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PubMed2026

Skeletal Muscles Do Not Compete for Growth: Activating Additional Muscle Mass Does Not Compromise Changes in Muscle Size.

Kataoka, R, Yamada, Y, Hammert, WB, Sallberg, RW, Kang, A, Song, JS, Kassiano, W, Metcalf, EE, and Loenneke, JP. Skeletal muscles do not compete for growth: Activating additional muscle mass does not compromise changes in muscle size. J Strength Cond Res 40(9): 1043-1049, 2026-This study investigated whether the magnitude of muscle size and strength differed based on the amount of muscle recruited during training sessions. One hundred five untrained individuals were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: low-load unilateral elbow flexion exercise (a) to failure (LL-Failure, n = 36), (b) to failure and low-load knee extension exercise to failure (LL-Failure + Legs, n = 33), or (c) a time-matched nonexercise control (CON, n = 36). Training groups completed 18 supervised sessions over 6 weeks (2 sets at 30% 1 repetition maximum [1RM] to failure). LL-Failure + Legs group performed 4 additional sets of knee extension exercise in each leg (20-30 RM). Muscle thickness on the anterior upper arm (60 and 70% sites) and elbow flexor 1RM strength of the trained arm were measured at pretesting and posttesting. Changes were compared using the ANCOVA function of Bayes Factors for Informative Hypotheses (prevalues as the covariate). Specific hypotheses were evaluated by comparing Bayes factors and the posterior probabilities between models. Six weeks of training led to increases in muscle size and strength. However, performing additional leg exercise did not attenuate the muscle growth in the anterior upper arm (0.19 cm) compared with performing only arm exercise to failure (0.18 cm). Changes in 1RM strength also did not differ between training groups (0.32 and 0.25 kg for LL-Failure and LL-Failure + Legs, respectively). Overall, there was no evidence for competition of adaptations in muscle size and strength under uncontrolled nutritional conditions. Whether greater training volume or limited nutrient intake induces a competition for resources warrants further investigation.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Indications, Techniques and Complications Associated With Pterygoid Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pterygoid implants represent a graftless option for rehabilitation of patients with posterior maxillary atrophy, engaging the dense cortical bone of the pterygomaxillary complex. Despite clinical growth, a comprehensive synthesis of indications, surgical techniques, and complications is lacking. This review evaluated the prevalence of complications, implant survival rates, and marginal bone loss (MBL) associated with pterygoid implant placement. METHODS: The reporting of this review follows PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Six electronic databases (PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, WoS, CENTRAL, and Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source) were searched from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2025. Included criteria comprised randomized and non-randomized clinical studies reporting outcomes of pterygoid implants (≥ 13 mm) in adult patients with posterior maxillary atrophy (minimum 10 implants). Risk of bias was assessed using JBI critical appraisal checklists. Proportions were pooled using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation under a random-effects model. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. RESULTS: Seventeen studies reporting 846 patients and 1915 pterygoid implants were included. The pooled survival rate was 97.9% (95% CI: 97.1%-98.6%; I2 = 0%; 14 studies) and the overall failure rate was 2.1% (95% CI: 1.4%-3.0%). Early failure rate was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.0%-3.0%; I2 = 59.5%). Late failure and MBL were summarized narratively. Certainty of evidence was low to very low. CONCLUSIONS: Pterygoid implants demonstrate excellent survival (97.9%) and low failure rates (2.1%), primarily early, supporting their reliability as a graftless solution for posterior maxillary atrophy. Complications appear infrequent though heterogeneously reported. Low evidence certainty necessitates prospective studies with standardized outcome reporting.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Chronic neurological diseases with acute respiratory failure in a real-life cohort: insights into ICU and long-term survival-A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic neurological diseases (CND) are at increased risk of pulmonary complications that often require ICU admission. This study aimed to identify clinical factors associated with ICU mortality and long-term survival in patients with CND who developed acute respiratory failure (ARF). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a level III respiratory ICU. Patients with pre-existing CND admitted to the ICU with ARF were included. ICU mortality was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Long-term survival after ICU discharge was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models. Mortality timing was further characterized using hazard function analysis. RESULTS: A total of 220 patients were included; the most common neurological diagnoses were dementia (37.3%), stroke (22.7%), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (14.1%). ICU mortality was 33.6%. Higher APACHE II scores were independently associated with increased ICU mortality (OR 1.076 per point increase; 95% CI 1.029-1.126; p < 0.001). Long-term survival differed significantly by post-discharge respiratory support strategy, with Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrating more favorable survival patterns among patients receiving home non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) (p = 0.003). In Cox regression analysis, age, home NIMV, and feeding modality at discharge were independently associated with long-term outcomes. Survival analyses revealed an early clustering of deaths within the first months after ICU discharge, particularly among patients with dementia. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CND, acute physiological severity was the main determinant of ICU mortality, whereas long-term survival after ICU discharge was poor, with deaths clustering within the first months thereafter. Post-discharge respiratory support and nutritional management should be individualized according to the expected clinical trajectory and patient values.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

[Exploring the mechanism underlying the efficacy differences of "Tiaojing Cuyun Acupuncture"for premature ovarian failure based on vaginal microbiota structure].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of "Tiaojing Cuyun Acupuncture" combined with hormone replacement therapy in the treatment of premature ovarian failure (POF), and to investigate differences in vaginal microbiota among patients with different therapeutic responses, thereby preliminarily exploring the mechanism underlying efficacy differences. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients with POF were randomly divided into an observation group (49 cases, 1 case was eliminated)and a control group (49 cases, 1 case dropped out). The control group was treated with hormone replacement therapy with Femoston, one tablet each time, once daily. On the basis of the control group, the observation group was additionally treated with "Tiaojing Cuyun Acupuncture". Acupoint group 1 included Baihui (GV20), Zhongwan (CV12), Guanyuan (CV4), and bilateral Tianshu (ST25), Zigong (EX-CA1), Dahe (KI12), Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Taichong (LR3). Acupoint group 2 included Baihui (GV20), bilateral Shenshu (BL23), Ciliao (BL32), and Taixi (KI3). The two acupoint groups were used alternately, beginning with acupoint group 1. Treatment was administered once every other day, three times per week.Both groups were treated for three menstrual cycles. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH),estradiol (E2), and anti-M ü llerian hormone (AMH) levels on days 3-5 of the menstrual cycle were measured before and after treatment in the two groups. Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) scores were assessed before and after treatment, and clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups. Five effective patients (G0 subgroup) and five ineffective patients (G1 subgroup)were randomly selected from each group, and their vaginal microbiota structure was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. RESULTS: After treatment, FSH levels in both groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05); SAS scores in both groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the observation group had lower SAS score than the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 77.1% (37/48) in the observation group, which was higher than 56.3% (27/48) in the control group (P<0.05). Vaginal microbiota analysis showed that at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes in the G0 subgroup of the control group was higher than that in the G1 subgroup, while the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria were lowed in the G0 subgroup. In contrast, the observation group exhibited an opposite trend: the G0 subgroup had lower Firmicutes abundance but higher abundances of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria compared with the G1 subgroup. At the family and genus levels, Bifidobacterium was enriched in the G0 subgroups of both groups, whereas Lactobacillus predominated in the G1 subgroups. The G0 subgroup of the control group showed higher abundance of Gardnerella, while both Lactobacillus and Gardnerella were concurrently elevated in the G1 subgroup of the observation group. Additionally, in the observation group indicated that Clostridiales and Rikenellaceae were significantly more abundant in the G0 subgroup than in the G1 subgroup (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The "Tiaojing Cuyun Acupuncture" combined with hormone replacement therapy is superior to hormone replacement therapy alone in improving anxiety. There are differences in vaginal microbiota structure among patients with different theraputic efficacy, suggesting that the vaginal microecological environment may be involved in the mechanism of treatment response in POF.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

From pathobiology to prescribing in obesity-driven HFpEF: A systematic review and practical therapeutic framework.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is increasingly driven by obesity and cardiometabolic dysfunction. In this phenotype, the dominant biology extends beyond congestion alone and includes visceral and epicardial adiposity, systemic inflammation, impaired myocardial energetics, endothelial dysfunction, and exertional elevation in filling pressures. We performed a PRISMA-compliant systematic review with structured narrative evidence synthesis to evaluate pharmacological therapy in obesity-driven HFpEF, searching PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO ICTRP through December 2025. Eighteen reports were included in the final qualitative synthesis. The available evidence supports sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors as the pharmacological foundation because they provide the most mature outcome data across the preserved ejection fraction spectrum. Semaglutide improves symptoms, physical limitations, exercise capacity, and body weight in dedicated obesity-related HFpEF trials, whereas tirzepatide extends this signal by improving clinical status and reducing worsening heart failure events. Finerenone broadens the therapeutic platform in HF with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction, although obesity-specific data remain indirect. Conventional neurohormonal therapies retain a selective role, but they are not the principal biological match for this phenotype. Obesity-driven HFpEF should therefore be managed as a cardiometabolic syndrome with heart failure expression, using a phenotype-based sequence that links diagnosis, decongestion, SGLT2 inhibition, obesity-directed therapy, and selective adjunctive intensification.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Satisfaction with clinical practice environments among early-career health professionals in South Africa: Findings from the WiSDOM cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The work or practice environments of health professionals play a central role in their retention in the healthcare system and their ability to provide quality patient care. The aim of the study was to examine and compare the satisfaction of early-career health professionals in the WiSDOM (Wits longitudinal Study to Determine the Operation of the labour Market among its health professional graduates) study with their clinical practice environments (CPEs) in South Africa, and the factors influencing their satisfaction. METHODS: WiSDOM, a prospective longitudinal cohort study, consists of eight health professions: clinical associates, dentists, doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, oral hygienists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists. Every year we collect information on the cohort's involvement in direct patient care, their perceived workload, availability of medicines and equipment for patients in their care, and their satisfaction with the clinical practice environment (CPE).We used Stata®19 for analysis. We used panel linear regression to investigate factors associated with the cohort's satisfaction with their clinical practice environments from 2018 to 2024, and logistic regression to evaluate the association between CPE and intention to leave in 2024. RESULTS: In 2024, the mean age of the cohort was 30.9 (± 2.0), the majority were female (74.4%) and working in urban areas (92.7%). In 2024, 59.7% of the overall cohort reported a heavy workload compared to 69.2% in 2018. Over the follow-up period, reported problems with the availability of medicines or equipment were worse in the public sector and in rural areas, compared to the private sector and urban areas respectively.The cohort's satisfaction score with the CPE was 6.7 out of 10 in 2018 and 6.9 in 2024. The predictors of CPE were year of follow-up, health profession, employment sector, and geographic location. Nurses (β=-1.2; 95% CI -1.7, -0.7; p < 0.001), and pharmacists (β=-0.7; 95% CI -1.1, -0.4; p < 0.001) scored their CPE significantly lower compared to the other professional groups. Health professionals in the public sector (β=-1.1; 95% CI -1.3, -0.9; p < 0.001) and in rural areas (β=-0.6; 95% CI -0.9, -0.3; p < 0.001) were less satisfied with their CPE compared to those in the private sector and urban areas respectively. Dissatisfaction with the CPE was significantly associated with intention to leave the workplace and the profession. CONCLUSION: The study findings underscore the need for positive clinical practice environments for early-career health professionals in South Africa both as a health workforce and patient safety imperative.

South Africa↗

PubMed2026

Cine-derived mitral annular relaxation velocity for detection of preclinical left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: Imaging diastolic dysfunction in pre-clinical heart failure (HF) is challenging. We evaluated a novel cardiac MRI (CMR) biomarker, CMR e-prime (CMR-MARV), in patients at risk of HF. METHODS: In this substudy of the PARABLE trial (NCT04687111), 236 patients (71.6 ± 7.7 years, 61.6% male) fulfilling trial-defined ALVDD citeria underwent CMR with measurement of mitral annular relaxation velocity (CMR-MARV) at four mitral annular anchor points. Diastolic strain rates from FT were also assessed. Twenty-five age- and sex-matched controls were included (73.8 ± 3.1 years, 52% male). Group differences were tested with t-tests, diagnostic accuracy with ROC analysis, and predictors of diastolic dysfunction with adjusted logistic regression. RESULTS: Compared with controls, patients had significantly higher indexed maximal left atrial volume (LAVimax), LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, and LV mass (all p < 0.001). Of FT variables, only peak diastolic longitudinal velocity differed between groups (p < 0.001). In multivariate models, CMR-MARV correlated with radial, circumferential, and longitudinal diastolic strain rates, radial and longitudinal diastolic velocities (all p < 0.001), echocardiographic e' (r = 0.20, p = 0.007), LV mass (r = -0.18, p = 0.008), LAVimax (r = -0.18, p = 0.008), and NT-proBNP (r = -0.30, p < 0.0001). LAVimax and CMR-MARV were strongly independently associated with ALVDD (AUC 0.89 and 0.76, respectively; p < 0.0001). A combined model (LAVimax + CMR-MARV) achieved excellent discrimination (AUC 0.91, 95% CI 0.86-0.97, p < 0.0001). Independent predictors included LAVimax, CMR-MARV, and peak diastolic longitudinal velocity (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CMR-MARV provides a simple cine-derived measure of longitudinal relaxation that correlates with established structural and biochemical markers of diastolic burden. Within an at-risk population, it offers incremental functional information beyond conventional parameters and may support multiparametric CMR phenotyping of preclinical diastolic dysfunction.

Aged↗

PubMed2026

Cardiovascular Drug Access in Australia and New Zealand: New PBS and PHARMAC Listings, 2023-2025.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Australia and New Zealand. Publicly subsidised access to new cardiovascular medications is governed by the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) in Australia and PHARMAC (Pharmaceutical Management Agency) in New Zealand, yet no consolidated resource catalogues recent listings across both jurisdictions. METHODS: We reviewed all new cardiovascular drug listings and indications on the PBS and PHARMAC schedules from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2025. PBS data were obtained from the PBS Pricing and Policy Branch through the Cardiac Society for Australia and New Zealand. PHARMAC data were obtained via direct communication with PHARMAC and cross-referenced with public schedule information. Pivotal trial evidence, restriction criteria, and prescribing considerations were extracted from published literature and regulatory documents. RESULTS: Five new cardiovascular drugs were PBS-listed (inclisiran, mavacamten, tafamidis, icosapent ethyl and migalastat), two existing drugs received new cardiovascular indications (empagliflozin and dapagliflozin for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction) and prasugrel was relisted for acute coronary syndrome. One major change occurred on the PHARMAC schedule (empagliflozin for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction). CONCLUSIONS: The 2023-2025 period has seen notable additions to cardiovascular pharmacotherapy in Australia, including the first cardiac myosin inhibitor, the first transthyretin stabiliser, expanded lipid lowering therapy options, and extension of SGLT2 inhibitor coverage across the heart failure ejection fraction spectrum. A pronounced access disparity persists between Australia and New Zealand.

New Zealand↗

PubMed2026

Outcomes of Suture Tape-Augmented ACL Reconstruction in Patients With High Internal Rotational Tibial Subluxation: A Minimum 3-Year Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using hamstring tendon (HT) autografts faces persistent challenges of graft failure, especially in patients with high internal rotational tibial subluxation (IRTS). HYPOTHESIS: Patients with high IRTS who undergo HT autograft ACLR with suture tape augmentation (STA) will have lower graft failure rates and superior clinical outcomes as compared with those without STA. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients with high IRTS-defined as lateral minus medial anterior tibial subluxation >5.8 mm based on prior studies-who underwent primary ACLR using HT autografts with STA and had a minimum follow-up of 3 years. Propensity score matching (1:1) was performed to identify a control group of patients with similarly high IRTS who underwent HT ACLR without STA. Postoperative outcomes were assessed by the International Knee Documentation Committee score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity scale, as well as by return-to-sport status and graft failure. Clinically meaningful improvements were evaluated by the minimal clinically important difference, Patient Acceptable Symptom State, and substantial clinical benefit. RESULTS: This study included 62 patients with high IRTS: 31 with STA and 31 matched controls. The mean IRTS was 6.6 mm (range, 5.9-8.9) in the STA group and 6.8 mm (range, 5.8-8.7) in the control group. The mean patient age was 32.9 years (range, 20-50), and the mean follow-up was 3.8 years (range, 3.1-5.0). At final follow-up, the STA group showed significantly higher proportions of patients achieving the minimal clinically important difference (93.5% vs 74.2%; P = .038), Patient Acceptable Symptom State (96.8% vs 74.2%; P = .012), and substantial clinical benefit (54.8% vs 25.8%; P = .020). The return-to-sport rate was also higher in the STA group (74.2% vs 48.4%; P = .037). Additionally, the STA group demonstrated a lower graft failure rate (0% vs 12.9%; P = .039). CONCLUSION: For patients with high IRTS, STA in ACLR with HT autografts is associated with improved clinical outcomes, a higher return-to-sport rate, and a lower risk of graft failure at midterm follow-up.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy and safety of ferric citrate tablets in Chinese patients with hyperphosphatemia undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: a multicenter, randomized, open-label, active-controlled, phase III trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ferric citrate tablets in Chinese patients with hyperphosphatemia undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). METHODS: In this phase III, multicenter, randomized, open-label, non-inferiority trial, patients with hyperphosphatemia on maintenance hemodialysis were randomly assigned to receive either ferric citrate or sevelamer carbonate tablets for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in serum phosphorus levels from baseline to week 12, with a non-inferiority margin of 0.32 mmol/L. Secondary endpoints included changes in serum calcium, intact parathyroid hormone, and safety assessments. RESULTS: A total of 239 patients were randomized to the ferric citrate group (n = 119) or the sevelamer carbonate group (n = 120). The mean change in serum phosphorus levels was -0.70 ± 0.50 mmol/L in the ferric citrate group and -0.61 ± 0.59 mmol/L in the sevelamer carbonate group (least squares mean difference, -0.09 mmol/L; 95% CI, -0.24 to 0.05 mmol/L; non-inferiority margin, 0.32 mmol/L). No significant inter-group differences were found in the percentage of patients achieving target phosphorus levels (49.09% vs. 48.28%, p = 0.902). Ferric citrate significantly improved iron-related parameters and hemoglobin levels. Most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild, with gastrointestinal disorders being the most common. CONCLUSIONS: Ferric citrate tablets were non-inferior to sevelamer carbonate in reducing serum phosphorus levels in hyperphosphatemia patients on maintenance hemodialysis, with the added benefit of improving iron-related anemia and a favorable safety profile.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Orthoplastic management of open calcaneal fractures: A systematic review of flap selection and complications.

BACKGROUND: Open calcaneal fractures are rare, high-energy injuries involving extensive soft-tissue loss and comminuted bone disruption. Successful management depends on coordinated orthoplastic reconstruction to achieve stable fixation and durable coverage. Multiple flap types have been described, yet comparative outcomes remain poorly defined. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD420251138394). MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Scopus were searched from January 2000 to July 2025. Studies reporting flap-based reconstruction for open calcaneal fractures in adults were included. Extracted data included flap type, fixation method, follow-up duration, and complications such as infection, necrosis, vascular crises, flap loss, and amputation. RESULTS: Thirteen studies comprising 88 major flap reconstructions were analysed. Overall flap survival was 97.7%, with two failures (both muscle/myocutaneous). Fasciocutaneous flaps showed the lowest complication rates (8.3%) with no reported cases of infection, while muscle/myocutaneous flaps demonstrated cases of infection (20%) and accounted for both flap failures and the only reported amputation. Chimeric flaps were increasingly used in recent series (n = 32), achieving reliable survival but higher vascular compromise (6.3%). Osteocutaneous flaps were rare (n = 4) and primarily used for defects with bone loss, showing infection in 50% of cases. Meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity and small sample sizes. CONCLUSIONS: Fasciocutaneous flaps provide reliable, low-complication coverage for clean wounds, while muscle flaps remain valuable for contamination or complex cases with extensive tissue loss. Chimeric, and osteocutaneous flaps show promise, but larger, standardised studies are needed to clarify their roles in hindfoot reconstruction.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Percutaneous left ventricular assist device in cardiogenic shock associated with and without acute myocardial infarction: a real-world retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (pLVAD, such as Impella), are increasingly used for cardiogenic shock (CS). Outcomes may differ between acute myocardial infarction-related CS (AMI-CS) and non-AMI CS due to differing pathophysiology and trajectories. METHODS: Using the USA TriNetX Network (2016-2024), we identified adults with CS treated withpLVAD. AMI-CS was defined by MI within seven days of implantation; non-AMI CS included all patients with CS not attributable to acute MI, representing heterogeneous etiologies such as decompensated cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, valvular failure, pulmonary vascular causes, and arrhythmic shock. Patients with recent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) were excluded. Propensity matching produced two balanced cohorts (n = 2,026 each). RESULTS: Among 6,873 AMI-CS and 4,521 non-AMI CS patients, matched groups were similar (mean age 63 years, 26% female). AMI-CS had higher mortality at 30 days (hazard ratio [HR] 1.19, p = 0.002), 90 days (HR 1.13, p = 0.02), and 180 days (HR 1.14, p = 0.007). Heart failure (HF) exacerbations (HR 1.21, p < 0.001) and pulmonary edema (HR 1.23, p = 0.005) were also more common in AMI-CS. Stroke, ventricular arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, acute kidney injury, major bleeding, vascular complications, and hemodialysis were comparable. CONCLUSION: AMI-CS patients supported with pLVAD experienced higher mortality and greater HF-related morbidity than non-AMI CS.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

SGLF-Net:Staged Global-to-Local Cross-Scale Fusion Network for Colonoscopic Polyp Segmentation.

Polyp segmentation in colonoscopy images plays a pivotal role in computer-aided medical diagnosis and the early prevention of colorectal cancer. However, existing methods often suffer from performance degradation when confronted with extreme polyp scale variation and polyp boundary ambiguity. To address these challenges, we propose the Staged Global-to-Local Cross-Scale Fusion Network (SGLF-Net), which adopts a novel staged global-to-local learning paradigm to progressively refine segmentation from coarse global semantics to fine-grained local details. Specifically, the Global Semantic Perception Stage integrates a Swin Transformer Encoder and a Dynamic Attentive Decoder (DAD) to construct comprehensive multi-scale contextual representations. The Local Detail Refinement Stage employs an Edge-aware Dynamic Attentive Decoder (E-DAD) to enhance structural fidelity and boundary precision through explicit edge-guided supervision. Furthermore, we introduce the Cross Spatial-Scale Feature Aggregation and Reconstitution (CSSAR) module, equipped with hybrid attention mechanisms, to facilitate efficient semantic structural interaction between the two cascaded stages. Extensive experiments on five public benchmark datasets demonstrate that SGLF-Net consistently outperforms state-of-the-art methods in both segmentation accuracy and boundary preservation.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors after acute myocardial infarction: Are the benefits limited to patients with diabetes? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Recently, studies have focused on evaluating the effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors in this scenario. Objectives We aimed to perform a meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors vs standard care. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing patients with acute myocardial infarction using iSGLT2 inhibitors and standard care. Statistical analyses were conducted using R software (v 4.3.2) and a random-effects model was employed for all outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 31,378 patients were included, with 10,897 (34.7%) assigned to the SGLT2 inhibitor group. Among these studies, three were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). There was a significant difference in reduction of HF readmissions (OR 0.61; p < 0.01), all-cause mortality (OR 0.62; p < 0.01;) and stroke (OR 0.67; p < 0.01;). However, there was no significant difference in cardiovascular death, rehospitalization for any cause and recurrence of acute MI. Meta regression and subgroup analysis showed a trend toward better outcomes in the diabetic and non-STEMI population. CONCLUSIONS: SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with lower HF rehospitalization, stroke, and all-cause mortality after acute MI, mainly in observational studies. Benefits appeared greater in diabetic and non-STEMI patients. Dedicated RCTs focusing on diabetic, particularly non-STEMI, populations are needed to confirm these findings. KEY POINTS: What is already known on this topic: SGLT2 inhibitors have demonstrated cardiovascular and renal benefits in patients with heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, their role in the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) setting remains uncertain, particularly regarding post-AMI outcomes such as heart failure readmissions, mortality, and recurrent ischemic events, with current evidence derived from heterogeneous and predominantly observational studies. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: This meta-analysis, including over 31,000 patients, suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors are associated with reductions in heart failure readmissions, all-cause mortality, and stroke following AMI. These associations were more consistently observed in patients with type 2 diabetes and in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) populations. However, randomized controlled trials showed neutral results, and the observed benefits were mainly driven by observational studies. Meaning: These findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating. While SGLT2 inhibitors may represent a potential therapeutic strategy in selected post-AMI populations, particularly patients with diabetes and NSTEMI, current evidence does not support routine early in-hospital initiation. Dedicated randomized trials specifically enrolling diabetic post-AMI patients are required to clarify optimal timing and clinical benefit.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Breastfeeding Outcomes After Radiofrequency Ablation and Surgical Excision of Fibroadenomas Compared to Natural History: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Fibroadenomas, common benign breast tumors in women of reproductive age, are increasingly managed with minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or surgical excision. However, their impact on breastfeeding outcomes remains underexplored. We aimed to assess breastfeeding ability and breast tissue changes in women treated with RFA or surgery compared to those with untreated fibroadenomas. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated 153 women with biopsy-confirmed fibroadenomas across five groups: RFA with prior breastfeeding (RFA-PreBF; n = 26), RFA with posttreatment breastfeeding (RFA-PostBF; n = 22), surgical excision with prior breastfeeding (Surgical-PreBF; n = 30), surgical excision with posttreatment breastfeeding (Surgical-PostBF; n = 20), and noninterventional with breastfeeding (Observation-BF; n = 55). Breastfeeding ability was assessed using a 5-point scale, and breast tissue changes were evaluated via ultrasound at 18 months, and all breastfeeding attempts occurred at a minimum of 12 months postprocedure. Fisher's exact test compared complete lactation failure rates, and a power analysis validated the study design (Fig. 1). FINDINGS: The combined RFA group (n = 48) had a higher complete lactation failure rate (14.6%) than the Observation-BF group (3.6%; Fisher's exact test, p = 0.045). Similarly, the combined surgical group (n = 50) had a higher complete lactation failure rate (16.0%) than the Observation-BF group (p = 0.034). When pooled, the combined intervention group (n = 98) showed a complete lactation failure rate of 15.3% versus 3.6% in the Observation-BF group. Residual tissue correlated with lactation impairment in the RFA group (Spearman's ρ, p < 0.05). Ultrasound showed no tumor recurrence, with cystic changes in some cases not linked to breastfeeding impairment. Power analysis confirmed 80% power to detect a medium effect size (f = 0.25, Fig. 1), supporting the study's robustness.7 RFA-PreBF (n = 26), RFA-PostBF (n = 22), Surgical-PreBF (n = 30), Surgical-PostBF (n = 20), and Observation-BF (n = 55). Breastfeeding ability was assessed using a 5-point scale, and breast tissue changes were evaluated via ultrasound at 18 months. Fisher's exact test compared complete lactation failure rates, and a power analysis validated the study design (Fig. 1).[Figure: see text]Interpretation:RFA and surgical excision are effective for fibroadenoma management but increase the risk of complete lactation failure compared to untreated fibroadenomas. Careful patient selection, precise procedural techniques, and vigilant posttreatment monitoring are essential to optimize breastfeeding outcomes, particularly for women planning future pregnancies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Clinical performance of two lithium disilicate CAD/CAM materials in posterior Class II inlay restorations: A 48-month randomised split-mouth clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical performance of Amber Mill (AM) and IPS e.max CAD (EM) lithium disilicate computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) materials in posterior Class II inlay restorations and characterise their baseline properties. METHODS: Thirty-four adults received paired AM and EM posterior Class II inlays (68 restorations) in a triple-blind randomised split-mouth trial followed for 48 months. Restorations were evaluated at baseline and annually using revised World Dental Federation (FDI) criteria, with fracture and retention as the primary endpoint. Baseline characterisation included flexural strength, shear bond strength, translucency parameter, and scanning electron microscopy. McNemar, Wilcoxon signed-rank, Friedman, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey post hoc, and inter-rater agreement analyses were used. RESULTS: At 48 months, 18 paired participants were available for primary analysis. Failures occurred in 2 of 18 AM restorations and in 3 of 18 EM restorations, corresponding to success rates of 88.9% and 83.3%, respectively, with no significant between-material difference (McNemar p = 1.000). No catastrophic bulk ceramic fracture was observed. Secondary FDI scores remained mostly within the clinically acceptable range; marginal staining deteriorated over time in both groups (p < .001) without significant between-material differences. Baseline material testing showed significant material- and translucency-dependent differences in flexural strength, shear bond strength, and translucency. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the 48-month follow-up and the tested Class II inlay indication, AM showed clinical performance comparable to EM. Observed clinical complications were related to retention or marginal/interface behaviour. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: For posterior Class II lithium disilicate CAD/CAM inlays, medium-term complications were mainly retention/interface-related, suggesting adhesive-interface durability may be as important as baseline ceramic strength.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Hysteroscopic platelet-rich plasma and medically assisted reproduction outcomes: a systematic review and SWOT analysis.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed as an adjuvant treatment in reproductive medicine. While most evidence refers to blind intrauterine instillation, subendometrial administration under hysteroscopic guidance allows targeted delivery under direct visualisation. This systematic review aimed to synthesise the available evidence on hysteroscopic PRP administration and its impact on clinical medically assisted reproduction (MAR) outcomes. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted from inception to December 2025 across major databases. Studies were included if they evaluated hysteroscopic PRP administration in women undergoing MAR, comparing reproductive outcomes between treated and control groups. RESULTS: Out of 142 records, 3 studies met the inclusion criteria. Study populations were heterogeneous and included women with refractory thin endometrium and/or a history of implantation failure. Hysteroscopic PRP administration protocols varied in timing, technique, and dosage. In a prospective case-control study, hysteroscopic intraendometrial PRP injection at a depth of 2-3 mm in the four uterine walls, using an ovum aspiration needle, on days 11-13 of the cycle prior to euploid frozen embryo transfer (ET), was associated with higher implantation (IR), clinical pregnancy (CPR), and live birth rates (LBR) compared with standard therapy. Conversely, no significant differences in CPR, miscarriage rate, or LBR were observed in an observational study evaluating a single intraendometrial PRP injection (35-40 mL, 2-3 mm depth), administered via endoscopic needle on days 6-8 of the menstrual cycle preceding frozen ET, alone or after electrical impulse therapy. A randomised controlled trial in women undergoing intrauterine insemination reported a significant improvement in CPR following hysteroscopic subendometrial PRP instillation in the four uterine walls (1.0 mL each). CONCLUSIONS: Current literature on hysteroscopic PRP administration in reproductive medicine is limited, and robust conclusions cannot yet be drawn. Well-designed randomised controlled trials with standardised protocols are needed to clarify its clinical role.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effect of demographic characteristics on the outcome of prostate cancer salvage radiotherapy: Analysis from a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the impact of advanced molecular imaging, race, socioeconomic status, and metabolic dysregulation on the outcome of salvage radiotherapy (sRT) for prostate cancer recurrence in a clinical trial setting. METHODS: The authors randomized post-prostatectomy men with detectable prostate-specific antigen to sRT guided by conventional imaging (arm A) or 18F-fluciclovine-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (arm B) and followed them up for up to 48 months to determine failure-free survival (FFS). The authors computed socioeconomic status (SES) and allostatic load (AL) scores to quantify socioeconomic status and level of metabolic dysregulation. They stratified patients by race as African American men (AAM) versus men of other races (MOR) and compared FFS between them using the z-test. RESULTS: Eighty-one (AAM = 29, MOR = 52) and 76 (AAM = 26, MOR = 50) men completed per-protocol sRT in arms A and B, respectively. Across study arms, AAM showed a higher FFS rate than MOR (72.8% [95% CI, 53.8%-85.0%] vs. 58.7% [95% CI, 46.6%-68.9%]; p = .002). In arm A, FFS rate was better for AAM than MOR, (64.0% [95% CI, 34.4%-82.9%] vs. 45.3% [95% CI, 28.8%-60.4%]; p = .008). In arm B, FFS improved for both groups but less so for AAM, (81.5% [95% CI, 57.2%-92.7%] vs. 73.0% [95% CI, 56.3%-84.1%]; p = .131). The authors found lower SES scores and higher AL scores for AAM in both study arms than MOR. CONCLUSION: Despite lower socioeconomic status and higher burden of metabolic dysregulation, in a clinical trial setting that controls for disparities in health care access, AAM have a more favorable sRT outcome than MOR.

Humans↗