNA recovered was observed when semen was exposed to 45 °C and 10% RH, with a higher median quantity of DNA recovered at day 28 compared to day 0. In contrast, when the RH was raised to 80%, the median quantity of DNA recovered was substantially less at day 28 (81.5 ng, IQR: 87.5 ng) compared to day 0 (181.5 ng, IQR: 1172.4 ng). This study highlights the impact that temperature and RH may have on the persistence of AP, PSA, sperm and DNA over time.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The impact of body mass index classification on operative characteristics and perioperative outcomes in lumbar microdiscectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Body mass index (BMI) stratification helps classify obesity severity. In patients undergoing microdiscectomy for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation, the effect of obesity on perioperative risk remains incompletely understood. This retrospective single-institution study evaluated whether BMI class influences perioperative risk in a large surgical cohort. METHODS: Adults older than 18 years who underwent primary, elective single-level lumbar microdiscectomy between June 2018 and March 2025 with at least 3 months of follow-up were included. Patients were grouped by BMI: without obesity (WO, BMI < 30), class I (CI, 30-34.9), class II (CII, 35-39.9), and class III (CIII, ≥40). Outcomes were analyzed separately for open microdiscectomy (OM), tubular microdiscectomy (TM), and endoscopic discectomy (ED). Continuous variables were compared using Kruskal-Wallis testing with Dunn post hoc analysis; categorical variables were compared with chi-square tests. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 757 patients were included (OM 422, TM 190, ED 145). Higher obesity classes underwent ED more frequently (p = 0.038). In the OM cohort (WO 258, CI 97, CII 50, CIII 17), CI had a higher proportion of males and CII a lower proportion (p = 0.007). Operative time, length of stay, and estimated blood loss were greatest in CII and CIII patients (all p < 0.001). CII patients also had more emergency department visits within 1 year than other classes (p = 0.026). No differences were found in age, smoking status, disc herniation type, dural tears, intraoperative or postoperative complications, or revision presence/time. In the TM cohort (WO 117, CI 47, CII 21, CIII 5), WO patients were oldest and CIII youngest (p < 0.001), with no other significant differences. In the ED cohort (WO 79, CI 31, CII 20, CIII 15), WO patients were oldest and CIII youngest (p = 0.004). CIII patients had higher estimated blood loss (p = 0.028) and shorter time to revision (p < 0.001), while other variables were similar. CONCLUSIONS: ED was used more often in higher obesity classes. In OM, CII and CIII obesity were associated with longer operative time, longer hospital stay, and greater blood loss, likely due to increased exposure requirements. TM and ED showed few obesity-related differences in complications, suggesting minimally invasive approaches may mitigate obesity-related perioperative risk. However, the retrospective design and small number of CIII patients warrant further study.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Nondominant Hand Training in Laparoscopy for Surgical Interns: Feasibility and Impact.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopy requires bimanual proficiency, yet early trainees demonstrate underdeveloped nondominant hand (NDH) performance. Although deliberate practice of NDH skill contributes to overall performance, NDH training is rarely incorporated into residency simulation curricula and has not been formally evaluated in surgical trainees. We assessed feasibility and impact of integrating structured NDH training with established laparoscopic curriculum for surgery interns. DESIGN: Prospective, single-institution randomized pilot study. Interns were assigned the standard 4-week curriculum of laparoscopic dominant hand and bimanual tasks (Control) or completed assigned NDH tasks in addition to the standard curriculum (Intervention). Feasibility was determined by assigned task completion, daily standard and NDH-specific self-reported practice time, and improvement in bimanual task performance. Performance was video recorded weekly and assessed by blinded evaluators using MISTELS and GOALS scoring. Cognitive workload during laparoscopic tasks was measured via NASA-TLX. Exploratory analyses were conducted within a Bayesian framework. SETTING: A single academic institution with a surgical simulation training program. PARTICIPANTS: General surgery interns on their 4-week simulation rotation. RESULTS: Eleven general surgery interns (6 intervention, 5 controls; all right-hand dominant) completed the study with 100% task completion and practice log compliance. Both groups improved in bimanual performance and perceived cognitive load. Reduction in cognitive workload during bimanual task performance was greater in the NDH group. Time spent on NDH practice over 4 weeks was associated with improved bimanual performance, independent of time spent on standard curriculum tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Structured NDH training is feasible to implement within an existing curriculum and reduces perceived cognitive workload during bimanual laparoscopic tasks. NDH practice demonstrates a beneficial dose-response relationship with performance, supporting its integration into early laparoscopic training.

Laparoscopy↗

PubMed2026

Prion disease mimicking rapidly progressive Alzheimer disease: case series and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Prion disease and Alzheimer disease (AD) are common causes of rapidly progressive dementia (RPD). Although most patients with prion disease are distinguished by MRI and CSF findings, selected cases mimic rapidly progressive AD. We characterized AD-prion disease mimics within a prospective cohort and the extant literature to identify the clinical features and tests that support accurate diagnoses in these patients. METHODS: Patients with prion disease initially diagnosed as rapidly progressive AD were identified from a prospective cohort study at Mayo Clinic (February 2020-June 2026) and through systematic review of MEDLINE and Embase. RESULTS: Of 204 patients with RPD, five (2.5%) were initially diagnosed with clinically probable AD but ultimately determined to have prion disease. Systematic review identified 10 additional cases (n=15, median age-at-onset, 59 years; 67% male). Presentations reproduced amnestic (53%), dysexecutive (27%), primary progressive aphasia (13%), and posterior cortical atrophy (7%) AD phenotypes; median time from AD diagnosis to consideration of prion disease was 2 months. Diffusion-weighted MRI abnormalities were absent in Mayo Clinic cases and absent/equivocal (n=2) or overlooked (n=8) in published cases. CSF biomarkers were consistent with AD in 6/9 tested patients, with elevated total tau levels in 11/13 patients and total-tau/p hosphorylated-tau181 ratios in 5/9 patients. Real-time quaking-induced conversion assays for prions were positive in the CSF of 9/12 patients. Prion disease was confirmed by neuropathology (n=7), genetics (n=2), or real-time quaking-induced conversion (n=6) assays. CONCLUSIONS: Prion disease may rarely mimic rapidly progressive AD. Disproportionate elevations in CSF total-tau levels or total-tau/p hosphorylated-tau181 ratios should prompt consideration of prion disease.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

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

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

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Relationships between cannabis and cocaine use in a randomized trial of combined buprenorphine and naltrexone for DSM-IV cocaine dependence.

BACKGROUND: Cannabis is the most commonly used drug in the United States, and among people who use cannabis, polysubstance use is common and understudied. We aimed to examine the association of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) positive urine drug screen (+UDS) with the odds of submitting a cocaine + UDS during cocaine use disorder treatment. METHODS: We conducted a secondary data analysis of a previously reported double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, CTN0048. Participants meeting criteria for opioid abuse/dependence were assigned to receive extended-release naltrexone and one of three conditions of buprenorphine (placebo, 4 mg/day, 16 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyze urine samples (Liu et al., 2018) collected over time, examining the association between THC + UDS and cocaine + UDS during treatment. RESULTS: Participants (n = 301) averaged 46 (SD = 8.64) years of age, were majority male (78.41 %), non-Hispanic (89.70 %), and African American (66.45 %). GEE results indicated that patients who submitted THC + UDS had significantly higher odds of submitting cocaine + UDS compared to participants who submitted THC-negative UDS across the 25 time points examined (OR = 1.47, 95 % CI = 1.21-1.79, p = 0.00). Time (OR = 0.9998, 95 % CI: 0.9997, 0.9999, p = 0.018) and the covariate of sex assigned at birth (OR = 1.77, 95 % CI = 1.13-2.77, p = 0.013) were also significant in the model, indicating very small decreases in the odds of submitting a cocaine + UDS over time for all patients and 77 % higher odds of submitting cocaine + UDS for females. CONCLUSION: THC + UDS was associated with increased odds of submitting a cocaine + UDS during treatment. Further investigation is needed to discern whether decreasing THC use will result in reduced cocaine use; however, these results suggest that it may be beneficial to counsel patients on cannabis use cessation both before and during treatment for cocaine use, as it is related to cocaine use treatment outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Secondary data analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov, TRN: NCT01402492 ("A randomized study to test the safety and effectiveness of buprenorphine in the presence of naltrexone for the treatment of cocaine dependence"; National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN) clinical trial: CTN0048), Registration date: 27 July 2011.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Using a Smart Ring and Telephone Counselling: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Home-based cardiac rehabilitation (HB-CR) is a promising alternative to center-based cardiac rehabilitation as it can address several barriers impeding CR implementation because of its enhanced accessibility. However, to date, HB-CR has not garnered adequate attention due to a lack of communication between patients and medical staff. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of HB-CR by monitoring the pulse rate (PR) using a smart ring equipped with photoplethysmography. METHODS: Patients with cardiovascular disease were educated on structured HB-CR methods following a symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), and were instructed to wear the device during the exercise session. The recorded PR was uploaded to a website via a smartphone and monitored by medical staff. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: intervention or control group. The intervention group received weekly telephone counselling and was encouraged to maintain optimal levels of physical activity. In contrast, the control group only recorded their exercise data without additional interventions. After 3 months of training, the CPET was performed. RESULTS: Among the 64 randomized patients (32 in each group), an intention-to-treat analysis showed that peak oxygen consumption increased over time in both the groups, with a significantly greater improvement in the intervention group. The group-by-time interaction for peak oxygen consumption was statistically significant (estimated mean difference, 2.0 mL/kg/min; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-3.3; P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: HB-CR using a smart device was effective in improving oxygen consumption. However, appropriate monitoring and timely counselling by medical professionals are important for improved outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0005893.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Improving Sleep and PTSD Outcomes in Service Members: A Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Long-Term Effects of an Integrated Treatment.

Trauma-induced sleep disturbances often persist after successful posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. While integrated protocols combining sleep and exposure-based treatments may maximize outcomes, prior studies are limited and have largely relied on subjective sleep measures or failed to include long-term follow up assessments. Active-duty service members with PTSD (n = 82) were randomly assigned to Compressed Prolonged Exposure (CPE) treatment or Trauma Management Therapy (TMT), which integrates exposure therapy with sleep hygiene training and other skills-based interventions. PTSD symptoms and actigraphy-based sleep were measured at baseline, posttreatment, 3- and 6-month follow-up and data were compared between groups and across time. Posttreatment, both groups showed negligible to small changes in sleep compared to baseline. However, the TMT group evidenced improvements in most sleep parameters by the 3- and 6-month follow-ups, while sleep health generally worsened in the CPE group over time. Between groups, those randomized to TMT exhibited better sleep efficiency (g = 0.24) and onset latency (g = -0.34) at 3-month follow-up, and better sleep quality (g = 0.70), efficiency (g = 0.51), and wake after sleep onset (g = -0.52) at 6-month follow-up. Within both treatment groups, poorer sleep at the 6-month follow-up was correlated with greater PTSD symptom severity measured at the same time point. Integrated treatment for sleep and PTSD produced superior objective sleep outcomes compared to exposure alone, with the most meaningful improvements in sleep observed 6 months after treatment completion. Several critical directions for future studies are discussed.

Humans↗