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Linking women leaving jail to medications for opioid use disorder: Costs to implement pre-release telehealth and peer navigation services.

AIMS: Telehealth and peer navigation are feasible strategies for connecting women in the criminal-legal system with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), yet implementation costs are not well understood. This study conducted a microcosting analysis of two interventions for women leaving jail in Kentucky: pre-release, PreTreatment Telehealth with a MOUD provider (TH-Only) and PreTreatment Telehealth combined with peer navigation (TH+PN) through the Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN). METHODS: From the provider perspective, we estimated total start-up costs, total intervention costs, and average cost per participant. Women participating in the clinical trial were randomly assigned to TH-Only (n=299) or TH+PN (n=301). Start-up costs were incurred primarily in 2019 - 2020; intervention costs represent expenses in 2021 - 2023. Cost data were collected from study and agency financial records and interviews with research staff and analyzed using Microsoft Excel (version 16.90.2). RESULTS: Start-up costs were $36,320, comprising planning, meetings, travel, and supplies. The total cost of TH-Only was $60,767, representing 259 telehealth sessions with an average duration of 47 minutes. Total cost of TH+PN was $472,148 based on 270 telehealth sessions (48 minutes), 268 peer navigation (PN) sessions (30 minutes), and 12 weeks of PN support post-release per participant. Average cost per TH-Only participant was $235 and per TH+PN participant was $1,760. CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth may be a relatively low-cost approach for jails lacking on-site MOUD services. Although more costly, combining telehealth with PN may add value by supporting service continuity and facilitating linkage to treatment during the jail to community transition.

Humans

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

COMBI-I: Long-Term Overall Survival With Spartalizumab Plus Dabrafenib and Trametinib in BRAF V600-Mutant Advanced Melanoma.

The COMBI-I trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02967692) evaluating spartalizumab plus dabrafenib and trametinib (sparta-DabTram, n = 267) versus placebo plus dabrafenib and trametinib (placebo-DabTram, n = 265) for BRAF V600-mutant unresectable or metastatic melanoma failed to reach its primary end point of progression-free survival at 24 months. This final analysis reports overall survival (OS) during at least 5 years of extended follow-up. At the end of the trial (August 21, 2024), the median duration of follow-up was 76.9 months (range, 73.7-83.3 months). The median OS was 61.5 months (95% CI, 41.6 to not evaluable) for the sparta-DabTram arm and 41.6 months (95% CI, 30.6 to 56.9) for the placebo-DabTram arm (hazard ratio, 0.760 [95% CI, 0.598 to 0.966]). The safety findings were consistent with the known safety profile for sparta-DabTram. The most common treatment-related adverse event (TRAE) was pyrexia (65.9% v 46.2%, respectively, in the two study arms). Grade ≥3 TRAEs were reported in 57.3% and 36.7% of patients in the two arms, respectively. The combination of sparta-DabTram appears to improve OS compared with dabrafenib and trametinib alone in patients with BRAF V600-mutant metastatic melanoma.

Adult

Sex differences in sleep and alcohol consumption outcomes following a digital insomnia intervention.

BACKGROUND: Poor sleep is a well-established risk factor for heavy drinking, and evidence suggests that sleep could serve as a potential treatment target for reducing alcohol consumption. The relationship between poor sleep and problematic drinking appears to be stronger among females, but no studies to date have assessed sex differences in alcohol consumption following insomnia treatment. Here, we combine the samples from two clinical trials to investigate sex differences in the effects of a digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (Sleep Healthy Using the Internet; SHUTi) on sleep and alcohol outcomes. METHODS: 184 heavy drinking individuals with insomnia (weekly binge episodes: 4/5 + drinks in one sitting for females/males; AUDIT score >7; ISI score >14) were randomly assigned to either the SHUTi program (n = 102) or an active control program (n = 82). Participants completed self-report assessments at baseline, immediately following the 9-week intervention period, and at 3 and 6-months post-intervention. RESULTS: Linear mixed effects models showed that SHUTi effects over time were stronger among females than males for improved sleep outcomes and reduced frequency of total and heavy drinking days (ps ≤ 0.038). Follow-up comparisons of within-group effect sizes revealed consistently larger reductions in alcohol consumption among SHUTi females (Cohen's d range = 0.92-2.23) than SHUTi males (Cohen's d range = 0.65-1.95). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that SHUTi may be more efficacious in improving sleep and reducing drinking among females with insomnia compared to males. These results could have important implications for sex-specific prevention and treatment efforts for heavy drinking individuals with insomnia.

Humans

Effect of cognitive enhancement therapy for early course schizophrenia on gray matter volume: A confirmatory multisite randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET) is an evidence-based cognitive remediation intervention for early course schizophrenia with established benefits for cognition. CET may protect against broad temporolimbic gray matter volume loss associated with cognitive improvement, but this finding has yet to be replicated. This research reexamined if CET protects against temporolimbic gray matter volume loss in an independent and larger multisite early course sample, and if this neuroprotective effect predicts cognitive and social adjustment improvement. METHODS: Ninety-nine participants with early course schizophrenia completed MRI, cognitive, and social adjustment assessments at baseline, 9 (mid-treatment), and 18 (end of treatment) months. Linear mixed-effects models examined the differential impact of CET (n = 56) compared to Enriched Supportive Therapy (n = 43) on temporolimbic gray matter volume in regions-of-interest (ROIs) that previously demonstrated CET-related neuroprotection (primary ROIs), as well as frontotemporal ROIs outlined in the first trial (secondary ROIs). RESULTS: The right rostral anterior cingulate was the only primary ROI to demonstrate a significant group × time interaction, but was unrelated to cognitive and social adjustment change. No secondary ROIs exhibited a differential treatment effect. CONCLUSION: This confirmatory trial did not recapitulate the observed broad pattern of CET-related temporolimbic gray matter volume neuroprotection. Consistent with the larger literature demonstrating limited evidence of cognitive remediation effects on the brain in schizophrenia, these findings underscore the need for continued investigation of CET-related changes with other neuroimaging modalities, especially given its established cognitive benefits. Such information is critical for cognitive remediation optimization based on validated therapeutic mechanisms.

Humans

Complementary feeding patterns in preterm and term infants.

Complementary feeding is essential for infants' nutritional status and development, marking the transition to solid foods when breast milk or formula alone is insufficient. Despite its importance, clear recommendations on which foods to introduce when initiating complementary feeding in preterm infants are lacking. By using data from our previously published randomized controlled trial on the timing of complementary feeding in preterm infants, the current study explores the complementary feeding patterns of preterm infants and compares them with those of term-born infants, providing insights into parental decision-making and potential long-term health impacts. Complementary feeding practices differed significantly between preterm (n&#x202f;=&#x202f;255) and term (n&#x202f;=&#x202f;159) infants, with preterm infants more often receiving vegetables as their first solid food (85.4% versus 68.8%, difference 17.6% with 95% CI 12-35%). The group with early introduction of vegetables had a lower BMI-for-age z-scores (&#x3b2; -0.28 [95% CI -0.55 - 0.02]) and weight-for-height z-scores (&#x3b2; -0.27 [95% CI -0.53 to -0.01]) at two years of age. Additionally, preterm infants showed a greater variety in the numbers of different fruits and vegetables consumed by six months (corrected) age than term-born counterparts (8.29 (SD 3.65) versus 6.26 (SD 3.47), p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001). These results indicate that complementary feeding patterns in preterm infants differ from term-born infants, with potential positive implications on growth. These data contribute to the development of accurate feeding protocols for preterm infants. Given that feeding practices are culturally influenced, further multinational research is essential to refine complementary feeding guidelines for preterm infants and support caregivers in informed decision-making.

Humans

Sustained effects of auricular point acupressure on chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: a randomized controlled trial follow-up study.

PURPOSE: Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN) is a persistent condition that impairs function and quality of life. Auricular point acupressure (APA) has shown short-term benefit for CIN, but the durability of these effects after treatment completion is unknown. This study evaluated the sustainability of symptom improvements for 3&#xa0;months following a 4-week APA intervention. METHODS: This prespecified secondary analysis of a randomized wait-list controlled trial compared mobile-supported APA (mAPA) and virtual APA (vAPA) in adults with moderate or greater CIN who received APA during the initial treatment phase (mAPA, n&#x2009;=&#x2009;80; vAPA, n&#x2009;=&#x2009;75). Outcomes at 1, 2, and 3&#xa0;months post-intervention were analyzed using generalized estimating equations with multiple imputation. The primary outcome was CIN severity, measured with an individualized composite outcome (ICO); the secondary outcome was CIN interference. RESULTS: Reductions in CIN severity and interference were maintained throughout follow-up in both groups (all p&#x2009;<&#x2009;.001). ICO scores decreased by 3.10, 3.36, and 3.61 points in mAPA and by 2.88, 2.90, and 3.21 points in vAPA at 1, 2, and 3&#xa0;months, respectively. Benefits were maintained post-treatment, with higher retention in the mAPA group. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in CIN severity and interference after APA were sustained for up to 3&#xa0;months post-treatment, suggesting a durable benefit as a self-management strategy. Larger studies with longer follow-up and untreated comparison groups are needed. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: APA may offer survivors a durable, self-administered, nonpharmacologic option for managing CIN well beyond active treatment, without requiring ongoing clinical visits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID NCT04920097 registered on 3 June 2021.

Acupressure

Transcriptomic insights into temperature regulation of proliferation and differentiation in skeletal muscle cells of Nibea albiflora.

Myogenesis involves sequential stages of muscle satellite cell activation, myoblast proliferation, differentiation, and fusion into multinucleated myotubes. Teleost muscle exhibits indeterminate growth and is highly sensitive to environmental temperature, yet the underlying mechanisms by which temperature regulate proliferation and differentiation remain poorly understood. In this study, we established a primary skeletal muscle cell culture from the yellow drum (Nibea albiflora), an economically important marine fish, and integrated morphological observations with comparative transcriptomics analysis to characterize cellular and molecular responses at 28&#xa0;&#xb0;C and 20&#xa0;&#xb0;C during both proliferation and differentiation stages. Phenotypic analysis revealed that 28&#xa0;&#xb0;C significantly enhanced both myoblast proliferation and myogenic differentiation ability compared with 20&#xa0;&#xb0;C. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that at 28&#xa0;&#xb0;C, differentiation upregulated extracellular matrix(ECM) organization, calcium signaling, and sarcomere assembly, while proliferation enhanced focal adhesion, growth factor signaling, and lipid metabolism. At 20&#xa0;&#xb0;C, differentiation was characterized by glutathione metabolism, and ferroptosis, while proliferation involved cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and negative regulation of signal transduction. Core myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), particularly myogenin, were strongly upregulated at 28&#xa0;&#xb0;C during the differentiation stage, serving as an internal control. Based on these findings, we propose a testable model that elevated temperature coordinates Ca2+-dependent MRF activation with ECM-integrin signaling to drive sarcomere assembly and muscle growth. Key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) regulating myogenesis in N. albiflora were also identified. This study provides a mechanistic framework for temperature adaptation in teleost skeletal muscle and identifies candidate genes for functional validation and marker-assisted selection, as well as a rationale for temperature management strategies to improve aquaculture yield of N. albiflora.

Animals

How do we counsel patients on short- and long-term complications after hypospadias repair? - A survey study.

INTRODUCTION: Hypospadias correction remains one of the most performed pediatric urologic procedures, affecting up to 1/150 males born in the United States. Current studies suggest that surgical counseling has a significant impact on shared decision making, decisional regret, and long-term follow-up. However, no set paradigm currently exists for long-term follow-up or counseling. We sought to obtain consensus from established pediatric urologists the optimal content and potential short, intermediate, and long-term complications to be considered when counseling patients and parents of patients with hypospadias. METHODS: We conducted an IRB-approved survey study, which sampled the responses of Pediatric Urologists from National and International listservs. A google scholar search was performed using key words including "hypospadias" and "long-term complications." Descriptions of pertinent short, intermediate and long-term complications were identified and compiled from existing patient handouts. Survey items were then developed asking respondents to rate proposed descriptions, provide potential edits, and describe their overall approach to counseling. RESULTS: A total of 290 surgeons were contacted with 120 (41 %) responding. In total, 89 respondents (74 %) identified as male and 105 (88 %) had undergone a pediatric urology fellowship. Most surgeons described a reliance on verbal counseling (95 %) with the assistance of hand-drawn diagrams (75 %) to explain long-term care, rather than electronic or audiovisual materials (3-12 %). Of note, fewer surgeons endorsed routine discussion of long-term complications (Range 29.2 %-50.8 %) than shorter-term complications (56.7 %-89.2 %). On a Likert scale, physicians reported that they were mostly satisfied (72 %) with their current approaches to counseling. DISCUSSION: Perioperative counseling has an important yet often overlooked role in surgical care. The aim of this study was to better understand current counseling practices in pediatric hypospadias to identify gaps in urologic care and areas for improvement as one of the most common conditions treated by pediatric urologists. Our results suggest that surgeons who perform hypospadias repairs have potential to include more comprehensive discussion during post-operative follow-up. We proposed a preliminary counselling guide for these concerns which incorporates language from the most commonly selected complication description by survey respondents. Future studies will involve expert consensus and patient input to confirm the adequacy of the content, the method of delivery, content appearance, and accommodations for health literacy. Limitations of the study include small sample size and response bias. The results are reflective of the summed responses of participants and are not reflective of individual providers or practices. Importantly, this study omits the input of other advanced practice providers (nurse practitioners, physician assistants, etc.), nurses, and ancillary staff who are also crucial to hypospadias care. The proposed counseling guide represents a first attempt at creating standardization of hypospadias counseling. CONCLUSION: Surgeons who perform hypospadias repair do not routinely discuss long-term complications after repair, though are overall satisfied with their counseling practices. Better tools, such as improved multimodal counseling guides, could be used to deliver this counseling efficiently and accurately to ensure patients receive optimal long-term care. Future studies will focus on developing educational materials for short, intermediate, and long-term counseling on complications after hypospadias repair with input from patients and clinicians.

Humans

Intravenous Ketamine reduces psychological pain in suicidal inpatients: A secondary analysis of a six-week randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Psychological pain has been conceptualized as an unbearable inner experience and a possible precondition for suicidal ideation. No randomized placebo-controlled study has specifically investigated psychological pain as a treatment target in psychiatric populations. We examined ketamine's effect on psychological pain in suicidal psychiatric inpatients. METHODS: This secondary analysis used KETIS, a 6-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants received two 40-minute intravenous infusions of ketamine (0.5&#xa0;mg/kg) or placebo (0.9% saline) 24&#xa0;h apart, alongside usual care and medication. Psychological and physical pain were assessed at baseline, repeatedly during 96&#xa0;h, and at weeks 2, 4, and 6 using the self-rated PPP-VAS. Longitudinal mixed models compared pain trajectories. RESULTS: The trial randomized suicidal inpatients to ketamine (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;73) or placebo (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;83). Psychological pain decreased in both groups but was lower with ketamine during the first 96&#xa0;h. Pointwise scores were lower with ketamine from 40&#xa0;min to 96&#xa0;h, largest at 40&#xa0;min, 2&#xa0;h, 4&#xa0;h, and 24&#xa0;h (all p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), but not at weeks 2, 4, or 6. This early difference remained significant after adjustment for depressive symptoms and hopelessness. The early reduction appeared more pronounced in the bipolar subgroup. No robust baseline predictors of outcome were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous ketamine was associated with a greater reduction in psychological pain than placebo in suicidal inpatients, with the clearest effects emerging within the first hours after treatment and remaining evident through the first 96&#xa0;h. Ketamine may represent a clinically relevant option as a psychological pain reliever in psychiatric patients.

Humans

Prospective Longitudinal Associations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adult Mental Health Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Research suggests a strong, dose-response relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and poor adult mental health outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to systematically investigate the existence and strength of prospective associations between ACEs and adult mental health outcomes: anxiety, depression, psychotic-like experiences, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self-harm, and suicidality. We searched 12 electronic databases for publications after 1990. A narrative synthesis of included studies and random-effects meta-analyses with moderation were completed for all outcomes, excluding self-harm. In total, 62 studies from 15 countries were included. Most studies were from the United States; 95% of publications (N&#x2009;=&#x2009;59) came from high-income countries (HICs) and 5% (N&#x2009;=&#x2009;3) from upper-middle-income countries. Pooled associations between ACEs and adult mental illness were strongest for PTSD (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.26; 95% CI [1.75, 2.77]), followed by anxiety (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.78; 95% CI [1.45, 2.11]), depression (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.61; 95% CI [1.45, 1.76]), psychotic-like experiences (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.34; 95% CI [1.13, 1.54]), and suicidality (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.28; 95% CI [1.13, 1.43]). Moderation analyses suggested ACEs with a violence or maltreatment component were significant risk factors for adult depression compared to household ACEs, and that study location was a significant moderator in the depression, anxiety, and PTSD models. Further moderation effects will be discussed. Findings confirm ACEs are a significant risk factor for mental ill-health in adulthood. Our review highlights the urgent need for research exploring associations between ACEs measured in childhood and adult mental illness outside of HIC settings.

Humans

Smart crutch tipsTM real-time feedback improves adherence to partial weight-bearing protocols following lower extremity fracture surgery: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of Smart Crutch Tips&#x2122; in promoting adherence to prescribed early partial weight-bearing (PWB) protocols and to assess patient experience with real-time weight-bearing feedback during home rehabilitation. METHODS: Twenty patients with lower extremity fractures prescribed partial weight-bearing (PWB) were randomized into two groups utilizing real-time feedback crutch tips (RFC). The Intervention group (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;10) used Smart Crutch Tips&#x2122; (ComeBack Mobility Inc., Kiev, Ukraine), which provided real-time feedback on weight-bearing compliance. The Control group (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;10) also used crutches equipped with Smart Crutch Tips&#x2122;, but notifications were disabled, allowing passive data collection without patient feedback. Weight-bearing compliance was defined as the percentage of steps within &#xb1;&#x2009;10% of the prescribed target. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction and device usability assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS) throughout the home rehabilitation period. RESULTS: The Intervention group demonstrated significantly greater PWB compliance compared with the Control group (73.6% vs. 21.1%, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01). The Intervention group reported a mean SUS score of 84.25, indicating excellent usability. No device-related complications or adverse events were observed. Patient satisfaction, assessed through video interviews, was high, with participants in the Intervention group expressing a strong willingness to recommend the device to others with similar injuries and rating it 10 out of 10. CONCLUSION: Smart Crutch Tips&#x2122; significantly improved adherence to prescribed partial weight-bearing protocols following lower extremity fracture surgery. The RFC device demonstrated high usability, excellent patient satisfaction, and no device-related complications during home rehabilitation throughout the study period.

Humans

Insights from changes in NDEV biomarkers of metabolism: effects of PPAR&#x3b3; and GLP1 receptor agonists on brain metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) is implicated in central nervous system disorders, including depression and Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: We analyzed biological samples from two cohorts of clinical trial participants: (1) participants with unremitted depression after six months of treatment as usual who received pioglitazone (PPAR&#x3b3; agonist, N = 12) or placebo and (2) middle-aged participants at genetic risk for AD who received liraglutide (glucagon-like peptide 1 [GLP1] receptor agonist, N = 15) or placebo. These cohorts, which previously showed treatment-related improvements in peripheral IR, were used to assess the effects of pioglitazone and liraglutide on CNS insulin signaling using neuron-derived extracellular vesicles (NDEVs) as biomarkers. We utilized biological samples to measure biomarkers of IR in NDEVs. Eleven Akt-mTOR pathway proteins were measured before and after 12 weeks of treatment in both groups. RESULTS: Participants who received pioglitazone experienced broader changes, with significant increases in GSK3&#x3b2; (Ser9), mTOR (Ser2448), and RPS6 (Ser235/Ser236; all P &#x2264; .02) compared with placebo, and 77% of participants showed mTOR (Ser2448) response. Participants who received liraglutide demonstrated significantly increased NDEV-associated phosphorylated Akt (Ser473) and mTOR (Ser2448; P = .04 and P = .025, respectively) compared with placebo, with 40% and 30% of participants in the liraglutide group showing biomarker response in both Akt (Ser473) and mTOR (Ser2448), respectively. These effects appeared relatively independent from changes in fasting plasma insulin and glucose concentration at 120-minutes during the oral glucose tolerance test. DISCUSSION: Our findings demonstrate CNS-specific biomarker responses to both PPAR&#x3b3; agonists and GLP1 receptor agonists.

Humans

Prevalence of POMC allele associated with obesity in feline population in Vietnam.

Feline obesity is an increasingly important health problem influenced by both genetic predisposition and husbandry practices. This study investigated the prevalence and phenotypic relevance of the feline proopiomelanocortin (POMC) c.28G&#xa0;>&#xa0;C (p.Gly10Arg) variant in a Vietnamese cat population and evaluated environmental factors associated with obesity. A total of 63 clinically healthy cats were classified as normal weight (body condition score [BCS] 5-6/9; n&#xa0;=&#xa0;40) or obese (BCS &#x2265;7/9; n&#xa0;=&#xa0;23). Genotyping was performed using a newly developed PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay and validated by Sanger sequencing. Ventral subcutaneous adipose tissue (VSAT) thickness was measured ultrasonographically as an objective indicator of adiposity. Genotyping revealed a high prevalence of the risk-associated C allele, with 45/63 cats (71.4%) carrying the GC genotype and 18/63 (28.6%) carrying the CC genotype, whereas the GG genotype was not detected, giving a Callele frequency of 64.3%. Obese cats had significantly greater body weight and VSAT thickness than normal-weight cats. Neuter status and ad libitum feeding were significantly associated with obesity, whereas diet type, housing, exercise frequency, and begging behavior were not. Although genotype distribution did not differ significantly between normal and obese cohorts, obese CC cats showed significantly greater VSAT thickness than obese GC cats, indicating an allele-dosage effect on adiposity. These findings suggest that the POMC c.28G&#xa0;>&#xa0;C variant is a useful risk-informative marker and that combining genetic screening with objective fat assessment may support earlier identification and prevention of feline obesity in Vietnam under routine laboratory conditions and guide personalized management strategies in practice.

Animals

Immersive virtual reality-assisted anatomy training improves endotracheal intubation performance in simulation: a randomized controlled trial among Chinese non-anesthesiology residents.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare immersive virtual reality (IVR)-assisted versus conventional anatomy training for teaching endotracheal intubation (ETI) to novice non-anesthesiology residents enrolled in China's Standardized Residency Training program. METHODS: A total of 90 non-anesthesiology residents without prior ETI experience were randomly assigned to either an IVR group receiving IVR-assisted anatomy training (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;45) or a control group receiving conventional anatomy training (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;45). All participants underwent a standardized teaching protocol. The primary endpoint was residents' ETI performance on a simulator, assessed using both the Global Rating Scale (GRS) and a task-specific checklist. The secondary endpoints included changes in written multiple-choice question (MCQ) scores and residents' evaluations of the course. RESULTS: In practical ETI assessments on a manikin, the IVR group achieved significantly higher scores on the task-specific checklist than the control group (90.34&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;2.89 vs. 87.20&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;3.29; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), whereas GRS scores were comparable between groups. Both groups showed significant post-training improvement in knowledge scores (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), with the IVR group showing a greater gain in theoretical knowledge (54.0% vs. 36.3%; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). Participants in the IVR group also expressed a stronger preference for their training method (80.8%) and reported higher levels of motivation, confidence, and enjoyment (all p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). CONCLUSION: IVR-assisted anatomy training enhances the effectiveness of ETI training for novice non-anesthesiology residents, offering an interactive, engaging, and reproducible approach within China's Standardized Residency Training framework.

Humans

Effect of urinary catheter securement band on meatal pressure injury in male intensive care patients: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effectiveness of a urinary catheter securement band in preventing meatal pressure injury (meatal-PI) in male ICU patients, and to identify associated risk factors and the timing of injury development. METHODS: A total of 248 adult male ICU patients were randomly allocated to an intervention group (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;124) or a control group (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;124) between December 2024 and April 2025. The intervention group received a catheter securement band in addition to standard care, while the control group received standard care alone. Meatal-PI was evaluated daily using a structured monitoring form and a validated staging system. RESULTS: The incidence of meatal-PI was significantly lower in the intervention group (6.5%) compared with the control group (16.1%) (p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.016). Multivariate analysis identified catheter securement, use of silicone catheters, higher Braden Scale scores, and shorter ICU length of stay as independent protective factors, while advanced age was associated with increased risk. Additional factors significantly associated with meatal-PI included comorbidities, higher device burden, latex catheter use, dry skin, lower Glasgow Coma Scale and Braden scores, sedation, and perineal oedema (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of a catheter securement band significantly reduces the incidence of meatal-PI in male ICU patients. Incorporating catheter securement devices into routine nursing care, prioritising silicone catheter use, and performing regular meatal assessments may enhance patient safety by reducing the risk of device-related pressure injuries. Further research comparing different catheter securement methods across diverse patient populations is warranted. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: The use of catheter securement bands may reduce the incidence of meatal-PI in male ICU patients. Incorporating standardized catheter stabilization strategies into routine intensive care nursing practice may enhance patient safety and support pressure injury prevention efforts.

Humans

Genomic epidemiology of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli across humans, poultry and wastewater sectors in Douala, Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: The global health threat of antimicrobial resistance involves the human, animal and environmental sectors. Data from Cameroon are scarce. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to define extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) rates and associated risk factors across the three sectors in Douala, Cameroon, and to define molecular characteristics of isolates. METHODS: From June 2022 to May 2023, we collected blood cultures from hospitalized patients, rectal swabs from healthy pregnant women, caeca from broiler chickens and environmental wastewater. Samples were screened for ESBL-Ec using CHROMAgar&#x2122; ESBL and cefotaxime-supplemented Tryptone Bile X-glucuronide agar. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion following EUCAST guidelines. Whole-genome sequencing was carried out using Illumina technology. RESULTS: Of 628 samples, 374 yielded ESBL-Ec. Prevalence was 54.6% (131/240) in pregnant women, 70.4% (169/240) in chickens and 93.1% (67/72) in wastewater. The proportion of ESBL-Ec among E. coli-positive-blood cultures was 9.2% (7/76). Multi-family household living was independently associated with ESBL-Ec carriage among pregnant women (adjusted odds ratio&#x200a;=&#x200a;1.7, 95% CI 1.0-3.1, P&#x200a;=&#x200a;0.03). High co-resistance (>70%) was observed for tetracycline, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Sequencing of 32 isolates revealed 45 distinct resistance genes, including blaCTX-M-15 (n&#x200a;=&#x200a;13, 40.6%), blaCTX-M-55 (n&#x200a;=&#x200a;11, 34.4%) and last-resort antibiotic resistance genes mcr-1 and bla OXA-181. High-risk sequence types included ST131 (pregnant women) and ST10 (chickens). Notably, ST48 was shared between pregnant women and chickens, and ST155 between pregnant women and wastewater. CONCLUSION: Cross-sectoral ESBL-Ec in Douala exhibits high genomic diversity and alarming resistance. The occurrence of last-resort genes requires immediate One Health surveillance and coordinated interventions.

Journal Article

Comprehensive analysis of mRNA-microRNA-lncRNA expression profiles in post-traumatic elbow heterotopic ossification using RNA sequencing and experimental validation.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to profile the molecular signatures of post-traumatic elbow heterotopic ossification (HO) to identify key regulators and potential therapeutic targets. METHODS: Total RNA from post-traumatic elbow HO tissues (n=4) and normal bone tissues (n=6) was subjected to high-throughput sequencing to identify differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs), microRNAs (DEMs), and lncRNAs (DELs). Bioinformatics analyses included Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, protein-protein interaction network construction, and transcription factor (TF)-microRNA-mRNA network analysis. The expression trends of four most upregulated and four most downregulated DEGs were validated by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: We identified 2,138 DEGs, 40 DEMs, and 905 DELs. DEGs were significantly enriched in biological process "bone mineralization," cellular component "plasma membrane," molecular function "integrin binding," and pathways including PI3K-Akt, NF-&#x3ba;B, JAK-STAT, and TNF signaling pathways. Hub genes with high connectivity included MMP9, IL6, MMP3, CTSK, and BGLAP. Integrated network analysis highlighted the transcription factor JUN and key microRNAs (hsa-miR-124-3p, hsa-miR-548c-3p, and hsa-miR-135b). The qRT-PCR results confirmed the expression trends of selected DEGs. CONCLUSIONS: This study, for the first time, profiled the differentially expressed mRNAs, microRNAs, and lncRNAs in post-traumatic elbow HO using high-throughput RNA sequencing. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of HO following elbow trauma. The identified hub genes (MMP9, IL6, MMP3, CTSK, and BGLAP), key TF (JUN), and key microRNAs (hsa-miR-124-3p, hsa-miR-548c-3p, and hsa-miR-135b) may serve as potential therapeutic targets for preventing and treating post-traumatic elbow HO.

Humans