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PubMed2026

Effects of an actuated ankle exoskeleton on walking stability in healthy adults: a controlled laboratory study.

BACKGROUND: Ankle exoskeletons are widely used to reduce the metabolic cost of walking, yet their effects on walking stability during unperturbed gait remain insufficiently understood. Walking stability can be characterized using complementary measures that capture stride-to-stride variability, global temporal organization, and local dynamic stability. Understanding how walking with an actuated ankle exoskeleton system influences these different aspects of gait stability is essential for the safe design and control of wearable robotic devices. METHODS: Eighteen healthy adults walked on a treadmill at a constant speed (1.1 m/s) with and without an actuated bilateral ankle exoskeleton in a randomized crossover design. Spatiotemporal variability was quantified using coefficients of variation (CoV) of stride length, step width, and stance ratio. Global gait stability was assessed using detrended fluctuation analysis of stride time. Local dynamic stability was evaluated using maximum Lyapunov exponent calculated for the trunk, hip, upper leg, lower leg, and foot. Paired-samples two-sided t-tests were used to compare conditions. RESULTS: Walking with the ankle exoskeleton resulted in increased stride-to-stride spatiotemporal variability, reflected by higher CoV values for stride length (p < 0.001) and stance ratio (p = 0.005), while mean stride length and step width remained unchanged. Mean stance ratio was reduced in the exoskeleton condition (p < 0.001). Global gait stability did not differ between conditions, indicating preserved long-range temporal gait organization. Local dynamic stability increased at the lower leg (p < 0.001) and foot (p = 0.019) when walking with the exoskeleton. CONCLUSIONS: Walking with the actuated ankle exoskeleton alters gait control across multiple levels during steady walking. While stride-to-stride variability in stride length and stance ratio increased, global gait stability remained unchanged. Local dynamic stability was increased at the lower leg and foot, suggesting segment-specific effects of ankle-level assistance close to the assisted joint. However, these findings should be interpreted as the combined effect of wearing the exoskeleton and receiving active assistance, rather than the isolated effect of plantarflexion assistance. These results provide insight for the design and control of ankle exoskeletons with respect to stability-related effects during walking.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Lower-limb electromyographic responses across four recumbent cycling configurations in healthy young men.

Recumbent cycling provides an adjustable configuration in which backrest angle and crank-axis height can alter lower-limb loading. Backrest angle changes the orientation of the active musculature relative to gravity, whereas crank-axis height modifies the foot-pedal interface and the ankle lever arm. Whether such positioning is associated with differences in lower-limb electromyographic (EMG) activation across both factors together has not been examined. Using a randomized crossover design, fifty-nine healthy young men cycled at 100 W and 50 rpm under four conditions combining two backrest angles (30°, 75°) and two crank-axis heights (Rh, high, 77 cm; Rl, low, 45 cm). Surface EMG from the rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), and gastrocnemius medialis (GAS) was analyzed for root mean square (RMS) amplitude, absolute onset sequence, and relative recruitment timing (%Sequence, derived using Telescan software and referenced to RF). RMS amplitude did not differ across conditions for any muscle (all p ≥ 0.356), and absolute onset sequence showed no condition effect (all p ≥ 0.197). For GAS %Sequence, the Greenhouse-Geisser-corrected omnibus test was significant (F(1.32, 76.56) = 28.45, p < 0.001), driven by a within-30° contrast in which %Sequence was lower under Rl than Rh (paired t(58) = 10.39, Holm-adjusted p < 0.0001; mean difference 22.0 percentage points, 95 % CI [17.8, 26.3]; dz = 1.35). Because %Sequence is referenced to RF, this exploratory shift should be interpreted cautiously. Lower-limb activation may be constrained by the closed-chain nature of pedaling, whereas distal recruitment timing may be sensitive to crank-axis height and the foot-pedal interface.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

A systematic review and meta-analysis of visuospatial attentional deficits in Parkinson's patients.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition primarily characterized by motor deficits, yet cognitive impairments are increasingly recognized. While deficits in executive functioning are well documented even in the absence of cognitive decline, evidence of attentional deficits in PD remains inconsistent, and the role of motor symptom lateralization is unclear. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we examined visual attention in right-handed, cognitively unimpaired idiopathic PD patients, focusing on the canonical attentional domains (sustained, selective, divided) and processes (alerting, endogenous and exogenous orienting, reorienting), as well as visuospatial bias. Four databases were searched for studies comparing PD patients with healthy controls. Meta-analytic estimates were derived using Hedges' g within random-effects models, and studies that could not be quantitatively integrated were summarized narratively. In addition, studies directly comparing patients with left- and right-predominant motor symptoms (LPD vs. RPD) were reviewed qualitatively. Across 51 studies, PD patients exhibited deficits in sustained, selective, and divided attention. Among attentional processes, only exogenous orienting was impaired, whereas alerting, endogenous orienting, and reorienting were preserved. Findings from the few studies examining visuospatial bias indicated small, context-dependent shifts in spatial attention rather than a consistent directional bias. These findings indicate that PD patients show visual-attentional impairments, particularly under high-demand conditions, while basic alertness and voluntary orienting appear preserved. Exogenous orienting deficits and subtle rightward spatial tendencies in LPD suggest disruption of right-hemisphere attentional networks. These results have implications for early cognitive assessment, rehabilitation strategies, and understanding the neural bases of attentional dysfunction in PD.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Investing in Canada's nursing workforce: a comprehensive review to inform policy innovations and directions.

BACKGROUND: Health systems worldwide face persistent health workers challenges including nursing shortages, workforce strain, and inequities. In Canada, these challenges have prompted renewed national and provincial reforms to strengthen recruitment, retention, leadership, and sustainability. This paper compares nursing workforce policy directions across Canada, and international jurisdictions to inform policy and planning. METHODS: A cross-country comparative analysis of policies building on a comprehensive national funded review that included an umbrella review of 69 systematic reviews, a comparative policy review of nursing workforce strategies in five jurisdictions, and validation through national horizon-scanning and policy dialogues (n >100). Evidence was analyzed across system, organizational, and individual levels. RESULTS: At the system level, international jurisdictions demonstrate comprehensive, legislated approaches integrating data, governance, and multi-year funding have advanced key nursing strategies. In Canada, the advances show the importance of strategies to have national and provincial/territorial alignment emphasizing leadership, flexibility, and inclusion as key levers. Organizational and individual-level reforms such as mentorship, leadership development, and wellness initiatives are expanding but remain variably evaluated. Experts identified national workforce data strategies and policy integration with embedded evaluation as key enablers to inform scalability and sustainability of implemented strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Canada's nursing workforce reforms are advancing toward coordinated, equity-driven, and evidence-informed strategies. Continued investment in evaluation, leadership, and national integrated data systems along with integrating nursing workforce planning within broader intersectoral planning will consolidate these gains and position Canada as an international leader in sustainable nursing workforce policy.

Canada↗

PubMed2026

Program to Avoid Cerebrovascular Events Through Systematic Electronic Tracking and Tailoring of an Eminent Risk Factor: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Individuals residing in the southeastern United States experience disproportionately worse stroke outcomes. Although blood pressure (BP) reduction is among the most effective strategies for improving stroke outcomes, fewer than one third of survivors of stroke achieve BP control within 1 year of the index event. METHODS: The PACESETTER (Program to Avoid Cerebrovascular Events Through Systematic Electronic Tracking and Tailoring of an Eminent Risk Factor) trial enrolled patients with stroke and uncontrolled BP from 3 safety-net health care systems in South Carolina. Patients were randomized 1:1 to the PACESETTER intervention, which included a Bluetooth-enabled electronic pill tray, a BP monitor, and a smartphone application for automated data transmission of medication adherence and BP data to a central server or to usual care. The primary outcome was systolic BP <130 mm Hg at 12 months, analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: The trial was stopped early due to low recruitment during the COVID-19 and funding constraints. Between September 2019 and February 2023, 120 participants were randomized to PACESETTER (n=60) or the usual care arm (n=60). At 4 months, systolic BP <130 mm Hg favored the PACESETTER arm (48.8% versus 29.3%, P=0.07), but no significant difference was observed at 12 months (50% versus 47.2%, P=0.82). CONCLUSIONS: Because the trial was terminated prematurely, the effect of the PACESETTER intervention on 12-month BP control after stroke remains uncertain. A trial completed to its full term and sufficiently powered to also evaluate key short-term end points is needed. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicalstrial.org; Unique Identifier: NCT03401489.

Aged↗

PubMed2026

Epilepsy Is Part of the CNS Phenotype in Classic Infantile Pompe Disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Enzyme replacement therapy has not only significantly improved motor outcome and survival in patients with classic infantile Pompe disease, but also revealed previously unrecognized central nervous system (CNS) involvement. In this international study, involving patients from the Netherlands, Italy, Argentina, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan, we investigated whether epilepsy should be considered part of the CNS phenotype. METHODS: We included patients with classic infantile Pompe disease, defined by the presence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, symptom onset < 6 months of age, complete acid α-glucosidase (GAA) deficiency, and/or 2 severe variants in the GAA gene, who developed epilepsy. Data on epilepsy characteristics, electroencephalogram (EEG), cognitive testing, serum neurofilament light chain (NfL), and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: Seventeen patients from 10 centers were identified. The median follow-up duration was 13.7 years (range 3.3-19). Seven patients had deceased at the time of analysis. The median age at first seizure was 11.5 years (range 2.5-17.5). Seizure semiology was variable: six patients experienced generalized tonic-clonic seizures and 3 focal seizures with impaired consciousness only; 6 had multiple seizure types, and 7 experienced seizures during fever or infection. Seizure frequency varied considerably (in 9 occasionally, 5 monthly, 2 weekly, 1 daily). The most common EEG findings were a slowed background activity and focal epileptiform discharges, not substantially activated by sleep. Levetiracetam was most frequently used as antiseizure medication. Overall, 70% of patients became seizure-free. Serum NfL was elevated in all 6 patients in whom it was measured, and 8 of 10 patients had an intelligence quotient ≤66 at onset of epilepsy. Although brain MRI was not always performed at the age of first seizure, 14 of 15 patients showed white matter abnormalities, which were extensive in 11 of 14 (score ≥7/12). Brain atrophy was present in 9 cases and calcifications in 4. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest a potential increased frequency of seizures in classic infantile Pompe disease in comparison with unaffected children, occurring predominantly after the age of 7, and that epilepsy is part of the CNS phenotype. The risk of seizures should be evaluated during follow-up in long-term survivors with classic infantile Pompe disease.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

Quantitative susceptibility mapping in neurodegenerative diseases: An umbrella review of iron-related biomarkers and mechanisms.

Pathological iron accumulation is a common pathophysiological hallmark across multiple neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), motivating the need for accurate, non-invasive quantification methods. Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is an advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that enables in vivo measurement of tissue magnetic susceptibility (χ), providing a sensitive proxy for iron content. This umbrella review systematically evaluates the diagnostic accuracy, clinical correlations, and distinct iron distribution patterns of QSM in major NDDs, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and atypical Parkinsonism. We included 15 (13/15 were rated Low or Critically Low on AMSTAR 2) systematic reviews and meta-analyses (through July 15, 2026); however, the findings should be interpreted cautiously because of heterogeneity and the low methodological quality. A Corrected Covered Area (CCA) analysis demonstrated only slight overlap of primary studies across the included reviews (CCA = 5.42%). Collectively, the evidence indicates that QSM provides comparable or higher diagnostic sensitivity and reliability than conventional R2* and SWI techniques, particularly for deep gray matter structures. The findings support significant iron overload in the substantia nigra, particularly in the pars compacta, as a robust biomarker for PD that correlates with motor severity and disease duration. Furthermore, regional iron profiling in the basal ganglia is critical for differential diagnosis; specifically, elevated χ in the putamen and globus pallidus effectively distinguishes multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy from idiopathic PD. Distinctively, AD and ALS exhibit specific χ alterations in the thalamus, motor cortex, and hippocampus, reflecting divergent iron-related pathophysiological mechanisms, which correlate with cognitive impairment and upper motor neuron signs. Overall, QSM shows diagnostic promise and offers mechanistic insights into iron-related neurodegenerative processes.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Empirical Meropenem Versus Piperacillin/Tazobactam for Critically Ill Adults With Sepsis: Feasibility of a Randomised Trial.

BACKGROUND: Meropenem and piperacillin/tazobactam are commonly used empirical antibiotics in critically ill adults with sepsis, but whether one is superior to the other is uncertain. METHODS: The Empirical Meropenem versus Piperacillin/Tazobactam for Adult Patients with Sepsis (EMPRESS) trial is an ongoing investigator-initiated, randomised, open-label, adaptive clinical trial with an integrated feasibility phase comparing empirical treatment with meropenem versus piperacillin/tazobactam in critically ill adults with sepsis. The integrated feasibility phase enrolled 200 participants across 10 intensive care units (ICUs) in Denmark between 28 June and 12 December 2025. Five pre-specified feasibility criteria were evaluated; if all feasibility criteria were met, the trial would proceed unaltered, whereas failure to meet one or more criteria would require intervention and re-evaluation. RESULTS: We randomised 200 of 284 screened patients (70.4%). The median age was 70 years (interquartile range (IQR): 60-77), 65.5% were males. At randomisation, 80.0% received vasopressors or inotropes, and 43.5% were on invasive mechanical ventilation. Four of five pre-specified feasibility criteria were met: time to completion of the feasibility phase (5.5 months vs. threshold < 12.0 months), recruitment proportion (70.4% vs. threshold ≥ 50.0%), proportion of participants without consent to the continued collection of data (2.5% vs. threshold < 5.0%) and protocol adherence (81.0% vs. threshold ≥ 75.0%). The proportion of participants with timely primary outcome data availability (30-day mortality) within 45 days was 85.5% and below the pre-specified threshold of ≥ 95.0%. The proportions were low in the first 3 months (33.3%, 22.2% and 30.8%, respectively), increasing to 95.8% in the last month of the feasibility phase. All-cause mortality at 30 days was 30.5%, and specific serious adverse reactions occurred in 4.0% of participants. CONCLUSIONS: In this integrated feasibility evaluation of the EMPRESS trial comparing empirical meropenem versus piperacillin/tazobactam in critically ill adults with sepsis, four of five pre-specified feasibility criteria were met. The unmet criterion, timely primary outcome data availability, improved substantially during the feasibility phase. We consider the trial feasible and will proceed without modifications. EDITORIAL COMMENT: This feasibility study assessed recruitment, randomised allocation and data collection for the multicentre EMPRESS trial. For adaptive trials on trial platforms, careful interim checking of trial design functions is an important and necessary process. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Information System EUCT number: 2023-509703-33-00; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06184659; Universal Trial Number: U1111-1301-6379.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

EDucation and eXercise for gluteal tendinopathy in an Irish context (EDX-Ireland): findings from the LEAP-Ireland feasibility randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) investigating effectiveness of 6 sessions of an EDucation and eXercise intervention delivered over 8 weeks (EDX-Ireland) for gluteal tendinopathy, against usual care. EDX-Ireland was modified from a 14-session EDucation and eXercise intervention (EDX), delivered over 8 weeks, previously evaluated in an Australian RCT. DESIGN: Feasibility parallel RCT. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to physiotherapist-led EDX-Ireland or usual care. EDX-Ireland comprised 6 sessions of education, hip abductor strengthening and functional loading over 8 weeks, supported by a home exercise programme. Primary outcomes included success of different recruitment strategies and recruitment/retention rates. Secondary outcomes measured global rating of change and other clinical outcomes. Descriptive statistics (percentage, mean, standard deviations and 95% confidence intervals (CI)) are presented. RESULTS: Of 323 individuals who expressed interest in study participation, 119 completed physical examination screening, and 65 met criteria and consented to participate (recruitment rate 55%). Sixty-five people (89% women; mean age 53.1 ± 9.3 years), were randomised to EDX-Ireland (n = 32) or usual care (n = 33). Eighty-three percent (n = 54) were recruited via social media/community, 3% (n = 2) from general practitioners and 14% (n = 9) from orthopaedic/rheumatology. Retention was 92% (95% CI 82-97%, n = 60) at 8-weeks, and 89% (95% CI 79-96%, n = 58) at 3-months. Feasibility thresholds were met. Effect size estimates indicate that 134 participants would be required for a future RCT. CONCLUSION: Pre-defined recruitment and retention thresholds were met, indicating that a RCT evaluating 6 sessions of physiotherapist-delivered education and exercise against usual care for gluteal tendinopathy is feasible. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05516563).

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effectiveness of a digi-physical tool and working method for paediatric obesity treatment in Abu Dhabi: a non-inferiority intervention study using an external historical comparator.

BACKGROUND: Effective paediatric obesity treatment requires high intensity, scalable interventions. A digi-physical tool for paediatric obesity treatment has shown positive results in Stockholm, Sweden. This study evaluates whether the same treatment method is effective in a different cultural setting. METHODS: This non-inferiority intervention study, using an external historical comparator, included 60 consecutively recruited children aged 6-15.9 years with obesity who initiated treatment at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi between June and December 2023. Patients were treated with Evira, a digi-physical tool and working method enabling high intensity individualized care, real-time monitoring, and interactive patient-clinician communication. The primary outcome was BMI z-score change at 26 weeks. Non-inferiority was assessed using a predefined margin of 0.10 BMI z-score, with outcomes compared to a prior published trial in Stockholm (n = 107). RESULTS: A total of 112 children were included in the analysis (Abu Dhabi cohort, n = 35; Stockholm cohort, n = 77). The adjusted mean change in BMI z-score was - 0.20 (95% CI: - 0.28, - 0.12) in the Abu Dhabi cohort and - 0.20 (- 0.26, - 0.14) in the Stockholm cohort (p = 0.88). Non-inferiority was confirmed, (predefined margin 0.10 was not exceeded). A clinically significant BMI z-score reduction (≥ 0.20 units) was achieved by 45.7% of participants in Abu Dhabi and 36.4% in Stockholm (p = 0.35). Non-retention rates at 26 weeks were 41.7% vs. 28.0%, respectively (p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide promising evidence that treatment outcomes achieved with the digi-physical treatment tool were comparable in the Abu Dhabi and Stockholm cohorts, supporting its feasibility in a second cultural and healthcare setting.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Are Adverse Childhood Experiences Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Severe Mental Illness?

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe mental disorders (SMD) are at substantially elevated risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS), contributing to excess cardiovascular morbidity and premature mortality. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with dysregulation of metabolic pathways, yet their contribution to MetS risk in SMD remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between ACEs and MetS in outpatients with bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SZ) in clinical remission and to identify independent and incremental predictors of MetS using a hierarchical analytical framework. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 140 outpatients with SMD (96 with BD and 44 with SZ) in clinical remission, recruited from a university hospital in Eastern Turkey. MetS was defined according to NCEP-ATP III criteria, and ACEs were assessed using the Turkish version of the Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale (ACE-TR). Hierarchical and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine factors associated with MetS. RESULTS: MetS was highly prevalent in this sample (46.4%). ACE-TR total score was independently and consistently associated with MetS across all hierarchical models (odds ratio [OR] range: 1.68-1.77), with each one-unit increase conferring approximately 71% higher odds in the fully adjusted model (OR = 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-2.32; P = 0.001). The number of hospitalizations was the only other independently associated variable (OR = 1.19; 95% CI 1.02-1.39). Sexual abuse (16.9% vs. 2.7%; P = 0.004), emotional neglect (63.1% vs. 30.7%; P < 0.001), and physical neglect (30.8% vs. 14.7%; P = 0.022) were significantly more prevalent in the MetS group. ACE-TR total score was positively correlated with waist circumference and triglyceride levels. CONCLUSION: The strong and consistent association between ACEs and MetS underscores the importance of trauma-informed care models in psychiatric practice, where metabolic comorbidity remains a leading cause of premature mortality.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Understanding and Usefulness of Effect Size and Certainty of Evidence: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Evidence-Based Practice Competencies Among US Registered Dietitians.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding of absolute and relative effect estimates, and determining effect size and certainty of evidence corresponding to effect estimates, represent fundamental evidence-based practice competencies that promote informed clinical decision-making. While research has been conducted in the medical profession, based on our literature review there is no published research on these competencies in the nutrition and dietetics profession. METHODS: Among registered dietitians, our main objectives were to assess (1) their understanding and perceived usefulness of three absolute and two relative effect estimate approaches to determine effect size, (2) their perceived usefulness of certainty of evidence, and (3) factors influencing their understanding and perceived usefulness. We conducted a web-based, cross-sectional survey by recruiting dietitians from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (United States). Participants received effect estimates based on hypothetical dietary interventions vs. usual diet for reducing myocardial infarction risk. RESULTS: Of the 11,050 dietitians who received the survey link, 210 participated, and only completers (n = 114) were included in our analysis. Participants demonstrated a similar understanding of the relative (27.6%) and absolute (27.5%) effect estimates, with Risk Difference being the best understood approach and Number Needed to Treat being the least (30.7% vs. 24.6% correct responses). While perceived usefulness scores were similar between five approaches, they were highest when data was presented as Relative Risk [mean (SD): 4.82 (1.50)]. Dietitians rated the usefulness of certainty of evidence favorably [mean (SD): 5.07 (1.83), on a 7-point scale], and no factors were associated with correct understanding. CONCLUSION: Dietitians may have limited understanding of effect size thresholds presented in our survey, a finding mostly consistent with surveys of other health professionals. To optimize informed decision-making between dietitians and clients, dietetic programs and continuing education platforms should consider additional training on effect estimate approaches (relative and absolute), and determining effect sizes and certainty of evidence for effect estimates.

Clinical nutrition↗

PubMed2026

United Kingdom pandemic preparedness: lessons from hantavirus and Ebola for public health readiness.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

A Novel Multiple Sensory Nerve Block Combination Using Ultrasound Guidance in Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Combining adductor canal block (ACB), infiltration between the popliteal artery and posterior capsule of the knee (IPACK), and genicular nerve blocks provides motor-sparing analgesia in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Adding nerve blocks targeting the nerve to vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and anterior femoral cutaneous nerve may improve postoperative pain management without affecting mobility. This study evaluated the effect of an eight-nerve block combination for pain relief after TKA versus local infiltration analgesia (LIA). METHODS: Participants were randomized into intervention or standard treatment groups. The intervention group received an eight-nerve block combination using 40 mL ropivacaine, 5 mg/mL, with 75 µg of clonidine. The control group received LIA comprising 150 mL ropivacaine, 2 mg/mL, supplemented with 0.5 mg adrenaline. The primary outcome was postoperative pain intensity, measured by the numeric rating scale (NRS) at postanesthesia care unit (PACU) arrival, 1 hour, 2 hours after PACU arrival, at ward arrival, evening of surgery, morning of postoperative day 1 (POD1), and at 14:00 POD1. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Secondary outcomes included 48-hour oral morphine equivalent (OME) consumption and length of hospital stay (LOS). RESULTS: A total of 217 patients scheduled for TKA were randomized. No significant differences were observed in the primary outcome. NRS at rest, presented as median (IQR), did not differ between groups at any time point. At PACU arrival 0 (0-3) vs 0 (0-4), at 1 hour 2 (0-4) vs 2 (0-5), at 2 hours 2 (0-6) vs 2.5 (0-4), at ward arrival 3 (2-5) vs 3 (2-5), on the evening of POD0 4 (3-5) vs 3.5 (2-6), on the morning of POD1 4 (3-6) vs 4 (2-5), and at 14:00 POD1 3 (2-5) vs 3 (2-5) for nerve block and LIA groups, respectively (all P > .05). Exploratory secondary outcomes indicated reduced 48-hour OME consumption presented as median (IQR), 70 mg (52.5-96.3), vs 96 mg (61.3-148.8); P = .008) and shortened hospital stay, median (IQR), 1 day (1-2), vs 2 days, (1-3); P < .001) in the nerve block group compared to the LIA group. CONCLUSIONS: No differences were observed in pain scores between the eight-nerve block combination and LIA. Secondary outcomes revealed a reduction in 48-hour opioid consumption and a modestly shorter hospital stay with nerve block compared to LIA.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Activity of Aztreonam-avibactam and Ceftazidime-Avibactam against Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing infections in patients hospitalized in hematology, oncology, and transplant units from United States medical centres (2019-2024).

Immunosuppression increases the risks and severity of infections and is associated with a higher incidence of infection with multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. We evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from patients hospitalized in hospital units where the frequency of immunosuppressed patients is very high. Bacterial isolates were consecutively collected (1/patient) from 75 US medical centres in 2019-2024 and susceptibility tested by broth microdilution. Enterobacterales (n = 2,407) and P. aeruginosa (n = 485) from patients hospitalized in hematology, oncology, and transplant units were evaluated. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) were screened for β-lactamases by whole genome sequencing. Enterobacterales were mainly from bloodstream infection (BSI; 53.6%) and urinary tract infection (19.9%) and P. aeruginosa were mainly from BSI (37.9%) and pneumonia (35.0%). Aztreonam-avibactam, ceftazidime-avibactam, and meropenem-vaborbactam were highly active against Enterobacterales (99.9-99.4% susceptible), including MDR isolates (99.6-98.1% susceptible), but only aztreonam-avibactam exhibited good activity against CRE (95.8% susceptible). Ceftolozane-tazobactam showed good activity against Escherichia coli (95.7% S) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (92.8% S), but limited activity against Enterobacter cloacae species complex (75.9% susceptible). All (100.0%) carbapenemase (CBase)-producing CRE isolates were aztreonam-avibactam-susceptible while 77.4% were ceftazidime-avibactam-susceptible and 67.7% were meropenem-vaborbactam-susceptible. The most common CBases were KPC (41.7%), NDM (12.5%), and OXA-48 types (10.4%). Metallo-β-lactamases represented 23.5% of CBases and were identified in 16.7% of CREs. The most active agents against P. aeruginosa were ceftazidime-avibactam (95.7% susceptible), ceftolozane-tazobactam (94.8% susceptible), and tobramycin (91.5% susceptible). Piperacillin-tazobactam and meropenem were active against 81.4% and 82.5% of P. aeruginosa, respectively, and aztreonam-avibactam inhibited 78.6% of P. aeruginosa at ≤8 mg/L.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Simulating the effects of an alcohol minimum unit price policy on distilled spirits sales in 28 states of the USA.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Excessive alcohol use is a leading preventable chronic disease risk factor. Alcohol minimum unit pricing (MUP) policies are not used in the United States despite evidence of associations with reduced drinking and alcohol-related harms. To inform potential population-level chronic disease prevention strategies, we estimated effects of various hypothetical MUPs on alcohol sales. METHOD: Simulation based on observational time-series data. We used weekly off-premises product-specific alcohol retail sales and prices in 28 states of the United States for November 2022-November 2023 from NielsenIQ to estimate the own-price elasticity of spirits and cross-price elasticities of wine, beer and ready-to-drinks with respect to spirits. Using estimated elasticities, we simulated changes in total alcohol sales associated with hypothetical spirits MUPs ranging from $0.10 to $1.10 per standard drink (0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol). RESULTS: A hypothetical MUP of $0.80 per standard drink on spirits yielded the largest estimated decrease in alcohol sales (-1.7%) and would affect 5374 of 26 249 spirits products. To reach the $0.80 MUP, the sales-weighted average price increase among affected products was $0.24 per drink. CONCLUSIONS: Minimum unit pricing policies on distilled spirits in the United States could shift purchasing behavior and help reduce alcohol-related harms.

alcohol policy↗

PubMed2026

Circular RNAs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons, with most cases lacking a clear genetic basis. Emerging evidence highlights the involvement of non-coding RNAs, particularly circular RNAs (circRNAs), in disease onset and progression. Here, we investigated circRNAs implicated in ALS and related motor neuron diseases (MNDs). Here, we provide a general overview of circular RNA metabolism and cellular functions. We then present our systematic literature review that identified ALS-associated circRNAs, followed by in silico analyses of 15 circular RNA candidates that were selected based on the most compelling data regarding ALS. Our results revealed that several circular RNAs regulate ALS-related genes, such as unfolded protein response, oxidative stress, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis. Protein-RNA interaction analysis further showed that ALS-related circRNAs can sponge 20 RNA-binding proteins. Additionally, molecular docking analysis demonstrated that ALS-associated FUS variants significantly alter its binding affinity to circular RNAs. RNA-seq data from ALS patients confirmed significant alterations in the expression of host genes of ALS-related circRNAs and hub proteins in ALS-affected CNS tissues. Collectively, our findings identify circRNAs as potential key contributors to ALS pathogenesis.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis↗

PubMed2026

Access to maternity services for women asylum seekers and refugees: A transnational document analysis of international, European regional, and United Kingdom governance.

Women asylum seekers and refugees face persistent barriers to maternity care (antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care) across high-income countries, yet the upstream governance shaping access remains under-examined. Although legally distinct, both groups share protection-seeking experiences and are addressed jointly in governance documents. This study examined and synthesised how international (macro), European regional (meso), and United Kingdom (UK, micro) governance documents frame and operationalise maternity service access. Sixty-four documents were analysed using the READ framework. Inductive analysis of macro and meso documents identified six access dimensions: universal coverage; cultural and linguistic adaptation; rights-based approaches; multi-agency collaboration; data, monitoring and accountability; and quality of care. These dimensions structured assessment of UK governance, with jurisdictions rated strong, moderate or weak. Alignment was fragmented: Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland exempted asylum seekers from charging, whereas England retained charging provisions. Multi-agency collaboration was consistently articulated, yet none of the 35 UK government documents focused on maternity access for this population, and none required outcome monitoring disaggregated by asylum or refugee status. UK governance appears coordinated in form but fragmented in substance. UK-wide minimum standards and routine recording of these data, with safeguards against immigration-related use, could strengthen coherence and accountability and improve visibility of inequities.

Refugees↗