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IgA Vasculitis with necrotizing arteritis: a multicenter retrospective study from the French Vasculitis Study Group and systematic review of the literature.

IgA vasculitis (IgAV) primarily affects small vessels, but rare cases with necrotizing arteritis (NA) raise questions about overlap with polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). To characterize IgAV with necrotizing arteritis (IgAV-NA) and compare its phenotype with classical IgAV and PAN. We performed a multicenter retrospective study combined with a systematic literature review (1990-2025). Patients fulfilled EULAR/PRINTO/PRES IgAV criteria, had pathological or imaging evidence of NA in small or medium arteries, and were ANCA-negative. Thirty patients were included (7 from databases, 23 from the literature). NA was confirmed by biopsy (n = 16) or vascular imaging (n = 14). Clinical features, treatments, remission, and mortality were compared with 257 adult IgAV and 196 PAN patients. Median age was 54.5 years. IgAV-NA was characterized by severe manifestations, including gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, surgical abdomen, neuropathy, pancreatitis, and livedo. Compared with classical IgAV, IgAV-NA showed significantly higher rates of multi-organ involvement and mortality. Compared with PAN, IgAV-NA shared vascular complications but had less fever and neuropathy. Despite arterial involvement, patients did not fulfil PAN criteria. IgAV-NA represents a rare, severe IgAV phenotype with life-threatening complications rather than an IgAV-PAN overlap. Severe or atypical IgAV presentations should prompt vascular imaging and intensified immunosuppression.

Humans

Genetic Diversity of BK Polyomavirus Among Renal Transplant Recipients in Yunnan, China.

BK polyomavirus (BKV) infection, a common complication following kidney transplantation, can lead to BKV-associated nephropathy (BKVN). Molecular genetic studies have classified BKV into four genotypes (I-IV); however, comprehensive molecular characterization of BKV strains circulating in China remains limited. This study aimed to elucidate the predominant subtypes and clinical infection characteristics of BKV strains among kidney transplant recipients in Yunnan, a province in southwestern China. PCR-amplified BKV DNA sequences from kidney transplant recipients were aligned with reference strains and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The viral VP1 gene was successfully amplified from 180 participants, spanning 16 ethnic groups. Genotype I was the predominant viral strain (56.66%, 102/180), followed by genotype IV (43.33%, 78/180), while genotypes II and III were not detected. Among genotypic subtypes, IVc-1 was most prevalent (40.0%, 72/180), followed by Ic (38.3%, 69/180) and Ib-1 (18.3%, 33/180). IVa-1 and IVa-2 were rare, identified in only 0.6% (n = 1) and 2.2% (n = 4) of cases, respectively. No significant differences in sex, age, BKVN incidence, BK viremia, or viruria were observed between patients with BKV-I and BKV-IV infections. Among the five confirmed BKVN cases, two were genotyped as subtype Ic, one as Ib-1, and two as IVc-1. Clinical phenotypes were also comparable between patients with BKV-I and BKV-IV infections. This study represents the largest single-center sequencing analysis of BKV in kidney transplant recipients in China, offering a valuable genomic resource for future research.

Humans

Serum Copeptin Rises After Tolvaptan for Hyponatraemia, but Does Not Predict Risk of Rapid Sodium Rise: Pre-Specified Secondary Analysis of the TVFR Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Hyponatraemia is a common electrolyte disorder often driven by excess arginine vasopressin (AVP). Copeptin is a stable surrogate marker co-secreted with AVP. It is unclear whether treatment of hyponatraemia with tolvaptan, an AVP-V2 receptor antagonist, impacts copeptin. We aimed to assess the effects of tolvaptan on serum copeptin, compared to fluid restriction. DESIGN: Pre-specified secondary analysis of an open-label randomised trial comparing tolvaptan or fluid restriction for 3 days. PATIENTS: Hospitalised patients with plasma sodium (pNa) 115-130 mmol/L at a single-centre tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Australia. MEASUREMENTS: Copeptin measured at baseline and completion (Day 4, or discharge if sooner). RESULTS: Copeptin results were available in 45/54 participants, randomised to tolvaptan (n = 25) or FR (n = 20). Mean baseline copeptin was 10.4 pmol/L. pNa increased in both groups, significantly more with tolvaptan as previously reported. Copeptin remained stable after FR, but significantly increased after tolvaptan (mean adjusted difference between groups over 3 days 8.4 pmol/L, 95% CI 2.1-14.6, p = 0.01). Baseline copeptin did not predict rapid sodium rise. The rise in copeptin after tolvaptan may represent an exaggerated response to osmolality rise in these patients ('reset osmostat'), or feedback mechanisms from AVP blockade. CONCLUSION: Tolvaptan increased serum copeptin compared to fluid restriction. Further research is required to determine if there is clinical utility for measuring copeptin in hyponatraemia before it is adopted into practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12619001683123.

Humans

Routine methods misidentify Serratia spp.: Limitations of MALDI-TOF MS revealed by whole-genome sequencing.

Accurate species-level identification within the genus Serratia remains challenging due to extensive phenotypic overlap and high genomic relatedness among closely related and recently described taxa. This study presents an evaluation of routine and genome-based identification approaches applied to clinical Serratia isolates, integrating phenotypic assays, MALDI-TOF MS (Bruker Daltonics), 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS). A total of 103 isolates collected from a teaching hospital were analyzed. WGS was performed on a subset of isolates. Conventional biochemical methods classified all isolates as Serratia marcescens, whereas MALDI-TOF MS identified 60.1% as S. marcescens, 11.6% as S. ureilytica, and 28.1% just at the genus level. Peak analysis from MALDI-TOF MS revealed specific peaks associated with S. marcescens and S. ureilytica, but limited discriminatory power. WGS of six isolates initially identified as S. ureilytica by MALDI-TOF MS revealed reclassification as Serratia sarumanii (n = 5) and Serratia montpellierensis (n = 1), supported by Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI), Average Amino Acid Identity (AAI), and Digital DNA-DNA Hybridization (dDDH) thresholds. In contrast, 16S rRNA analysis showed limited species-level resolution. Phylogenomic and SNP-based analyses confirmed these classifications with strong support. Overall, this study underscores the critical role of high-resolution genomic approaches for precise species identification and highlights the need for continuous expansion and curation of MALDI-TOF MS reference databases to support reliable clinical diagnostics and epidemiological surveillance of emerging Serratia species.

Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorpti

Navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for post-stroke recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a subcategory of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), used to modulate brain plasticity and improve post-stroke recovery. Neuronavigation is used to improve the accuracy of stimulation with the aim of achieving a superior clinical outcome than with conventional targeting. The objective of this review is to evaluate the efficacy of navigated rTMS in subacute and chronic stroke patients in comparison to sham stimulation. We conducted a systematic-review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) identified from Pubmed, Scopus and Cochrane CENTRAL. Trials employing neuronavigated rTMS were included of these five types; high and low frequency rTMS, intermittent and continuous theta-burst stimulation (TBS) and Hebbian-type stimulation. 13 RCTs were included after a screening of 1900 studies. 606 patients receiving either active (n = 360) or sham stimulation (n = 246) were assessed. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) favored rTMS over sham SMD = 0.4 (95 %CI: 0.11-0.69), with moderate heterogeneity I2 = 55 %. Among stimulation modalities, continuous TBS showed the largest pooled effect. rTMS was also associated with significant improvements in disability-related outcomes, SMD = 0.61 (95 % CI 0.14-1.08). Navigated rTMS is associated with modest but significant improvements in motor and disability outcomes in subacute and chronic stroke. Large comparative trials are required to clarify the potential added value over conventional targeting approaches.

Humans

Remotely Supervised, Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Major Depressive Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder affects over 280 million people worldwide, and access to effective treatment remains limited. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive option, and portable devices now allow for home-based delivery under varying degrees of remote supervision. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the efficacy, safety, feasibility, and acceptability of home-based and remotely supervised tDCS for depressive disorders. METHODS: Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 and PRISMA-S (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses literature search extension) guidelines, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane databases, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform up to July 2025, with backward and forward citation searching. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias (version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies, and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for qualitative studies) and certainty of evidence (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation; GRADE). RESULTS: This review included 12 distinct studies (16 reports), of which 6 (50%) were randomized sham-controlled trials forming the meta-analytic pool. Active home-based tDCS produced a small, statistically significant improvement over sham (pooled Hedges g=0.36, 95% CI 0.06-0.66; P=.03; I2=34.3%). The effect was not robust to removal of the single largest positive trial (omitting the one study from 2025: g=0.39, 95% CI -0.12 to 0.91), and trial-level results were mixed: the 2 largest trials (one unsupervised [n=210] and one self-administered [n=141]) were negative on their primary depression outcomes, whereas the largest real-time supervised trial (n=174) was positive (between-group 95% CI 0.51-4.01; P=.01). This estimate was concordant in direction with an independent peer-reviewed meta-analysis of overlapping trials, which reported a pooled Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale reduction (weighted mean difference -2.74, 95% CI -4.19 to -1.29) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale reduction (weighted mean difference -2.24, 95% CI -4.16 to -1.49), attenuating to nonsignificance (P>.05) in major depressive disorder without comorbid cognitive impairment. The pooled effect fell at or near the minimal clinically important difference. GRADE certainty was moderate. Adverse events were predominantly mild: one pilot study was terminated early for skin lesions, and one nonfatal suicide attempt occurred in an unsupervised trial. CONCLUSIONS: Home-based and remotely supervised tDCS produces a small, statistically significant but clinically modest antidepressant effect that is sensitive to the inclusion of the largest positive trial, with the 2 largest trials being negative. The available controlled evidence does not establish supervision intensity as a determinant of efficacy. Current data are insufficient to recommend routine clinical adoption; adequately powered trials with standardized supervision and longer follow-up are needed.

Humans

The effects of visuomotor training and tDCS stimulation on visuomotor integration and visual processing: an electrophysiological approach.

BACKGROUND: Visuomotor integration coordinates visual and motor cortical activity to produce goal-directed responses and can be indexed by Rolandic Mu-rhythm suppression and visual evoked potential (VEP) P100 parameters. Perceptual-motor training improves visuomotor performance, and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over primary motor cortex (M1) has been reported to enhance motor learning when paired with training. This study examined whether anodal M1 tDCS augments the effects of Senaptec visuomotor training in healthy adults. METHODS: Sixty participants were randomized to active anodal tDCS (five 10-minute sessions, 1 mA; n = 31) or sham (n = 29) over M1 immediately before each Senaptec training session; 53 completed all sessions and post-testing. Outcomes were Mu-suppression ratios, VEP P100 latency and amplitude, and Senaptec measures of visual sensitivity and visuomotor control. RESULTS: Active tDCS produced no augmentation of any outcome, with no significant group × time interaction for any measure, consistent across composite and task-level analyses. Training alone produced no change in Mu suppression or visuomotor control. By contrast, both groups showed significant training-related gains in visual sensitivity, including near-far quickness and stereopsis, accompanied by shorter P100 latencies and larger amplitudes, indicating more efficient early visual processing. CONCLUSIONS: A clear dissociation emerged: training produced robust improvements in early visual processing, whereas neither tDCS nor training altered sensorimotor (Mu) or visuomotor-control measures. The tDCS results should be interpreted cautiously given the modest dose and limited power to detect small effects, rather than as evidence of inefficacy. Tablet-based perceptual training enhanced visual processing independent of neuromodulation.

Humans

Comprehensive multi-post-translational modifications profiling reveals age-associated remodeling in skeletal muscle.

Sarcopenia, characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is a major hallmark of aging. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) play essential roles in regulating protein activity and cellular homeostasis; however, how multiple PTMs are remodeled during skeletal muscle aging remains incompletely characterized. Here, we performed comprehensive multi-layered proteomic profiling of skeletal muscle from young (3-month-old) and aged (24-month-old) mice, systematically quantifying the global proteome together with five major PTMs: acetylation, phosphorylation, N-glycosylation, O-glycosylation, and ubiquitination. In total, we identified 5 337 proteins and mapped thousands of PTM sites, generating an integrated atlas of age-associated proteomic and PTM remodeling in skeletal muscle. Pathway enrichment analyses revealed distinct modification-specific patterns: acetylation and phosphorylation were predominantly associated with metabolic and mitochondrial-related pathways; N-glycosylation was enriched in immune- and secretory pathway-related processes; O-glycosylation was associated with muscle contraction-related pathways; and ubiquitination was preferentially linked to cytoskeletal organization in muscle cells. Correlation analyses further uncovered diverse association patterns among different PTMs across protein- and modification-level datasets. Phosphorylation and ubiquitination exhibited consistent positive associations, whereas acetylation and ubiquitination showed both inverse and concordant co-variation patterns across subsets of proteins. Phosphorylation and O-glycosylation displayed heterogeneous association patterns across different proteins, and acetylation and phosphorylation demonstrated positive correlations with distinct age-associated directional changes across protein subsets. Together, these results provide a comprehensive, multi-dimensional view of age-associated remodeling of the skeletal muscle proteome and multiple PTM layers, offering a valuable resource for understanding molecular alterations accompanying muscle aging and sarcopenia.

Animals

Subtle cortical thinning in the temporal pole in middle-aged APOE-ε4 and PICALM (rs3851179) AA/AG carriers without dementia.

The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are caused by neurodegeneration and atrophy in particular brain regions, especially in the temporal lobe. However, the influence of genetic risk on cortical thickness prior to dementia onset, remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between AD genetic risk (related to APOE and PICALM genes) and cortical thickness in selected regions of interest (ROIs) in middle-aged individuals without dementia. Sixty-nine (N = 69) participants (34 females, 35 males; age: 55.45 ± 3.19) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They were divided into three groups based on their genetic AD risk: A+ P+ (APOE/PICALM risk variants), A+P- (APOE risk variant, PICALM neutral variants), and the N group (APOE/PICALM neutral alleles). Cortical thickness was analyzed using CAT12 software (surface-based morphometry with the Destrieux atlas) based on T1-weighted MR images in five ROIs referred to as "the cortical signature of AD" in previous studies. The A+P- group had a thinner right temporal pole cortex than non-carriers after controlling for sex, age, and Raven's Progressive Matrices scores. Although this finding did not survive FDR correction across the 10 tested regions, it is consistent with our hypotheses and prior literature. No other differences in cortical thickness were found in the analyzed regions of AD "signature". The observed effect was restricted to single-risk APOE carriers without PICALM risk alleles. Therefore, further research is needed to understand the genetic interplay between these two genes in conferring AD risk.

Humans

Cost-effectiveness analysis of omeprazole for preventing esophageal stricture in patients with Zargar grade 2b and 3a corrosive esophageal injuries: A trial-based economic evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Corrosive esophageal injury frequently results in esophageal stricture requiring repeated endoscopic dilatation and substantial healthcare expenditure. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of omeprazole plus standard treatment compared with standard treatment alone for preventing esophageal stricture in adult patients with Zargar grade 2b and 3a corrosive esophageal injuries. METHODS: A trial-based economic evaluation was conducted alongside a randomized controlled trial from the healthcare provider and patient perspectives. Twenty patients were randomized to receive either standard treatment alone (n = 10) or standard treatment plus omeprazole (n = 10). Direct medical costs were analyzed using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Deterministic one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulation were performed. RESULTS: The incidence of corrosive esophageal stricture was 20% (2/10) in the omeprazole group and 70% (7/10) in the standard treatment group (relative risk, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.08-1.05; Fisher's exact test, P = .070). Omeprazole plus standard treatment reduced healthcare costs by THB 4642.30 per patient from the provider perspective and THB 5476.60 per patient from the patient perspective. The intervention remained the dominant strategy across all deterministic sensitivity analyses. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis demonstrated that 68.3% and 78.8% of simulations favored omeprazole from the provider and patient perspectives, respectively. CONCLUSION: Omeprazole plus standard treatment may represent a cost-effective strategy for adult patients with Zargar grade 2b and 3a corrosive esophageal injuries. However, these findings should be considered preliminary and require confirmation in larger multicenter randomized controlled trials.

Humans

Using the OPTIMAL Theory to Optimize Aerodynamics in Respiratory Training for Healthy Adults and Individuals With Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND: The OPTIMAL (Optimizing Performance Through Intrinsic Motivation and Attention for Learning) theory is a motor learning framework proposing that optimizing intrinsic motivation enhances motor performance and learning. The theory identifies three key components-Enhanced Expectancies (EE), Autonomy Support (AS) and External Focus of Attention (EF)-which facilitate more efficient, goal-directed movement. These components have been shown to improve motor outcomes in limb-based tasks; however, their application to respiratory training, particularly in clinical contexts such as voice and swallowing therapy in patients with Parkinson's disease (pwPD), has not yet been systematically explored. AIMS: This study aimed to investigate whether implementing OPTIMAL theory strategies during a respiratory muscle strength training (RMST) task improves immediate respiratory motor performance in healthy adults and pwPD. Additionally, we aimed to examine the effects of these strategies on motivation and cognitive engagement. METHODS: This quasi-randomized, single-session trial included 47 participants: Healthy CONTROL (n = 17), Healthy OPTIMAL (n = 16) and PD OPTIMAL (n = 14). Healthy participants were quasi-randomly assigned to either intervention or control conditions, whereas pwPD completed the intervention only. All participants completed a single respiratory session that included baseline, practice and retention phases. Outcome measures included peak expiratory flow, cough peak expiratory flow, cognitive engagement (EEG-based Cognitive Engagement Index) and self-administered motivation questionnaire. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Exhalation force improved from baseline to retention in the Healthy OPTIMAL group (baseline: M = 296 L/min; retention: M = 338 L/min; p < 0.001) and the PD OPTIMAL group (baseline: M = 315 L/min; retention: M = 370 L/min; p < 0.0001), but not in the Healthy CONTROL group (p > 0.05). No significant changes in cough strength were observed in any group. No correlations were found between cognitive engagement and exhalation force or motivation scores. However, motivation increased more in the Healthy OPTIMAL group (Questionnaire 1: M = 57.2; Questionnaire 2: M = 60.7) and the PD OPTIMAL group (Questionnaire 1: M = 60.1; Questionnaire 2: M = 62.8) than in the Healthy CONTROL group (Questionnaire 1: M = 61.1; Questionnaire 2: M = 62.5). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Implementing the OPTIMAL theory enhances immediate respiratory motor performance in both healthy participants and pwPD. OPTIMAL theory has clinical value in voice and swallowing therapy, although further research is needed to establish long-term efficacy and clinical impact. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject Motivation is a critical factor in rehabilitation. The OPTIMAL theory has been shown to improve both motivation and motor performance in limb-based tasks. Its impact on respiratory training, however, has not been previously examined. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This study shows that applying OPTIMAL strategies during a respiratory muscle strength training task significantly improved peak expiratory flow in both healthy adults and people with Parkinson's disease. What are the potential or clinical implications of this work? Integrating the OPTIMAL theory principles into respiratory therapy may enhance motor outcomes, supporting voice, swallowing and cough rehabilitation.

Humans

Impact of kangaroo care on circadian rhythm, growth, physiological stability in premature infants, and cortisol and melatonin levels in maternal breast milk: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effects of regular kangaroo care (KC) on sleep-wake cycles, growth, physiological stability, and maternal breast milk cortisol and melatonin levels in premature infants. DESIGN: This study was a parallel group, single-blind, pre-test-post-test, randomised controlled trial (RCT). METHODS: This randomized controlled study was conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in T&#xfc;rkiye between September 2024 and September 2025 Thirty-six premature infants were randomized to intervention (n = 28) or control (n = 28). Infants in the intervention group received KC for three consecutive days, twice daily (10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.) for 60 min per session. Data were collected using the Infant Information Form, Physiological Parameters Monitoring Chart, and Premature Infant Sleep-Wake Cycles Tracking Chart. Sleep-wake cycles were monitored using a Bispectral Index device. Breast milk cortisol and melatonin levels were measured at baseline and on day three using the competitive ELISA method. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06589349). RESULTS: Regular KC had a statistically significant effect on BIS values, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature (p < 0.05). No statistically significant effects were observed on infant body weight or on maternal breast milk cortisol and melatonin levels (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that regular KC is associated with improved regulation of the sleep-wake cycle and enhanced physiological stability in premature infants. No significant changes were observed in maternal breast milk cortisol or melatonin levels following KC.

Humans

Adjunctive intermittent theta-burst stimulation for first-episode schizophrenia: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) combined with pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy in first-episode schizophrenia remains unclear. This study evaluated adjunctive iTBS with risperidone and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and explored serum biomarkers indicating treatment response. METHODS: In this randomized, assessor-blind trial, 100 first-episode schizophrenia patients received either iTBS plus risperidone and CBT (iTBS group, n = 50) or risperidone and CBT alone (control, n = 50) for 3 months. The primary outcome was change in PANSS total score at 4 weeks and 3 months. Response was defined as a &#x2265; 50 % PANSS reduction. Secondary outcomes included cognitive function (MCCB subtests) and serum GDNF, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels. RESULTS: The iTBS group showed significantly greater reduction in PANSS total scores than controls at both 4 weeks and 3 months (mean difference at 3 months: -13.3, 95 % CI: -16.8 to -9.8; P < 0.001), with a higher responder rate (76 % vs. 48 %). Significant improvements across all cognitive domains were observed in the iTBS group (all P < 0.001). Post-treatment, the iTBS group exhibited higher GDNF and lower cortisol and DHEA-S levels (all P < 0.001). A combined biomarker panel demonstrated superior discriminative performance for treatment efficacy (AUC=0.865 after cross-validation). Adverse events were comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Adding iTBS to risperidone and CBT significantly improves clinical symptoms and cognitive function in first-episode schizophrenia. The combination of GDNF, cortisol, and DHEA-S shows promise as a composite biomarker for treatment response, though sham-controlled validation is warranted.

Humans

Effects of cinnamon supplementation combined with exercise training on anthropometric indices and reproductive hormones in overweight and obese women.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity and increased fat in the chest and abdomen in women and hormonal changes, can affect female fertility. The present study aims to investigate the effect of exercise training combined with cinnamon supplementation on chest and abdominal circumference, as well as sex hormones, in overweight and obese women. METHODS: Twenty-six inactive overweight and obese women were randomly allocated to an exercise (E; n = 13) and exercise plus cinnamon supplementation (E+S; n = 13) group. Both groups completed a 4-week exercise program three times weekly, while the E+S group additionally received cinnamon supplementation three times weekly. Chest and abdominal circumferences and serum concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Significant pre-to-post reductions in chest and abdominal circumference were observed in both groups (all p &#x2264; 0.005). Estradiol, progesterone, and FSH concentrations increased, whereas LH concentrations decreased significantly in both groups (all p &#x2264; 0.005). However, between-group comparisons revealed a significant difference only for chest circumference (p = 0.003), with no significant group differences in abdominal circumference or any reproductive hormone concentration (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both groups showed favorable changes in anthropometric and reproductive hormone measures following the 4-week study period. However, the significant between-group difference was limited to chest circumference, providing no clear evidence that cinnamon supplementation conferred additional benefits for abdominal circumference or reproductive hormone profiles beyond those observed with exercise. These findings highlight the potential relevance of exercise-based interventions while warranting confirmation in larger, adequately powered trials.

Humans

Nociception-guided opioid administration within multimodal analgesia for laparoscopic endometriosis surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

Women with endometriosis are at increased risk of severe postoperative pain due to nociceptive sensitization. While multimodal analgesia reduces opioid use, the added value of objective nociception monitoring remains unclear. This study evaluated whether NOL&#xae;-guided opioid titration improves perioperative outcomes within a standardized multimodal regimen. In this prospective, randomized, single-blinded trial, premenopausal women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for suspected endometriosis or adenomyosis were assigned to NOL&#xae;-guided analgesia or standard care based on clinical assessment. All patients received a standardized multimodal protocol. The primary outcome was total perioperative opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores (NRS) and PACU length of stay. Exploratory analyses assessed the association between preoperative pain (Mankoski Pain Scale, MPS) and postoperative outcomes. A total of 111 patients were analyzed (NOL&#xae;: n&#x2009;=&#x2009;54; control: n&#x2009;=&#x2009;57). Total perioperative opioid consumption did not differ significantly between groups (adjusted mean difference&#x2009;=&#x2009;14&#xa0;&#x3bc;g for Fentanyl and 52&#xa0;&#x3bc;g for Remifentanil; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.8). Surgery duration was an independent predictor of opioid use (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) and PACU length of stay (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.01), whereas treatment group had no significant effect. Postoperative pain scores were comparable between groups at all time points. NOL&#xae;-derived metrics were not associated with opioid consumption or pain. Higher preoperative MPS scores independently predicted higher pain scores in the late PACU phase. NOL&#xae;-guided opioid titration did not reduce perioperative opioid consumption or improve early postoperative outcomes compared with standard multimodal analgesia in women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis.

Humans

Cefoxitin versus cefotaxime as empirical treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in liver cirrhotic patients: randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a severe complication of cirrhosis requiring immediate empirical antibiotic therapy. Third-generation cephalosporins are the traditional agents of choice; however, increasing clinical failure rates necessitate the evaluation of alternative antibiotics to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes. The aim was to investigate the efficacy of cefoxitin versus cefotaxime for SBP treatment. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 140 cirrhotic patients with community-acquired SBP at Al-Rajhy Liver University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt. Patients were randomized to receive either cefotaxime (n&#x200a;=&#x200a;70) or cefoxitin (n&#x200a;=&#x200a;70), 2&#x2005;g every 8&#x2005;h for 5&#x2005;days. Polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) counts were measured upon admission, on Day 2 and on Day 5. Clinical response rates at Days 2 and 5, development of hepatorenal syndrome, length of stay and mortality were assessed. RESULTS: According to intention-to-treat analysis, clinical response rates at Day 2 were 74.2% in the cefotaxime group and 80% in the cefoxitin group, while at Day 5, they were 71.4% and 74.3%, respectively (P&#x200a;=&#x200a;0.704). The PMN counts at Days 0, 2 and 5 showed no significant differences between the cefotaxime and cefoxitin groups (P&#x200a;=&#x200a;0.889, 0.909 and 0.360, respectively). The incidence of hepatorenal syndrome was 7.1% in the cefotaxime group compared with 8.6% in the cefoxitin group (P&#x200a;=&#x200a;0.753), and mortality was 15.7% and 12.9%, respectively (P&#x200a;=&#x200a;0.629). CONCLUSIONS: Cefoxitin showed comparable effectiveness to cefotaxime but may be utilized in selected clinically stable SBP patients.

Humans

The Effect of Breastfeeding on Cervical Dysplasias.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between breastfeeding and precancerous cervical lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case control study was conducted at a tertiary training and research hospital between September 1 and November 1, 2023. A total of 168 patients who attended the gynecology outpatient clinic and reported their breastfeeding experiences were included. Patients with abnormal cervical cytology formed the study group (n = 37), while patients with normal cytology formed the control group (n = 131). Breastfeeding duration and patterns were compared between groups. RESULTS: The control group had normal smear results. In the study group, 15 patients had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and 22 patients had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. Human papillomavirus (HPV) was positive in 54.1% of the study group versus 9.2% of the control group. The mean breastfeeding duration was shorter in the study group (9.18 &#xb1; 3.43 months) than the control group (23.6 &#xb1; 3.35 months; p < 0.05). Most control group patients breastfed for 13-36 months (35.1%), while most study group patients breastfed for <6 months (48.6%; p < 0.05). Shorter breastfeeding (<6 months) and HPV positivity were the strongest predictors of abnormal cytology. Breastfeeding <6 months increased the risk 9.883-fold compared with >36 months, while HPV positivity increased the risk 27.612-fold. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding and longer breastfeeding duration appear to be associated with a lower risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Given its multiple health benefits, including prevention of gynecological cancers, promoting breastfeeding through public health policies is strongly recommended. Early recognition and prevention of precancerous lesions remain essential to reducing the risk of cervical cancer.

Humans

Effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on postoperative pain in patients undergoing thoracoscopic partial lung resection: a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain after thoracic surgery remains common and challenging. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique with potential analgesic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of taVNS for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing thoracoscopic partial lung resection. METHODS: Adults undergoing thoracoscopic partial lung resection were randomized to active or sham taVNS. The primary outcome was cough pain intensity at 48h post-surgery, assessed by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes included cough pain at 24h and 72h, resting pain, moderate-to-severe pain incidence,&#xa0;opioid consumption, quality of recovery, postoperative pulmonary complications , chest tube duration, hospital stay, postoperative nausea/vomiting, and adverse events. RESULTS: Among 119 analyzed patients (active n&#x2009;=&#x2009;60, sham n&#x2009;=&#x2009;59), active taVNS reduced cough pain scores at 24h, 48h, and 72h postoperatively, as well as resting pain (p < 0.05). It also lowered the incidence of moderate-to-severe cough pain at 24h and 48h, reduced cumulative postoperative opioid use at 24h and 72h, and decreased rescue analgesia on postoperative day 3 (p < 0.05). Active taVNS was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative pneumothorax (p < 0.05). No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: Perioperative taVNS was associated with a modest analgesic benefit and reduced postoperative opioid requirements after thoracoscopic partial lung resection. The observed reduction in postoperative pneumothorax requires cautious interpretation, and further multicenter trials are needed to determine its clinical utility.

Humans