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PubMed2026

Impact of a thermal care bundle on peri-operative hypothermia, surgical site infection, and readmissions in osteosynthesis patients: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining normothermia throughout the peri-operative period prevents the occurrence of complications related to hypothermia. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a thermal care bundle with a short prewarming period on inadvertent peri-operative hypothermia (IPH), surgical site infection (SSI), and unplanned readmission among osteosynthesis patients, and to identify associated variables. DESIGN: Open-label, randomised controlled trial. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred and forty-eight patients who underwent osteosynthesis surgery. INTERVENTION: The intervention group received the thermal care bundle, which consisted in prewarming patients 10 min before anaesthesia delivery and maintaining body temperature with a forced air device during surgery and the immediate postoperative period; in addition, the operating room environmental temperature was kept at 21 °C, and fluids were warmed to 38 °C. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: For the primary objective, hypothermia was defined as core body temperature below 36 °C and measured using the 3M Spot On zero heat flux sensor. Core temperature was recorded upon admission to the pre-operative holding area and subsequently every 30 min until postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge. Secondary objectives were SSI and readmissions: a follow-up at 30 to 60 and 90 days was performed by the principal investigator. RESULTS: All 148 patients completed the study, and there were no significant differences between the groups at baseline. At the start of surgery, the incidence of hypothermia was significantly lower in the bundle group (1.3 vs. 9.9% among controls; odds ratio = 7.59, P  = 0.021). A significantly lower incidence of hypothermia was also observed at admission to the PACU (14.3% in the bundle group vs. 29.6% among controls; odds ratio = 2.07; P  = 0.024). Application of the bundle increased patients' core body temperature by 0.13 °C (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.003 to 0.254; P  = 0.045). Patients in the bundle group had a slightly lower observed incidence of wound infections requiring readmission (odds ratio = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.04 to 2.92), although this difference was not statistically significant ( P  = 0.332). CONCLUSIONS: The bundle reduces peri-operative hypothermia by up to 59%, but does not affect on SSI; factors like presurgery hospital stay, operating room and PACU occupancy were identified as risk factors for SSI. REGISTRATION: 21 July 2022: NCT05469958 (Clinical Trials.gov), first recruitment 15 August 2022.

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PubMed2026

Vitamin D Deficiency During Pregnancy Is Associated With Greater LDL-C Increase, Elevated β-Hydroxybutyrate and Altered Neonatal Metabolic Markers-A Secondary, Pooled Analysis of the Randomized, Controlled Vitamin D and Lifestyle for Gestational Diabetes Prevention Trial (DALI).

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D (vitD) plays a role in metabolic regulation, including lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. During pregnancy, profound physiological changes in lipid handling and ketogenesis occur to support fetal development. However, the extent to which maternal vitamin D status influences these metabolic adaptations and fetal metabolic markers remains unclear. METHODS: In this secondary analysis, we examined lipid distribution throughout pregnancy-from before 20 weeks' gestation to delivery-in women with overweight or obesity, stratified by vitamin D status (deficiency, insufficiency, or sufficiency), assessing both maternal and cord blood. Main inclusion criteria were: age > =18 years, singleton pregnancy, < 20 weeks' gestation, BMI ≥ 29 kg/m2. Women with GDM < 20 weeks' gestation were excluded. In total, 962 pregnant women were divided into vitD deficient (< 30 nmol/L, n = 102), insufficient (30-50 nmol/L, n = 222) and sufficient (> 50 nmol/L, n = 638) groups. VitD levels and lipid concentrations were assessed at < 20, 24-28 and 35-37 weeks' gestation and in cord blood. RESULTS: Compared with vitD sufficient women, women with vitD deficiency had significantly larger increases in LDL-C throughout pregnancy and ß-OH-butyrate at 24-28 weeks' gestation, in adjusted analysis. VitD in cord blood was highest in offspring of mothers with vitD sufficiency. In cord blood, significantly higher ß-OH-butyrate was observed with vitD deficiency; lipid concentrations were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Early vitamin D deficiency before 20 weeks of gestation was associated with altered metabolic trajectories during pregnancy, including greater increases in LDL cholesterol and ketone body concentrations in women with overweight or obesity, as well as higher cord blood ketone levels in their offspring. These findings suggest that early maternal vitamin D status may influence maternal and fetal metabolic adaptations, although causal relationships and clinical implications require further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registered at ISRCTN registry (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN70595832) trial number ISRCTN70595832. Registration date 02/12/2011.

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PubMed2026

Randomized controlled trial comparing 7-day fexuprazan-based and 14-day rabeprazole-based triple therapies for Helicobacter pylori eradication.

BACKGROUND: Fexuprazan is a newly developed potassium-competitive acid blocker used for the treatment of acid-related gastrointestinal diseases; however, clinical data regarding its efficacy in Helicobacter pylori eradication are lacking. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a 7-day fexuprazan-based triple therapy regimen compared with a 14-day rabeprazole-based triple therapy regimen for H. pylori infection in Korean patients. METHODS: A randomized controlled single-center study was conducted to compare the eradication rates between 7-day fexuprazan (40 mg)-based triple therapy (with 1 g amoxicillin and clarithromycin 500 mg administered twice daily) and 14-day rabeprazole (20 mg)-based triple therapy for H. pylori eradication. The primary endpoint was the success rate of H. pylori eradication, determined using the 13C-urea breath test. Safety outcomes were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients were randomly assigned to the fexuprazan and rabeprazole groups. In the full analysis set, eradication rates were 80.00% (32/40) in the fexuprazan group and 82.05% (32/39) in the rabeprazole group. In the per-protocol set, eradication rates were 83.78% (31/37) and 88.89% (32/36), respectively (P = 1.000 and P =.737). The overall incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was 70.00% (28/40) in the fexuprazan group and 66.67% (26/39) in the rabeprazole group, with no significant difference between groups (P =.812); both regimens were well tolerated. Among patients with clarithromycin-susceptible strains in full analysis set, eradication rates were 93.10% (27/29) in the fexuprazan group and 87.09% (27/31) in the rabeprazole group (P =.672). In the per-protocol set, eradication rates for susceptible strains were 96.42% (27/28) in the fexuprazan group and 93.10% (27/29) in the rabeprazole group (P = 1.000). CONCLUSION: Seven-day fexuprazan-based triple therapy demonstrated eradication efficacy comparable with that of 14-day rabeprazole-based therapy in treatment-naïve Korean patients with H. pylori infection. The fexuprazan-based regimen showed a similar safety profile and comparable incidence of adverse events with that of the rabeprazole-based regimen.

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PubMed2026

Adverse Experiences in Brief Meditation Practices: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Meditation has become increasingly popular in recent decades. However, relatively little remains known about the prevalence of and risk factors for adverse experiences related to a single meditation practice. OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to examine adverse experiences associated with 3 brief, digitally delivered meditation practices (mindfulness, self-compassion, and gratitude) relative to using the internet as usual, as well as to investigate whether preintervention characteristics could predict such outcomes. METHODS: In a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial using samples that were representative of the US and UK adult populations with regard to ethnicity, sex, and age, we examined adverse experiences associated with 3 brief (ie, 5 or 10 minutes) meditation practices (ie, mindfulness, self-compassion, and gratitude) relative to using the internet as usual. We also investigated the potential of using preintervention characteristics to predict such outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 5049 participants completed all preintervention measures and were randomly assigned to meditation or control conditions. Across the sample, 4.1% (204/4925) of participants reported having a distressing experience during the intervention, and 7.1% (348/4908) of participants experienced an increase in negative affect from before to after the intervention. The results showed that participants who were randomized to a brief meditation intervention were no more likely to report a distressing experience than those who were randomized to use the internet as usual (odds ratio [OR] 1.05, 95% CI 0.76-1.47; P=.76). The results also showed that participants who were randomized to a brief meditation intervention were less likely to report clinically relevant increases in negative affect relative to using the internet as usual (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.50-0.80; P<.001). Notably, participants in the 10-minute condition had a significantly higher likelihood of reporting a distressing experience than those in the 5-minute condition (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.07-1.89; P=.02). Preintervention characteristics showed acceptable discrimination ability to predict a distressing experience (area under the curve=0.73) and slightly lower ability to predict increased negative affect (area under the curve=0.67). CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, we found that the brief, digitally delivered meditation practices tested in this study carry risks of adverse experiences that are comparable to or lower than those of typical activities on the internet; 10-minute condition was more likely to result in distressing experiences than 5-minute condition; and adverse responses to a brief meditation practice can, at least to a certain degree, be predicted using preintervention characteristics. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework 94HKS; https://osf.io/94hks/overview.

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PubMed2026

Impact of early nurse-led implementation of an intensive care unit diary following major trauma on quality of life: The QUALITRAU randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Survivors of major trauma often experience long-term impairments in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Intensive care unit (ICU) diaries have been proposed to reduce psychological sequelae, but evidence remains conflicting and not specific to trauma patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether, in patients with major trauma, a nurse-led ICU diary implemented within the first 48 h after trauma improves HRQoL at 1 year vs. usual care. METHODS: The QUALITRAU randomized controlled trial was conducted in three ICUs of a French tertiary hospital. Adult patients with major trauma (Injury Severity Score > 15) were randomized within 48 h of admission to receive either an ICU diary combined with usual care or usual care alone. The primary outcome was HRQoL at 12 months, assessed with the 4 domains of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included PTSD severity measured with the Impact of Event Scale (IES). Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: Between November 2014 and November 2016, 208 patients were randomized (101 intervention, 107 control), with primary outcome available for 121 (53 intervention, 68 control). Median age was 35 years [IQR 25-51], 81% were men, and 63% had severe traumatic brain injury. At 12 months, there were no differences between intervention and control groups in the WHOQOL-BREF domains (physical: 5.7 [IQR 4.6-11.4] vs 9.1 [IQR 4.6-13.1],P = 0.16; psychological: 8.0 [IQR 6.7-13.3] vs 11.3 [IQR 6.7-13.3],P = 0.08; social: 5.3 [IQR 4.0-14.7] vs 12.0 [IQR 4.0-14.7],P = 0.10; environment: 8.0 [IQR 5.5-14.5] vs 12.0 [IQR 5.5-15.5], P = 0.05). IES scores were also not different. CONCLUSIONS: Early implementation of nurse-led ICU diaries was not associated with improved long-term HRQoL or reduced PTSD symptoms in patients with major trauma. IMPLICATION FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: These findings suggest that ICU diaries may need to be integrated into broader, multimodal rehabilitation strategies and may depend on factors such as timing, content, or patient characteristics.

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PubMed2026

Angiography-Based Index of Microcirculatory Resistance in Assessing the MVO and Infarct Size in STEMI Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate angiography-based index of microcirculatory resistance (angio-IMR) in assessing microvascular obstruction (MVO) and infarct size (IS) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). BACKGROUND: The effect of thrombolysis on post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) angio-IMR, and its associations with MVO and IS remains unclear. METHODS: One hundred twenty-three STEMI patients randomized to receive 5 mg intravenous bolus of recombinant staphylokinase (r-SAK) or normal saline (NS) before PCI were recruited. Angio-IMR was computed in infarct-related arteries. MVO and IS were detected by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Compared with NS group, r-SAK group exhibited numerically lower post-PCI angio-IMR (39.12 U vs. 42.57 U; p = 0.567), MVO (54.0% vs. 70.9%; p = 0.059), MVO extent (0.70% vs. 1.90%; p = 0.101) and IS (21.30% vs. 24.50%; p = 0.079). Post-PCI angio-IMR was positively correlated with MVO extent (ρ = 0.347; p < 0.001) and IS (ρ = 0.324; p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed moderate diagnostic performance of angio-IMR for MVO (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.750; p < 0.001), MVO > 2.6% (AUC = 0.735; p < 0.001) and IS > 25% (AUC = 0.712; p < 0.001). The exploratory optimal cut-off values for these endpoints were approximately 40 U. CONCLUSIONS: In STEMI patients, a single bolus of r-SAK before PCI was associated with numeric reductions in post-PCI angio-IMR, MVO, MVO extent and IS. Additionally, angio-IMR exhibited a significantly positive correlation with both MVO extent and IS, demonstrating the diagnostic value of this wire-free method for assessing microvascular injury.

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PubMed2026

Do adherence-focused interventions in low back pain have an impact on rehabilitation outcomes? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Exercise-based interventions are effective, but adherence remains suboptimal. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of strategies designed to enhance adherence to exercise-based interventions in individuals with LBP in terms of adherence as well as pain and functionality. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials including adults with non-specific LBP were eligible if they compared exercise-based interventions incorporating adherence-enhancing strategies versus exercise alone or usual care. Primary outcome was adherence; secondary outcomes were pain and functionality. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus, and PEDro up to May 2026. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed using standardized mean differences. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Fourteen randomized controlled trials including 1233 participants were included. Risk of bias was low in six studies, with the remainder showing some concerns or high risk. For adherence outcomes, evidence showed no clear effect of adherence-enhancing strategies on either device-measured physical activity (SMD = 0.21, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.43; 3 trials, 320 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) or questionnaire-based adherence (SMD = 0.33, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.89; 4 trials, 377 participants; very low-certainty evidence). For pain and functionality, moderate certainty of evidence indicated small improvements favoring intervention groups in the medium term. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies to enhance adherence to exercise in LBP show uncertain effects on adherence but may provide small improvements in clinical outcomes in the medium term. Higher-quality trials are needed to strengthen the evidence base.

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PubMed2026

Effect of a digitally augmented general health promotion intervention on abstinence from health-risk behaviors among emergency department discharge patients: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading global cause of death and are driven by modifiable behaviors, such as tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. Recognizing that emergency department (ED) visits represent a unique opportunity to promote behavior change, this trial evaluated a digitally augmented, theory based general health promotion approach, combining a brief telephone-based intervention with mobile instant messaging support, to help discharged ED patients abstain from health risk behaviors. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted in a major public hospital ED in Hong Kong. Adults (18-65 years) triaged as semi-urgent or non-urgent and with ≥1 health-risk behavior and smartphone access were randomized to receive a digitally augmented, theory‑based general health‑promotion intervention consisting of a brief telephone‑based AWARD‑model intervention (Ask, Warn, Advise, Refer, and Do-it-again) followed by weekly WhatsApp or WeChat messages for 6 months, or to a control group receiving brief telephone advice only. The primary outcome was self-report abstinence from ≥1 health-risk behavior at 6 months; secondary outcomes included the proportion of participants who achieved self-reported abstinence from ≥1 health-risk behavior at 12 months and reduction in the number of behaviors at 6 and 12 months. Of the 2,134 screened patients, 572 were enrolled (286 per group). At 6 months, 30.1% of the intervention participants versus 19.9% of the controls achieved self-reported abstinence (RR = 1.51; 95% CI, 1.13-2.02; P = 0.006). The intervention also significantly increased the likelihood of fewer risky behaviors at 6 (RR = 1.54; P = 0.01) and 12 (RR = 1.48; P = 0.02) months. Physical inactivity showed the greatest improvement at 6 months (31.7% versus 16.2%; P < 0.001). The effects attenuated after cessation of booster messaging. Limitations include reliance on self-reported outcomes, the single-center study design, and loss to follow-up, which may have affected the generalizability of the results. CONCLUSIONS: A digitally augmented, theory-based general health promotion strategy delivered at ED discharge through brief telephone intervention and mobile instant messaging support demonstrated short-term benefits in promoting self-reported abstinence and reducing health-risk behaviors at 6 months. However, the absence of a sustained effect at 12 months suggests that extended support or maintenance strategies may be required to maintain these improvements over time. Multicenter trials with longer follow-up are warranted to evaluate long-term effectiveness. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (Registration No: NCT06077565).

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PubMed2026

Conduction System Pacing Versus Right Ventricular Pacing in Patients With Atrioventricular Block and Anticipated High Pacing Burden.

Right ventricular pacing (RVP) in patients with atrioventricular (AV) block and high anticipated pacing burden is associated with pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) in approximately 12% to 20% of patients, whereas conduction system pacing (CSP) preserves more physiologic ventricular activation and may mitigate these consequences; the totality of contemporary randomized evidence has not been systematically pooled. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CSP with RVP in patients with AV block or anticipated high ventricular pacing burden and a minimum 6-month follow-up, with co-primary outcomes of PICM incidence and change in left ventricular ejection fraction (ΔLVEF) and secondary outcomes of heart failure hospitalization (HFH), all-cause mortality, composite clinical endpoint, and paced QRS duration (PROSPERO CRD420261400227); random-effects meta-analysis used DerSimonian-Laird estimation. Five RCTs (LBBP-FAVOUR, CSPACE, Prague CSP, PACE-HF, STAY; N = 806) met inclusion criteria. CSP significantly reduced PICM (hazard ratio [HR] 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18 to 0.48; p <0.001; I² = 0%; k = 4), was associated with greater LVEF preservation (pooled mean difference [MD] +4.41%, 95% CI +1.82 to +6.99; p = 0.001; I² = 87%; k = 5), and reduced HFH (HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.48; p <0.001; I² = 0%; k = 5). CSP shortened paced QRS duration (MD -27.5 ms, 95% CI -32.6 to -22.5; p <0.001; k = 5). All-cause mortality was numerically lower with CSP but did not reach significance (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.12; p = 0.10; k = 4). In a prespecified sensitivity analysis restricting to multicenter trials with N ≥ 150, all findings were concordant with the primary analysis. In conclusion, CSP substantially reduces PICM, preserves LVEF, and reduces HFH compared with RVP in patients with AV block and anticipated high pacing burden, supporting its consideration as the preferred pacing strategy in appropriately selected patients.

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PubMed2026

Effect of knee and hip joint positions on passive stiffness of the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis in healthy individuals.

Passive muscle stiffness is a key determinant of musculoskeletal function and is influenced by structural components such as titin, connective tissue, and fascia. However, the effects of joint position, muscle depth, and sex on quadriceps passive stiffness remain unclear. To investigate the passive stiffness of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) under different joint configurations, muscle depths, and between sexes using shear wave elastography (SWE). Thirty-six healthy young adults (18 men and 18 women) participated in this randomized crossover study. Passive stiffness was assessed in four positions of knee flexion: supine with 60° (SUP60), supine with 20° (SUP20), sitting with 60° (SIT60), and sitting with 20° (SIT20). SWE measurements (m/s) were obtained from 30 regions of interest (ROIs) per muscle, categorized into superficial, intermediate, and deep levels. Data were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE). A significant effect of position was observed, with higher stiffness values in the SUP60 condition for both RF and VL (p < 0.001). Superficial regions consistently exhibited greater stiffness compared to intermediate and deep regions across all positions (p < 0.001). Additionally, men demonstrated significantly higher stiffness values than women (p < 0.001). Significant interactions were found between position and muscle, as well as position and depth. Quadriceps passive stiffness is influenced by joint position, muscle depth, and sex. The SUP60 position elicits the highest stiffness, while superficial muscle regions are consistently stiffer. These findings highlight the non-uniform mechanical behavior of the quadriceps and may have implications for clinical assessment, rehabilitation, and exercise prescription. Clinical trial registration: This study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov in June 06th, 2023. Register number NCT05905406. Link to access https//clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05905406.

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PubMed2026

A flipped classroom approach compared with low-interactive online learning for pediatric pain management knowledge and instructional motivation in nursing students: A randomized controlled study.

AIM: This study aimed to compare a flipped classroom approach with low-interactive online learning in terms of nursing students' questionnaire-assessed pediatric pain management knowledge and instructional motivation. BACKGROUND: Pain management in children is a critical and multidimensional nursing responsibility. However, limited curricular time and opportunities for applied learning may restrict nursing students' preparedness in this area. Structured and interactive instructional formats, such as the flipped classroom, may support knowledge acquisition and motivation in pediatric nursing education. METHODS: This study employed a parallel-group randomized controlled trial design with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Eighty-eight third-year prelicensure nursing students were randomized to either the flipped classroom group (n = 44) or the low-interactive online learning group (n = 44). Due to attrition (2 intervention, 2 control), analyses included 42 participants per group (n = 84 in total). Data were collected between February and July 2022 using the Pediatric Pain Management Knowledge Scale for Nursing Students and the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey. This study was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT07129044). RESULTS: At baseline, the groups were comparable in terms of knowledge and learning motivation. Following the intervention, the flipped classroom group demonstrated greater improvements in questionnaire-assessed pediatric pain management knowledge and instructional motivation than the low-interactive online learning group. Although scores declined from post-test to the three-month follow-up, they remained above baseline in the flipped classroom group. CONCLUSIONS: Within the context of this course, the flipped classroom approach was associated with greater improvement in questionnaire-assessed pediatric pain management knowledge and instructional motivation than low-interactive online learning. The findings should be interpreted as proximal educational outcomes rather than evidence of improved clinical competence or durable long-term effectiveness. Further studies using objective performance-based outcomes and longer follow-up periods are needed.

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PubMed2026

An expanded breakfast buffet increases daily energy and protein intakes in hospitalised patients: A prospective crossover quality improvement study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Inadequate dietary intake remains common during hospitalisation. Ordinary hospital meals are central to nutritional intake, but their contribution depends on what is offered and what patients are able and willing to eat. We evaluated whether a preference-informed, limited expansion of the hospital breakfast buffet could increase total daily energy and protein intakes. METHODS: This prospectively structured, ward-based crossover quality-improvement study was conducted in seven inpatient wards at a tertiary university hospital. Each ward was observed for four consecutive days and randomly allocated to begin with standard or expanded breakfast, after which conditions alternated daily. The expanded buffet consisted of standard breakfast supplemented with familiar energy- and protein-rich foods selected from previous patient-choice data. Twenty-four-hour intake was registered using component-level weighed food records during the day and nursing registration overnight. Primary outcomes were total daily energy and protein intakes. Linear mixed-effects models adjusted for observation day and ward-level starting sequence and accounted for repeated patient observations and ward-level clustering. Analyses used data from patients who consumed breakfast and contributed analysable observations under both breakfast conditions. RESULTS: The primary crossover population included 71 patients contributing 188 analysable patient-days. Compared with standard breakfast, the expanded breakfast increased total daily energy intake by +198 kcal/day (95% CI 44 to 352) and protein intake by +6.8 g/day (95% CI 1.0 to 12.5), without a statistically significant increase in total food weight. Daily energy and protein adequacy increased by +8.7 and + 6.8 percentage points, respectively. The increase was driven mainly by breakfast intake, with no measurable reduction in non-breakfast intake. CONCLUSIONS: A limited expansion of the ordinary hospital breakfast buffet increased total daily energy and protein intakes in the primary crossover population of hospitalised adults who consumed breakfast. This increase occurred without a statistically significant increase in total food weight or a measurable reduction in non-breakfast intake. Small, preference-informed additions of familiar energy- and protein-rich foods at breakfast may improve daily intake by increasing the nutrient yield of foods patients are able or willing to eat.

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PubMed2026

Adding Rib Mobilization to Diaphragm Release Techniques in Patients With Non-Specific Neck Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Non-specific neck pain (NSNP) is a frequent issue that can negatively affect both mobility and function. Recently, there has been growing interest in newer therapeutic approaches, including rib mobilization and diaphragm release techniques, as potential ways to address NSNP and support better outcomes for those affected. PURPOSE: To find out the immediate effects of how (DRT) combined with (RMT) affects the level of pain and the extent to which patients' functional abilities are improved in cases of NSNP. METHODS: For this prospective RCT, 96 participants aged 20 to 45 years were randomly assigned to one of three equal groups based on their pain score (VAS). Group B engaged in (DRT) for 40 minutes, three times weekly for 8 weeks, in contrast to Group A, which got both RMT combined with DRT. Group C (active control) received advice and some exercises. Measurements were collected before and after the intervention; the primary outcomes included pain severity, evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS); active neck range of motion (ROM), measured with a cervical range of motion (CROM) device; and neck flexion endurance. Additionally, the secondary outcome of neck-related disability was assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was identified among the three groups at baseline; nevertheless, a treatment effect emerged after 8 weeks (p = 0.001 and f-value = 4.15, ƞ2 = 0.306). A statistically significant time-treatment interaction was seen when comparing the pre- and post-treatment periods in groups A and B (p = 0.001, f-value = 3.16, ƞ2 = 0.251). CONCLUSION: The addition of rib mobilization to diaphragm release techniques in patients with non-specific neck pain resulted in statistically significant improvements in pain intensity, cervical flexion, right lateral rotation, left lateral rotation, right rotation, and neck flexor endurance, with moderate to large effect sizes for pain reduction and cervical motion. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between groups for cervical extension, left rotation, or the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and only a marginal clinical improvement in NDI was noted in Group A. The observed benefits in the combined intervention group may not be attributable solely to rib mobilization. The increased treatment complexity and greater therapist interaction inherent in the combined approach could also have influenced the outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT07133646.

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PubMed2026

Effect of semaglutide on kidney outcomes in the SELECT, FLOW, and SOUL trials: a prespecified pooled analysis.

BACKGROUND: The GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide reduces clinically important kidney outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to assess the pooled effects of semaglutide on kidney outcomes in prespecified analyses of participant-level data from the diverse populations of the SELECT, FLOW, and SOUL randomised placebo-controlled trials. METHODS: Participants with CKD (FLOW) or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (SELECT and SOUL) were randomly assigned semaglutide (once-weekly subcutaneous 1·0 mg [FLOW], once-weekly subcutaneous 2·4 mg [SELECT], or once-daily oral 14 mg [SOUL]) or matching placebo, added to standard of care. The primary outcome in this pooled analysis was time to first occurrence of a kidney composite, defined as onset of persistent 50% or greater reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), kidney failure (persistent eGFR <15 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or initiation of kidney replacement therapy), kidney-related death, or cardiovascular-related death. Safety was also assessed. FINDINGS: The pooled participants from the trials (N=30 787) had a mean follow-up of 39·5-47·5 months. Among participants assigned to semaglutide, 973 first events of the primary kidney composite occurred compared with 1134 first events for placebo (hazard ratio [HR] 0·84 [95% CI 0·77-0·91]). First events of a narrower secondary kidney composite (excluding cardiovascular-related death from the primary outcome) were also reduced with semaglutide versus placebo (347 and 416, respectively; 0·80 [0·69-0·92]). Safety outcomes were overall similar between groups, and in line with other GLP-1 receptor agonist trials. Serious adverse events were numberically lower with semaglutide than with placebo. INTERPRETATION: Data pooled from three large phase 3 trials suggest that semaglutide reduces the risk of major kidney outcomes in a broad population with cardio-kidney-metabolic disease while having a favourable risk-benefit profile. In people with cardio-kidney-metabolic disease, with and without diabetes, semaglutide (oral or injected) prevents kidney-related and cardiovascular complications and induces adverse events in line with GLP-1 receptor agonist studies, regardless of baseline characteristics within the cardio-kidney-metabolic spectrum. This was a participant-level analysis conducted in a large database of three randomised controlled trials of similar design and examining the same treatment, but there were some differences in participants' baseline characteristics, and in the dose and route of administration of treatment. This pooled analysis adds evidence for the benefit of GLP-1 receptor agonists in general, and semaglutide in particular, in a broad population of people with cardio-kidney-metabolic disease, suggesting that the benefit of semaglutide might not be explained only by its glycaemic effects, weight-management effects, or both. FUNDING: Novo Nordisk.

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PubMed2026

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Patients with Exposure Therapy Resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (TETRO): Study Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling mental disorder, characterized by obsessions, compulsions, and substantial morbidity. Approximately 50% of adults with OCD fail to achieve satisfactory outcomes from first-line treatments, such as exposure therapy with response prevention (ERP), with or without medication. This leads to chronic social, educational, and occupational impairment. While invasive procedures such as deep brain stimulation are available for severe, treatment-refractory cases, a need remains for less invasive alternatives. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a noninvasive intervention, shows promise in reducing OCD symptoms. Unlike in depression, rTMS is not yet reimbursed for OCD in the Dutch healthcare system. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of low-frequency (1Hz) rTMS targeting the presupplementary motor area (pre-SMA) compared to sham rTMS as an adjuvant treatment to ERP in adults with OCD with inadequate response to first-line treatment. METHODS: A total of 250 adults with OCD will be enrolled in this multicenter randomized controlled trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to ERP combined with either active or sham 1Hz rTMS over the pre-SMA. Treatment is administered 4 times weekly for at least 5 weeks (20 rTMS-ERP sessions), with optional extension of 1 to 2 weeks, up to 28 rTMS-ERP sessions. Clinical assessments occur at baseline, weekly during treatment, posttreatment, and at 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up. Participants undergo pre- and posttreatment (functional) (MRI) scans, including a symptom provocation task. Blood sampling takes place pre- and posttreatment and at 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome is OCD severity at posttreatment, as measured by the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). Secondary outcomes include functional improvement, quality of life, and societal costs. Pretreatment symptom profiles, genotype, and brain network topology will be analyzed as predictors of response and relapse risk. Pre-to-post treatment change in blood-based and magnetic resonance (MR)-based neuroplasticity markers will help explore differential mechanisms between ERP alone and combined rTMS-ERP. We expect that the verum rTMS protocol will be cost-effective compared to sham-rTMS. RESULTS: Recruitment started in April 2022, and as of February 2026, 201 participants have been enrolled. Posttreatment assessments are projected to be completed in December 2026, with final one-year follow-up evaluations anticipated by the end of 2027. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this study is the first adequately powered randomized controlled trial examining efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and mechanism of action of rTMS for OCD as adjuvant therapy to ERP. In case of efficacy and/or cost-effectiveness, it will pave the way for rTMS as insured health care for adults with OCD in the Netherlands, and possibly other European countries. Furthermore, this trial will provide insight into the mechanisms of treatment response to intensive ERP, with and without adjunctive rTMS, as well as potential side effects, individual variability, and long-term outcomes in adults with OCD.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The use of diode laser and scalpel blade in stage-two dental implant surgery: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: The use of lasers in dental implant procedures raises questions regarding the preservation of keratinized tissues and implant outcomes. This study aimed to compare the clinical effects (pain and impression time) and soft tissue healing (keratinization, peri-implant probing, bleeding, and healing) of diode lasers and scalpels used during stage-two dental implant surgery. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A prospective randomized clinical trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio was conducted. The study included 30 patients, each with a single, fully osseointegrated implant. Patients were categorized into two groups. The study group underwent stage-two implant surgery using a 970-nm diode laser. In the control group, implants were exposed using a conventional surgical blade. A comparison between the diode laser and conventional scalpel groups was made based on clinical outcomes (pain and impression time) and soft tissue healing (keratinization, peri-implant probing, bleeding, and healing). Data were analyzed using a paired t test. RESULTS: Pain intensity significantly decreased from immediate postoperative to 7 days in both scalpel (49.87 ± 6.78, t = 28.48, df = 14, P .001) and diode laser (7.67 ± 7.58, t = 3.91, df = 14, P = .002) groups. Immediately after surgery, pain scores were significantly higher in the scalpel group compared with the diode laser group (94.53 ± 4.45 vs 46.93 ± 5.85, t = 25.076, df = 26.151, P .001). Although pain decreased in both groups by day 7, the scalpel group continued to exhibit significantly greater pain (44.67 ± 5.96 vs 39.27 ± 3.73, t = 2.974, df = 23.513, P = .007). Impression time (P = .231) and gingival keratinized tissue (P = .736) did not differ significantly between the scalpel and diode laser approaches. At week 6, the scalpel group exhibited a significantly higher mean peri-implant bleeding index (2.60 ± 0.507) compared with the laser group (0.07 ± 0.258, P .001). However, after 12 weeks, no significant difference was observed (1.58 ± 0.19 vs 1.55 ± 0.21, P = .748). Laser surgery produced significantly better early wound healing at all intervals (P .001), while intraoperative bleeding was more common with the scalpel technique than with the diode laser (100.0% vs 66.7%, P = .042). CONCLUSION: Compared with the scalpel method, the diode laser method resulted in a significant reduction in pain intensity, improved wound healing, and less peri-implant bleeding during the stage-two dental implant surgery.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Topical Carboxytherapy as an Adjunct to Skin Recovery Post-CO2 Laser Fractional Resurfacing.

BACKGROUND: Topical carboxytherapy, a transcutaneous carbon dioxide (CO2) delivery system, may support skin repair and regeneration, yet its role as an adjunct to fractional laser treatment remains underexplored. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of topical CO2 mask (CO2Lift® Carboxy Gel, Lumisque Skincare) in supporting skin recovery and improving clinical outcomes following fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. METHOD: This 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated mild-to-moderate photoaging (n=6 females only). Participants received either topical carboxytherapy (n=4) or standard care (n=2). Assessments included VISIA-CR imaging, biophysical measurements, investigator ratings, and paired (baseline and 4-week) skin biopsies. RESULTS: Topical carboxytherapy accelerated recovery and was well-tolerated, with no major adverse events. VISIA-CR imaging showed accelerated erythema resolution, transepidermal water loss normalized more rapidly, and pH remained stable. Skin histology at week 4 revealed epidermal thickening and rete ridge formation with topical carboxytherapy vs placebo. Investigator ratings demonstrated significantly improved healing, global assessment, and global aesthetic improvement scale scores, with trends toward improvement in photodamage, rhytides, and pigmentation. CONCLUSION: Adjunctive topical carboxytherapy after fractional CO2 resurfacing accelerated healing, improved barrier recovery, and overall aesthetic outcomes. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Phase-resolved functional lung MRI detects single-dose and sustained bronchodilator responses in COPD in a randomized crossover trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of tiotropium/olodaterol (T/O) on phase-resolved functional lung (PREFUL) MRI parameters in hyperinflated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and examine correlations with conventional cardiopulmonary and hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective subanalysis of a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with open-label extension. Thirty-two patients with moderate-to-severe COPD (61.5 ± 7.7 years; 17 men); 30 completed the MRI extension at 1.5 T. PREFUL analysis yielded regional ventilation (RVent), flow-volume loop correlation metric (FVL-CM), normalized perfusion (QN), ventilation defect percentage (VDP), perfusion defect percentage (QDP), V/Q match metrics (VQM), and pulmonary pulse wave velocity (PWV; post-hoc parameter). Linear mixed-effects models tested treatment effects; correlations were evaluated with Spearman's rank and bootstrap 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). RESULTS: PREFUL parameters improved after T/O single dose (SD) versus placebo, including improvements in FVL-CM by 4.1 percentage points (pp; 95% CI: 1.0 to 7.3 pp) and QN by 0.4 pp (95% CI: 0.2 to 0.6 pp) and reductions in VDP and QDP, with parallel gains in VQM(Non-Defect) (p < 0.05). PWV decreased after multiple doses (-0.87 m/s, 95% CI: -1.26 to -0.48 m/s). PREFUL MRI baseline values showed significant correlations with pulmonary function tests, cardiac, dynamic contrast-enhanced and 129Xe MRI. SD treatment-induced absolute changes in VDP(FVL-CM) correlated with reductions in residual volume (ρ = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.64). Further correlations were observed between PREFUL MRI and ¹²⁹Xe-derived VDP, apparent diffusion coefficient, and compartment ratios. CONCLUSION: PREFUL MRI sensitively captured immediate SD T/O-induced improvements in V/Q parameters and dose-dependent PWV responses after sustained bronchodilation. KEY POINTS: Question Can phase-resolved functional lung (PREFUL) MRI sensitively capture immediate single-dose and sustain multi-dose effects of tiotropium/olodaterol on ventilation-perfusion and vascular function in COPD patients? Findings Tiotropium/olodaterol improved PREFUL MRI-derived ventilation, perfusion, and V/Q matching parameters after a single dose, with sustained pulmonary vascular improvements after repeated dosing. Clinical relevance PREFUL MRI detected immediate and sustained functional improvements after tiotropium/olodaterol and showed significant correlations with cardiopulmonary tests and hyperpolarized ¹²⁹Xe MRI, supporting its role as a sensitive, radiation-free tool for monitoring COPD treatment response.

Humans↗