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Antibiotic-impregnated bone graft to prevent infection after total hip arthroplasty (ABOGRAFT): protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown promising results using bone graft as a carrier for local administration of antibiotics to reduce the risk of prosthetic joint infection (PJI). The objective of this clinical trial is to determine if tobramycin and vancomycin-impregnated bone graft is safe and effective in reducing the rate of PJI after total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study is an international, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical drug trial. Patients scheduled for THA (n=1100) requiring bone grafting (excluding revisions due to an ongoing infection) are randomised in a 1:1 ratio to prophylactic treatment with tobramycin and vancomycin or placebo-impregnated bone graft.The primary outcome is the time to reoperation due to infection or diagnosis of PJI, expressed as a relative risk difference between the two groups. A risk reduction of at least 50% is considered clinically relevant. Secondary outcomes are time to and reason for reoperation and implant revision, type of micro-organism and antibiotic susceptibility pattern within 2 and 5 years after surgery. Safety outcomes are the number of adverse events and revision rate due to aseptic loosening. The primary analysis will be performed using proportional hazard models. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved under the Clinical Trial Regulation No 536/2014 (EU CT; 2024-510921-25-00). Results will be published in open-access peer-reviewed journals and disseminated to patient organisations and the media, and de-identified individual participant data will be curated and shared on reasonable request in accordance with the Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability and Reuse principles, subject to the laws and regulations governing data protection in each participating country. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05169229.

Humans

Co-Use of Some Substances Associated With Higher Doses in Adolescents: Findings From the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study.

PURPOSE: Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by heightened vulnerability to initiating substance use, with long-term implications for health and behavior. Nicotine, alcohol, and cannabis are the most commonly used substances among adolescents. Their use often co-occurs but few studies have described or quantified the patterns and doses of substance co-use in this vulnerable population. METHODS: We used data from six waves of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study. Substance use was measured through a web-based timeline followback interview, and outcomes are operationalized into substance use quantity (in standard units), single use, and co-use (use of two substances on the same day) of alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine. Group differences of average dose in standard units between single use and co-use for each substance class were analyzed using linear mixed-effects modeling in years 4-6. RESULTS: The average dose of nicotine was significantly higher when co-used with alcohol (4.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.55-6.09; p < .001) or when co-used with cannabis (4.41; 95% CI: 2.76-6.05; p < .001) in year 6; nicotine trends were similar in years four and five. In year 6, the average dose of alcohol was higher when co-used with cannabis (1.87; 95% CI: 0.37-3.36; p = .004) or co-used with nicotine (1.64; 95% CI: 0.06-3.22; p = .03) compared to single use of alcohol. The average dose of cannabis was not significantly different when used singularly or co-used with either alcohol or nicotine in our study years. DISCUSSION: During adolescence, the co-use of substances (namely alcohol and nicotine) may lead to higher average doses compared to single-substance use.

Humans

Prevention of postpartum methamphetamine use with micronized progesterone trial (PROMPT): A pilot randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) contributes to postpartum morbidity and mortality. Postpartum progesterone decline may destabilize &#x3b3;-aminobutyric acid pathways, increasing craving and return to use. We assessed the feasibility and safety of micronized progesterone, generating efficacy estimates for preventing postpartum methamphetamine use. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled feasibility trial (November 2021-January 2024) at an academic center with a perinatal addiction clinic. Participants &#x2264;&#x2009;12 weeks postpartum with &#x2265;&#x2009;4 weeks of abstinence were randomized 1:1, stratified by opioid use disorder (OUD), to micronized progesterone 400mg (200mg twice daily) or identical placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was feasibility, defined as achieving &#x2265;&#x2009;80% of planned enrollment. Safety outcomes included adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs). Efficacy outcomes were return to methamphetamine use (weekly self-report and every two weeks urine toxicology) and methamphetamine craving. Analyses included intent-to-treat and per-protocol approaches, with loss to follow-up imputed as return to use. Craving trajectories were modeled using adjusted regression with interaction terms for medication for OUD (MOUD). RESULTS: Of 253 screened individuals, 43 were eligible and 34 were enrolled (91.8%; 18 progesterone, 16 placebo). Retention at 12 weeks was 88%. AE frequency was similar between groups (78% vs 81%; p&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.05), and no maternal SAEs occurred. Four infant SAEs were deemed unrelated to treatment. Return to methamphetamine use did not differ between groups. Craving trajectories differed by MOUD type. CONCLUSIONS: Micronized progesterone was feasible and safe for postpartum individuals with MUD. MOUD-specific craving effects support evaluation in larger, multicenter efficacy trials. GOV REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05128071 NCT REGISTRATION: Prevention of postpartum methamphetamine use with micronized progesterone trial https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05128071.

Humans

Exercise with motor cortex high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation enhances cardiovascular efficiency and lower-limb function in multiple sclerosis: A crossover, double-blind, and proof-of-principle study.

Combining exercise with high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) could offer a strategy to help people with Multiple Sclerosis improve outcomes. In this crossover study, participants with MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale &#x2265;3.0, n&#x202f;=&#x202f;12) and controls (n&#x202f;=&#x202f;10) completed baseline testing, followed by three randomized experimental conditions: 1) exercise+active HD-tDCS; 2) exercise+sham HD-tDCS; and 3) HD-tDCS alone. Exercise performance metrics [heart rate, work rate, heart rate-to-work rate (HR/WR) ratio, and perceived exertion] were compared across the exercise conditions. Secondary outcomes included the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25F), Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), and acute symptom ratings (fatigue and pain), assessed pre-, immediately post-, and 1h-Post. Cardiovascular efficiency (HR/WR ratio) significantly improved during exercise+HD-tDCS compared to exercise alone, particularly in older MS participants (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.010). SDMT declined immediately post HD-tDCS alone, 1h-post-exercise alone, and at both time points during exercise+active HD-tDCS (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05). Both groups increased walking speed only post-exercise+active HD-tDCS, while no condition affected upper-limb function (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05). These results are in line with the tDCS literature in the general population, suggesting that tDCS improves exercise performance and selectively improves engaged motor function. The trade-off between physical and cognitive outcomes underscores the importance of personalized neuromodulation strategies in neurorehabilitation to maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing adverse effects, and warrants further large-scale, long-term investigations of this approach in MS.

Humans

Factors associated with periprosthetic joint infection following total knee arthroplasty: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to systematically evaluate factors associated with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and thereby to provide evidence-based references for clinical prevention and perioperative risk stratification. METHODS: Computerized searches were conducted in the following databases from their inception until May 26, 2025: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed study quality. The methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Quantitative synthesis was performed when at least two studies reported comparable exposure definitions and sufficient comparator information; otherwise, narrative synthesis was used. Review Manager 5.4 software was used for the primary analysis. This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251079339). RESULTS: A total of 25 observational studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, of which 24 contributed to the primary quantitative synthesis. Quantitatively pooled factors associated with PJI included male sex (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;1.39, 95% CI 1.27-1.51), BMI &#x2265;30&#xa0;kg/m2 (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;5.72, 95% CI 2.65-12.36), prolonged operative time, type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;2.09, 95% CI 1.45-3.01), rheumatoid arthritis (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;2.64, 95% CI 1.38-5.02), smoking (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;1.65, 95% CI 1.34-2.04), blood transfusion (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;2.27, 95% CI 1.59-3.25), American Society of Anesthesiologists score &#x2265;3 (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;2.73, 95% CI 1.02-7.32), history of hormone therapy (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;4.88, 95% CI 2.90-8.22), postoperative urinary tract infection (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;3.59, 95% CI 1.15-11.21), intraoperative blood loss >200&#xa0;ml (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;1.51, 95% CI 1.03-2.22), postoperative drainage tube placement duration &#x2265;24&#xa0;h (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;2.23, 95% CI 1.50-3.32), preoperative anemia (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;1.82, 95% CI 1.67-1.99), and combined pulmonary disease (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;5.54, 95% CI 1.93-15.96). Age was narratively summarized because its classification differed substantially across studies. CONCLUSION: Multiple demographic, comorbidity-related, and perioperative factors were associated with PJI after TKA. However, because the included studies were observational and clinically heterogeneous, these findings should be interpreted as associations rather than causal effects. Optimization of modifiable factors may help reduce the burden of PJI, but further prospective studies using standardized PJI definitions and adjusted effect estimates are required.

Humans

Flap Versus Tunneling for Horizontal Ridge Augmentation With FDBA and i-PRF: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

AIM: This study evaluated the efficacy of conventional flap and tunneling techniques for horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation using freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) particles combined with injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients were randomly allocated to one of three groups (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;15 each): conventional flap (CF), tunneling with membrane (TM), or tunneling without membrane (TnM). Preoperative ridge width was measured via cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). All augmentation procedures incorporated FDBA and i-PRF; an absorbable collagen membrane was applied in the CF and TM groups. Follow-up assessments, including CBCT imaging and histomorphometric analysis, were conducted 6&#x2009;months postoperatively. For normally distributed data, ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test and paired samples t-test were applied. Non-normally distributed data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: Statistical analysis was performed on 43 patients. All groups demonstrated an increase in ridge width after 6&#x2009;months. At the 2&#x2009;mm level, the mean width gain was 1.28&#x2009;mm (95% CI: 0.17 to 2.40) in the TM group, 2.85&#x2009;mm (95% CI: 1.80 to 3.89) in the TnM group, and 1.95&#x2009;mm (95% CI: 1.07 to 2.83) in the CF group. However, statistical analysis revealed no significant intergroup variation (p&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.05). Histomorphometric assessments similarly demonstrated comparable outcomes across all groups, with no statistically significant differences observed (p&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the tunneling technique, regardless of membrane use, appears to be a clinically viable alternative to the conventional flap method for horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation. However, further studies with longer follow-up periods are required to substantiate these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: irct.behdasht.gov.ir identifier: IRCT 20101204005305N21.

Humans

Diagnostic communication in functional neurological disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of patient acceptance and clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Diagnostic disclosure is a key therapeutic moment in Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). This systematic review aimed to evaluate quantitative evidence on diagnostic acceptance, understanding, satisfaction, symptom outcomes, and healthcare utilisation following diagnostic disclosure in FND, and to conduct a meta-analysis of diagnostic acceptance. METHODS: Systematic searches of PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science identified quantitative studies in adults with FND. Screening followed predefined inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a structured template and risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects meta-analysis of proportions was conducted using the Freeman-Tukey transformation. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included, four of which contributed to the meta-analysis (n&#x202f;=&#x202f;481). Reported diagnostic acceptance rates ranged from 38.7% to 90%, although the timing and method of assessment varied across studies. Pooled acceptance was 0.68 (95% CI 0.44-0.88), with substantial heterogeneity. Structured or reinforced communication was frequently associated with improved understanding and satisfaction, although its superiority for diagnostic acceptance was not established. In some studies, diagnostic acceptance was associated with more favourable clinical outcomes, although findings were inconsistent. Some studies reported reductions in healthcare utilisation or costs following satisfactory diagnostic explanation, whereas others found no sustained overall reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic communication in FND is associated with differences in acceptance, understanding, and downstream clinical and healthcare outcomes. Approximately two-thirds of patients were reported as accepting the diagnosis following disclosure, although the timing and method of assessment varied substantially across studies. Empathic and evidence-informed communication may enhance understanding and engagement, although its effects on healthcare use and recovery remain uncertain. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Diagnostic disclosure should be delivered clearly, empathically, and with reinforcement over time. Written information, reputable educational resources, and opportunities for follow-up clarification may support patient understanding and engagement, although stronger comparative evidence is needed.

Humans

Diet and sleep among college student populations: a systematic review.

College students are at-risk for both poor diet and poor sleep. We aimed to systematically review the evidence regarding associations between diet and sleep health within this population. A comprehensive electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO from the earliest possible date through February 6, 2026. A total of 57 studies representing 44 countries were retained; most were cross-sectional. There were 22 studies that examined dietary patterns in relation to sleep, generally showing that healthier diet patterns, including the Mediterranean Diet, were related to better sleep quality. Among 20 studies that examined individual foods or nutrients, there was evidence that fruits, vegetables, dairy, protein, and lower intake of sugar-sweetened beverages were linked to better sleep health, although some findings were mixed. Finally, 15 studies related meal timing to sleep quality, showing that breakfast skipping and later last meals were associated with poor sleep health. Overall, these studies reveal robust cross-sectional associations between diet and sleep among college students, but more longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate directionality. Moreover, a key direction for future study is consideration of sleep and nutrition situated within the unique contexts of college settings and academic schedules.

Humans

Implementation factors shaping British Columbia's drug decriminalization pilot: A systematic review with narrative synthesis.

BACKGROUND: In January 2023, British Columbia (BC) became the first Canadian province to implement a legally sanctioned drug decriminalization policy, removing criminal penalties for adults possessing 2.5 g or less of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. Introduced as a three-year pilot, it aimed to reframe substance use as a public health issue, reduce stigma, and improve health and social service engagement. Criminal penalties were reintroduced for drug possession in most public spaces in May 2024, and the pilot ended in January 2026. Its termination has been interpreted as policy failure; this review aimed to examine how the pilot was implemented in practice and to identify factors that shaped its operationalization and early implementation-relevant outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review with narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed literature examining implementation-relevant aspects of BC's decriminalization pilot. Six databases were searched (January-February 2026) for studies published May 31, 2022-February 1, 2026. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251271694). RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies were included. Four cross-cutting implementation barriers were identified: pilot design features, public and cross-sector communication gaps, limited frontline training, and insufficient funding and infrastructure. Design features included the 2.5 g possession threshold, misalignment with real-world drug use patterns; the three-year timeframe, which constrained system-level effects; and the May 2024 amendment, which introduced additional instability. The pilot was implemented without commensurate investment in harm reduction, treatment, or housing infrastructure, within already constrained systems. CONCLUSION: BC's decriminalization pilot suggests the effects of legal reform are shaped by implementation context. Early outcomes may reflect design features, institutional readiness, and system capacity rather than legal change alone; longer-term impacts remain uncertain. Future reforms should align legal change with coordinated implementation, operational guidance, public communication, and adequate service infrastructure.

British Columbia

Catheter ablation for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (PVI-SHAM-AF): a randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled, multicentre trial.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend catheter ablation for symptom relief in patients with atrial fibrillation. The aim of this trial was to ascertain whether catheter ablation improves atrial fibrillation-related quality of life more than a sham procedure. METHODS: PVI-SHAM-AF was a double-blind, multicentre, randomised trial conducted at nine study sites in Germany and Poland. Patients aged 18 years or older with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to catheter ablation or a sham procedure using an automated online randomisation system with variable block sizes, stratified by trial site. The primary endpoint was the between-group difference in change from baseline to 6 months in the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on the Quality-of-life Questionnaire (AFEQT) summary score. The prespecified primary analysis was done in the intention-to-treat population and included all randomly assigned patients, with missing data handled by multiple imputation. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05119231) and 12-month follow-up is ongoing. FINDINGS: Between Nov 12, 2021, and Nov 3, 2025, 1199 patients were invited to participate in the study and 262 patients consented and were randomly assigned: 173 patients to catheter ablation and 89 to sham. The median age was 67 years (IQR 62-73); 134 (51%) were female and 128 (49%) were male. Median follow-up was 184 days (IQR 181-191). At 6 months, the mean AFEQT summary score had increased from 61&#xb7;3 (SD 20&#xb7;1) to 81&#xb7;1 (16&#xb7;6) in the catheter ablation group and from 59&#xb7;2 (19&#xb7;0) to 74&#xb7;9 (19&#xb7;5) in the sham control group. The Hodges-Lehmann estimate of the between-group difference in change was 2&#xb7;6 (95% CI -2&#xb7;7 to 8&#xb7;0; p=0&#xb7;36). One death occurred in each group; neither was considered related to the study procedure. Serious adverse events adjudicated as related or possibly related to the study procedure occurred in ten unique patients: six patients in the catheter ablation group and four patients in the sham control group. One of these was an ischaemic stroke occurred in the sham control group. INTERPRETATION: Catheter ablation did not demonstrate superiority over a sham procedure for improving atrial fibrillation-related quality of life at 6 months. FUNDING: Helios Gesundheit (F&#xf6;rderung Leipziger Herzmedizin).

Humans

Are Adverse Childhood Experiences Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Severe Mental Illness?

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe mental disorders (SMD) are at substantially elevated risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS), contributing to excess cardiovascular morbidity and premature mortality. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with dysregulation of metabolic pathways, yet their contribution to MetS risk in SMD remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between ACEs and MetS in outpatients with bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SZ) in clinical remission and to identify independent and incremental predictors of MetS using a hierarchical analytical framework. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 140 outpatients with SMD (96 with BD and 44 with SZ) in clinical remission, recruited from a university hospital in Eastern Turkey. MetS was defined according to NCEP-ATP III criteria, and ACEs were assessed using the Turkish version of the Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale (ACE-TR). Hierarchical and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine factors associated with MetS. RESULTS: MetS was highly prevalent in this sample (46.4%). ACE-TR total score was independently and consistently associated with MetS across all hierarchical models (odds ratio [OR] range: 1.68-1.77), with each one-unit increase conferring approximately 71% higher odds in the fully adjusted model (OR = 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-2.32; P = 0.001). The number of hospitalizations was the only other independently associated variable (OR = 1.19; 95% CI 1.02-1.39). Sexual abuse (16.9% vs. 2.7%; P = 0.004), emotional neglect (63.1% vs. 30.7%; P < 0.001), and physical neglect (30.8% vs. 14.7%; P = 0.022) were significantly more prevalent in the MetS group. ACE-TR total score was positively correlated with waist circumference and triglyceride levels. CONCLUSION: The strong and consistent association between ACEs and MetS underscores the importance of trauma-informed care models in psychiatric practice, where metabolic comorbidity remains a leading cause of premature mortality.

Humans

Unravelling Ovarian Cancer: an analysis of the Influence of LRP1 and PAI1 Genetic Variations.

To assess the potential association between LRP1 (rs715948) and PAI1 (rs2227631, rs1799889) gene variation and ovarian cancer (OC) susceptibility. This study evaluated the genotypic and allelic distributions of LRP1 gene and PAI1 gene variants using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis in 134&#xa0;&#xb0;C patients and 134 healthy controls. LRP1 (rs715948) showed a significant association with OC risk. The TC genotype was (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;3.7823, 95% CI: 2.1732-6.5825, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001), and the CC genotype has (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.1613, 95% CI: 1.0054-4.6459, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.0484). The C allele was significantly more frequent in cases (46%) than controls (32%) (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.7684, 95% CI: 1.2443-2.5133, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.0015). For PAI1 (rs2227631), AG and GG genotypes showed no significant association (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.3519 and p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.1165, respectively). PAI1 (rs1799889) AG genotype was (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;5.855, 95% CI: 2.4663-13.9027, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001), while GG genotype showed no significance (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.1025). The dominant model of LRP1, (TC&#x2009;+&#x2009;CC) and C alleles, were significantly more frequent in OC cases, indicating a potential risk factor. In contrast, the dominant models (AG&#x2009;+&#x2009;GG) and G alleles of PAI1 (rs2227631, rs1799889) showed no significance with OC susceptibility. Genetic variation in LRP1 (rs715948) significantly associated with increased OC risk, particularly the TC and CC genotypes and C allele. The C allele of this gene is key markers linked to higher OC susceptibility. Whereas in PAI1 (rs2227631, rs1799889), dominant models (AG&#x2009;+&#x2009;GG) show no significance, association suggesting a less prominent role in OC susceptibility. These findings highlight LRP1 as a potential genetic biomarker for OC risk assessment, while the role of PAI1 variants warrants further investigation in larger sample size.

Humans

A Dynamic Nomogram to Predict Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) involves multiple metabolic disorders. This study aimed to identify high-risk populations for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in patients with MetS and to establish a dynamic predictive nomogram. METHODS: A total of 627 patients with MetS from six regions in Zhejiang Province were enrolled and categorized into MAFLD and non-MAFLD groups, then randomly assigned to training and validation sets at a ratio of 7:3. Independent predictors of MAFLD were identified using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and multivariable logistic regression analyses. These predictors were then used to construct a dynamic nomogram. RESULTS: A total of 627 patients with MetS were included in the final analysis, of whom 77.0% (483/627) were diagnosed with MAFLD. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), total cholesterol (TC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), MetS-defined dysglycemia, and education level as independent risk factors for MAFLD. MetS-defined dysglycemia showed the highest odds ratio (OR) for MAFLD development [OR = 1.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07-3.29]. Although the number of MetS components and the metabolic syndrome score were significantly associated with MAFLD in univariate analysis, they were not independently associated with MAFLD in the multivariate model. A dynamic nomogram for predicting MAFLD risk in patients with MetS was developed and internally validated. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.834 (95% CI: 0.787-0.880) in the training set and 0.839 (95% CI: 0.771-0.899) in the validation set, indicating strong predictive performance. Bootstrap internal validation demonstrated good agreement between predicted and observed outcomes in calibration curves. Decision curve analysis further indicated favorable clinical applicability of the nomogram. CONCLUSION: BMI, WC, TC, ALT, MetS-defined dysglycemia, and education level are independent risk factors for MAFLD. A dynamic nomogram for predicting MAFLD risk in patients with MetS was successfully developed and validated.

Humans

Does impulsivity predict treatment outcomes in PTSD with borderline personality disorder features? Results from a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Trauma-focused psychotherapies are first-line treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, a substantial proportion of clients do not respond adequately or drop out of therapy prematurely. This has sparked interest in identifying individual-level predictors of treatment outcomes, including improvement in PTSD severity and dropout. Impulsivity may be a predictor because it may interfere with key therapeutic processes, such as cognitive restructuring and emotional processing. Consequently, we present a hypothesis-driven secondary analysis of a 15-month randomized clinical trial comparing Dialectical Behavior Therapy for PTSD (DBT-PTSD) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in women with childhood abuse-related PTSD and borderline personality disorder features to test whether impulsivity, assessed at baseline, predicts PTSD improvement and dropout. We further explore whether the dimensions of impulsivity (non-planning, attentional impulsivity, and motor impulsivity) differentially affect the outcomes in DBT-PTSD vs. CPT. METHODS: A total of 193 cis women with PTSD related to childhood abuse and borderline personality disorder features were assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-10). Separate probit models and general linear models were applied to predict dropout and pre-to-post changes in PTSD severity (&#x394;CAPS) from total impulsivity and subscale scores, i.e. non-planning, attentional and motor impulsivity. RESULTS: Overall, dropout rates were higher for participants with higher baseline impulsivity scores (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.049), particularly for those with higher non-planning impulsivity (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.012). In participants randomized to CPT improvement in PTSD symptom severity (&#x394;CAPS) was negatively related to baseline total impulsivity (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.021). In participants randomized to DBT-PTSD this relation was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that impulsivity may predict treatment outcomes. Specifically, patients with elevated impulsivity may be less likely to respond adequately to CPT. If replicated, these findings have implications for personalization of treatment.

Humans

Cost-Effectiveness of Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Interventions in Cancer: Systematic Review and Parameter Extraction for Economic Modeling.

BACKGROUND: Complex digital interventions that integrate electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROM) into clinical practice in cancer have the potential to improve quality of life, increase survival, and reduce health resource use and costs. Such systems can help patients with cancer self-manage chemotherapy symptoms, reduce clinicians' workloads through automated decision support, and resolve problems earlier. However, more research on the cost-effectiveness of ePROM monitoring is needed. OBJECTIVE: This paper comprises two complementary components: (1) a systematic literature review summarizing and evaluating the quantitative and qualitative evidence related to the cost-effectiveness of ePROM monitoring and (2) a health economic model parameter extraction. We also conducted supplementary targeted searches and scoping to provide context to our findings. METHODS: We searched Ovid (including MEDLINE and Embase), Scopus, and the International Health Technology Assessment Database for original English-language papers published on or before March 2025 using search strings that combined terms related to ePROMs, health economics, and cancer/oncology. We included papers reporting health economic-related outcomes for ePROM interventions designed for adult cancer populations and excluded screening tools and conference abstracts. RESULTS: We included 34 publications from 27 unique studies and identified and analyzed 26 ePROM-integrated interventions within these. Most (23/26) of the included interventions explicitly described some form of alert handling and automated decision support based on remote ePROM monitoring. Of the 34 publications, 5 presented full cost-effectiveness analysis results, of which 3 were highly uncertain and lacked clear differences in costs and health outcomes between ePROMs and standard care; conversely, 2 presented strong evidence of cost-effectiveness due to quality-of-life improvements, reduced hospitalizations, and potentially more autonomy in health-related travel (eg, ePROM-monitored patients can drive or walk to the hospital instead of using taxis or ambulances). A further 5 publications reported partial health economic results (eg, cost-consequence and budget impact), of which 1 detected no difference in strategies; in contrast, 4 reported lower health resource use and costs of ePROMs, mainly due to hospitalization reductions. Overall, 12 of the 27 studies included a qualitative component but mostly focused on user experience and design-related themes; only 2 of these addressed economic-specific themes (eg, changes in workflow and resource use due to ePROM implementation and integration), indicating some potential for time saving due to ePROM monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: Some ePROM-integrated interventions demonstrated cost-effectiveness in cancer care, but the evidence base remains limited. Where evidence does exist, cost-effectiveness appears driven by reduced hospitalization and improved quality of life. Qualitative research within the included studies rarely addressed economic questions. We provide a detailed parameter extraction for use in future economic modeling and recommend research priorities, including quantitative mapping of ePROM symptom data onto health resource use patterns, and qualitative work exploring how ePROM implementation affects clinical workloads and patient-perspective costs.

Humans

Blood Bile Acids for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnosis and Disease Activity Assessment: A Metabolomics Meta-Analysis.

Alterations in circulating bile acids (BAs) have been reported in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but the consistency of these changes across clinically relevant comparisons remains unclear. Our goal was to investigate systemic BA alterations in IBD using a metabolomics meta-analysis with an exploratory analysis of BA-related gene expression as a supporting context. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 metabolomics studies examined blood BA profiles associated with IBD, IBD diagnosis, and disease activity assessment. Univariate analysis and logistic regression modeling of two independent IBD cohorts explored the blood BA-related genes and IBD. Across 28 studies that comprised 5056 IBD patients, 1721 healthy controls, and 314 non-IBD patients, 131 BAs were reported. Eight predefined clinical comparisons were eligible for the meta-analysis. Lower secondary BA levels were consistently observed in IBD patients compared with controls, between UC and CD, and in active versus remission patients. Deoxycholic acid, glycodeoxycholic acid, and taurodeoxycholic acid were frequently decreased, whereas glycocholic acid was increased in certain comparisons. Transcriptomics analyses revealed differential expression of several BA-related genes in blood, including SLC51A, ABCB4, and ACOT8, across the comparisons. Our findings identify consistent circulating BA alterations in IBD and highlight the relevance of blood BA for future biomarker research in the diagnosis and disease activity assessment.

Humans

Efficacy of citicoline as an add-on therapy in Parkinson's disease: a randomized, double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: Citicoline is a promising therapeutic option for improving both motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) beyond levodopa and other standard dopaminergic treatments. OBJECTIVES: The CITIPARK study evaluated the efficacy and safety of citicoline in improving clinical outcomes and quality of life (QOL) in PD patients on dopaminergic therapies. METHODS: The randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial compared citicoline (1000&#x202f;mg/day intramuscular, two six-week cycles) with placebo for 24 weeks in PD under stable medications. The primary endpoint was change in Movement Disorder Society-Unified PD Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) total score; secondary endpoints included motor and non-motor subscores, QOL, clinical global impression (CGI) and safety. RESULTS: The study enrolled 485 participants, randomizing 474 (citicoline: 303; placebo: 171). Citicoline significantly increased the likelihood of achieving a minimal clinically important difference compared with placebo (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.06-3.99; P&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.031) on the MDS-UDPRS total score in the modified intention-to-treat population. Among secondary outcomes, the citicoline group showed greater improvement in motor function (MDS-UPDRS III -2.97 vs -0.13; p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.009) and a greater improvement on CGI -II and CGI-III (3.26 vs 3.59; p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.021 and 9.30 vs 10.38; p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.018, respectively). AEs occurred in 22.1% and 27.1% of the citicoline and placebo groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Citicoline was well tolerated and associated with motor benefits compared with placebo in a highly compliant population. The results suggest a role of citicoline as a safe and possibly effective supportive therapy in PD treated with concomitant dopaminergic agents.

Humans

Long-term safety and efficacy of ponesimod, an oral S1P1 receptor modulator, in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS): Results from randomized phase 2b core and extension studies spanning up to 13 years.

BACKGROUND: Ponesimod demonstrated efficacy and safety in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in 24-week phase-2 core study, further confirmed by an interim combined analysis of the core and open-label long-term extension (LTE) studies (NCT01093326; up to 8 years). Current study evaluated safety and efficacy of ponesimod using combined core and LTE studies data for up to 13 years. METHODS: Of 393 participants completing the core study, 353 (90%) entered LTE, having 3 treatment periods (TP). In TP1 (&#x223c;1.85 years), participants continued core treatment (ponesimod: 10, 20, or 40&#x202f;mg QD) whereas placebo-treated participants were re-randomized (1:1:1) to respective ponesimod doses. In TP2 (TP2 and TP3 combined duration: &#x223c;10.4 years), participants on 40&#x202f;mg were re-randomized (1:1) to 10/20&#x202f;mg, while others continued same dose; in TP3 all participants received 20&#x202f;mg. Study outcomes included safety and efficacy (ARR, time-to 24-week confirmed-disability-accumulation [24-week CDA], total T1-weighted Gadolinium-enhanced (T1 Gd+) lesions, new/enlarging T2 lesions and Combined Unique Active Lesions [CUALs]). RESULTS: For 20&#x202f;mg dose, total 92.4% participants experienced &#x2265;1 TEAEs (73.1% mild/moderate severity) and 19 (13%) participants discontinued study. Mean (95% CI) ARR=0.14 (0.10-0.20); Kaplan-Meier estimate (95% CI) of confirmed relapse and 24-week CDA=52.5% (42.3-63.5) and 31.3% (22.6-42.3). Mean [SD] T1 Gd+ lesions decreased from ponesimod baseline (2.62 [7.06]) to 12.4 years (0.26 [1.48]), mean (95% CI) CUALs per participant/year=3.97 (2.75-5.73). CONCLUSION: Ponesimod treatment for up to 13 years was not associated with new safety concerns. Participants continued to experience low levels of disease activity consistently across clinical and MRI outcomes.

Humans