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Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Franseen Fine-Needle Biopsy for Solid Pancreatic Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate tissue acquisition (TA) of solid pancreatic lesions is essential for guiding treatment with endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) being the preferred method. Among FNB designs, the three-pronged Franseen-tip needle demonstrates strong diagnostic performance, though direct head-to-head comparisons with other FNB designs remain limited. METHODOLOGY: This meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD420251123856). Eligible studies enrolled patients with solid pancreatic lesions who underwent EUS-guided FNB, directly compared the Franseen-tip with other FNB needles. Six databases were systematically searched through July 2025, and study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment (QUADAS-2 tool) were performed independently by two reviewers. Pooled estimates were generated using random-effects and bivariate hierarchical models. RESULTS: Sixteen studies (2,010 Franseen vs. 2,811 comparator) were included. Bivariate analysis showed that sensitivity and specificity of the Franseen needle were comparable to newer-generation comparator needles (sensitivity 91.3% vs. 94.0%; specificity 99.99% vs. 99.15%), whereas older-generation needles demonstrated lower sensitivity (80.8%) and inferior discriminatory performance (Negative Likelihood Ratio [LR⁻] 0.19 vs. 0.09). Diagnostic accuracy was higher with the Franseen needle (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.14; I2 = 69%). Sample adequacy was similar overall (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.95-1.14) but superior to older-generation needles (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.02-1.41) and in lesions > 30 mm (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02-1.28, I2 = 81.2%). The Franseen needle achieved nominally strong diagnostic performance (DOR 116.6), although small-study effects were observed. Primary procedural outcomes were comparable between Franseen and comparator needles, including technical success (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.98-1.02) and histological core procurement (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.92-1.17). The Franseen needle had fewer low-cellularity samples (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.45-0.69) and lower specimen bloodiness (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.25-0.90) but a slightly higher overall adverse event rate (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.06-1.57). CONCLUSION: The Franseen needle provides superior diagnostic accuracy and sample adequacy compared to older-generation FNB needles with comparable performance to newer-generation designs. It reduces low-cellularity samples and specimen bloodiness, although adverse events are slightly increased, with other primary procedural outcomes remaining comparable. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (Registration No. CRD420251123856).

Humans

Prognostic Value of Circulating Tumor DNA-Based Minimal Residual Disease for Recurrence-Free Survival in Resectable Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Serial Monitoring Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based minimal residual disease (MRD) is an emerging biomarker, but its utility in resectable gastric cancer remains incompletely characterized. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight studies (520 patients) to evaluate the prognostic value of ctDNA-based MRD for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in resectable gastric cancer. RESULTS: In localized resectable gastric cancer (Stage I-III), the setting in which postoperative ctDNA most coherently represents true molecular residual disease after curative-intent surgery, postoperative ctDNA positivity was associated with diminished recurrence-free survival (RFS: HR 12.26, 95% CI 3.30-45.52) and overall survival (OS: HR 8.57, 95% CI 3.06-23.98). The test for subgroup differences between localized and mixed-stage cohorts was not statistically significant (P = 0.57), and the numerically higher HR in the localized subgroup should therefore not be interpreted as evidence of a quantitatively stronger prognostic effect. Postoperative ctDNA detection demonstrated substantially stronger prognostic value (overall RFS: HR 10.00, 95% CI 4.53-22.10) compared to preoperative assessment (HR 2.17, 95% CI 1.10-4.28). Both tumor-informed and tumor-agnostic strategies effectively stratified high-risk patients. However, these effect sizes should be interpreted cautiously given the small number of studies and substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 65-72%). Results from mixed-stage cohorts including Stage IV disease are supportive but should not be considered equivalent to localized-disease findings, as ctDNA in metastatic disease reflects persistent systemic burden rather than minimal residual disease in the postoperative sense. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative ctDNA-based MRD shows a consistent adverse prognostic association in resectable gastric cancer, with localized disease (Stage I-III) representing the most biologically and clinically coherent setting for interpretation. However, the large pooled hazard ratios (HR 10.00-12.26) should be interpreted as a directionally consistent signal rather than precise quantitative estimates, given the small number of studies, wide confidence intervals, and substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 65-73%). This heterogeneity is largely driven by substantial variation in postoperative sampling timing (4 days to 16 weeks) and ctDNA assay characteristics (platform, sensitivity, coverage, variant filtering, and positivity thresholds), which require standardization in future studies. While ctDNA is prognostically valuable, its clinical utility remains unestablished. Prospective randomized trials are needed to determine whether ctDNA-guided strategies improve patient outcomes before routine clinical implementation can be recommended.

Humans

Safety and efficacy of distal versus conventional radial artery cannulation for invasive blood pressure monitoring: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To compare the safety and effectiveness of distal radial artery (DRA) versus conventional radial artery (CRA) catheterization for invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring. This meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials published up to December 30, 2025 were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Meta-analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 18.0, and evidence quality was evaluated with the GRADE system. 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1,790 participants were included. For the primary outcomes, compared with CRA, DRA was associated with lower incidences of haematoma (RR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.24-0.73), catheter blockage (RR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14-0.81), and bleeding (RR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.11-0.59), but a longer catheter insertion time (MD = 26.89, 95% CI: 5.28-48.50). For the secondary outcomes, DRA was associated with a shorter haemostasis time and reduced waveform instability, with no significant differences in first-attempt success rate or pain scores. Subgroup analysis showed a higher first-attempt success rate in patients aged ≤ 65 years (RR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02-1.28). DRA catheterization for invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring appears to be associated with fewer complications and more stable arterial waveform acquisition than CRA catheterization, despite a longer insertion time. DRA may represent a feasible alternative in surgical and intensive care settings; however, further high-quality studies are needed to confirm its long-term safety and generalizability.

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

Closed-loop vasopressor systems for hemodynamic control in perioperative and critical care settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Maintaining mean arterial pressure (MAP) within a predefined target is central to haemodynamic management in surgical and critically ill adults receiving vasopressors. Closed-loop vasopressor (CLV) systems automate titration to optimise blood pressure control, but their clinical effectiveness remains uncertain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing CLV with manual titration. This PRISMA 2020-compliant review was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420250655697). MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and the Cochrane Library were searched (January 2000-June 2025). Randomised controlled trials enrolling adults receiving vasopressors in perioperative or intensive care settings were included. Primary outcomes were time within the MAP target range and time spent in hypotension or hypertension. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2.0 and certainty of evidence using GRADE. Random- or fixed-effects models were selected according to heterogeneity. Six randomized controlled trials (215 patients) were included in the systematic review, whereas five perioperative trials contributed to the meta-analysis of haemodynamic control outcomes, and one ICU-based study was summarized narratively because it did not report comparable MAP control endpoints. CLV increased time within the MAP target range (mean difference [MD] 33.94%, 95% CI 20.41-47.46; I2&#x2009;=&#x2009;77%) and reduced time in hypotension (MD&#x2009;-&#x2009;18.24%, 95% CI&#x2009;-&#x2009;28.95 to&#x2009;-&#x2009;7.53; I2&#x2009;=&#x2009;73%). There was no significant difference in time in hypertension, cumulative norepinephrine dose, or major/minor adverse events. ICU length of stay was not pooled because of clinical and methodological heterogeneity. Certainty of evidence ranged from low to high (moderate for haemodynamic control outcomes). CLV systems improved haemodynamic control, primarily in perioperative settings,&#xa0;but heterogeneity and small samples limit confidence in effect size and generalisability.&#xa0;Evidence in critically ill populations remains limited, and larger trials are needed to determine whether improvements in these physiological surrogate endpoints translate into meaningful patient-centred outcomes.

Humans

Citizenship Status and Contraceptive Method Use Among Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Women in California.

Citizenship status confers rights and access to healthcare, yet little is known about how it impacts contraception use and type of method use. This study examined the role of citizenship status on contraceptive use among reproductive-aged (18-44 years), cis-gender Latinx and Asian and Pacific Islander (API) women. This study used the 2017-2020 waves of the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). Inclusion criteria included cisgender, heterosexual Latinx and API women of reproductive age (18-44 years) who were at risk of becoming pregnant (N&#x2009;=&#x2009;3,027). Participants were classified into the following categories based on their citizenship status: non-citizens without a green card, legal permanent residents (LPRs), naturalized citizens, and U.S.-born citizens. We conducted bivariate analyses using Pearson's chi-square tests and multivariable analyses using adjusted binomial logistic regressions to assess associations between citizenship status and use of any modern and reversible method of contraception and type of method used. Models were stratified by race/ethnicity. All analyses were weighted. Three-quarters (75.8%) of the sample were Latinx, 57.5% were U.S.-born citizens, 16.3% were naturalized citizens, 10.6% were LPRs, and 15.7% were non-citizens without a green card. There were no significant differences in the type of contraception method use by citizenship status among Latinx. Among API, naturalized citizens had lower odds of any use and condom use and naturalized citizens and U.S.-born citizens had higher odds of using pill or other hormonal methods and IUD or implant compared to non-citizens without a green card. This study makes important contributions in understanding the role of citizenship status as a social determinant of reproductive health for Latinx and API in California.

Citizenship status

Longitudinal Relations among Perceived Economic Stress, Teacher-Student Relationships, and Cybervictimization: Exploring Within-Person Links.

Family economic hardship has been identified as a risk factor for adolescents' cybervictimization. Nevertheless, existing studies have primarily focused on objective economic conditions, and little is known about the within-person association between perceived economic stress and adolescents' cybervictimization and the mediating mechanisms underlying this association. To fill these gaps, the random intercept cross-lagged model was employed to examine the dynamic relations among perceived economic stress, teacher-student relationships, and cybervictimization. The data were obtained from a sample of 2407 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 12.75, SD = 0.58, 50.23% girls at baseline) recruited from seven schools and assessed at three time points over one year. At the between-person level, there were no significant associations among perceived economic stress, teacher-student relationships, and cybervictimization. At the within-person level, perceived economic stress positively predicted later cybervictimization over time, and this effect was unidirectional. The bidirectional relations between perceived economic stress and teacher-student relationships remained stable over time. Cybervictimization significantly and negatively predicted subsequent teacher-student relationships across time, indicating a unidirectional predictive effect. Additionally, perceived economic stress indirectly predicted cybervictimization through teacher-student relationships. The findings highlight the importance of distinguishing within-person from between-person processes and shed light on the longitudinal role of teacher-student relationships in the association between perceived economic stress and cybervictimization.

Humans

ADAM10's combined influence on the diagnostic usefulness of IL 22, IL 10, IL-17&#xa0;A, and IL-17D in autism spectrum disorders: Predicted role on gut leakiness as co-morbidity.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with increasing global prevalence but a lack of reliable diagnostic biomarkers. Emerging evidence suggests that immune dysregulation, gut-brain axis dysfunction, and increased intestinal permeability play key roles in ASD pathophysiology. This study investigated the combined diagnostic value of ADAM10 and cytokines (IL-10, IL-22, IL-17&#xa0;A, and IL-17D). Multivariable logistic regression produces an improved ROC curve that improves diagnostic accuracy over individual markers by combining numerous predictors into a single risk score (linear predictor). The technique, which frequently raises individual marker AUCs, entails modelling a binary result, calculating the probability, and visualizing ROC based on the projected probabilities. In this case-control study, plasma levels of ADAM10, IL-10, IL-22, IL-17&#xa0;A, and IL-17D were measured in 37 male children with ASD and 37 age-matched controls. Group comparisons, correlation analyses, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, including combined ROC models, were performed. ADAM10, IL-22, and IL-17&#xa0;A levels were significantly reduced in children with ASD compared to controls, whereas IL-10 and IL-17D showed no significant differences. ADAM10, IL-17&#xa0;A, and IL-22 demonstrated good diagnostic performance, with AUC values of 0.886, 0.855, and 0.812, respectively. In contrast, IL-10 and IL-17D showed poor discriminatory ability, with AUC values of 0.524 and 0.599, respectively. Combined ROC analysis markedly improved diagnostic accuracy, with all panels including ADAM10 achieving AUC values above 0.90, and some reaching as high as 0.988, with high sensitivity and specificity. The combination of ADAM10 with selected cytokines significantly enhances diagnostic performance compared to individual markers, supporting a link between immune dysregulation, barrier dysfunction, and gut permeability in ASD.

Humans

Teach-Back in Clinical Communication: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Teach-back has been identified as a high-quality clinical communication strategy. Our aim was to synthesize current literature on teach-back effectiveness. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL Complete databases to identify relevant studies published between 2018 and 2026. We also included pre-2018 studies identified in prior systematic reviews. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they involved adult patients and/or care partners, delivered teach-back in a single encounter, had a comparator group, and reported proximal/intermediate patient outcomes (as defined in our conceptual model). Two independent investigators screened each citation at the title/abstract and full-text levels and assessed risk of bias. Study characteristics and results were extracted. When meta-analysis was performed, we used standardized mean differences (SMD) to estimate summary effects. We assessed certainty of evidence (COE) using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) domains. RESULTS: Our systematic review included 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1985 participants. Across 9 RCTs assessing knowledge acquisition, conceptual inconsistencies precluded meta-analysis. Overall, there was no clear pattern of the effect of teach-back on knowledge (very low COE). In a meta-analysis of 5 RCTs assessing self-efficacy (416 participants), we found that teach-back interventions led to a large increase in self-efficacy relative to usual care (SMD&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.40; 95%CI 0.37-4.44) (very low COE). In a meta-analysis of 7 RCTs assessing adherence to health behaviors (571 participants), teach-back interventions led to a large increase in adherence (SMD&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.04; 95%CI 0.45-1.64) (low COE). Meta-analyses for both self-efficacy and adherence had large confidence intervals that ranged from small to large effect sizes and had substantial heterogeneity. DISCUSSION: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we did not identify a clear benefit of teach-back on knowledge acquisition but did find evidence that teach-back improves self-efficacy and self-reported, short-term adherence to health behaviors.

clinical communication

Structured robotic colorectal training in a non-tertiary NHS hospital: a 502-case consecutive cohort implementation study.

Robotic-assisted colorectal surgery has expanded rapidly across NHS practice in the UK. Structured unit-wide training pathways are essential for safe technology adoption, yet published outcome data from non-tertiary hospitals remain limited. This study describes the implementation and feasibility of a unit-wide robotic colorectal program at a high-volume non-tertiary hospital, reporting outcomes across 502 consecutive resections performed by eight consultant surgeons and presenting these in the context of nationally published benchmarks. A retrospective cohort study of 502 consecutive robotic colorectal resections performed at York Teaching Hospital between May 2022 and December 2025. Eight consultant surgeons (A-H) participated in a structured four-phase training pathway incorporating simulation training, proctored cases, complexity-based case progression, and formal credentialing. Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality, unplanned return to theatre (RTT), and anastomotic leak (AL). Anastomotic leak was calculated using only patients who underwent anastomosis as the denominator. Procedure-stratified and individual surgeon outcomes with 95% confidence intervals were reported. Risk-adjusted cumulative sum (RA-CUSUM) analysis was performed to evaluate learning curves. Outcomes are presented descriptively alongside nationally published reference data; no formal statistical comparison against national benchmarks was performed. 502 robotic colorectal resections were performed. Mean patient age was 70.0 &#xb1; 11.3&#xa0;years; 58.4% were male. Median ASA grade was III. The indication was malignancy in 89.2% of cases. Length of stay was non-normally distributed and is therefore reported using median and interquartile range in the revised analysis. Key outcomes: - 30-day mortality: 1.0% (5/502; 95% CI 0.4-2.3%) - Unplanned return to theatre (RTT): 5.2% (26/502; 95% CI 3.6-7.5%) - Anastomotic leak (AL): 3.3% (15/450; 95% CI 2.0-5.5%; denominator = patients with anastomosis) - 30-day unplanned readmission: 5.0% (25/502; 95% CI 3.4-7.2%) - Conversion to open surgery: 3.6% (18/502; 95% CI 2.3-5.6%) - Lymph node yield &#x2265;12: 91.3% of cancer resections - R0 resection rate: 95.1% of cancer resections All primary outcomes fell within or below the published reference ranges used for descriptive context. RA-CUSUM trajectories were heterogeneous: no surgeon crossed the predefined upper control limit, but several curves showed later upward movement. Accordingly, the analysis is interpreted as safety surveillance rather than evidence of uniform performance improvement. RA-CUSUM monitoring showed that no surgeon crossed the predefined upper control limit; however, heterogeneous trajectories precluded a claim of uniform performance improvement.

Humans

Robot-assisted bladder diverticulectomy in adults: a systematic review and pooled analysis of perioperative and functional outcomes.

Robot-assisted bladder diverticulectomy (RABD) is used for symptomatic acquired bladder diverticula, but evidence is dispersed across small single-centre series and the only dedicated systematic review dates from 2010. We reviewed contemporary perioperative and functional outcomes of RABD. Following a protocol registered on the Open Science Framework ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/54CFT ), PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from inception to 30 August 2026 (initial search June 2026, re-run and broadened for this version), following PRISMA 2020. Eligible studies were original series of five or more adults undergoing robot-assisted bladder diverticulectomy reporting extractable outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data and appraised risk of bias with the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for case series, with third-reviewer adjudication. Binary outcomes were pooled as proportions with Wilson 95% confidence intervals (CI); continuous outcomes were summarised as patient-number-weighted descriptive values, because mixed median/mean reporting and clinical heterogeneity precluded a formal pooled-effect meta-analysis. Twelve studies (146 patients) were included and all outcomes were extracted from the full-text reports. A transperitoneal route was used throughout. There were no conversions to open surgery (0/129; 95% CI 0-2.9%). Major complications (Clavien-Dindo&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;III) occurred in 3.0% (4/135; 95% CI 1.2-7.4%). Patient-number-weighted descriptive values (combining study-level medians and means, and therefore not a pooled mean) were: operative time 163 min, blood loss 99 mL, length of stay 3.6 days and catheter duration 7.7 days. Symptom scores and post-void residual improved in every reporting series, significantly in five. The single non-randomised comparison with open surgery reported fewer major complications after RABD (5% [1/20] vs. 50% [3/6], p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.007), but the open arm comprised only six patients and this finding should not be regarded as comparative evidence. Across these series, RABD was feasible with low reported short-term morbidity in selected patients: no conversions to open surgery were recorded in the studies reporting conversion status, the major-complication rate was low, and symptom scores and post-void residual improved in every series that measured them. A minority of patients had an incidentally detected intradiverticular tumour; oncological outcomes were not an endpoint of this review. Evidence remains limited by small, heterogeneous, mostly retrospective series, so these findings should be read as descriptive; prospective comparative data are warranted.

Humans

Overcoming Immunological Barriers in MSC-Derived Insulin-Producing Cells through CRISPR-Based Hypoimmunogenic Engineering and Translational Perspectives for Type 1 Diabetes.

Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-derived insulin-producing cells (IPCs) represent an emerging strategy for &#x3b2;-cell replacement in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) owing to their differentiation potential, intrinsic immunomodulatory properties, and lower tumorigenic risk compared with pluripotent stem cell-derived platforms. However, accumulating evidence indicates that differentiation-associated immunogenicity, context-dependent immune recognition, and recurrent autoimmune responses may substantially limit long-term graft survival and therapeutic durability following transplantation. This review critically examines the immunological barriers associated with MSC-derived IPCs, including altered MHC expression, susceptibility to alloimmune and autoimmune-mediated rejection, and potential reactivation of autoreactive immune memory. We discuss the application of CRISPR-based hypoimmunogenic engineering strategies targeting antigen presentation pathways, NK-cell activation, and immune checkpoint modulation to generate more immune-evasive MSC-derived IPCs while preserving &#x3b2;-cell functionality. By integrating insights from T1DM immunopathogenesis, MSC biology, genome editing, and translational immunology, we propose a framework linking immune engineering with controlled differentiation, functional maturation, and long-term safety evaluation. In parallel, we comparatively position MSC-derived IPCs alongside clinically advancing iPSC-derived &#x3b2;-cell platforms to highlight their distinct translational niche, including potential advantages related to safety, immunomodulatory capacity, manufacturing accessibility, and scalability, while acknowledging the superior functional maturity and clinical progression currently demonstrated by iPSC-derived systems. Finally, we discuss key translational challenges, including genomic stability, immune-evasion durability, GMP-compliant manufacturing, and the need for rigorous functional and immunological benchmarking prior to clinical application of hypoimmunogenic MSC-derived IPC therapies in T1DM.

Humans

Safety profiles of CAR-T cell therapy in systematic autoimmune diseases: a systematic review and analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs)-T cell therapy is emerging as a potent approach for autoimmune diseases. However, its application in autoimmune conditions remains limited, and safety outcomes observed in malignancies can't reliably serve as a reference. Therefore, it's necessary to summarize the safety profiles in autoimmune diseases to provide evidence for future expanding trials. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to analyze the CAR-T therapy safety in rheumatic diseases via database searches up to December 2025. Studies reporting safety data were included, while abstracts, reviews, and cases with malignancies were excluded. Factors associated with cytokine release syndrome (CRS) were analyzed using Firth's penalized logistic regression. RESULTS: This study included 38 studies, involving a total of 115 patients with autoimmune disease. Severe adverse events were rare. CRS and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) occurred in 70.4% and 4.3% of patients, respectively. Most CRS were low-grade. Multivariate analysis identified BCMA-targeted therapy and allogeneic CAR-T products may as independent factors associated with a reduced risk of CRS. Transient hematologic toxicity and hypogammaglobulinemia were frequently reported, with infections occurring in nearly half of the patients. However, prolonged cytopenia and severe infection were infrequent. CONCLUSION: Based on the current available evidence, CAR-T therapy appears to have a generally manageable safety profile in autoimmune diseases, supporting its potential as a promising treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory autoimmune diseases. However, these findings remain preliminary, and further expanded studies are warranted in the future to provide higher-level evidence.

Humans

Oral semaglutide for weight loss and liver fibrosis in overweight and obesity: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Obesity is a leading risk factor for fatty liver disease and weight loss has been shown to improve liver parameters. This study evaluates the efficacy of oral semaglutide for weight loss in individuals with overweight or obesity, excluding those with diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A randomized, open-label, controlled trial was conducted at the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, from June 2022 to December 2023. Adults (&#x2265;&#x2009;18&#xa0;years) with a body mass index (BMI)&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;30 or&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;27 with comorbidities (pre-diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea or cardiovascular disease) were randomized into two groups. Both groups received counselling on a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Group 1 also received oral semaglutide, starting at 3&#xa0;mg/day and titrated to 14&#xa0;mg/day over two to four&#xa0;weeks. The objectives were to assess the effects of semaglutide on weight loss, non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis and cardiometabolic parameters. (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05442450). RESULTS: Total 116 participants (58 per group) completed the study. At 28&#xa0;weeks, the mean percentage weight reduction was -10.47% (SD 5.3) in the Semaglutide group vs. -2.4% (SD 4.5) in the control group (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). Semaglutide treatment significantly improved alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase [SGPT]) levels, along with reductions in the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) score, liver fat content and liver stiffness. However, NFS (NAFLD fibrosis score) and FIB-4 (fibrosis-4 index) did not show significant reductions. Improvements in BMI, waist circumference, HbA1c, fasting insulin and C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly greater with semaglutide (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). Total fat mass decreased by 7.3&#xa0;kg vs. 1.74&#xa0;kg (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001) in controls, while visceral fat ratings dropped by 3.67 vs. 0.6 (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, oral semaglutide, combined with dietary and lifestyle modifications, led to significant and clinically meaningful weight loss and metabolic improvements compared to lifestyle modifications alone.

Adult

Machine learning-ready genomic biomarkers: ATF3 polymorphisms predict postoperative analgesic demand through AI-compatible phenotyping.

PURPOSE: To determine whether ATF3 polymorphisms can serve as genetic biomarkers for machine learning-based precision analgesia by establishing a genotype-phenotype association suitable for predictive modeling of postoperative opioid requirements. METHODS: In a prospective cohort of 167 adults undergoing abdominal surgery, ATF3 SNPs rs3122721 and rs3125293 were genotyped. A structured dataset architecture was developed to represent genetic profiles as input features for supervised learning models, enabling translational analysis of genotype&#x2011;dependent opioid consumption over 72&#xa0;h. RESULTS: Patients with homozygous genotypes of the ATF3 SNPs had significantly higher opioid requirements than non&#x2011;carriers, despite reporting similar subjective pain scores. This consistent genotype&#x2011;dependent pattern provided a clinically relevant phenotype suitable for integration into predictive algorithms. CONCLUSION: ATF3 genotyping offers a promising biomarker for computationally informed precision analgesia. By linking genomic variability to clinically meaningful outcomes within a structured clinical and genomic framework, this approach supports the future development of risk-stratified clinical decision-support systems to optimize postoperative pain management.Trial registration ChiCTR1900021991, registered 30 April 2019. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s13755-026-00480-9.

ATF3

Comparative Efficacy of Non-opioid Analgesic Drugs for Chronic Cancer Pain: A Bayesian Network Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: While opioids remain the primary pharmacological intervention for cancer pain management, their clinical utility is frequently compromised by dose-limiting toxicities. This study aimed to determine the comparative efficacy, opioid-sparing potential, and clinical hierarchy of non-opioid adjuvant drug classes. The study was structured around the PICO framework to evaluate the pharmacological strategies currently utilized in multimodal clinical oncology. METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane) was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2000 and 2025. The primary outcome was global analgesic efficacy (standardized mean difference [SMD]), while secondary outcomes included the opioid-sparing effect, defined as the percentage reduction in morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD) and the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (Harms). A Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed to rank treatments using SUCRA values. The methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB 2.0) tool. RESULTS: Twenty-three RCTs (n = 1845) met the inclusion criteria. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (-1.10) and anticonvulsants (-1.06) demonstrated the most robust analgesic effects. The SUCRA ranking confirmed a clear hierarchy, with the combination of anticonvulsants and antidepressants showing the highest probability of efficacy. A significant opioid-sparing effect was observed for gabapentinoids and ketamine, facilitating MEDD reduction. While serious adverse events were rare, minor harms (somnolence, dizziness) were more frequent in the most effective classes. CONCLUSION: Our NMA provides a robust evidence base for a "Clinical Tier" system, ranking adjuvants by their balance of efficacy and safety. These findings support the early integration of Tier I agents (anticonvulsants and NSAIDs) to optimize pain control and reduce opioid-related toxicities in chronic cancer pain management.

Humans

Self-Report Health Screening Tools in Female Athletes: A Systematic Review of Domain Coverage, Validation, and Use Across Participation Levels.

BACKGROUND: Female athlete health encompasses multiple interconnected domains; however, the self-report screening tools used to assess these domains have not been comprehensively synthesised. OBJECTIVE: To systematically identify self-report health screening tools used to assess female athlete health, map domain coverage, determine validation reporting, and describe application across participation levels. METHODS: This systematic review was pre-registered with PROSPERO ( CRD420251056910 ) and conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Four databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science) were searched from inception to January 2026 using female health and screening-related terms. Methodological quality was appraised using Joanna Briggs Institute and National Institutes of Health tools, and findings were synthesised descriptively. Eligible, peer-reviewed studies reported the use, development or validation of self-report health screening tools assessing one or more domains relevant to female health applied in female athlete populations, spanning recreational through elite participation levels. All sports and activities were included. The search was restricted to English language with no date limits. RESULTS: In total, 360 studies (1990-2026) representing 134,506 female participants spanning recreational to elite sport and 273 screening tools were included. Mental health (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;77, 34.1%), disordered eating (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;33, 14.6%) and body image (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;30, 13.3%) predominated. Domains related to female health, including menstrual health, pelvic floor health, pregnancy/postpartum and breast health were comparatively underrepresented. Most&#xa0;studies reported tools were used for risk identification (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;323,&#xa0;80.3%). Validation reporting was inconsistent, with half (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;180,&#xa0;50%) reporting use of at least one validated tool. Tool use was concentrated in professional and elite sport, with limited inclusion of recreational, masters and disability athlete cohorts. Health literacy constructs were explicitly&#xa0;assessed in 12.5% of studies&#xa0;(n&#x2009;=&#x2009;45). CONCLUSIONS: Health screening in female athlete populations remains fragmented and uneven in domain coverage, with inconsistent validation reporting. Development of integrated, multi-domain and contextually inclusive screening frameworks is warranted.

Journal Article

Evaluation of oral health-related quality of life following pulp therapy or extraction in paediatric patients: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Treatment decision between pulp therapy and extraction for compromised teeth in paediatric patients remains a topic of debate. While both approaches address the associated pain, their long-term impact on children's well-being remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to analyse and compare the impact of pulp therapy and extraction on OHRQoL in paediatric patients. METHODS: This review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed in multiple electronic databases. Methodological quality and risk of bias were evaluated using the RoB 2 tool for randomised controlled trials, ROBINS-I tool for non-randomised trials, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. RESULTS: Seven studies comprising a total of 1367 participants met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that pulp therapy was associated with superior OHRQoL outcomes compared to extraction. Children who underwent pulp therapy reported lower anxiety, better emotional well-being, and higher parental satisfaction. Given the heterogeneity among the studies, a narrative synthesis was performed. CONCLUSION: Pulp therapy may offer better OHRQoL outcomes than extractions in paediatric patients by preserving function, reducing anxiety, and minimising long-term complications. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously since&#xa0;the available evidence was limited and of low to very low certainty. Further well-designed randomised controlled trials are required.

Children